Minutes:

• 1 Apologies.
  • Jean-Philippe Vincent, Nell and John Stinton and Pierre Ledent had sent apologies.

• 2. Electoral roll report
  • Alan Reported 47 names on the electoral roll. There had been 55 last year. Alan explained that new members can be added to the roll at any time, except the week preceding the AGM.

• 3. Minutes of last year's meeting.
  • These were approved after having been read aloud by Stephen.

• 4. Report on Church Council .
  • Elizabeth commented this.

• 5. Churchwardens' report & election
  • David commented the report. Elizabeth and David were re-elected churchwardens.

• 6. Synod reps' report
  • Alison gave a synopsis of last year's synod, and a short report on this year's, which had just taken place. The theme was « a multiplicity of gifts ». A few considerations were made which are global over France:
    • There is an expansion of Anglican churches (Praise God!)
    • The city churches have a young and diverse population, whereas the rural ones' is older.
    • We note more and more « indigenous » members!

• 9. Church Council election
  • This point was brought forward, as some people needed to leave early.

  • The following were candidates to the council : Fanny Bélanger, Neil Brownrigg, Shona Gillespie, Lilia Ledent, Mark Lewis, Bill Paul, Lilan Peng, Richard Sheppard, Thomas Vincent-Sweet. As this exceeded the number of places, an election took place and the following were elected : Fanny Bélanger, Shona Gillespie, Lilia Ledent, Bill Paul, Lilan Peng, Richard Sheppard, Thomas Vincent-Sweet. Stephen stressed the fact that those not elected should in no way feel rejected or not loved.

• 7. Financial report & accounts
  • Richard gave the report :
    • Our expenses exceed our income.
    • The barchart clearly shows less money coming in. Currently we have pledges of €2695/month, and we need 6250 !
    • In 2009 we spent £4500 more than we had in, plus €10000 on mission support which had been put aside in previous years for this.
    • We need €75000 per year.
  • Richard stressed the fact that everyone should reconsider their giving to the church.
  • The accounts were approved, and it was agreed to ask the auditor to continue next year.

• 8. Other reports
  • Lilia (for the sunday school), and Elizabeth (for the crèche) gave the Sunday School Reports.
  • Alison, as Child Protection Officer, gave a short report.

• 10. Chaplain's report
  • Among many other points Stephen stressed the loss of american mebers, largely due to the recession. We have more french members, which leads us to reconsider what we are offering. We do not want to be in competition with french churches, but we obviously have something special to offer.

• 11. Any amendments to procedures
  • None were upcoming.

• 12. Miscellaneous
  • Jane asked if the piano needed tuning and indicated she knew someone who could do it.
  • She also voiced the opinion of church members at large by saying we all apreciate having Stephen and Marian nearby, and that no hasty decision as to moving house should be made. David said that when the chaplain just comes in for services it is a very different thing than having him here all the time.
  • Val stressed the increase in asian students in our midst and wondered if we should consider something specific for them. Shona reported that some attended her bible study, and Lilan reported on her action in the « FEU ». David mentioned that there had been a « first friday » evening in church which perhaps could be reinstated.
  • Marie asked if there was good feeback on the bilingual powerpoints we'd been putting up recently. Yes, but sometimes the french could be corrected !
  • Segun said that there seemd to be a lot of committees all organising things, perhaps some amalgamation could take place ? It was pointed out that the council was there to coordinate things and that it was not very easy to get a lot of people to meet at any given time.
  • Penny proposed that some events (such as the sponsored walk) be organised specifically to raise funds for the church.
  • Lilan thanked Howard and Dona for all they do for and with us.