The Midlands Churches of Christ

MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES
THURSDAY 21STJULY 2005

ATTENDEES: Scott Bryden, Marilyn Dean (chair), Jimmy Ogunshakin
IN ATTENDENCE: Helen Torbet (secretary)
APOLOGIES: Andrew Torbet

The meeting began at 7.10pm and opened with a prayer.

  Topic Action
1. Approval of Previous Minutes  
  The Minutes from the previous meeting held on 9th June 2005, were agreed and duly signed by the chair for that meeting.  
2. Matters Arising  
  Venue Search - Nothing to report  
  Stationery - a preliminary design had been given to AT, but he was not at the meeting. The design would be looked at the next meeting. AT
3. Shepherds Items  
  The Minutes from the Joint Meeting held on 4th June2005 had now been approved and would be circulated. HT
  JO attended a recent Shepherd's meeting. He reported that there is a need to strengthen the group with some additional members.  
  Benevolence Item (Birmingham) - AT had now prepared the outstanding report from the last meeting. This will now be filed.  
  Benevolence Item (Leicester 1) - MD raised an issue that had arisen in Leicester. It was discussed in detail and determined not to be requiring benevolence.  
  It was acknowledged that a Benevolence Policy would need to be developed and would incorporate many of the principles, circumstances and experiences that had arisen recently. JO would take responsibility for drafting such a policy. JO
  The Trustees would like to make it clear that guidance should be sought from the Trustees and/or Shepherds in regard to any benevolence issue. A Trustee or Shepherd would then be assigned to oversee each case as they arise.  
  Benevolence Item (Leicester 2) - MD raised a second item from Leicester. She presented a report which was approved as slightly amended.  
4. Finances  
  MD tabled an updated monthly spreadsheet. It was noted that this month's spreadsheet was the half year stage.  
  Of note: Overspend under the Travel & Subsistence budgets for both Birmingham and Leicester. It was acknowledged that these perhaps were under-budgeted due to unforeseen activities and were increased to £2,600 and £1,500 respectively. This was agreed. MD
  It was also noted that should a mid-week meeting be reintroduced in the autumn that Birmingham's Room Hire budget would need to be approximately increased by a further £1,250, making a total of £10,250 in the budget. MD
  There was also the possibility of Leicester needing a larger room to hire due to a predicted increase in numbers. This would mean a possible increase in their room hire costs to £3,400. MD
  Design of donation envelopes. Having agreed a design, SB would organise printing once our charity number was known. This would be especially relevant under the GAD scheme. SB
  A contribution box would also be purchased as an 'aide-memoire' to the congregation to give. HT would purchase a suitable box. HT
5. Legal Matters  
  Having sent the signed Trust documents to the Charity Commission, we were simply waiting a response. JO would follow this up. JO
  CCPAS - AT was not available to give an update. AT
6. Any Other Business  
  The reintroduction of a mid week meetings had been suggested. This would aid in teaching and Bible study classes, which is a much neglected area. This would be discussed at the Joint Planning Meeting due to take place on 3rd September. Agenda for meeting on 3/9/05
  A presentation was suggested, to update the congregation, and would take place on the 25th September. JO/AT
  HopeWorldwide Reps Meeting - AT & HT attended this meeting. HT reported that there was much to be inspired by. The meeting was encouraging.  

Helen Torbet
Church Secretary