Opening prayer was lead by Stephen Glauz-Todrank.

Financial Report: Jerry reported that Skyland Church’s finances are doing well. The amounts received for Pledges are what would be expected for this month. The Net Total amount is above the amount projected in the budget. Also, we have had a great response to the request for money to help send the books gathered for the African Library project. If a way is found to send the books at less cost, the extra money will be used by the Missions committee to buy more books for the project.

Board and Committee Reports:

The Board of Deacons will be inviting a new intern to Skyland this year. There are two new Deacons: Max Peters and Christina Lopp Schwabecher.

The Board of Missions is concerned that Terry Leary may want some help with the Skyland run this year as Paula was injured in an accident and will probably not be able to help. The board of Missions is committed to helping him or finding someone to do it for him if he cannot do it.

They also reported that their book drive has been “incredibly successful�. If anyone wants to donate something at this point, they have been asked to send rulers and compasses. The donated books and other materials will be shipped to Africa the week of February 8, 2009.

The Board of Trustees has a new member, Sara Overson. They are planning to write a “How to� manual for the church so that when people are working at the church they can refer to the manual for instructions on how to operate the various appliances, how to fix things when they break, or who to turn to for help.

The Pastoral Relations Committee will be discussing Stephen’s salary at their first meeting of the year.

The Women's Group is sponsoring a spaghetti dinner on January 23, 2009. They have several other projects planned for this spring: A retreat in February, a Collage Class in March, and a wine tasting in April.

New Business: We discussed the agenda for the Congregational Meeting which will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2009. The new slate of officers will be presented for confirmation to the congregation. After the vote, there will be a conversation concerning Skylander’s feelings regarding the serving of alcoholic beverages at church events, or on the church property by others who use it for receptions etc.

It was reported that we need a youth delegate to the UCC Regional Meeting. It was suggested that Don Law as Max Peterson if he would be interested.

Gina requested that all the committees have organizational meetings before the first February meeting of the Council.

Stephen led the closing prayer.

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