The Midlands Churches of Christ

MINUTES OF THE SHEPHERDING GROUP
Tuesday 6th January 2004

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

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

  Topic Action
1. Matters Arising from Previous Minutes  
 
  • The minutes of the previous meeting (9th Dec 03) were agreed.
  
 
  • All present were agreed that the Thanksgiving for Oliver Hanley went very well.
 
 
  • TD wasn’t present at this point to ask about the OHP.
 
 
  • AD would need to be followed up with in regard to how he was progressing with the accounts/budget process.
 JO/AT
2. House Groups (inc. Coventry) and Youth Ministry  
  There were no particular notes of concern.  
3. Legal/Finance  
  JO was able to hand out the first draft of the trust documents to the shepherds present (he would forward a copy to those not present). JO asked for all shepherds to read the document ready for further discussion at the next meeting. He would welcome any matters arising in the meantime.  
4. Pastoral Matters  
  We were all aware of the situation of Colin McKenzie being in critical care this week. Helen had arranged for a giant ‘get well’ card to be signed at church on Sunday. A sister had also been in hospital this week, but was doing well nevertheless. Also another sister was not in good health at present and is awaiting a bone marrow transplant.  
  (TD arrived at 8.15pm)  
  Paul Henry is now living in Moseley in a residential care home. This is where himself and Bella will live once they are married. Some information has been removed to protect privacy and confidentiality. HT
  HT had spoken to Melanie Milongo who seemed to be coping very well with her pregnancy at present, despite the difficulties.  
  HT was also able to confirm that Paul & Sarah Holloway were now proud parents of a baby boy, James, who was born on 27th December.  
  WB reported that he had spoken with a brother called James from the church in Ireland. There are approximately 50 in James’ particular congregation and he asked for our prayers that things would go well.  
  WB had also been contacted regarding a gentleman named Norman who wished to return to the fellowship.  
5. Any Other Business  
 
  • HT handed out a document which summarised the brainstorming sessions that had been held in House Groups and the subsequent Shepherds meeting held back in December. This lead to a discussion on how we could put ‘discipling’ into action the way the congregation had asked. Various suggestions were put forward , but it was decided that we would go away and pray about our ideas and come back to discuss them in more detail at the next meeting
 All
 
  • We then discussed putting together a presentation to the church of how things have progressed so far. JO asked that the time be suitable for Leicester and Coventry to come. The majority felt that Friday was the correct place for the presentation. A separate presentation could be given to Leicester and Coventry, which did not focus so much on Birmingham. The date was agreed to be Friday 13th February at the monthly church meeting. JO to co-ordinate the presentation, with TD to help with IT support (powerpoint).
JO
 
  • During the meeting Bob & Maureen Truman gave notice that they will be stepping down from Shepherding due to their pending move to France. It was suggested that we make an announcement at church for volunteers to come forward to fill the gap. This did not necessarily mean a married couple.
All

Helen Torbet

Church Secretary

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