Committees and Office Bearers
The Presbytery has a number of committees which oversee the various functions which are part of our shared life. Each year office bearers and committee members are elected by presbytery members to serve the following year.
Chairperson
The Chairperson is elected for a two year term and the position is open to lay or ordained members of Presbytery. The Chairperson is a member of Standing Committee and of the Pastoral Relations Committee.
Deputy Chairperson
The Deputy Chairperson is elected for a two year term. The Deputy Chairperson is not heir-apparent to the office of Chairperson. The position is open to lay or ordained people. The Deputy Chairperson will be elected by the Presbytery and may be a member of the Pastoral Relations Committee.
Treasurer
The Treasurer is elected for a two year term and the position is open to lay or ordained members of Presbytery. The Treasurer is a member of Standing Committee and of the Property, Finance and Administration Committee.
Standing Committee
Standing Committee operates as both a clearing house of ‘minor’ or ‘necessary’ matters and as the ‘Presbytery
between Presbytery meetings’. It has responsibility for arranging presbytery meetings and events, for nominations, and for co-ordination and overall direction so that the Presbytery can fulfil its role.
Standing Committee appoints task groups for specific tasks.
The committee comprises Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Presbytery Ministers, Chairpersons of PRC, MEC, an PFAC, four others elected by Presbytery, the total of fourteen to include people from across the Presbytery and to have the normal balances of people the UCA expects.
Standing Committee meets monthly or bi-monthly, usually the fourth Thursday each month, from 9.45 to 2.00pm and reports its decisions to the next full meeting of Presbytery.
Pastoral Relations
Presbytery delegates all matters relating to placements to the PRC. Other responsibilities include (though are not limited to) Period of Discernment, Lay Preachers, Candidates, Consultations, Code of Ethics.
PRC comprises a Chairperson elected by Presbytery, two Presbytery Ministers, Presbytery Chair or Deputy, the representatives elected by Presbytery to the Advisory Committee on Ministerial Placements (ACOMP), five or more elected people to a total of twelve people, including people from across the Presbytery and at least four ministry workers and four lay people.
PRC normally meets monthly, on the first Tuesday, from 9.30am – 3.00pm. Members of the PRC have an understanding of the wider Uniting Church (or are interested in developing this) and an interest in the care of parishes and ministry workers. Work includes being available for occasional Joint Nominating Committees, placements, candidates for the ministry, Period of Discernment, support groups and other short-term sub-committees. Members need to have a good understanding of confidentiality and a willingness to grapple with challenging issues.
Mission and Education
Mission and Education Committee includes (though is not limited to) dealing with areas such as strategy planning in congregations and agencies, School of Ministry, UCAF, community services, Share Appeal, provision of educational and other resources for elders, worship leaders, congregations and ministry workers; Doctrine and Liturgy; Youth; Children’s; Justice; networking; coordination of interest groups eg tourist towns, small congregations.
The MEC comprises a Chairperson elected by Presbytery, Presbytery Minister for Pastoral Care and Mission and up to 10 other people elected by Presbytery. The committee meets on weekday evenings at 6.00pm four times each year.
Property, Administration and Finance
Presbytery delegates matters pertaining to Property and Finance Regulations to PFAC unless a decision of the whole presbytery is required or advisable. PFAC has responsibilities for the work areas directly under the purview of the PM for Administration. This includes (though is not limited to) property, finance, manses, Presbytery office, VCC Emergencies Ministry Network, Occupational Health and Safety, Mission and Service, BOMAR, Presbytery budget.
PFA comprises a Chairperson elected by Presbytery, Presbytery Treasurer, Presbytery Minister Administration and Strategy, and up to 10 other people elected by presbytery. The other PMs are ex officio members but are not normally expected to attend. The committee meets as advised.