January 9, 2025
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
May 9, 2024
Pastor Andrew
Since our last meeting, the work of pastoring has been full and fulfilling. The church continues to hold its numbers. We are progressing through Ephesians. I’ve found the study of Ephesians to be deeply rewarding personally. I also see it correcting and challenging my perspective on church function and informing my view even of church governance and policy. I’m glad that God’s word truly is good for all of life and godliness.
I was glad for Mark’s apologetic moment. His willingness to do that is a purposeful step in fulfilling the elder’s yearly goals. Promises made, promises kept.
Joseph continues to work hard, although he was sick for almost three weeks with a fever and other flu-like symptoms. He has changed the youth program some by taking youth meetings through the beginning of summer. This change is positive
As we work together to build God’s kingdom with his power I’m reminded of Paul’s words to the Colossians, I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
Elders
- We finished up our Wednesday night mission.
- We had a successful mission workshop.
- The Elders together with the Trustees have moved the staffed nursery for children to a room downstairs while using the room upstairs for mothers and babies.
- The Elders are working on goals that were presented at the annual business meeting;
- Mark presented Sunday a presentation on apologetic
- We are working on ways for more communication between Elders and the church body.
- Planning a Church picnic as an outreach time and a way to be more present in the community.
- Have been visiting in Sunday School classes along with Pastor Andrew what it will mean to have a full-time children’s ministry director.
- Still working on using babysitting as an outreach tool.
- The visiting team is still going well.
- Opened up for Elder nominations. It has been extended due to a lack of nominations.
Trustees
Playground equipment will soon be here.
Trustees are to meet for prep work that needs to be done to prepare for the location and placement of the playground equipment
Issues with the TV in the kitchen need to be addressed
Possibility of moving drums to the other side of the stage
Jared Enns thinking about the new soundboard and working on that
Finance/Budget
Discussed the budget summary as of the end of April. All bills are being paid. Missions received $16,664 on Mission Sunday. This goes to Multiply and the Missionary Support Fund. The first 2 quarterly payments for Multiply will be paid.
Business
Julie’s last day is the end of May. There will be a Thank You fellowship meal for Julie after worship on June 2.
Charlie – There will be a church informational meeting following worship to inform and explain to church members and interested church attendees, about the Children’s Ministry Director full-time position.
Mark and Brian will facilitate and Julie and Melissa will share their thoughts on what this position would involve.
Questions and discussion will be encouraged.
- Will present a sermon on Elders, preaching the word, and the job description for being an Elder.
- Pray for Pastor Andrew and the next Elder
- Working on Serve Week.
- Announcement this coming Sunday, May 12
- June 6, 7, 8
- Sign-up sheet will be in the south foyer
April 11, 2024
Pastor Andrew
We enjoyed a blessed Resurrection Sunday. I was glad to see Joseph leading the sunrise service devotional. I thought he did a nice job there. More than that, I’m thankful for his leadership and fresh perspective. His ministry is a reminder that ministries change and grow with new leadership. I’m glad for the ways his work has shifted my perspective on ministry and especially working with youth. I think he’s doing a really good job.
The basics of church ministry have remained stable over the last month. Our staff is running well. We are not looking forward to saying goodbye to Julie but we continue to be glad for her hard work and diligence.
Our series in Ephesians continues to be a blessing probably more for me than for anyone else. My times of study during the week consistently remind me of the basics. God’s word, people, the gospel… these are what it’s all about. We might get clever and creative, but we should always remember the basics. God’s precious word is worth learning. We love God’s word.
Elders
We have been doing an in-depth study following Ephesians along with the weekly sermons. This past meeting, we studied in 1 Samuel 15 and studied what happens when we are not following God’s leading. The biggest takeaway from that was we all need to be listening to the Holy Spirit at all times, especially Church Leadership. We had a lengthy discussion about how we can incorporate more listening at Zoar Church.
The main things we are working on now are:
- Children’s Ministry Director – There was discussion on a proposal for a full time Children’s Ministry Director and it was decided that it would be communicated with Sunday School classes and the congregation, to inform them and get their feedback before moving forward and presenting it for a vote.
- Still working on visitation at PVH and is going very well. There are 6 people on the visitation team. The Wednesday night team is sending about 20 to go meals to the church members who are not able to attend but watch us via video feed.
- Work has been done on providing baby-sitting for young families. Still work to be done on it.
- Talked about what we see will be some outreach plans for the future:
- Service in the park the evening of May 19 with a meal and games, along with having a short service with praise music and Pastor Joseph may be giving a short devotional.
- Play ground
- Basketball area
- We are still working on goals and the one we are focusing on now is making the Elders more approachable as well as visible and what it means to be an Elder.
- Will be working on Elder Nominations in April and will have more information out soon.
- Each of us, along with Pastor Joseph, had one Sunday during Lent to do a short devotional over different topics. This seemed to be well received.
We as Elders feel that we are working well together and are looking forward to seeing what God has in store for Zoar Church.
Trustees
- Purchased playground equipment
- Installation will be in May
- Decide on orientation, location and order of installation
- Getting price on fencing
- Have a lead on Little Tykes playset for younger kids
- Basketball goal – need to meet again on this project
- Van has been inspected and tagged
Finance/Budget
Discussed the budget summary as of April 11. Receipts the first 2 weeks of April were low. All bills have been paid.
Business
Council voted to allow the Children’s Ministry Director search team to be formed. The team will be Pastor Andrew Wuerffel, Pastor Joseph Carter, Audrie Gramkow and Eric Beye. A few young mothers may be used as advisors but not voting members of the search team.
March 14, 2024
Pastor Andrew
The Bible says, “Do not grow weary in well doing for in due season you will reap if you faint not.” Paul’s encouragement to the Galatians falls on the heels of a stern rebuke. Some of the Galatians had embraced a false gospel. Paul actually gets pretty angry at the Galatian church and those who had deceived them. After chastising them, he encourages them to chase after good things that make them spiritually strong.
All churches are tempted to fall into dysfunction. It’s where we naturally want to go. It seems as though there is a spiritual equivalent to the second law of thermodynamics. God calls Pastors first, then elders and all the saints to participate in the pushback against this slow decline. I’ve found my time full of this sort of work in the last month. Sunday mornings, personal discipleship relationships, connections with the staff, elders and other leadership in the church are the avenue.
I feel deeply that the God-given role of a pastor includes the expected things such as preaching and teaching, funerals and weddings. It also includes leading change in areas that we have discussed before. The pastoral area that I’ve noticed in this last month the most is those personal connections. I’ve enjoyed the deep conversations with people in the flock and text messages throughout the day about personal struggles and victories.
We as a church engage in these things because we desire to reap as we faint not. Of course, I have continued in the expected duties. Our time in Ephesians is going well. A person or two have pursued baptism and we are following up with that. The elders and I have discussed that also but the heart of the church is the people. I love the people and am glad for the gift of working as God’s shepherd here with these most valuable sheep.
Elders
The Elders have been working behind the scenes of Zoar Church the past month with different projects in the works. We have been doing a deeper study in Ephesians to coincide with the sermon series Pastor Andrew is currently working on.
- Jason has asked the other Elders to keep in touch with him about how to reach our goals for keeping transparency in the Elder group. It is so important for church leaders to lead without any kind of personal agenda and for the church to see them without reproach. It is also important for the leaders to follow the direction of God as they lead the church.
- The Visitation Team has been working hard to visit with all the members of Zoar that live at the home in the estates. It has been talked about how to expand the mission.
- Conversations have been in the works about how to relieve the possible overcrowding in the nursing with the potential of an expanded baby population in the church.
- Conversations are in the works of a service in the park this spring. Possible date has been set for May 19th. Details will come at a later date.
- Rick is working on setting up a child care ministry for the church. Details are still being worked out.
- Elders along with Pastor Joseph have been charged by Pastor Andrew to do a 5-minute devotion on Lent and the color sashes on the cross in the sanctuary to be the starting point for the devotion.
The Elders have been working together very well and it seems that our church is growing when we allow God to do His thing. Along with Pastor Andrew and Pastor Joseph we can only keep the growth as long as Zoar Church puts God 1st and allow Him to work.
Trustees
- Newer church van has been purchased
- Will look at getting the old van sold
- New freezer is in place
- Playground equipment –Have settled on the setup.
- Basketball goal – Have been looking at possibilities and location.
- Council agreed to move forward with both projects
Finance/Budget
Discussed the budget summary for February and all looks good.
Pastor Andrew
- In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, his first prayer for the saints there focuses on a deeper knowledge of God. It’s read, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Let’s just all know God. The church serves as a physical apparatus to accomplish God’s goals. Let’s keep it simple folks.
- The Elders shared their goals at the annual business meeting. These stated goals are an example of their empowered leadership.
Elders
- At the January business meeting we presented the Goals of the Elders and what we want to accomplish in 2024. We felt that they were very well received and have had some positive feedback from them. We do want the congregation to hold us accountable to these goals and we will be working on them with the congregation to accomplish, really exciting to see God at work.
- Rick – working on goals for working with establishing child care for young families. This is an outreach project for meeting the needs of to help attract young families. Rick is also working with the visitation team at PVH and is going very well and there are a few other people involved in this.
- Mark and Mike – working on a way to offer Apologetics to the entire church. Will be starting after Easter.
- Mike – working with nursery situation
- Eric – will be working on different outreach things; have reached out to trustees to encourage them to move forward with a basketball goal and playground equipment. There are more children coming up and will need to act on nursery space.
- Jason – is working on more transparency of the Elders.
- The Elders will be doing a short devotional during church during the Lent season again this year. We divided up the different subjects and are going to start researching the different subjects and will be starting the first Sunday in Lent.
- Our prayer is that as we continue on this path that Satan is moved out of the way and allow for church growth.
Trustees
- Actively looking for a church van.
- Looking into playground equipment
- Working on ideas for a basketball goal
- Nursery project- Elders and Trustees to get together and possibly some of the nursery volunteers to come up with a clearer direction of what, where and when and make it happen. Prepare for the blessing of more children.
- Purchased a new freezer
Finance/Budget
Discussed the budget summary for January and all looks good.
Business
Will begin to form a Camp Scholarship Team to award monies to those going to camp. Pastor Joseph will take this over.
Elders will work on forming a search team for the Children’s Ministry Director.
Other Business
Zoar is the lead church for VBS this year and the curriculum looks good.