Church Council News April 2022
Skyland
Community Church
Minutes of the Council Meeting on March 21, 2022
Attendees:
Reverend
Melanie Weiner, John Conkle, Patricia Wood, Anne Evans, Gerald Alonso, Jan
Parker. Shannon Edwards, John Heyes
Members
not in attendance: Jackie Seymour
Opening
Prayer given by Reverend Melanie
The
Behavioral Covenant read by Shannon
Approval
of Minutes:
After Patricia reviewed the minutes, they were approved unanimously.
Reports:
Gerald gave the monthly Treasurer’s Report:
Income
Pledges will surpass the
budgeted amount, but they are currently short of the revised budget. Many
member are current with their pledges, but others may plan to pay a lump sum
toward the end of the fiscal year.
The
COVID pandemic has meant no hall rental fees.
A few in-kind donations
have been received.
Expenses
Facilty insurance has
increased because of fire danger. Because of rising deductibles, Skyland Church
now has its own earthquake insurance. The trustees allocate $7,000 annually for
this expense.
Expenses
are $5,000 above budget.
The
operating net is almost $20,000 to the good.
Missions
Food
Pantry income consists mostly of in-kind donations of goods.
Skyland Church received:
special gifts of $5,000 for Cambodia and $5,000 as general offering.
Special
Missions drives included Christmas Giving, Overseas Education, and Blanket Sunday.
Capital Improvements
About
$25,000 is available for projects such as the remodeling of the women’s restroom.
Old Business
None
New
Business
Finance Team Update:
Anne acknowledged the
hard work of Jackie and Terrie Landini, together with Gerald, in creating a
proposed budget for 2022-23. The draft will be presented to the Council in
April.
Re: the operating plan
income, more realistic numbers will be provided before the June 5
Congregational Budget Meeting.
The Deacons’ budget is
higher because funds are being set aside for substitute pastors when Reverend
Melanie is on sabbatical in about three years’ time.
Insurance premiums are
higher, mainly because of fire danger. Property taxes have also increased.
Anne requested a
stewardship talk during a service in April. Gerald volunteered; the other two
talks are already scheduled.
Anne urged consideration
of previous uses of Whitaker (e.g., the Loma Prieta Club, weddings) in future
planning for the church hall.
Patricia proposed a
conversation about the changing identity of our church in the last two years.
Melanie noted that this topic is suitable for the Vision and Assessment Team.
Jan expressed gratitude
for the Finance Team’s diligent work.
Trustees
Update
Deana Arnold has stepped
down because of various other commitments. Terry Leary has been invited to
become a trustee.
Announcements
John Conkle suggested
that Council meetings be held after Sunday worship service. This proposal was
approved and will take effect in May 2022.
Next
Church Council Meeting: Monday, April 18, 2022, at 8:30
a.m. on Zoom
Closing
Prayer given by Reverend Melanie
Minutes
submitted by John Heyes, Clerk, on March 27, 2022
