Robert Pestell, priest in charge at St Luke’s and St John’s and also at St Michael’s, joined us at the meeting to talk about Hope 08, an initiative bringing churches together. Robert believed Hope 08 was about recognising and raising the profile of things we do already. All three churches are involved in many community activities, and it was planned to put together a newsletter to proclaim this.
Robert also shared with us other ideas for Hope 08, which included a united act of worship, the possibility of organising ‘a weekend away at home’ and a programme of activities for children at Christmas, Lent and Easter.

Following the decision to advertise for a full-time Pastoral Assistant, it was announced that there was to be a planned launch of advertising in The Congregationalist, Youth Worker and Christianity magazines in January. There was also already an advertisement on the Congregational Federation website.

The Harvest offering for 2007 amounted to £1,141.50 which was to be split equally between Highbury and SAMS. With the       

addition of Gift Aid, SAMS was to receive £687.80.

Under disability issues it was announced that drawings for the ramp access were going out to tender, and drawings and pictures for the handrails were on the way. Ted Horsfield reported that an automatic door (to go with the ramp) would cost about £1000.

Jean Gregory announced that anyone wishing to prepare food at home for serving at Highbury (as in a ‘Bring and Share’) would need to read the Kitchen Hygiene notes, and sign, date and return a slip to say they have done so. This would then be valid for 12 months. Jenny Bartlett had attended a course on kitchen hygiene and encouraged at least one other person to do likewise.

The Course on Tuesday evenings at Highbury, January to March ‘08,  was to be a basic introduction to the New Testament. After some discussion it was decided that a meal would be provided at the start of each session.

Finally, looking further ahead into 2008, to the Brunel weekend away, it was agreed to set a date for an open evening to discuss this and think about a speaker.