ATTENDEES: Deborah & Jimmy Ogunshakin, Bob & Maureen Truman, Warner Baker, Trevor & Maxine Dennis, Andy & Helen Torbet
APOLOGIES: Duncan & Juliette Lawrence, Scott & Clare Bryden, Kay Baker
IN ATTENDANCE: Ade Desalu (Finance Committee)
The meeting began at 8pm and opened with a prayer.
In was reported that most House Groups had met successfully. One group had not met due to confusion regarding venue, as the hosts were on holiday. JO would follow this matter up to ensure that the Group would meet successfully next week.
JO gave some feedback regarding members in Coventry. Out of a number of options presented to them, their preference was to remain in Coventry for the time being. DO would not be attending Coventry from end of July and JO would remain until the students left at the end of September. JO would report back to Coventry the offer of joining with S&CB, which was still very much open.
It was agreed to hold a meeting of the Committee Representatives on Sunday 13th July at 5pm at Jury’s Inn, Broad Street. This would be an opportunity for Committees to present their ideas and proposals to the Shepherds Group. This would be announced on Sunday 6th July.
A need had arisen with a sister in the church, whose mother had recently passed way, but unfortunately the sister was unable to attend the funeral due to the current situation with her passport papers. It was agreed that a donation of £100 from the poor collection on Sunday, would be made.
This item was of a confidential nature and therefore we are unable to publicly disclose it. If you have an issue with this, please speak to any member of the Shepherding Group.
It was brought to the attention of the Group that Bella had expressed a wish for support in the area of evangelism and general fellowship. In the view of Bella’s "special needs", it was agreed that those House Groups nearest would make this a project.
JO reported that he had discussed the outstanding account at Ladywood School, with Brian Goodwin in Manchester. JO confirmed that this should be paid by the ICOC (now ICCM).
JO had promised Brian Goodwin that he would ask the Group, again, if we would reconsider our position in terms of joining the ICCM. The Group unanimously declined.
MD reported that the Youth Ministry would be looking into fundraising for the provision of equipment. It was requested to establish exactly what funds were currently available. It was agreed that this ministry could not begin until funds were freely available. A budget would be drawn up.
With regard to Kingdom Kids, JO reported that Barry Lamb (ICCM Kingdom Kids Lead Co-ordinator) was willing to visit and advise on Kingdom Kids/child protection matters. MD was invited to act as a liaison with BL. She felt it more appropriate for George & Marion Vernon, who are the current Co-ordinators of Kingdom Kids, to act in this role in view of their secular skills – Marion is a senior teacher. A&HT would act in reporting back on KK issues to the Shepherds Group.
The Finance Committee met on Wednesday 2nd July. This Committee currently comprises Ade Desalu, Lesrine Edwards, Paul Bourke, Victor and Sati Odusanya. LE had made enquiries with Lloyds TSB regarding opening a Treasurer’s Account. This could be opened straight away. The Committee members had put forward proposals for signatories; these being Paul Bourke and Sati Odusanya, from the Finance Committee, and Bob Truman and Andy Torbet, from the Shepherding Group. Two signatures would be required at any one time. The procedure for setting budgets would be that the various committees would propose their budget and this would then be scrutinised by the Shepherds Group. This would ensure good accountability for expenditure. A meeting with the Bank has been arranged for Saturday 12th July at 11.30am at the Erdington Branch in order to open the account.
It was discussed that a Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary would need to be appointed for the official business of the church, with a view to setting up a Trust in the near future. It was envisaged that these posts would remain for the next six months or so and then elections could take place. The following were proposed and agreed:
The Chairman in this case would not have a casting vote. WB also raised a concern that due to his wife’s ill health, he would require good support and regular meetings of the Shepherds Group.
It was agreed that the official church address would, at present, be 56 Fredas Grove, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 0SY. This would be required by the bank in regard to opening an account.
Discussions then continued with regard to the name of the church. The church name, would be required by the bank, in regard to opening an account. M&TD felt quite strongly that the church needed to move away from the name "Birmingham International Church of Christ", as this brought with it certain connotations in many peoples minds. Therefore, to aid a fresh start to the church, a new name would be advantageous. Several suggestions were put forward by the Group and the new name of "Midlands Churches of Christ" was agreed. The Group felt that this would also give vision for future growth throughout the West and East Midlands, and it was also in keeping with the desire to remain linked with our brothers and sisters in other "International Churches of Christ" throughout the UK. The new name of "Midlands Churches of Christ" would be announced to the church on Sunday. Members of the congregation would be advised that if they wished to make contributions, they could make a cheque payable to either "Midlands Churches of Christ" or "MCC Funds".
The Treasurer then asked if it were possible to obtain an accurate list of committed contributors. This would aid greatly in the preparation of a budget. Without a reasonably accurate income figure, it would be very hard, if not impossible, to set a budget. For the sake of stability a budget would be required. It was then discussed how best to approach the congregation on this sensitive subject, as we did not want to create alarm or bear any pressure in this area. It was agreed to ask the members to make a contribution in one of two ways:-
Those members willing to make "regular contributions" would be asked to add their name to a list to aid the production of an accurate budget.
M&TD had visited a building in Erdington, which was very reasonable. They explained the cost was £5 per hour for the main hall and similar charges for some additional small rooms for Sunday School classes. It was available for a Sunday service between 2pm and 5.30pm. However, due to the small size of the main hall (only 100 seated), it was felt that this venue would probably be more suitable for future Youth Ministry and other small meetings. WB & BT would visit to confirm suitability.
There being no other business, the meeting closed with a prayer.
The date for the next meeting was set for Thursday 10th July at 7pm at B&MT.
Helen Torbet
Church Secretary