Skyland United Methodist Board of Stewards
Meeting Summary
December 10, 2024, 6 pm 

Attendees:  Diane Rutledge, Kathy Woods, Jack Harrison, Michael Smith, Stephanie Knapp, Kyle Addison, Erin Brady, Donna Galloway, Bob Blanke, Adam Byrd, Joe Tarpley

Devotion :  Bob Blanke –
The Ultimate Prize, Scripture Reference Philippians 13:14

Minutes from the November 2024 BOS meeting were approved.

Council of Ministries Working Team Report –Donna Galloway

• Support for Skylands Helene relief efforts has been outstanding.  Many families from Skyland and surrounding communities have received support.  
• A four person working team is in place to manage donations.  
• Skyland continues to work hand in hand with other churches and relief organizations.
• The Board of Stewards would like to express our support and appreciation for the outstanding work and ongoing efforts by Joy Moss and the Mission’s team in leading Skyland’s Helene recovery efforts in the community.    
• Bridges has received grants to fund a Literacy Enrichment Program Director.  The program is up and running and a program director is in place.  
• The BOS Reviewed SUMC Caretakers Ministry Team initiatives regarding emissions and a free energy usage assessment for SUMC. These important initiatives will be discussed at upcoming BOS meetings.  
• Bridges contract for reading specialist Beau Gilliland has been renewed.   

Finance Working Team Report – Jack Harrison

• Jack reviewed the financial report.
• Finance working team is working on the 2025 budget.

SPRC Working Team Report- Erin Brady

• SPRC is searching for church organist candidates.  
• Reviewed draft church profile.
• YTD Skyland has 38 new members.

Trustees Working Team Report – Bob Blanke

• Bob Reviewed the trustee’s budget.
• Church bus issues have been diagnosed and repairs are being made.
• Now have four members on the facilities maintenance team. The team has an organizational meeting scheduled. 
• Sidewalk damaged by a tree has been repaired.   A motion was made was made to cover a portion of the repair from the endowment fund.  Motion was approved.  

Pastors Report 

• 2025: Board will move from opening devotion to speaking about a passage from the book “In the Name of Jesus:  Reflections on Christian Leadership”.  Each BOS member will receive a copy.
• Pastor Joe Tarpley needs a new computer.  A motion was made to cover the expense from the endowment fund.  Motion was approved.
• Discussed 2025 Skyland Leadership Team approved by the nominating committee.  The BOS also approved the list.
• Discussed Annual Conference delegates.

Other Items

• Discussed transition of outgoing and new Board of Stewards members.
• Reviewed 2024 BOS processes & initiatives and opportunities for 2025.  

Prepared December 15, 2024 by Michael Smith