September 16, 2008 Council Meeting

Opening prayer--Stephen

Financial Report--a written report was submitted by Gerry because he could not be at the meeting. Some concern was expressed because it looks as if some of the money pledged has not been paid.

New Business:

Cleaning of Church and Whitaker Hall: The council discussed the quality of cleaning in the Sanctuary, Whitaker Hall, and the bathrooms and nursery building. Cleaning is now being done by the Perrys. It was generally agreed that we need to improve the cleanliness in all areas of the church, especially if we want to rent Whitaker Hall for weddings or other events. After discussion of what is reasonable to expect in terms of cleaning from people who rent, who is in charge of seeing that the facility is clean, and how to pay for extra cleaning before weddings etc., the council decided to have the trustees talk to the Perrys about what needs to be done. When we know if they are interested in doing more, the council can decide how much to pay, where the money will come from and who will do the extra cleaning.

Hard Alcohol in Whitaker Hall: The question of whether we should allow people who rent Whittaker Hall to serve hard alcohol during their use of the Hall. After much discussion and polling of opinions of the council, It was decided that we should go with the established policy of no hard alcohol for the present. Jan moved and Mary Ellen seconded that we put the question of serving wine and hard alcohol in Whittaker Hall on the agenda for the next congregational meeting. The council voted to do so.

Calendar Keepers: Gina made the observation that the online Calendar is not being kept up to date. It is frustrating to her to try to schedule the Hall when she does not know for sure what has been scheduled there already. The chairs of the boards and committees are supposed to post activities at the first of each month.

Board and Committee Reports

•Board of Communication Systems. It was decided that each board and committee needs to make a task list which includes the upkeep of the calendar. They recommend that the Council edit the available task lists and have the finished list put on the Church web site. They discussed changing the layout in Whitaker Hall to accommodate the new piano. They also recommended that the newsletter be changed: The next month’s calendar will be included in the newsletter each month. Also the calendar will be published at the first of the month so that the calendar will be available at that time.

•Board of Deacons will have an information booth at the Harvest Festival and will give free canvas bags imprinted with SKYLAND HARVEST FESTIVAL to anyone who wants one.

•Board of Missions: Anne Evans reported that there will be an exhibition here of African photos and Artifacts to promote the African Library Project on October 12, 2008 from 6:30 P to 8:30PM. The Loma Prieta Club has donated $173.00 for shipping of books to the Library Project.

•Board of Music and Arts: No report.

•Board of Religious Education: The RE board is organizing Sunday School teachers. Kim Gautho will put the list on the website.

•Board of Trustees: The Bathrooms are done, Whitaker Hall and Wing are done. They are trying to acquire the triangle of land at the corner where Skyland turns. Would like to use it for the memorial garden they are planning.

•Women's Group: Meetings start in October. Candidate, Betty Danner, will be meeting voters at Skyland church on October 23. John Leopold will meet voters at the church on October 15.

The council is going to have a reception- a thank you celebration-- after church during coffee hour on October 26.

Closing prayer--Stephen

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