Church Board Minutes 2026 03 05

Printable Minutes

Bethel College Mennonite Church Board Minutes

March 5, 2026

Board Members Present: Bill Eash, Carolyn Penner, Mary Ann Boschmann, Margaret Toews, John Waltner, Brad Kohlman, Jonathan Zerger, Tim Hodge, Elaine Schurr

Absent: Carolyn Penner, Kathryn Simmons

Staff: Joanna Harader, Mike Claassen

  1. Welcome and opening prayer– Bill Eash talked about 1 Corinthians and the church being a unified body. He ended in prayer.
  2. Consent agenda– Bill asked for questions and comments. Joanna stated that they are revising the policies for weddings and funerals. A motion was made by Tim Hodge and seconded by Brad Kohlman to approve the minutes and reports. Approved by consensus.
  3. Financial Report– Mike Claassen asked for questions and comments. Mike stated that the income in January was low, but not as bad as last year. The deacons have asked for $40.00 for media supplies. A motion was made by Brad Kohlman and seconded by Jonathan Zerger to approve the financial report. Approved by consensus.
  4. Board appointed positions- In progress.
  5. Finance discussion- Margaret Toews reported that 37 people voted for the smaller budget. She talked with several people about this. She stated that maybe there should have been better communication ahead of the meeting. She suggested sending out explanations of items on the agenda for congregational meetings.
  6. Tech Group report-Richard Friesen is moving away from the finance committee and he has his own program. We need to get a new program.
  7. AV update- Bill stated that there wasn’t anything new to report. They are looking at memorials and bequests and what is available for use. They will look at the handbook with finance.  The Board doesn’t understand the policy. Margaret will follow up.
  8. Pastoral Search Update– There have been no active MVI. They expect 1-2 in the next month.
  9. Reschedule April Board Meeting-We will reschedule the meeting for April 9.
  10. Review/sign Helen Bargen bequest letter-
  11. APRC Policy-An updated version will be sent out. The Board is not certain what level of approval is needed. This will be discussed at the next congregation meeting.
  12. Handbook review–
  13. Executive session- Begun at 847 pm
  14. Adjournment- Adjourned at 856 pm. Next meeting is April 9, 2026

Submitted by Elaine Schurr, clerk