Bethel College Mennonite Church Board Minutes
August 6, 2026
Pending approval at September Board Meeting
Present: Margaret Toews, Carolyn Penner, Kathryn Simmons, Tim Voth, Frank Stucky, Marvin Thieszen, Elaine Schurr
Expected: John Waltner, Dennis Loepp
Not Expected: Bill Eash
Staff: Joanna Harader, Mike Claassen
- Welcome and opening prayer-Margaret read hymn #856 from Voices Together
- Consent agenda-There were no questions. Frank moved and Carolyn seconded the motion to approve. Passed. Margaret stated that she would like to see the Board more integrated into the church organization. She suggested that each member choose a commission and be a liaison between them and the Board. She will send out an email in about one week.
- Financial- Mike discussed the monthly expenses vs the income. He also discussed the difference between designated and undesignated bequests. General memorial funds and other memorial funds stay in the designated fund for 1 calendar year and are then moved to undesignated funds. Kathryn moved and Tim seconded the motion to approve the financial report. Passed
- Pastoral Search- There is nothing to report. If there is no activity by January 2027, the committee will consider changing the job description.
- Thank you card for additional gift from Rosalind Andreas estate- completed
- Update on AV proposal- The group discussed verbal comments and conversations about the proposal. The router for the internet went out yesterday, but it did reboot. A bigger one will be needed for any AV updates. A second information meeting will be on August 23. A proposal will need to be formulated at the September Board meeting to have for the Congregational meeting. Margaret will appoint a person to answer questions at the Congregational meeting.
- SCRC position to fill- This is a Board appointment. Discussion followed.
- Continuing response to Worship/Faith Formation Commission proposal-Margaret reminded the Board that this came from Worship and Faith Formation Commission. The group discussed acknowledging their concerns and showing more appreciation and support for them.
- Congregational Meeting on September 20-
a. General planning for Congregational meeting (items to include are:)
i. Financial report
ii. Present Finance Committee Proposal for increasing reserve to 3 months(approved by Board at April meeting for presentation at September meeting
iii. Other
iv. Proposal about AV project
v. Report from WDC delegates - Leadership Retreat- September 26- the date needs to go out to chairs.
a. Dyck Arboretum- 9:30-11:30
b. Tentative discussion
i. Tour of website-nuts and bolts for leadership
ii. Bringing spirituality into commission/committee work
iii. TBD - Reports and announcements
- Future Agenda Items
- Executive session- Meeting moved to Executive session at 8:03 pm
Meeting adjourned at 8:07 pm. Next meeting is September 3 (which is Tim’s birthday)