Present:  Andy Taylor (BCCs TC - Chair), Andy Dossett (Buckskin Evangelical Church - Treasurer),  Diane Taylor (BCCs Town Centre  – AGM Secretary), Chris Ayland (URC – ABC Team), Jeanette Patterson (St. Joseph’s – ABC Team), Bob Smith (Wessex CF – ABC Team), Debbie Veel (St Mark’s – ABC Team), Linda Allen (Buckskin CF - Cedar Tree Counselling), Wai Leng Ayland (URC), Bob Bowskill (St. Mary’s, Eastrop - Basingstoke Town Chaplaincy), Mandy Bowskill (St. Mary’s, Eastrop - Basingstoke Town Chaplaincy), Joyce Cook (URC), Juliet Crawley (St. Andrew’s, Sherborne - Cedar Tree Counselling), Sylvia Evans-Pritchard (Cedar Tree Counselling), Catherine  Gillham (St Mark’s), Barbara Irving (St. Andrew’s, Sherborne - Cedar Tree Counselling), Margaret Locke-Wheaton (Methodist Circuit), Edwin Monger (BCCs North), Margaret Monger (BCCs North), Pat Palmer (All Saints), Sheila Peacock (Basingstoke Quaker Meeting), Charlie Philip (Methodist Circuit), Malcolm Read (BCCs North), Will Ross (Buckskin Evangelical Church – Network Chair), Rev Rosalind Rutherford (All Saints), Anne Stokes (St. Michael’s, North Waltham - Cedar Tree Counselling),  Rev Jeremy Vaughan (St Leonard’s), Rev. John Wigmore (St Thomas & Church of the Good Shepherd), Joy Williams (URC)

 Andy Taylor welcomed everyone to the AGM and began the meeting with a scripture reading from 1 Peter 2:9) and a prayer

1.    Apologies:  Terry & Sheila Ayres (Trinity Methodist), Fr. Mark Hogan (St. Joseph’s), Rev. Mary Phillips (St. Peter’s, South Ham – ABC Team)

2.      Minutes of the AGM of 25^th January 2009:  Accepted as accurate (proposed: Jeanette Patterson; seconded: Catherine Gilham)

3.      Matters arising: The relevant issues were on the agenda.

4.      Report from the Chair:  This is attached in Appendix 1

5.      Report from the Treasurer:  Financial Report is attached in Appendix 4

6.     ABC Subscriptions:  It was proposed, seconded and agreed unanimously that this would remain the same for this year, i.e. £15 for smaller churches (<50 members) and £30 for larger churches (>50 members).

7.      Election of ABC Officers:

• Andy Taylor  was elected as ABC Chair for sixth and final year (Proposer:  Chris Ayland; seconder.: Edwin Monger)
• There were no formal vacancies on the ABC at present although, due to ill health, it had been depleted.  Hence, a couple of folk may be co-opted this year with a view to election in 2013 when several vacancies will arise.
• Andy Dossett was unanimously re-elected as ABC Treasurer (proposer:Andy Taylor; seconder: Edwin Monger)

8.      2012 Events:  With the success in 2011 of the 400 For 40 and Live Nativity events, are there events in 2012 that the churches could put on together.

• It was suggested that the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee should be celebrated outdoors. 
• Chris Ayland suggested that we celebrate the 350^th anniversary of the prayer book and the prayers of the bible.  Debbie Veal suggested a 36-hour prayer marathon Friday evening – Sunday evening, with different churches being responsible for 2-hour slots.  Chris Ayland suggested readings of the prayers of the bible.
• Olympics.  The “More than Gold” campaign has not been very enthusiastically supported so far.  A possible opportunity might be when the torch comes through the town.  Basingstoke is not taking a direct part in the Games.  A big screen is being put into the shopping centre.  If the Olympics be screened here it was suggested that the churches might take some part.
• Christmas.  Mandy Bowskill believes that the churches will be asked again to do an event in Festival Place after the success of last year’s activities.

9.      Any Other Business:

• Sheila Peacock raised the reduction of carbon footprints etc as a possible campaign behind which the churches could rally.  This could be part of the Christian message for Basingstoke Churches.  Sheila was asked to send Andy literature that can be passed around the ABC churches so that our response can be considered.

10.     Presentation on Cedar Tree Counselling by Barbara Irving, Linda Allen & Anne Stokes (Ezek 17:22-24)

Cedar Tree Counselling is a professional counselling service in Basingstoke with a Christian ethos.  There is a growing problem of psychological ill health – including depression, anxiety, relational breakdown, addiction, self harm, eating disorders.  People who are going through this need:

• Relationship: a loving relationship where they can be accepted and can receive compassion and care
• Reflective Space:  to review past and present experiences and explore choices for the future
• Healing for the Soul
• Hope

A Christian Response to the need: 

• Christians training as counsellors
• Christian counselling agencies supported by their local churches serving their communities

The aim of Cedar Tree is to use the best of the methods on offer in professional training, used with a consistent Christian ethos.  Cedar Tree was initiated by contact between Barbara Irving and Linda Allen.  They met on a training course and shared their passion for counselling, especially in their local area, Basingstoke.  Several other trained counsellors are now also involved.  The tremendous need for this type of service has been demonstrated by the demand in neighbouring areas where counselling services are in great demand.

Counselling is a mission – being sent into the community to express and witness the love and compassion of God in Christ for those who are sick, lost, weak and injured (Ezra 34), harassed and helpless (Matt 9:36-37).

The target start-up date is soon after Easter 2012.

Professionalism is key.  Cedar Tree is a group of fully professional volunteers.  All counsellors are trained to diploma level or equivalent.  All counsellors are members of BACP or the Association of Christian Counsellors, so there is proper accountability and covering.  There is full confidentiality with the notable exceptions that all counsellors have a trained supervisor and must act within the law.  Trained supervisors are part of the team.

·         The service will be open to the whole community, offering a welcome and hospitality. 

·         There will be an acceptance of those who are different. 

·         It will be affordable.  No fixed charge.  Suggested donation of £10-£35.  It is hoped the service will be self-financing.

A distinctive Christian ethos:

• Counsellors are practising Christians seeking to integrate a Christian worldview and values and will be endorsed by their church leaders
• Loving and respectful.  A culture of compassion, integrity and unconditional regard
• Volunteers.  All counsellors freely give their time
• Faith and hope expressed in love
• Supported by prayer

Needs: 

• Prayer
• Premises
• Pounds (seed finance – although it is hoped the service will be self-financing once up and running)
• People (receptionists and counsellors)
• PC and printer

Edwin Monger led prayer for the Cedar Tree Counselling Service

The AGM closed at 5.15pm

Appendix 1                    ABC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 22^nd JANUARY 2012

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

When the Alliance of Basingstoke Churches was established about 10 years ago in place of its predecessor, Churches Together in Basingstoke, it was intended not to be a governing organisation but one that facilitates unity amongst the churches of our town.  I am very conscious of this as we see unity growing increasingly amongst our churches, particularly at grass roots level.  Various churches have run their own community service initiatives for a long time – these are not a new thing.  But the growth of such initiatives which are not restricted by church or denominational boundaries have proliferated over the last few years.  We believe this to be a clear work of the Lord and feel that ABC has played its part in encouraging their founding and development.  If you visit the hall next door this evening you will be able to see displays of the work of many of these projects - some longstanding, some fairly new and some still in the process of being launched.  Many, but not all, of these projects are illustrated in the attached handout (appendix 2).

The Starfish Enterprise was launched around 20 months ago as a charity representing the churches of our town to provide an umbrella organisation for some of these fledgling initiatives to grow without the need to worry about charity registration, trustees, insurances and the like.  But Starfish was meant to do more than this.  It was intended to set an atmosphere and ethos that reflects Godly values of mutual love, trust and respect within which these projects can flourish.  A copy of Starfish’s Ethos and Belief Statements is also attached (appendix 3).  To date, the Basingstoke Town Chaplaincy and Healing On The Streets are two projects within the Starfish family, with Cedar Tree Counselling, about which you will be able to learn a lot more in a few minutes, and the Basingstoke Food Bank both launching soon under its banner.  Street Pastors has also requested to join the charity once a few things have been sorted out with their national organisation, the Ascension Trust.

All this is very encouraging; but the question arises, to whom is The Starfish Enterprise accountable?  How can the churches together be sure that it, and the initiatives it oversees, continue to operate in a manner that is honouring to Christ and his church?  Should this be through a Council of Reference representing the leadership of a wide range of churches; or should it be through ABC?  If the latter, then we would have to consider once again restructuring ABC as an organisation that takes government and responsibility.  This is a question we need to discuss with church leaders over the coming year.

At this point, I wish to express my appreciation to the present ABC Leadership Team – Bob Smith (Wessex Christian Fellowship), Chris Ayland (London Street URC), Mary Phillips (St. Peter’s), Jeanette Patterson (St. Joseph’s), Debbie Veel (St. Mark’s) and Andy Dossett (Buckskin) - Treasurer.  They are dedicated, hard working and ever encouraging.  My appreciation also goes to Michael Whitty (St. Joseph’s) who had to step down from the role of ABC Co-ordinator during the year for family reasons – another great encourager.

In 2011, the Good Friday Walk of Witness was a special event, not least due to the lovely warm weather.  As we were not able to use Castle Square due to the refurbishments, we assembled instead at the end of the walk in the churchyard of St. Michael’s.  Although this meant we were not able to offer such a public witness together, the service we held in the sunshine was very special indeed!  We were even able to see the sun at the Easter Sunrise Service, which was certainly a first for me!

One of the highlights of the year was the “400 For 400” continuous reading of the whole King James Bible.  I really appreciated the team who put this together under the inspiration of Chris Ayland.  I understand folk from 37 churches were involved in the exercise in one way or another and many new friendships were made across these churches.  It was a most moving experience, particularly in the wee small hours of the morning!

Having put on a fellowship dinner for church leaders in 2010, which proved very popular, we arranged another such event in the autumn of 2011.  Sadly, however, the uptake was poor this time and we had to cancel it.  We do not want to give up on this event in the future if there is a desire for it, so we would be interested to hear from folk whether it was the wrong sort of event or just at a bad time.

Over the week preceding Christmas, folk from many churches contributed to an amazing programme of events in Festival Place, culminating in a procession and Live Nativity event in Festival Square on Christmas Eve.  Being able to proclaim a Christian witness in our town centre is no longer an easy task and it is a tribute to Mandy Bowskill and her Chaplaincy Team that they were able to get permission to put on such an event and to put in masses of hard work to make it happen.  Thank you Mandy!

Just two days ago, the Basingstoke Street Pastors held a “Commissioning Service” at the London Street URC.  Really they should have done this 3½ years ago when they first started.  However, somehow it got overlooked.  So, better late than never, we held at service to which members of the police, Council, pub & club owners and door staff were invited.  Commander Andy Bottomley of the Basingstoke Police spoke, as did the Mayor of Basingstoke and Eustace Constance of the Ascension Trust.  All spoke of the positive impact that the Street Pastors are having in our town.  The most moving part was when all the present Street Pastors packed the stage in their uniforms and the latest trainee graduates were “presented” with their caps.

For my part, today I seek re-election to the post of Chair of ABC for my 6^th and final year.  According to the Constitution, I must step down in 12 months.  We are therefore actively seeking someone to take my place.  This needs to be a person who has a longstanding ministry and a huge heart for our town.  He or she should also be an implementer who will be better equipped than I am to meet some of the challenges I have described and bring about the changes necessary.  ABC also urgently needs a new Co-ordinator to provide continuity as the elected Leadership Team members come and go.  This role is no small one.  I would therefore close by asking you all to pray that the Lord will provide the people to fill both these roles and that ABC continues to serve the churches in this town in a way that brings honour to God.

Andy Taylor   22^nd January 2012

Appendix 3                                    THE STARFISH ENTERPRISE

CORE VALUES & ETHOS

Our core values shape how we do what we do. They also express what others can expect from us.

Corporate - The aim of The Starfish Enterprise is to assist members of the churches in the Basingstoke area to develop appropriate projects to demonstrate the love of Jesus to the local community.  All of those involved with Starfish and its projects will be expected to work together out of mutual love, honour & respect.

Faith – The hope of our Christian faith is the source of all we do. We don’t want to live within the constraints of what already exists but believe for change – and live with the consequences of our belief.

Prayer – Through our relationship with Christ, prayer is an intrinsic part of both our strategy and our action.  We will regard all our different initiatives as being expressions of a family working together with each part caring for the others and regularly lifting each other up in prayer.

Accountability - All those working on projects under the Starfish umbrella will necessarily be able to affirm the Starfish Statement of Belief and the Core Values & Ethos.  They will also be accountable to the Trustees in all areas pertaining to good financial management and governance.  However it is not the aim or intention of Starfish to control the work of such umbrella projects beyond these constraints

Relational – Being relational to us means valuing people beyond projects and programmes. We will do all we can to engender respect and to work with love as a high value – effectively putting others’ interests before our own.

Innovation – Society and youth culture are changing constantly and we therefore need to be creative in the ways we work. We value fresh thinking and innovation as a key ingredient to working alongside others in the community.

Integrity – In our dealings with each other and other bodies, we will be honest and transparent.  We will seek to be thorough and professional in all our activities. 

Empowering – Developing and releasing others is central to who we are. We will not look to be in the limelight or hold on to influence or power.  Instead we will focus on seeing others develop their gifts and realise their potential.

Wholeheartedness – We aim to be bold and single minded in the things we are doing. We want to work hard and with passion. We want to persevere and finish the things we start.

STATEMENT OF BELIEF

The Christian Churches in Basingstoke reflect a healthy diversity of belief, understanding and opinion.  As we come together in mutual love and respect, each holding our own views with humility and grace, we find that these very differences contribute to a richness and depth of community life.  However, within this diversity there is a common thread of belief to which most Christians can subscribe.

We believe there is one God who created the universe and everything in it, including humanity, and he has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  He has given us the Bible to help us understand better his nature and his purpose for our lives.  God intended us to have a close relationship with him but, through our wilful disobedience, that relationship has been broken, leaving all of us alienated from him and subject to his judgement.

However, at just the right time, God the Father sent his Son as a man called Jesus.  Jesus came to bring forgiveness for all who believe in him ask for his mercy to save us from the consequences of our sin through his life, death and resurrection.  His mission was to bring us back into a deep and loving relationship with the Father as adopted sons and daughters. 

We understand that Jesus returned to the Father and, in his place, sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and empower us to live and behave as his faithful children should.  We believe and expect that, one day, Jesus will return to the earth in bodily form and that, at that time, every person who has ever lived will be judged.  All those who have put their trust in him and faithfully served him will be given new bodies to live with him eternally.