By clicking on the links below you can find out what was discussed at last year's
Annual Meeting.
These meetings are open to everyone, so look out for the details of the next one.
The minutes of the meeting of 15th July were signed as an accurate record. There were no matters arising from the previous minutes.
i) Annual Accounts: copies of the accounts were distributed. The schools work is growing and consequently the cost is increasing so we will have to generate more income to cover it. It was agreed to ask the churches if they would consider either increasing their voluntary donations or holding fundraising events to ensure that we can continue to support this valuable work in the schools of Woodley. It was acknowledged that in the current climate churches are likely to face financial pressure too but any amount that can be given will be appreciated.
ii) Budget 2011-12: it was noted that the collections at United Services are an important element of CTWoodley finances and should not be overlooked. Perhaps a reminder of what we need the money for would be helpful at one of the services. The budget was accepted unanimously with thanks to the Treasurer.
Christ Church: There is a Silent Auction coming up in November as part of our Church Project fundraising. The Saturday evening Youth Club is still going strong. Our recent Youth service went well but highlighted some issues which need attention.
Woodley Airfield: We have recently decided to start using recorded music on alternate weeks for a trial period: this allows the musicians to have a break and also reduces the workload on the audio team. Our numbers are still low but spirits are high: there is a lot going on. We are building up to Christmas, with invitations coming in to go into schools with the Herald Puppets.
St. John Bosco: We are still feeling the aftermath of the Pope's visit. The remarkable warmth & love from other Christians has amazed many. The Press reporting beforehand was unpleasant but fine during the visit. It is believed that 80,000 people were totally silent for 15 minutes while the Pope delivered his address. There is lots going on at St John Bosco: in particular the Climate Change Action Group is working on a program of events and are pleased to note that Park URC has funding for solar panels & a climate-friendly boiler system.
Emmanuel: Unfortunately they were not represented at this meeting and were unable to report on their new youth service: the first one was last weekend.
WBC: We now have a new minister working alongside David Barter; Graham Doel, minister for evangelism. We have recently commissioned two part time youth workers, Steph & Ellie (who has recently completed a 3-year Oasis degree), and we are looking forward to great things. Our latest Alpha course is running with about 8 people. Currently we are maintaining 2 morning services and one evening service.
St. James: Lots of activities are going on. Messy church is going well but needs more volunteers from all the churches. It is reaching a very different group of people from most of the other activities. The young people's Fish group is going well, with separate groups for older and younger members. JG reminded us that it is too easy to talk about activities and numbers while not talking about the spiritual health of the churches. We recently also had a very interesting meeting on spiritual healing.
St. Johns: The annual service for the bereaved is coming up at the end of October. It is a good alternative to Halloween. Mission Sunday is this week, with a focus on youth mission and including a shared lunch. There have been nearly 80 funerals in the last year and over 50 baptisms which is a lot of ministry. These services are a great opportunity for people to hear the gospel message.
JAC Church: Peter Munday was not able to attend the meeting. The work in Woodley is very hard at present; much prayer is needed. Sam & Yvonne need support; the funding from Wokingham has been cut and work in Waingels is being reduced. Some funding has been received from Sainsbury's. They have just set up bio-diesel plant at JAC house which is up and running. at a future meeting we should discuss how we can support JAC better.
i) Lent 2011: This year we recommend York Course 2011, Rich Inheritances. We will not be organising ecumenical groups or a launch event, but if individual groups wish to form that will be fine. All reps please report back to churches and encourage groups to consider using the York course booklet. They can be ordered via the website (see link above).
ii) Free2Be: The next few dates proposed are: Feb 27, Ap 24 (Easter Sunday - would May 1 be better?) Jun 26, Sep 25, Nov 27. It was asked if St. John Bosco would like to host one of these, and if so on which date? Reps were asked to find out.
iii) Christmas Cards: Details of Christmas services are required by Moira Astin on or before 1/11. It was suggested that we hold a Design competition next year - launch in September for children to enter. LG & MC have experience of running a similar competition in a school several years ago. It was felt that it is too late to organise a competition for this year.
LG gave a wonderful presentation summarising what it is and what they do. The schools are very keen and demand for lessons is increasing. MN shared his enthusiasm for the work that they do and the amazing energy and commitment of the teams going into the schools. This is a tremendous opportunity to reach hundreds of children and their families with the truth about God.
Books for schools: As part of the work of REinspired-Woodley, it has been noted that most of the schools have very few good books relating to RE, in particular to Christianity. It has been decided to do something about this. Books will be bought and given to the schools as gifts from Churches Together in Woodley, possibly with a formal presentation to which the local Press could be invited. The details of how to finance it will be decided at a future meeting.
Faith in the Community: their work consists of supporting & seed-funding various new ventures in the community where Churches are working together, including REinspired-Woodley & the Link Visiting scheme, whose funding from Wokingham is about to be cut. They are also working closely with Reading - the Family Business, Arts Collective (supporting Christian artists), and press coverage can be arranged for events in local churches.
Not Ashamed: the campaign is being organised by Christian Concern for Our Nation. The focus is the presentation on Dec. 1st of a declaration which states:
"We believe that Jesus Christ is good news for our nation. He is the only true hope and solid foundation for our society.
We call on government, employers and other leaders in our country to protect the freedom of Christians to participate in public life without compromising biblical teaching and to promote in our society the values that are revealed through Jesus Christ and that have so shaped our nation, for the good of all."
All present were urged to encourage the members of their congregations to consider signing the declaration and wearing the symbol of the campaign (badge, t-shirt, cap or wristband) to show their support for it. More information can be found on-line at:
www.notashamed.org.uk.
Last updated: 17th August 2011
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