The Midlands Churches of Christ

MINUTES OF THE SHEPHERDING GROUP
Thursday 10th July 2003

ATTENDEES: Deborah & Jimmy Ogunshakin, Bob & Maureen Truman, Warner & Kay Baker, Trevor & Maxine Dennis, Andy & Helen Torbet, Duncan & Juliette Lawrence, Scott Bryden
APOLOGIES: Clare Bryden

The meeting began at 8pm and opened with a prayer.


  Topic Action
1. Matters Arising from previous Minutes  
 
  • SB requested that item number three be treated with confidentiality. HT agreed to make the item anonymous.
 HT
 
  • House Groups – the issue surrounding one group that had not successfully met together the previous week, had now been addressed.
  
 
  • A brother had approached BT regarding the possibility of starting a house group in Handsworth. There are a number people in the area and willing to be hospitable regarding a venue. However, a couple would need to volunteer to organise the running of that House Group, and as no one had yet come forward, it was felt that the group should continue to meet at the Edmondson’s house for the time being until a couple came forward.
 
 
  • In Coventry, two new members were anticipated to arrive shortly. This may boost their numbers and they were continuing to meet at usual. This is probably an ongoing matter. A concern was raised with regard to a member in regard to their children. Help would be forthcoming from MD and contact would be made between them.
 MD
 
  • Committee Reps Meeting – this was omitted from the notices at the previous Sunday Service. Shepherds were reminded to announce it at House Groups. An announcement would be made at the following Sunday Service. One of each couple from the Shepherds Group was required to attend.
  
 
  • Benevolence – the Secretary would check to make sure that the collection of £100 was forwarded to the sister in need. A separate matter was raised as to who was counting the poor collection taken at the Sunday Services. It was assumed that George & Mervia Robinson were continuing this task. The Secretary, however, would speak with the Treasurer to confirm this.
HT
 
  • 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.
MT
 
  • 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.
WB
 
  • Ladywood School Account – JO would pass this matter to the Treasurer for follow up. It was also noted that regarding insurance, we were covered by the centre's own buildings insurance regarding accidents. DL confirmed that the Leicester congregation had paid in full their venue rental bill.
JO
 
  • Youth Ministry – deferred until funds were available. TD & MD to submit proposals at end of July.
 TD
 
  • Bank Account - this was in process.
 AT
2. Drafting of Trust Documents  
  JO was able to report that he would re-supply the latest set of ICCM draft documents in order that we could all familiarise ourselves with the general theme of a Trust document. This would help us put forward our input into the drafting of a new Trust Deed. JO stated that he would be modelling the new Trust documents on the ICCM draft documents, less the items of contention. JO proposed that the Trustees of the new Trust would be the members of the Shepherds Group. AT/JO
3. Leicester’s Position  
  D&JL reported that the Leicester congregation were still in the decision making process regarding their relations with the ICCM. D&JL would report back, once a decision had been made. It was expressed, by several members of the Shepherds Group, that they would continue to support the Leicester congregation in any event, and especially at this time. If they required any member of the Shepherds Group to attend their meetings, they would ask. DL
4. Name of Church  
  This issue was raised again due to confusion within the Group. It was felt that a definite decision had been made at the previous meeting and that decision was irrevocable. At present it was safe to say, that the name "Midland Churches of Christ" would be used for the process of opening a bank account. However, it was noted that this name may be objected to by other organisations. Therefore, for legal reasons, we may need to revisit this topic at some future date. JO proposed that the congregation be allowed to vote on a name (as had the Wolverhampton Church members). This was objected to, on the grounds that the Shepherds Group had been put in place to lead the church and make decisions on behalf of and for the good of the congregation.  
5. The Budget  
  Shepherds were reminded to take a list of names of committed givers. This would aid the Finance Group to draft a more reasonable budget. All
6. Venue in Erdington  
  WB reported that he had visited the venue as mentioned by M&TD at the previous meeting. He was able to confirm that we would not be able to use the hall and the associated rooms, as the current users objected, since they did not want the room layout to be altered between their morning and evening services. However, our contact at the venue would make enquiries on our behalf with regard to using the chapel instead, although it was noted that there were no other rooms available for Sunday school classes. WB advised that it was best for us all to be keeping an eye out for a new venue. The aforementioned hall was still available for three out of four Fridays, which was useful to us. SB & BT reported to the Group, that various enquiries were ongoing at present. WB, SB & BT
7. Any Other Business  
  Teaching – Shepherds were reminded that they needed to be involved in teaching WB
  Marriages – WB would have liked to have held a short counselling group for the couples of the Shepherds Group, but time did not allow this and so it was deferred until another time. It was noted that needs had arisen within marriages in the congregation and it was envisioned that counselling groups could be established for the congregation at large, reflecting the Shepherds Group own model. WB
  Hope Worldwide - An issue was raised with regard to Hope Worldwide in regard to how this charity was doing and some concerns regarding use of funds. JO was able to report that he had contacted Ian Joseph (Director of Hope Worldwide UK) and that Ian confirmed that the charity’s income had been going down by some £10,000 each month. This was thought to be a "knock on" effect from the current church issues. Hope Worldwide were now relying much heavier on commercial donations and were seeking more and more funding from these sources. It was suggested that Ian Joseph should be invited to the church to give a presentation and take questions regarding the charities status. JO would contact Ian in this regard. JO

There being no other business, the meeting closed with a prayer.

The date for the next meeting was set for Thursday 24th July at 7pm at A&HT.

Helen Torbet

Church Secretary

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