The Midlands Churches of Christ

MINUTES OF THE SHEPHERDING GROUP
MONDAY 26TH APRIL 2004

ATTENDEES: Liz Palmer, Carol & Derek Edmondson, Jimmy Ogunshakin, Deborah Ogunshakin (in part), Warner Baker, Vicky Redgrave, Andy & Helen Torbet
APOLOGIES: Scott Bryden, Trevor & Maxine Dennis, Duncan & Juliette Lawrence, Kay Baker

The meeting began at 7.45pm and opened with a prayer.


  Topic Action
1. Matters Arising from Previous Minutes  
 
  • The Minutes from the previous meeting (12th April 2004) were agreed as slightly amended (item 2 para 7 - to clarify the review prior to publication of sections of the shepherds meeting minutes).
 
 
  • AT had spoken to Roy Arthurs regarding his house group venue. RA considered that no alternatives were available at present, but he would look out for one.
 
 
  • With regard to the mobile phone that JO has in his possession from ICOC days, JO would let Paul Rowden know that we still have it so that he can remove it from a list of outstanding handsets (the contract is no longer live). We will then retain it for future use, under a new contract, for the use of the church.
 
 
  • CE had obtained some quotes for a high spec projector and laptop. A projector with 2000 lumins would cost £1408 plus VAT. Tripod & screen £80, laptop £775, housing cabinet/stand £218 or £80. The decision for this was passed to the Trustees.
 
2. Legal & Finance  
  JO has spoken to Chris Knight (A.C.Solicitors) about trustee training. It was agreed that trustee training would proceed once the trust document is agreed.

JO was advised by Chris Knight that the Charities Commission may take a while to register the documents.

It was therefore agreed that from 1st May 2004 this group would split into Shepherds and Trustees, to meet separately as discussed at previous meetings.

  
  A&HT have visited the offices in Edgbaston with Ade Desalu. A&HT now have a set of keys. Furniture is already provided within the rent (ie two tables, a bookcase and filing cabinets). AD’s personal computer and printer were also there. It was noted that this was not insured. It was suggested that the proposed laptop (see item 1) could also be utilised in the office, since the projector can be used alone via a memory stick.  
  DE raised the issue of having invitation cards to issue when inviting people to church. It was agreed that the Trustees would deal with this, along with letterheads and other stationery provisions. Trustees
3. House Groups and other Congregations  
  JO reported that a disciple from the Hong Kong ICOC had contacted him. Isis would be studying English at the Brasshouse. She would be arriving in June and would stay with friends in Birmingham.

Various long-term visitors were noted.

Leicester would be visiting Birmingham on 26th May. Birmingham house groups visiting Leicester were very much welcome and the Leicester church were greatly encouraged by these visits. Leicester would probably visit Birmingham every other month.

It was noted that John Partington would be preaching at Wolverhampton on either the 6th or 13th June.

 
4. The Sunday Service  
  A point was raised with regard to the Sunday service feeling ‘flat’. Various solutions were discussed. It was agreed to review and experiment on an ongoing basis. It was noted that improvements could be made in timing and presentation. All
5. Singles Ministry  
  VR raised the issue of the needs of the singles in the congregation, as these were not being met at present. She felt that direction, friendships, and encouragement were lacking. She was willing to co-ordinate a singles ministry, but she had been unable to secure the help of a brother. It was agreed that WB and another brother from the Shepherds group should arrange a discussion meeting for the single brothers to come to, so that neglected needs could be addressed. VR reported that the singles had been very neglected in the past and that at present many felt like second class citizens. It was agreed that much discussion would have to take place to resolve and reverse this trend. This would balance the recent focus on marriages arising from their prominence in the church.

JO raised his concerns that WB should be careful in how much responsibility he takes on. The church was very grateful for WB and his wife returning to the Shepherding role and did not want to see him unduly burdened. JO reiterated that we all need to carry the burden equally.

WB
6. Cinema Sunday  
  HT reminded the group that we were not able to use Ladywood Arts & Leisure Centre for two consecutive Sundays. A cinema Sunday and a house group Sunday were agreed. HT would secure a booking to watch "Scooby Doo 2" at a local cinema. HT
7. Communion  
  CE raised the issue of the song leaders needing time for reflection during communion. It was suggested and agreed that some background music be played during this time of reflection.

It was also agreed to introduce some new songs. The choir would sing these to the congregation, but would not directly ‘teach’ during the worship service.

  

Helen Torbet, Church Secretary

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