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| Minutes for the Church Council Meeting
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| On: Wednesday 13th July at 20h00
| At: St Marc's Church Centre
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| Present:
| Stephen Coffin (Chaplain), Alan Golton (Asistant Chaplain), David Bailey (Churchwarden), Mark Lewis (Churchwarden), Alison Coulavin (Synod Rep),Valerie Golton (Synod Rep), Elizabeth Cherhal (Secretary), Richard Sheppard (Treasurer), Joseph Agu, Frank Jenkins, Claire Naylor, John Stinton.
| | Absent:
| none
| | Excused:
| Marie Colbert, Dan Wilhelm, Stuart Wilkins
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Minutes:
| | 40.
| Prayer,Apologies
| | 41.
| Approval of last meeting's minutes & Any Matters arising
The minutes were approved.
| | 42.
| Vision and Structure for our church (& material for newcomers) (see email circulated by Stephen) following on from afternoon chez Golton.
It was generally considered that the statement for newcomers was not clear enough about our Christian faith. Claire pointed out that it said nothing about the bible, and nothing about getting other people to know God. A contribution from Marie was read out, proposing a more elaborate statement. It was thought necessary to state the follwing things:
- A personal relationship with God
- Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the bible
- Making disciples
It was decided to go back to a smaller group, with Claire and Alan added to it, and make another proposal for the next meeting.
Regarding the list of contact people distributed with the statement, there was some doubt as to which order it should be presented in. It was also thought that presenting it as a pie chart (?) was confusing. People should send to Stephen any things missed out on the list.
| | 43.
| Treasurer's report & budget for 2005 (from finance comittee).
The finance comittee had held a meeting, and a very clear budget proposal was distributed.
Richard said that he had done more work on accounts this year than any year before, and expressed the feeling that his work was not always appreciated. He suggested that if this was the case, the council should look for another treasurer. The council members said that this was certainly not the case and David proposed a vote of confidence, which was unanimous. Claire and Joseph said that they now understood much better why the church needed more money.
Alan asked a question about 10% giving. Does this include sums given on particular Sundays for particular causes? (Yes). This year we have asked for money from individuals to support Mark and Carine, does that get included in next year’s budget?
It was decided to present the budget to the church in the autumn, and start working out at 2006 budget. Richard proposed to give 1000E to ICS (730 was collected in church). This was agreed to unanimously.
| | 44.
| Child Protection policy (see document circulated by Marie)
Claire indicated that we have now got a paper from the diocese, which should be read by those involved. She also asked who does the screening/vetting of future candidates for child/young people work? Stephen for anyone responsible and herself and/or the Child Protection Officer for choosing.
Alan instisted that the CPO must be a “child friendly” peson. Claire thought that the process should not become too bureaucratic,we are going from peoples good promises to a refereeing system. Considering the changing nature of our congregation, how long should the referee have know the candidate? It was thought that one year was the minimum. Stephen cannot individually contact each referee, we should have a paper to send back via email or some other way. Frank thought that people would not be willing to fill in a form, but would give an opinion. Probably a disclaimer should be put on the form. Joseph suggested that direct contact be made by email or telephone if nothing comes back in one month.
The council thanks Marie for her work and guidelines on this matter.
| | 45.
| Church committee reports
- The outreach committee had met, and had had an open discussion on Sunday worship. They would like to focus on more prayer and propose prayer ministry every week. Other questions concern the position of the sermon in the service, handling of people in distress, and the way people are welcomed.
- A short report was made on the ladies’ supper. People agreed that the venue and talk were good, but that the service was too long, and the talk should preferably be in the same room as the meal.
| | 46.
| International Student worker
Following Sally Mc Namee’s visit, she has informed us that she wants to come. She has good references. ICS will raise some money for her, but we need to lodge her, and provide some equipment (mobile phone? computer?). Currently she is following a course with “friends international”. Volunteers were called for to help find a suitable appartment.
| | 47.
| Past and future events
The time and place of the annual away weekend was discussed. The idea is to hold it earlier in the year in order to get to know people earlier. The 11 November bank holiday was proposed as a date, and the following remarks were made:
- Champfleuri is a bit damp in the winter. It would be nice to have somewhere more “cosy” with a fireplace.
- It was suggested we look into other places such as Notre Dame des Neiges (Villard), Maeva (Autrans), and others.
- It mustn’t be too expensive, otherwise people won’t come.
- We have to get a good speaker (and pay him/her).
| | 48.
| Archdeaconry reorganisation (see email from Stephen with document)
After some discussion of the proposal, (why not have two Archdeaconries?) it was thought that we might propose to keep one Archdeaconry, but have two Archdeacons in it, who divide up France between them.
| | 49.
| Practical Points
- Noticeboard : Jim Mc Lucas has made it and now it needs doors.
- Standing and sitting during services: It was decided that we should sit during the gospel and after each reading say “This is the word of the Lord”, with the response “Thanks be to God”.
- Notices: give them when the children go out rather than at the end of the service, when there should be prayer ministry.
- Going forward to receive communion : After discussion it was agreed that instructions should be included on the Power Point each service inviting people to come forward to receive communion after the choir members, filling in front of the steps from either end.
| | 50.
| Any other business
- The contact list was discussed. It was suggested that all members of the council be informed of everyone’s contact list. Then, if know of someone in need of help, we can inform that person’s council member.
- The next meeting is to be held in St Marc’s church on September 21st.
| | 51.
| Closing Prayer
Stephen closed with prayer
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