Meeting was called to order at 12:16pm

Opening Prayer: Rev. Steve offered an opening prayer.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes were reviewed. A motion made by Gerry, seconded by Larry L., to approve the minutes was passed.

Larry Cooke asked those present to keep their Committee reports succinct, and offer them in written form at a later time, so that we could use most of our time for other pressing matters.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Nominating Committee Creation

We discussed the creation of a nominating committee team, to help nominations for all committees run smoothly and reach more of our members for possible positions on Committees. Discussion followed. A motion was made that we create this Committee of the following members: Larry Lopp, Larry Cooke, Stephen Glauz-Todrank, Don Law and Mary Ellen McTamaney; that Larry Lopp be acting Chair, and that there be a strong effort to select one more woman to its membership.

This motion was moved by Joan and seconded by Larry L. Motion carried.

2. Budget Meeting Results

We discussed the budget meeting results (see notes attached to meeting agenda).

3. Communication Meeting Results

We also review the communication meeting results in written form (attached), highlighting our responsibilities as Church Council. Three areas of responsibility are:

a. Better System of Communication

b. Signage

c. Collaboration with Local Groups

A. Everyone present agrees that every action we take as a church is the responsibility of a committee or an idea presented to a committee, and that each committee is represented on the Council, in part, so that each action is widely known by all.

We had a very in-depth discussion about the need to develop a more thorough, effective method of providing solid communication between church committees, committees with congregation at large, and with community. With respect to Committees, we discussed the possibility of instigating a training for Committee members which would involve training the upcoming Chair, possibly establishing an Asst. Chair, creating a booklet that sets protocol for how to run meetings, outlines yearly activities, and offers an easy-to-follow process. It was suggested that we get input from each committee as to what they each do already to train, schedule, organize and carry-out their program.

The motion was made that Committee Chairs provide the Moderator with information as to how that committee operates, suggestions for how to improve that operation, and input as to whether each committee wishes to have an Assistant Chair. The Moderator will then forward this task to the new Moderator, after our Annual meeting. This motion was moved by Larry L, and seconded by T’Shala. Motion carried.

B. Signs/New Signs

It was decided that we not act on placing any new signs until we know the proper legality for doing so.

C.Collaboration with Local Groups (we tabled the particulars of this)

Administration and Marketting

We discussed that Administration and marketing needs to be a major focus of the Council and appropriate committees. We discussed promotion, church rental, outreach. Gerry suggested that we begin now to put articles in the Mountain Newspaper stating our purpose and mission. This brought up the need for more discussion around our present mission. Steve offered that our essential question is “How do we grow��. We need to look prayerfully together at this question with respect to marketing, future staff, facility use, promotion. As Larry L. stated: “What are we proposing as our image to the outside world?�

We agreed to have a meeting in the near future that address these questions. For now, we can begin by refining our website, listing our calendar on our bulletin board, and developing a more organized bulletin Board. T’Shala volunteered to create and maintain bulletin Board, and Joan agreed to give her past calendar items. We discussed how to best organize this effort.

The motion was put forth by T’Shala that We create a sub-committee of the Church Council, to include several members of the Council and several members at large, who will focus on P/R and Administration in the new session 2006. So moved by Steve, seconded by Larry Lopp. Motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Trustees: [excerpts from their written report]

1. DOOR REPAIR: Stephen requested the repair of two doors to Whitaker Hall. Brook and Gerry will check the front door of Whitaker Hall and John Thompson will be asked to repair the kitchen door.

2. KITCHEN REMODEL: Joan Law presented a report on appliances for the proposed remodeled kitchen. She handed out an estimate sheet of costs for different appliances and explained how her committee arrived at these figures. The kitchen committee members are Joan Law, Peggy Johnson, Carolyn Bowen, Jan Geist, and Brenda Jatho. Joan used new cabinets for an example of what her committee found. She showed Brook’s floor plan for the remodel and her revised suggested plan. The trustees gave her permission to present the proposed kitchen appliance fact sheets and a questionnaire to the congregation next Sunday. Fern moved and Book seconded a motion to request Joan’s daughter to draw up a sketch of how the kitchen might look. The motion passed.

Maire led a discussion of how much the church members could do and what would need to be done by a contractor. She proposed these four steps:

1. Each stage presentation be presented to the congregation.

2. Joan is requested to meet with the committee for the kitchen layout.

3. A request for John Thompson, a general contractor, to advise the trustees as to what may be done by church members.

4. John and Maire get together to price materials and labor.

2. FIRE PROTECTION: Brook Kraeger reported that the county requires a 5,000 gallon tank for fire protection. The church has a residential classification. CDF requested that Brook post stakes to show where the tank and a fire hydrant will be placed. Brook recommended we purchase a single tank, a fire hydrant, and the necessary line and plumbing and authorize Fern Thompson to purchase these items. Bruce Victorine seconded this motion which passed.

3. WELCOME PACKET: Jeremy Cole has volunteered to write a history of Skyland Church for the packet. We have a statement from Stephen. Various church members were asked to write a brief paragraph on why they joined the church. We have permission to use Debbie Blessing’s photograph for the packet. The committee members working on assembling the packet are Julie Victorine, Terry Clark, Pippa Siersema, and Nancy Jo Lopp. These packets will be mailed to new mountain residents.

Deacons

Glenda shared that the Deacons are involved helping us to learn more from other faith groups. They are hoping to encourage this via: pulpit supply; a Lenten series or interfaith education; salt-shakers; the creation of a memorial church yard or path around perimeter of the property. A discussion ensued about the memorial including a suggestion that urns be buried on church grounds, possibly even as part of retaining walls in this new walk.

Steve mentioned the beginning of a new advent series on Mondays, 7:30-8am and Thurs eve 7-7:30pm each week of advent beginning on Nov 28, and ending Dec. 22. This is an opportunity for quiet reflective time to help inspire us in preparing for the celebration of Christ’s birth and all that implies for our lives.

Religious Education

T’Shala shared that Advent organizing is well underway: Our Workshop is this Sunday, several people are involved in creating costumes for Christmas pageant. BRE is also involved with ways to build up our youth programming.

Music and Arts

no report was submitted.

Missions

Joan reported that while they haven’t had a meeting yet, they are preparing for blanket Sunday, and will look into creating a schedule of outreach events. She also mentioned that she has a book about creative ways organizations can raise money, which they will review for ideas in the future.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Gerry shared his printed report. He noted that we have been getting pledges coming in more fully since our last Budget meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Items were covered under communication meeting results.

Annual Meeting: The date of our annual meeting was determined to be Jan 22 or 29th.

Next Meeting: Our next Council meeting will be January 8th, 2006.

Meeting was adjourned at 1:55pm.

T’Shala Olivieri, acting clerk, with edits from

Larry Cooke, moderator.

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