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MINT METHODIST
CHURCH
ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING
SUNDAY 9th
May 2010
and ANNUAL REPORTS
ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING AGENDA
1.
Welcome and opening devotions
2.
Apologies
3.
Minutes of last meetings (10th May 2009/ 22nd November
2009)
4.
Matters arising not otherwise covered
5.
Discussion: “Being the Church in our New Premises”. An
opportunity for questions or comments on the way our new premises are working,
and ways in which we might further develop our work in our refurbished
building.
6.
7. Any
other specific matters raised by members of the meeting (please notify the
Chair (Rev
8.
Appointments and Elections
(a) Church Stewards
(b) Congregational Representatives to the Church Council
9.
Closing devotions
MINT METHODIST
CHURCH
ANNUAL
CHURCH MEETING - MINUTES
SUNDAY 10th
May 2009 12.30pm to 2.00pm
- Opening Devotions and welcome. The
Minister (Rev Andrew Sails)
welcomed everyone to the meeting
and commenced with a short prayer. He also outlined the purpose of the meeting.
- Attendance and apologies. 59
people attended the meeting and there were 16 apologies for absence (list
filed in minute book)
- Minutes of the previous meeting (28th
April 2008). These were signed as a correct record.
- Matter arising. There were no
additional agenda items to be covered.
- Additional Matters raised by members. Apart
from updates on events, no additional items had been communicated to the
Chair or Secretary.
- Church Council Membership and
Elections. Thanks were expressed to Alison Franklin (retiring Church
Steward) for all her energy and enthusiasm in carrying out this role. The
meeting also gave its thanks to other members of Church Council who had
reached the end of their appointment (Lyn Green, Liz Sails and May Hardy)
and those who were moving away (Valerie Carne) or stepping down because of
other commitments (Jean Usher).
Bill Barter and Elizabeth Webb were nominated as new Church Stewards by Viv Davies and seconded by the remaining Church Stewards. They were appointed unanimously. Kirsty Mottram, George Hood, Olive Nightingale and Alan Worthington were also unanimously elected to the Church Council as representatives from the Church Meeting. The remaining membership of the Church Council was confirmed.
- Evening Worship. A brief paper was
tabled (filed in minute book) detailing the results of the recent survey
on Evening Worship at the Mint. There had been 18 respondents representing
a broad spectrum of opinion. It was clear that there was strong support to
continue the weekly services in the Community Room and involving a range
of services to include Communion, themed topics and more traditional
styles of worship. The meeting was invited to discuss the report in their
seats. Arising from this:
·
Stephen Lea (also on behalf of Stuart Jackson)
was concerned that it was not always possible to fit in themed speakers and
service elements into an hour.
·
Viv Davies, on behalf of the stewards, pointed
out the practical difficulties of a proposal to hold earlier services on a
Sunday Morning in summer months, not least the need for stewards to arrive an
hour before the service.
·
Kirsty Mottram raised the possibility of the evening
services being targeted at attracting more people to the Church.
·
George Larkinson suggested that we should hold
more joint services
·
·
Barbara Pillidge was concerned that we made our
spaces available for lunchtime services and at other times.
·
Alan Worthington pointed out that we had lost
Victor Vine who had been a great protagonist and organiser for the evening
services. We needed someone to replace him.
·
Richard Kappf queried whether the Mint
redevelopment would provide dedicated, small worship space.
·
Philip Bhebhe raised concern that such a key
issue had received such a small survey response.
The meeting agreed to refer the matter to Church Council for a decision suggesting that:
· the Mint continues its weekly evening services with a similar mix of styles as at present.
·
Some united services should continue to be held,
both within the Methodist Circuit and ecumenically. Particular consideration should be given to
shared services with
· Allocation of appropriate space in the redevelopment was also important to support services and prayer at alternative times.
· It was vital that an individual or group be found to take the lead in organizing the programme of evening worship - particularly those Sundays involving discussion and conversation.
- Annual Report. Printed reports
representing the full range of Mint life and activity had been made
available prior to the meeting. Andrew Sails thanked everyone involved for
the huge amount of work undertaken by members of the congregation on
behalf of the Church during the past year. A number of items were highlighted:
· Maureen Coleman was pleased to announce that Helen Beardsall and Kay Moffat had agreed to take on the organisation of the crèche rota. However, volunteers were still needed to operate the rota on a regular basis. June Kirkman was thanked for organising this rota for a number of years.
· Stephen Lea asked for clarification regarding the process of distribution of flowers since the departure of Ribby Rowsell. Barbara Pillidge said that we were looking for two people per month on an annual rota to wrap and pass the flowers on at the end of the morning service to those who could take them to the sick or needy.
· Stephen Lea announced that, due to family commitments, the Oriole Drive Housegroup had moved from the Forsyth’s and now met at his home.
· Viv Davies asked for a volunteer to take on the arrangements for the Sunday morning coffee rota as Margaret Stirling had asked to retire from that role. More coffee helpers were also required.
·
Margaret Andrews circulated a ‘sign up’ sheet
for collectors to support the Action for
· Peter Coleman said that an alternative venue for Midnight Mint during the Mint refurbishment works was still under consideration.
· Alan Worthington was concerned that the extractor fans in the new community room block toilets required the light to be on before they functioned. This was no good during day-time hours and the Property Committee was asked to explore alternative systems.
· David Horn raised the potential restart of the ‘Wednesdays at the Mint’ series. There were three grounds for this – discussing themes not covered by other Mint events (e.g. themed evening services), the new Mint objective to meet together more often and the pastoral benefit of such events. It was noted that this might also include a joint Mint/Sidwell St Film club venture. Much still had to be decided by way of frequency and other arrangements but the meeting was happy that this concept should proceed.
- Redevelopment. Peter Coleman
updated the meeting on the current plans. Tenders had just been received and
were currently being scrutinised prior to a meeting of the Redevelopment
Committee on 13 May and an extraordinary Church Council on 20th
May. He was confident that the scheme was financially viable and could
start in late June/early July. It was likely that most or all of the car
park would have to be closed at that point but we currently intended to
stay on site throughout the works.
Thanks were expressed to everyone who had put so much effort into
realising this scheme over many years and earlier disappointments. The
need to continue to raise funding was highlighted.
- Church Objectives. Andrew Sails
mentioned the proposed Mint Objectives which had been approved at the
February Church Council as part of the Circuit agenda. The objectives were
detailed in his section of the Annual Report and had already been
circulated in Forward.
- Any other Business. There were no additional items.
- Close. The Minister thanked everyone for their contributions, reports and considerable energies over the past year - and also for all they would do in the coming year. The meeting remembered those who had died in the past year and especially members of the Mint: Lucy Barlow, Eric Smith, Harold and Sybil Bayley, Joan Gardener, Frank and Kathleen Harding, Rosemary Lee, Leslie Cooper, John Usher, Sylvia Rookes and Victor Crook. The meeting closed by singing ‘This is the God we adore’.
EXTRAORDINARY
GENERAL CHURCH MEETING
SUNDAY 22
November 2009 12.30pm to 2pm
- The Minister (Rev Andrew Sails) welcomed everyone and opened the meeting with a prayer. There were 39 people present including 23 members of the Church Council.
- Redevelopment scheme. Peter Coleman gave a verbal update on progress
· It was reported that all building works in the Rowe wing, the new Worship Centre gallery and link corridor would be handed over by the originally-intended completion date (18th December). It was also anticipated that some car parking would be handed back at this time. Delays arising from demolition of the church tower had delayed completion of the Reception and Social area until mid January.
· To date, as well as on-going construction and refurbishment, a new, controlled heating system was operational in the Rowe wing and this included provision of hot water on an all-year basis and which was not reliant on the full heating system as had previously been the case. It was hoped that replacement wiring to the Worship Centre heating system would be in place by 28th November. Installation of three ceiling fans to circulate the heated air in this area had still to be scheduled.
· During the period between January and March 2010 there would be redecoration of the church, installation of a multimedia audio-visual system (including camera in the Worship Centre), replacement lighting in the Worship Centre and external works including paving and some resurfacing of parts of the car park. It was hoped to install a car park barrier system and work would also start on the District Office in the former table-tennis room once alternative public access was re-established via the Rowe wing.
A number of questions relating to the car park followed. Margaret Farrow queried who would have car park access while Andrew Green raised concerns about obstruction of the pavement/Fore Street while cars were waiting to gain entry. Barry Hargrave questioned provision for access by emergency services and Jean Usher requested that space was available for the annual Action for Children carol singing on 19th December. While there were a number of remedies, these matters would be referred to the car park sub-committee meeting in December.
3. Church
Centre Administrator. It was reported that following the agreed selection process,
Jean Usher asked that thanks be formally recorded to Maureen Stoolman for the immense amount of work and dedication she had provided as Lettings secretary over the past few years. Responsibility for bookings, access and invoicing would transfer to the Church Centre Administrators during January.
- Finance. Rev Andrew Sails reported
that a debt of approximately £60,000 was anticipated by July 2010 when the
refurbishment and other, previously-agreed works (including re-pointing
the walls facing
The October Church Council had agreed to manage this in faith by authorising the loan of this money over a maximum five year period.
It was hoped to raise some money through interest-free loans from members (although on immediate call-back) and details would be available very shortly. Stephen Lawson queried the existence of a Circuit Reserve Fund dedicated to this purpose and this would be explored with urgency although it was noted that the Circuit had already granted £15,000 to the Mint scheme and loaned an additional £15,000 without time limit.
However, in view of an impending
cash-flow shortfall, the Church Council had previously agreed to approach the
Methodist Chapel Aid scheme for a low interest loan of £60,000. The meeting
reaffirmed this approach and the members of Church Council present unanimously
endorsed
- Re-opening celebrations. Maureen
Coleman outlined the proposed plans for the re-opening weekend which had
been set for 24th/
Margaret Stirling queried the capacity for the evening service and whether this should be all-ticket, too. It was noted that as well as a capacity of at least 250 in the Worship Centre, refurbishment provided the ability to relay the service live to the Reception and Social Area and also the Rowe Hall. Stephen Lawson reminded the meeting that a formal dedication should be held and this would be included in either morning or evening services.
- Church Objectives. The meeting broke into groups in order to consider the Mint’s previously-stated seven objectives. Feedback from the groups revealed that:
· Although the Mint’s international work was vital, there was very little desire to adopt ‘International’ in the formal name of the church. At the same time, our literature could include tags such as ‘active in the [local and international] community’.
· Car parking issues had received further consideration with a suggestion that some form of ‘set down’ and ‘pick up’ facility was necessary especially when considering the very young and the elderly. We should note that increased commercial use of the premises would require some car parking provision although this should be managed on a commercial basis.
· We are moving into a phase where pulling together and coordinating volunteers replaces building works as the predominant activity
· Some concern was expressed that there were not sufficient appointments for existing local preachers so recruiting more would raise some scheduling issues.
· We need to look urgently at our levels of giving
It was concluded that our name
should remain ‘
Margaret Stirling thanked the Building Group and especially Peter Coleman (as well as Maureen for her patience) for the many hours of work and diligence in bringing this scheme to such a positive conclusion.
- Room Names. A poll had been circulated during the meeting and the results collated as regards definitive names for the remaining unnamed areas:
· Wesley wing (formerly Community Room/Lounge block)
Epworth Room (formerly lounge)
· Reception and Social Area
Reception
· Worship Centre (formerly church)
Gallery
Link
· Rowe wing (formerly Rowe block)
Rowe Hall
Martin Luther-King room (Formerly Maria’s Office/Questors’ room)
Nelson Mandela room (Formerly Minister’s office)
(other rooms as previously designated)
· Old School wing (formerly School-Room block)
Old Schoolroom
Priory room (formerly room 6)
Priory servery
It was agreed that these names would be used with immediate effect to get them into common usage by the time they were available for use.
ANNUAL
REPORTS 2010
Minister’s Annual Report
It is a joy to report on the past year and thank all those who have contributed to such a memorable year.
1. Redevelopment Scheme The major redevelopment of the Mint premises commenced in July 2009, with Arque as the main contractor. The major part of the work was completed in January 2010, including the construction of a large new reception area in part of the former car park, a large new professional standard kitchen, two suites of new toilets including disabled toilets, a new gallery for the worship area with link passage underneath joining previously unconnected parts of the premises, a lift, a new heating system, two new small meeting rooms, a new suite of offices and a totally refurbished large hall.
The next phase of the work took place during February to April 2010, including refurbishment of the organ, redecoration renewed lighting and a major new audio-visual system for the worship area, and the creation of a new District Resource Centre. The final phase of work later in 2010 will include more external work on car park, notice boards, etc, and the provision of a new lift to serve the Resource Centre.
A wonderful celebration re-opening weekend took place on the weekend of April 24-25.
2. Finance We have borrowed some money from Methodist Chapel Aid and also taken up some interest free loans from members of the congregation, but it is expected that on completion of the scheme, our debt will be less than £100,000, on a scheme which (from initial feasibility work in 2002 onwards) will have cost approx. £1 Million. We are grateful to all those who have supported this scheme from the Circuit, District, Connexion and beyond, as well as for the hard work and generosity of our own members.
3. Staffing We have been grateful for the great contribution Rev Heegon Moon has made to our work at the Mint. We wish him well as he prepares (subject to Conference) to take up a station in SE Northumberland in September. We hope to appoint a new Korean pastor who will work 2 days per week at the Mint and at the University from September.
We are grateful to the Circuit for recognizing the needs of the Mint and University Chaplaincy by reducing the demands on the Mint Minister elsewhere in the Circuit.
Following the retirement of our caretaker, we have appointed two new Church Administrators on a 40 hours p.w. job share, and also a part time cleaner. With the help of volunteers, we are now able to have the premises open and the reception area staffed from 9.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
4. Mission and Outreach Our new premises are already opening doors (literally and metaphorically) for increased neighbourhood involvement. In particular, we have recommenced our late night Friday “Midnight Mint” project; we have recommenced our weekly Lunch Club in collaboration with the North Devon College and the Probation service; we are expanding the list of groups using our premises for external lettings and are now offering some catered conferencing. We have produced colour brochures about the Mint, and our Reopening weekend provided an opportunity to invite many local residents onto our premises,.
The Mint has facilitated ecumenical discussion with Exeter City Council and Gabriel House to discuss volunteer help with emergency cold weather provision for street homeless people. We continue to lead ecumenical conversations about city centre or retail chaplaincy to the city, and have hosted events with the former Chaplain to Broadmead Shopping Centre in Bristol to discuss possibilities.
We continue to build stronger links with our friends at Sidwell Street and have now inaugurated a quarterly joint evening service.
We continue to host the Exeter Interfaith Group, and this year our Minister has chaired the University Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Team and has also preached at the Friday evening Shabbat service at the Synagogue.
The Exeter Refugee Support group have new offices almost opposite the Mint, and we are building links with them, including particular work with them on behalf of one asylum seeker within our own congregation.
Our Korean work flourishes. We recently added nine Koreans members to the membership roll, taking joint membership of their home Churches (Methodist, Presbyterian or Catholic) and the British Methodist Church.
Our current congregations regularly include members from Korea, China, Japan, India, Afghanistan, Russia, Philippines, Kenya, Ghana, Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe, USA, Canada, Croatia, Slovenia, and France.
Our membership total is now 225, an increase of 55 over the past 8 years.
We thank God for the work he is doing in this place, and ask for his continued blessing as we seek to utilize our new premises for the work of the Kingdom.
Andrew Sails
Senior Steward’s Report
We are glad to welcome Elizabeth Webb and Bill Barter to the team. We were saddened that Nina Black had to cut short her term of service due to ill-health, but are delighted to see her well again. I would like to thank Nina and Philip Bhebe for all the work and support they have given and wish them well in their “retirement”. I would also like to thank Ruth Jordan for filling in and being so helpful on many occasions.
My thanks also to David Horn, Peter Coleman, Rob Turner and various others when a (quite frequent) crisis has occurred with microphones and other pieces of electronic equipment!
The last few weeks have been very exciting, but hair-raising at times. The stewards will say farewell to the AV system with relief and we wish the new team much energy and enthusiasm in their new ventures. We will watch with interest.
Finally I would like to thank Andrew for his support and encouragement throughout the year. May we all continue to build even after Arque have left the premises.
Talks between Sidwell St and The Mint
There was a final meeting between the two churches in June
2009 in the presence of the Superintendent Minister. It was decided that one
from each church would continue to meet on a three monthly basis. Margaret
Fogarty was appointed from
This has all happened as planned. Because we have been very pre-occupied with trying to get ourselves ready for the re-opening this has been the full extent of the meetings.
There will be another full meeting with the Superintendent Minister in June.
Viv
Davies
Finance
Committee
Three matters have dominated the work of the Finance Committee over the last year, the Development project, the general church budget / annual income and expenditure and changes to staff and appointments.
Development Project
A very close monitoring of the expenditure on the Development project and the funding of it has taken place in conjunction with the chairmen of the Buildings Group and the Property Committee. From the start of the current works in 2007 to this June when all the development will be completed and paid for, the total expenditure amounts to £840,000.
All the reserves and bequests built up over many years, plus the very generous giving of the Congregation to the Development fund and grants from the District, Circuit, Connexion and Trusts have been needed. To complete the project a loan of £60,000 from Methodist Chapel Aid has been arranged along with interest-free loans from members of the Congregation of £46,500
A generous response to the Anniversary Appeal this June is vital to financing the upkeep as well as development of our buildings as further work on the stonework, roof and gutters has been identified amounting to £90,000. And of course the loans have to be repaid from future giving.
Budgets
The impact of the development project has been to bring the general church budget under considerable pressure A small surplus of £8,000 was achieved for the last full year to the end of August 2009 on an income and expenditure in the order of £110,000 each. However for the current year, reductions in income from lettings, the car park and investments and increases in expenditure on staff and utilities will put the general budget into deficit.
Andrew Green the Church Treasurer will be explaining the current and future budget challenges in a presentation to the meeting following this report.
Staff Changes and
Appointments
To be ready to maximise the opportunities and benefits from the remodelled premises following the Development project, the Employment Sub Committee has overseen a complete re-organisation of the paid staff including the retirement of Tony Butt, the Caretaker for many years, and the appointment of Administrators and a cleaner at the turn of the year.
The appointment of a new Korean Minister to follow Heegon is our next task.
Tim
Davies
Treasurer
(Andrew Green)
Report to be
visually presented at the meeting.
Action
for Children
Thank you to all who helped in any way to raise money for Action for
Children. Some Mint members helped with the annual street
collection. The congregation contributed in envelopes on Action for
Children Sunday. At
In 2010 the annual street collection fell on the same day as the Mint
re-opening, so only two MInt members collected in the street.
Margaret Andrews
Christians
Together in Central Exeter/CTAX
CTCE Lent groups started with lunch at the Mint and were well attended. The Agape supper was held at the Mint at 6.00pm on 1 April, followed by 7.30 Eucharist at the Cathedral. On Good Friday, 2 April, there was a united service at the Cathedral followed by the dramatized walk of witness.
The AGM was asked to consider and vote upon the following resolution (name
amended from Christians Across Exeter CAE to Christians Together Across Exeter
CTAX). The members of CTCE strongly
recommend that individual churches in membership of CTCE should support the
formation of Christians Together Across Exeter(CTAX).
Following the successful formation of an
association of Christian Together Across Exeter (CTAX) it is resolved that
Churches Together in Central Exeter (CTCE) be disbanded and any funds remaining
should be transferred into CTAX
The motion to adopt the resolution was proposed by Iain McDonald and
seconded by Lesley Curd and agreed unanimously with one abstention. The Mint
has confirmed its membership of CTAX.
Bud Wendover
Choir
The choir has
enjoyed another interesting year marking the anniversary of three major
composers in 2009 – Handel (in the shape of his Coronation Anthem ‘Zadok the
Priest’, Haydn’s Little Organ Mass and one of Mendelssohn’s Christmas motets;
in 2010 we made use of the wonderful new gallery when seven members of the
choir sang Thomas Tallis’s ‘ Lamentations of Jeremiah’ during a Lenten
communion and on Passion Sunday we sang Philip Ledger’s stunning new Requiem
supported by a small orchestral group.
We have
continued to make occasional use of our association with South West Brass,
enjoying their participation at Christmas and, more recently at the celebration
service for the re-opening of the church. Although numbers are adequate, we
always welcome new members – especially tenors and basses – so please speak to
me or any choir member if you enjoy singing and would like to come to a trial
rehearsal.
Richard Taverner
The choir has
had a full programme of music over the year in addition to its contribution to
worship each Sunday . It has performed a number of works particularly at
The choir always
welcomes those interested in becoming members. We are fortunate in having a
large pool of musical talent in the church and would wish to thank all those
who accompany our services on the organ and piano each week. We would
particularly wish to express our thanks to Richard for his untiring work in
directing all aspects of the music at the Mint.which plays such a major part in
our worship throughout the year.
Bud Wendover
Flower
Team
We have had another year where all
the Sunday flowers have been covered by donors apart from Easter, Harvest and
Up until the New Year it had been
the custom for the pedestal to be dismantled at the end of the Sunday morning
service and the flowers distributed to the sick, etc. But from New Year
when the new Reception area was in use the pedestal now goes into there for the
next week and I must say it looks lovely as people walk up towards the doors
and I feel a better use of the pedestal. However, our sick have not been
forgotten and each week two small bunches of flowers are purchased that are
then taken or given out appropriately. These bunches are being
funded by a donation from church funds and do not come out of the flower
fund as this is quite small but is kept afloat by specific donations from
members of the congregation during the year for which we are most greatful - it
is surprising how many blocks of Oasis are used in one year.
We have just enjoyed doing the
flowers for Easter and are now planning for the re-opening weekend where I hope
everyone will enjoy our arrangements which will beautify the new church.
Margaret Farrow
Forward
Since my last report in 2009 we have continued to produce a monthly edition of our church magazine except in the month of August. Every effort has been made to ensure that the readership is always kept informed of all developments and to make our publication as wide ranging in content as possible. I never cease to be amazed to learn that apart from our own membership FORWARD is not only distributed and read by folk in other parts of this country but also elsewhere in the world.
For several months now I have been unable to fulfil my duties as editor for reasons of which most of you will be aware and I am therefore deeply grateful to Liz and Andrew for being so willing to step into the breach and for their magnificent efforts on our behalf. Deepest thanks are also due to our many contributors and to Ruth Jordan who month by month ensures that following printing the magazine is placed on display ready for collection. Our final word of appreciation goes to Alan Johnson who ensures that any copies not collected are distributed by post
Derek
Parker
Gift
Aid
I make my annual appeal to those of you who
are
The tax recovered for the year ended 5th
April 2009 was £19,328:66 (an increase of just over £2,000 on the previous
year), and the amount recovered for the half-year to 5th October 2009 was
£15,618:56, an increase of over £3,000 on the half-year to 5th October
2008. So we aren't doing badly.
Congratulations and thanks to all concerned.
Keep it up!
Peter Jarvis
Lettings
·
We
have 19 weekly and 5 monthly lettings, for both large and small groups. e.g. Yoga, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, Pilates, Bujin,
Break Dancing, Drama, Parent/Toddler, Dance, Charity Meetings.
·
Our
large bookings have been Trinity Guildhall Music Exams (to be repeated),
·
Our
larger Saturday Lettings have been managed by Penny Smith, who has been paid on
a casual basis. Our smaller lettings, by
regular hirers, have been self managed with either of the Administrators
opening up the Reception and then closing once the group are in place.
·
We
have had approx 30 enquiries during this period some of which have given rise
to bookings, either already or in the future.
Now that the Lettings information is readily available on the website,
via email or paper copy that should assist to raise these numbers, providing we
are able to deliver what we offer.
Amanda
Hough
MethAng
This year Methang has attracted several new members and
continued to provide a space for students to discuss faith in a relaxed
environment. Our speakers have included Charles Hadley- the Anglican (Lazenby)
Chaplain, James Theodosius- the St Luke’s Chaplain, Robin Kanarek- one of the
Jewish Chaplains, Andrew Sails, FORCE and Midnight Mint. We have also held
several socials including a
Sarah Morgan
Midnight
Mint
Midnight Mint is not just a Methodist venture, but very much an ecumenical one, and has been since it started. Therefore, when last year we were faced with the difficulties that might arise because of the Mint redevelopment, we did explore the possibilities of using other premises – St Mary Arches particularly, but other churches, as well as possible empty commercial properties. None of this came to fruition and so in June, regretfully we closed Midnight Mint for the period of the redevelopment. However, we did not want to lose impetus or the group of helpers from eight different city Churches who make up our team. As a result, we agreed to hold monthly meetings in September, October, and November and a more social event in January. These were concerned with the way ahead, with some additional training, and any changes we might wish to make when we re-started. We were glad to welcome some new volunteers to these meetings and some of these are now part of our regular team. We have been sorry to lose Valerie Carne, Peter and Elizabeth Webb, and more recently, Barbara Pillidge from the team, and we would like to thank them very much for the contribution they have made, Barbara and Valerie both being founder members. Our Steering Committee has become slightly more ecumenical and we hope to increase this with additional members.
So after a six month break we began again on the first Friday in February. Some of our ‘regulars’ were waiting for us to open and we had six or so visitors. Numbers have not been high in these first new weeks, although we had 23 recently. It has been agreed that we will open at 10 pm until 12.30 and if it is busy, we will continue until 1 am. The number of people who are out and about later in the night does seem to have become smaller. We are gradually beginning to feel established again and look forward to continuing this service offering friendship as well as tea and coffee, and biscuits, a listening ear, and a place where people can come and relax. New helpers are always welcome, and any from the Mint who drop in on their way home are, of course, always welcome. We remain grateful for the support, interest and prayers of all at the Mint.
Peter
Coleman
Korean
Fellowship
First
of all, on behalf of the Mint Korean Church, I would like to take this
opportunity to say thank you for all your support and prayer while the costly
building project has been going on. We
as a community are very much grateful for that.
Mint Korean church Membership
As you know we have now 2 new babies in our midst. Many Congratulations to Kate (Kim Sun-Lyang) and Jeremy Williams on the birth
of a daughter Leah, (born on October 8th 2009), and Eun Keol (Kyle)
Kim and Hye Kyeong (Judy) Lee on the birth of a baby girl (born on 19 January,
2010), they are our joy and future.
The
Mint Korean church membership has slightly
declined over the year from 27 adults /10 children to 25 adults/15 children
(the numbers of the children have increased), but having said that, we are now
more stable and consistent then last year in Sunday service attendance. Exeter
University students and Anglo Koreans have played a significant role in the
Korean church. The Korean church is
grateful for their commitment to the Mint Korean church.
New Church Members
We are happy to report that 10 Korean church members became new members
at the Mint in 2010. Many congratulations and welcome to those who
became members at the Mint on Sunday 31st
January: Jihyon Choi, Hyunwoo (Nate) Bae
(Presbyterian Church of Korea), Jungeun (Grace) Choi (Presbyterian Church of
Korea), Suhee (Sue) Kim (Catholic Church of Korea), Jae Seong Ko (Korean Methodist Church), Jeomsoon (Sharon)
Nam (Presbyterian Church of Korea), Keumjoo Park (Presbyterian Church of Korea), Mun Hee Park
(Presbyterian Church of Korea), William Seok (Presbyterian Church of Korea), Si Hyang Yu
(Presbyterian Church of Korea)
1. Sunday Korean Service
We are having 3 Sunday Korean Services in a month with 13-25
people, in average attendance is 17 weekly. We are glad to have Korean church
choir on Sunday services. We have
started a choir for Sunday service on 11th of April 2010. We are grateful for
the Choir members’ commitment to build the Korean Church up.
2. Wednesday prayer
Meeting at the church.
Every week we have a HOUSEGROUP (11 am -3pm) but we have
changed to a Wednesday prayer meeting at the church at the same time.
3. Thursday Bible Study
for new Christian
There are two people who are studying the basic
understanding of Christianity.
4. Korean fellowship
outing on 12th of July 2009 at Dartmoor National park.
The attendance was 25 people.
5. Chuseok; Korean
Harvest Festival on 3rd of October 2009.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the Korean Harvest
Festival possible. It was a very successful Festival and about 130 people
attended.We shared a feast of Korean traditional food. Amongst those attending
were two special guests who had both served in the Korean War. We were
privileged to meet and thank them on this Korean thanksgiving Festival
day.
6. Korean New Year’s
Party on 14th of Feb. 2010
The
Mint Korean fellowship invited non Christians Korean friends to Korean New
Year’s party. We had Korean traditional dishes and sweets. We invited all
Koreans in the Exeter area, but not many non Christians Korean friends came
along to the party. Although few people
came along it was a very successful party for the Korea community.
Rev. Heegon Moon
Orchestra
In the last twelve months the Mint Orchestra has played
several times. In June 2009 we played for the morning service on
As has been our custom for a number of years, some members of
the orchestra provided an accompaniment for the Carol Singing on the Mint
Forecourt helping to raise money for NCH Action for Children. The following day
we welcomed back several former members to join in playing with us for the All
Age Worship
Finally we made our own musical contribution during the Celebrations and Thanksgiving for the redevelopment of the Mint premises on the week-end of 24th/25th April, providing some incidental music during Saturday morning and taking part in the Sunday morning service. On this occasion we were pleased to welcome back some good friends to swell our numbers: Ken Beer from Exminster, Lisa Stanley, daughter of our pianist Sylvia Tomlinson and Margaret Godsland.
We have also been very pleased to welcome to our ranks four
new young members – Helen Ahn ,
Jean
Usher
Northcott
Theatre Group
Last summer a
large number of us enjoyed Romeo and Juliet in the
I attended the creditors meeting on your behalf on April 22nd and as you
will have seen from the local press, creditors are owed £800,000! In view of this,
I am negotiating a refund from my credit card company. The future of the Northcott
seems fairly positive so I hope we will be able to resume attendances in due
course. In the meantime it has been suggested that we might support some of the
excellent amateur drama groups in
What about The
Vigil in
Janet Robb
Re-opening
Weekend
The first meeting of a small group of people to look at possible events for the ‘Celebration Weekend’ took place in September 2009. At that time, the actual event seemed a long way off, but as they say, “time flies when you are enjoying yourself!” When the weekend finally arrived, there was a definite sigh of relief that everything was ready for ‘the off’!
On the Saturday morning, seventy six visitors signed the visitor’s book, although it is estimated that over one hundred came through the doors. The guided tours, were much appreciated by the participants, and in the Reception Area there was general buzz of conversation as old friends were greeted, the exhibition of photographs and memorabilia viewed, and light refreshments served. In the Worship Area, a continuous programme of 163 slides depicting the life and activities of the Mint was shown on the large screens and later on these were also relayed into the Reception Area. Music supplied by a number of Mint musicians provided a gentle background to those passing through the Worship Area and many returned following their tour to sit and listen to the music and watch the slide show. A glorious display of flower arrangements in the Worship Area and other parts of the building completed the celebratory ambience.
The afternoon was busy with preparations for the evening
meal. Pre-meal drinks were served from
5.00pm and this was another opportunity for conversation and fellowship. Over one hundred and fifty meals were served
and were much appreciated. At 8.00pm the
performance of ‘Saucing the Mint’….and all that’ - a light hearted celebration
of the history and life of the Mint, took place in the Worship Area. A cast of
50 actors, together with pictures on the screens, placed the story of the Mint
in the context of the history of
Morning Worship, led by Andrew Sails was the first high spot
of the Sunday, with the orchestra accompanying some of the congregational
singing and the Choir singing an introit and an anthem. A banner designed and
made by the
At 5.00pm the church was open again for guided tours and people were soon arriving to make sure that they had a seat for the evening service. Once again the slide show took place in the worship area and at 6.15pm congregational singing was led by the choir with the words of the hymns displayed on the screens.
The evening service which was also a Circuit Service was
attended by 341 people, including a number of specially invited guests – the
Deputy Lord Mayor, Ben Bradshaw, local councillors, former ministers, Paul
Russell Chartered Surveyor and Contract Administrator/Designer, with
representatives from the District, Circuit, other central Exeter churches,
faith groups, and the main building contractors, Musical accompaniment to the
hymns by Devon Brass added to the great congregational singing. The choir sang
an introit and Parry’s famous celebratory anthem - ‘I was glad’.
Greetings were received from Rev David Easton on behalf of the
A tremendous amount of work went into the preparation and the carrying out of all the plans for the weekend and special acknowledgement should be made of the following friends:
- Margaret Farrow and her team for the flower arrangements
- Sue Cordery for sending out the invitations
- Jonathan Cordery for the design of leaflets and for all those who delivered them
- Lyn Green, Sue Lawson and the catering team for the provision of the Saturday evening meal.
- Ruth Jordan for the sale of meal tickets
- Margaret Stirling for organising extra chairs and tables and hiring of glasses etc.
- John White and Alan Bullock for collecting and returning chairs and tables
- Maureen Stoolman for the exhibition of photographs and memorabilia
- Margaret Bullock and team for Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon refreshments
- Irene Jarvis and Fran York for arranging the musical entertainment in the Worship area on Saturday morning, together with all the musicians
- Richard Taverner and the Choir for the choral contributions
- Angela White for publicity
- Peter Coleman and the team of Tour Guides
- Helen
Beardsall and
- Gill Horn, Maureen Coleman and all the cast and backstage helpers for ‘Saucing the Mint’
- Liz Sails for the typing and printing of the souvenir orders of service
- Andrew Sails for his encouragement enthusiasm
A very big thank you to all of these folk and the many others too numerous to mention here.
Maureen
Coleman
The Mint
Walking Group
The group continues to flourish. We meet about every three weeks for walks of about four to six miles and take in a range of scenery including coastal, country and moorland.
Numbers vary from six to over twenty. It is an excellent way to explore the area and to get to know people. All are welcome. You need to be reasonably fit and possess walking boots, or strong shoes, and a waterproof! Transport to and from the starting point can be arranged.
Rosemary Allen
Wednesday
Coffee Mornings
The Wednesday coffee mornings have
recommenced in the comfortable surroundings of the Reception Area. Coffee is
served by a loyal group of helpers (more on the rota would always be welcome!).
The visitors and church folk that call in
enjoy conversation, fellowship and a refreshing drink.
Margaret Bullock
W@M
After a gap of around two years a new series of the weeknight
meetings, ‘Wednesdays at the Mint’, was launched in September 2009. Five
meetings have been held and two more have been scheduled for May and June
2010. Our subjects have been very
varied, reflecting - we hope - the breadth of interest that the people of the
Mint take in the world about them. At the opening meeting Nicki Glassbrook of
the Street Homeless Outreach Team talked about homelessness in
A second series is planned for next year. All will be welcome!
David Horn
Womens'
Fellowship
Women’s Fellowship meet weekly on Tuesday afternoons from
2.30 -3.30 in the
Sue Cordery
Young
Church
Sunday attendance ranges between 18 and 22 children who meet in three departments - Primary for 3 – 6 year olds, Junior/Seniors for the 7 – 12 year olds and Young People for the 13 plus age group. This latter group is the smallest of the groups with an average attendance of 3.
Since last year’s report, Kay Moffatt and Helen Beardsall have taken over responsibility for the Crèche and following the building redevelopment, the Crèche has its own room on the ground floor of the Rowe wing. This has been decorated specifically for this age group with colourful new carpet and curtains and wall murals. Staffing in the other departments has not changed and we continue to be grateful to all those church members who are helpers on a Sunday morning.
There has been some concern expressed about what happens to the children after the departments have finished on a Sunday morning. A small table and chairs with paper and colouring pencils have been provided in the Reception area so that young children can be overseen by parents and other church members. This is obviously not appropriate for the older children and whilst we are reluctant to take on more responsibility for looking after the children at the end of the morning service, we are concerned that children are sometimes in danger of hurting themselves if they run around the church building unattended. We therefore hope that we can rely on parents being responsible for their children at this particular time on a Sunday morning
We continue to use the on-line version of ‘Seasons of the Spirit’ as our teaching resource. This has proved slightly cheaper than the hard copy version, but means that leaders have to download and print off materials using their own paper. The structured approach of the materials and the practical suggestions for activities makes planning and preparation much easier.
In the last year Young Church members and staff were involved in the planning and leading of two All Age Worship services as well as participating in the Harvest Festival service. We are pleased that the children are becoming more willing to take part in special services as well as reading the Bible in church on occasions. They are also much more responsive to questions etc during the All Age Ministry part of the Sunday morning services. A number of children took part in the Saucing the Mint’ performance at the Celebration Weekend. They proved that they can sing very well and that they also enjoy singing! This improved participation by the children is something that we intend to encourage more in the future.
Our principal aim continues to be 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 trust that through the dedication of leaders and helpers this will be achieved, and that as a result, the children and young people entrusted to our care will grow in their understanding of God’s love and purpose for them and our world.
Maureen
Coleman
Building
Development Group
Last year’s report
was written just before the tenders were received from the 5 firms tendering
for our redevelopment contract. The result of the tendering process was the
appointment of Arque Ltd as the main contractor whose tender was the lowest at
£422,897. Arque commenced work on 15th June 2009. The rest as they say is history.
The original
proposal, that the work should be done in two stages, had been changed in the
course of the tendering process so that both stages could be done at the same time,
thus shortening considerably the timescale of the contract. The completion date
for most of the work was originally 18th December. The difficulty in
removing the tower because of the amount of reinforced concrete and the two
week
After the remaining
premises were handed back to the Church at the end of January, quite a
considerable amount of work remained to be done which was outside the original
contract with Arque. A new lighting
system was put in, the Worship Area was decorated, the organ was returned in a
new enhanced condition, and most of the AV equipment was installed (preparatory
work having been done during the earlier stages of the contract.). The furnishing of the Reception & Social
Area, the fitting of a new blind at the south window of the Worship Area, the
sanding and sealing of the Link Corridor, the purchase of 50 new chairs (the
cost kindly being donated by one of our Church members), and the cleaning of
the Worship Area carpet (the cost also kindly covered by a donation) were
completed during this period.
Discussion with the
District about the possible provision of space for a new District Office and
Resource Centre on the second floor of the Old School Wing began in the
Committee in January 2009. For a number of reasons this was not progressed
immediately, and it was eventually agreed to make the building work an
extension to the existing contract with Arque.
Work began in February on plans drawn up between the District and a
sub-Committee of the Buildings Development Committee, and was completed by
April 16th, the District Office staff moving in the following week.
Some work remains to
be done. This includes the redecoration of the
The Committee agreed
at its last meeting, that provided no emergency occurred, there would be no
further need for the committee to meet.
A sub-Committee of
Peter Coleman
Mint Catering Committee.
We have had one official meeting of
the Catering Committee back in the Autumn when we decided who would take
responsibility for various catering commitments coming up. We are offering
sample buffet menus for lettings which might need catering supplied, and that
is in the capable hands of Liz Sails and Margaret Bullock. Lyn Green and Susan
Lawson kindly took responsibility for the Celebration Meal which over the
weeks, like topsy, the numbers requesting tickets, grew and grew. The final
total was 144 seated plus 11 servers.
The Lunch Club was restarted in March .There is
no cooking for Mint members to be involved with as we have a professional chef
and a team of trainees who produce the lunch each week. We do however have a
team of volunteers who take the money, meet and greet and oversee the lift.
Barbara Pillidge keeps the membership list which we are gradually increasing as
the chef and trainees get to grips with the new kitchen and format.
Margaret
Stirling.
Church
Life
The Church Life Committee was formed, by a decision of the Church Council in Autumn 2009, to take over the roles of the Church Family Committee and the Worship Consultation. Its current Chair is Stephen Lea, and Bud Wendover is its secretary. However this is not simply a reconfiguration of committees, but an experiment in a new way of working. Everyone who was on either of the predecessor committees is a member of the Church Life Committee, and the Committee does have regular meetings (two a year) in the church diary. But our aim is that those meetings will not take place. Instead, when there is specific business within the Church Life area that the Minister or the Church Council, or the Committee’s members feel needs discussion, the Chair and Secretary confer, and invite an ad hoc group of people to come together to discuss that topic. In some cases, the discussion can go on through email. In others, a meeting is needed. Once a date has been decided, all members of the Committee are notified so they can join the meeting if they wish.
It’s fair to say that we are still in the early stages of this idea, but we are keen to make it work, because the old Family Committee had been becoming less and less dynamic in recent years: it met too rarely to manage anything, so that meetings were dominated by the recital of reports. Furthermore, everyone could do with fewer committee meetings. If it works well, it might make a good model for other groups. So far, we have only dealt with one issue since the new arrangements came in, when we were called on to advise the Development Subcommittee on the use of the new Reception area.
Stephen
Lea and Bud Wendover
Social
Events and Fundraising
£5079 has been raised by
fundraising activities and projects from the beginning of October 2009 till the
February this year. These events
include: Korean Harvest Chu Seok,
Sale of Rosemary Lee’s pictures,
Mint Quiz, Musical Day at Jean
Usher’s house,
Forthcoming fundraisers are:
· April/May: “Mint Soup Recipes”. Price £2.50.
· April/May: A further 30 copies of “Mint Recipes” are for sale.
·
Saturday 22nd May 10.00am - 12.30pn: May Market in the car park with refreshments
in Reception.
·
Saturday 12th June: Theology Bookstall at the District
Ministerial Synod at the Mint.
·
Saturday 19th June 10.00am - 2.00pm: Book
·
Saturday 19th June:
·
Saturday 21st August 1.30pm
Walking Treasure Hunt (from the Mint)
Cream teas will be available in Reception for people taking part and for
anyone who just wants tea. Treasure Hunt
& Tea Price: £5 each (children
free); Cream Tea Price: £3.
·
Saturday 11th September: FORCE Day at the Boobiers.
· Saturday 25th September: Harvest Supper with some entertainment
· September 2010: “Occasional Notes . . .” Vol.II by Bryan Blackmar.
· Mint Concert: sometime in November. Using Mint talent. Tickets £5. and it could be a variety of items, monologues, comedy songs, instrumental music -
·
Friday 10th December:
·
18/19th December:
The group would welcome any new ideas. If anyone would like to help at any of the above events please talk to Maureen Coleman (Chair) or Liz Sails (Secretary).
(Maureen Coleman/Liz Sails)
Neighbourhood
Action Group
·
Re-Opening Leaflet
Thanks to all who created the high
quality information leaflet about the Mint and delivered them to our
neighbours. A
·
CTCE
There is a wider
grouping of churches called
CTCE Lent groups started with lunch at the Mint and were well attended. The Agape supper was held at the Mint followed by Eucharist at the Cathedral. On Good Friday there was a united service will be at the Cathedral followed by the dramatized walk of witness.
·
Lunch club has reopened
We are again providing a hot meal and companionship for some of our older
members and neighbours. A chef / tutor
from N Devon College, Isobel Western, is guiding a team of trainees
from probation each Monday. The restart
has been welcomed and we will now extend numbers of guests as the team gain in
experience.
·
Financial support for local Charities
We intend to bring together information about financial support provided by the Mint to various local charities and organizations we link with and then make decisions about the pattern of future funding. This information could also be posted on the website.
Amanda
Hough and Barbara Pillidge
Pastoral
Team
Membership stands at 226 (previous 215)
Flowers donated for the Sunday service now remain in the church building to welcome visitors. Two bunches are provided to be taken out each week and you can write requests in the flower book on the table in the link corridor.
Pastoral care is for all, by all and offered in many
different ways and by different people.
Thank you for all your support to the
A fuller Pastoral Report will be available at the meeting.
Barbara Pillidge
Property
The work of the property
committee has been going on in the background during the re-development phase,
dealing with routine repairs and maintenance.
Please see the Building s Committee report for all the redevelopment
news. The property committee will now be
taking over any outstanding work relating to the re-development. Below are two of the main elements which the
Property Committee have been responsible for.
- Roofing & External Walls: Apart from a leak over the Nelson Mandela room, the buildings are now
watertight. A building surveyor has
been appointed to carry out and design work on the external fabric of the
building. Work is going out to
tender –cherry-picking items that are listed as health & safety and
public liability and those listed in the quinquennial report (the periodic survey stipulated
by the Methodist Property Department) This will be carried out in at least
two phases. Total possible costa re
likely to be in the region of 80-90K. Work on brown moldings around brick
work could be a major cost if the conservation officer insists on a complete
replacement otherwise this will be a relatively simple process.
- Lettings: Revenue
from lettings obviously was affected by the redevelopment work but since
the New Year lots of enquiries have been coming in. £1200 came in January and there has been
a steady increase in bookings since then including several Saturday
events. The reception rota in
addition to the administrators involves only a small number of volunteers
doing a lot – more support is therefore needed. Volunteers are needed for gaps in the
week not covered by the administrators, Saturdays when there are bookings
and cover for sickness and holidays.
A big thank you to all the members of the committee
for their tireless work in looking after the fabric of the building and helping
to maintain the smooth running of the Mint
Peter
Cordery
World
Service and Missions Committee
The work of this committee is quietly carried out by dedicated members of the congregation, who go about their work in an unobtrusive yet efficient way. The remit is far-reaching, as can be seen from the bullet points below:
Ø Several Mint members attended the very successful and enjoyable MHA Carol Concert at St Thomas on 14th December and agreed that it would be good if we could host the evening again this year. Dorothy Worthington will be organising this so please support this uplifting and enjoyable event.
Ø
Action
for Children carol singing in the car park was again very well-supported.
Margaret Andrews thanks the dedication of the regular singers, collectors and
of course the musicians who all helped to raise £205.
Ø
Home
Missions Sunday on 7th Feb featured the work of City Centre
Churches, and the guest preacher was Rev Bob Mills, a Baptist Minister in
Ø Traidcraft. Sales continue to do well. Earlier this year Peter and Elizabeth provided goods for an event at Whitestone village, and also ran a stall at the Women's Day of Prayer service. They have introduced more craft items and hand embroidered cards onto the stall, which take a while to sell, but eventually are bought, and thus we help the artists and crafts people.
Ø
Women’s
World Day of Prayer was held on Friday 5th March in the
Cathedral. It had been prepared by the women of the Cameroons and it was
pleasing to have two missionaries from the
Ø
Ø
World
Ø Self denial appeal was £212 compared with £296 last year. This was because there was the Haiti Appeal on the following week - so there was no chance to chase envelopes. Adult Boxes half year figures were down from £153 to £97 and we are in need of new box collectors. As a church we are continuing to give generously to many appeals
Ø
A new idea at the Circuit World Church team meeting, held at the Mint in Feb, was
that as a Circuit we should think about holding an ‘International Festival’ in Summer 2012, inviting representatives
from as many different countries as we can to highlight just how many overseas
Note for your diaries:
Ø Another cream tea for World Service and Mission will be held at John and Angela White’s home, on Friday 25th June, just before the World Church Circuit Festival, so that our ‘purse’ can be presented on that evening (Wednesday 30th June, at Crediton). This year the Festival will feature the work of Leprosy Mission. Please come along to share in food and fellowship in the garden.
Thanks as always go to the
committee members who get on with the job without much nudging from me.
Angela White
Countess Wear Housegroup
The fourteen members meet regularly usually monthly on
a Thursday at the home of Janet Robb.
Five of our fourteen members are retired clergy so we
are fortunate that we rarely have to look outside the group for speakers-our
lay members also lead sessions. We are a caring and enquiring group
and surprisingly lively despite a total age of 1000 plus . In an atmosphere of
'in band' members feel free to express what they really feel and think on
subjects whether biblical, secular or moral. Janet, our host, provides for our
varying tastes in beverages and even has a supply of a certain chocolate treat
for one of our members!
Margaret
Stirling
Dunsford Gardens Housegroup
This small group continues to meet on Fridays
fortnightly in the home of Mavis Cross.
We meet in fortnightly starting
on the 30th April.
We begin with prayer and a bible reading. A time of worship from Songs & Hymns of Fellowship,
and sharing of joys and concerns is followed by a speaker who leads our
thoughts in a bible study. We conclude
with a time of thanksgiving and intercession, in which members are free to join
as they feel led.
We maintain a warm, loving and unpressured
atmosphere where everyone can feel relaxed and comfortable. We are all ageing together, and would welcome
an injection of younger members.
Ken Kite
Friday Fellowship
Friday
Fellowship meets once a fortnight at the Mint on a Friday evening, usually
starting at 7:45pm. We try to alternate our meetings between bible studies and
more social activities. For our Bible studies, we have been using the Nooma
DVDs by Rob Bell as a starting point for discussions, thus far covering:
why storms affect our lives and where God is in those times; the different
types of love and what God wants for us; what it means to be a
Joe Mottram
Ubi
Ubi meets fortnightly except during the school holidays. We
meet in one another’s houses and everyone is welcome. We have a very wide age
range. We take it in turns to lead the group on varying topics that interest
us. Once a year we go away for a weekend and we’ve recently been to Georgeham,
Sue
Cordery
ARCHIVES:
ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING REPORTS
2007-2009
MINT
METHODIST CHURCH
ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING
Sunday 10th
May 2009
(To
be held in the Church at 12.30pm following a Christian Aid lunch)
AGENDA
1. Welcome and opening devotions
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of last meeting (27th
April 2008)
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. Appointments and Elections (Church Council
representatives and Church Stewards)
7. Sunday evening worship
8. Annual Church Report
9. Church Redevelopment scheme/tendering update
10.
Church Objectives 2009-2012)
11.
Any Other Business
12. Closing devotions
MINUTES of
the last meeting held on Sunday 27th April 2008 12.30pm to 1.40pm
1.
Opening Devotions and welcome. The Minister (Rev Andrew Sails)
welcomed
everyone to the meeting and commenced with a short prayer.
2.
Attendance and apologies. 49 people attended the meeting and there were 20
apologies for absence (list filed in minute book)
3.
Minutes of the previous meeting (13th May
2007). These were signed as a
correct record.
4.
Matters arising. These were already incorporated in the agenda.
5.
Additional Matters raised by members. No additional items had been communicated to the
Chair or Secretary.
6.
Annual Report. Printed reports representing the full range of Mint life and activity
had been made available prior to the meeting. Andrew Sails thanked everyone
involved for the huge amount of work undertaken by members of the congregation
on behalf of the Church during the past year. A number of items were
highlighted:
§
Andrew brought
the seven aims of the Mint to the attention of the meeting (drawn together as
part of a focus on the Circuit Review). These would appear in future editions
of Forward.
§
Andrew also
highlighted the forthcoming Mint Anniversary and the literature relating to it
which was now available and would need some distribution.
§
Rev Victor Vine
promoted the evening service on 27th April 2008 concerning Mental
Health issues.
§
Barbara Pillidge
welcomed Maggie Bonfield, Rob Turner and Peter Cordery to the Pastoral team.
§
The meeting
remembered those connected with the Mint who had died in the past year
especially members Margaret Pearson, Gaynor Trueman and Phyllis Coombes.
§
In the absence
of a specific report, Bryan Blackmar wished to express the appreciation of the
meeting to the Director of Music, choir and other musicians who had contributed
so much to the worship life of the church.
§
John White
queried whether membership had increased in the past year. It was confirmed
that the number had risen from 206 to 214 during the year and that an annual
membership service had yet to be held in 2008.
7.
Redevelopment. Peter Coleman updated the meeting on the current plans. These had been
submitted to the Methodist Property Division in Manchester and were awaiting
their approval prior to submission for detailed planning permission. It was
hoped to proceed with works relating to the Community Room block toilets and
kitchen in July or August 2008 and start the larger scheme in February 2009.
Since the February Church Council, the Redevelopment Committee had met and
agreed further, minor changes to the Rowe Block in order to create a suite of
three offices in the space currently occupied by Rooms 4 and 5. The District
had also approached the Mint to consider locating an office for the incoming
District Chairman in the same development. It was anticipated that Room 1 could
be used for this purpose without causing significant additional difficulties.
§
Pat Kirkman
queried whether there were any plans to use the Table Tennis Room. It was hoped
that following redecoration (probably by the Community Team), the room could be
let to groups of up to 60 that were not affected by disability issues (such as
the Martial Arts groups).
§
It was noted
that use of the premises had vastly increased and it was necessary for Mint
members to pre-book their meetings with (and remember to cancel them if not
required to avoid unnecessary fuel costs)
§
Diana Moore had
asked the Chair to raise issues relating to the Eco-Congregation concept and
environmental issues affecting the redevelopment scheme. It was noted that:
i.
Very careful
consideration is being given to ‘green’ issues during the planning phases. This
particularly relates to the heating system and we are awaiting a report from a
specialist consultant who has indicated that a completely new system would
probably pay for itself within three or four years as well as greatly improve
energy efficiency.
ii.
We are revisiting
the 2005 DARE report relating to the Mint’s energy consumption. It was pointed
out by Anne Vine that we still have not moved to using green electricity more
than two years after that report’s recommendations.
iii.
Paul
Russell, our appointed architect, is considering substantial use of sustainable
materials and rainwater harvesting in the redeveloped premises.
iv.
A discussion
ensued concerning the current use of disposable cups for post-service coffee.
Although the logistics of washing up were held to be the major barrier to using
more environmentally-acceptable crockery, it was noted that health and safety
and hygiene issues were also of considerable influence. It was agreed that the
Mint would avoid, if at all possible, the use of disposable cups in the
redeveloped premises taking health and safety, hygiene and portability factors
into consideration.
8.
Appointments and Elections. Those eligible to vote (full members of the Mint)
unanimously agreed the following appointments for 2008-9:
Church Stewards:
Viv
Davies (Senior Steward) (2007) Alison Franklin (2006)
Philip
Bhebhe (2007) Nina Black
(2007)
Yoo
Young Ae (Korean Steward) (2005) Jack
Priestley (2007)
John
Draisey (2008) Deryck
Laming (2008)
Lee
Mi Kyung (Korean Steward) (2008)
(replacing
John Usher, Ian Black, Rob Hart, Rachel Hamby and Wilson Wong – to whom
grateful thanks were expressed for their service).
Church
Council Representatives elected by the Annual Church Meeting:
Sue Cordery (2008) Stephen
Lawson (2008)
Ann Forsyth (2008).
(Replacing
Joyce Brown and two vacancies on the list of Congregational Representatives.)
It
was also noted that Bryan Blackmar and Shirley Shepherd would complete their
term as Church Council appointed members of the Church Council in August.
John
Usher and Trevor Jones would also lose their seats on the Church Council as
Steward and Treasurer respectively.
The Chair expressed the hope that the Church Council might appoint John
and Trevor as new Church Council appointed members at its next meeting so as
not to lose the benefit of their expertise.
All
those completing their time as Stewards or Church Council members were thanked
for all they had done.
It
was noted that Andrew Green had agreed to replace Trevor Jones as Church Treasurer
in September 2008 and Maggie Bonfield would then replace Andrew Green as Chair
of the Social and Fundraising Planning Group. Andrew and Maggie would then be
ex-officio members of Church Council.
9.
Any other Business.
§
Jack Priestley
appealed for volunteers to help with the forthcoming 50th
Anniversary exhibition on behalf of the Samaritans’ at St Martin’s Church
between 15 and 31 July 2008.
§
Rev Andrew Sails
reminded the meeting that he would be on Sabbatical between 26 May and 8
September 2008. A Sabbatical committee had been convened, chaired by Peter
Coleman and including Rev Andrew Sails, John Tucker (Exminster), Rosemary Allen
(Section Circuit Steward/Senior Circuit Steward), John Usher (Senior Steward),
and Viv Davies (incoming Senior Steward). The committee was identifying areas
that would require cover during Andrew’s absence and overseeing those
arrangements.
REPORTS
Minister’s Report
As always it is a joy to
introduce this year’s annual report, and to give a huge thank you to all those involved
in the huge variety of work and witness centred on the Mint.
The Mint has had another busy
year. Plans to redevelop the premises
are now moving forward at speed. Some
work has already been undertaken, and it is hoped to commence work on the main
scheme during the summer of 2009. The
building is becoming increasingly heavily used. A new Korean Pastor has been
appointed. New members of the
congregation continue to join us, and we continue to develop increasing
international links. We continue to
engage with neighbourhood, national and global issues, both in thinking and in
action.
This year a number of our
much loved members have completed their earthly pilgrimage. We commend them to God’s eternal loving
care, and thank God for all their work with us here on earth. We hope and pray that we will continue to
build on the work they have done here.
Looking to the future, the
Church Council has been working on a set of objectives for the years
2009-2012. These are currently in draft
form, and are offered to the General Church Meeting for comment and advice:
1. To develop the size of our Church Community and our
worshipping congregation in order to allow us to offer the sort of depth and
diversity of programme best delivered by Churches which are numerically
strong. Specifically:
(a) to increase the total of those coming through the doors of the Mint for
worship on a Sunday to an average of over 200 per week;
(b) to increase our Sunday collections to £75K p.a. (representing an increase
of 10% p.a. for each of three years); and
(c) to develop a way of monitoring volunteer hours and demonstrate significant
rate of annual increase.
2. To develop the size and scope of our international work,
within our Korean community and more broadly.
Specifically,
(a) to list at least 15 different nationalities amongst active Community Roll
members, and
(b) to explore the possibility of adopting the title “Mint International
Methodist Church”.
3. To develop our outreach work in the local neighbourhood and
city centre in co-operation with circuit and ecumenical partners.
Specifically: to help develop, and begin implementation of, plans for
(a) ecumenical city centre chaplaincy,
(b) enhanced support for homeless people in the city centre,
(c) further initiatives building on the work of Midnight Mint, and
(d) a more co-ordinated approach to work currently undertaken by Sidwell
Street, the Mint and other city centre Churches.
4. To develop programmes of activity helping those seeking to
explore issues of faith. Specifically:
to develop at least three projects, series or groups particularly designed to
include those on or beyond the fringes of Christian faith.
5. To develop our premises, so that they become more accessible
to, and more fully used by,
the Church community, individuals in the neighbourhood, and external
groups. Specifically:
(a) to ensure that the Church premises are easily accessible to passers-by for
at least 50 hours per week, and
(b) (as a proxy indicator of usage by outside organizations) to increase our
annual letting income from £20,000 (07-08) to £35,000 p.a. (11-12).
6 To develop our involvement with a wider range of charitable
and campaigning organizations, and seek a reputation in the city for our
concern for peace and justice.
Specifically: building on our current informal list of around 25 groups, to
develop a regularly reviewed list of 40 charitable and campaigning
organizations with which we maintain regular links (through annual collections,
special events and publicity, and/or named contacts).
7. To develop our work on behalf of the
wider Methodist Circuit and District.
Specifically:
(a) to enable and support the creation of a District Office at the Mint;
(b) to increase our annual financial contribution to the Circuit Share Scheme
by 5% p.a., and
(c) to recruit one new Local Preacher in training or candidate for ordained
ministry each year.
These
targets are deliberately formulated in quite precise and measurable terms. They do not capture all that we do or seek
to do, nor are they intended to be comprehensive in scope, nor to exclude the
work of the Spirit in new and unexpected ways. Their purpose is rather to enable us to
identify key areas in the life of the Church where we feel called to do more,
and help us answer the question “Are we answering the call?”
I
look forward to another extremely exciting and challenging year here at the
Mint. May God bless us all as we move
forward together.
Andrew Sails
CHURCH LIFE
Senior
Steward
Last
May we welcomed John Draisey and Deryck Laming to the team and we are grateful
to the help that Ian Black, David Horn and Ruth Jordan have given us.
Apart
from a few hiccups with the audio apparatus and e-mails from USA we managed to
survive Andrew’s Sabbatical with support from Peter Coleman and others. The new
radio microphone is a huge improvement.
We
have been saddened by the sudden death of our friend and previous Senior
Steward, John Usher, he was a great help to me as I took over from him.
I
should like to thank Alison Franklin for the help she has given me when I
suddenly found myself senior steward and I wish her well in her “retirement”.
My
thanks also to the rest of the team for their support and to Andrew for his continuing
enthusiasm and energy in this exciting year.
Talks between Sidwell St and The Mint.
Two
Circuit Stewards have been facilitating these meetings between 3 people from
Sidwell St and 3 people from The Mint. They have been amicable discussions in
which we talked about our respective Vision Statements and the similarities and
differences between the two churches.
We
have discussed ways in which we can get to know each other better as this seems
a good way forward. Some of the suggestions are as follows:-
·
Identify 1 or 2
areas of challenge (i.e. youth work) / new initiatives where we can work
together such as with helping re-housed homeless people.
·
There are
suggestions for a cinema club in both churches, could this be joined?
·
Could we try
once a quarter joint evening services?
·
Could we perhaps
join for drama productions?
·
What about a
social tea / supper in alternate churches
The
general feeling seems to be that we should try to pursue some of the above to further
the interaction between the churches. This will also mean that when we meet in
activities or meetings of Churches Together in Central Exeter, then at least
the Methodists will know quite a lot about each other. We each need to be
informed regarding the others activities.
There
is another meeting in June, which may be the final one.
Viv Davies
Treasurer’s
report
Earlier
this year I nervously presented my first report as Treasurer firstly to the
Finance Committee and then to the Church Council.
There
I had to give my best estimate of how our finances would look for this current
year and then predict for next year based on current trends. Sadly I had to
reduce Trevor’s figures so that break-even for this year would be good outcome
and next year looked likely to be showing a serious deficit !
Would
this matter? Perhaps not in the past,
because traditionally we have enjoyed a financial buffer from the considerable
sums of money held in our reserves, together with the interest they generated.
Now, as we embark on the major part of our exciting refurbishments, we will be
spending most of our reserves and loosing the income they have generated.
But
these figures are only predictions based on current trends. We can alter the
outcome if we so decide. Like Mr. Micawber we need to make our income exceed
our expenditure. How?
·
By reviewing our
weekly giving in the light of our Three Year objectives (inside cover of April
issue of Forward ).
·
By setting up a
standing order from the Bank or Building Society to the Mint so your collection
isn’t missing even if circumstance mean you are.
·
By ensuring that
the Chancellor assists your giving through Gift Aid.
I
believe that there has never been a more exciting time to be a member of the
Mint.
Let’s
make sure that we count our blessings, give thanks and contribute accordingly.
Andrew Green (Treasurer)
Action for
Children
Members
of the Mint helped with the street collection in June 2008; some attended the
Whipton supper party and other events such as the short walk in the area of the
Quay.
Funds
raised solely by the Mint were from carol singing in the Mint forecourt and at
Homecourt, as well as the congregational collection on
Thank
you to all who have helped. The street
collection this year will be on the morning of Saturday 6 June. Anyone willing to hold a collection box in
the vicinity of the Mint for half an hour or longer should contact Margaret
Andrews.
Margaret Andrews
Choir
This
has been another rewarding year for the choir, the principal events being the
visit of members of South West Brass for last year’s Church Anniversary,
Mozart’s Sparrow Mass in June,
Monterverdi’s Beatus Vir in October
and the Carol Service in December, greatly enhanced by the participation of
South West Brass. Our Passion Sunday Communion at the end of March used
John Rutter’s Requiem, with memorable
contributions from visiting instrumentalists and our own resident accompanists
John Draisey and Margaret Gulley. The Mint is unbelievably fortunate in
having so many talented musicians within its congregation and I would like to
record my thanks to John, Margaret, Bryan Blackmar and Dorothy Worthington and
all those who help by deputising at the organ or piano when I am absent.
The
choir is not an exclusive club and we warmly welcome new members from both the
main church congregation and the Korean.
Richard Taverner
Flower Team
As
I write this we have just had Easter and as usual the Flower Team excelled
themselves in beautifying the church for our Easter Service. It is
certainly an asset for the church to have so many talented flower arrangers and
also funds from members of the church for us to be able to have a fresh flower
pedestal each week. We have had a successful year with the flower rota running
smoothly and have been able to fill any vacancies as various people in the
church are no longer able to donate as they have moved away, gone into nursing
homes, etc. Hopefully we will be able to continue in the same vein next
year. However, it must be remembered that as the euro is now almost the
same as a pound it is not as cheap to buy our flowers when we do the three
special times i.e.
Margaret Farrow
Forward
Throughout
the last year the Mint church magazine has continued to be produced on a
monthly basis except for August when in
accordance with our usual custom there was a combined edition produced in July.
In excess of 400 copies are printed on each occasion and distributed on a
personal basis to the membership at both the Mint and Exminster while there are
always spares available for visitors. Our magazine also finds its way into many
homes not only in this country but to some in other parts of the world. This
annual report gives me the opportunity to express a word of thanks from us all
to the FORWARD team for all the hard work they continue to put in. This team
comprises Andrew Sails (my strong right arm), Liz Sails and Maureen Coleman
(printing and assembly), Ruth Jordan (display for collection) and Alan Johnson
(distribution). I cannot conclude without a word of appreciation to Maria
Knowlton who retired from her post as secretarial assistant towards the end of
2008 after many years of loyal service which took in the production of this
publication.
Derek Parker
Gift Aid
Each
year I submit a report for the Annual Church Meeting. Each year I make
the same plea, of which few people seem to take any notice, that UK taxpayers
who don't yet Gift Aid their giving to the Church should consider doing
so. We can reclaim 28p of every £1 contributed. Such contributions
must either be paid through the envelope scheme or through the bank (to enable
us to provide proof of payment if required to do so). I can supply the
declaration form (01392 421790), which is easy to fill in, and Ann Churchward
(01392 279843) can supply envelopes. If you prefer to pay through the
bank, Andrew Green (01884 855340) can supply the necessary form. But
either way the declaration form needs to be completed.
Now
for the figures. The bad news is that tax recovered for the year ended
5th April 2008 was £17,319:08 (previous year £18,496:94), a drop of over
£1,000. The good news is that tax recovered for the half-year to 5th
October 2008 was £12,496:57 (previous year £10,909:05), a rise of over £1,000.
With
renewed thanks to all who gift aid their giving already, and the hope that
those who could but don't yet do so will contact me as soon as possible.
Peter Jarvis.
Lettings
We
have a variety of groups meeting regularly, including Kung Fu, 7 yoga classes,
Martial Arts, British Legion, Tai Chi, Pilates, Age Concern and a creche. The
premises have also been used for an art exhibition, several concerts,
children’s parties and a business conference. There has been positive feedback
from hirers about our evening reception and I am grateful to all who have
volunteered.
Hirers
have appreciated the newly decorated School Room, Room 6 and the toilets on that
side of the premises and also the new kitchen and toilets on the other
side.
Maureen Stoolman
MethAng
MethAng now has a new
president Catherine Barber, and her email address is cab22@ex.ac.uk.
Over the last year MethAng has worked on building closer relations with other
Rachel Hackling
Midnight
Mint
Midnight
Mint has continued to open, with very few exceptions, on Friday evenings from
10.30 p.m. to 1.30 a.m. for any who wish to come in for tea, coffee, hot
chocolate and biscuits, for conversation and games, and sometimes to
sleep! Each night we have always had at
least five helpers, usually six, and sometimes seven, drawn from eight Churches
– three Methodist (The Mint, Sidwell St and Exminster), two Baptist (South St
and Brampford Speke), Southernhay URC, St David’s Church of England, Sacred
Heart Roman Catholic and the Community Church. We have 26 volunteers, which is
three up on last year.
Since
that first Friday night in September 2007, we have now welcomed over 700
visitors, of all ages, many different nationalities, different religions or none,
some visitors to Exeter, people waiting to catch the late night buses or
trains, some who are homeless, and a small number of regular visitors who come
most weeks. Numbers have varied from 4
to 25, and a rather exceptional night when we welcomed prospective Street
Pastors and our numbers were boosted to 40. Among our visitors have been the
occasional Mint or other church members who have called in after the cinema or
a concert, and we are always pleased to see familiar faces, so please call in
if you are passing at that time of night.
It
has been quite an eventful year. We
celebrated our first birthday in September. There was the night when someone
set fire to one of the cars in the car park, and we were somewhat restricted by
police and fire safety precautions.
There was also the night when we had to dial 999 to call an ambulance
for a man who had collapsed, also in the car park! We have helped a number of
youngsters, some of whom have been unable to go into the clubs because they
lacked identity showing they were over 18.
We have had some serious talks, have provided a helping hand and a safe
refuge to some who have needed help, or have just enjoyed conversations in the
Community Room or in Fore Street with people with whom we wouldn’t normally have
been in contact
Invariably
we have been met with politeness, usually with gratitude, and often with
questions as to why we are doing this. We have a radio each night with which we
can contact the Walkabout in cases where there might be difficulties or a
problem, but so far, we have never had to use it. We are currently exploring
the possibilities for how we shall operate during the redevelopment work.
We
have been very conscious of the support of the Church both in prayer, practical
help and interest, and we know that we can continue to rely on this in the
future. Thank you.
Peter Coleman
Mint Korean Fellowship
First
of all, I must say that Mint Korean fellowship is deeply thankful for the Mint
Church’s support and love as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Mint
Korean fellowship Membership
Our
membership has slightly declined to 27 adults /10 children, because the recent
restricted immigration law by the Home Office and global financial down turn.
It is more or less the same for all the Korean churches in the UK.
The Mint Korean fellowship Membership mainly
consists of university students of civil servants from the Korean government,
independent students of language and university from Korea and Anglo-Korean
families in Exeter area.
1.
Sunday service and fellowship
-we
are having 2-3 Sunday services every month with an average of 16-21 members
attending weekly. And fellowship is followed by a service; we have a cold snack
or sandwiches, and fruits as well as a hot drink.
2.
HOUSEGROUP
Every
week we have HOUSEGROUP from 11am -3PM. Average Attendance is 6.Since I came to
Mint Korean fellowship, the HOUSEGROUP has changed the most. We focus on
discussion and sharing on Biblical topics and times of prayer instead of
Enneagram program. One of the most enjoyable time is sharing a Korean Meal
together after prayer. We visit each member’s home in turn.
3.
Friday meeting -for students
It
is held at 6:30-9:30 PM on alternate Fridays in my house. We watch Movies and
have discussion followed by a simple Korean meal. I try to reach out to single
students, in their needs and interests; it has not been very successful so
far. It has been an average attendance
of 2.
4.
2008 Korean fellowship outing
Korean
fellowship outing at Dartmoor National Park took place on 13th July 2008 after
Sunday service 1PM – 5PM. The attendance was 29 people.
5.
Korean Harvest Concert on Saturday 13th September 2008.
Thank
you to everyone who helped to make the
Korean Harvest Concert great . It was a very successful concert and 150 people
attended.
The
Korean Harvest Concert raised £541-36. The Korean Harvest Concert
Funds
were donated as follows:-
£200-00 Benevolent Fund - Zimbabwe
£100-00 Will be used to sponsor the Korean Film
Festival in Exeter.
£241-36 Will be allocated to the Redevelopment
Fund.
6.
Open house (invites and visits)
Mint
Korean fellowship invites non Christians Korean friends to our house to share
the love of God in a very relaxed way. We share our faith with people who don't
know the love of God and one of the obvious ways we can build a good
relationship is to invite others to our home. We meet together to encourage
each other in our relationship with God. Our goal is to serve each other and
those around us
Forthcoming Fundraising Activities
7.
Korean film festivals (11th- 12th, 14th - 16th of May) at Devonshire house,
University of Exeter.
We
are keen to support the Korean film festival, because it is an opportunity for
introducing Korean culture to English friends through Korean movies.
8.
Korean Harvest Party: Saturday 3th October 2009
9.
Christmas Party: Sunday 20th December2009
Heegon Moon
The Mint
Orchestra
The
activities of the Mint Orchestra naturally fall into two sections this year.
Inevitably the sudden death of our stalwart double bass player/cellist, chair
mover, logistics expert and main support to the conductor, in September, has
had a great effect on all. None of us realised how much John did for the
orchestra until suddenly he was no longer there to do it for us. We all owe him
an immense debt of gratitude.
However
it is to be hoped that in the months to come the Mint Orchestra will rise again
with renewed enthusiasm. John would not have wanted it otherwise.
Returning
to May last year - members of the orchestra were delighted to be part of the
“Big Cream Tea” playing several items on the lighter side of music and
undeterred by the wind, which threatened to disrupt playing on several
occasions. However our players soldiered on with music clamped down with
clothes pegs and refused to give in to adverse weather conditions! June saw us
playing for the All Age Worship Service. We played again in mid-July for the
last time before the summer holidays and after this service members, and their
friends and families, enjoyed our now customary barbecue with rather better
weather than some years. It was also an opportunity to welcome back some former
members to our group albeit temporarily and to say a formal farewell to Matthew
Jones, who left us in October to go off to University.
There
then followed a gap in performance until our customary December appearance at
the All Age
I
hope that before too long we will return to a more regular pattern of
orchestral participation. As always we welcome new players in every section of
the orchestra and I would like to invite anyone with an interest in joining us
to make her/himself known to me.
Jean Usher
Mint Pantomime
In
February Mint members and friends staged our sixth pantomime, Beauty and the
Beast. There were two performances, and in spite of the very heavy snow fall,
all the cast managed to get to the first night on the Friday, together with a
gallant and very supportive audience of 90 plus, who braved the icy conditions. On Saturday night, with the thaw well and
truly set in, we were thrilled to find that over 160 had packed the church.
Highlights
included; great dancing and singing; a really scary beast and some fine
yodelling by a group of notable gentlemen (including the Chairman of the
District). Thanks must be recorded to
the large number of people who were involved either performing on stage or in
that all-important backstage work, including scenery design and painting,
lighting effects 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 must go to two great audiences who cheered, hissed and applauded in
all the right places, and who helped us raise £1076.60 for the Redevelopment
Fund. Plans are beginning to take shape
for next year’s pantomime which, (building redevelopment allowing), will take
place in February 2010. The exact date will be announced in the Autumn.
Maureen Coleman & Gill Horn
The
Mint Walking Group, May 2009
The
group continues to go from strength to strength. We have welcomed several new people during
the year. It is an excellent way of
enjoying fellowship and experiencing the beautiful Devon scenery. Our walks vary from four to occasionally six
or seven miles with different types of terrain and coastal, country and
moorland scenery. All you need are a
good pair of boots and waterproofs! The
details of each walk appear in the weekly notices and lifts are always
available.
Rosemary Allen
Northcott Theatre Group During
the past year we have enjoyed a variety of excellent plays with imaginative
sets. These have included
The
English Game
Cold
Comfort Farm
Far
from the Madding Crowd
The
Hounding of David Oluwale
Stones
in his Pockets
Bollywood
performance of Wuthering Heights
Look
Back in Anger
Last
summer we saw Richard III in the Rougemont Gardens and will soon be booking for
Romeo and Juliet in July or August
Janet Robb
Women's
Fellowship Report
We
meet on Tuesday afternoons in the Community Room from 2.30 p.m. and finish
about 3.30 p.m. with a cup of tea. Everyone (whatever their age) is welcome to
come along. We start with a hymn and a prayer and have a variety of speakers
talking about many topics such as holidays, hobbies and other interests, and different
projects. Recently we learnt about Dartmoor Prison and the Storybook Dads
project; about Exminster; about Recycling from Home and Andrew comes to talk to
us once a month. Our group has an average attendance of 11 or so.
Sue Cordery (Secretary)
Young
Church Report
The
average attendance is currently 18 with numbers increasing in the younger age
groups. We have continued with a three
department structure – Primary department for the 3 – 6 year olds,
Junior/Seniors for the 7 – 12 year olds and Young People for the 13 plus age
group. Most of our older young people
are now at University, or preparing to go there, or in full-time employment and
training.
During
the year we were very pleased to welcome Maureen Stoolman, Abigail Hiscock and
Steven Hardiman to our team of helpers.
All three have been very willing to lead Sunday morning sessions and
this has taken some of the pressure from the three department leaders. In September we were very sorry to lose Anne
Vine when she moved with Victor to Cheltenham.
Anne was a tremendous worker and supporter of Young Church over many
years and she continues to be missed. We
were also very sorry that Julia Fry had to relinquish her position as Cradle
Roll Secretary after many years of service.
We have been pleased to welcome Sarah Gleave to take her place. It has been good to note that there have been
seven baptisms during the year and there are twelve children currently on the
Cradle Roll. For a good number of years,
June Kirkman has been the organiser for the Sunday morning Creche. Unfortunately, June has reluctantly decided
that she can no longer carry on in this role. We will miss June very much as
she has been the mainstay in this part of Young Church work. We are now seeking
a replacement for June.
We
continue to use ‘Seasons of the Spirit’ as our teaching resource. The structured approach of the materials and
the practical suggestions for activities makes planning and preparation much
easier. From September onwards all these
teaching resources will only be available on-line. We will be evaluating how easy this will be
for us as the year progresses.
In
the last year Young Church members and staff were involved in the planning and
leading of three All Age Worship services and a large group of children and
young people took part in the Pantomime in February.
Our
principal aim continues to be 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 trust that through the dedication of
leaders and helpers this will be achieved, and that as a result, the children
and young people entrusted to our care will grow in their understanding of
God’s love and purpose for them and our world.
Maureen Coleman
COMMITTEES
Buildings
Development Committee
The
last year has been one of considerable progress and one setback. The setback was the refusal of planning
permission last September for the scheme that was discussed in last year’s
Annual Meeting. But it has not been a permanent problem as with the help of the
architect and hard work by the Committee, revised plans approved by the Church
Council were successfully submitted in November and approved in January. It did cause some delay and change to the
original timetable but the general view is that the revised plans retain the
essentials of the previous ones, and that in some ways are better for the extra
time and thought that has been necessary to produce them.
All
this means that our present situation is that we are awaiting the results of
the tendering exercise. Six contractors are involved in tendering for the
project, and their prices for the work will be known at the beginning of May. If they are within what the Church has agreed
we can afford, we hope to be able to recommend a contractor to the Church
Council, and proceed with the actual work in the summer. This will begin with the demolition of the
tower and the building of the new entrance and Social Area with its link to the
Community Room Building. The addition of
a balcony at the back of the church is also part of this first phase of the
redevelopment. The second phase, internal
work in the foyer and the Rowe building which will include the new kitchen,
toilets, and offices all with better access, will then follow on. During the work, use of the car park will be
severely restricted, but we are fortunate that the church, with additional fire
exits, will be able to be in use on Sundays throughout the period of the
redevelopment.
Whilst
we look forward to what is to be done in the future, we also record that the
kitchen, corridor and toilets in the Community Room Building have been
extensively improved and refurbished, and that the redecoration of those areas
unaffected by the redevelopment has continued steadily with the help of the
unpaid workers provided through the Probation Service. The three floors of the
Schoolroom Building and the toilets have been or are being refurbished with a
considerable amount of re-plastering, complete re-painting, and sanding and
varnishing of much of the floors. This
followed the earlier refurbishment of the Community Room and the Lounge.
Finishing the small amount that remains to be done and redecoration of the
vestry will complete the programme.
This
year, like the last, has been a year of considerable progress and activity, and
the Committee is grateful for the interest, concern, support and enthusiasm
that has been shown by the whole Church.
I would personally like to thank the members of the Committee for their
commitment and hard work both within and outside of our meetings, without which
we would we would not be in the position we are now.
Peter Coleman
Mint
Methodist Church Social Events & Fundraising Group
Recent
Social Events & Activities include:
the Mint Quiz, the Mint Calendar, The
The
bookcase in the foyer is full of very reasonably priced books for sale and the
proceeds of this will, for the present, be going to “Action for Children”.
Forthcoming firm dates for
your diaries are:
·
16th
May 2009: May Market & Plant Sale. 10.30am -
12.30pm
·
7th
June 2009. Church Anniversary
·
13th
June: Safari Supper - Wild West theme,
·
July &
August. Coffee Mornings, Afternoon Teas,
Open Gardens, Barbecues etc. to take place in people’s homes and gardens.
·
December 5th
More events are in the
pipeline but with no firm dates or venues.
The
next meeting of this group is on Wednesday 16th September 2009 at
10.00am
All are welcome to attend.
Liz Sails (Secretary)
Neighbourhood
Action Group
·
Leafleting
Christmas
and Easter leaflets were distributed giving appropriate information about the
Mint Services and other Mint activities.
Leaflets are to be distributed to hotels giving information about The
Mint and are available at the Reception Desk.
Thanks to Jon Cordery for producing the information leaflet for
newcomers to the Mint
·
Midnight Mint
The
volunteers remain keen to continue throughout the redevelopment phase, and use
of St Olaves in Mary Arches Street has been agreed.
·
Wednesday Coffee Mornings
Thanks to the helpers, although more are needed, this is continuing to
be appreciated by those who attend. It
is hoped to continue using Room 6 and the Mint Lane entrance during
redevelopment but because of difficulty of access it may have to close.
·
Reception Desk and Bookings
This
has proved successful although evening volunteers are still needed. Many of those using the premises have
appreciated the friendliness and warmth of welcome. It is hoped to encourage our lessees and
local organisations to take part in a large open exhibition following
redevelopment.
·
Faith course
A
Pioneer Disciple Course began in Ottery St Mary in March led by Revd David
Martin.
·
CTCE
A report has been made about the development of CRUX (Christian Umbrella
Group for Exeter) which has been set up to promote important forthcoming events
and activities in various denominations; these events will be listed in
Forward.
·
Interfaith
There
is an active group meeting together (about 25 people) and working for dialogue
and mutual support and an invitation for a meal and conversation is to be
suggested.
·
Unpaid work
team
A
number of people on community service have helped to refurbish the rooms in the
Mint, which are not on the redevelopment plan.
They have worked hard and we owe them great thanks. Many have appreciated their time with us and
developed a more positive attitude.
Amanda Hough (Secretary)
Pastoral
Team
·
Membership
Membership
stands at 215 (May 08 215) and the community roll at approx. 600.
A
very great thank you goes to all the support and care offered by Mint pastoral
visitors and church members.
Flower
distribution
Taking
a bunch of flowers provides a very good reason for making a visit to the home
of an elderly member or to celebrate someone’s birthday. All pastoral visitors and members of the
congregation are encouraged to ask for flowers to take out following the
morning service.
Barbara Pillidge (Pastoral Secretary)
Property
Committee
·
Roofing:
All the main roofs are now watertight but there have been problems with the
lounge roof which was in poor condition with no insulation. A new roof which
will include full insulation is now being completed. The external brickwork and stone work on
Mint Lane will be re-pointed together with replacement of fascia boards on the
church and removal of the top room chimney.
All this is essential work which was itemised in the last quinquennial
report of 2006 as being required within next five years. This is really a ‘catch up’ – i.e. money that
has not been spent on maintenance over many years running up to
re-development.
·
Heating: There have been some
teething problems with the new boilers but these are being sorted out and the
system is working well, but the heaters in the church really need
replacing. Two will go under the
re-development. It was recommended that
the other five should be replaced now while VAT is lower and to improve the
efficiency of heating the church.
·
Lettings: We still have a wide range
of lettings. Revenue will be down this year as Maureen is now turning away
business for later in the year because of the re-development. From September
1st 2008 to 31st January 2009 we have taken around £9000. Outside hirers have commented on the improved
heating. The outside hirers are really
appreciative of the volunteer receptionist scheme. This is a great opportunity
for them to meet members of the church on a regular basis and also for us to
carry out our duty of care. Maureen needs support if the reception scheme is to
continue.
·
New Kitchen & Toilet Block (redevelopment phase
1): This work was completed during the autumn and is a great asset to the
church.
The unpaid work-team have been hard at work throughout the site
improving the presentation and decoration of much of the ancillary rooms which
will not be affected by the main re-development. This has made a vast improvement to our
property.
Peter Cordery (Property Secretary)
World
Service and Mission Committee
It
has been a steady year in the life of the WSM Committee, albeit with some
personnel changes.
We
have (temporarily) lost Debbie Riggins from
Some
of the varied activities we have been involved in during the past year have
included:
§
A successful
Midsummer Day cream tea at my home and the subsequent ‘presentation of the
purse’ at Exminster Chapel the following evening in aid of World Missions;
§
A wonderful
concert given by Okehampton Choral Society on 8th December in aid of Methodist
Homes;
§
A very chilly
morning carol singing session in the church car park on 13th
December in aid of Action For Children (previously known as NCH), enlivened by
the Beardsalls’ enthusiasm with the collecting tins in Fore Street;
§
Home Missions
Sunday service taken by Rev Kevin Hooke, focussing on his work as a Prison
Chaplain;
§
Continuing
growth in sales at the regular Traidcraft stall run by Peter and Elizabeth Webb
These,
together with the ongoing work quietly carried out by committee members and
others with their collecting boxes and envelopes plus the weekly lunches for
international students which Sing and Olive Nightingale have been organising,
mean that the Mint continues to support the work of God in this country and
many others around the world.
Our
main focus now is World Church Sunday on 28th June and the Circuit World Church Festival, which is
to be held here at the Mint on Wednesday
1st July when we will be highlighting Zimbabwe with music, testimonies and food from our Zimbabwean
friends. Please make a note in your diaries and support what we hope will be an
interesting, thought-provoking and enjoyable evening.
We
still need someone who would like to take responsibility for the Church and
Society section of this committee, so please consider this vacancy and speak to
me or Andrew if you feel that you could be of use in this valuable way.
Thanks
to all who contribute so much time and effort to supporting the work of this
committee.
Angela White, Chairman WSMC
HOUSEGROUPS
Dunsford Gardens House
Group 2009
This
group continues to meet on Fridays fortnightly, as it did for about 40 years in
the home of Harold and Sybil Bayley, who are now at peace with the Lord. We meet now in the home of Mavis Cross, at
Lanteglos 5 Lord’s Way [opposite Tesco just off the by-pass - approach from
Countess Wear and take the left exit at Woodwater Lane: Lord’s way is first
right].
We
continue to be a mixed multitude, and while the membership is predominantly
Mint-based, we enjoy the fellowship of a number of non-Methodists. The pattern we use has served us well for
many years and we are happy with it. We
begin with prayer and a reading (often chosen by the speaker). A time of worship (now accompanied by Mavis)
from Songs & Hymns of Fellowship, and sharing of joys and concerns is followed
by a speaker who leads our thoughts in a bible study. We conclude with a time of thanksgiving and
intercession, in which members are free to join as they feel led.
We
maintain a warm, loving and unpressured atmosphere where everyone can feel relaxed
and comfortable. The continued loyalty of its members (past and present) is
ample testimony to the efficacy and value of the group. We are all ageing
together, and would welcome an injection of younger members.
Ken
Kite
Ubi Housegroup
Our
house- group meets fortnightly at each other’s homes and we take it in turn to
lead the evening on a variety of topics. Recently we have talked about morals
and moral dilemmas, the Ten Commandments, what characterizes this age, and
tricky questions in the Bible. This year we have been pleased to welcome some
new members to the group and were delighted that some of them could join us on
our weekend away. We held our retreat weekend at Georgeham again and this time
our theme was Treasure –looking at the topics of Treasure in your Pocket,
Treasure the Earth and Treasure in Heaven. Our age range is from 20s to 70s so
whatever your age you are most welcome. Our average attendance is about a dozen
and at our weekend we had 26 including our youngsters. It was a great chance for all to get
together.
Sue Cordery
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
For the year ending
The budget for the year ending
At the end of this Methodist year I will be completing a six year term as Treasurer. I am extremely grateful to Andrew Green for agreeing to take over this role.
.
Trevor Jones
Treasurer
Neighbourhood Action Group
Ø Leafleting
Easter leaflets were distributed with information about the Good Friday
service at Belmont followed by the walk of witness with dramatic interludes,
and the Easter services at the Mint, plus Invitation cards to advertise the free
‘Big Cream Tea’ on Saturday 24 May in the Mint forecourt, linked with the
Hope 2008 campaign. Information about Church and community groups and
activities at the Mint are to be on display at this latter event.
Ø
Gabriel
House
The staff of Gabriel House appreciated the practical support and gifts of the Mint congregation. A talk is to be given by a Rep from Gabriel House on a Sunday morning to include retiring collection.
Ø
The volunteers remain keen to continue to welcome a variety of
people who drop in on a Friday night and they welcomed the prayer support.
Ø
Wednesday
Coffee Mornings
Thanks to the band of helpers, these have continued to provide for church members, visitors from Homecourt House and others.
Ø Lunch club
This will not be resumed, except on an occasional basis.
Ø Christmas 2008
Initial discussion has taken place about the provision of hospitality for
those away from home or on their own at Christmas.
Ø Faith course
Further consideration is to be given towards the introduction of a Faith Course in October.
Ø Interfaith
There is an active group meeting together and working for dialogue and mutual support.
Amanda Hough
Secretary
Pastoral team report for
the Annual Church Meeting
Membership currently stands at 214 and the community roll at over 550.
Fuller details will be available at the Annual Church Meeting
Can you help?
Please consider whether you could help the Mint family by providing;
· lifts into church
· occasional accommodation for overseas students
· There is especial need at present for people to help on a rota basis with distribution of the church flowers.
Thank you for your support and prayers for the members of the church family at the Mint. We hope Andrew and Liz find the sabbatical months a time of rest and refreshment. I know that we will miss Andrew Sail’s care and visiting, but also that many people will continue to pray, visit and provide practical care and companionship.
Barbara Pillidge
Pastoral Secretary
Property Committee report
for the Annual Church Meeting
All the
planned roofing work has now been completed.
On
All the electrical rectification works have finally been completed following the installation inspection covering the entire premises. A full portable appliance testing has also been completed (another biennial statutory obligation)
ARGOS Fire Protection Services
completed the majority of the second phase of the fire precaution work,
comprising replacing larger doors and hatches last spring. The third phase,
installation of a wireless fire alarm system, was completed last summer and, barring a few teething problems including an
impromptu fire drill after a morning service
(an affective way of clearing the church to enable furniture
moving!), the system is working well. Mike Moffatt has been appointed as Fire
Officer. We are indebted to Mike for
taking on this important role.
External lettings are coming in thick and fast. Maureen Kincey is now having to
turn away business. There are regular
bookings on each day of the week including weekends and the church and other
rooms are used regularly for one off bookings.
All organisations bar one pay up promptly so we are on target to meet
projected financial targets and indeed half of last year’s income has come in
the first four months of this year. Many
thanks for Maureen’s excellent work. It
is now essential that our church users remember to book rooms in advance and be
aware that external bookings must be honoured. It is also important that church
users leave rooms as found to help the caretaker.
The transformer rectifier on the organ has been replaced- quite an expensive but essential piece of work but paid for out of the organ fund. There were a number of smaller items which will need to be dealt with over the next two years mostly relating to electrics. These can also be paid for out of the organ fund.
Barbara Pillidge’s ‘upgrading team’ has continued their excellent work updating the lounge and room 6. These fine improvements have again been carried out with minimal costs and have been supported by the use of the ‘unpaid work force’ community work for the Probation Service saving the Church a great deal of expense.
We continue to soldier on with the heating system – thanks to George Hood, Peter Coleman and others for keeping things going!
Peter Cordery
Property Committee Secretary
Social and Fundraising
Planning Group Report
Major fund-raising events during the past year have included:
·
Saturday 19th May: May Market & Plant
· 9th /10th June: Anniversary Weekend with Safari Supper.
·
July & August, Afternoons between
· Saturday 22nd September: Harvest Barn Dance
· November: Mint Calendar
· Saturday 10th November: Quiz Night
· Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th November: Rock Nativity.
· Saturday 1st December – Christmas Market at the Mint
· 8th & 9th February: Pantomime
We are very grateful to all who helped organize and support these and other events.
Special thanks to Barclays Bank who provided £750 sponsorship for the Christmas Market.
Thanks to Andrew Green for his guidance of the group during his time as Chair. We look forward to welcoming a new Chair in September.
Plans for the coming year will again centre on fund-raising for the redevelopment scheme, as we finally look to a starting date for the building work. The group has however been re-named the “Social and Fundraising Planning Group” indicating a wider remit.
Dates for your diary in May:
§
Saturday 10th May, 10.00 -
12.30: May Market & Plant
§ Saturday 17th May: Safari Supper
Liz Sails
World Service and Mission
Committee
There have been several changes of personnel on this committee and the newcomers are still coming to grips with their various responsibilities and titles.
Angela White has taken over from Martin Myhill as Convenor/Lay Chair, other new faces are Ian Judd and Debbie Riggins (Christian Aid); Sue Errington (Church and Society); Elizabeth Webb (Traidcraft).
The committee is currently planning:
World Missions Service – 27th April
Christian Aid collection week – early May
Regional Network Conference – at the Mint on Thursday 22nd May
Midsummer’s Day cream tea – at the home of John and Angela White (to take the place of the Womens’ Fellowship coffee morning in aid of World Missions)
The committee has been challenged to broaden its horizons to address more issues at home and overseas. Financial reports will only be received yearly in a bid to streamline the meetings, thus freeing time for more ‘world’ matters and it is hoped that the new members will add a wider dimension to the remit of the committee.
Angela White
(Convenor/Lay Chair)
HOUSEGROUPS
Countess Wear Housegroup
This past year we have had some interesting discussions on a variety of subjects
We had several sessions on ‘Paul,
the person and the message’ studies provided by Nigel Collinson. We then did one
of the ‘
I think we have been able to get to know some of our fellow church-goers better and feel, with frank and lively discussion, that our evenings have been worthwhile.
Joyce Brown
Oriole Drive Housegroup
Variety is the spice of life – or so the saying goes, but it could describe the themes that we cover in our House Group meetings. We continue to maintain one tradition whereby each month a member of the Group will introduce a topic for discussion. As you can imagine, the subjects reflect a very wide range of interests but one aspect continues to remain constant, the topics are “something that concerns us”. However concern is expressed, the Group generally turns the topic inside out and upside down and we never know where we will round-off. Coffee at the close of the meeting usually calls a halt to the topic and conversations – well they continue until whenever!
We meet on the second Friday evening of each month except August. Please join us for a “taster” if you are interested, we will make you very welcome.
Ann Forsyth
Ubi Housegroup
The Ubi Housegroup meets
fortnightly at various peoples’ houses and we cover a very varied set of topics
being chosen by whoever leads the meeting. In recent meetings we have discussed
topics such as: Images of God, Sharia Law, Creation stories form other
countries and where we see ourselves and the Church in the future. We have an
average attendance of 10. In January we
had a lovely weekend away with our families and stayed once again at the
Christian Outdoor Centre –
Sue Cordery
Velwell Rd Housegroup
The autumn of 2007 was spent in a study of Acts in order to seek answers to
(a) in what circumstances was it written, (b) what was Luke's message for
his readers at that time, and (c) what is the relevance for our time.
With January came change. Hitherto the group has focussed on bible study.
Now we are entering on a wider approach in which different members of the
group lead. We are
using this year's
basis. The group is as lively and committed as ever, and as keen to
welcome new members.
Victor Vine
MINT
METHODIST CHURCH
ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING
SUNDAY 13
May 2007
AGENDA
1. Welcome and opening
devotions
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of last meeting (7th
May 2006)
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 7 May 2006
1. Membership: The meeting was chaired by the Minster, Rev Andrew Sails and was attended by 65 members of the congregation. There were 23 apologies for absence.
2. The Minister opened the meeting with prayer. The names of those church members who had died in the past year were specifically remembered: Mary Crook, Evelyn Beer, Allan Cross, Dolly Nicholls, Ann Hardy and Kathleen Zeale. Although not a member, Sheila Glover was named by May Hardy as a faithful member of the congregation who had also died.
3. The chair thanked Jean Usher for her very considerable work as Church Council Secretary in the past year and welcomed Martin Myhill in her place.
4. No other business had been raised by members of the congregation in advance.
5.
The minutes
of the previous meeting,
6. Copies of a booklet of reports from all aspects of church life had been circulated prior to the meeting and the chair listed each report in order. The following matters were raised:
· Bryan Blackmar thanked Andrew and Liz Sails on behalf of the church for their continued dedication and energy at the heart of the life of the Mint.
· On the Pastoral List, the names of Lee Yung Suk and Chung Dong-Ryeon were added as new members. Jaden Bennett was added to the list of those baptised.
· Under the auspices of the Neighbourhood Action Group it was reported that we urgently needed some ideas and a strategy to help welcome newcomers to the Mint (and particularly in successive weeks following their first visit). It was reported that Canon Mark Rylands would be the new chair of CTCE
·