Owing to Marie's lengthy absences in the US this year, we have had few meetings with Stephen, but have managed to discuss various topics with him directly or via e-mail. These included the following.

• The situation of the chaplain's apartment following the fire: the cleaning, renovation and refurbishment, installation of the new fitted kitchen, replacement of the tiling and sundry damaged items. We thank God that non-one was injured, that the damage was relatively circumscribed and that as a result of this potential disaster we have a fully redecorated apartment.
• The possibility of an away weekend. This did not materialise in 2007, but was replaced by a day of teaching on Islam by Nick Van Wingerden. We are hoping that the away weekend will be able to take place again in the autumn of 2008.
• Our support for Carine and Mark Lewis in Burkina Faso, including a possible link for the Sunday School and a prayer chain to support them.
• The children's/youth work and problem of insufficient Sunday School teachers/helpers. This has been an ongoing problem throughout the year, and now seems to be in the process of finding a solution. We give thanks that the Sunday School is continuing to grow.
• Work with the many students, particularly following the departure of Angela Hoskinson.
• The refurbishment of St Marc's centre, with the new office, and our possible involvement in staffing.
• The renewal of the support agreement we have with the Intercontinental Church Society in England, which is due to end in October 2008. Following Council's decision, we have written to ICS informing them of our desire that Stephen and Marian should stay on in Grenoble, and asking them to renew their support for a further four years. We sought to clarify the complicated relationship between ourselves (as the chaplain's employers in France), ICS (as missionary and support organisation) and the Diocese (the Bishop is the one who actually appoints the chaplain), in the light of French law regarding associations like ours.
• The deterioration in our financial situation and the need to raise awareness among the congregation that we are entirely self-supporting.
• The jobs rota (roster). Marie took over this responsibility and did considerable work to involve as many people as possible. She often handled this by email from the US.
• Procedures. Marie did much work reviewing and updating our procedures for child protection, selection and training of teachers, health and safety, hospitality, welcoming, setting-up and reading.

The inventory

There have been no important additions to the church's property this past year. The upstairs office has been given a thorough sort-out.

Lastly, we once again wish to thank Stephen and Marian, Alan and Val, Howard and Dona, and Dante for their leadership, Richard our treasurer, Elizabeth our secretary, the members of the church council, and all of your who contribute in so many ways to the life of our church.

May the Lord richly bless St Marc's and all its members in the coming year.

Marie Colbert - David Bailey

Churchwardens