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Activities Church Council & Reports Annual Church Report
Activities Church Council & Reports Annual Church Report
Annual Church Report
Sunday, 04 September 2011 15:48 | Last Updated on Tuesday, 08 November 2011 15:02 | | 
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MINT METHODIST CHURCH
ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING
- May 2011 Reports:
Minister’s Annual Report
I am delighted to introduce this set of reports, which once again indicate the great vibrancy of the Church community here at the Mint. My thanks to all who have planned and worked so tirelessly to develop our work. This opening overview is inevitably selective - a mere taster! - please try to read all the individual reports. There is so much here for which to thank God. There are also so many doors beginning to open for us, and so much more to be done.
The past year has been a very busy and exciting year for the Mint. It began with the completion of the major part of the building and redevelopment scheme in the Spring of last year, with a packed re-opening service held in April. Work continued throughout 2010, with the installation of a second lift, completion of the District Resource Centre on the top floor, major work on external walls, and further upgrading of the worship area.
The overall cost of the whole scheme (from the initial planning phases in 2002 through to completion) has been £1 million. It is good to report that - through grants from the Connexion, District, Circuit and external Trusts, together with bequests and a huge amount of sacrificial giving and tireless fund-raising by the congregation, £900,000 of this cost has now been met. We are hugely grateful to all who have committed such time, effort and enthusiasm to this project.
The completion of the building scheme is of course just the beginning of the real job - using our new and enhanced premises for mission. As each month goes by, the building is becoming busier and livelier. The Mint Methodist Church Centre is now open Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 9.30 pm. Anyone coming to the building during those hours will find that the doors open automatically and a welcoming face greets each new arrival at the desk in the Reception Area. Our two Administrators (a full time job share) are complemented by volunteer reception staff. In addition we open late night on Fridays from 10.30 pm when “Midnight Mint” serves those using the pubs and clubs of Fore Street.
The premises are used by a wide variety of community and other groups, now ranging from martial arts and yoga to poetry, lace-making and music exams. Regular users include the Exeter Refugee Support Group, St Petrock’s Centre, Exeter Community Initiatives, Exeter Diocesan Reader Training Courses, and the Exeter Interfaith and Belief Group, with new groups enquiring in increasing numbers. The Exeter Food Bank now uses the Mint as its distribution centre. In December the main worship area was used for three concerts by different choirs on thee successive evenings; and in January we provided a venue for Holocaust Memorial Day events.
All this has meant that the premises have been turned into a lively community centre with a worshipping community at its heart.
The programme of Church events has also benefitted from the enhanced premises. Using our new kitchen and refurbished Rowe Hall, we have been able to re-start our weekly Lunch Club, staffed by Community Payback Trainees - the Club is now fully subscribed. Our “Wednesdays at the Mint” evening speaker and discussion meetings have been drawing in increasing numbers from outside the Church, with several recent attendances over 50. In October we organized and hosted a very successful weekend with John Bell of the Iona Community, and in Spring 2011 hosted series of four major meetings on environmental issues organized by the Met Office.
We appointed a new Korean Pastor, Rev Sungil Han, in September, and the Korean congregation has been growing. In January we baptised and confirmed three Korean adults and baptised five Korean children.
We have also been delighted to appoint Rev Francis Acquah to work with us as an Associate Minister during 2011 working particularly with our African members and with the African community in the city. We are keeping in close touch with Phiilip Bhebhe since his return to Zimbabwe and are seeking to support his work there.
With transfers onto our membership roll during the year from Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Zimbabwe, Australia, South Africa and Namibia as well as the UK, our international membership continues to grow. Our overall membership now stands at over 230, the highest figure for many years, showing a steady increase from 200 (in 2005) and 170 (in 2002).
We continue to provide a deliberately varied programme of Sunday worship, with visiting preachers during the year including the President of Conference and the Bishop of Exeter as well as John Bell. Music during the year included a service featuring the St Thomas Gospel Choir as well as our annual Passiontide sung Latin Communion led by our own choir.
In Spring 2011 we held a “Vision Day” and this is already helping us develop a better of vision of the future here at the Mint. 2011 also sees participation is Biblefresh activities (with ecumenical themed preaching across the city, distribution of Gospels, and the hosting of a major District Biblefresh event in October). We remain at the heart of discussions about the development of a city centre chaplaincy, and hope that plans may come to fruition during the coming year. We are committed to developing closer links with friends at Sidwell Street Methodist Church. More widely, we look to play a full part in the newly enlarged circuit centred around Exeter (which comes into existence on September 1st), as well as supporting increasing ecumenical and multi-faith links in the city centre.
We continue to thank God for the work he is doing in this place, and ask for his continued blessing in the year ahead.
Andrew Sails
Senior Steward’s Report to AGM
It has been a great honour to serve the Mint as steward through such an exciting time, leading up to the refurbishment, the grand reopening weekend and the starting of all our activities again. It is a joy and delight to see such an active Church Family. There are many people I wish to thank who have helped to make my job easier. First I must thank Andrew for his enthusiasm and for being such a support. My thanks also to the “team” – the ones who are retiring, John Draisey, Jack Priestley and Deryck Laming and the ones who will carry on:- Irene Jarvis, Elizabeth Webb, Bill Barter, Alan Worthington and the new stewards.
I would also like to thank David Horn and his team for their cooperation when “extras” are needed for special services. There are two others to whom I owe thanks, Martin Myhill and Peter Coleman. I have turned to them for advice and guidance from time to time and they have always given it unstintingly.
We now have the challenge of a larger Circuit which will bring further testing and I hope new excitements. I look forward to serving from the side-lines (after a rest!) and I hope you will give the new Team all the support they need in the coming months.
Viv Davies
Church Secretary’s Report
The Church Council is the Mint’s legal body and is responsible for decisions made including financial expenditure and related matters. The Council has met four times since the last Annual Church Meeting and we have spent some time realigning the way we work to reflect modern practices (particularly the existence of e-mail and ‘virtual’ groups), the interrelationships between many groups rather than an explicit committee hierarchy as well as the need to take decisions quickly but visibly and responsibly.
Having spent many years with business dominated by Property (especially redevelopment) and finance matters, we feel it is time to dedicate more Church Council time for other key aspects of the Mint’s life. The ‘Ways of Working’ proposals are now being enacted by the former committees in order to reform these into Co-ordinating groups, Sub-groups and even time-limited ‘task and finish groups’.
The changes include more, but shorter and themed Church Council meetings and also two meetings each year with the broader congregation:
January: Church Council – Pastoral, Neighbourhood, Mission and Church Life
March: Church Council – Property, Finance, Circuit
May: Church Council and Congregational Meeting (Annual Church Meeting) – themed topic
July: Church Council - Pastoral, Neighbourhood, Mission and Church Life
September: Church Council – Property, Finance, Circuit
November: Church Council and Congregational Meeting – themed topic/review of objectives
Church Council business is regularly reported in Forward. The April meeting looked at a number of areas relating to the way we use our new premises including internal and external displays and signage and also use of the AV screens in worship following a survey conducted by David Horn. Church Council concluded:
(a) that screens should be used for some hymns - certainly for those which are not in the hymn book, and also for others when it is appropriate, but not as a general rule for all hymns.
(b) more reservations about widespread use of the screens for responsive prayers - but this tends to relate rather more to Communion services
(c) care to be taken in planning when the screens go up and down - they should only be down at and around the time when they were being used, and would normally be up for the sermon and during sharing communion. When down and not in immediate use, a gentle colour should used rather than leaving the harsh white of the blank screen fabric.
(d) graphic images before and after service, and also use of graphics when appropriate in All Age Ministry generally appreciated.
(e) need to advertise better the availability of a full order of service for those who did not wish to use the screens
(f) need to look at the lighting etc for the cross and table to make sure that the screens did not detract from the centrality of the cross.
Martin Myhill
Circuit Steward’s Report
Being a Circuit Steward at present cannot be described as boring!
As most of you are aware, in September we are to become an enlarged circuit. We are joining with the Sidmouth Circuit and the Exmouth and Budleigh Circuit. Part of the Ringsash Circuit was planning to join with us but has since decided not to do so this year.
There have been many discussions and we are very grateful for the heroic efforts of our Church Steering Group and the hard work done especially by Rev David Easton and the Senior Circuit Steward, Margaret Fogarty.
Including Ringsash we would have been a circuit of 32 churches, 11 ministers, 30 supernumeries and 73 active local preachers. Even so the new circuit, which will be known as ‘Exeter, Coast and Country’, will cover a large area of Devon from the rural to the distinctly urban.
There has been a change recently in how circuits are organised. Some circuits have three or less ministers which can lead to difficult times during prolonged sickness or sabbaticals. With smaller circuits there isn’t the chance of working in a team with the mutual support which a larger circuit staffing complement can provide. It’s important to realise that it isn’t easy to attract ministers to the West Country and there is a shortage of ministers that are willing or suitable to be Superintendants.
We still have a way to go. There have been some sticking points, for example in the slightly different way we do assessments. We are hopeful we will work through these especially as we get to know each other better.
There will be changes. Circuit Meetings may be held on a Saturday to enable those that work to find it easier. Meetings would probably tend to be held in larger places as it will be easier from a logistical point of view. A summer Saturday in Sidmouth does have its attractions!
The whole exercise is called ‘Regrouping for Mission’ and that is always at the forefront of our thoughts. There will be interesting opportunities to develop mission in all its forms. We have recently appointed Jon Curtis as our Venture FX worker in Exeter. He is based in the Cavern Club in Queen St and is making useful contacts with the 20-30 age group.
In early summer we will be especially thinking about three of our existing circuit ministers whose appointments are currently scheduled to end in August 2012 (David Easton, Andrew Brazier and Andrew Sails). As Circuit Stewards, we will be meeting with them and their families to discuss their wishes. Then we will be consulting with Church Stewards of all the churches the minister is responsible for plus various church members. This is an extremely stressful time for them all and I would ask that you remember them in your prayers.
Finally, grateful thanks to Rosemary Allen who has recently completed her time as a Circuit Steward, representing the Mint for the past six years.
Ruth Jordan
Finance and Employment
Development Project
The Development Work is largely completed with only a very small number of items still to carry out and/or pay for.To facilitate total completion of all the works, Church Council has approved delegated powers to the Chairman and Vice chairman of the Property Sub group and Chairman of the Finance Sub group with the Church Treasurer to spend up to £13,000 by the end of this financial year ( 31 Aug 2011 ).
General Church Budget
Now that most of the expenditure on the development work has been paid, it is easier to calculate the income and expenditure position and predict the end of year out-turn The prospects for the current year and next year are encouraging, provided we have a successful anniversary gift day each June. We should acknowledge the hard work from many people that has increased income and reduced expenditure..The Gift Day is vital to balancing the budget going forward and to dealing with our substantial loans, both interest free and commercial, amounting in total to £180,500 at the present time . With balanced budgets in prospect and some reserves it may be possible later in the year to consider a repayment strategy for the interest-free loans. Opions will be brought to the Church Council meeting in July.
Annual Accounts
Meeting the requirements of the Charity Commission as to the format and presentation of the Annual Accounts is proving to be increasingly onerous and complex, with very little guidance coming from the Centre. Andrew Green has located a firm of accountants who are prepared to do this work for £850 per year. Church Council had already approved this arrangement for the 2010-2011 year accounts but with the Treasurer and his predecessor facing an almost impossible task with the 2009/10 accounts, the Minister and I decided to authorise Andrew to engage the accountants for these as well.
Employment
During the last 12 months employment matters have centred around the practical issues arising from 3 paid staff, including annual leave entitlement ,and bank holidays and from a full annual appraisal process carried out towards the end of 2010 by Ian Black, their line manger.In addition the successful appointment of Korean paster Han was completed and in the last month an increase in the Cleaner's hours by 2 to help with keeping the main kitchen clean has been approved
Tim Davies
Action for Children
In 2010 the Action for Children street collection was held at the Mint re-opening week-end, so only two volunteers were available to collect. In July at the Action for Children Sunday £133.20 was donated. At Christmas we raised £633.37, being the proceeds from carol singing at Homecourt and the Christmas morning service offering. Thank you to all who took part in carol singing in inclement weather, those who contributed and those who dealt with the finances.
The Circuit Support Group AGM was held earlier this year, on Sunday afternoon prior to the Circuit evening service, at Sidwell Street which celebrated the work of Action for Children. Rev. Andrew Brazier led the service and Mr. Jamie Lee, Regional Fundraiser spoke of some of the current projects. The service included presentation of the Stephenson Award to May Hardy and Joan Morrish, who had been nominated for their outstanding, long term support for the charity.
Margaret Andrews
Choir
The choir has performed a number of introits and other pieces of music during morning services this year. Highlights included the Christmas Carol Service and particularly new repertoire items by Mendelssohn and Rutter and Faure’s Requiem which provided the basis for a sung communion service on Passion Sunday. We look forward to performing Monteverdi’s Beatus Vir in June.
Special thanks go, as ever, to Richard for leading us so magnificently throughout the year and also to a number of additional accompanists and organists who have provided excellent support.
Martin Myhill
Flower ministry
During the past twelve months we have been able to provide a fresh flower pedestal in the church each Sunday due to the generosity of our church members by way of donations for the flowers and through the talents of the church flower team in their arrangements. Any funds left over go to pay for oasis, tape and other sundries needed. As you know this pedestal is then moved into the entrance for all to enjoy for a few more days. Can I thank Ruth and Amanda for keeping it watered, removing dead flowers, etc. as the days go by?
By doing this it means we do not have the pedestal flowers to distribute to the bereaved, sick, etc. but as agreed by the Church Council we are purchasing two small bunches each week for this purpose and Barbara Pillidge looks after this distribution. This separate fund is funded in main by the church but during the year we had a very generous donation into this fund so did not have to approach the church for more funding until recently.
Can I finish by thanking the whole flower team for their work during the year, especially for their creative ideas at the special times of Easter, Christmas and Harvest?
Margaret Farrow
Forward
Ten issues of Forward have been produced during the past 12 months, with a couple of two-month magazines in July/August 2010, and January/February 2011. Forward is widely read and circulated to approximately 350 households.
Following the death of Derek Parker, our editor for many years, I have been trying to keep up the very high standard set by him, and would welcome short articles from people at the Mint.
There is a new photocopier in the church office and the new printing is quite outstanding with clear photographic images; this should eventually make the final printing of the magazine much easier (when we have mastered the machine!). Many thanks to Maureen Coleman and Margaret Bullock for their help with the printing.
Liz Sails
Gift Aid
If there are any UK taxpayers who don't yet gift-aid their giving to the Mint, and would like to do so, please get in touch with me (01392-421790). I will do the necessary paperwork, and make sure that henceforth the church will benefit by an extra 25p for every £1 you contribute. (I think the rebate has now been reduced from 28p to 25p per £1, but I could be wrong.) Your contributions must be made either through a Standing Order with the Bank, or by using the Envelope Scheme. If you want a supply of envelopes, please contact Ann Churchward (01392-279843), who will deal with this.
The tax recovered for the year ended 5th April 2010 was £22,169-65p, an increase over the previous year of nearly £3,000, and the amount recovered for the half-year to 5th October 2010 was 14,322-58p, a reduction of £1,300 on the half-year to 5th October 2009.
Sincere thanks to all who contributed to these totals.
Peter Jarvis
Midnight Mint
Midnight Mint has benefited from a consistent team of volunteers throughout the year with only one or two changes in personnel, and for this, we express our very real thanks for their enthusiasm and loyalty. Our volunteers number 25 regulars and three who have offered to help in emergency at short notice, so we have been able to maintain our rule of 6 volunteers on each Friday from 10.pm until 12.30 – 1 am. Our helpers or volunteers come from nine different Churches covering at least six denominations. From time to time, we have a social occasion, usually on a Friday evening before Midnight Mint begins, with an element of training or information to help us in what we do.
In many ways this last year has been one in which we have tried to establish our presence on a Friday evening after the long break in the year before during the redevelopment. The number of visitors over the year from April 1st 2010 to March 31st 2011 has been 327 spread over 40 Fridays, (we have a break in August and part of September and over the Christmas period as well as on other occasions such as in Mint Pantomime week). This gives an average of 8 people per night, the lowest number being 1 and the highest 24, but it is never predictable. In addition to those who come in, we often have conversations with people in Fore Street as they pass our car park entrance, where we always have two helpers ready to talk or invite people to come in to a warm and pleasant venue for coffee or tea. Our aim is to be people, both inside and outside the church building, who are welcoming, friendly, and ready to listen and to give help if that is needed.
We always start the evening with prayer, and appreciate your prayers and support. If there are those who would like to participate in Midnight Mint, we are always happy to receive extra help. Please contact one of those already involved
Peter Coleman
Northcott Theatre Group
The group has continued to attend a variety of plays during the past year despite the problems on the University campus which have inevitably had a detrimental affect on the numbers attending. The Summer programme is now available together with "The Death of Sherlock Holmes" in the Rougemont Gardens to which all are invited.
Janet Robb
Pantomime
In February Mint members and friends staged our seventh pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. There were two performances which were well attended and which raised £816.45 for the Redevelopment Fund
The screens were used creatively with the highlight being the four fairies performing acrobatic flying feats across the screens! Thanks must be recorded to the large number of people who were involved either performing on stage with true professionalism, or in that all-important backstage work, including scenery design and painting, lighting effects and the making of those wonderful costumes. The dedication 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.
Although no definite plans have been made, it is very likely that the Mint will experience yet another thespian extravaganza in February 2012 and we look forward to involving both old and new participants.
Maureen Coleman & Gill Horn
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. New members are always 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
Tuesday Fellowship
We are a group of ladies and gentlemen who meet on Tuesday afternoons in the Wesley Room from 2.30 p.m. and finish about 3.30 p.m. with a cup of tea or coffee. Everyone (whatever their age) is welcome to come along. We open the meeting with a couple of hymns and a prayer and have a variety of speakers talking about many topics. Over the past year we’ve had people talk about their hobbies, the work of the Prison Fellowship, the work of Christian Response to Eastern Europe, holidays, recycling, devotional meetings and regular visits each month from Andrew. Our attendances can be as high as 18 now so we are growing and hope that if you’re not busy on a Tuesday Afternoon you will feel free to join us anytime.
Sue Cordery (Secretary)
Wednesday Coffee Mornings
The Wednesday Coffee mornings continue to run weekly and are supported by a small number of people.
A computer workshop has started on the last Wednesday of the month and so far one charity coffee morning has been booked.
Thanks to all who support these mornings in any way.
Margaret Bullock
W@M
Four meetings have been held in the year 2010-2011 so far, with one still to come. In September one of our own members, Susan Leadbitter gave a fascinating talk on the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull, in April and May of 2010 and how scientists at the Met Office had responded by producing forecasts of the spread of the volcanic ash in the atmosphere four times a day, seven days a week. In October W@M played host to an independently organised touring presentation by Ghasan Manasra and Chana Jaffe on peace initiatives in Israel and Palestine entitled ‘Stories 4 Peace’. This proved a controversial meeting with a number of those who attended feeling serious issues had not been adequately addressed. In November and January we were privileged to have two speakers from Exeter University. In November Professor Grace Davie gave an outstanding presentation on 'Understanding religion in modern Britain: the factors to take into account'. Professor Davie outlined how in Britain today religion has re-entered the public square and demands a response, but at the same time the population is becoming increasingly secular and is losing the concepts, knowledge and vocabulary that are necessary to talk about religion. In January Dr John Heathershaw gave an equally stimulating talk on ‘The Twilight of the Public University?’ in which he outlined the likely impact of the proposed cuts in higher education and considered what a Christian viewpoint might be. No W@M meetings were planned for March and April, because of the series of four weekly meetings organized by the Met Office held at the Mint in March. The final meeting of the ‘season’ will take place on May 26,when Margaret Gleave will mark the bicentenary of the Primitive Methodists with a talk on the emergence of the movement and how this is commemorated at Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum near Crewe.
It has been encouraging to see a strong growth in attendance at the meetings, several of which have attracted a wide audience. Suggestions have been made from more than one quarter that we might develop a more ecumenical series of events here at the Mint with wider involvement of other churches. This is something that to which the Wednesdays ‘team’ will shortly be giving consideration. We welcome this expression of interest very much and feel that it is evidence that there is a need for the Wednesdays type of meeting, while at the same time wanting to find a way to preserve those aspects that are designed mainly with the Mint in mind. We welcome your views!
David Horn
Young Church
Over the past year Sunday attendances have ranged between 18 and 22 children in three groups the Creche for babies and toddlers - Primary for 3 – 6 year olds, Juniors for the 7 – 9 year olds and Seniors 10 – 13 year olds. However, discussions are currently taking place regarding combining the Junior and Senior groups thereby taking the pressure off the leaders with regard to preparation and allowing for more occasions when the leaders can participate in the full morning service.
The Crèche has moved back to the Wesley room and the Primary department are using the crèche room on the ground floor of the Rowe wing. They are appreciating the child friendly decorations and cupboard space. When the Korean Church asked if they could move from the Epworth room to the Rowe Hall, the Junior and Senior groups who had been sharing this room agreed to move to the schoolroom. Although this is not as convenient as the Rowe Hall, the young people having to walk the full length of the ground floor corridor of the Rowe wing and then up the stairs to the Schoolroom, they are beginning to settle into their new ‘home’ which still allows space for games etc. New wall boards have been put up to display the children’s work.
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. Although this is not a perfect answer, the structured approach of the materials and the practical suggestions for activities makes planning and preparation a little easier.
In the last year Young Church members and staff have been involved in the leading of the Christmas All Age Worship service 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.
Young Church Leaders have serious concerns about staffing in the future as three of the Leaders have served Young Church for a considerable number of years and would very much like to retire from the work. Currently there are only two young people prepared to lead groups and we are of course very grateful for their work and enthusiasm. In spite of pursuing a number of possible contacts we are beginning to despair of finding people to replace the existing leadership and we therefore ask the church to consider prayerfully this situation and we would welcome any suggestions and offers of help.
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, make lasting friendships with people from all age groups and will grow in their understanding of God’s love and purpose for them and our world.
Maureen Coleman
Building Development Group
I hope that this will be the last and the shortest redevelopment report! It has taken some time to get all the items dealt with, that were left over after the main contract was largely completed.
As you will know, we had to wait for the second lift until last November; we have improved the first flight of the Schoolroom stairs ourselves with the help of ‘unpaid workers’; various small snagging works have been finished; and additional electrical improvements and increased staging in the Worship Area completed.
Arque are now in the process of getting quotes for us for putting a lock on the inner doors in the porch to the Reception and Social Area; new floor covering in the Schoolroom stairwell and corridor to the Priory Room Servery to match the lower ground floor corridor; and for carpeting the top flight of stairs to the second floor District Office. Boxing in of some of the pipe-work and some repairs to holes in one of the walls in the Priory Room are also envisaged. I hope that all this work will be completed in the next two months, and we can finally say that the redevelopment is complete.
Peter Coleman
Mint Catering Group.
During the past year a wide range of catering has been provided, including the Harvest Lunch, International Students' Reception, Sunday bring and share lunches, mid-week buffet lunches, funeral refreshments, soup lunches for John Bell event, etc.
In view of the complexities of the growing life of the Mint, a small informal group has now been set up to co-ordinate catering and kitchen issues across the church. The group comprises Margaret Bullock, Ruth Jordan, Sue Lawson, Kay Moffatt and Margaret Stirling.
Mint 200
The above committee has met twice and proposes to name itself “Mint 200”.
The Celebrations will continue at various times during the year 2013 but the main focus will be during April and May. Three invited preachers have so far confirmed that they are able to come:- Rev. Keith Jones (Dean of York), Rev. Peter Macdonald (Leader of the Iona Community) and Rev. Martin Atkins (Gen. Sec. of Conference). Deacon Eunice Attwood (Present Vice President of Conference) is yet to confirm.
There will be a party/social gathering on Saturday of May Day weekend, 4th May, to which past members and friends i.e. Methsoc and Questors would be invited. There will also be a Flower Festival and a Concert, and possibly a live broadcast and a series of lectures.
So that we are not totally “inward–looking” a Community project has been discussed and this may be a “twinning” with a church in Zimbabwe and a church in South Korea.
There may be a book/booklet on the Mint on a themed format and should be forward looking.
Further ideas, the fruition of the above suggestions will follow.
Viv Davies
Mint Social Events & Fundraising Group
This group meets twice a year to plan a calendar of social and fundraising events and to look back on what has happened over the past months. From September 2010 to March 2011 £4024.28 was raised for charities, and £3832.70 for the Redevelopment Fund. (NB: not all monies have come through the church accounts, so it is very difficult to gather all the information together.)
The planned events for the next few months are:
• Sat 7th May: Annual Open House at the Boobiers for the Force Cancer Charity
• Fri 13th May, 10.00am-1.00pm: Mint May Market & Plant Sale in the Forecourt.
• Sat 18th June: Safari Supper
• Sunday 19th June 2011: Church Anniversary and Gift Day
• Summer Events: Coffee Mornings, Afternoon Teas, Barbecues etc. Please contact Nina Black if you are willing to host an event at your home
• Saturday 6th August 1.45pm: A Mint Treasure Hunt(at Topsham) with cream teas at Topsham Methodist Church.
• Sunday 25th September: Christian Aid Harvest Lunch.
• November 2011: Murder Mystery Evening
• Saturday 10th December: Christmas Market at St Stephens
• January 2012 Quiz: organised by Stephen Lawson
• Regular monthly Computing Workshops during Wednesday Coffee Mornings – run by Debbie Judd.
• Cakes for sale after morning service – quarterly. (organised by Margaret Farrow)
• Summer of 2012: A Saturday Steam Railway trip to Okehampton.
If you have a good idea or are willing to help, please come and join us at the next meeting: 2.30pm Wednesday 21st September.
Maureen Coleman (Chair)
Liz Sails (Secretary)
Neighbourhood Action Group
• Leaflets & gospels
This year we have been able to create and print our own Easter card for distribution to the neighbourhood. Thanks to Maureen Coleman for both the creation and production of these cards on our new photocopier. The graphics are photos of Easter flower displays at the Mint. Thanks also to the distributors of 1000+ cards.
750 copies of the St Luke’s gospel are being distributed to visitors to the Mint Church Centre and there is a common theme to the preaching of the churches across Exeter during May in response to the Biblefresh project.
• CTAX
This is a wider grouping of churches called Christians Together Across Exeter, which includes all the churches in the city who wish to be members, and this group can speak with a united voice within the city.
CTCE organized ecumenical Lent groups, the Agape supper followed by Eucharist at the Cathedral. On Good Friday a united service at the Cathedral was followed by a dramatized walk of witness, which attracted the attention of very large numbers.
• Lunch club
Each Monday around 30 dinners are prepared and served by a chef/trainer with a team of offenders working on a community payback scheme and gaining proficiency and qualifications in catering. The club provides a hot meal and companionship for some of our older members and neighbours and Mint volunteers provide care and social contact for diners and trainees alike.
• Coffee mornings
Volunteers serve drinks and welcome visitors who drop in on a Wednesday morning. Any charity wishing to run a fundraising event is welcome to use the reception area free of charge.
• Links
Gabriel House welcomes the donations from the Mint, which help people as they move into supported accommodation.
The refugee support group welcomes the contact with and use of rooms within the Mint.
• Financial support for local Charities
The Neighbourhood Action Group brought together information about the various charities supported by Mint members both financially and in practical support.
It was decided to continue to support Exeter Community Initiatives with a financial donation of £1000 for the year 2011 as it works with areas os the Exeter community with many unmet needs.
• Foodbank
Volunteers run the Foodbank from the Priory Room on a Tuesday afternoon. Donations of food are collected from supermarkets and can be accessed by individuals using a voucher system at times of crisis for a limited period of time. Volunteers also provide a cup of tea and a listening ear.
Amanda Hough and Barbara Pillidge
Pastoral Team
We give thanks for the life and service of Rev Ernest Dickenson and faithful members Peter Churchward, Marion Parker, Derek Parker, Stephen Farrow, Beryl Raphael, Angela Rosseinsky, and Ruth Creber, who have died in the past year. We remember them with love and gratitude and miss their sharing in the life of the Mint.
Membership
Membership stands at 233 (previous 226)
Transferred out Kim Eun Keol & Lee Hye Kyoung , Suhee Kim, Si Hyang Yu, Grace Choi, Munghee Kim, Wilson Wong, Ribby Rowsell, Peter Swinburn, Dee & Gordon Kemp, Geoffrey & Jane Trobridge, Amanda & John Eggleton
Deceased Peter Churchward, Marion Parker, Derek Parker, Ernest Dickenson, Stephen Farrow, Beryl Raphael, Angela Rosseinsky, Ruth Creber
Confirmation Susan Leadbetter, Jeongeon Lee, Seon Ryang Kim, Ji Ae Yang
Transfer in Chris Jordan, Betsey Urirapi, Sonia Kwong, Lawrence Choo, Joyce Lee, Stephen Haddad, Stella Gillard,
Joint membership Song Yi Kim, Marjorie Lloyd, Peggy Wyatt, Peter Kennedy, Joan Daintree, Jong Seong Lee, Eun Oak Lee,
Kyung Hwa Kim, Jin Ho Kim, Hyun Sook Kim, Dong Hyun Lee, Dong Geon Lee, Yu Seop Soh, Keun Woo Rhee,
Bo Mee Kim, Scott Talkington, Jeong Won Ae, Rence Vinhyu,
Alice Kingsnorth has stepped down as pastoral visitor as she moves away to live near her family and we thank her for her part in the pastoral life of the church. We welcome Joy Howell-Jones as a new pastoral visitor.
Over 90 bunches of flowers have been given to those with particular concerns and celebrations and many cards and greetings sent on behalf of the Mint Methodist Church family.
In addition to the annual meeting, pastoral visitors this year shared practical aspects of pastoral care and intend to repeat the exercise in the coming year. With the growing number of people in our church each week comes the challenge to provide contact and pastoral care for all. We are all part of the wider church family. We are challenged to listen to each other’s stories and to pray and care for all in our worshipping community.
Barbara Pillidge
Property
It is now a year since we celebrated completion of the major redevelopment work, which enabled such a step change in the way we use and manage our premises. You may recall that a dedicated Buildings Committee had been formed to oversee the contract - the residual work of that body has now reverted to the Property Committee, and it seems a good moment to give thanks for the huge amount of time and effort put in by Peter Coleman and his team. The Property Committee has already acknowledged this by inviting Peter to be its Vice Chairman ….. in the interests of continuity!
A significant item not covered by the Arque redevelopment contract was the need for remedial work to the walls and eaves, particularly along the Mint Lane and Priory boundaries. Much of the decorative stone along these elevations (dating from the 1850s to 1880s) were in poor condition and a threat to public safety. A scheme was therefore developed to address these issues and – having received very competitive tenders – the Church Council agreed to carry out the full scope of work identified to make best use of the necessary scaffolding. The work was carried out during autumn 2010 by First Maintenance Limited. Their presence on site enabled them to respond quickly when urgent repairs to the Priory Room ceiling were required.
As the heating system had been replaced during the autumn of 2008 three major capital schemes had been successfully completed within two years. The Church Council were given the confidence to proceed with such comprehensive schemes by the financial response of the wider church family both by way of giving and by interest free loans. Accordingly schemes now in the pipeline – naturally on a small scale – are being critically examined before commitment, with a view to clearing of the loans by the 2013 bicentenary celebrations.
Several schemes have been carried out by volunteers from among the Mint membership, who have sometimes been assisted by labour from the Unpaid Work Team of the Probation Service. Examples of these schemes are the Old School block stairs and extensions to the worship area platforms. New notice boards to improve the ambience of the Fore Street entrance are under consideration – planning approval has been secured from the City Council and the practicalities of their installation are being worked out.
Looking to the future, the next Quinquennial inspection of the Mint is planned for November 2011. This is the examination of the property prescribed by Methodist Standing Orders to be carried out every five years – and we trust and expect that the surveyor’s suggestions this year will be a good deal less onerous than those made in 2006! Following the Health & Safety Audit of the premises carried out in December 2010 we are working to correct the matters noted, and also to streamline our policies and procedures for those using, maintaining and working in the premises.
Agreements are in place covering use of the building for which the room-booking scheme is not appropriate. These cover the Plymouth & Exeter Methodist District (second floor of the old School Block), the Development Trusts Association (now merged to form Locality – occupying the Martin Luther King room for a further year), the Exeter Food Bank (using the Priory Room twice a week) and the weekly Lunch Club (provided by the Probation Service Unpaid Work Unit).
Everyone using the Mint has become used to the service provided so faithfully by the Administrators and their supporting volunteers. Much of the Property Committee’s work is carried out by individuals and small groups whose profile may not be prominent, but whose contribution is so essential.
So - a big ‘thank you’ to all those involved in the maintenance of the building fabric and furnishings, the management of property matters on behalf of the Church Council, and the day to day administration and the big welcome offered when we walk though those (fairly) new doors.
Mike Pillidge (Property Secretary)
Sunday Coffee Rota
The serving of coffee and tea following Sunday morning service is an important part of our ministry to newcomers and visitors to the Mint as well as our members. . A very loyal band of regular volunteers most of whom have been helping for over 15 years would welcome the offer of more volunteers to join the rota.
At present everyone takes a turn once a quarter-it would be good if we had enough people
so no one had to do it more than twice a year-if this is something you feel you could help with please speak to Margaret Stirling (254815) or Margaret Bullock ( 256851 )who has agreed to do the rota from August onwards. A big thank you to those on the existing rota for your help, support and co-operation over the past five years I have been organising the rota .We are pleased to have a representative from the Korean Fellowship helping the existing teams on the Sundays when they join with us for worship.
Margaret Stirling.
World Service and Missions Committee
As I said last year, the work of this committee is quietly carried out by dedicated members of the congregation, who get on with their work in an unobtrusive yet efficient way. The Committee covers many different aspects of mission as can be seen below.
• MHA Carol Concert was hosted by the Mint. Dorothy Worthington and committee volunteers worked hard with other Circuit WSM members to make this an enjoyable event in the run-up to Christmas. Okehampton Choral Society gave us a memorable concert and a good sum was raised for Methodist Homes. There could have been more Mint members there though!
• Action for Children carol singing in the car park was not very well supported either. On a very cold Saturday morning a few brave souls stood in the snow to entertain passers-by and entice them in for hot drinks in the warm reception area. Thanks are due to those who gave up their time.
• Christmas Day envelopes and the Homecourt Carols also helped with the Action for Children fundraising. As always, Jean Potter has processed the Action for Children boxes and re-issued them for this year. If anyone feels that they would like to put a few pounds away a year to help what used to be called NCH, please contact Jean or Angela.
• Mission in Britain Sunday service on 13th March was led by Andrew, with guest preacher Rev Pete Pillinger, Plymouth and Exeter District Chairman.
• Traidcraft. Sales continue to do well and we thank Peter and Elizabeth Webb for working so hard to promote this worldwide initiative.
• Women’s World Day of Prayer was held on Friday 4th March at the Catholic church of the Sacred Heart in South Street. Janet Robb persuaded three other Mint members to join her in representing the women of Chile at the well-supported ecumenical service, which was as inspiring and thought-provoking as ever.
• Christian Aid week is again being organised by Stuart Jackson. More volunteers to help with boxes are always welcome.
• Self denial, World and Home Mission boxes. Margaret Packham, Pam Manley and Peter Cordery all note that donations have again dropped, but we realise that as an outward-looking church we are constantly being asked to give generously to many appeals
The amalgamation of the Exeter Circuit with two other Circuits will undoubtedly bring major changes to the working of committees such as World Service and Mission, but we see this as a new challenge and look forward to working with different churches in future.
We are also considering a possible ‘twinning’ with churches overseas to commemorate the Mint’s 200th anniversary in 2013. You will be getting more information on this during the next few months. Thanks as always go to the committee members who get on with the job without very little nudging from me.
Diary Date:
• Another cream tea for World Service and Mission will be held at John and Angela White’s home, on Friday 24th June, a few days before the Circuit World Church Festival, which this year will be at Silverton. The focus for this year’s Festival will be the charity Second Sight, working in India.
Please join us at 12 Old Rydon Ley from 2.30 – 4.00 pm on 24th June
Angela White, Chairman
Countess Wear Housegroup
The Countess Wear House Group has met monthly during the past year, mostly at the home of Janet Robb. Margaret Stirling has stepped down temporarily as House Group Coordinator. Our thanks to Janet and to Margaret.
In the past six months, the programme has varied from Diarmaid MacCulloch on Methodism to Nick Hornby’s ‘How to be Good’. We had a fascinating evening when Debbie Myhill told us about ‘My Story’ and on another occasion, members brought in ‘Stories in the News’ that had caught their eye. At Christmas we did a Bible study on ‘Four pictures (the gospels) of the Nativity’ and now, just before Holy Week, we are looking at ‘Four pictures of the Passion’.
We miss Ernest Dickenson’s presence at our evenings, with his humour and wise words. We’ve welcomed two new members and one of our valued, long standing members has moved to another House Group, which is all part of the fellowship of the Church. It’s rare that we don’t have a full attendance and we would welcome new members who felt they wanted to try what we do.
Lorna and Nigel Collinson
Dunsford Gardens Housegroup
This small group [hosted for many years at the home of Harold & Sybil Bayley] continues to meet on Fridays fortnightly in the home of Mavis Cross [usually], at Lanteglos 5 Lord’s Way [opposite Tesco just off the by-pass].
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 meet in 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
Ubi
The Ubi housegroup meets fortnightly except during the school holidays. We meet in one another’s houses and everyone is welcome. Our age range is very wide and we take it in turns to lead the group on varying topics that interest us, such as areas of social concern and Christian perspectives. Once a year we go away for a weekend and have time to discuss, relax, go for a walk and play games. This year our theme was Everything Changes. We had three sessions entitled The World we have lost, the March of Progress and Timeless Truths. Our group starts at 8 pm and we end with tea or coffee.
Sue Cordery