Council Updates

St. John’s Lutheran Church Council approved several key cost-saving and administrative changes, including reducing insurance premiums by $1,100 per year through adjusted building replacement costs, higher deductibles, and dropping specific coverages. The council also unanimously voted to reorganize Pastor Glenn's compensation into a $50,000 salary with a $30,000 housing allowance to lower tax burdens. Additional discussions covered exploring grant opportunities for an after-school program, addressing basement mold with insurance, welcoming the Anderson family for membership, planning the Angel Tree program, and scheduling upcoming fellowship potlucks and the next meeting for September 20.

St. John’s Lutheran Church Council reviewed financial matters, noting that monthly budgets are not being met and confirming that recent fund transfers successfully covered unpaid tithes for the final quarter of 2025 and the first two quarters of 2026. To boost income, the council discussed strategies such as increasing facility rentals—including potential after-school programs, drone promotional footage, and adding pickleball—while also addressing air conditioning issues, exploring cheaper insurance options, and planning future facility maintenance work days. Additionally, Pastor Glenn is working on setting up online electronic giving, and the next bi-annual meeting is scheduled for August 16, 2026

The council discussed streamlining budget management through Park National Bank, which included authorizing the addition of Matt as a wealth management advisor to church accounts. Other key business items included the formation of a new Facilities Management Committee, the nomination of Matt as council president for an upcoming congregational vote, plans for the finalization of the Mothersbaugh account, and logistical preparations for the upcoming bi-annual meeting scheduled for June 28, 2026.