The meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM. Pastor Nettleton opened with a devotional and prayer.

Jim moved that the minutes from the June 14, 2022 meeting be approved as circulated. Dr. Marschke seconded the motion and it passed. Pastor Nettleton noted attendance was fairly typical for summer. June’s Official Acts consisted of the affirmation of faith of Brian Plaster, committal of + Darlene Lois Vorce and baptism of Holly Grace Lessman. July’s Official Act consisted of affirmation of faith of Claire Haberkorn.

Eric provided the Treasurer’s report. In July we had a $2,873 deficit, adding to the year-to-date deficit of $28,771. Eric noted that $12,559 of that year-to-date deficit is the preschool’s shortfall, which will be reduced once the school year begins.

Jim provided the Board of Human Needs report. School supplies and monies were being collected for Laurel school supply drive. The board members are working with their liaison at Laurel School on different ways they can help the homeless children at the school. The Board has donations designated for that project. The Food Pantry & Clothing Closet serves 15–18 families a week. They have served 90 individual households for the year.

Dr. Marschke provided the Preschool Board report. The Preschool board completed their annual year-end financial review. There was a deficit of $20,019 from the 2021–2022 school year due to low post-COVID enrollment. However, the preschool has several funds available to offset the deficit. They voted and approved to apply the funds to the deficit. (This will be reflected in next month’s financials.) Enrollment for the 2022–2023 school year is good. They are also looking at replacing the playground equipment.

There were no other board reports.

Tom was not at the meeting, but passed along he is getting an estimate on the cost of the Preschool bathroom remodel.

Council discussed a proposal for redoing landscaping on the west-side side of the church. It would be done in two phases—south of the driveway, then north of driveway. The landscaping will be funded by the Foundation. An anonymous donor is going to take care of the trees and bushes in the parking lot area.

Tom has obtained a bid for a Preventative Maintenance plan for the HVAC system. The council would like another bid for consideration.

A request was submitted by Tom for the Council’s approval that eligible staff be given the authority to make their choice between two similar Concordia Plan Services health plans and include the selected plan in next year’s budget. Jim Bernecker moved to approve the request. Grant Wolf seconded the motion and the council approved.

Council discussed the drainage issue outside the Large Fellowship Hall. Dale then provided an update on the congregation restructuring committee formation. Finally, Council reviewed the next steps for the pastoral sabbatical and timeline for presentation at congregational meeting. The sabbatical committee will be meeting soon.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM with everyone standing for the Lord’s Prayer.

The thirteen members of the Church Council are the “Board of Directors” of the congregation, tasked with general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws.