The Midlands Churches of Christ

MINUTES OF THE SHEPHERDING GROUP
Tuesday 11th November 2003

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

The meeting began at 8pm.


  Topic Action
1. Matters Arising from Previous Minutes  
 
  • The Minutes from the previous meeting were agreed
  
 
  • AT had put together an update and this was presented to the church on Friday 31st October.
 
 
  • It was agreed that all the Shepherds would come to the following meeting with a list of questions/topics/heading for the forthcoming brainstorming sessions.
Shepherds
 
  • The invoice for Ladywood Community Centre was being dealt with by HT and she had arranged to send a cheque with a covering letter.
 
 
  • WB gave an update as to how things were going with the couple he had mentioned last week. (This item has been edited to preserve confidentiality).
  
 
  • It was agreed that a noticeboard should be put up at the back of the hall to enable a ‘notice of needs’ to be established. SB would organise this.
 SB
 
  • It was agreed that the Shepherds Group would take a Saturday out of their schedule to meet up to discuss issues that we had not had time to address in our regular meetings. For example, we needed to discuss the way forward next year. It was felt that in order to be sensitive to the congregation, a retreat would not be suitable. This may be construed as separating ourselves from the congregation, which was not desired. However, if was felt that time was at a premium and a day out would allow a number of issues to be dealt with. HT to organise a date and venue.
HT
2. Search of New Venue  
  A & HT to look at next week. A&HT
3. House Groups (inc. Coventry) and Youth Ministry  
  Nothing specific to report. All going well.  
4. Pastoral Matters  
  A couple had requested a thanksgiving/blessing for the birth of their son at a Sunday service. It was felt, that although this was a nice thing to do, it would set a precedent for the future. There may also be doctrinal issues to consider. It was therefore suggested that the baby shower theme be extended to include the father/men and also be developed into a thankgiving/blessing of the baby. This should be hosted by the parents (with helping hands from the congregation!). B&MT to speak with the couple. (This item has been edited to preserve confidentiality) B&MT
  WB confirmed that the Brother’s Prayer Night was going ahead on Friday between 10pm and 1am at Derek Edmondson’s house. A financial contribution was requested for provisions (ie lots of black coffee!).  
5. Leicester  
  Nothing to report  
6. Events  
  WB was able to confirm the booking of the Birmingham Educational Centre, Hockley for the Christmas Ball on 13th December. It was booked from 4pm until midnight and cost £250 without catering. WB has contacts for the catering and would report back once he had some quotes. WB
  WB was awaiting some feedback from London (Malcolm Cox, who was on holiday) regarding the UK Christmas Carol Service on 14th December. Once firm details had been received, this would be put to the congregation. WB
  WB asked if he could purchase a cheap keyboard for Marelize to practice on at home. This was agreed. WB
7. Legal Spotlight  
  There was nothing to report  
8. Any Other Business  
  It was raised that we should ensure that a member of the finance group regularly attend the Shepherds Meeting.

It was also mentioned that we should also invite a member of the teaching group. Jon Yorke had spoken with WB regarding limiting his involvement due to studies.

 
  TD asked if he could have a flipchart/whiteboard and pens for the Youth Ministry. This was agreed. HT to purchase using the Staples account. HT

Helen Torbet

Church Secretary

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