The Midlands Churches of Christ

MINUTES OF THE SHEPHERDING GROUP WITH COMMITTEE REPS
Sunday 17th August 2003

ATTENDEES: SHEPHERDS: Andy & Helen Torbet
  COMMITTEE REPS: Roy Arthurs, Sophie Charles, Lesrine Edwards, Greg Broad, Jon & Marelize Yorke, Jackie Ffrench (in part 5.40pm - 6.30pm)

The meeting began at 5.20pm and opened with a prayer.


  Topic Action
1. Matters Arising from Previous Minutes  
  1) Finance
  • Lesrine Edwards commented that the computer was still in Coventry (in Roddy's house). Next time anyone was visiting Coventry, could they arrange to collect it.
  • Discussions about the method of accounting required had not taken place.

Jimmy Ogunshakin
  2) Benevolence
  • Andy Torbet reminded us that Ian Joseph would be visiting on 28th September and that all queries should be forwarded to Jimmy Ogunshakin by 6th September, in order the these questions can be incorporated into the presentation.
  • With regard to the hospital clean-up, it was confirmed that we were still awaiting to hear back from the hospital as to a date.
 
  3) Social Committee
  • The name of the 'dating circle' had not been discussed as yet.
  
  4) Worship Committee
  • With regard to a rota being set up for setting up of chairs, etc, Greg confirmed that this had not yet been achieved and that he would remind Glen to do this. GB felt that this would be the best way forward to ensure things were correctly and reliably carried out.

Greg Broad
  5) Teaching Committee
  • Jon was able to confirm that the British Museum trip had gone well.
 
  6) Overcomers Committee
  • There was no one present to represent this group.
  
  7) Kingdom Kids
  • Andy Torbet was able to confirm that the Kingdom Kids teachers had met. (The feedback is given later in the minutes)
  
2. Finance Group  
  Lesrine Edwards confirmed that the bank had been supplied with all the necessary paperwork and that she had been promised an account number for Friday 22 August. She would be able to develop a standing order form by the time of the next monthly worship evening or simply provide the account number to anyone who wished to set up a regular standing order with their own bank over the phone or via internet banking.

Lesrine was able to explain that with regard to the accounts in general, only basic book-keeping procedures - ie cash book, were all that were necessary, since we are no longer part of a national network.

Lesrine explained that the Finance Group would need to discuss and decide on procedures - ie how to collect contributions (other than standing orders), etc. AT asked if the Finance Group would also be able to make progress with obtaining quotes for insurances - ie indemnity, etc.

Lesrine was also able to report that she had the church photocopier if anyone needed to use it for the copying of handouts, etc. It was agreed that this would be a good idea and that Lesrine would be reimbursed for expenses (incl. electricity) resulting from such use. The cost of maintenance was also raised as an issue.

It was noted that the church used to own an LCD projector. Helen Torbet agreed to make enquiries as to its whereabouts.

Helen Torbet
3. Benevolence  
  Unfortunately, there was no one to represent this group. However, Jon Yorke had recently talked to Paul Bourke who did not have any new items to report.  
4. Social Committee  
  The Social Committee last met on 3rd August. With regard to the name "dating circle", a new name had not yet been agreed upon. However, a dating "raffle" would be announced on 29th August. Raffle tickets would be sold on the basis of a voluntary donation rather than a prescribed amount.

Due to lack of time, a summer fete would now be held next August. Enquires are being made with regard to hold this event at Summerfield Park or Cannon Hill Park.

The Christmas ball is expected to be held sometime between 13th - 20th December. Enquiries are still in progress with such venues as the Botanical Gardens, Birmingham City Council House, the Burlington Hotel, etc.

Jackie Ffrench was able to confirm that the evening at Bar Med on 23rd August was still on schedule. This event was open to anyone who wished to attend.

 
5. Worship Group  
  The Worship Group last met on 17th August. It had been noted that the teas and coffees were still being served up to 11am. It was suggested that to help the congregation to focus on worship, teas and coffees would be served until 10.45pm (for the benefit of those volunteers arriving early to help set up the hall) and would reopen at the end of the worship service. It was also suggested that it may helpful if the ladies serving teas and coffees may like to sit with the congregation, therefore relieving them of the embarrassment perhaps of turning people away and an usher stationed in front of the table to "guard" it. Shepherds
  Greg Broad explained that there was an urgent need for volunteers to be fully trained in the setting up of the new PA system. Jon Bennett was currently doing this single handed and so no cover is available. Newsletter
  The Worship Group had discussed the need for the congregation to have an the opportunity of attending a second monthly meeting in order to experience new ways of worship, learn new songs, etc. This second monthly meeting would be led by members of the Worship Group and would take place on a Wednesday (generally the second Wednesday in the month) at Ladywood Centre. Attendance at this meeting would not be binding on members.  
6. Teaching Group  
  The next teaching evening would be "The Trial of Jesus". Jon was able to report that the teaching day on Acts was now postponed until October (date to be announced) due to lack of speakers. Jon confirmed that he would be able to establish a mailing (by email) list for anyone wishing to receive the teaching material (handouts) a week prior to the meeting. An announcement to this effect would be placed in the newsletter. Newsletter
  Jon also asked if the Shepherds Group would feedback their comments to the Teaching Group on what in their opinion was the need of the congregation at present in terms of teaching. Shepherds
  Jon confirmed that he was keen to train the Shepherds (or any other volunteers) on how to give an archaeological biblical tour of the Birmingham Museums.  
  Jon was also able to confirm that the Teaching Group were more than willing to train and give input in the preparation of Bible Discussions. This was more favourable than giving prescribed talks in the form of handouts.  
7. Overcomers  
  Unfortunately, there was no one present to represent this group.  
8. Kingdom Kids  
  Andy and Helen Torbet were able to feedback from the Kingdom Kids Teachers meeting held on 19th July. The annual graduation service would change in emphasis. It would be more of a "moving up/moving on", with the presentation of whole classes and teachers. A monthly "junior church" service would take place separately for the children (starting October). This would be an opportunity for the children to express their faith in their own act of worship. It was hoped that the teens would also play an active role.

With regard to sermon tapes for those serving in Kingdom Kids, it was commented that these had at times not been available. This would be followed up. Andy Torbet was able to confirm that the current duplicating machine had erase capabilities and therefore an old tape could be dropped off before the service to the book and tape desk in order that a fresh sermon could be copied ready for collection at the end. It was noted however that volunteers in Kingdom Kids should collect their tapes as soon as possible after release from the class.

 Andy Torbet
9. Any Other Business  
  Jon and Marelize Yorke confirmed that they would be meeting with the Students shortly, on the commencement of the new term.  

Helen Torbet
Church Secretary

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