CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS October 27, 2008 Moved, seconded and passed (MSP) to allow previous pastors to attend Memorial Services held in this church. MSP to allow the Mission, Justice & Social Concerns Board to hang "Torture is Wrong" banner subject to approval by Board of Trustees and preceded by information to congregation and supportive literature - National UCC asked churches to consider displaying this banner. Search and Call Committee has met three times. The Committee is having conversations with staff, lay leadership, retired pastors and others in the congregation prior to reading Ministerial Profiles. They have received nearly 60 Profiles. Nominating Committee has a new approach this year. Boards and Committees will be asked to identify people they know whose gifts align with their work. These names will be forwarded to the Nominating Committee. A master list will be created and postcards mailed to folks to invite them to consider Board/Committee membership. Nominating Committee will make calls to people on Sunday, November 16, to fill Board/Committee positions. Children's Sabbath may become an annual tradition. Adult Ministries, with help from staff, produced a new, bright yellow brochure listing all the groups in the church available to us. These brochures will be in the pews and around the church. Stewardship Board reported a wonderful Celebration Sunday and Breakfast. Thank you to all who helped. At this time, 117 pledges have been returned totaling $261,032.  Council will assist with follow-up reminder calls to those who haven't yet pledged. Calendar for the next two months reported to Council. Watch for details in the Full Circle and Sunday bulletins. Financial Report (September 30, 2008) Income Year to Date $381,439.04 Expenses Year to Date $362,318.95 Difference $ 19,120.09