Present: Hector Davie, Sue Faillettaz, Karin Klingl, David Wotherspoon

1. Thun Services

   Attendances at the Saturday evening communion services in Thun had recently been in the 4-5 range. This confirmed the impression that Saturday services in general received little support. Many potential members of the Thun congregation preferred to come to Berne on a Sunday. Winter would see a further reduction in worshippers. Standing Committee had discussed the situation, and agreed that regular services in Thun would cease at the end of October.

   Special services might still be held. With an assistant chaplain, there would also be the possibility of holding services on a Sunday.

2. Harvest Festival 24 October

   Martin Ellis and Martin Täuber were coordinating the service. Tricia Carrick had offered help. The theme would be based on Deut. 8. Music had been prepared with Junior Church participation.

3. Organ

   The new organ, costing Fr. 29'000, should be installed by December. The concerts advertised in the October magazine might not all be taking place.

   It was proposed that the organ be dedicated on Advent Sunday. It was noted that this was also Pledge Sunday, and that the organ appeal was separate from the pledge appeal, so care was needed to clarify this to the congregation.

4. Pledge Sunday

   It was suggested consideration be given to bringing the pledge appeal forward to Harvest in future years. There were logistical problems here, and it was noted that Harvest often fell in the autumn holiday period.

5. Christmas Services

   Christmas services would follow the pattern of previous years. There would be an 0830 and a 1000 service on Sunday 26 December, although a sparse attendance was anticipated.

   The Delta Church would be using the church on 31 December. Any "millennium" service we held would be on 2 January.

6. Condition of Service Books

   It was noted that some service books had the introductory pages missing. These might be repaired on an ad hoc basis.

   Some hymn books had torn jackets. It was proposed that jackets be repaired or replaced before the damage became too serious.

7. Liturgical Revision

   David summarized the current state of liturgical revision. Use of the ASB was only authorized until Advent 2000. The new Common Worship liturgy was being produced in stages. The lectionary, collects, psalter, and most of the occasional services were complete. It was noted that the two proposed Eucharistic orders of service would probably be approved by General Synod in November.

   It was proposed that:

   • the new lectionary and collects be introduced from Advent Sunday 1999. It was noted that these provided for seasons, but no themes

   • the new psalter be introduced. A nucleus of four or five people could be trained to lead singing psalms, and it was proposed to ask Nigel about this.

   • Consideration should be given to singing versicles and responses.

   • All three lectionary readings be listed in the magazine, though one might be omitted at the actual service, according to circumstances.

   • A set of 100 booklets with the baptism service be purchased, in addition to the CD with the text of available liturgical material.

   • The liturgy should be explained to the congregation, and the aim of beautifying worship be stressed. It was noted that Revd Jonathan Goodall would be giving a seminar on "Liturgy 2000" next autumn in Berne.

What	By whom	When
Plan Organ Dedication Service	DCW	28 November
Ensure new readings are in November magazine	DCW, HD, WA	17 October
Order liturgical materials	Council, office	2 November
Consider use of psalter	DCW, NC	End November

HD/1999-10-17