Council Corner - February 26 Meeting Update

Council Corner:

Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting - February 23, 2026

Informational Items:

• Best Practices for Responding to Requests for Cash from Strangers
• Members and staff are strongly discouraged from providing cash to strangers who request assistance while on St. Lucas UCC property. When approached, we encourage directing individuals to community resources that are better equipped to offer support.

• Recommended alternatives include:
• Sharing the Community Resources for Food & Utility Assistance list from the St. Louis Area Resource Directory (www.startherestl.org). For your convenience, copies are available outside the Sanctuary.
• Directing individuals to the Little Free Pantry for immediate food assistance.

• Additionally, the possibility of laminating and affixing the Food & Utility Assistance resource list to the Little Free Pantry is being explored to improve accessibility.

• Event Planning Workflow Reccomendations
• Work is underway to develop clearer guidelines for individuals or groups interested in hosting events at St. Lucas UCC. Please contact Tracy Mulderig with comments or suggestions.

Actions Taken:

• Approved $2,114 from the Memorial Fund, as recomended, to repair the lighting system for the sign along Denny Road.

• Approved revised language for a new three-way Covenant among retired ministers previously employed by St. Lucas UCC returning as members, the St. Lucas UCC Congregation, and the St. Louis Association.

• Developed in accordance with the United Church of Christ's 2024 Manual on Ministry and guidance from the St. Louis Association, the covenant articulates shared expectations for participation in the life of the church.
• General covenant terms are available here: Covenants of Mutual Accountability

• Approved a plan for gathering information and input regarding the Mayberry Bequest and future overall expenditures, which was distributed in a special e-blast and in the March 1st bulletin.

• Approved a one-year renewal of the Parsonage lease under the current terms.

Updates from the Special Church Council Meeting - March 1, 2026

Actions Taken:

• Approved a new 3-year contract with MS Lawncare for the main St. Lucas property, the athletic fields, the Parsonage, and the Sexton's house.