The Midlands Churches of Christ

MINUTES OF THE SHEPHERDING GROUP
TUESDAY 3RD FEBRUARY 2004

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

The meeting began at 7:45pm and opened with a prayer.


  Topic Action
1. Matters Arising from Previous Minutes  
 
  • Minutes from previous meeting (22/1/04) were approved.
 
 
  • JO had spoken to AD regarding budget preparations. Hence AD’s attendance at this meeting.
  
 
  • The announcement regarding Paul Henry now being in Birmingham had been done.
  
 
  • Dirk & Stefy Laval were looking for another couple to help host their house group in Sutton/Erdington. In light of their announcement of moving to the Leicester church because of job commitments, it was thought best to now seek other couples who would willingly host house groups in these areas.

(Post meeting note – The Lavals are to move to the Leicester church following recent job appointments)

 All (JO)
 
  • Discussions regarding Leicester having their own cheque book, developed into a need to develop and implement financial policies in general. AD to speak directly to DL regarding his immediate requirements with regard to disbursements. A possible interim solution was suggested in the form of a float.
AD
 
  • The Worship committee is organising a worship evening for Wednesday 25th February as announced on Sunday. JO was now involved in song leading and it was noted that the singing had improved and had been more uplifting.
 
2. Any Other Business (1)  
  There was discussion regarding WB wanting to take a step back from his very prominent role in the Shepherds Group and having taken on the role of leading Kingdom Kids. It was felt by all present that WB’s contribution was of great value and perhaps other solutions could be sought to help relieve the burden from WB so that he did not have to step back completely. It was acknowledged that a new chairperson needed to be appointed in any event. All
3. Legal/Finance  
  There was a lengthy discussion to clarify a few points regarding the draft trust documents (trustees, responsibility, training, objects, restrictions, payments to trustees etc). It was agreed that the documents could now be presented to the church in a slightly modified draft form. It was noted that trustees of the trust need not be limited to the shepherds. JO asked for a show of hands from those willing to be trustees. From those present, Scott Bryden, Andy & Helen Torbet, Jimmy Ogunshakin, and Trevor Dennis (although others may also wish to be considered) stated that they would be willing to be trustees.  
  D & CE left at this point.  
4. Events  
  JO had secured Trevor Gordon and his wife to come to Birmingham to speak to the church on April 4th. JO suggested that he came for the weekend and perhaps we might ask him and his wife to speak to the married couples separately on the Saturday. JO
5. Any Other Business (2)  
  AT asked if the meetings could be held on the same day each fortnight. The reason behind alternating between Tuesday and Thursday would not apply once the Trumans leave shortly and it would allow a longer period of time between meetings. Everyone agreed to consider this for the next meeting. All
  TD made a suggestion for future reference regarding the need for someone to be fully trained in the office of performing weddings and funerals in light of Colin MacKenzie’s death and forthcoming marriage of Paul and Bella. This may be something to be mindful of when considering the employment of full or part-time staff.  


Helen Torbet

Church Secretary

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