ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING

Sunday 8th May 2011, 4pm, at Church

 

MINUTES

‘…put on love, which binds us all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.’

Colossians 3: 14b-15

1. Opening worship

The meeting opened with worship led by Tim Boaden and Andrew Clow.

2. A prayer

Worship was concluded with a prayer offered by Amanda Roper.

3. The purpose of the General Church Meeting

Amanda Roper explained to members the purpose of the meeting: “The meeting shall be held for fellowship, for mutual counsel respecting the condition of the local church, including its financial affairs, for the election of Church Stewards and Representatives and for any other purpose which the Conference may direct.”

There was nothing this year from Conference to be considered.

 

4. Attendance list/apologies

Please see attached list. There were 26 members present.

5. Minutes of 2010 General Church Meeting

These were signed as a true and accurate record.

6. Matters arising

None.

7. Previously notified A.O.B.

None.

8. Receiving of the written reports

Written reports had been made available prior to the meeting and were taken as read. There were a few additions to the reports-

  • Section a) Janet Vipond added that the Bury Street Pastors initiative has been passed and is going ahead. She asked for our prayers for it.
  • Section l) John Westwell repeated Tia’s thanks to Pauline Kershaw. The meeting agreed to send flowers and a card to Pauline in appreciation of all the work she does (Tia to arrange this).
  • Section j) Tim Boaden thanked those who had signed the petition against the “Defamation of Religions Resolution”
  • A request was made for Church Council decisions to be put in the notices. This will be discussed at a future Church Council meeting.

9. Treasurer’s report

See additional written report

  • Jem Wood thanked everyone for their support. He explained items on the written report and encouraged people to look at the new boilers!
  • He noted, with gratitude, £1000 received from the estate of Barbara Lang
  • A request was made for new chairs for the Seedfield Room. This will be referred to a future Church Council.
  • Jem was thanked for his hard work.

10. Property report

None.

11. Leadership Team Report

The Leadership Team support Church Council, Mark and the whole church. It has been praying about, reflecting on and developing the church’s vision and how to move forward together. John asked that everyone engage with the team as it listens to God and the church.

John explained the three main principles behind the vision;

  • Outward – reaching out
  • Togetherness – a shared sense of purpose
  • Simpler – fitting with our lives

Jem Wood is stepping down from the team. John thanked him for his wisdom. An additional member is needed on the team. John appealed for people with passion for the Lord and the church to help us move forward.

12. The appointment of Church stewards

The main steward team supports the minister and church on Sunday mornings. Terms start in September and last a maximum of 6 years. In addition, there is a small team of ex-stewards who serve at be Filled/Be Healed and funerals etc.

  • The following stewards are stepping down. They were thanked for their service: Paul Vipond, Dorothy Fletcher, Lesley Frost, Elaine Wood.
  • Reserve stewards –Richard Hulbert, Lesley Frost, David Poytress
  • Existing stewards –Sue & Brian Sharples (Senior Stewards), Rachel Carr, Cath Hulbert, Paul Denney, Norma Bowker, Ian McKernan, Caroline Mansfield
  • Nominations for new stewards: Mary Smith, Rick Wolstencroft, Paula Wroe, Dave Harrison, Sandra & Dave Barrow

The meeting was unanimously in favour of all the above being stewards. Brain was thanked for his work.

13. Election of representatives to Church Council

Paula Wroe and Denise Johnson have stepped down from this role. They were thanked by the meeting. Christine Moorcroft and Caroline Jones were both willing to continue. The meeting was unanimously in favour them doing so. There were no new nominations.

14. Election of the members of the Leadership Team

The leadership team consists of the Minister (Mark Roper), the Secretary (Clare Clow) and six other members. Annually one member steps down; this year Jem Wood chose to stop. He was thanked for his contribution. There were no new nominations. People were again asked to pray about this and the vacancy will be raised at Church Council. The following were elected to serve this year on the leadership team: Brian/Sue Sharples (as senior stewards), Susan Boaden (as Church Worker Management Team rep), John Westwell, Sheila Warner and Rachel Vipond. There was 1 vote against, on the principle that the stewards should be the leadership of the church.

15. Election of representatives to the Circuit Meeting

Brian Sharples already goes in his role of Senior Steward, Jem Wood as Treasurer, Tia Danning and Janet Vipond as Church Workers and Paul Vipond as Circuit Steward. Tim Boaden was willing to try out being a church representative. He was elected and thanked.

16. Annual agreement of the Church’s safeguarding policy

Amanda read out the church’s existing Safeguarding Policy (there will be a new one soon). The meeting voted unanimously in favour. Amanda called attention to the good practice guidelines. She read out the list of workers with children, young people and vulnerable adults and it was agreed by the meeting.

17. The sharing of personal testimony

Amanda asked members to form small groups to consider something they were thankful to God for during the last year, because of Seedfield Methodist Church. After this discussion, some people shared their thoughts with the whole meeting. Thanks included -

  • The Ladies’ Circle fellowship
  • Tia’s sabbatical
  • how house groups have supported us and enabled us to learn more about God
  • Younger people joining in with leading the worship
  • The large size of the church
  • The large number of people who help within the church eg with young people, music and readings

18. Closing devotions

The meeting sang “Give thanks”. Amanda closed the meeting with a prayer and then led those present in the grace.

19. Invitation to a faith tea

Amanda thanked everyone for coming and invited them to the faith tea after the meeting. Clare Clow was thanked for her work as secretary. Amanda Roper was thanked for leading the meeting.

Seedfield Methodist Church exists to demonstrate our love for Christ, our love for each other, and Christ’s love for the world.

Our Mission Statement