Present: Jan Swayne, Gerry Alonzo, Jeri Tjon, Glenda McCalla, Maire Howard, Ruth Dawkins, Joan Law, Larry Cooke, Rev. Steve Glauz-Todrank, Rev. T'Shala Olivieri

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 12:07 pm.

Opening Prayer: The meeting began with an Opening Prayer by Pastor Steve.

Minutes were approved as written, moved by Maire, and seconded by Jan Swayne.

Treasurer's Report: Gerry passed out his budget report, noting that our offerings are falling behind what is usually anticipated.

Pastor's Report: Pastor Steve emphasized his intention to put new energy into every aspect of our community life including programming, worship, education, and mission. He intends to encourage Skyland members to share their talents in new and creative ways through programs, or other offerings for the combined benefit of our Skyland Community.

OLD BUSINESS

We agreed to put old business items: Bylaw changes, and Procedures (Deacons) under new business, in case our time falls short.

Budget: There is a shortfall in membership pledges. It was added that there were $4000 in new pledges today. There was discussion about a several pronged strategy for increasing revenue. Some strategy ideas included:

1. Re-calling those who have not yet pledged and encourage them to do so.

2. Reduce the amount of moneys we expend for the coming year, although there is not alot of surplus possibility in the disbursements.

3. Encourage congregation to cover a percentage of the shortfall. Some felt that asking the congregation to come up with $6,000 more is reasonable.

4. Wait and see what the results are from what the Trustees are doing to increase budget, and then re-assess.

We went over each Board's Budget proposal for the coming year. (see attached)

Clarifications/Corrections:

1.It was suggested that we change the word child care to nursery school, as we do offer curriculum materials for those in the nursery.

2. UCC Share is the combination of UCWM and fellowship dues to the UCC.

3. Maire explained why the letter was included in todays bulletin. Discussion arose and it was suggested not to singularize which budget items were in need of community contribution, but rather find a way to encourage an increase in community contributions for the whole budget.

Budget Meeting Plans: It was suggested that we revisit the Budget after the Trustees meet on May 12, by meeting again on May 15. At this time we can create a recommendation to the congregation for our June 5th Annual Meeting. Everyone agreed to meet on May 16, 2005 after church.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Larry asked that Board Reports be brief and encouraged us to simply let our written reports stand, unless something important needed highlighting.

Trustees: No additional report besides the budget.

Deacons: A Written Report was submitted as follows:

We will be entering into an in-care relationship with Kristen Pratt. Her appointment with U.C.C. to begin this is next year. She has completed seminary and was interrupted in her path towards ordination by family issues, but plans to continue on that path now. We feel that both the church and Kristen will benefit from this relationship.

The “back of the pew� stationery is almost out, so the deacons are looking at possible revision and/or updating these before reprinting. Nancy Jo Lopp will check to see if our information matches what we are saying on the bulletin, and get a new picture of Stephen. If we run out before this is accomplished, we will copy our present stationery on our printer.

We will be arranging for pastoral substitutions for Stephen’s absence during vacation time.

Religious Education: No written or verbal report at this time, as we've not met.

Music & Arts: No written report at this time.

Missions: Written budget request was submitted as follows:

The Missions Committee recommends that the following amounts of money be included in the budget for FY 2005-2006.

OCWM 7.0% of the operating budget*

Pacific School of Religion $500

*We understand the operating budget does not include the special items such as: 10K Run

Blanket Sunday

One Great Hour of Sharing, or

Capital Expenditures

The committee has asked me to point out that the contributions to OCWM during the current year were $8500, including our budgeted amount of $6700 plus $1800 in dues. This amount was $200 greater than the “6% of operating budget� proposed by the conference as Skyland’s goal for next year. It is my understanding that conference dues will no longer be assessed. – Joan Law

At the meeting Joan added: Bread for the World Sunday is May 22. There will be a big celebration; please encourage folks to attend.

NEW BUSINESS

10K Run Logistics: Sue Marvin heads this committee. It is unclear whether she can carry out this role. It was suggested that Larry Step in and

a. speak with Sue to find out her intentions

b. if she is not interested in being chair, get others together who've previously been involved and ask them to pick a new chair

Proposed By-Law Changes: By-law changes were handed out. We will look at these and discuss at the May 22nd meeting.

Procedures (Deacons): Tabled to our next meeting.

Other activities: None to be discussed at this time.

Our next meeting will occur on May 15th after church.

Geri Tjon motioned that we adjourn, followed by Maire's second. We adjourned at 1:35pm.

Respectfully submitted,

T'Shala Olivieri, acting clerk

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