The Midlands Churches of Christ

• The minutes of the previous meeting (27^th Nov 03) were agreed.

• A meeting to discuss next year’s plans had been arranged in the Study Centre at the Botanical Gardens. The time was confirmed as 9am to 1pm on Saturday 13^th December. Apologies had been received from Duncan and Juliette.

• WB confirmed the arrangements for the Christmas Dinner at the Apollo Hotel on Hagley Road.

• Questions, flip-chart paper, "post-it"s had been distributed to the house groups by HT. Slips giving the basic questions had also been given to all at the service on 30^th November prior to the House Group discussions. Some of the feedback from the House Groups had not yet been received but was expected by Saturday for the planning meeting.

AT announced that Ade Desalu was expected towards the end of the meeting to update us on progress with the financial policies.

• AT raised an issue from the previous meeting regarding the purchase of the Bible on CD. Following some discussion it was agreed that SB would investigate the types of Bible available and following approval ask Paul Bourke to order it from Wesley Owen using his discount (if this was the best route). It was also agreed that the use of a library for the blind would also be encouraged for further needs.

• It was announced that Paul Henry was expecting to move to a care home in Selly Oak, Birmingham before Christmas. This would eventually be where Bella and Paul would be following their marriage.

• WB gave an update on some of the recent concerns: names removed for reasons of confidentiality.

• It was announced that Wolverhampton would be joining Birmingham for the 21st Dec. It was noted that this service was intended to be one of communion and fellowship only. Following TD’s offer, it was agreed that TD could do the sermon. MD also suggested that backing music from CD be provided to the carols.

• Christmas Dinner:

DL, Alphious and possibly Nanake were lined up to be DJs for the night. It was agreed that they be given a gift as a thank you. AT will be the "host" and arrangements were in place to get the PA in place. KB also plans to provide a little gift for all.

WB reported that the numbers had been higher than originally planned. Therefore it was agreed that those who paid first would get the seats, irrespective of the initial sign up. However, the balance of adults to children would be maintained at the anticipated levels. It was agreed that these measures would ensure that the cost would be covered and that the correct amount of food be provided.

• Friday 19^th December Meeting

WB announced that the ‘Ladies’ (Ebony and the Ivories), Colin Twigg, Roy and himself were lined up to provide entertainment at the party.

SB will organise some (crazy) games.

• Carol Service (14^th December)

The decorations were discussed (including a 10ft snowman) and all were encouraged to bring extension leads (in case of few working power sockets) and to help set it up.

The thanksgiving for the Hanley’s son in the welcome part of the service was discussed at length. It was agreed that WB should ensure that the Shepherds’ thoughts on the matter be expressed to Roger Spence who had been asked by the Hanley’s to present this part of the service. It was expected by all at the meeting that this be a short thanksgiving to God for the birth of the child and not a new ceremony. This issue would be reviewed following Sunday.

• It was noted that the OHP used for displaying the songs was being hired from the centre (currently at no charge). TD would look into acquiring a laptop computer to display the songs through the church’s projector. The display could then be altered to improve the presentation (NB. This would also go someway to making the white wall less blank and meet the concerns of some that had expressed dislike in the lack of ‘decoration’). TD would produce the required interface to gain rapid access to any particular song on a database.

• HT announced that Ladywood Arts and Leisure Centre would be closed between 23rd Dec 03 – 5th Jan 04 and also between 8th – 16th May 2004.

• AT raised an email from Paul Bourke regarding the Book and Tape money. PB had asked if we could use the money from sales for benevolence or if it were still owed to London. All agreed that there was no outstanding money owed to London and that the money could be used within the church in the Midlands.

AD apologised that due to family commitments he had been unable to progress with the policies. However, as he was at the end of his current works contract he would endeavour to make inroads into some policies next week. The requirements were discussed and AD tasked with looking into the structure of the accounts, expenditure forms etc and types of software required. The policies of the old ICOC would be referred to assist in this.

It was agreed that a presentation to the church would take place early next year. This should take the form of a simple, easy to understand presentation whilst being transparent about how the money is being handled.