By Hayley Beckett on 7th February 2023
Report from EBA Council 23/1/23
We have been asked if it is possible to circulate the minutes of the EBA council and following discussion of this, it was agreed that we would release a short report with some of the key decisions and information from each meeting. You can find out more information about the council on the EBA website
The EBA moderator Rev Fiona Heddle began the meeting by reading from James 1:2-7 and reminding us to trust God and to seek his wisdom when facing any trials.
Council heard from the ecumenical group in Northstowe, the new town not far from Cambridge) and agreed to continue working towards an ecumenical presence in partnership with the Church of England and the URC.
Council agreed that a working group would be set up to look at Home Mission resilience within the EBA following on from a report commissioned by council. This group will consider the report and bring future proposals to council for consideration. It was agreed that the group would be made up of a mixture of people from across the EBA.
Council was reminded about a piece of work carried out in 2014-16 that identified options for redeveloping buildings to sustain mission. Council discussed how information about possibilities and ideas can reach churches who may be considering this and council tasked the Regional team to give thought to what an information day might look like.
Council was updated on the appointment process for our new team leader, looked at the Charity Risk review for the association and listened to the treasurer explain our financial position. The EBA has a couple of grant funds and our aim is to make sure ministers and churches are aware of what funds are available to be applied for.
Diane Forsyth, EBA Safeguarding Lead joined the meeting to present her report and meet the new trustees which was a clear highlight of the meeting, Council expressed its thanks to Diane for her expertise and all she does to support churches within the EBA with safeguarding issues.
Finally, we received a report from the CYF roundtable meeting which Vicky, one of trustees had attended on our behalf.
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