UCANZ NEWSLETTER

If you are anything like me, you will be longing for this winter to be over. I’m tired of the cold and the rain and COVID. Once again, the Standing Committee had to meet via Zoom for its meeting at the end of June, and even then, winter ailments prevented some from attending. However, we had a very positive meeting with signs of Spring on the horizon!

Breaking News!!!

You will be pleased to know that our long search for a new EO is finally over. The Personnel Committee brought a person’s name to the Standing Committee meeting, and this person was unanimously endorsed as the best candidate for the position as we move to the next stage on our journey together. Unfortunately, I cannot release their name yet, but we are all happy and excited at the prospect of working together from early next year. Watch this space!

Concerns

Some of our discussions at Standing Committee centred on concerns that had been expressed by several parishes on the increasing financial burdens they were being subjected to by the Partners. Annual Levies are higher this year having risen from 7% to 8% of Assessable Income. By the time GST is added this makes a big difference to an already struggling congregation. We noted too that the Property Consolidation exercise being conducted by the Presbyterian Church is also adding to the stresses of some parishes as well. Your concerns are our concerns, and we will continue to talk with the Partners about them.

I am delighted to report though, that any concerns we had about the change of Convening Partners have turned out to be very few. Apart from a few minor hiccups, everything seems to have gone smoothly. So, thanks to you all for being willing to try something new, and I hope you enjoy and make the most of the next three years with your new Convening Partner.

Parish Membership and Financial Statistics

As I have been taking care of the UCANZ Office over the past few months, I have come to realise how vital it is that parishes fill in and send back the annual statistics forms which are sent out by UCANZ. If this is not done, then any change in personnel and addresses are missed and the opportunity to claim any allowances against the annual levies is lost. Your Membership Statistics Form was sent to you in June and is due back now. If you haven’t received one, please contact me at the Office. We need this information for our UCANZ Directory 2022/23. Your Financial Statistics Form will be arriving soon.

Forum 2023

Standing Committee is already thinking about UCANZ Forum 2023. We are looking at April in Christchurch and hoping for a big attendance to welcome our new Executive Officer. In preparation, we need you to be thinking about nominating new members for our Standing Committee. These are exciting times as we look to steer UCANZ in a possible new direction.

Kind regards / Ngā mihi nui
Rev Geraldine Coats for UCANZ