The April Church Council meeting began with an opening prayer from Stephen.

Gerry gave the financial report for this period. New pledge responses are slow for the next year and some are behind for this year. Reminder/status letters will be given to those who are missing some pledge amounts from this year. Trustees will personally contact members who have not submitted a pledge card for the coming year. A projected pledge total of $136K is needed for next year to balance the budget. Pledges need to be in by the June 6 budget meeting.

The Church History line item in the budget was discussed. There is money currently in the budget to cover the project but we need someone to step forward and offer to write the church history from the Loma Prieta Earthquake forward. Stephen volunteered to work closely with anyone who does volunteer as he has been taking historical notes that could be helpful to the project.

Due to monies in the budget and an anonymous donation we have the funds to retain our seminary intern, Yael Lachman, for a second year under a different study program. Stephen and Council members gave feedback regarding how much they have enjoyed working with Yael and that they feel she is a wonderful fit for Skyland. A motion was made by Gerry to retain Yael for a second year, seconded by Mary Ellen (and several others)and passed unanimously(with enthusiasm.)

Committee Reports:

Missions – Nancy Jo reported that the Caring Concern Project is being rolled out and more information will be give to the congregation at large and to the committees and groups about how they can participate.

Religious Education- Jeremy reported that there will be a special summer program for kids this summer.

Trustees – Larry Cooke reported that various repairs will be undertaken to some problem areas on the property and that the broken crash bar on the door to Whitaker Hall cannot be replaced but a corrective alternative solution is underway. Marcia brought up the problem that the wooden handrails on outside stairways are too wide for her hand and others, to grasp firmly. The Council agreed that a fix to this problem was necessary and the Trustees are advised.

Coffee Hour:

Some dates were still open with no one assigned to manage the coffee set up. After much discussion the remaining open dates were taken by volunteers or assigned:

May 2 – owned by Gerry

May 23, May 30 and June 13 owned by the Communications Board

June 6 – owned by Peggy

June 27 – owned by John and Jackie

Marcia closed the meeting with a report on T’Shala’s installation event. Marcia reported that it was meaningful and beautiful and she would have liked to see more members attending. More kitchen help is also needed for future installation events. Marcia was asked to write a summary about the event for the newsletter.

A closing prayer was led by Stephen.

Respectfully Submitted,

Terry Clark

Council Clerk

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