Draft Church Board Minutes June 5, 2025
Bethel College Mennonite Church Board Minutes
Pending approval at the August 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, Doug Penner, Tim Hodge, Carolyn Penner, Kathryn Simmons, Margaret Toews, Elaine Schurr
Staff Present: Joanna Harader, Mike Claassen
1. Welcome and opening prayer: Introductions were made and new members welcomed. Bill Eash read the Beatitudes and had silent prayer.
2. Consent Agenda: There were no questions or comments. Tim Hodge moved to accept the minutes and reports. Doug Penner seconded the motion; approved by consensus.
3. Financial Report: Mike Classen presented and answered questions. The historical trend reflects the previous year’s trend. He would like to let the general fund remain where it is for now. He stated that the solar produced 225% more electricity than was used in the past month. Mike shared the policy on Bequests and Memorials. John Waltner moved to accept the report and was seconded by Tim Hodge. Motion passed.
4. Pastoral Search: Joanna Harader stated that Megan Leary will chair the committee. Other members will be Karen Ediger, Francis Toews, Mary Ellen Hodge, and one more. Brad Kohlman will be the liaison to the Board. The job description was discussed. A change was made at the end of the Overview that says: Specific ministry roles will be developed in discernment with the pastoral team. Joanna will add this. The motion to accept the description was made by Margaret Toews and seconded by Doug Penner. Motion passed.
5. 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.
6. Summer intern underwriting request:
a. Request for use of undesignated memorial funds: Margaret Toews.
The solar committee would like to request $900 for paying the Bethel College student intern, Daniel Gonzalez, to continue his work analyzing data from our church and others in the Evergy service area. The end goal is to formulate a letter backed up by data asking Evergy and the Kansas Corporation Commission to stop the demand charge for non-profit entities. 47% of our bill is a demand charge. The deadline is in August, when there will be a full year of charges from churches. The churches are locally located in Topeka, and Lawrence. The Board suggested making an evaluation of his work and submitting a report to the Board. A motion was made by Tom Hodge and seconded by Carolyn Penner. The motion passed.
7. Young Adult Ministry Project: Joanna discussed the project and, after looking at it, decided not to recommend it.
8. Committee/Commission participants/organization. The realignment of task forces was discussed.
9. Reports and Announcements: Bill Eash stated that there would be no fall workshop. Moderators will meet with each commission to help outline the vision of each commission.
The fall congregational meeting will be on September 14. The plan is to vote on Nathan’s contract. The congregational meeting will need to be posted 30 days in advance and include an agenda.
10. Information:
Moderator/pastor/board meeting dates: The Moderator and pastors will meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 1 p.m. This will help get the agenda for the first Thursday monthly Board meeting by the third Thursday prior to that meeting.
Future agenda items:
a.Sound system upgrade
b.Constitution revision
11. Executive session: The Board did not meet in Executive session at this meeting.
12. Adjournment: The Board adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
Submitted by Elaine Schurr, clerk