Christians Together Across Exeter CTAX 

Present:

 James Hutchings Chair: Bud Wendover, Secretary, Janet Robb Mint Methodist: Tim Willcox Treasurer, Simon Taylor, Mary Ellis, South St Baptist: Wendy Milne Secretary Elect, David Hogan, Southernhay URC: Aran Richardson, Bill Hill HMP/Riverside: Chantal Mason, Jayne Worthington St Michaels Alphington Parish: Barry Pike St Thomas Parish: Linda Gibbons Exeter Quakers: Colin Arscott, David Easton Claude Martin, St Thomas Methodist: Janet Conway Heavitree URC: Iain Miller, Isca Church: Julie Hodge City Community Church: Alan Christie Blessed Sacrament RC: Tony Wragg, Mark Gilborson, Bill Noronha, Wonford Methodist: Robin Eastoe, Heavitree Parish: Nigel Ridgway, St James Parish: Sue Noden ICE :John Simkins Pray for Exeter: David Harris St Leonard’s Parish: Sheila Swarbrick RDE and Central Parish:

Apologies: Andrew Sails,  Mint Methodist: Brian Cherrett, Lesley Curd CCC: Vivian Phelps, Scared Heart RC: Roz Harrison ,Pinhoe URC.

Welcome and opening devotions:

James Hutchings welcomed members to the First AGM. He thanked David Harris Rector  and members of St Leonard’s for their hospitality and invited David to open the meeting with Prayer,

Review of the year

24 churches have now formally joined CTAX out of a total of 41 Christian worshipping communities in the City who receive our mailings.  We hope that many more of these will consider joining in the future.

CTAX Council  has met on three occasions during the year ,the meetings have been well attended, and speakers have covered topics of mutual interest particularly in relation to Christian Out reach and Mission.

The executive meets regularly to plan ahead.

CTAX has a comprehensive database of contacts with the churches in the City and with other agencies and is requested to distribute electronically a steady stream of events felt to be of interest.

During the year CTAX has helped to coordinate aspects of a number of ecumenical activities.

 The first Exeter Nativity was held on 19^th December in very difficult weather conditions coupled with only limited access to the Cathedral Green due to the construction work The nativity took the form of a play in Princesshay followed by a procession down the High St to the Cathedral green with stops by Mary and Joseph to be rejected at a couple of “Inns” on the way.

 The cold weather stopped the arrival of our donkey and sheep but in spite of this it attracted a large number of people. The great majority were Christmas shoppers and probably unconnected with the Churches who came into the Cathedral after the procession to join in a short carol service.

It is hoped to attract even greater numbers this year (Sunday 18^th December 1500)

Christians Together in Central Exeter CTCE  has organised 3 events during the year - a pulpit exchange with 10 churches on Sunday 23rd January. Over 90 people participated in 8 groups during Lent to study a York course 'When I survey - Christ's cross and ours' and an Agape supper on Maundy Thursday hosted by Southernhay URC before the service in the Cathedral. A bi-monthly lunch for ministers continues and a monthly Morning Prayer meeting for the city centre churches has started. Meetings were commenced and continue to discuss the idea of a City Centre Chaplaincy.

The annual Walk of Witness took place on Good Friday   preceded by a service in   the Cathedral which was filled to capacity in the nave with a congregation approaching 1500 people. The preacher was Aran Richardson from Riverside Christian Centre.

As usual the service was followed by a series of scenes from Christ’s Passion held at sites in the City Centre, ending with a re-enactment of the crucifixion on the Green with prayers 

At Pentecost members of CTAX and the Exeter Evangelical Partnership participated in the Biblefresh initiative by purchasing 19000 copies of Luke’s Gospel for public distribution.  Churches participated in a series of themed sermons based on Luke’s Gospel.

To celebrate the 400 Anniversary of the King James Bible 120 readers from 22 Churches participated in a “Bible Marathon” involving a  continuous  reading of  100 passages from the Bible  from 0800 until late evening delivered from a stage  erected outside the west end of the cathedral.

Christians Together in West Exe (CTWE) continued to meet for monthly Prayer meetings on 2nd Monday in the month at 6.30 pm. The venues were as usual around our various Churches. We also held 2 United Services one in November and one in January. The Christmas Day Lunches, held at Age Concern were a great success with all our Churches making a contribution. This event is being arranged for this year. We continue to work together, sharing ideas and strengths in order to bear witness and promote the Gospel on this side of the River.

Appointment of Chair

James explained that he had been appointed to be Team Rector designate of Exmouth and Litleham Team Ministry and would be taking up his new post in December.

The appointment of a successor chair would be considered by the CTAX executive at it next meeting. In the interim the work of the chair would be shared by members of the executive.

Tim Willcox expressed on behalf of all present thanked James for his hard work and dedication to the task.  He noted his exceptional leadership in guiding the formation of CTAX from the three CT groups in the City. The meeting wished James well and every blessing in his new work. He was presented with a book token in appreciation.

Appointment  of Secretary

Bud Wendover had indicated his wish to step down as Secretary and  Wendy Milne from Southernhay URC had kindly agreed to undertake the role. The meeting unanimously approved the appointment of Wendy.

James thanked Bud for his work over the years as secretary of CTCE and of CTAX and presented him with a copy of Tom Wrights edition of the Bible and a book of prints of Exeter churches.

Appointment of Executive Committee

Tim Willcox and the other members of the executive have all agreed to serve for a further term.

Treasurer’s Report

 Income and Expenditure for 2010/11

-Tim reported that the current balance on the CTAX  is £2,694.

-The CTCE a/c has now been merged with the CTAX account.

-Donations to the Wof W 2011were £2420

-The   collection at the 20 11 pre Wof W cathedral service was £1517.

-Major items of expenditure were Wof W £3185,Purchase of 500 Gospels £275

Expenditure for 2011/12

-Membership subscriptions are now due at £30 each

-Possible contributions anticipated for

            Exeter Nativity

            “Get in the Picture”

            Winter Homeless Provision

            Christians Together in Devon

The First AGM was closed to be followed by the 5^th Council Meeting.