May 8, 2025
Pastor Andrew
Greetings, Church Council. These last several months have been both blessed and difficult. The ministry of the church continues to work. We were blessed with an awesome turnout on Easter Sunday, and our attendance seems to be growing steadily. More important than that is the spiritual growth that we all are experiencing as we invest in the body. I was glad to see the Elder’s prayer incentive work so well. That represents both exciting leadership from the Elders and a willingness on the part of the body to cooperate as we pursue God together.
Lexi wrapped up her first semester here with the church. I’m confident that her work has been enjoyed by our students and their families. I look forward to seeing her continued growth. Joseph intends to keep his program going through the summer as he did last year. I think that’s a good direction. He’s also planning a mission trip to North Carolina.
I’d invite all of you to continue to pray with us on Sunday mornings. Jesus said, the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray earnestly then to God for more laborers in the vineyard!
Elders
Elders are still meeting every other Tuesday and starting our meeting with devotions and prayer.
Things we are working on;
- Still working on vision casting for the church
- One area is Visitation from Elders, and each Elder took an area to work on
- Widows and Widowers
- Shut-ins and Elderly
- Farmers
- Hospital stays
- New Christians and Visitors
- Prayer for Zoar
- Had a 24-hour prayer vigil during Holy Week and had a good turnout.
- Having prayer time before the church service
- One area is Visitation from Elders, and each Elder took an area to work on
- Partnering with StepMC from McPherson to teach people how to manage money and allowing them to present to the Church.
- Still offering communion one time per month
- Added to the bulletin a reminder that the Elders want to pray for fellow churchgoers and for them to submit their problems and concerns to them through their communication box in the south foyer.
- Met with Council and Brian Harris (District Minister) on how we can improve.
- Working on more accountability
- Working on unity with Council and other teams in the church
- Approved team members for a mission trip to Uganda
- Working on bringing all ministry teams to Elder meetings this year to make sure they have what they need to run their ministry and to help with next year’s budget so it does not all fall on the finance team’s shoulders.
- Will be starting June 11th providing Pop In Supper
Trustees
Have had a lot of trouble with the refrigerator, and it is fixed and working now.
Brian Wedel fixed the backflow to the boiler.
Gail Wiens is going to make a door in the wall to gain access to the boiler pump.
The basketball goal is up and being used.
There has been a request to have a bench put in by the playground.
Still need to install a fence around the playground.
Finance/Budget
Discussed the budget as of the end of April 2025. A little behind but not uncommon. The mission trip for those going to Uganda is paid for. Missionaries have received their money for the first quarter. All bills have been paid.
Business
Pastor Andrew and Hope will be attending Sunscape Retreat in Divide, Colorado sometime early fall.
Other Business
Pastor Andrew will be on vacation from May 26 – June 2. Pastor Joseph will be giving the message on June 1. Also, Joseph will be the speaker during the 2nd week of Ponca.
March 18, 2025
Pastor Andrew
These last several weeks have been mostly business as usual. I continue to tend to the flock while also pursuing a strategy of equipping the other leaders in our church to do the same.
We finished up our series in Ephesians during the month of February. My prayer is that those lessons continue to guide us as a church. Since then, our church has moved into a new series looking at the book of Exodus. I’m excited to lean into these passages as the year continues.
The new series is called, “Becoming the people of God”. My prayer is that the lessons of Exodus reach across the divide of time and even covenants to help us understand how we can more fully follow God.
I look forward to the weeks ahead as our church changes its focus somewhat towards Lent and the sacrifice and resurrection of our Lord. We do indeed serve a risen Savior.
Trustees
- Rerouted plumbing on the baptistry
- Took care of maintenance on the boiler. Worked on and took care of a leak.
- Basketball goal post is at Brian Wedels, ready to be sandblasted and painted
Finance/Budget
Discussed the budget as of March 18, 2025. All bills have been paid.
Other Business
Pastor Andrew shared that Janet McMahon, Pam Thiessen and Hope Wuerffel will be going to Uganda June 8-22 and looking to do some fundraising to help with their expenses and give people a chance to support them.
February 13, 2025
Pastor Andrew
January and February can be busy or slow. Of course, the lead-up to the annual business meeting can be hectic for all of us. Perhaps our business meeting was the most significant thing that happened in the church’s view in the month of January.
Speaking of significant happenings, it was awesome to see two new members join the church in February.
As for the last few weeks, things got incredibly busy around the time Nora Jane passed away. I was working on several different church-related duties around that time. I’m often amazed at God’s timing. After we took time to celebrate Nora Jane’s life, Hope and I got very sick. We were out of it for about a week with fevers and bed rest. Hope bounced back quickly but I seem to have come down with some secondary infection that’s kept me pretty miserable until now. I’m still not at full capacity and am especially thankful that the church calendar is not bursting at the seams right now. I’m especially thankful for Pastor Joseph this last month who filled in for me on Sunday the 2nd.
I continue to maintain my basic duties and look forward to having more energy soon. This month, I’m glad for our great God who continually sustains us even when we are sick.
Elders
Well, another year to gear up for. We really discussed at our last meeting all the ways we see work being done for God’s kingdom at Zoar Church. Along with the Elders being more visible, we are trying to make sure that our leadership for the church is God-Centered.
- We had a great presentation from Mark, Rick, and Frank at the annual business meeting about how we would like to see this year be for the Elder group and how we can show true Godly leadership.
- We are lending ourselves to be more present during morning prayer time on Sunday mornings.
- Andrew will be doing a series on prayer, and Elders will be introducing some ideas, along the way that will encourage the church to become more of a prayerful church.
- We will be more intentional with encouraging Sunday School classes to add prayer to their teaching.
- We will be reaching out to the different ministries of the church, to come to an Elder meeting to visit about how things are going, as well as giving some direction and advice, if needed. We would like to see all ministries of Zoar be intentional about God-Centered functions.
- We talked about expanding something more for men but will need to encourage more men to step up and lead.
- We met with Angie Brunk from STEPMC, an organization that teaches financial guidance to people below the poverty line. They are starting a class here in Inman, and we will partner with IMA to support that. It can be a real outreach for the church to the community. More information will be coming at a later date.
We appreciate our Lead Pastor Andrew, Youth Pastor Joseph, and Children’s Ministry Director Lexi. We are so blessed to have all of them leading.
Trustees
- Trustees met and organized
- Fixed the heater and it is working well
Finance/Budget
The Annual Business Meeting went well and the new budget for 2025 was approved. Discussed the budget as of February 13, 2025. All bills have been paid.
Other Business
Gordon Enns gave a presentation.
Pastor Andrew
The regular work of the church continues without any hindrance. We canceled church of course on the 5th of January. I have used the extra time I’ve been awarded because of that cancelation to do some visiting at the Home.
I’m eager to see what God has for us in the New Year and hopeful that all of us will surrender to God’s will in all things.
Thanks to everyone here and everyone represented here for making the last year work.
Elders
- We have been working on goals
Trustees
- Basketball goal has been selected and paid for
- Discussed creating manuals needed for operations in the church. (re: HVAC, Sunday Morning setup)
- There are plumbing issues that need to be taken care of. Some of the drains need to be changed to help drainage. The baptistry drain needs to be revamped. Sometime in January, we will have a camera/snake run through the drains to see their condition.
Finance/Budget
Discussed the final outcome of the 2024 Budget. All bills are paid and we’re in really good shape. Reviewed the 2025 Budget to be presented and voted upon at the Annual Business Meeting.
Other Business
- There was discussion on the possibility of having an online directory.
December 12, 2024
Pastor Andrew
Merry Christmas. Greetings, Church Council. As we enter the Christmas season, our eyes focus on Christ. The simplicity of a Child in a manger reminds us of why we exist. The church’s job is not just to maintain itself. Rather, we are called to leave what is comfortable in order to reach the world around us, just like Christ did. Let’s make sure as a church that we are not like the busy innkeeper, housing everyone and everything but the most important Person.
Nothing really has changed since our last meeting. Our ministries are winding down for the season. Hope did an awesome job with the Children’s ministry. I’m hoping that Lexi will soon add to the good foundation that Julie and Hope have set as she digs into the work of the church.
We have been blessed with a well-attended membership class as well and a few young people who got baptized. This couple communicated to me that our church and the ministry here was really beneficial in their walk. God is good.
This council has my prayers as they shore up the business of the church before our business meeting in January. I’m thankful for each of you. Your leadership, diligence, sharp minds, and good intentions have helped our church through the 2024 year. Teresa, thank you for putting up with us men for this whole time. You are a gift.
Elders
Working on Goals for the Elders for 2025.Still studying the book Biblical Eldership and it has been an eye-opener. Feel really good about how far the Elders have come in the past 2 years
- Have added a communication box to the mail boxes in the south foyer. This is to keep an open line of communication between the church and the Elders. This is to keep us informed of the different needs of the church or if someone just has a question that needs to be addressed. There will be a message put in the bulletin to let people know that this is available.
- Elders and their wives hosted a time of fellowship after the Christmas cantata. We planned to have 120 people and had about 150 in attendance. Thank goodness we had enough food 🙂 The Cantata was a huge success and Thanks to Julie Wedel for instigating it and organizing it as well.
- Very excited to only have less than a month left before our new Children’s Ministry Director begins her responsibilities. (January 1, 2025) This year Kids Quest has been very good and thanks to Hope and Melissa for their work in making this so successful and also those who are keeping Children’s Church and Children’s Sunday School going as well.
It is just so exciting to see God at work at Zoar. Looking forward to the new year and what else He can do. All we have to do is trust Him.
Trustees
- The concrete was poured for the basketball goal.
- We’re in the process of getting a goal.
- The sound system is working great
- Going to check out the drains at church to make sure they are all working properly.
Finance/Budget
Discussed budget summary as of December, 2024. All bills are being paid and we’re in good shape.
Business
- January 1, 2025, Lexi Milne will begin her position as part-time Children’s Ministry Director. There will be a gradual transition time. Hope Wuerffel, Melissa Funk, and Lexi will meet to discuss the transition. She will take over Children’s church.
November 21, 2024
Pastor Andrew
Elders
Things we are working on:
- We are still in the book “Biblical Eldership” and going through a chapter at each meeting. It has been an eye-opener to study what God expects from elders in the church. Elders are not only held to a higher standard but being above reproach takes on a much stronger meaning. Elders are assigned, according to God’s word, to shepherd the flock and be an example to other Christians while also supporting the pastors.
- In-depth discussion on 2025 goals for Elders
- Will be continuing on Elder Transparency.
- The youth, with the guidance of Pastor Joseph, will be leading Advent.
- Elders will continue to work on the book on Biblical Eldership and will work on goals to present at the January Business Meeting.
Trustees
- Making a few changes to the lighting inside
- Outside projects are being discussed
- Working through a small hit list in the kitchen
- Discussed budget summary as of November 19, 2024. All bills are being paid and things are running smoothly.
Other Business
- The Annual Business Meeting is set for January 26, 2025
October 10, 2024
Pastor Andrew
As we ease into the mechanized feeling of these mid fall months, I’m thankful for several things. Firstly, I’m thankful for our good God who continues to provide for our every need. I’m thankful for the additions to the Elder board. And, I’m thankful for the awesome people who have stepped up so that we can continue to have an operational Children’s ministry program.
This last month was unexpectedly different. My planned vacation went off without a hitch and I was thankful for a nice time away. I’m also grateful that Rick from the MB foundation was able to step in and talk about stewardship while I was gone. Two weeks after my return Hope and I took an unexpected trip to North Carolina to visit my brother and his wife who have recently experienced a loss. These two trips made these months a little disjointed but still blessed and fruitful.
We continue to work through Ephesians and I am glad for our time now studying spiritual warfare. I’m also glad for the finance Sunday school class the MB Foundation is provided for us. Thank you all for your continued leadership and support.
Elders
We have met a couple of times this past month and started working on our goals for the next year. We have kicked around some really good ideas and it seems to be coming back to: What can we do for Inman? This may be what our focus will be leaning towards.
- Working on a book recommended by Pastor Andrew called “Biblical Eldership”. Learning with the group what it means to be an Elder in God’s eyes and what God expects of us.
- We talked about our Goals this year and how we have done with them. We are working on our goals for next year which will be presented to the congregation at the business meeting.
- Talked at length about outreach and how to reach the unchurched families of Inman.
We have been working hard and praying for God to lead us as we lead the church.
Trustees
- Gail replaced the TV downstairs
- We are still looking to work on the playground fence, basketball goal and concrete, and doing some work at the cemetery.
Finance/Budget
Discussed budget summary as of October 9, 2024. All bills are being paid and MCC Meat Canning received their money. Things are running smoothly.
Other Business
An event organized by Children’s Ministry will be October 30th and is Gospel-focused.
Pastor Andrew suggested that it would be good to have an Event Planning Committee.
Brian shared that the Voter Registration at the church is going well and getting good information out to people. Conversations have been a success – some light-hearted and some serious.
September 12, 2024
Elders
- A few elders and finance committee members met to review Joseph’s recommendation to make funds available to offer to the interim children’s ministry director. It was agreed that we would pay for a start-up for Wednesday night missions through October and revisit it at the end of October. Hope Wuerffel has been filling that role until a director is hired. Melissa Funk is assisting and will add the hours to her regular hours submitted.
- The first Wednesday night of the season was a huge success. About 75 kids and 25 middle schoolers attended.
- Have had some conversations about how to make the Elder Team more visible and more approachable. Also making resources available for people in need.
- Talked at length about what goals we want to work on and how we can report on how our goals have been accomplished in the past year.
- The Elders have ordered a book to study titled “Biblical Eldership” and will be discussing a chapter at each meeting on leadership, what it means, and how to lead.
- We visited what we need to do to minister more to young married men and what it means to be the leader of your family.
- A group was formed to address the church members at PVH and church members who have not attended for some time. This will be an elder-led group.
From Children’s Ministry Director Search Team
- Have an interview for the director position coming up in the first week of October.
We will still be in prayer for the church as well as following God’s direction.
Trustees
- Van purchased has been doing good.
- We will purchase products to put the fence up around the playground after harvest
- Gave permission for Krafty Kids Daycare – Leah Schmitz, to use the church basement as an evacuation location in case of severe weather.
- We will work on the basketball court after harvest and will do the concrete work ourselves.
- Lighting – bulbs have been replaced in the north end of the sanctuary and looking to replace all of the bulbs in the sanctuary and some in the south foyer.
Finance/Budget
Discussed the budget summary as of September 12, 2024. All bills are being paid and missionary payments have been made. Multiply has been paid half of its payments and MCC Meat Canning will be getting theirs soon.
Business
Zoar will have volunteers to register voters in the south foyer on the mornings of Sunday, October 6 and 13, 2024. Also, the volunteers will be handing out voter information guides with a Biblical perspective and have been approved by the Elders. Voter guides will represent a Biblical perspective of the candidates and issues and be from sources that may include, but are not limited to IVoterGuide.com and Kansans for Life.
August 8, 2024
Pastor Andrew
Since our last meeting, Hope and I along with some Zoar Church delegates attended the USMB National Convention. The experience was encouraging in a few regards. Firstly, it was good to rub shoulders with some fellow Pastors and full-time ministry persons. Secondly, I was thankful for the content and the speakers who discussed helpful subjects. Finally, I was encouraged by the stance that our denomination took through its speaker selection. All the speakers seemed to be rooted in the word of God. One speaker especially who discussed apologetics and the world view
was pronouncedly conservative and Bible-based. This stance was a confirmation of USMB’s continued diligence in trusting the scriptures as our guide and standard.
Church ministries continue to function. I was impressed with Joseph’s organization and hard work with his recent lock-in. Hope Wuerffel and Melissa Funk have tackled the fall Children’s Ministry program by coming up with a basic fall plan and rounding up volunteers. I am so thankful for their work. The search for a Children’s Ministry Director has also had some very encouraging leads.
I continue to work through the book of Ephesians and seek God’s help in leading this church into fruitful ministry as we Develop Empowered Disciples. I’m glad for God’s call to Pastors and Elders to oversee the church. We seek to do that diligently and thoroughly.
Elders
It has been a little slow this summer but we have still been able to meet 2 times in July. Some of the things we are working on are:
- The Elders are still doing in-depth Bible study that pertains to being a strong Elder each time we meet. Also, at the beginning of each meeting, we pray for God’s leading as well as for Him to give us His vision.
- We have worked through the job of vetting new Elders. We presented John Balzer and Frank Peters and they were affirmed by the church. We feel that our 7-member team will be an awesome team to do God’s work.
- It has been asked if we can somehow plan something where churchgoers can get to know our Elders better, so watch for something coming up.
- With Pastor Andrew’s guidance and vision, we are still working on the goals set for this year. It has been very good to see what God can do when we trust Him.
- Wrapped up the Wednesday evening outreach program of Wednesday’s Pop in Supper. We feel it was very successful, even though it is not measured by numbers but by the new people, we have attracted a few new families because of the Pop in Supper. So, we would count that as successful.
- Had an outreach, end-of-summer event last evening 8/7/24. Watermelon and Crullers and outdoor games. Great turnout with about 80-90 in attendance. It was great to see the youth attending before their time with Joseph.
- Pastor Joseph met with us to give an up to date of what he is working on. He has been a great addition to our church family. He has been intentionally working with youth over the summer and not ending the program over the Summer. It has been great to see our youth program grow.
- Mark is still presenting information on apologetics every 3weeks from the pulpit.
- Jason is working with the music team and introducing more new songs.
- The Children’s Ministry Director Search team has not met but has been in contact a little and reached out to a few prospects.
- Tabor College did reach out to find out what we are looking for.
Trustees
Need a fence around the playground
Possible camera and additional light on the playground
A Basketball goal is still in the plans
The new soundboard is coming along – Jared Enns and David Prieb are getting details worked out
Having a bench by the playground was discussed
Finance/Budget
Discussed the budget summary as of July 2024. All bills are being paid and missionary payments have been made.
Business
Andrew presented Fall School Programs
- “Fill the Bus” initiative – donate school supplies needed by the school and help teachers. We will have a drop box in the south foyer.
- The church was asked if we could provide a meal, coffee, or snacks to the Jr. High Staff once a month. There needs to be a committee to organize this. It will be put in the bulletin asking for volunteers.
- Asking for financial donations to a general fund that will cover the cost of kids in need and school lunches. It was discussed that there would be a donation box along with the “Fill the Bus” box.
July 16, 2024
Pastor Andrew
This summer has been productive and also discombobulating. There’s a mechanic to the spring and fall schedule that keeps the church on track and me sorted out. With changing schedules, vacations and some unpredictable things I feel that the church has been blessed and chaotic in a good way over the last few months.
As I already mentioned, this summer my wife and I vacationed in Florida in the later part of June. Before and after this I had been busy with a preaching series in Ephesians. I also participated in David and Kaylan Prieb’s wedding.
Looking forward, I will be gone again July 23-27 to Nebraska for the US MB conference. I plan also to continue with our series in Ephesians, while being available for the regular pastoral duties that arise.
A few things I’m especially thankful for. Our Pop-in Summer Suppers have seemed to be a success. Two new families attended church on Sunday representing a success I think in that strategy. VBS was really good this year. A better spirit surrounded the event than the year before. I’m glad for that. I’m also glad for the individual relationships that are being built in the church. God continues to work here. Praise God.
Elders
We have met off and on in the past few months with different things going on within the church. When not able to meet because of our busy summer schedules we stay in contact via email and text. When we meet, we start our meetings out with devotion and prayer for God’s guidance. The Elders continue to work on their goals.
Trustees
- A new soundboard has been installed (expense for this is covered by memorial money) Jared Enns, David Prieb, Gordon Enns and Mark Nachtigall have been working to make sure the board is working properly
- Still working on getting the fence installed around the playground equipment
- Still looking to get a basketball goal
Finance/Budget
Discussed the budget summary as of July 16, 2024. All bills are being paid. Missionaries’ 2nd quarter payment was made and payments for the first half of the year have been made to Multiply.
Business
- Children’s Ministry Director
- Haven’t had much interest in this position
- Have a plan in place if we haven’t filled this position by September