Meeting Notes from October 24, 2025

The Elders’ (Dan, Dean, Elaine, Joyce, Judi) met at ECC for a planning day, joined by Pastor Sherah, Pastor Luke and Ben Hilson of Vision Ministries as a Consultant.

Summarized Minutes:

1. Ben led the team in a Lectio Divina devotion, focusing on the power of God to overcome (Moses and the parting of the Red Sea).
2. Thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year, including personal spiritual growth among many, active community, such as helping members move, Sunday morning services, youth involvement, greater focus on prayer, significant involvement of many (priesthood of all believers), new Statement of Faith accepted, relaxed and welcoming culture, biblical teaching, holding forums on same-sex marriage.
3. Discussion about pastoral care and general church involvement, including small groups.
4. Recognition of challenges of past year, including some long-term members departing, fewer families with young children, some level of resulting grief.
   1. Decision made to check-in with community members.
5. Decision made to focus more intentionally on sharing during Sunday services.
6. Decision made to seek to re-introduce prayer offered during Sunday services.
7. Decision made to re-start an English instruction ministry to the broader community with Pastor Sherah taking the lead.

Meeting Notes from Sept. 17 and Oct. 1, 2025

• Prayer for community members, missionaries, broader concerns
• Previous minutes from Sep. 3 and 17 were approved
• Present: Dan, Dean, Elaine, Ken, Joyce, Judi, Sherah
• Ministry updates were provided.  Small groups were discussed
• Many have been involved assisting Patricia with her move.  She is very grateful
• One new senior pastor applicant
• Some facility needs were discussed
• Finances are on track so far this year
• Discussion about mission into the community
• The planning day was postponed until Oct. 24^th

August 20, 2025 Meeting

• Prayer for community members, missionaries, broader concerns
• Previous minutes from July 30 were approved
• Present: Dan, Dean, Elaine, Ken, Joyce, Judi
• Ministry updates were provided.  Ingrid is looking forward to working with Sherah.
• No new pastoral applicants
• Some facility needs were discussed.
• Sherah will attend the LT meetings.
• Luke will share at the Sep. 3^rd meeting.
• A planning day was set for Sept. 26^th.