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Annual General Meeting (AGM)

On: Sunday 19th March 2006 after the Service At: St Marc's Church Centre

-----------BEGINNING OF THE MINUTES------------------------

Minutes:

1. Apologies: Craig Alciati, Alison Coulavin and Lionel and Janetta Vacherand had sent apologies.

2. Electoral Roll Officer: Alan Golton, the electoral roll officer, reported that the electoral roll contained 62 names, which was one more than last year.

3. Minutes of last year's meeting to be approved
The Minutes: The minutes were approved, some typos must be corrected.

4. Report on Church Council
The secretary's report : There were no particular comments on the secretary’s report. The Chaplain took the opportunity to thank the secretary and all those who had served on the council last year.

5. Church Wardens Report
The Churchwarden’s report: The Chaplain briefly explained the role of the churchwardens, namely :
  • They are called on to replace the chaplain when he is away.
  • They represent the church, they may contact to the bishop, for instance.
  • They should set an example as committed Christians.
  • They discuss with the chaplain, and advise on how he should spend his time.

6. Church Wardens Election
David Bailey and Mark Lewis were elected churchwardens.

7. Synod Representatives Report
The synod representative’s report Val Golton gave a few words of explanation as to what the synod was. The Synod is a meeting of all churches in France. 2 members of the church are elected every 3 years to attend the synod. These are currently Val Golton and Alison Coulavin. The synod is presided by the Archdeacon, (generally one of the chaplains of one of the churches in France). Val insisted that the synod may seem distant to us, but it is not really. There are 53 worshipping communities in France, which makes it the biggest Anglican archdeaconry in the diocese of Europe. These communities are all growing, and taking on missions. It is very helpful to meet with all these communities every year. The synod this year was addressed by Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, who spoke about Islam and its challenge to Christianity. Val has a CD of his talks for any who'd like to borrow it."

8. Financial Report
The Chaplain thanked the hard working treasurer. The church has 4 accounts: 2 in France and 2 in the UK (one current, one deposit). We are solvent. BUT... we need a minimum of 4000E/month to meet the current budget, and 8000 to meet the next budget. The assembly accepted the accounts. The treasurer said that the church needed to find a new auditor, and asked if anyone knew someone suitable. The treasurer would like to set up pledge forms, for people to be able to pledge fixed sums of money every month, and gave explanations about tax returns.

9. Accounts and Reports
The student worker's report
Following the student worker’s report, some questions were asked. Four students attend the regular bible study classes. Sally has not yet decided if she wants to apply for another year here The ACAT representative's report
A report on our children's & youth ministry
Claire Naylor was heartily thanked for her work with our youth and children. It was pointed out that she puts in many hours of work a week, and suggested that a present be given to show the church’s appreciation of this ministry. A weekend away was suggested. It was suggested that the so called “red room” be redecorated. This must be brought before the committee which manages the building.

10. Church Council Election
All the candidates who stood for election were elected: Jon BATEMAN, Elizabeth CHERHAL-CLEVERLY, Marie COLBERT, Richard SHEPPARD, Gloria UGONWALI, Penny VINCENT-SWEET.

11. Chaplain's Report
The Chaplain's report
The chaplain added the following to his report:
  • The ever changing congregation of St Marc’s needs us to be adaptative. Active members of the church leave, new active people arrive. With 20% of the congregation changing, this is a challenge, but this is God’s church, and if we work with Him He will guide us forward.
  • This year we have tried to put prayer in the center of our activities: a prayer chain has been set up, and prayer ministry after services is starting.
  • We try to keep a balance in the music chosen for services. We are encouraged by people who express their appreciation.
  • We have tried to put a better accent on pastoral care, and endeavour to be a channel of communication between old and new members of the congregation.
  • The following people were specially thanked: The churchwardens, the treasurer, Alan and Val Golton, Marian Coffin.

12. Amendments to Procedures

13. Miscellaneous
  • Mark Lewis came forward to share about his and Carine’s mission project. From the start in 2004, they have sought the advice of the Chaplain and council. They have been encouraged, but also somewhat shaken up. They have been through moments of doubt, but are now convinced this is God’s way for them. On April 22nd, SIM (the mission society they are committed with) will be looking at their application. Then they will need to write up their project and gather prayer and financial support. They rely on a small group for encouragement. Mark also added that Carine was expecting a baby for September, so they would be looking to depart for Africa in september 2007.
  • Alan Golton reminded people that invitations to the Easter services, and to the night of coulour were available.
  • All those people who had worked hard for the church were thanked.

14. Meeting's end
The meeting ended in prayer.

Next AGM Meeting:

March or April 2007.

Page last modified on March 20, 2007, at 06:42 PM