Council Corner - August 24 Meeting Update

Council Corner:

Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting – August 24, 2026

Informational Items:

• Update from Financial Ministry
• Meals on Wheels opted not to renew their annual grant funding for our Backpack program. We are currently seeking alternative funding – we appreciate the continued support of the Sugarbaker Foundation, which helps supplement this mission. The 2026-2027 Backpack Program is still being planned, but it could look different than previous years.

• Update from Physical Facilities Ministry
• The new breaker boxes passed the county inspection and we’re still in the process of labeling each breaker.
• Social Hall air conditioning is still leaking – will continue refilling the freon until the new coil can be install (see Actions Taken).

• Miscellaneous Updates
• Following discussion regarding the next step in the Bequest process, Council will develop a perspective to bring to the congregation by the Annual Meeting. It was not voted on but it was the consensus - that we would be prioritizing and developing a vision.
• Personnel Ministry is continuing their work on updating staff job descriptions and preparing for goal-setting, while finalizing budget recommendations for the Finance Ministry.
• The Cemetery is surveying the remaining open ground on the eastern area of the Park Hills section, allowing for more two grave and single plots.

• Looking Ahead – Items Upcoming in Next 1-2 Months
• Approval of 2027 Budget
• Approval of delegates for the Conference Meeting in November (we have two of the three needed for the Conference meeting; still need four delegates for the Association meeting – please reach out if you’re interested in serving).
• Performance Reviews and Goal Setting
• Employee Manual Updates (2019 version)
• Approval of revised Disaster Preparedness Proposal
• Upcoming Events – In an effort to better prepare for the various events and events within events, Council members use a more detailed calendar. We hope this tool also helps you better plan for Church activities.
• Celebration Sunday is September 13 th – this special St. Lucas tradition is open to everyone and follows the conclusion of service; it also falls on Grandparents Days, another reason to celebrate together.
• Community Meal is October 4 th – this one-time event commemorates Good Neighbor Week and is sponsored by a grant from ServMO and America250. More info to come.

Actions Taken:

• Approved a bid from IFS for $16,986 to repair and replay the fellowship hall chiller coil and install hail guards. While we wait for parts, installation may not happen for 6 weeks.
• Approved appointments to the nominating committee (Kirk Dalgaard, Jack Laudenslager, and Linda Taylor). One council term is ending in 2026.