Bethel College Mennonite Church Board Meeting
September 3, 2026, 7 pm
Pending approval at October Board Meeting
Present: Margaret Toews, Frank Stucky, Kathryn Simmons, Dennis Loepp, Tim Voth, John Waltner, Carolyn Penner, Marvin Thieszen, Elaine Schurr
Absent: Bill Eash
Staff: Joanna Harader
- Welcome and opening prayer: Margaret read a verse from James 1 and talked about an article in the Anabaptist World. She gave a short prayer.
- Consent Agenda: Margaret stated that she is stepping back from the liaisons at this time and will talk more about this later in the meeting. The committee/commission meeting minutes are not being posted until they have been approved. Frank moved and John seconded the motion to approve. Motion carried.
- Financal: Margaret discussed this in Mike’s absence. Tim moved and Frank seconded the motion. Motion carried.
- Board member liaison with commissions: This will be talked about at the leadership retreat. The SCRC is in need of another member to replace Keith Harder. David Sprunger is the next person to ask. John will call him. There was a brief discussion about the term. Consensus was for 4 years.
- Board member as liaison with WDC: Margaret heard about this at conference. She was able to obtain the training video and watched it. This position involves giving a Kindom report once a year, watching a 1 hour video once a year, and giving an update verbally three times a year. The person would be added to an email list. Margaret wants the board members to think about accepting this position. She is asking for suggestions of others who might do this job. There are several BCMC members on various WDC boards.
- Update on AV proposal: Margaret will send copies of the slides from the meetings to the board members. Some new information was presented at the second session regarding a system that would be placed on the floor. The estimate is that this will add $14,000 to 16,000 to the estimate, plus new flooring. We need more information about this. Nathan says that the final decision is for the Board with guidance from the congregation. The suggestion is to ask for a yes or no vote not to exceed $100K or $125K in the sanctuary and fellowship hall.
- Update on Solar project: The church received $62,627 from the IRS. The CPA who submitted the rebate needs to be paid. The estimate 2 years ago was $1500. We should work with the Witness Commission about possible uses. Bill Unruh from Harvey County Habitat for Humanity will be giving a presentation during the SS hour on September 13 about adding solar to their houses.
- Congregational meeting: We need to make certain that there is a quorum. Votes will be by a show of hands, but with the capability to do a paper vote if needed.
a. Mike will give a financial report
b. Present Financial Committee Proposal for increasing the reserve to 3 months (approved by Board at April 9 meeting)- this will be a show of hands vote
c. Discussion of how to use IRS solar rebate
d. Discussion of AV proposal-show of hands vote
e. WDC liaison introduction - Leadership retreat-September 26- Some of the items on the agenda include: a tour of the website, safe sanctuary, how to get an entrance code, what to include in notes from commissions. Joanna will discuss story sharing. Carolyn and Kathryn will bring fruit. Dennis will take care of the coffee. Margaret will bring a breakfast casserole and will go to Crust and Crumb for pastries.
- Reports and announcements- possible involvement in Central Kansas Interfaith Justice Organization. Laura from First Mennonite has invited us to an informational meeting on September 22 from 5:30-7 pm.
- Future agenda items- none noted
- Executive Session- meeting adjourned to this at 8:06 pm.
Meeting adjourned at 8:09 pm. Next meeting is October 1 at 7:00 pm
Elaine Schurr, Clerk