Church Council Summary: April 2025

The SUMC Church Council met on Palm Sunday, 4/13/25, following morning services. 18 council members and ministry leaders were present.

The Finance Committee presented an abbreviated report due to the early meeting date, current to April 12. The report reflected positive balances for the year in giving, slightly ahead of the anticipated budget. Trends for giving are usually above average in the first months of the year and tend to taper off during the summer months. Expenses were down for the month after some late billing cycles were caught up earlier in the year. Administrative work includes re-authorization of the Church's credit card and implementation of Quickbooks to help with tracking giving and expenses.

Pastor Daniel reported that the Church welcomed two new members in March, and offered thanks to both the Worship Committee and the newly-formed Praise Worship Team for the successful Blended Worship service on March 30. Pastor Daniel presented a preliminary copy of the new Vision and Mission Statements and an updated logo, which the Council approved for further development.

Committee reports included no actionable items. United Women in Faith plan for a busy week in advance of the May rummage sale, beginning with the April 27 setup and receiving of rummage items in the Family Life Center. United Methodist Men will provide breakfast for workers at the April 19 electronic recycling event. Creation Care reported the conversion of the lighted sign in front of the Church to an LED system, which is much brighter and will save energy and maintenance costs. Outreach activities included the recent outing to Branson, a visit by the Abundance Quartet to the April 27 morning services, and two summer activities. Children's ministries include an Easter Egg hunt after the April 20 services and a Parents Night Out activity on April 26.

In ongoing business, the Congregations in Action Grant will be discussed in an upcoming meeting during May, possibly on one of the first two Mondays.

Pastor Daniel dismissed the Council with prayer. The next meeting of the Church Council will be Sunday, May 18 following morning services.