AGM

The AGM (the annual business meeting for the members of Gymea Anglican Church) will be held on Sunday the 5th of March.

What is meant by “a member”? The criteria for voting or speaking at an AGM is that a member must:

• Be baptised
• Be 18 years of age or older
• Attend this church regularly – which is defined as at least 3 months during the last 12 months
• Not regularly attend another church.

What happens at the AGM?

Broadly speaking, four things take place at an AGM:

• Rev. David will give a report. This is an opportunity to review the last 12 months and to present our future ministry directions for prayer.
• The financial and other reports are received.
• Elections take place. There are several elections. One for Wardens, another for Parish Councillors, and still others for Nominators and Synod Reps.
• Recommendations can be made. Our Church Ordinance allows for recommendations related to the business of the Church to be made by any member of the Church to the Parish Council.

How to propose your recommendation?

• State it before you speak about it.
• Find someone to support it (a seconder) before you speak.
• Only say what is relevant.
• Make sure it is practical - there’s no point in proposing something that cannot be achieved.

Criteria for being a Warden, Parish Councillor or Nominator

Our Church uses 1 Timothy 3 as the biblical guideline for what is expected of people who are elected to Parish Council or as a Warden. In writing to Timothy, Paul emphasises the importance of appointing mature Christians who are above reproach. At Gymea Anglican, we are likewise committed to appointing people who are committed to the ministry and mission of Christ Jesus.

Nominating someone for a position

If you believe someone meets the criteria to hold a position within our Church, first approach them and ask if they are willing to be nominated. If they are, you both need to sign the relevant ‘Nomination Form’ which will be located at the back of the church. Notice to Persons Seeking Election or Appointment Persons who are prohibited persons under the Child Protection (Prohibited Employment) Act 1998 are not permitted to be appointed or elected to a position as Church Warden, Parish Councillor or a committee member of a Parish Council committee.

"Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.

In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well. Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth". 1 Timothy 3