Church Council News July 2022
Minutes of the Council Meeting on
June 19, 2022
Attendees:
Reverend Melanie, Reverend Patricia, Anne Evans, Jan Parker, Shannon Edwards,
Gerald Alonzo, John Conkle, John Heyes
Members not in attendance:
Jackie Seymour
Call to Order:
John C. opened the meeting at 12:35 p.m.
Opening Prayer:
given by Reverend Melanie
Behavioral Covenant:
read by John H.
Review and Approval of Minutes:
Gerald moved to approve the minutes, and Jan seconded the motion. The minutes
were approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report:
Gerald
clarified some salient points:
· The
trustees’ annual payment of $7,000 to the Earthquake Fund brings the total to
$55,200.
· So
far in fiscal year 2021-22, the Endowment Fund has grown by $3,486.72.
· The
Endowment Fund and the Memorial Fund are ESG products: “portfolios of equities and/or bonds for which environmental,
social, and governance factors have been integrated into the investment process”
(“ESG Funds,” robeco.com).
· The cost of propane has risen recently.
Old Business:
John C. spoke of positive feedback he has
received about a Harvest Festival; to date, however, nobody has volunteered to
lead.
Anne
reported that Lesley Louden suggested (in lieu of a Harvest Festival) a Skyland
Church booth at the Mountain Jam. Items for sale could include jams and
jellies. In addition, Nancy Jo has proposed providing information at this event
about Fire Safe County Roads and the Food Pantry. Free bottled water could be
offered too. Anne will ask Paula about the kinds of assistance Skyland members
can provide to the Mountain Jam.
The
Loma Prieta Community Foundation will be notified if there is no Harvest
Festival on September 17.
New Business:
COFFEE
HOUR—Jan reported that the Deacons lack the numbers to set up each week. They
regard this task as a “shared opportunity” for our congregation. Anne said that
the Finance Team will provide coverage through July 3. Melanie offered to send
out an invitation for members to set up and clean up on July 3.
BACKGROUND
CHECKS FOR VOLUNTEERS—Melanie spoke about AB 506, which requires all organizations that serve children to
perform a background check, including fingerprinting, on their volunteers and
employees. Skyland personnel will also take mandatory training. These
requirements must be met even if volunteers have been approved by other
organizations. Melanie will provide more information at the July 17 Council
Meeting.
ARTICLES
OF INCOPORATION—John C. reported that Skyland Community Church is our official
name in all cases but one: the State of California. Amending the Articles of
Incorporation to achieve uniformity first requires the Church Council’s
authorization. Legal counsel is also advisable. A motion to authorize the
process was made and approved. A draft amendment to the Articles of
Incorporation will be presented to the Church Council in due course. If the
Council approves the amendment, a Congregational meeting will be held to accept
the amended article. If accepted, it will be filed with the State of
California.
MISSIONS—Shannon
spoke about the overwhelmingly positive feedback received in the recent Food
Pantry Survey. Three areas of concern were also revealed: Storage in Whitaker (38%
disapproved), Box on Porch (30% disapproved), and outdoor refrigerator location
(20%). Two alternate storage areas received strong support: the shed/garage and
the nursery. Shannon also spoke of the need to winterize the outdoor pantry
facilities. A “bus stop” shelter has been considered.
Storage
reorganization and clean-up will require volunteers: proposed dates are July
16/17 and/or July 30/31.
Anne,
Jan Parker, and Dean will assess the shed and other storage locations,
including the main room in Lower Whitaker and the loft space above the
bathrooms and the nursery.
John
C. noted that the trustees need to have the shed foundation and floorboards
replaced as rot is evident.
John
C. ended the meeting at 2:27 p.m.
Closing Prayer:
given by Reverend Melanie
Next Church Council Meeting:
Sunday, July 17, at 12:30 p.m.
Minutes Submitted by John
Heyes, Clerk
