Bethel College Mennonite Church Board Minutes
May 7, 2026
Pending approval at June 2026 Board Meeting
Board Members Present: Bill Eash, Margaret Toews, Carolyn Penner, Mary Ann Boschmann, Jonathan Zerger, Tim Hodge, Kathryn Simmons, Brad Kohlman, John Waltner Elaine Schurr
Staff: Joanna Harader
- Consent items– Motion to approve made by Tim Hodge and seconded by John Waltner. Approved by consensus.
- Financial report- The question about why there was a big increase in giving was raised. The answer is unknown at this time. Motion to approve the financial report was made by Brad Kohlman and seconded by Mary Ann Boschmann. Approved.
- Board appointed positions- In process. Bill passed out a protocol for renewing nominating and appointing commissions/committees/board/moderator/clerk
- Review of Congregational Meeting-The survey had 5 possible answers to the question about changing the time of Sunday School. 11 strongly support the change. 17 support the change. 27 were neutral. 15 do not support the change. 5 strongly do not support the change. 28 support the change, 27 are open and flexible, and 20 do not support the change. In discussion about next steps, it was decided to go to the Sunday Schools and those not attending Sunday School to discuss further. There will be questions written to ask and to have the results by June 7.
- Recommendation from Gifts Discernment Committee to Church Board/Congregation- Since a moderator-elect was not identified, the committee has made a proposal to fill the position. Bill Eash will be Past-Moderator for 6/27/5/27 and 6/27-5/28. Margaret Toews will be Moderator for 6/26-5/27 and 6/27-5/28. Motion to approve was made by Tim Hodge and seconded by Kathryn Simmons. Motion approved.
- Congregational Meeting Feedback- Several people felt that the meeting was too short. They felt that the AV and Sunday School changes were good presentations. There was no provision for debating the topics. Ways to provide information and having clear debate guidelines were discussed.
- Pastor Search update- Joanna reported that they are currently waiting for MLA’s.
- AV followup- None. There still has not been a quote from the second individual.
- Thank you to those leaving the Board: Brad Kohlman, Mary Ann Boschmann, Tim Hodge, Jonathan Zerger.
- Other Business- A request was received from the Immigrant Justice Task Force to formally designate Nathan Koontz, Joanna Harader, Heather Zerger, Jonathan Zerger, and Tim Hodge as spokespersons if ICE or other agents show up at a worship service or other church event. John Waltner moved and Brad Kohlman seconded the motion. Approved.
The signs are not ready, so temporary ones will be made for use during Bible School.
Joanna has been asked to teach a class at Bethel in the fall. - Meeting adjourned at 8:28 pm. Next meeting is June 11, 2026
Submitted by Elaine Schurr, Clerk