Draft Church Board Minutes August 7, 2025
Bethel College Mennonite Church Board Minutes
Pending approval at the September 2025 Board Meeting
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit, to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God
Present: Bill Eash, John Waltner, Carolyn Penner, Kathryn Simmons, Elaine Schurr, Brad Kohlman, Mary Ann Boschmann
Absent with notice: Margaret Toews, Doug Penner
Absent: Jonathan Zerger, Tim Hodge
Staff Present: Joanna Harader, Mike Classen
- Welcome and opening prayer.
- Consent Agenda- Brad asked Joanna about comments she made in her report. Brad Kohlman moved to accept the minutes and reports. John Waltner seconded the motion; approved by consensus.
- Financial Report: Mike Classen presented and answered questions. The historical trend reflects the previous year’s trend. He would like to add funds from the PPP Reserve fund to the general fund to bring it up to one month’s bills. It would need about $13,799. That would leave $13,500 in the PPP Reserve fund. Mike also suggested that, if at the end of the year, there would be enough(2 month’s worth), that the money be returned to the PPP Reserve fund. Brad Kohlman moved that the finance committee consider changing the name of the PPP Reserve fund and get direction for its use. This was seconded by Kathryn Simmons. Carolyn Penner moved to accept the report and was seconded by John Waltner. Motion passed.
- Pastoral Search: Brad stated that there have been several major Mennonite events that have kept Western District Conference from orienting the search committee. It is scheduled for August 17, 2025. The staff has already worked on potential candidate names. SCRC will be consulted in the search process. Brad will take questions to the team. The advertising will be for ¾ to full time. Elizabeth will retire on September 30. Elizabeth can make the announcement. Jill and George will overlap with the new person. Elizabeth’s retirement celebration and the question of who will take responsibility was discussed. Bill will contact the hospitality committee regarding this. There should be a blessing during the service on September 28 and informal celebration after church.
- Security System installation update. The new keypads have been installed on the northeast and south doors. The facilities committee will recommend who will get codes and access. Monica is working on a timeline for policies and procedures for the congregation on access and Tom Jackson will have the policies and procedures by September 1. It was suggested that Monica craft a visual handout to show which buttons need to be pressed.
- Committee/Commission participants/organization. There are 5 groups that are functioning without being related to any of the existing committees. There are about 110 people involved in all of the committees and commissions. One of the Credence recommendations was to make things simpler. Bill will send out an email that Moncia will send out.
- Reports and Announcements: The fall congregational meeting will be on September 14. The meeting will include a vote on Nathan’s five year contract. The congregational meeting will need to be posted 30 days in advance and will include an agenda. Bill will send out a brief agenda this week. Elaine Schurr will be out of town, so Bill will check with Margaret Toews about possibly taking minutes. Joanna made the announcement that the church will be having a new program called Messy Church. It will be once a month and will include dinner.
- Executive session. The Board entered Executive session at 8:23 pm. Brad Kohlman moved and Kathryn Simmons seconded the motion to adjourn. Motion carried.
- Adjournment- The Board adjourned at 8:24 pm.
Submitted by Elaine Schurr, clerk