Larry presented the agenda of the meeting as a proposal for major items at the congregation meeting.

1. Proposed Church budget and Pledging results.

Gerry presented his proposed 2007/2008 financial plan.

The Profit-loss statement of 06-07 shows that pledges came in ahead of what was projected. Offerings are ahead of projected also. Moneys received for Whitaker Hall rental are up as well. We had fewer disasters and therefore needed fewer fund raisers than planned for.

Net: the operating budget stands at $8151 more income than disbursements. This cash flow surplus is being used to offset deficits of previous years.

As of May 14, 2007, the General fund is $254 in red. However, the kitchen fund is $511 to the good. The Seminary student fund donation stands at $1200 which the deacons can use at their discretion.

This year’s Pledge distribution has turned out well. When comparing this year to last year, it can be seen that almost everyone pledged same or more. This is short in terms of our highest goal but not far off. Larry expressed appreciation to Gerry, Don, and Jan who have done a good, quiet job of soliciting pledges this year.

Gerry reported the increase in insurance rates is due to better coverage, and due to the fact that other churches in the insurance group have needed moneys from this fund. In answer to a question, it was reported that members of the church are covered by our insurance when using Whitaker Hall. People who are not members will need to get their own liability insurance when they rent Whitaker hall.

We do not have a fund for general maintenance. Larry proposes that we use unused funds from committees for general maintenance. Stephan proposed we ask for an increase in the offerings and use the dividends to put in a maintenance fund. Brian suggested that the Trustees should be handling this rather than the council. Stephen replied that the council makes a recommendation to the congregation about how to handle funds. Larry added that our council is authorized to make a recommendation and that is what he proposed to do. Gerry recommended we increase the maintenance fund by $1500 for next year’s budget and put the remaining $1000 into a facility maintenance fund. He also suggested leaving the $1200 in the seminary student line item fund and let the Deacons decide how to disburse the fund.

Richard moved that the council approve the amended financial plan as submitted by Jerry Alonzo. After discussion, the motion was seconded by Mary Ellen. The motion passed unanimously.

2. VISION committee report.

Gina Wetherill presented a report outlining their recommendations for who will be responsible for following through on the suggestions made by the Visions Committee Recommendations. Five items have already been implemented. These recommendations will be presented for affirmation to the congregation at the meeting on Sunday.

3. Brian Wood presented the Trustee’s proposal on facility upgrades.

Multiple projects have been suggested.

New chairs and racks for Whitaker Hall would come to $ 3200.00 (80 chairs and two racks). As of now, $2600.00 has been approved. $600.00 more will be needed. Council found the remainder in several places in the budget.

Fire protection; we need to get approval for the location of a fire hydrant. This is funded and approved and purchased.

Sunday upgrade for the men’s bathroom the will be presented to the congregation.

The Trustees met with a contractor to discuss putting in a vertical lift for handicapped access to go from deck to bottom level. The cost could be $20,000. This project is on the waiting list.

Women’s bathroom redo is on hold except for the probable addition of forced air heating to the building that contains the lavatories, storeroom, and nursery. This project is also waiting to be funded.

Sunday school upgrade;

What is needed?

1. Get sink operational. Need new pump.

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2. Replace water heater with tankless water heater.

Sunday school could use a face-lift. Chairs refinished, floor stripped, etc.

We need to upgrade Sunday school room equipment.

Larry will lead that project

4. Larry Lopp presented a written proposal for giving guidelines for Skyland Community Church. He suggested the Council should read the proposal for ideas about what true giving means. He suggested we all think about what giving means to us.

5. Jackie Seymour presented a proposal to make Skyland Community Church a "Green Business". Richard moved we go ahead with the “greening” of Skyland Church. This was seconded and approved unanimously.

Richard reported that the Deacon’s have chosen an intern for next year. Her name is Moira D’eady. .

Nancy Jo reported that the new Address books are ready. They will be sold for $2.50.

Stephen closed the meeting with a prayer.

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