By Denee Bowers
•
May 12, 2026
Council Corner: Updates from the Regular Church Council Meeting – April 27, 2026 and Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting – May 3, 2026 Informational Items: Update on Financial Audit Audit is complete and a very good overall report. It suggested some prior period adjustments and those were made in the quarter ending 12/31/25. Additional update from the Semi-Annual Meeting Roughly $25,000 in adjustments were made, leaving the year end 2025 deficit at approximately $100,000 instead of the previously reported $125,00. Financial Secretary recommends a review, not a full audit, every 3-5 years. Offering revenue remains soft for the first quarter; encouraging a stewardship effort to reinforce importance of giving despite Mayberry request. Update from Physical Facilities Ministry The lighting work on the sign facing Denny Road is complete. Council approved the recommended bid to replace five electrical panels at the cost of $28,000. The work will commence in July. Miscellaneous Updates Regarding status of the Parsonage Analysis, the tenant has renewed the lease, with a new term expiring April 30, 2027. Council is actively gathering additional data on the state of the property. Discussion favored waiting to decide on the process for decision-making until data collection is closer to completion. Action Taken: Approved the contract with Show-Me Electric to replace five electrical panels for $28,481. Approved Room 18/20 as the new primary Children's Ministry Sunday School space with conditions including a three week trial period to confirm space sustainability prior to any room modifications, council approve any permanent physical modifications, cleanliness and reasonable organization of the room be maintained, and council periodically review arrangement assuring space continues to meet needs of the broader church. Reviewed proposed revisions to the Keeping God's Children Safe policy. Postponed approval until May to incorporate a few non-material changes. The existing KGCS policy stays in effect in the interim. Closed Session Actions: Approved unpaid leave of absence for Amy Bush from June 8 to July 19. Finalized plans for celebrating the ministry of Lynn Fey Follis. Semi-Annual Meeting Actions: Approved the Perpetual Endowment Trust appointment of Bob Mandava to an unexpired term ending December 31, 2027. Elected Sara Savat and Carolyn Schwartz to the Preschool Board, both serving three year terms.