7:30PM Tuesday January 15, 2008

Stephen opened with a prayer.

Larry read from writing by John Broughton: “On the Taboo of Knowing Who You Are��?.

John Wetherill gave a presentation on the work he has done to add a member data base to the Skyland Web Site. Only Skyland church members and attendees may log in. Putting in the special “port number��? gets members into some places not available to outsiders. There, each person can change personal info, can upload a photo, enter a caption or short Bio, and specify when he/she became a member. There is an online version of our picture wall which comes up in random order. Church members and church attendees may click for more information and e-mail addresses. These will not be available to the general public.

The advantages of this new system are: Ability to instantly look up member’s phone number and address; It is available anywhere you have a computer; Since photos are included, people can match names with faces; Data will always be current (if people update their information when changes occur); The site interoperates with skylandchurch.com, for members only, for sending email, minutes, etc.; and Security--only members and friends can view private information.

Website member policy addresses concerns voiced by the congregation about information on a church website. First, there will be no anonymous members; a person must be a member or affiliate of Skyland church to participate. The rules will be strongly and easily enforced.

John has done what he can to protect from known risks. Password leakage may be a problem. However, in the worst case, the worst that would happen is that your phone, address, photo would be published on the Internet. The new way is much more secure than before. Also, you can opt out on anything. Your children’s names or pictures do not need to be published at all.

John gives thanks to Nancy Jo, Lou McTamaney, Larry Lopp, and Wes Smith for all their help.

To find out how to try it out, ask John Wetherill, Larry Lopp, or another member of the Skyland Communication Committee.

Financial report; Gerald Alonzo: Our net cash flow is $11,595 on the plus side. Stephen has repaid $30,000 of the $40,000 loaned to him from the Milberry fund.

Gerald also presented the proposed 2008/2009 Financial plan to the council. We will need to adjust the estimated income for the Harvest Festival to $14,000 and need to adjust the expenses by $600.00—41,000 for tents and container. In addition, we will need money for advertising (hopefully a banner rather than inserts in MNN). It was suggested that after we have looked at the results of the questionnaires regarding next year’s Harvest Festival, we will have a better idea of how to plan financially. Jan Swayne moved that we accept the proposed budget for the purpose of the pledge drive. Jerry seconds. The council voted to accept the budget.

Nancy Jo Lopp moved that Jim Bowen, Jerry Alonzo, and Don Law be appointed to the pledge committee, for the purpose of reviewing pledging and finding ways to increase the amounts pledged for 2008. Mary Ellen McTamaney seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Old Business

Jim and Peggy reported that they will have questionnaires for the congregation to fill out regarding next year’s Harvest Festival. Larry Cooke will chair Harvest Festival next year. At the January congregational meeting they will report a summary of the information received from the questionnaires. Then they will have a special meeting to discuss actual plans for Harvest Festival based on the information received from the questionnaires.

Del proposed that, at the conclusion of annual meeting, we meet downstairs for a dedication of the newly remodeled Whittaker Hall, and say a prayer of dedication. It was also proposed at that time we recognize Larry Lopp for his service. Gina seconded. The motion passed

The bylaw changes approved by the council and to be voted on by the congregation at the Annual meeting are posted on the web site, and they were included in the latest Newsletter.

New Business

Annual Report: Each Board or Committee chair needs to submit his/her contribution to the annual report to Larry Lopp by January 21st, 2008. Nancy Jo and Larry will assemble the separate reports and have them printed for the Congregational meeting on January 27th.

Nominating Committee: The slate is complete and is posted on the Web site. Larry expressed thanks to Don Law, Mary Ellen McTamany, Mike Mahrle and Gina Wetherill.

Board/ Committee reports;

Trustees: will need a new chairperson. They report that the tree in the parking lot will be trimmed rather than cut down.

Missions: Anne reported that last week’s guest missionary’s report went really well. Anne also reported that $1530 was donated for inoculations.

The Women’s Group will be busy this year. They have a spaghetti dinner on Friday, January 18th. Deborah Streeter will lead the women’s retreat. Another beading class will be held. A wine tasting will be held at Silver Mt. Winery.

In reference to the discussion last meeting about renting Whittaker Hall, Jan suggested that obtaining food handlers training could be a way to learn about rules for serving food to the public. Larry Lopp reported that he will find out the through Senator Joe Simitian’s program--Tips for Successful Advocacy.

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At the end of this, his last council meeting as Moderator, Larry expressed his thanks to council for the works done and cooperative efforts during his time as Moderator. He gave each council member a card with a gift of appreciation.

Stephen led the closing prayer.

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