7:30PM, Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Stephen.

Gina Wetherill called the meeting to order.

Financial report: Gerald Alonzo

Gerry reported that income from pledges is above what would be expected. Offerings, Hall Rental and Harvest Festival incomes are lower than projected. We had projected $86,262 in income. The actual income was $87,332. Actual Cash flow was 12,299 to the positive. However, the net total is $3,066 behind what was projected. Available monies in the Endowment and Capital Improvement Funds have been mostly spent finishing up the recent bathroom projects. Approximately $1000.00 is available in dividends from the Endowment Fund.

Old Business:

2008-2009 Budget: Gerry presented his financial plan to the council. Although in some areas it looks as if we may come up short unless we find additional income, Gerry recommends we go ahead with the plan to add a cost of living increase to the salaries for Stephen and Margretta. There are enough monies in funds to cover the additional cost. Mary Ellen, as chairperson of the Pastoral Relations Board, will take this recommendation to that Board. If they approve, they will recommend this to the congregation at the May Congregational Meeting. The congregation will then vote upon the salary increases.

New Business:

Larry Lopp suggested that each committee, or person who has an announcement for the congregation, should take the responsibility for entering their items into the online calendar. Also, there is a new item on the log-in menu, a whole new calendar, which contains only reminders. The BCS (Board of Communications Systems) recommends that we make use of this new method of communication. Committee facts, reminders, and dates etc. can be placed there by the responsible person, and people can access the reminders by logging on to the web site. If a person needs training to do this they can contact support@Skylandchurch.com or talk to someone who is on the BCS.

Refreshments for Sunday: Mary Ellen raised the need for more people to share the duties of setting up and serving for coffee hour. It was suggested that we have a sign-up sheet. People not on a committee could be paired with people on committees who have signed up for the task. This way people who have not done it before could learn the expectations for food to bring etc. There is a list of things to do for coffee hour in the information drawer in the kitchen. Anne, as president of the Missions Board, volunteered that board to try out the new method in April since that month is their responsibility. Mary Ellen will announce this change in the newsletter.

Stephen requested that the BCS make a place on the web site and in the Sunday Bulletin where the there can be recognition for all of the members who volunteer each Sunday. That way the congregation will know how many people are involved each Sunday.

Announcements: The council discussed how to keep the announcements made in church relevant and terse. Gina moved, Mary Ellen seconded, that the council recommend to the Deacons that they begin the announcements by asking that all announcements be kept short and related to church business. All non-church-related or longer announcements can be made at coffee hour. The council voted unanimously to make this recommendation. The Deacons will decide how to carry it out.

After a question about whether our church pays for delegates to the UCC conference, Gerry moved, Mary Ellen seconded that the church appropriate $200 per delegate for 3 delegates to be taken out of the council’s budget. The motion passed unanimously.

Gina brought up the question: how do we attract families with kids to our church? Some suggestions were: Family movies, Game nights, and Teen dances for junior high and high school kids. It was pointed out that several people in our church are already doing outreach in music and arts for both adults and children, for example the Music and Arts—arts camp this summer and the 4 session music series sponsored by Pippa.

Board/ Committee reports:

Board of Communication Systems: Larry is making a list of the tasks carried out by church members weekly and monthly. This will make it possible for us to be sure that someone will be in charge of checking fire extinguishers, checking the water level, etc. every month. All these jobs are being done anonymously now. Having a list would make it possible for new people and substitutes to know what needs to be done. Larry will post this list on-line.

It was pointed out that The communications Board needs to remember people who do not have access to the online information. After discussion, we decided it would be good to use the “Buddy system�, pairing those who have online access with those who don’t. Then, when the on-line person finds a reminder which his/her “buddy� might need, he/she can call them. It was suggested that we ask the deacons to make a list of people who have no web capabilities. Marsha agreed to do so.

Deacons: Marcia Rollins reported:

1. Although late this year, Deacon’s will be doing Salt Shakers. The Sign-ups will be sent out by email.

2. The Deacons are consolidating three lists of the Deacon’s responsibilities,

3. Updating the phone tree.

4. They are entertaining the idea of having an intern every year instead of every other year. It is possible there would be some financial assistance from the Pacific School of Religion if we did so. Half a stipend would be approximately $2000/year. Marcia, on behalf of the Deacons, asked for council approval. Stephen liked the idea. The council unanimously voted to recommend to the Deacons that they move forward with the proposal.

Trustees: Jim Bowen reported that “work assignments� are being passed out. There is a master plan for outside projects/beautification. Jim announced there will be a work day on March 15, 2008. He also reported that money for the ramp is available; however, they are waiting for rain to stop before working on it. They are waiting for possible funding for other outside projects.

Board of Religious Education: Jeremy Cole reported that things are going well. There are new members on the committee. They also have a new curriculum.

Board of Missions: Anne Evans reported they are publishing a new book about mission sites with which Skyland Church is involved. This will be put on the church website and in pews so that members can know where their contributions are going. Anne reported that there is a lead person for every event the Missions takes on. Each one takes on big responsibilities. They need our support. For instance: we need to better support the Skyland run. The Board of Missions will work to support Paula Leary in making the run happen. Anne reported that other recent topics of interest have been: alignment of vision, outreach to youth, crop walk, and another ecumenical cleanup date this year. Jessica Clark reported to the congregation February third, on her experiences working for the Peace Corps.

Wome Women’s Group: Mary Ellen McTamaney reported that the women’s group is quite busy this spring. 1. There will be a Spiritual Retreat for the women of the church on Saturday, February 23. It will be led by Deborah Streeter. Nineteen women have enrolled. 2. The second beading class will be held on March 8, 2008. 3. Barbara Broadbent will be leading a collage class after Easter, on April 19, 2008. We will each make a “Soul Collage�. We can bring our own pictures or Barbara will provide pictures we can use. The class will be held in Whittaker hall. There will be a salad lunch. Ruth will put an article in the newsletter. The Price will be $25.00. A poster will be put up two weeks before the event. 4.Mary Ellen also reported that The Women’s Group will be hosting a wine tasting at Silver Mountain Winery on Friday, May 9, 2008 from 6:30 to 8:30 P. M. This will cost the Women’s Group $10.00 per person. We will charge $20.00 per person. We need a minimum of 25 people to attend. 5. The women’s group discussed a suggestion that they become more involved in children’s activities. It was decided that Jackie and Del will work with the Children’s Coordinator to provide a children’s activity during coffee hour. We will also put up a display board for the children’s art work.

Last but not least, Mary Ellen also announced that Jackie Seymore has agreed to be the new president of the Women’s Club. She will begin her term in September.

Pastoral Relations: Mary Ellen reported they have not met this month.

Board of Music and Arts: John Gaffney was not able to be present at this meeting. He reported by phone that his board is planning several interesting music and arts opportunities.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Stephen.

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