Stephen opened the meeting with a prayer.

Larry Lopp, as outgoing moderator, presented his report, a synopsis of which follows:

Through the work of the members our church we have: aligned the operation of church’s actions and the bylaws, modernized our bookkeeping, improved the budget and pledging process, developed more formal covenants with our member/ministers, updated our vision statement, started the Board of Communication Systems, improved the church web site, finished the modernization of Whitaker Hall, and become a Green Church.

Stephen summarized the events and projects of the last year at Skyland. He also thanked those who had contributed to the success of projects and also those who worked to put “heart and soul� into the life of our church community.

Gerry Alonzo presented the Treasurer’s Report for the 2007 calendar Year. The General fund Balance for the year, 2007, as of January 1, 2007, was $16,429.00. As of December 31, the balance was $7,289.00. In special funds as of January 1, 2007, we had $121,128. As of December 31, the balance was $118,937. Our change in assets from Jan 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 was $(-12,330). Gerry detailed where the money is and how the remaining funds will be used this year.

James Bowen presented an Auditor’s report. He attested that the Treasurer’s Report portrays accurately the financial transactions for the period from June 2006 through May 2007. He reported that Gerry and Jan do a great job as Treasurer and asst Treasurer for Skyland Church.

The Committee reports were presented in the form of a document. The members were encouraged to read this and present questions or comments.

Peggy Johnson and Jim Bowen presented the results of a survey regarding possible changes to next year’s Harvest Festival. This had been distributed to the members of Skyland Church. The Harvest Festival has become a major contributor to Skyland’s operating funds. Overall the response was positive. The members do want to continue having the Harvest Festival. There was a good response to the questionnaires. We discussed adding tents, having a petting zoo, pony rides, wine tasting, massage. The Silent auction was endorsed by 98% of the respondents of the questionnaire. Arts and Crafts, Baked Goods, Jams and Jellies, Produce and Plants were endorsed by over 90% of the respondents. Other popular choices were Toys, Books, and Kitchen.

Improvements to next year’s Harvest Festival were suggested: more tents, “brutal� sorting at the outset, have strict criteria for acceptable donations, Solicit for donations with a flyer and phone calls. The members were encouraged to e-mail Jim Bowen or Larry Cooke if they have suggestions about how we can improve the Harvest Festival next year.

John Wetherill presented the recent changes he has made to the church website. It now stores information about members and constituents of Skyland church. Each church member or constituent has a user name and password which, once entered, will allow them to choose from a larger list of menu choices. They will have access to a searchable phone book, a photo page, and a conversation page which will not be available to the general public.

The advantages will be the ability to instantly look up a member name, address, phone-number, and picture. The information will be available to church members anywhere they go. Photos can be used to link names to faces. The conversation page will give people a voice. If the system is approved by the vote of the congregation, John will send E-mail to members with their contact information. He requests that members inform him of “Bugs�. And John will contribute a quarter for every contribution to the online conversation.

Wes Smith moved that the members vote to approve the new online system. Richard Lyness seconded the motion. The members voted unanimously for the new online system.

Larry Lopp introduced the need for a By-law change in order for the new Board of Communications Systems to be made an official component of Skyland Church. This board would be modeled after the other Boards. They propose to have 6 members and 3 year terms. The council has given its approval. After discussion it was decided to put it to a vote. Don Law proposed that we accept the new board as proposed. Carol Greene seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Larry welcomed Gina Wetherill as the incoming Moderator. Gina accepted the position and reported that she is looking forward to a great year of working together and having fun while doing it.

Lastly, Larry Lopp offered thanks and praise for people who have served and are stepping down from positions previously held; John Wetherill for his services in making the church more visible through the use of the internet; Gerry Alonzo for the positive changes he has made in the managing of the churches finances; Don Law for his quiet council and steady vision; and John Gaffney and Michael Mahrle for their efforts on behalf of the online newsletter.

In closing, Larry joked: “If you want to know the spirit and love in the church, run for Moderator�.

Stephen offered the closing prayer.

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