Stephen led us in a prayer and then Gina Wetherill called the meeting to order.

New Business

Gina led us in a discussion about the Congregational Meeting on January 25, 2009 and the agenda. Jackie suggested that we let everyone know the agenda ahead of time so that the congregation would be informed and thus prepared to vote. Gina suggested putting it in the January newsletter. Mary Ellen thought that everyone should be allowed to talk and Gina suggested a time limit of 3-4 minutes. The question of allowing alcohol in the form of wine or beer served at the Spaghetti dinner and other possible church related activities should be voted on by the whole congregation. The last time it was voted on was probably 12 years ago at a congregational meeting. Both Stephen and Don Law thought that it was decided at that time that no alcohol be allowed at church related activities. Since then wine and beer have been allowed when Whitaker Hall is rented out for weddings for example. Also Jackie pointed out that the Spaghetti Dinner as a social event held in Whittaker Hall has allowed wine. There was general agreement that we lacked clarity on this issue and needed to discuss this with the congregation but the Congregational Meeting is on January 25, 2009 and the Spaghett dinner two days before. Anne then moved that the council allow the serving of wine for the Spaghetti Dinner on January 23rd. Larry seconded the motion. Gina led the discussion on the motion. Larry mentioned all the events that currently included alcohol such as birthday parties & concerts. The motion to allow wine at the Spaghetti dinner passed by a majority. However Stephen then said that clearly we needed to revisit the Skyland Church policy regarding alcohol and have the whole congregation vote on it and have a clear policy. Stephen will write a one page brief about the history and policy regarding alcohol use that can be presented to the congregation before the Jan. 25 meeting so that everyone will be as informed as the council is. Then we can keep the old policy as understood or change it.

Mary Ellen then led the meeting, as Gina had to go home. Don Law spoke about the slate. The nominating committee has formed and is underway and working with the committee chairs. He mentioned that both the Skyland Run and the Harvest Festival needed a chairperson.

Anne then spoke about the shelves and display in Whitaker Hall. It was agreed that the shelves would stay up and that Music and Arts would be responsible for whatever is to be displayed.

Jim Bowen then spoke about the kitchen and its uses. He spoke of the use of paper products and how well the church was adapting. When Whitaker Hall is rented out the question becomes can they use paper plates? Jackie spoke about how the Loma Prieta Club wanted to use paper plates and they were encouraged to use china and the dishwasher. After a number of months the arrangement has worked well. Jim said what about biodegradable plates? Jan suggested that people renting the Hall know that we are a green church and we would appreciate it if they used biodegradable paper plates and suggest where they might be purchased. Jim said that we might also add this information to the rental policy. We also need to consider donating any styrofoam that we now have and replacing it with biodegradable paper plates and utensils. Jackie also said that she would discuss the purchase of bowls with the women’s group.

Stephen said that Skyland has been asked to be a part of the UCC congregational survey that will happen sometime in the spring. Jackie made a motion to request that the Skyland Church congregation participate by filling out surveys, gathering them up and sending them to UCC national headquarters. It was seconded.

We discussed the need to update the Skyland Church History. It will be a monumental task because it hasn’t been done since 1987. We will rely heavily on our members such as Ruth Dawkins to fill us in. It was suggested that we begin in increments of a few years starting with 1987 and work forward. It should be fun but time consuming.

Board and Committee Reports

John Gaffney reported for the Communications Board on the new newsletter format and printing. Stephen praised the new system. John said it was helpful to send a big PDF file to Kinko’s. Wes has done such a great job all these years with the newsletter. He deserves our thanks and a little break. Larry added that all the church documents eventually would be online. Mary Ellen thanked all of them for their hard work.

Marcia reported that the Deacons have their new member orientation on Dec. 9th. On December 14th will be new member Sunday and we will have 6 or 7 new members.

Marcia also said that the Deacons are going to start Salt Shakers earlier this year.

John Gaffney said that there will be a concert in Whitaker Hall Dec. 21st at 1PM. John Wetherill will accompany Dana Scoobey and a string quartet followed by Christmas carols. Terry Clarke and Erica Goss will be the new co-chairs.

Stephen said that the Education Board planned a Christmas workshop on December 7th and Gina Adams will be in charge of the Christmas Pageant on December 21.

Jim Bowen said that the trustees had a workday planned for Saturday Dec. 6th. Also there was to be a site-planning meeting on Dec. 2nd.

Jackie said that Brenda Jatho will be in charge of the Giving Tree for the women’s group. She added that they were very excited that Carolyn Glauz-Todrank would lead the women’s retreat in February. The Spaghetti dinner will be on Jan. 23rd and sounds like it’ll be a fun evening. The women’s group will be in charge of the Christmas potluck and coffee hour in December.

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