The Midlands Churches of Christ

MINUTES OF THE SHEPHERDING GROUP
Thursday 18th September 2003

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

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


  Topic Action
1. Matters Arising from previous Minutes  
 
  • JO confirmed that he had spoken with the Finance Group on 6th September. He also confirmed that we would have to mindful of Leicester church in all financial and documents. Leicester church would be discussing how they wanted to work with Birmingham in these areas
  
 
  • JO reported that he had received a letter of apology from Lloyds Bank regarding the length of time taken in opening the church account. A copy was available for inspection.
  
 
  • WB proposed that a member of the Finance Group be invited to attend the Shepherds Group meeting as concerns had previously been raised regarding the lack of forthcoming advice in financial matters. It was felt that this would impart a sense of urgency into the Finance Group. The proposal was agreed by all present.
All
 
  • AT had yet to find out the whereabouts of the projector and screen
 AT
 
  • WB had yet to speak to the ladies at the refreshments table about sitting with the congregation at the start of worship
 WB
 
  • Volunteers for setting up the PA were still sought
 Newsletter
 
  • Several ideas for topics for the Teaching Group were collected by WB to pass to Jon Yorke
  
 
  • AT had spoken to Paul Bourke regarding Books & Tapes. AT reported that the reason tapes weren’t being produced was that we had run out of blanks. AT also reported that PB was keen to relinquish responsibility and that volunteers were needed to replace him. AT would make sure a notice was placed in the newsletter and that he would source a supply of blank tapes.
AT
 
  • It was agreed that a ‘call to fast’ would be made to the congregation in regard to finding a new venue.
 Newsletter / Announcements
2. Search for New Venue  
  JO suggested that he make enquiries with centrally located hotels to see if he can’t make a deal for block bookings. It was agreed that the Group would have a day of fasting (the next day) in order to petition God on the issue of finding a new venue. It was also agreed that a day of fasting would be put before the congregation.

WB had visited the Birmingham Medical Institute, but unfortunately this venue was not available in the evenings as previously thought.

WB had followed up with St John’s (Ladywood) and it was too expensive to hire.

 
3. Married, Engaged & Dating Couples  
  WB reiterated that the meeting, to be held on Saturday 20th September at Pheonix Hall from 4-6pm, was open to all and asked that we reminded our House Groups. (See previous Minutes 4th September 2003 for details).  
4. Welcome of New Members  
  A new date for the welcome ‘party’ would be Sunday 21st September after the service.  
5. House Groups  
  The Youth Ministry/Teens will be having their first meeting (for planning) on Friday (19th September). MD reported that those involved were very positive about the future of this group.

J&DO would be attached to the Northfield House Group and would attend on an ad hoc basis, subject to their availability (new baby & studies!).

All other House Groups seemed to be running fine, although it was unknown what the current status of the Bryden’s House Group was due to fall in numbers.

 
6. Discipling – One Another  
  It was agreed that the Group would make more effort in putting this into practice between ourselves, as an example to the congregation.  
7. Contribution  
  This seemed to be going well so far.  
8. Legal Spotlight  
  JO reported that he and AT are to meet next Saturday to work on the initial draft of the Trust Deeds. The results of this would be fed back to the Shepherds for comment by AT whilst JO is away.  
9. Youth Ministry  
  See comment in paragraph 5 (House Groups) above.  
10. Coventry  
  WB reported that Roddy Morrison had now left Coventry to return to his home city. Ade & Vanessa would now be the points of contact for the congregation in Coventry (it was stressed by Ade & Vanessa that they were not leading the church, but simply a point of contact). Vanessa would be included in the circulation of the minutes. WB had collected several redundant items (incl. Podium & books) from Claver at the weekend and would drop them into our storage at Ladywood Arts & Leisure Centre.  
11. Leicester  
  WB reported that the congregation in Leicester were doing well and had been especially encouraged by our congregation wishing them a ‘happy 2nd anniversary’ via a ‘live link’ last Sunday.  
12. Any Other Business  
 
  • It was reported the Paul Holloway and his wife had been very ill recently and that Jon Yorke had been asked to step in to preach on Sunday in case PH was unable to.
 
 
  • WB suggested that Jon Yorke been invited to the Shepherding Meetings as a representative of the Teaching Committee. It was agreed that this would be good in order that the Teaching Committee can then have an idea of what the needs of the congregation are.
 
 
  • WB reported that he had met Mike Desousa, who sends his greetings to the church.
 
 
  • WB reported that Andrei Heffer, who recently moved to Birmingham would be attending the Coventry church.
 
 
  • The Group was reminded that the next Worship Service was on 3rd October.
  

Helen Torbet
Church Secretary

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