The meeting was called to order by Marcia at 12:05 pm.

Stephen opened with a prayer.

Minutes of the July 13, 2008 meeting were reviewed and approved.

The Deacons reviewed speakers, liturgists and other responsibilities for the next several weeks, noting that Stephen will be away on sabbatical through the end of August. The following table summarizes these issues:

8/10

Pulpit: Larry Cooke

Liturgist: Don Law

DOD: Glenda

8/17

Pulpit: Ruth

(Hymn Sing)

Liturgist: Larry Cook

DOD: ??

8/24

Pulpit: Emile Mooser

Liturgist: RL

DOD ??

Emile to review his trip and work in Cambodia; Larry Lopp to provide multimedia support; Emile’s friend Carol to do Words for Children; RL to make sure EM has water, etc. and will do the prayer time.

8/31

Pulpit: Patricia Wood

Liturgist & DOD: Don Law

Patricia to arrange WfC

9/7

Stephen preaching

Carolyn liturgist; Don Law DOD

Communion:

Bread: Julie

Hosts: Julie, Glenda, Marcia, Don

9/14

Stephen preaching, Glenda liturgist, Julie DOD

OLD BUSINESS:

Memorial Committee/Memorial Walk

Don Law reported on progress that the Memorial Committee has made in developing consensus and beginning development of a set of plans for a Memorial Wall/Meditation Space to be located behind/below the Nursery annex adjacent to Whitteker Hall. Deacons discussed desirable material and format for memorial plaques that would be inset into the wall. Don believes that the cost for a relatively small (3x6��?) brass plaque could be in a range of $20 -- $30, if negotiated in quantity (50 +/-?) Among the questions still to be resolved include size/dimension/materials for plaques; criteria for placement on the wall, etc. There was substantial consensus that the size and format should be standard and uniform. Next Memorial Committee meeting is Tuesday August 12 at 7:30 pm in Whitteker Hall.

Harvest Festival

Deacons discussed various issues related to upcoming Harvest Festival. The Deacons will have a table with canopy at the head of the walkway leading to Whitteker Hall, with the idea of greeting Harvest Festival visitors as they arrive and having Deacons (and/or others) available to informally chat, answer questions, provide brochures, etc. Note that we need to ask Nancy Jo to produce a new set of Skyland Church informational brochures.

The idea of obtaining a supply of canvas tote bags that could be distributed to Harvest Festival attendees, imprinted with a Skyland Church logo and web site address was discussed. Approximate cost for bags plus iron on logos is approximately $1.25. Don Law moved that the Deacons purchase 200 bags and stencils. Motion approved. Glenda volunteered to deal with the iron on stencils. [It’s unclear who has responsibility for choosing the color and ordering the bags. I do know, in the words of Bob Dylan: . . . It ain’t me, babe!] Feedback and clarification on this issues would be appreciated.

Some discussion regarding the fact that recent Potlucks seem to have been uneven and perhaps lacking in culinary contributions. It as suggested that we make a point of announcing upcoming Potlucks a week ahead, and explicitly inviting members/friends to bring dishes. Encouraging members/friends to invite others would also be an appropriate theme.

Potluck Sunday in September is 9/16.

10/19 is the Deacon’s Potluck (Deacon’s host tables for members/friends in their area)

11/16 is a New Members Sunday, with Potluck to follow.

Deacons discussed various issues related to accessibility and comfort of some older members with regard to the sanctuary and the Sunday morning worship service. It was reported that some older members find the wooden pews very uncomfortable, and may be reluctant to attend Sunday morning services for that reason. Glenda McCalla noted that she has cushions that should make the pews more comfortable. It was also suggested that we can relocate one or more of the choirs chairs to a position to accommodate these members, as needed.

Following a prayer from Stephen, the Deacons meeting adjourned at approximately 1:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Lyness

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