Encl. mentioned in the notes are not at the website.
Present: about 50 members
§ 1 Welcome and opening of the meeting
The congregation’s Chair, Stephen James, welcomed everyone and prayed a prayer. The meeting was declared open.
§ 2 Election of verifiers
Mikael Ivarsson and Anna-Carin Persson-Stenbeck were elected to verify the minutes.
§ 3 Agenda
The agenda was approved.
§ 4 By-election to the Election committee
According to the Councils’ recommendations the following persons were elected:
Ann-Margret Bergman, Kristoffer Ristinmaa, Patrick Amofah.
§ 5 Information about the process of a new Swedish head pastor
Kristina Gustafsson, chair of the Board’s personnel sub-committee, explained why the appointment process is now temporarily suspended. Advertising gave three applicants and a group consisting of the personnel sub-committee, the chair of the Swedish Council Jonas Gustavsson, Senior pastor Ulla Marie Gunner and a representative of the staff met two of the candidates before the summer. In the process it became apparent that there is uncertainty in the needs of the congregation and the Swedish fellowship based on the challenges we face.
The Swedish Council now has the task of clarifying the direction with focus on children and young people, confirmation and the relationship between the two Swedish worship groups.
On a direct question, it was emphasised that it is not finances that has led to today’s temporary interruption. Certainly it is very serious that the ministry is underfunded today but this position is very important. Ulla Marie Gunner has the task to review the overall ministry. It is finally the congregation that decides and it is important that the members are involved through congregational meetings.
§ 6 Digital communication, encl. 1
Hanna Peterson, project employee 20% April-December 2018, described the project with a new digital communication strategy. The project has been formulated based on shortcomings in the current channels. Hanna and her contacts have already done a lot of work and the report was met by applause.
§ 7 Information about activities this autumn
Staff changes:
Tobias Frelin is now back in service and thus the employment of the temporary part-time substitutes has been terminated.
Melindie Pretorius, musician in the International fellowship, is still waiting for a decision by the Migration Board.
Mats Engen has started his job as new Head of administration.
Eva Ottosson, communicator, will retire in early 2019.
Autumn calendar:
Ulla Marie raised many important dates, for example on 16 September we have an event in Humlegården when we will raise money for our sister church in Panvel, India, that is in great need to expand their church. Later on the same day there is an Open Day at Löjtnantshuset, which was warmly recommended. On 4 October at 18.30 there will be release of the book written on the basis of the Congo wall painting.
The Board’s work:
The Chair made a short presentation of the autumn’s work and asked the congregation to pray for this. The Board takes the financial situation very seriously. There is a desire for openness and Stephen encouraged the congregation to take part of reports from the Board meetings on the website.
10 November is a proposed fellowship day for Board and Councils together.
§ 8 Any other business
There were no other questions.
§ 9 Conclusion
Chair Stephen James declared the meeting closed after prayer by Ulla Marie Gunner.
Secretary: Ingrid Östlund
Minutes approved by Stephen James (Chair), Anna-Carin Persson Stenbeck, Mikael Ivarsson