Lesson 10 - Notes for Confirmands - Sunday 31st July 2005 in Bentleigh
We wish to see how the present connects with the past.
Prayer: Lord, we have heard about the Temple Society’s origins and its history. In our own continuing journey, and that of the Templer Community today, we strive to learn from the past and to grasp the opportunities as they present themselves. Our future is before us, with its many and varied challenges, and we seek your guiding hand in helping us to make the right decisions as we – in whom God’s spirit lives – move ahead. Amen
Overview:
Lesson 10 – Present-Day Organisation of the Temple Society
List activities/components in Australia in format of proposed new Structure
Provide picture of Structure “onion” – both generic and detailed – at end
Individual membership in the Temple Society must be applied for. All those directly associated with a member – spouse and -------- – are automatically regarded as associates. They are encouraged to become full members in their own right and can apply to do so at any time.
You become a member by filling out an application form, signing a declaration agreeing with the --- of the Temple Society and being prepared to participate faithfully in its realisation.
Regions
The Temple Society comprises two autonomous regions, one in Australia and one in -------. Each region is separately constituted and administered by an elected Regional Council, led by a -------- ----.
President
The President of the Temple Society, elected by both regions, personifies the essential unity of the two regions. The President has persuasive authority, especially in matters concerning fundamental --------- issues and spiritual cohesion in the Society’s activities and the promotion of its aim.
Elders
A body of appointed Elders assists the Regional Council in carrying out its functions, especially in regard to the spiritual and physical ------- of members, the religious harmony among members.
Communities
Each Templer Community is individually constituted, electing its own --------- -------, headed by a Chairperson. Auxiliary sub-organisations of the various communities include Ladies’ groups, Playgroup, Tennis clubs, Bowling clubs and Music groups.
Youth
The interests of our youth are reflected in the regular group activities organised and run for various ----.
Central Fund
The property of the Temple Society Australia is vested in the Temple Society Central Fund (Aust.), a registered non-profit -------. Its operations are controlled by the Board of Directors, who are elected by members of the Central Fund. Any member of the Temple Society may become a member of the Central Fund.
Activities
The Temple Society encourages --------- life through the organisation of many different activities covering the diverse needs and interests of members. Activities of a religious nature as well as educational, social, cultural and sporting are offered; all members are encouraged to ----------- and help to the best of their ability.
Publications
Australia: The Templer Record includes contributions of religious, spiritual and historical interest, community news and a separate section for the youth. The publication is bilingual, with most parts in ------- and others in German.
Germany: Die Warte des Tempels (Templer Sentinel) is written entirely in German and presents articles on religious, spiritual and historical topics. It also includes community news and notes on youth activities. The publication is the successor of the periodical begun by Christoph -------- and his friends in 1845.
Answers, if you need them, but not in the right order
ages; aim; children; company; community; Community Council; English; Germany; Hoffmann; participate; Regional Head; religious; welfare
This information will be discussed, not only in terms of the key components of the structure of the Temple Society today, but also with the basis of the founding generations’ thinking and the aim of the Temple Society in mind.
Lesson 10 – Templer Record
Have a good look at the Templer Record (distributed last week in preparation) and complete the following questions into your folder.
eg Sydney:- provides news and information from some of our distant members and communities
eg Playgroup
eg Elderly:- through accommodation and care at Tabulam & Templer Homes for the Aged
This information will be discussed, not only in terms of the key components of the structure of the Temple Society today, but also with the basis of the founding generations’ thinking and the aim of the Temple Society in mind.
Our trusty ship is sailing the world’s oceans and seas with its vital cargo – all the Temple Society’s components and organisations (see list below). Unfortunately, it is overloaded and in grave danger of sinking! Items will have to be thrown overboard to lighten the ship and avoid a disaster.
Your task is to put the various components and organisations into some order of priority. Those items you consider less vital to the survival of the Temple Society can be jettisoned first, but there are probably other items that, in your opinion, need to be retained to keep the Temple Society going.
Working in groups of about 4, decide, with reasons, on what is thrown overboard first – number 38 (least important) right through to what is thrown overboard last – number 1 (most important). The future of the Temple Society depends on it!
Ladies’ guilds Sporting groups
Country Victoria and Distant Community Groups Choir
Temple Society Germany Playgroup
President of the Temple Society Kids’ Club
Regional Head Teenage Group
Regional Council Youth groups
Elders Summer camp
Temple Society Central Fund Confirmation classes and service
Members of the Temple Society Templer Record
Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Archives
Community Care Worker Bible
Australian-German Templer Exchange Business Manager
Sunday services, religious forums and seminars Templer hymnbook
Community Councils Sunday School
Bayswater Hall and land Wedding services
Bentleigh Hall and land Presentation services
Templer bus (“Rosa”) Community Heads
German Language Schools Sommerfest
Regional Office (Bentleigh) Heritage Group
Lesson 10 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR CONFIRMANDS