The meeting was called to order by Peggy Johnson. Stephen began the meeting with a prayer.

Gerry gave the financial report, indicating that we were essentially on track for our current expenditures and income. The pledges for the next fiscal year (09 -10) have continued to come in, we now have pledges for $106K, short just $24K. Gerry said that if those who still have not pledged were to pledge at the same amount as last year we would hit the target. Gerry was asked to inform the congregation of that fact in the remaining weeks before the congregational meeting.

Mike Mahrle asked about the list of proposed committee assignments for Harvest Festival '09. Larry Cooke generated this list as a starting point from which to plan. Peggy assured us that this was a starting point. That we could negotiate these assignments/responsibilities. Anne said that the Missions committee was overwhelmed with the work for the libraries and the up coming Skyland Run. Handling the responsibility for clothing and housewares would be extremely difficult for them. Apparently the list didn't mean that the committee had to take on the responsibility but only to find a person who would take it on, offloading some of the work of the chairperson and moving along the process of finding chair persons for the various activities.

There was much discussion regarding whether we wanted to use Larry's proposed list or go back to old way of letting people volunteer. There was also discussion about ways toe reduce the amount of work with respect to the sorting and storing of items. It was suggested that we might just have one booth of stuff and make it of higher quality items. But then there would be even more to pass on. Apparently, when people donate items for the festival there is a general lack of quality discrimination and a lot of work is generated finding homes for the items that we can't use. However some of the better things for the baskets come from donated goods so it might not be wise to cut them off.

It was generally decided that we would all go back to our committees and try to find people to fill the various roles either from within our committee or asking those in the congregation who have so ably filled the role in the past if they would be willing to do it again. Then at the next meeting we would invite the Harvest Festival, chair/co-chairs and we would spend most of the meeting re-envisioning what we want our Harvest Festival to be and how we accomplish that.

Marsha Rollins (Deacons) reported that a new intern had been selected and she will be starting in September.

Anne Evans (Mission Board) reported that ~3500 books had been gathered, sorted and shipped to three different libraries for the ALP and that the ALP had expressed their gratitude for this amazing task. Well done Anne and the Missions Board.

Anne also reported on the Skyland Run. Terry Leary is again the chair with assistance from Bill Colbran and the entire Missions Board. The run will take place on Saturday, July 11th. The coordination and planning for this year's run is very impressive though much help is still needed. The various committees can let their members know to contact Terry, Bill or Anne if they are available to help or if they know of those who would be willing to be a sponsor. Their goal is to have at least 300 runners this year. Go Skyland Run team!!!

The beautiful exhibit of photographs in Whitaker will be taken down. It was suggested that the Music and Arts Committee find a new exhibit of art to take its place.

Larry Lopp offered to patch and paint any areas that had been damaged as a result of the current exhibit.

The meeting was adjourned

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