Over the weekend 18-20 March 2010, the Elders met for an extended
consideration
of the way forward for the Northgate congregation.
Issues relating the the changes needed to ensure a secure and missioning
future for the
congregation worshipping at Northgate were discussed in detail.
Immediate financial issues were a consideration but the wider mission of our
people towards
the people of the area was the main focus of the weekend.
The conference was held in the URC Windermere residential centre, where
there are well-equipped
meetings facilities as well as prayer and worship areas.
The conference was attended by 11 Elders, both serving and non-serving, plus
Peter Murray,
who contributed his professional expertise as a facilitator.
Lawrence Moore, the Centre Director presented a session on Mission.
All active Elders (whether present or not) were given the opportunity to
contribute by means of a
pre-meeting worksheet, highlighting what were anticipated to be the keys areas
for discussion.
Immediate feedback to the congregation on the conference was given at
the next Church Meeting and through the channel of the
church magazine.
Full feedback will be given by Elders & Pastoral visitors during their visits.
| Day / Topic | Leader |
Friday |
|
| Welcome | Lawrence Moore, Centre Director |
| Agenda for the weekend & Worship | Revd Tjarda Murray |
| Managing change | Peter Murray |
| Worship/prayers | All |
Saturday |
|
| Shared Prayers | All |
| Input – A church without a mission is no church | Lawrence Moore, Centre Director |
| 'Towards a Vision’ – `how do we implement it? | Clive Davies |
| `Towards a vision` -- our plan for action | All |
| Money Matters – Church Finances – TRIO | Clive Davies |
| Prayers | All |
Sunday |
|
| Prayers | All |
| What have we decided | Written feedback from Clive Davies, summarising the previous day’s conclusions |
| Presentation on what we have decided to Peter Murray | Jenny Spivey |
| Communion | All |
| Lunch and depart | |