2011 Annual Report - St John's in the City

In Allister and Stuart we are blessed with two very
talented and capable Ministers who have provided
leadership, insight and humour throughout the year.
They have also shown us the true meaning of “team
ministry” in the way that they have complemented
and supported each other and the wider team.
Ailsa Salt has continued to serve as our Presbytery
delegate, and provides an important link between St
John’s and the wider Presbyterian church.
My thanks, too, to Mary Gibbs for taking the
minutes throughout the year, and to Muriel Ewan
for her continued work in maintaining the Parish roll
and the Elder’s visiting lists.
I would also like to thank our office staff of David
Coplon, Barbara Newdick, Fennie Dewar and
Graeme Coppell. Phil Cassin left during the year,
and we were joined by Mark Farrow. Each of you
Council
In some cases, the less you hear about a committee,
the more effectively it’s running. I’d like to think
that’s the case with Council – on the basis that I
don’t think you probably will have heard too much
about it this year. Most of the decisions the Council
took in 2011 were taken and implemented without
fanfare. I only took over as Chair of Council at last
year’s Annual General Meeting so I don’t have any
basis for comparison, but my impression is that the
Council and the various committees it oversees have
been working well.
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play a vital part in the smooth running of the church,
and your contribution is much appreciated.
Finally, on behalf of Session, I would like to
acknowledge and thank each one of you for
everything that you do to support the life of the
church and the wider community. Through each act
of service, generosity and love – no matter how small
or insignificant it may seem – may we be worthy
representatives of Christ’s kingdom here on earth.
As God has blessed us, may we share those blessings
with others.
Paul Ramsay
Session Clerk
Council meets on the third Wednesday of the month
in the St John’s Centre. The meetings usually last
about 90 minutes and are open to observers.
Council Membership
Council is made up of the conveners of the
standing committees of St John’s, the Ministers,
the Session Clerk and the Chair. The Finance and
Administration Manager is the ex officio secretary.
The Council currently comprises the following:
Chair Anton Ojala
Minister Rev Allister Lane
Minister Rev Stuart Simpson
Association of Presbyterian Women Mary Gibbs
Christian Education Geoff Annals
Communication Elizabeth Gibbs
Finance Ross Chesney
Outreach Ailsa Salt and John Atkinson (co-convenors)
Property David Wood
Pastoral Care Judi Ferguson
Social David Ensor
Staffing Paul Ramsay
Secretary (Finance and Admin Manager) David Coplon