Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

Sunday, 9^th March 2008

The meeting was opened in the Engensenteret chapel by Rev Peter Hogarth at 12:45. A prayer was offered, asking for guidance during the meeting.

There were 22 members in attendance; apologies were sent by Margaret Berglund, Florrie Pedersen, and Paddy Hanevik.

The following documents were handed out during the course of the meeting: Agenda, Minutes of the last AGM, Inventory, and reports from Rev Hogarth (Assistant Chaplain), Penny Mietle (Lay Chair), Rune Torsvik (Treasurer), and Ana Duerr (Deanery Rep.). Minutes of the 2007 AGM were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Rune explained that there has been a major change in how the books are maintained this past year. Reorganization of the Chaplaincy in Norway has resulted in having the financial affairs from each of the congregations assembled into a single set of accounts. Each congregation will continue to budget their funds and be responsible for paying expenses as before. However receipts and bank statements are now maintained in Oslo, as the single set of accounts are now audited in Oslo. Furthermore, until further notice, no funds are to be budgeted for charity. Directed fund raising may take place, however such as our Uganda fund.

There was a near balance (-1000 NOK) of income and expenditures this past year. The missions and charities spent in 2007 were actually committed in 2006, meaning we actually had a surplus of over 15,000 NOK. The budget for 2008 is very conservative, falling between the actual totals of 2006 and 2007. No funds are budgeted for missions and charities, per instructions from Oslo. There was no vote to accept the 2007 figures as that duty now falls on Oslo. The 2008 budget is our responsibility however; it was approved unanimously by the congregation. Peter thanked Rune for his work these past three years.

Other reports

Ana Duerr talked about the Deanery Synod meeting this past year in Riga, Latvia. The handout provides details of the discussions held over the two days of meetings. Ana will become the Deanery Secretary and her role as representative from western Norway will be taken over by a representative from Stavanger in 2008. Peter thanked Ana for her service.

The inventory of church property has been updated by Eirik Duerr. Not counting depreciation, the assets now total just under 100,000 NOK. Purchase of the piano alone raised the total by 40,000 NOK and the sound system another 12,000.

Felicity Burbridge-Rinde presented the choir report. The choir gave a special concert of 9 Carols and Lessons in the Korskirke this past Christmas season. It was very well received; the choir was asked to return next year as well. The collection was given the Bymisjon. Felicity thanked Rosemary Lund for all her work in arranging the event and publicizing it. She mentioned that the rota for organ/piano playing during church services is short on volunteers and asked the congregation to suggest persons who might be able to help in this regard. David Weaver was thanked in absentia for his contributions to the musical life of our church.

Rev Hogarth asked Betty Short to give a report on her recent trip to Uganda to attend the wedding of a former member of the congregation. Betty visited Duncan Mgabe’s church, which is located in the poorest part of the capital city, Kampala. The church is part of a foundation now that includes 10 schools and 3 other churches. Duncan is specially focused on the youth and their attitudes towards crime and hygiene/AIDS. Betty was very impressed with what he has accomplished and feels that his greatest need is simply funds to pay for rent of sports facilities and such for the youth.

Elections to church committee

Outgoing members of the church committee are asked to prepare a list of nominees for the next year’s committee elections. Betty Short filled that role this year. Going off the committee are Penny, Rune, and Mary Forsvoll. Betty explained that most persons she contacted could not commit to an upcoming 3-year stint, but would consider it at a later date. While a nomination for the third slot remains unfilled, Paul Ofocha and Astrid Johannessen agreed to stand for election. Rev Hogarth called for other nominations from the floor. There were none, so he then asked the congregation to approve the two nominations. The motion was approved unanimously. The empty slot will hopefully be filled next year, which Rev Hogarth indicated was an acceptable alternative.

Lay Chair Report

Penny Mietle summarized the significant events in the life of the congregation. This past year we said farewell to the Toskey family; we remember young Ivar being baptized by Adonia Bahuguukire. We welcomed a new family: Lasmaria & Hardy Hutauruk and their two children. Apart from Sunday services, the congregation also participated in a garden party at Paddy Hanevik’s home, a picnic at Lorraine Nepstad’s cottage in Salhus, Harvest Festival, and the annual get-together and raffle after the Carol Service. This past September 22^nd, we were visited by Bishop Hagesæther. He was joined by Jakob Frode Knudsen, Harald Grønnevik, and Geir Sakseid. Janet Heil also attended in this effort to get to build closer ties between our respective churches. Fund raising events included the annual jumble sale at the International School, and the production and sale of a cook book by Ana. We look forward to 2008 and a number of new faces in the church pews. Penny thanked Janine Wardius for taking care of our Sunday School. Rev Hogarth thanked Penny for her support and work as Committee Lay Chairperson.

Assistant Chaplain’s Report

Rev Hogarth recalled the passing of Betty Wagner Larsen and Elizabeth Erichsen, and bidding farewell to the Toskey family in 2007. A milestone event was the visit to our church by Bishop Hagesæther. The bishop commented on our community spirit; that we served a niche community here in Bergen very well. We need to recognize who we are and build on our welcome and help to new comers and our older members. Rev Hogarth praised those in our congregation who make our presence known beyond the congregation: Ana in her work for the Deanery, Iris Bjørnø for regular visits to the Oslo church, Rosemary Lund for her leadership with BADS, and Betty, who has helped Rosemary and maintained close contact with our African students. Rosemary won an award from Årstad Bydel for her, and her team’s efforts in bringing theater and music to the Bergen’s young and old alike. Pray that our community helps others and be blessed by it.

Other Business

Betty Short asked why we were overlooked so often by church events in Bergen. Penny responded in regards to two specific events: 1) a gathering of the Christian churches in Bergen by Norges Kristne Råd, who apparently did not have us on their mailing list. Rev Knudsen will try to get us on this list. 2) The Bergens Næringsråd was also not aware of us when they had a meeting during which the needs of new families arriving in Bergen were discussed. Here again, we were not on the mailing list, despite Rev Hogarth’s earlier contact with representatives of Næringsrådet. Penny promised to contact Næringsrådet again to make sure we were kept informed of similar meetings and discussions.

Astrid Johannessen voiced concern about Oslo’s guidelines regarding accounts and would like for them to come to Bergen and report to the congregation about these changes. Rev Hogarth mentioned that Rev Heil will be here in June and reviewed the changes. The accounts had to be unified and officially audited in order to protect the funding we receive from the State and Kommune. The new financials will cover all of Norway and include those expenses that Bergen doesn’t see otherwise- the salaries of the clergy.

The meeting was closed at 13:55 with a prayer by Rev Hogarth.