• The Chaplain, Stephen Coffin,
• Elected members: Josephe Agu, and Elizabeth Cherhal-Cleverly (Churchwardens), David Bailey and Marie Colbert (Deputy Wardens), Alison Coulavin and Valerie Golton (Synod representatives), Dante Thomas (Secretary), Richard Sheppard (Treasurer), Lilan Peng, Jason Kern, Penny Vincent-Sweet
• Co-opted members: Alan Golton (Assistant Chaplain), Howard Diehl
• Alison Coulavin was also elected child protection officer.

The council has met ten times this year. 102 items have been on its agenda (some of them recurrent, see below). Attendance at meetings is generally good, considering that quite a few of our members are often away on business or family matters. The agenda and minutes are sent to members a week before meetings, and published on the church website. In addition to the council, there are 4 committees :

• Evangelism and outreach, lead by Alan Golton
• Events, lead by John Stinton
• Catering, lead by Val Golton
• Finance, lead by Richard Sheppard

The council. has discussed, and dealt with, many topics this year:

Church finances:

• The Lord blessed St. Mark's in the area of finances. All expenses were meet for 2008.

Spiritual Topics :

• Teaching: we have discussed the general teaching in the church which included: Building relationships with God's love, Psalms, I John, Tools for Growth, John 10-12. The council also reviewed and discussed the results from surveys to enhance the church service
• Small groups were emphasized including small groups during Lenten Sunday Worship services
• Sunday school, crèche and other topics related to our children.
• Prayer meeting: the council has changed the monthly prayer meeting from the evening to lunchtime, which has encouraged more people to attend. A confidential prayer list was started as well.
• The council planned the Away weekend at Champfleuri where John and Penny Gooch taught on prayer. It was well received with attendance of over 40 people
• Church’s vision and future : Focus session on how to best meet the needs of the church. The first action from this meeting was starting the Pastoral Care committee again. From that meeting, a team has been established which keeps in touch with members and addresses needs as they arise.

Outreach Topics

• The Church conducted Alpha courses in French in English which met almost every other week, and a meal was served between the Service and Alpha...metrics? A consistent French contigency met, while the English speaking group saw dwindling attendance. This was partially due to a refresher course for most attendees.
• The Alpha course and Carol service timing overlapped, which led to Alpha meetings every other week and rehearsals at non-traditional times. However, the Carol Service and program was still one of the best ever
• Lunches were sponsored after church on some Sundays at the park near the University to reach students
• During Christmas, members of St. Marc's provided and packaged goody bags for L'echoppe

Church Fellowship

• Continues to be a recognized and strong mark of St. Marc's. This continued with fellowship meals, social committee activities, and the additional of the Pastoral Care team (mentioned above)

Missions

• The council continued to pray and monitor the progress of Mark and Carine Lewis in Burkina-Fasso. Discussions were started on how to help them repatriate back to France.
• This year we also pray and support Stephanie Vincent-Sweet as she serves in Rwanda for 3 months.
• The council also decides which charities to support (includingTearfund, ACT, Compassion International, Banque Alimentaire, Circle of Silence, Barnabas Fund, ICS).

The council is blessed in having the input of committed Christians. We are humbled by the provision of God in every aspect of the life of St. Marc's and His believers.

Dante Thomas, March 29th 2008