Present: Hector Davie, David Wotherspoon
The service on 31 January had been well received. Points that could have been improved on were length (59 minutes) and the audibility of some of the younger participants. The latter problem would be solved when the new sound system is in operation.
Hector undertook to act as "motivator" for the Mothering Sunday service on 14 March. It was agreed to liaise over the availability of pot plants.
The lack of uniformity in school holiday dates meant that the remaining dates for 1999 could not be checked completely.
Tricia and Hector were working on general guidelines which it was hoped would make the planning of all age services more efficient, and would allow more people's input.
It was again stressed that the Junior Church team should not tell children and parents that there was "no teaching" on all age Sundays.
The Nativity Play had been a success - David had heard only one negative comment, that the play was in place of the regular service. A good point was that food had been served as soon as possible after the service - this had been generally appreciated.
The Thun and Neuchatel Carol services had enjoyed full attendances. Some sixty people had attended the service in Biel, the majority of them local.
The Heiliggeist service had been too long, with too little congregational participation. David had had difficulties liaising with the English Choir, and proposed sounding out contacts in the Salvation Army.
Parents had expressed no preferences in response to Martin's questionnaire asking for views on when the children should come into church. Belle felt the arrangement was working the way it currently was.
It was agreed to let the matter lapse until the new liturgy was being considered.
David had spoken to a musician from Neuchatel, who might considered taking on the planning and encouraging of a music group.
An American College Gospel music group was coming at the end of May, and would probably sing in church, but on a Saturday.
David and Hector had been working at explaining aspects of the liturgy, during the services and in the magazine. It was felt there was a real interest in liturgy, and it was also noted that people who had attended services at the Berne Christian Fellowship had missed the liturgical structure.
Bishop John would conduct the confirmation service after Synod on 26 June, probably at 1700 or 1800.
It was proposed to have a dedication service for the new roof. It was agreed that Palm Sunday (28 March) was an appropriate date - the dedication and a possible procession could be worked into the regular liturgy.
Council had suggested a service of celebration for this day. It was felt that Council themselves should propose specific details. It was suggested the year 2000 could be more effectively celebrated by inaugurating church floodlighting.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday, there would be an evening communion at 1830 on Wednesdays. 1830 would be adopted as a standard time for evening worship during Lent. David had taken steps to involve John Riegel and David Low.
The services on Good Friday would be at 1000 and 1400, and on Easter Sunday at 0900 and 1030, as in previous years.
The Easter Vigil would be held in Thun at 1800, and would incorporate communion, to provide for the needs of the Thun community.
The meeting concluded at 2050 with prayer.
| What | By whom | By when |
|---|---|---|
| Corrections to notice board | DCW | 31 Dec |
| Exposition of aspects of liturgy | HD, DCW | ongoing |
| Motivate Mothering Sunday worship | HD | 14 Mar |
| Roof Dedication Service | DCW | 28 Mar |
| Search for music group motivator | All | ongoing |
HD/19990220