MANNINGHAM CHURCHES ADOPT SHARED FUTURE
CONGREGATIONS VOTED - STAGE TWO ENDS
STAGE 2 of the process of working out a shared future for the three Manningham Uniting Churches is now closed with the Congregations
of the three churches adopting the MOU on 29 May 2011. Adoption of the MOU will mean that the three Congregations have formally
agreed to become one, and will move into the process of progressively merging.
Previously, the congregations at Doncaster East, Templestowe & Pilgrim Uniting Churches all strongly supported a recommendation
that the three churches collectively move to Stage Two of exploring a Shared Future for the Uniting Church in Manningham.
This followed an extensive process of consultation, town hall meetings and surveys carried out by Ecclesia Consulting across all three churches.
Stage Two of the process, again led by Ecclesia, began with a combined full day workshop for church councillors and elders
from the three churches early in September, to discuss a Shared Vision and Values. It continued with another joint meeting
of councillors and elders from the three churches to explore the Type of Shared Future preferred.
After close consideration of a range of options, a very strong preference was expressed for a Multi-Site Uniting Church in Manningham.
Features of this approach would be:
- The uniting and pooling of all resources from the three churches to form a new church;
- A single ministry team and staff based in one location;
- The formation of a new council for the new church;
- Retention of all existing property, with no changes to this being made prior to the formation of the new church.
This was a high level decision on the preferred direction to proceed. Working groups engaged in developing
details about what needs to be done to implement this plan. Working groups developed plans for matters such as governance, leadership,
worship, finance, pastoral care, ministry and others for the proposed new church.
ON THE WAY TOGETHER - 2011
With the assistance of Phil McCreddin and Dave Zovak of Ecclesia Consulting the three Manningham
Uniting churches (Pilgrim, Templestowe and Doncaster East) engaged in stage two of a three-stage
process of working out their future together.
The Churches agreed to and adopted a Memorandum of Understanding which commited them to
progress together through Stage 2.
A Steering group was formed consisting of the Chairs of the three Church Councils, the Ministers of the
three churches, and an additional member from each of the three Congregations.
The Steering Group met to plan meetings of the combined churches to consider:
a. Our combined Vision and Values
b. The Nature of our Shared Future together
c. Developing the framework for making the necessary decisions about our future together.
As part of Stage 2, Working Groups were formed to make proposals on matters such as Leadership, Worship,
Ministry Team, Pastoral Care, Administration, Finance, Mission and Ministry, and Property. Members of the
Working Groups were drawn from the combined membership of the churches.
HISTORY
At a Dinner meeting held at Doncaster Uniting Church in August 2008, representatives of four Uniting Churches in
the Manningham area resolved to form a small team to discuss the future coming together of our congregations.
The team includes the Minister and three lay members from each of the four churches, and met for the first time
on Wednesday 8 October at Pilgrim Uniting Church in Doncaster.
Templestowe Uniting Church Council has endorsed the terms of reference of the group.
The team reported back to a Dinner meeting at Templestowe Uniting Church on 28 October, met on 13 November
and 11 December and continues to meet regularly.
Jjoint dinners between the four Manningham Uniting Churches have indicated that there is
a great deal of good will between our churches and a sense of urgency amongst all to address the issues facing us.
Over that year there has been a movement of the spirit urging us to explore the life and future of the Uniting Church
in Manningham.
It is clear that a "business as usual" approach will see a very depleted Uniting Church presence in Manningham.
We can choose to continue as we are or we can endeavour to come to grips with what is happening and what a new
future might look like.
On Sunday 14 September 2008 TUC members were invited to a lunch and forum on the theme of On the Way Together:
Exploring Our Future. The purpose of the forum was to prepare ourselves to listen to and support each other
during our journey into the future.
Terms of Reference
The following are a draft set of Terms of Reference for the Manningham Churches Leadership Team
1. Represent the four Uniting Church congregations within the City of Manningham to explore how best to
work together as a single faith community, Christ centered and mission focused. (Subsequent deletion).
2. With the four congregations seek to discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit in shaping the future directions
of the Manningham, churches and be open to new ideas and different ways of being ‘Church’
3. Meet on a regular basis, hold open and frank discussions and maintain accurate documents of the meeting
outcomes.
4. Review the programs and activities of the four churches to encourage the wise use of our combined resources.
5. Maintain a close working relationship with the Church Councils representing the four Manningham Churches
and report outcomes to the congregations on a regular basis.
6. Develop and vigorously promote a joint vision and strategic plan for the Manningham churches.
7. Keep Presbytery and the Grove Uniting Church (which has a covenant relationship with Pilgrim UC) informed
of the progress and approved outcomes of the meetings.
MANNINGHAM CHURCHES LEADERSHIP TEAM (MCLT).
In uncertain times, Uniting Churches in Manningham work towards
a shared vision for a bright future.
On four occasions in 2008, representatives from the four Uniting Churches in the City of Manningham met together
over dinner to get to know each other and to share information about activities; to provide encouragement; to voice
concerns about the future and to hear from other churches about the successful sharing of resources, ministry and
mission.The group, which is quite large, suggested that a smaller group, a Think Tank or Leadership Team of four members
(including the minister) be nominated from each congregation, to meet on a regular basis, to explore how best to work together in the future.
The Terms of Reference for the Manningham Churches Leadership Team (the name will no doubt change) is in the process of being endorsed by each Church Council and each congregation.
This small group will work on two levels
1. Nuts and Bolts. A number of surveys are being completed at the moment. These will provide a range of
information, including the number and type of worship services conducted by each congregation , the number and type
of groups and activities, physical, financial and human resources, liabilities and concerns for the future.
2. Develop a vision or concept plan for a re-energised, vibrant and relevant Uniting Church presence in the
City of Manningham, focused on ministry and mission.
Working alongside congregations and the larger dinner group, the Leadership Team will “seek to discern the guidance
of the Holy Spirit in shaping the future directions of the Manningham churches and be open to new ideas and different
ways of being church.”
To be successful in its exploration, visioning and discernment, the group needs the prayers and support of the
Templestowe, Warrandyte, Doncaster East and Pilgrim congregations throughout the journey.
To celebrate the beginning of the advent season and the beginning of a new and vital partnership, the four congregations
shared a rousing carols service at Templestowe Uniting Church on Sunday, 7th December 2008.
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