AGM 2009

Minutes of MET AGM held in Llandudno Thursday 16 April 2009

The AGM took place during the ECG week and met in the Upper Hall beginning at 3.30 pm. Rev Paul Wilson was the Chair. He welcomed all present (125 signed in -some did not sign) there were three non-members present and apologies received from eight members.

Paul read Rev. 2:1-7. He challenged us to preserve our ‘first love’ and move forward leading a mission-shaped church. He reported signs of spiritual movement in response to our praying over many years. We maintain the same emphases: the authority of Scripture, prayer for revival, personal spiritual renewal, the centrality of the cross and scriptural holiness. He led in prayer for the Spirit’s power and God’s vision.

1. The minutes of last year’s meeting were approved and signed.
2. The one matter arising was that of badges. The Executive had considered it and recommended that we do have them, as Headway badges did not sell. The meeting agreed.
3. No AOB was registered.
4. Geoffrey Wallwork summarised the financial report already distributed on paper. He thanked Peter Bates for auditing the accounts. Income was down about £1000, but this was largely a matter of timing. Interest rates had fallen so interest income was reduced. We received a legacy of £11 000 and it is to be invested in new activities such as the Preaching Conferences. There being a small excess of income over expenditure, a tithe had been given to Cliff College Students’ Fund. The costs of MET Connexion had risen by 18% and postage costs are higher, so we need to keep recruiting. As there were no questions, it was proposed, seconded and agreed unanimously that the meeting should accept the accounts with thanks.
5. All reports given were summarised on PowerPoint slides:
   • Students and Probationers: Rev David Hull reported on a successful Conference that included those with under five years in ministry and their spouses. The next conference would be 26-28 March 2010 at Swan Bank. He reported that ministerial training is very dispersed and it is difficult to contact everyone. He asked for names to be given to him of people who are members or who need our support. ‘Digging for Treasure’ is the first of our Preachers’ Conferences and will be at Westminster Central Hall on 21 November 2009. Members were encouraged to attend and promote this exciting development.
   • Paul Wilson reported that we are always active at The Methodist Conference seeking to influence decisions. In 2009, we had our daily prayer meetings attended by 60 people, and the Annual Lecture: ‘The Future of Methodism’ that was attended by over a hundred people. Arrangements were in hand for this year.
   • The 2008 Prayer Conference had been successful. Another will be held at Willersley Castle 6-8 November2009 to be led by Linda Holt. Rev Tom Stuckey will be the 2010 speaker.
   • A report from John and Sue Crawford informed the members about this year’s Holiday Week. David Bolton spoke encouraging members to attend and trusted that the Weeks would continue. John and Sue are stepping down after this year’s Week and members were asked to consider what its future should be and who should lead it and then contact the Executive. A letter of thanks will be sent to John & Sue.
   • Membership stands at 2156 and the address list is 1596 (up 16). 96 new members joined last year. Some members have not paid recently and will be written to. Paul emphasised that recruiting remains an urgent task for us all as the more members we have, the more influence we gain. Members were asked today to take promotional literature and recruit new members.
   • Rev Andrew Fox reported on Theology and Research. A Team has been established to advise and the Donald English Young Scholars’ Fund remains open to those aged under 40. We have been running a seminar stream at ECG.
6. Appointments to operate from 1 January 2010:
   • An extension of a maximum of two years, to December 2011, for the General Secretary, Richard Iball, as allowed under the Constitution. He left the room to allow discussion and the subsequent approval of this arrangement.
   • ECG Representative: Rev Stephen Lindridge
   • Youth and Students: Rev Gareth Higgs
   • Without Portfolio: Rev Rachel Deigh
   • Research and Theology: Rev David Hull
   • Ministry Formation: the addition of Rev Ben Clowes and three more years for Rev Mark Reasbeck
   • An appeal was made for someone to take on the role of Exhibitions Officer (a non Executive position).
   • Grateful thanks were expressed to Revs Andrew Fox and Ashley Cooper and also to Phil Smith who are to stand down from the Executive.
7. The Chair apologised for errors in the latest magazine and promised we should be more accurate in future. He rejoiced in the openings he had be able to take such as a meeting with the UCCF General Secretary to reason for more Methodists to be invited to speak at Christian Unions, involvement with prayer movements and pastoring people in difficulties. He expressed his gratitude for being able to serve as Chair. He thanked Executive colleagues who, though busy, work so hard. Applause followed this remark.
8. Vice-Chair, Sue Dunstan, then introduced the idea of Regional Co-ordinators. She thanked previous District Reps who have now stood down. She explained the role and requirements and that full details would be in the next magazine and on the website after 16 May. Applications should be made to Hazel, our administrator. After a closing prayer, members moved to the sides of the hall where they were able to meet others from their Region.
9. It was agreed to have the 2010 AGM on Thursday 8 April in Llandudno at ECG.