Stephen opened the meeting with a prayer. Jack demonstrated his newly acquired abilities by reading a small book

Gerry distributed the Profit and Loss Financial Plan Performance statement for both October and November. All agreed that plan looks good and November was an improvement over October.

Gina said the only agenda item was one submitted by Mary Ellen McTamaney, but she had become ill and was unable to attend. Gina thought that Mary Ellen had wanted the council to discuss the possibility of an alternative plan to bringing the alcohol issue before the congregational meeting in January. Gina said she thought that what Mary Ellen had in mind was that the alcohol for church related events would be permitted only on a case by case basis voted on by the council.

Gina and Stephen pointed out that the notes from a previous church congregational meeting where the subject of allowing alcohol on the premises had been voted on were recently found. The meeting took place in July of 1994 and was a special meeting called to discuss that subject. It stated that alcohol would only be allowed for events where the premises of the church were rented out and that only wine and beer would be allowed. It was generally agreed that the issue of having alcohol at church related events should be brought before the congregation in view of the former decision.

There was discussion about how to present the issues at the general meeting. Stephen had sent a paragraph to Gina earlier and the two will collaborate further on the information to be given to the congregation ahead of time.

Jan proposed and there was general concurrence that the issue brought before the congregational meeting would be for information and exploration of allowing alcohol at church related events and not necessarily for voting on the issue.

After nearly two hours of discussion, the council meeting moved on to committee reports.

Gerry Alonzo asked all members to begin working on budget requests and to get their annual reports in. He distributed Expense Detail Reports to each committee chair. Gina would like the committee chairpersons to submit their reports no later than Jan. 15, 2009

Larry Lopp reported that he is involved with a community action group in Santa Cruz, Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action, COPA, who work with the coastal communities primarily in the areas of housing, coastal issues, etc. The group consists of 35 member churches in the Santa Cruz - Watsonville areas. He wants to find a way for our church to connect with them. Jan pointed out that some of our members are in Santa Clara County. There was no general consensus on how to proceed on this.

Deacons – Marsha was not present but sent information to Gina that the deacons were very happy with the number of new members. Everyone expressed enthusiasm about our newest members.

Site Planning Committee – Jim Bowen presented a Site Planning Summary -- Year-end 2008 report of the very diligent efforts of this committee which will be available on line. A round of applause was given for the good work this committee has done in planning for future projects.

Communications Committee – Larry Lopp reported that John Gaffney and John Wetherill had successfully relieved Wes of the database responsibilities, much to Wes’s joy.

Missions Board – Anne Evans reported that two libraries will be going to Africa, for the ALP. There are more boxes to be packed with books but work progresses. Gerry said that most of the Skyland Run Money had been distributed. We were still missing income from two donors.

Women’s Group – Jackie Seymour reported that the Women’s Group does not meet in December.

Stephen gave a closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 10PM

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