Skyland Community Church, United Church of Christ, Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

    Note from your Treasurer for first month of our ’21-‘22 fiscal year. Pledge income is $627 above budget. Offerings are $37 below budget.   We now have online “Donate” item on our website, “ skylandchurch.com ”, as a convenient way to support our mission outreach and operations. You may also mail your pledge and other donations to Skyland Community Church P.O. Box 245 Los Gatos, CA 95031-0245   Here is a summary of our operating finances as of July 27 for our 2021-2022 fiscal year. Gerald Alonzo, Treasurer  

  Council meeting notes July 26, 2021: Moderator Leslie Meehan brought the meeting to order at 8:35 am. Opening prayer was led by Rev. Melanie Weiner. Our Behavioral Covenant was read by Leslie. Minutes of the June meeting were read silently and approved unanimously.   Treasurer’s report:   Gerald Alonzo reported that income for June of pledges and a bit of the carryover will be adequate to cover June 2021. He and Anne Evans expressed some frustrations with trying to create a “new” fiscal year in QuickBooks. They will find a way. The report was approved unanimously.   Old Business: There was no old business.   New Business: The issues covered in the Minister’s News are covered as separate items below.   Vision and Assessment Ministry Team-- A Vision and Assessment Ministry Team was authorized in the revision of the Skyland Community Church Bylaws proposed and passed at the Annual Congregational Meeting on February 14, 2021. This team’s responsibility is both evaluation of Skyland Chu

Message from Rev. Melanie "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."                                     --Jesus (according to Matthew 18:20) In this last month we have begun on-site worship at the church!  It has been particularly moving to have our choir sing, and it has been a blessing to me to preach to a "live audience" from which I receive real feedback in the moment.  This took a lot of planning and a lot of work, but it was lovely to come together and we are able to accommodate people in person and on Zoom.  There was a learning curve, but people have been understanding and we are all learning together.  On July 25, we moved into the sanctuary while also maintaining a Zoom presence.  This eased the load for a lot of people who did amazing, yet exhausting, work setting up and putting away all that we needed.  It also removed the hazard for people with mobility challenges traversing uneven ground and lessened the discomfort of the

This month as we face the pandemic and its new after effects with the Delta variant, our food pantry is even more important.   Can you help by donating 1-2 hours a week?   We need more volunteers.   Please reach out to Shannon Edwards,  Food Pantry coordinator:  408- 234-2710.  ( shannonedwards14@gmail.com ) Here are some facts from Feeding America.   Hunger in America Millions of children and families living in America face hunger and  food insecurity  every day. Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic,  more than 42 million people may experience food insecurity  including a potential 13 million children. The pandemic has  most impacted  families that were already facing hunger or one paycheck away from facing hunger. According to the USDA's latest  Household Food Insecurity in the United States  report, more than 35 million people in the United States experienced hunger in 2019.  Households with children are more likely to experience food insecurity. Before the coronavirus

  The Finance Team added a new member, Jackie Seymour and a consultant, Terrie Landini to our team in June. In late June the Finance team met and agreed upon a process to make recommendations as to the management, use and investment of our monies for the benefit of our Skyland Church community. We divided into two sub-groups to research opportunities and to develop rules and policies as well as recommendations for the use of the monies. We will keep in mind the history of the Milberry fund and the Endowment. One sub-group is tasked with research on the Milberry Fund and Endowment Investments. The other sub-group is researching opportunities for the Board Designated Reserves. The Finance Team will include ESG filters (Environmental, Social, Governance) while researching the investment opportunities. On August 8 the subgroups will return to the Finance Team with their research and make recommendations for establishing policies and general investment criteria which will then be disc

  Harvest Festival 2021 and Re-Vision at Skyland Church During the Skyland Church Council meeting of July 26, the decision was made to cancel Harvest Festival for 2021. Council members all spoke to their love for the event and about concerns for the rising COVID-19 infections locally. (Not known until Wednesday, the 28 th , was a super spreader music event in Felton with just over 200 people present that sickened the entire band and several attendees, so far. Local health authorities are seeking participants who are displaying even minor symptoms.) The community and our church’s love for Harvest Festival is deep and abiding. Each of the event’s different aspects were spoken of with fondness and a strong hope of continuing in future years. As the discussion continued, folks began to include events that had happened as part of our Re-Visioning community outreach and involvement projects. Then, lightbulbs of ideas began to shine upon the Women’s Soothing Series, the Community Sharing

  Church Service-     Hallelujah! July 4 th began our hybrid series of in-person worship service with a beautiful outdoor celebration. Over 30 congregants were present either on zoom or in chairs on the grounds facing lower Whitaker. Thank goodness for the elevator. The sound set-up was complicated but successful with many thanks to the very red, white and blue colorful choir and their director Glenda McCalla, Gerald Alonzo, Al Feuerbach, Brian Wood, Patricia Wood, Jan Swayne, John Conkle on zoom and Rev. Melanie for the days (weeks) of preparation. On July 25 th we moved into the Sanctuary for in-person hybrid services and another set of challenges with sound reinforcement at Skyland and on computers on zoom. The sanctuary has a large TV in the front with the zoom participants on it and a separate speaker to hear the zoom congregants talk. In the sanctuary we are using the infrared sound system to hear Rev. Melanie and the liturgist. We also have two computers running one for our mi

        Update from the Trustees The Trustees met on June 27 to review the list of tasks on the “to do” list. Following the meeting, work was done on the handrail leading to lower Whitaker Hall. Regarding facilities rentals, our insurance company was contacted for further guidance regarding reopening. Based on their recommendations, there will be additional requirements related to reducing the spread of COVID-19 for future rental contracts, depending on health department recommendations at that time.  Nail heads that were sticking up on the front and back sanctuary porches and ramp were pounded down. Finally, t he lift behind Whitaker Hall is operational but still needs final sign off by the county. The contractor has been asked to request the final inspection. As always, if you see any facilities issue that needs to be addressed, please send a note to the Trustees team at  trustees@skylandchurch.com .

    Beginning July 6, Rev. Melanie's days off will be Friday and Saturday. She will generally work from home on Thursdays. If you would like to meet with Rev. Melanie in person or via Zoom, the best way to make sure you find her present and available is to make an appointment with her via phone or email. Please plan to wear a mask if meeting in person.   You can reach Rev. Melanie at: Church office (408)353-1310 (leave a message) Email: revmelanieweiner@skylandchurch.com ____________________________________________________________ Skyland Community Church, United Church of Christ 25100 Skyland Road Los Gatos, CA 95033 phone: 408-353-1310 USPS mail: Skyland Church P.O. Box 245 Los Gatos, CA 95031-0245 Website   skylandchurch.com

  Little Food Pantry Updates June brought us heat and we realized that the food goes quicker than usual.  Refrigeration is key to keeping things fresh.  Our volunteers are key to keeping the two outside refrigerators stocked.  We learned that the basement of the church can add a couple of weeks to our fresh veggies and fruits from expiring.  We take food from inside to outside every day as it is always being use.  If you want to help, please join one of our volunteers at their times.  They will appreciate it very much as they have being dining this work for almost a year.  Amazing.   A huge thanks to all of the helpers that come every week to do this: Monday-        5 pm- Bonnie Cloyd Tuesday-       5 pm- Terrie Landini Wednesday- 12:30- Janet Davies, Shannon Edwards, Melinda Malloy Thursday-     10 am- Dawn Hooper and Jeanne Tillman Friday-            2 pm- Lynn Mitchell Saturday-     10 am- Dan Mueller,  Renee Presler and Jan Swayne and Rose Paysnick Sunday- 6 pm- Nick and Pepper  Al

Last month the Finance team successfully concluded the pledge drive with unanimous approval of the proposed budget for July 01, 2021 - June 30, 2022 by the congregation. Many thanks to our Treasurer Gerald Alonzo, Team members, Anne Evans, Brian Wood, and Jan Swayne and fabulous consultants Jackie Seymour and Terrie Landini for an enormous job well done. In Human resources we were occupied with changing our financial commitments to Rev. Melanie through the Pension Board of the UCC which had to happen a month in advance in late May. In July Human Resources will onboard Glenda through the payroll system which includes taxes at Paychex, our payroll vendor. Rev. Melanie’s increase to full -time will be changed through our payroll system at Paychex. The Finance Team will meet after the service on June 27th to begin the conversation on investments and research. Ultimately we will bring our research and recommendations to the Council and the Congregation. We have invited Jackie Seymour to be

  I am about to do a new thing;    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? --Isaiah 43:19 I am writing to you as I prepare to be on vacation for two weeks of glorious rest and renewal.  I look forward to returning to you on June 28 around the time this is published and preparing to worship outside at the church on July 4.  Almost immediately on my return I will begin serving Skyland full time, for which I am very grateful.  I look forward to having more time to spend with you and more time to devote to the big questions of what it means to be Skyland Community Church going forward.   Of course I won't be considering these big questions and coming up with big answers on my own.  This is work for all of us to discern what it means to be God's people, to be followers of Jesus, in our place and in our time. Hybrid worship outdoors and full-time ministry are two more changes in what has been a long, long season of changes for you all and changes for me, but we have weathered t

Church Service – We have successfully moved away from the Powerpoint on zoom with videos to transition to church services with “live” music. Many thanks to the choir members who have joined us for rehearsal and for the first service on June 13. Glenda was directing with Mike Mahrle and Lynn Mitchell as hymn leaders and Gerald Alonzo on piano. Carol Greene will be present on June 20. Jackie Seymour is making the words to the music available by sharing on zoom & Brian Wood is helping with the zoom administration by admitting people. Anne is in the sanctuary with the choir working with the broadcast of the music.   After the service on June 20 the tech crew will do an initial test of the sound reinforcement and the integration with Zoom in the outdoor setting preliminary to a dress rehearsal for the July 4th service after Rev. Melanie returns the week of June 27.    On the 4 th of July and going forward we will change to a new zoom link that does not require a waiting room.   Comcast-

  Note from your Treasurer for our non-budgeted June 2021: $10,390 of regular monthly pledge donations were received.  These donations will not be applied to our new July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 fiscal year unless requested by donor. $  1,683 in Offerings were received. $12,073 total June operating income. $  9,572 operating expenses were paid. $    957 has been mailed to NCNC-UCC as Our Share 10% of Operations. $10,529 is therefore June total expenses. $1,544 is our June operating net. No need to use surplus to cover June operations.   $   500 donation received for Food Pantry supplies.  We now have online “Donations” item on our website, “skylandchurch.com”, as a convenient way to support our mission outreach and operations. You may also mail your pledge and other donations to: Skyland Community Church P.O. Box 245 Los Gatos, CA 95031-0245 Gerald Alonzo, Treasurer ____________________________________________________________ Skyland Community Church, United Church of Christ 25100 Sky

  On June 24,  the lift was inspected, tested and approved by the state elevator safety inspector. Lou informed our contractor and requested that he schedule a final inspection by  Santa Cruz County  so that we can close out the county permit. Many thanks to Lou who led the work on this project with the coordination of the architect, contractor, Santa Cruz County  Inspections  and the State Inspection.   Access to the Lift from the deck at Whitaker Hall Access to the Lift from the lower level at Whitaker Hall _______________________________ ____________________________ Skyland Community Church, United Church of Christ 25100 Skyland Road Los Gatos, CA 95033 phone: 408-353-1310 USPS mail: Skyland Church P.O. Box 245 Los Gatos, CA 95031-0245 Website   skylandchurch.com

  Wildfire in the Santa Cruz Mountains: I am learning to share in being part of the solution regarding wildfire.  Along with many members of our community, and church, I attended a joint presentation by fire-fighters and county representatives a couple of years ago.  I learned there is MUCH we can do, as residents of homes in rural areas, to reduce likelihood of severe damage in our homes and communities. I also learned the importance of STARTING to make these changes.  Here are a few examples:          -start with the first 5 feet around your home, and remove ALL flammables, including all plants and furniture.  I’ve learned this takes new thinking and imagining, and that starting is more important than doing it perfectly.          -REDUCE other flammable items in the next 5-20 feet, all the way around your home.          -Reduce further, in the spaces around these areas (20-100 feet).          -Consider what changes you might make that can help neighbors to be safer.          -Speak u

  Council meeting notes June 21, 2021 Moderator Leslie Meehan brought the meeting to order. Opening prayer was led by Rev. Patricia Wood. (Rev. Melanie was on pre-arranged vacation prior to her return as our full-time minister.) Our Behavioral Covenant was read. Minutes of the April meeting were read and approved. Treasurer’s report:  Gerald Alonzo reported that income for June of pledges appears to be adequate to cover June 2021. He also reminded us that June 2021 will be an “orphan” month because we are starting a July 1 to June 30 yearly budget. Old Business: Shannon Edwards reported that due to complicated and expensive County requirements, the proposal of building a Food Pantry shed is on hold. The Food Pantry is doing well (please see article in this newsletter.) New Business: Leslie Meehan reported that the new full time call for Rev. Melanie is signed! With great thanks to all who helped to make the adjustments to move from ¾ to full-time! It is effective July 1, 20