Our Minister

Tawa Union has enjoyed the leadership and participation of ministers from all of the national denominations which are represented in our church.   The Rev Dr Jim Cunningham has just retired after 6 years with us and we are currently inviting any presbyter in good standing to obtain further details about Tawa Union, our hopes for the role and about Tawa community.  This is a full time role.

At present Rev Peter Jackson is providing stated supply.  Peter has recently emigrated from South Africa and so brings a fresh perspective to us as we introduce him to life in NZ.

Our part time secretary is Jane who is available in the church office in The Centre during office hours of 9:00 am to 12:30pm Tuesday to Friday inclusive.

Tawa Union has a leadership team that form the Church Council. 

COUNCIL STRUCTURE

Background:

The Terms of Reference of the Work Groups is a living document and as such is reviewed annually in July and the result tabled at the AGM in August.
The Council will maintain overall responsibility for ensuring that Tawa Union Church is represented at Local, Area and National levels as required.

Areas of Operation of the Church:

The key areas of operation for the Church have been identified under two broad groups:
1.    Outward Facing
Comprising the following work group:
•    Community Outreach     Convenor: Gretta Dymond
•    Relationships with wider church [includes regional and national bodies of partner churches and UCANZ, also other local churches]

2.    Support of Members
Comprising the following work groups:
•    Worship                       Convenor: Adrienne Miller
•    Pastoral Care               Convenor: Clare Morrison
•    Education for Life         Convenor: Sue Odell
•    Finance and Property   Convenor: John Melville
Note that the Convenor of each Work Group is a member of the Church Council.

Membership of Church Council

The Council, which includes the convenors of each workgroup, develops strategic direction for the parish and identifies responsibilities for each workgroup which is then responsible for its own programme.   There are ongoing aspects of Church operations to be maintained, current activities which may need to cease and new components to be initiated.

Chairperson                Helen Bichan
Deputy Chairperson    Gill Knox
Minister                       Rev Peter Jackson
The Convenors from each Work Group (x5)    
Tongan Fellowship      Taniela Fahamokioa

The Work Groups

Each Work Group (at least 4 - 5 people, enthusiastic about their task and with good ideas) operates in a combination of ways in the context of the strategic direction and annual priorities established by the Council:
    Dreaming    -    doing the discerning and visioning necessary for the future.
    Planning    -    working out the details, resources required and priorities.
    Resourcing    -    ensuring appropriate people/resources are available for the duration of any particular project.
    Implementing    -    undertaking any planned and agreed project/activity.
    Monitoring    -    ensuring that the project/activity is on track to realise the expected achievements.
    Evaluating    -    reviewing that particular project or activity and deciding if follow up, or what further project/activity is required.

Thought is given to planning for continuity and development in each group by the association of mature and maturing individuals (i.e. succession planning).