7:30PM, Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Stephen.

Gina Wetherill called the meeting to order.

Financial report: Gerald Alonzo: At this point, Gerry reported, we are behind the expected number of pledges for next year’s budget. We have thirty nine pledges so far. We need twenty more and we cannot be sure these pledges will be made. Therefore the council voted to amend next year’s budget. Gina moved and Gerry seconded, and the council voted unanimously to make these changes to the budget: Education Committee’s budget will be reduced by $1,000; Deacon’s budget will be reduced by $2,000; Pastoral and Music Director’s moneys will be reduced by $1,500 because Stephen volunteered to give up his increase for next year; Trustee’s budget will be reduced by$2000, and Harvest Festival’s budget by $500. Gerry will present this plan to the congregation for vote on Sunday, May 1, 2008.

New Business: Jim Bowen led a discussion on the Memorial Walk Project. There are several possibilities which are being discussed: a place for ashes, plaques, and handicapped accessible access to the lower level of the Skyland property. The Council the asked the Deacons to bring a concept and scope proposal for the design of the memorial garden to the council. The Site plan committee is already working on a plan as well.

Reports from Asilomar:

Julia Swayne reported that changes were made to conference committee bylaws. Twenty percent of seats of all committees now will have to be reserved for those who are thirty years of age or younger.

Julia also reported that the youth designed new hand sign which is a combination of “love��? and “affirm��? in sign language.

Jan Swayne reported speaker Felix Carreon started a two year conversation on racism. He invites people to look at race perception

Board/ Committee reports:

Board of Communication Systems: Larry reported that they will be taking the summer off. They have recently wired Whittaker Hall for sound. He also reported that the new Skyland phonebooks are available.

Deacons: Marcia Rollins reported: They have been working on plans for the memorial walk. June 1 will be Moira’s last Sunday with our congregation. June 8 Children and Teachers of Sunday School will be honored. June 22 will be choir appreciation Sunday. The Deacons are discussing being more of a presence in this year’s Harvest Festival. They are planning to have a booth.

Board of Religious Education: Jeremy reported that they are in transition: there will be a new superintendent next year.

Board of Missions: They are focusing on the Skyland Run. They need more help. Also, the June potluck theme will be “Bread for the World��?.

Wome Women’s Group: Mary Ellen reported the women’s group has had a busy year. With all their fund raising projects they have raised $18,080. They have decided to allot the moneys as follows: $600. to the women’s bathroom project, $100 to Valley Churches United, $100 to Jacque’s daughter’s African project, $100 to the City of Refuge in San Francisco, and approximately $350 to a Native American Boy. Jackie Seymour will be the new president of the women’s group starting in the fall.

Pastoral Relations: They will meet June 22 with Stephen.

Board of Music and Arts had not met.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Stephen.

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