April 16, 2026
Council Corner - March 23 Meeting Update
Author
Denee Bowers
Council Corner:
Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting - March 23, 2026
Informational Items:
- Update on Financial Audit
- As of the March council meeting, the initial phase was complete, and it was on track for a March 31 completion.
- An update is expected at the Semi-Annual Meeting
- Update from Physical Facilities Ministry
- Work is in progress collecting bids for the replacement of various electrical panels.
- Discussed the possibility of terminating HVAC yearly maintenance contract and assigning the duties to our maintenance manager, Lamour.
- Updates on athletic field contracts and the possible work (overseeding, moles) needed to the fields.
- Update from Personnel Ministry
- Currently working to update job descrip2ons to reflect actual duties and responsibilities; first step is gathering information from staff.
- Working on a better reporting system for vacation, PTO, and other time off. Goal is to have consistency in forms.
- Miscellaneous Updates
- Discussed the Ryan Burge UCC Analysis and St. Lucas’ standing relative to the denomination, highlighted in e-blast on 3/26. Requests were made for more demographic insights and to understand St. Lucas’ relative property footprint.
- Debrief of Council Conversation and planning for semi-annual meeting
Actions Taken:
- Approved the Bequest Idea Submission Form
- Responses from the congregation are due May 3rd.
- Approved Memorial Committee expenditures, which included funds for updates to the sanctuary flowers, mulch for the Victory Garden, and assis2ng AV with the purchase of new wireless microphones.
By Denee Bowers
•
September 29, 2026
Social Justice Ministry - August Spotlight

By Denee Bowers
•
September 4, 2026
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.







