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| Minutes for the Church Council Meeting
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| On: Wednesday 11th May at 20h00
| At: St Marc's Church Centre
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| Present:
| Stephen Coffin (Chaplain), Alan Golton (Asistant Chaplain), David Bailey (Churchwarden), Alison Coulavin (Synod Rep.),Valerie Golton (Synod Rep), Elizabeth Cherhal (Secretary), Marie Colbert, Frank Jenkins, Richard Sheppard (Treasurer), John Stinton, Dan Wilhelm, Stuart Wilkins
| | Absent:
| none
| | Excused:
| Mark Lewis (Churchwarden)
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Minutes:
| | 13.
| Prayer,Apologies & Approval of last meetings minutes . The minutes were approved with minor modifications.
(2 min. - Standing Item)
| | 14.
| Welcome and presentation of coopted members (NEC - newly elected council)
Richard Sheppard (who was excused from the previous meeting) said that this was his fifth year as treasurer, and indicated a slight drop in income for the first term in year 2005 (see Treasurer’s Report later on).
Joseph Agu said that he was happy to serve on the church council, as it is a very enriching experience, and he wished that more members of the church would stand for election.
(5 min. – NEC item)
| | 15.
| Role distribution: Appointment of Child Protection Officer (CPO)
It was explained that the CPO is required by diocesan policy, and indeed in all Anglican churches. The CPO has two duties: (S)he is there for anyone to talk to if they are concerned about any child in the congregation, and also to keep an eye on the way the church looks after children. Her/his role can be extended to outside the church. For instance if someone is concerned about their neighbours, they can consult the CPO, who should know the appropriate services to contact (social services or even police).
Alison Coulavin was (re)-appointed CPO. It was pointed out that St Marc’s should require its Sunday School teachers or people taking care of children in the crèche to sign a document. The document should contain guidelines against child abuse and also safety instructions. Several people had experience in their former churches of such documents, and it was decided that Stuart Wilkins and Marie Colbert should meet with Alison and make a proposition at the next council meeting. Claire Naylor pointed out that there should be more than one person taking care of the small children, for protection, and also for practical reasons (taking them to the toilet for instance). It was suggested that a student be added to each Sunday school teacher to act as an assistant.
| | 16.
| Treasurer's report
The Treasurer distributed charts showing a slight drop in income for the first term of 2005. Two appeals had been given to the congregation last year with good results. It was pointed out that although attendance is definitely rising, the new people are not necessarily very well off. Because of people leaving and new people coming in, appeals need to be made once or twice a year if necessary. A discussion followed, in which it was thought that the situation did not look alarming, and that people were prepared to give to the church according to its needs, and according to its vision. They are willing to support youth work, missionary work, etc… but there was no reason to go on giving if all needs were met, and that the 10% tithe to charity was given.
| | 17.
| Youth group activities and finance
See the Youth Group Report given out by Claire at the meeting. More explanations were given about this. The group is very thankful for the subsidies it has had, which have permitted more people to come to weekends. The youth group feels it is weak where Curriculum (“Sunday school” and other materials) is concerned. They want to buy material from Scripture Union and other sources, and need more finance, 50E until the end of the year for Sunday school material. To have a complete library would require something like 500E (an investment). It was suggested that the youth group have a sub-account inside the church’s global accounting. People could mark their checks “youth group” when necessary.
| | 18.
| Follow up on Chaplain's presentation of the work accomplished and still to be done (item 07 on last minutes)
See the Starting Out document. Claire Naylor proposed that an “adult Sunday school” be started before the service. The idea is to have a course for growth in faith that talks globally about the Christian faith. The group would probably be lead by “non clergy”. This would be a good addition to home groups, especially for those who cannot attend them regularly, because of their jobs or living a long way away. It was decided to announce the idea in church and see who would sign up. Maybe in the autumn (fall) the proposition could be reformulated. (This has now been done). Claire also proposed that a women’s retreat (or away day or weekend) should be organised, where women (mainly Mums she thinks) could have a quiet and meditative time together.
Valerie Golton announced that a women’s supper would be organised on the 24th June and that the speaker would be Ann Lenton.
| | 19.
| Committee Reports
Church Committees (Evangelism; Events; Music; Social/catering; Finance)
- Events: The next coffee shop is announced for the 28th May (actually that date has changed now). A BBQ will be organised on the 18th June at Champfleuri. A picnic at the plateau d’Emparis is planned for the 3rd September.
- Social: the “Gopak” tables have already been ordered.
- Evangelism: Joseph Agu will join the committee
| | 20.
| Christian community centre proposal - report from working group
The group, composed of Claire Naylor, Mark Lewis and Craig Alicati, has met and for the moment has not really come to an agreement. Should the centre be more “social work” orientated? Or more of a “youth club”? The council prayed for a while about this matter, and sought guidance from God as to how to go on.
It was suggested that contact be made with other churches who have experience in this sort of activity, for instance the Eglise Réformée de Belleville in Paris (Elizabeth’s son goes there).
| | 21.
| Review of past & future events
- 13th-15th May – Church Away Weekend at Champfleuri.
- 19th June - Council away afternoon chez les Golton: we need to decide on what we particularly want to bring up on that day.
- 12th-16th September - Diocesan Pastoral Conference: Stephen informed us that the Archbishop of Canterbury would be present at the conference.
| | 22.
| Church Projects
- International Student Worker : Still no applicant.One person has declared interest.
- Howard & Dona Diehl, missionaries with International Teams, coming from USA to work with us: Howard and Dona are still continuing to raise funds.
- Mark & Carine Lewis & Anaelle, exploring missionary service with SIM - more information !: the appeal had raised about half the amount needed for the course in Switzerland and the trip to Africa.
(Since the meeting, the whole amount has been pledged. Praise the Lord!)
| | 23.
| Any Other Matters (or AOB)
- Should we put an advertisement in the “pages jaunes”? This would cost the church 233E/year, and it was thought that it probably was not worth it.
- The notice on the church door should be updated in order to mention the website.
- We have still received no answer about the new notice board we want to put up in the petit volume.
- Stephen informed us that a motion has been put to his “copropriété” to buy land from the town in order to enlarge some of the garages. It is probable that the motion will not go through.
| | 24.
| Closing Prayer
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