Elders Meeting held on 19th February 2020
Present
Heather Brumpton, Michael Cooke, Rev'd Colin Phipps, Peter Sweeting, June Gaskin, Lorna Sewell, Pam Cooper, Brian Gerry, Janet Dobinson
Apologies
Jean Mortimore, Anne Kalas, Paul Sowden, Barbara Chown
Opening Devotions
Colin read from a book by Trevor Denis, which comments on the selection of Mathias, the disciple who took Judas place, in Acts 1vv 15-26. Colin said that we are like Mathias, with an untold story. Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were signed as a true record. Matters arising
There were no matters arising that would not be covered by the agenda.
Finance
Heather mentioned that she has still been trying to get through to Cobra about the debt owed by It’s a Wrap. However she can not get into the portal which should show what is happening with the recovery of the debt.
The accounts were back from George Stringer and each member had a copy. June went through the accounts in detail and questions were answered as they came up.
Property
Paul had sent a written report.
The renewal of the flat roof above the flower room will be done as soon as the weather permits. Hopefully the work to renew the balustrade will commence soon. There is a lot of dampness around a window in the Wilson room. Paul is gathering quotes for investigation and repairs.
The property is due for a quinquennial inspection this year and one is booked for Monday 24[th] . Questions were asked about the car park railings. Heather said that like the flat roof, it was possibly the weather that was holding this project up, but half the cost had been paid already. The projectors in the church have been changed around. Paul has been to see the house at NRE and as yet has not had the costings for the proposed work.
Minister's matters
Colin spoke about the reluctance of people to come forward and take up offices within the church, and he will speak about this at the AGM. We will need to have somebody to take over as treasurer. Colin was pleased
to announce that rather than retiring completely from the job of office manager, Heather has decided to just cut down her hours, and has agreed to stay on, for the time being as church secretary. Colin would like to invite both Ann Stevens and Liz Pellow onto the Eldership.
Cornerstone ‘wall project’ has had a new quote and the local builder has said that the wall doesn’t need footings; he has quoted £26k instead of the £70k from previous quotes. Also Cornerstone have been left a bequest of £25k, so our pledge will not be call upon.
There was a blessing here at Sherwell last Saturday which went well. Secretary's matters
Heather reported that the change to the constitution allowing Sherwell to have ‘at least 8’ trustees instead of 19 has been approved by Churches together in Devon. It has now gone to both URC Synod and Methodist district office in Exeter to be approved at their next Synod meetings.
Mayflower 400. After meeting with Tom Cox from the council we are now allowed to use the ‘Mayflower’ Logo on all our events and Heather will keep Tom up to date with all that we are doing here so that he can put it on the Mayflower calender.
Pastoral care
Concerns were discussed about members, families and friends who have needs. We should keep all these people in our prayers. Colin prayed for all our church members. Circuit
Janet reported that a new superintendent had been appointed. Revd Andy Chislett-MacDonald, he will also be taking over pastoral care of Pomphlett and Elburton Methodist Churches. Revd Colin Roberts from Roborough has been advised by his doctor to take a complete break and has now retired. Janet has been appointed as Pastor at Roborough and enjoying that role. Keith Chin is lay Pastor at Millbrook, the lay pastor at Pennycross has left, but they have funding to appoint someone else. Anne Middleton has been appointed at the Performing Arts Mission Enabler and would like to get around to all churches in the circuit to talk about her role within the Circuit.
There will be a Circuit Passion Play at Ridgeway during Holy Week. Synod
Heather spoke about a synod Elders day for the Plymouth churches, but had no information. Peter however did know the date. It will be Saturday 29[th] at Derriford.
Correspondence
Thanks from Barbara Miles family for our support at her thanksgiving service.
A letter from Methodist District about a new Housing Hub.
An email from Sylvia Bunney’s son to say that she had passed away.
A letter from the Salvation Army as a response to my email. Saying that they do not have a night shelter, however they do sell meal vouchers for £1 each that can be given away. Colin said that the Oggy Oggy pasty shop also do vouchers and we discussed this and said we should have some from there to give to homeless people who frequent our doorway. A.O.B
Colin said that he had been invited by Luke Pollard the MP for this area, to a breakfast with other church leaders. Colin said he had accepted.
Heather spoke about getting a better postcard of the Mayflower window and asked for permission to go ahead with this. It was agreed. Also Heather asked if we could purchase a new commercial microwave at a cost of £700 for the kitchen as the domestic ones were not really up to the job. This was agreed.
Lorna asked if we could bring the time of the next meeting forward to 7pm. This was agreed.
Next Meeting 27[th] May 2020 7.00 pm Meeting closed at 9.20pm with sharing the grace.