Bethel College Mennonite Church Board Minutes
April, 9, 2026
Pending approval at May 2026 Board Meeting
Board Members Present: Bill Eash, Margaret Toews, Carolyn Penner, Mary Ann Boschmann, Jonathan Zerger, Tim Hodge, Elaine Schurr
Excused: John Waltner, Kathryn Simmons, Brad Kohlman
Staff: Joanna Harader, Mike Claassen
- Consent items– Minutes edited.
- Financial report- Mike Claassen stated that March income was higher than he has seen it, due to more contributions from IRAs. All questions were answered. A motion was made by Tim Hodge and seconded by Margaret Toews to approve the report. Passed by consensus. The church is receiving a donation from the estate of Rosalind Andreas and is needing signatures from the Board.
- Board appointed positions- In process.
- Finance discussion-The Finance Committee is presenting a draft amendment to the general funds balance policy that is in the Board Handbook. This was discussed. The amendment passed by consensus and will be presented to the congregation at the fall meeting.
- Faith Formation- Faith Formation and the Worship committee are proposing a change to having Sunday School before church service. This was proposed between 5 and 10 years ago and was controversial at that time. It is felt that input from the congregation is needed. The proposal should be included in the packet for the congregation to read through and a ballot will be given out to express interest or not. Joanna will write an opening paragraph to the proposal and will make a ballot.
- Tech group report- Bill stated that we have received one bid of $100,000. Another bid should be coming in soon. There is approximately $292,000 in undesignated memorial money that could be used. The question he asked was what do we do next? Discussion followed with suggesting going to the congregation and asking what they want. It was also mentioned that First Mennonite has a similar sanctuary that has had sound work done and maybe someone should visit and see how it is working. The idea of creating a ballot to indicate interest and the extent of work was talked about. The Board has identified this as important and need affirmation from the congregation if they wish to go forward.
- Pastor Search update- Joanna reported that they are currently waiting for MLA’s.
- The Board went into Executive Session with Joanna present at 8:09 pm. The Board went out of Executive Session at 9:11pm.
- APRC policy update- The Board reviewed the updates and would like to ask the Committee for a 1 page policy if possible. A motion was made by Margaret Toews and seconded by Carolyn Penner to accept the revisions and affirm that this is difficult work. Motion passed unanimously. An amendment to the previous motion was made by Tim Hodge and seconded by Margaret Toews to add that the policy will continue to be revised as needed. Motion passed unanimously.
- Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm. Next meeting is May 7, 2026
Submitted by Elaine Schurr, Clerk