Minutes: The minutes were conditionally approved. Members will review copies sent to them and send corrections to Larry Cooke to be added to the minutes later.

Treasurer’s Report: There was a discussion of the need to add liabilities to the report, so that it shows a clear picture of our financial status.

Pastor’s Report: Stephen stated that pastoral care is taking most of his time currently.

Old Business:

1. Phil’s Fish: It was reported that Phil may be moving, so the fish may not be available.

2. Welcoming of visitors was discussed. The consensus is that the deacons should handle this concern.

3. Activities list: Terry Clark put it together, Jan Smith will give some updates to Larry Cooke. The women’s group doesn’t want to be responsible for updating it. Larry Lopp offered to take the responsibility. He stated that he would like to move it to the Web as well as having it in print. Joan Law moved that the position of the Vice Moderator be responsible for the activities list maintenance and distribution. The motion was passed.

Committee Reports:

Trustees:

The Trustees have organized a clean up day and will continue to hold pancake breakfasts. They went over the by-laws. They decided that they would like to have more opportunities to include members of the church community in activities. The role of the decorating subcommittee was discussed. Usually it has no members until there is a need for decorating. Joan Law stated that she thinks we need to have an ongoing committee to oversee decorating issues as they arise, for example the issue of how to respond to the offer of Phil’s fish. We need to have consistency. As we begin remodeling, the decorating committee will become more and more essential to assure that installations are consistent with the overall plan. There was a discussion of having a schedule for checking the fire extinguishers. It was decided that the choir will check on the water each Sunday, since they arrive first. We no longer have a contract for termite control. The trustees will arrange treatments as needed. There is some concern about the health of our trees. They will be checked in the spring when the leaves start to open. Brooke Kraeger has the remodeling committee working on a plan. The old redwood tank was sold to Brian Wood for $500. Some people have expressed concern that fire protection was not a high enough priority on the council list. We need a tank and hydrant. Larry Cooke commented that, if we are to change plans with regard to when we work on these additions, we need to bring it up to the congregation. Fern Thompson and her son contributed a lot of effort to church maintenance recently. The trustees have decided not to stucco the bell tower, and they will do asphalt work after a hydrant is installed. The heater from the men’s restroom has been moved to Stephen’s office.

Deacons:

A report has been sent out. There was a discussion of the way in which student ministers are approved. Deacons have met candidates and have hired a person in the past, if money was available. There was a question if this was the right procedure. Larry Cooke recommended that this issue be on the agenda for the next meeting and that the Deacons be present to discuss it.

Board of Religious Education:

The nursery is a continued concern. We need consistency and stability in child care. The board would like to offer to pay more than in the past in order to attract a qualified person. Forty dollars per Sunday was suggested. Larry Cooke moved that the responsibility of deciding how much to pay childcare providers be moved to the Board of Religious Education and that we approve $40 per Sunday for the next two months, until the budget meeting. The motion was seconded by Jerry and passed.

Music and Arts:

Christina announced that we will have a concert by Patrick Taylor on April 30. There will also be a concert on July 10. Music is also planned for the Skyland Run. Christina stated that John Wetherill would like to have music at our potlucks, as has been done in the past. Several art classes are planned. The committee would like to offer mini workshops after church. There was a discussion of the relationship of the Music and Arts committee to the church music program. Stephen Glauz-Todrank commented that the committee should meet with Margretta before the budget meeting.

Missions:

The committee is still looking for a way to help with aids relief in Africa. They have decided to drop Feed the Children from the list of organizations benefitted by the Skyland Run. The committee would like to have a few minutes during a church service to tell the story of Bread for The World. There was a discussion of changing the way we handle membership dues, which are paid for each member. It is a voluntary contribution.

New Business:

Larry Cooke discussed timing of activities for the budget meeting. We need to have budget input to the Trustees by April 14. The council needs a balanced budget. Larry would like to have the budget done by the May meeting. It was decided that the next meeting will be May 1. The congregational budget meeting will be June 5. If there is disagreement on proposals, a special meeting could be held on May 15.

There have been some questions about responsibilities of committees. Some by-laws changes may be needed. For example, the by-laws state that the budget is supposed to be done at the annual meeting. We have changed the timing, but we never changed the by-laws. Some committees are not listed in the by-laws. It would be good to be consistent. Joan moved that Larry Cooke draft a proposal for by-laws changes for the budget meeting. Maire Howard seconded the motion. It was passed.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marcia Rollins

Clerk

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