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MINT
METHODIST CHURCH
ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING
SUNDAY 27
April 2008
AGENDA
1. Welcome and opening
devotions
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of last meeting (13th
May 2007)
4. Matters arising not
otherwise covered
5. Matters raised by members
of the meeting (please notify the Chair (Rev Andrew Sails) at least 48 hours in
advance of the meeting)
6. Reports
7. Redevelopment
8. Appointments and Elections
9. Any Other Business
10. Closing devotions
MINUTES of the last meeting
held on Sunday 13 May 2007
1. Opening devotions and welcome. The Minister (Rev Andrew Sails) opened the meeting with prayer. He then welcomed everyone and reminded those present that while everyone was encouraged to raise matters for discussion only formal members could vote.
2. Attendance and apologies. 61 people were present and 18 apologies for absence were received (list filed in minute book). Rev Andrew Sails was the Chairperson.
3. The minutes of the previous
4. There we no matters arising not otherwise covered by the agenda.
5. No matters had been raised for discussion prior to the meeting.
6. The printed reports were received and the following items raised:
· Janet Robb highlighted the Northcott Theatre’s ‘Garden events’ (Macbeth and Cider with Rosie) and was collating availability of members in order to arrange a group attendance at both plays. The group would meet again more regularly once the theatre refurbishment was completed in early 2008.
· It was noted that no choir report had been received.
· Ribby Rowsell highlighted the important and much-appreciated work of the Flower Ministry which distributed the church flowers to those of our community roll who were ill or otherwise in our prayers.
· Ribby Rowsell queried the fact that the financial forecast indicated a deficit for the next few years. Trevor Jones indicated that this was based on declining income from room bookings and car parking although those were likely to improve as refurbishment took place.
· Angela and John White queried the fact that they were not included in the list of new Mint members despite having been received earlier in the year. Rev Andrew Sails pointed out that they had been named in the 2006 report.
· Rev Andrew Sails expressed his joy at the continued increase in membership which now stood at 206.
· The Meeting remembered in prayer Rev Douglas Brown and Clara Pearson, both of whom had died in the previous year and who had been strong and loyal supporters of the work of the Mint.
· Peter Cordery updated the meeting on property matters. Roofing repairs had commenced but a considerable number of additional items had been discovered requiring urgent action and the cost was likely to increase by up to a further £10,000. MAT had finally commenced electrical testing and their report was awaited. A number of areas were likely to require urgent rectification.
· Alan Worthington raised concerns about the security of the premises and especially access from Mary Arches Street. These would be kept in mind as the refurbishment progressed.
· John White highlighted the need to support the Barn Dance as a major fundraising, social occasion noting that the income from the previous event had been lower than expected.
The Minister thanked those who had written the reports and also those who had contributed so much to the life of the Mint in the past year especially as he had taken on the additional role of Acting Circuit Superintendent throughout the year in consequence of David Laidler’s continuing ill-health which had allowed less time to concentrate on Mint matters.
7. Appointments and elections. Rev Andrew Sails thanked those who had served the Mint in the past year and especially those who had now ended their term of office. The meeting unanimously elected the following members (previous officers shown in brackets):
New Stewards: Church
Council representatives:
Nina Black (Peter Coleman) David Horn (Thelma Bratt)
Philip Bhebhe (David Horn) Janet Robb (Derek Parker)
Rachel Hamby (Janet Robb) Maureen Kincey (Wilson Wong)
Wilson Wong (Olive Nightingale) Viv Davies (vacancy)
8. Redevelopment. Peter Coleman (Chair of the Building Development Committee) gave a brief presentation relating to current redevelopment activity. This covered:
a. Options for the site. A number of proposals had been considered and rejected by Church Council including
· sell the site (rejected as the ownership of the whole site as opposed to the Mint’s more limited area was legally complex)
· move elsewhere (prohibitively expensive if we wish to maintain a city centre presence)
·
work with others (discussions with URC,
· Retain and improve the existing premises (agreed as the way ahead)
b. Table Tennis and School Rooms. These were regarded as surplus to our requirements and we are exploring means of long-term letting/leasing via Drew Pearce.
c. Redevelop and refurbish existing premises. Areas included were:
· Toilets: major redevelopment to include improved disabled access
· Upgrade all remaining rooms on a planned basis (the Community Room (formerly ‘lecture room’) was now complete and the Lounge was next in line. Rosemary Allen had also already commissioned a survey on the Lounge block kitchen as this would be the main catering location for future large events held in the church.
· Upgrade the worship area noting especially:
o Lighting (two firms had offered advice and quotes)
o New staging to improve functionality and visibility
o Heating improvements (Sprague and Ousely were advising on the current system deficiencies)
o Audio-Visual improvements (two firms had offered advice and quotes)
A former member, Skip Mort, had also provided consultancy on all these aspects.
· An obvious entrance area, foyer and reception, and coffee area. Three architects had been approached to provide advice on possibilities and likely costs.
· Better access between the three areas of the premises (Lounge Block, Church and Rowe Block). It was hoped to include some consideration of this in the architectural brief.
The meeting divided into three groups and discussed lighting and staging (Sue Cordery), Audio-Visual improvements (Martin Myhill) and Building Synergies (Peter Coleman). Points raised in discussion included the high priority of lighting and staging improvements, the need for modern a-v systems (balanced with the need for simplified operation), improvements in the organ sound and worship area acoustics (a suspended ceiling or acoustic baffles) and general agreement that a balcony at the rear of the church would provide room for a coffee and welcome area without losing seating space.
9. Any other business. Rev Andrew Sails had received requests for accommodation from a family and a lone Korean student. Offers of assistance would be welcomed.
10. The
meeting closed with prayer and the
singing of Hymn 463 at
REPORTS
Minister’s Report
Once again it is good to report on a very lively and diverse year here at the Mint. My heartfelt thanks to so many members of the congregation - new and old - who have worked so hard and contributed so much to life and work of the Mint in the past year.
Setting our Aims
The February 2008 Church Council committed itself to pursue the following aims for the Mint Methodist Church, and I hope that these aims (doubtless reviewed and amended over time) will provide us with a set of criteria against which to evaluate our plans and our activities:
1. To retain our presence at the heart of the city, and to develop our involvement with and service to the city centre, the University, and our immediate neighbourhood.
2. To grow numerically and in the scope of our work, and build on our position as a large mainstream Free Church presence in the city. To develop a programme marked by the breadth and depth of worship and witness possible for a large Church.
3. To explore ways in which we can share more closely with others in our work – with other Churches in the Circuit, and with other denominations, faiths and agencies.
4. To become a fully international Church community
5. To become a centre for social concern in the city, and a community known for its commitment to justice and peace.
6. To develop our site as a recognized centre for conferencing and the arts in the city centre, and to build on the networks created in this way.
7. To develop our buildings in order to support all these aims.
New and Developing Work during 2007-8
I commend the
following pages of this set of annual reports, which cover a huge amount of
on-going work. I can only mention
here a few headline issues which indicate some of the many ways in which we are
seeking to achieve our aims as a Church Community:
1. Circuit Review
During 2007, the
Exeter Circuit conducted a major Circuit review, and the implications of this
are currently being explored. In
particular, the Mint is seeking to clarify how its aims and objectives relate
to those of ecumenical and circuit partners in the city centre.
2. City Centre Chaplaincy
The Mint has
initiated conversations with other city centre churches regarding possible city
centre or retail chaplaincy, and it is hoped that plans will develop during the
coming year.
3. Local Outreach
and “
The Mint is placed in the midst of the pubs and clubs of
4. International Links
Our regular worshipping community currently includes those
born in
5. Interfaith Work
The Mint hosts the new Exeter Interfaith Group, and the Mint
Minister is currently its Chair.
Founded in May 2007, the Group now regularly attracts over 20 members to
its monthly meeting, drawn from Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist, Baha’i, Sikh and
Christian groups.
This year the Mint held the third in its annual series of study weekends on
world faiths, again inviting those from other faith traditions (this year the
Synagogue) to speak in the main Sunday morning service.
6. Worship
Programme
We have developed a new pattern for evening worship during the past year, with an on-going series of services incorporating reflection and discussion on a wide range of social issues. More generally, we have continued to develop our worship programme, including a wide spectrum of musical and dramatic input.
7. University
Chaplaincy
The Mint and its minister continue to play an important role in University chaplaincy. Links with University staff are strong, and the Mint Sunday congregation now regularly includes the Heads of the Schools of Education, of Law and of Psychology. The University Chaplaincy Team is currently expanding to include those of non-Christian faiths, & the Mint Minister, with his strong links with other faith communities, has been particularly involved in this development.
8. Church Premises
Following a major setback in 2006, exciting new plans are now being
prepared for developing the site, and these will be on view at the Annual
Church Meeting. It is hoped that (at
long last!) work on the major redevelopment will begin in 2009.
Ministerial Sabbatical
On a personal note, I will be on sabbatical study leave for three months
this summer. I will be staying in
Andrew Sails
CHURCH LIFE
Senior
Steward
This has been a year of change so
far as the Stewards’ team is concerned. We welcomed four new members at the
beginning of the year, Philip Bhebhe, Nina Black, Rachel Hamby and Wilson Wong.
However, we were sorry to lose Rachel when she moved away in the summer, but we
were delighted to be able to welcome Viv Davies to the team. In the run-up to
Christmas, we lost Rob Hart from the existing team, and
Serving as a steward at the Mint has been a very positive experience (apart from problems with the electrical circuitry). In particular I would like to thank Andrew for his continuing enthusiasm and energy, even in difficult circumstances, which in turn has enthused the stewards’ team. It has been a pleasure to serve in a growing and developing church, and in particular this year it has been good to see the development of the new-style evening services. I wish Viv Davies and the new team well for the coming year.
John
Usher
Cantonese FellowshipThe Cantonese Fellowship has met regularly on the second Thursday in the past year. The Cantonese Minister David Foo leads the fellowship at the Mint. Attendance has remained between 2-3 at the meetings. Wilson Wong
Communion Stewards Report
2007-8
We have had no changes to the stewards list this year and my thanks go to all the stewards who are flexible and willing when it comes to drawing the rota up each quarter and very reliable with their duties.
Thanks to Ruth Boobier who continues to keep the cloths laundered for us and to John York who arranges the supply of communion wine.
We are now used to having the evening services in the new Community Room and this seems to be going well.
We have two or three services each year when the numbers are large and we need to use the new tray.
Janice Heath
Evening Services
For twelve months now the evening service has been held in the Community Room. The smaller venue and the tea/coffee/biscuits have all contributed to the warm fellowship and the worship. Each month since September there has been a preaching service and a service of Holy Communion.
On the other Sundays of the month a specially invited speaker has talked about a subject of social concern and the relevance of the gospel to it as well as the challenge and leading of the Holy Spirit in the matter. We have been ably led and are very grateful to the speakers and those who have led worship. Subjects have included:-
Harry Potter: Fay Priestley
Prison and Probation: John Wiseman
Christians in
RE in schools: Jack Priestley, Mary Hext & Maureen Coleman
Young
Homeless: Peter
Stephenson (
Carers: Alan Worthington
Farming Crisis Network: Brian Warren
When oil runs out: Andrew Bell
National Health Service: Peter Coleman & Bud Wendover
Immigration: Sally Farrant (
Food Miles v 3rd World Trade: Sue Errington
Soon to come:-
Mental Health Caring and
Tribunals: Tim Willcox of S.Street Baptist and Amanda Hassard (
Christians and the Web: John Allan of
Islam & Shariah Law: Robert Gleave
Post-Modernism: Nigel Collinson
Multiculturalism v. Integration into Britishness: David Morrish
The evening services continue to attract the occasional new person and the congregation is usually composed of twice or three times as many men as women.
Victor Vine
Flower Ministry
Again this year we have been very fortunate in having almost all our flower costs for the Sunday pedestals covered by donations from within our church membership. The flower team has been augmented by three new flower arrangers this year who have been very welcomed.
Our three special times of the year, Harvest, Christmas and Easter - were again celebrated by the team fully decorating the church; and for the first time this year the church was opened on Easter Saturday afternoon to give an opportunity to see the church and especially the Easter Garden, at a more quietly reflective time. I have to thank all the Flower Team who work so hard at these special times.
In March we held a Church Pedestal Flower Arranging teaching demonstration in the church on a Saturday afternoon and it was very gratifying to see so many from other churches in our circuit attending as in total we had just over 50 people at the Mint - so a very worthwhile event which enabled us to give a donation to the Redevelopment Fund as well as topping up our flower account.
Margaret Farrow
Forward
Since my report in 2007 we have continued to produce our church magazine on a monthly basis with a double issue for July/August. Our aim as always is to produce something which is informative, topical, interesting and enjoyable to its readership while remembering that FORWARD is a church based publication. We owe a great debt of gratitude to our many occasional and regular contributors who ensure that we are never short of copy. In the same way I am grateful to the many folk who continue to encourage us in our production efforts and express their gratitude in no small measure.
Soon
after our last General Meeting a new digital printer was purchased which has
not only made the production work much easier but has enabled us to produce
printing of a high standard and to incorporate good quality graphics and
photographs. Over 400 copies of our magazine are now being printed each month
and apart from those distributed throughout the Mint and Exminster churches we
constantly learn that folk in other parts of
May I take this opportunity of inviting anyone to contribute to these pages as it is always a pleasure to welcome newcomers and subjects on any topic. In conclusion I express my thanks to Andrew and Liz for their contribution towards content, Maria for her work at the production and assembly line, Ruth for preparation of the magazine collection point and finally Alan for postal distribution of uncollected editions.
Derek Parker
(Editor)
Gift Aid
The total amount of tax recovered
for the year ended
We were expecting the amount recoverable for the tax year 2008 to 2009 to be reduced from 28p to 25p in the pound, but apparently the amount will remain at 28p for the next three years.
If you are a
With grateful thanks to all who Gift Aid their giving, as this is a great help towards balancing our budget. Let us hope to maximise the amount while the higher rate still applies.
Peter Jarvis
(Gift Aid Secretary)
Exeter Korean Church
Korean church mainly consisted of
civil servants and Kogas company people in 2006 but after their return to
Activities in 2007
1. Sunday services - attended by
20 people and after the service we share fellowship by talking about
difficulties and the good thing about living in a foreign country over coffee
and sandwiches.
2. Wednesday evening
bible study - I led the bible study group for 8 months and mainly Korean
women who married English men attended. We studied God, Jesus as our
Saviour, the Holy Spirit and about the bible in depth.
3. Tuesday prayer meeting - Anna
leads this meeting where we share each others’ problems and pray for each
other. It helps us get to know each other better and grow spiritually with
prayer for each other.
4.Ennea gram ( the 3rd session ) -
attended by 10 students and 6 of them finished the course. It is helping people
to find their personalities and work and pray for their weaknesses so
that it helps them to grow to be a matured person.
5. Home visit - Anna and I visited
Korean people's homes and led home services and prayers for their wishes and
problems.
We got to know God's love deeply
through the things mentioned above. I am appreciative on the behalf of the
Korean congregation for Rev. Andrew Sails and the Mint
congregation's support and guidance. I wish that we experience God's love
to share with each other and grow in him through the Sunday service, bible
study, prayer meeting and ennea gram ( the 4th session ) in 2008 as well.
Pastor Hwang/(Yoo Young-ae)
Midnight Mint
The Midnight Mint project began on
Since that first Friday night, we
have welcomed over 270 visitors, a small proportion of whom are now regulars.
Although we originally thought we would be serving the needs of clubbers, we
have been surprised at the variety of people who have come. Ages have
ranged from 16 to 70 plus and there has
been a real international flavour on occasions, with visitors from France,
Switzerland, Poland, Norway, Ireland, Iran, the USA and Saudi Arabia. Average attendances are now in the teens and
our visitors stay for between 20 minutes and one hour. One group of six young men from
Conversations have mostly taken the form of friendly chats but there have also been occasions when quite serious issues have been covered and searching questions asked of us. All our visitors have expressed thanks for the friendship offered, the service we provide and the pleasant candlelit atmosphere.
One important thing we realised early on was that it is a long walk from the front gate to the Community Room – long in the sense that for someone who doesn’t know the Mint and probably doesn’t frequent church all that often, if at all, it takes a bit of courage to make the journey ‘cold’ so to speak. We therefore always make sure that there are two volunteers standing at the gate, engaging in conversation with people passing by and inviting them in. We have come to view these conversations on the street as an important part of the project.
We considered from the start that it was important for volunteers to undergo relevant training and to this end we have a visit from the Police planned for the end of April and a First Aid training session planned for June.
Our aims are to provide a friendly and safe place for people to meet and have refreshment and also to offer a listening ear and provide a friendly response. We believe that with the prayerful support of Mint members and the other churches involved we are meeting these aims. We are still seeking volunteers and would particularly welcome any young or younger male volunteers as the majority of our visitors are younger men. If you would like to know more about Midnight Mint then please feel free to drop in any Friday night and experience it for yourself (no strings attached!).
Maureen Coleman
Northcott Theatre Group
The Northcott Theatre Group were delighted when the theatre reopened after being closed for a year for a major refit. Several new theatre goers have joined and 30-40 of us have seen Invisible Bonfires in January, The Notebook of Trigorin in February, Looking for J J and The Wedding Dance in March. Goodnight Mr Tom and Spies in April. We look forward to a varied programme of plays in the future.
Janet Robb.
The Mint Orchestra
The Mint Orchestra continues to play regularly in morning services as well as providing music for special occasions. As usual Christmas was our busiest time, playing for NCH Carols (though the stormy weather defeated our attempts to play outdoors!), and the Christmas All Age Worship Service. On the social side, in July we enjoyed the now regular Summer barbecue and some of our hardier souls managed to eat outside despite the unseasonal weather – we hope for hot sunshine this coming year!
We have been pleased to welcome
several new members during the year – notably Tony Davies and Alex Fraser in
the violins, and Clarissa Jackson in the wind section playing either clarinet
or flute. It was also good to have Annika Hullin, a post-graduate Student from
Our Orchestra also now has a junior member - Bethan Rose, baby daughter of Caroline Thomas, our oboist!
I am very grateful for the loyal support of a regular group of players without whom it would not be possible to provide such regular instrumental music. We are always pleased to welcome new members in all sections of the orchestra. Appropriate musical parts can be provided to suit players’ ability and experience.
Jean Usher
(Conductor/Organiser)
Mint Pantomime
Dick Whittington, with a twist in the tale (or should it be tail’?) was the fifth pantomime staged in February by Mint members and friends. There were two performances each playing to a packed house, and in spite of a serious case of ‘stage fright’ at the dress rehearsal, the pantomime was judged by all who came, as a great success.
Highlights included; great dancing and singing; two very curvy cats; a motley crew of sailors whose energetic dancing brought calls for an encore on the second night; a moving boat (!); an underwater UV lit scene, and who will be able to forget the magnificent transformation of our Dame into Elvis Presley! Thanks must be recorded to the large number of people – nearly 70 in total – who were involved either performing on stage or in that all-important backstage work, including scenery design and painting and the making of those wonderful costumes. The dedication and professionalism of all who took part never ceases to amaze us. In addition a number of organisations and friends not directly connected to the Mint gave their invaluable support in a variety of practical ways.
Finally our thanks to two great audiences who cheered, hissed and applauded in all the right places, and who helped us raise over £1100 for the Redevelopment Fund. Plans are beginning to take shape for next year’s pantomime which will take place on the 6th and 7th February, so book the dates in your Diary now.
Gill Horn & Maureen Coleman
Student MethAng Society
This academic year has been very successful for Methang and we have increased our membership to 30, with an average of 15-20 members attending each weekly meeting. We have had a variety of speakers from numerous religions and organisations, and have heard from representatives from the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. A PHD student from the university's CathSoc also visited us to talk about Catholicism, and the Prison's Anglican Chaplain came to enlighten us on the role of faith on the 'inside'. We have also had talks from many charities, including an active member of the Salvation Army, Charlotte from Christian Aid and Kate from Crossline.
The joint Chapel and Mint service
was brilliant this year, and the following Mint meal was as successful as
usual. The charity we chose to support with this year's MethAng musical was
Crossline, a local charity which helps the homeless in
Alongside these activities, we
have also enjoyed social events such as a joint quiz with the Catholic Society,
UNITE (a joint prayer and faith based venture with the other Christian
societies on the University campus), a pudding party, and a pizza and DVD
evening during Welcome Week to promote ourselves to the Freshers. We also had
our annual Christmas meal at the Firestone this year, with the customary carols
until
Having just had our annual elections, the details of the newly elected committee are listed in the Family News of the April edition of Forward, and they will be taking over the running of MethAng from the end of April.
Andrew Lockett
Taize Group
The Taize Group continues to take
part during services at the Mint on an occasional basis. We led the Easter Sunday evening service at
the Mint and a number of evening services at Silverton Methodist Church during
the year. We would welcome anyone who
would like to join us. Please contact
Trevor Jones
Mint
Walking Group
The Mint Walking Group continues to be successful. We meet about every three weeks throughout the year. The walks vary from three to six miles and cover a variety of countryside and coastal areas. Numbers vary from about eight to over twenty Everyone is welcome! All you need are boots, or stout shoes and waterproofs! Lifts can be arranged. It is an excellent way of getting to know people and make new friends. There is usually a refreshment stop somewhere: beginning, middle or end, sometimes more than one!
Details and contact phone numbers for each walk are printed in the weekly church notices and in Forward.
Rosemary Allen
Women's Fellowship Report
During the past year we have been
sad to record the deaths of Phyllis Coombes and Margaret Pearson, also two
members have moved away from
Joan Gardener
Network at the Mint is focussed on the Tuesday afternoon ‘Womens’ Fellowship’ which at present has a membership of 15 (approx). It meets every Tuesday with a speaker most times. In the light of the major changes taking place at Connexional level, Network is facing up to some major challenges. In order to put this into perspective a bit of background history may be helpful.
150 years ago, ‘Womens’ work’ was
born with their special vision regarding the work overseas and supporting
missionaries. 100 years later, weekly meetings started in local churches and
other fellowships to share concerns about welfare – hence ‘Womens’ Fellowship’
was inspired especially during the last war. Both of these groups (often within
the same church meeting) continued until 1987 with lively interest and a
recognition from the Church that these groups were a valuable part of the
Network is known for its creative approach to worship and its programme of social action projects that address human issues from which the church sometimes shies away e.g. anti-slavery, drug-trafficking and forced labour of migrant domestic workers in the UK. It has also been responsible for a quarterly magazine called ‘Magnet’ with resources for worship and prayer and a vision for Christian witness in the world today.
After twenty years of working from
within the
Since then, consultations have been taking place to discuss the future of Network. The result of these ‘consultations’ is that Womens’ Network does not want independence. 92% did not want to coordinate groups whether locally or nationally. As they have already lost their Connexional staff, there was real anxiety about the implied work for volunteers.
Thought and prayer about the
future is essential; the potential of Womens’ Network has always been within
its people; many of these are now older women and there is a long list of those
who have served the Church well and who are now watching and waiting in the
hope that something new and exciting will reveal itself. The richness of the
Thelma Bratt (President,
Mint Womens’ Fellowship)
May Hardy (Circuit
President, Network)
Young Church Report –
2006/2007
Although we have 45 children and young people on our roll, the average attendance is only18.
Due to an imbalance in the age ranges amongst the younger children, especially with the 11-14 year olds it was decided in September to make some changes to the structures of our Sunday morning sessions with three departments instead of four. The Primary group now consists of children aged three to seven under the leadership of Penny Smith; the Juniors and Seniors which combined to form a group for children aged eight to thirteen (+) is under the leadership of Anne Vine and Gill Horn, and the Young People’s group for those aged 14 and over, is under the leadership of Bron Lea. The new structure appears to be working fairly satisfactorily, although there are some concerns that the Primary group covers too large an age range and a review of the situation is currently underway.
We continue to experience
difficulties in recruiting people to ‘lead’ on an occasional basis in the
Primary department. Although there are sufficient numbers willing to act as
helpers, we do not seem able to attract church members who are willing to take
the additional step of being responsible for planning and delivering a morning
session. The situation could become more
serious if we lose the leadership of Anne Vine in the Middle age group, due to
the planned move of Anne and Victor to the
This is the second year in which we have used Seasons of the Spirit as our teaching resource. Planning and preparation of the Sunday sessions has been made much easier because of the structured approach of the materials and the practical suggestions for activities. The newly decorated Room 6 with the addition of brightly coloured chairs and tables has been much appreciated by staff and children.
During the year, young church members and staff were involved in the planning and leading of three All Age Worship services. They also took part in the Rock Nativity musical in November, and the Pantomime in February. The Young People’s department adopted ‘Water Aid’ as their charity and raised money for it by making cakes to sell after the morning service, and through the sale of Pantomime DVDs.
One of our principal aims is that the children and young people within our care will feel happy and at home in the church family and make lasting friendships with people from all age groups. We believe that we have achieved this aim during the past year and that through the dedication of leaders and helpers we are helping children and young people to grow in their understanding of God’s love and purpose for them and our world.
Maureen Coleman
COMMITTEES
Buildings Development
Committee
Since last year’s Annual Report, many important steps have been taken so that we now have a much clearer picture of what is achievable both practically and financially in regard to our premises. Paul Russell was appointed as our architectural advisor at the Church Council in June, and was later confirmed as the architect for the project. Bryan Hammond was appointed as the Construction Design & Management (CDM) Coordinator, to deal with matters of health and safety and other issues.
Over the course of eight committee
meetings, reports to the Church Council and presentations and discussion with
the whole Church and congregation, the present scheme gradually took shape.
This includes proposed extensions at the right hand side and front of the
church (when viewed from the car park), improvements to toilets behind the
community room and off the existing foyer, a new kitchen at church level where
the existing room 3 stands, and increased social areas and a much more
prominent entrance clearly visible from Fore St. These plans have now been submitted to the
Methodist Property Office in
On the assumption that these plans
will not require major amendment either for planning permission or to receive
approval from
At the same time, the Committee has been mindful of the need for upgrading the existing premises, and a schedule of work for this year has been agreed, which includes refurbishment and redecoration of parts of the Schoolroom block and the vestry, and completion of the Community Room block improvements. The plans for improved lighting, audio-visual equipment and staging in the church remain under review and contact has been maintained with some of the providers whose proposals have been considered earlier. Heating in the premises has been a particular concern and the committee is currently awaiting the report of an independent heating engineer, whose initial suggestions have been encouraging. This links particularly with the concern of many about ‘green’ issues in relation to our redevelopment. New, more efficient boilers would be a major step towards reducing our use of energy, and the architect has also been looking again at the Renewable Energy Scoping Study produced for the Church in 2006.
All in all, this has been a year of considerable progress and activity on the redevelopment front, and the Committee is grateful for the interest, concern, support and enthusiasm that has been shown across the whole Church and which has contributed considerably to the much clearer and stronger position we are in than a year ago.
Peter Coleman
Family Committee
The Family Committee has met twice during the year and received reports from a wide range of groupings within our church.
We have been made aware of the
great need for more help with the leadership of
There has been a request from a number of people who have recently joined us for the opportunity to join in a mid week Bible study. This project is being taken forward with help from Ken Kite.
Through Hope 2008 the churches aim to communicate the Gospel through work and action to express the Love of Jesus in their communities. The Mint is holding a “Big Cream Tea” on 24th May at 3pm. Offers of help with this event will be much appreciated
Maureen Kincey who looks after the room bookings has reported an increasing demand for lettings and she requests that members who wish to use rooms for meetings should check availability with her well in advance.
We are pleased that Mike Mofatt has agreed to undertake the role of Fire Officer and Angela White has become our new Press Officer taking over from Fay Priestley to whom we extend our thanks.
Bud Wendover
Secretary
Financial Report
For the year ended