Board of Stewards Minutes
June 17, 2025

Attendees: Les Swick, Ed Garrison, Erin Brady, Diane Rutledge, Kathy Woods, Celeste Tolbert; Stephanie Knapp, Bill Hansen, Dessa Boyton, Aaron Byrd, Pastor Joe Tarpley
Not in person: Aaron Davis and Mike Smith (attending on Zoom)

Pastor Joe opened us with the devotional book (Unconditional Love).
Minutes approved – Motioned by Les & Diane, all approved
Updated verbiage on the web and approved

Candace Presents – AAW (All Are Welcome Social Action Group) UMC Blue Ridge District is trying to get enough money for a Jade lever sponsorship of the Asheville Pride event in September of this year. AAW will cover our portion of the fee themselves (approx. $250). There will be a list for churches to sign that states to “welcome and affirm LGBTQ persons”. AAW would like to sign our church’s name to it. The Board has no issues, and Erin thanked the group for letting the Board know.

ERIN – June town hall reflection: Something to consider, “What are our goals in the future?” Perhaps at the August meeting, we can begin to plan some goals for the rest of the year and beyond from each work group.  Board will review the transformation journey study as well. Transformation journey information is on the church’s website. (Transformation Journey – Skyland United Methodist Church).

Next Town hall – Sept. 10th, 6-7 pm.

Council on Ministries Highlights:

• Guest from community is asking us to invest with covering over bus stop.
• AV Shane plans to work on preparing a design for the sound booth with prices.
• Joe is offering a short-term study and meeting once a month. He is using the resource “The Widening of God’s Mercy: sexuality Within the Biblical Story” by Hays and Hays. (June 11, July 9, August 13 at 6:45 pm).
• Finance – Way ahead of budget, but 10K down where we should be. May is always a low month.
• SPRC – Mike – Anna will be full-time as of July 7th, 2025.
• Trustees – Les Swick
  • Reprogrammable thermostats have been set to minimize energy use when spaces are empty.
  • Vetting solar possibilities and financing options.
  • Maintenance completed on HVAC systems. Four rooftop units on Fellowship Hall are $17-$22K to replace one of them.
  • Range replacement – pricing has been shared with chefs and Robin Shope.
  • Building use guidelines/procedures to include kitchen and range usage will be reviewed by the trustees.
  • Playground equipment future plans are being be looked at.
• Joe – Pastor’s report
  VBS (Jennifer) is submitting to Finance WT that they will solicit supplies again this year for VBS.  Approved from Board.

  Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm
  No meeting next month.
  Next Meeting will be Tuesday, August 12th, 2025.