Annual General Meeting 2024
When I was 18, my mum convinced me to buy some shares. It will be a great investment, she said. Just buy them and hold onto them and they will bring long term reward, she said. And, noting this is not financial advice, she was right. My small investment has reaped rewards over the last 30 years but it has also given responsibility.
Indeed, responsibilities were almost immediately thrust upon me as I started receiving mail about the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Director elections and more. Truth be told, it was bamboozling and felt like something the real adults should be involved in, not 18 year old me. But I have come to see that the AGM is a critically important moment in the life of any organisation. And church is no different.
As a young adult I felt like the church AGM was something the real adults should be involved in and not me. But here are four reasons why everyone in our church should come to the AGM on Sunday March 24 at 2pm.
First, you get to hear more about church vision and direction. What are we doing together? How is that being tracked and measured? How can you play your part in this? The AGM is a moment in time to get more deeply engaged in who we are as a church under God.
Secondly, we hold elections each year for important office holders who guide and govern the work of our church. I would like to see men and women, young and more mature, nominated and elected to all our church roles.
At the AGM this year we will be electing:
Wardens - these people ensure the proper administration and management of finances, property and staff.
Parish Councillors - these are the people who determine Parish policy, approve budgets and payments and confer with the minister on matters of ministry
Parish Nominators - these are the people who, in consultation with the church and Bishop, choose a new senior minister should the current one depart.
All the information about these roles and how to make nominations are on the website so head to christchurch.com.au/agm for some detailed information.
Third, we get to examine and scrutinise church finances and financial decisions. Transparency in finances is absolutely critical for a church as we all give generously to the work of the Gospel. Here is your moment to see how your generosity is stewarded and ask questions about the way money is spent and given in and from our church.
Finally, there is time to ask questions of what is happening at church or make suggestions for Parish Council to consider. There are not many moments in church life where you can do this publicly and this is an important one.
So, will you join us for the Christ Church St Ives 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday 24th March at 2pm in the church building? It is one of the most important gatherings outside of Sundays in a calendar year. I would love you to join us!
