• 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

• 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

• This season represents the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one. While we head towards our annual business meeting, we are wise to look back over the year and consider our next year with perspective as our teacher.
• Here are some things that I have learned:
• Firstly, growth is possible. In an age of dying and aging churches, it is relieving to know that it is possible to both attract and retain new church attendees, even young ones.
• Secondly, thinking differently and trying new things works. This last year, the elder meetings were run differently and more often. We decluttered the church. We looked at the problems facing the church with new and fresh glasses. The outcome, I feel, was new life and energy in the church. It makes me wonder what other fresh ways of thinking or acting could bless us.
• Thirdly, God provides. We have seen God’s perfect provision this year. I think that should make us brave as a church to try even expensive things for God’s glory.
• December brought a close to our Advent series. January has brought a new Pastor who we installed January 7^th. We will kick off our series in Ephesians.
• The series we have chosen are strategic. Nehemiah taught us how to rebuild, James taught us the basics of discipleship, and now, Ephesians will give us skill in deeper devotion to God.

Elders

• Meet twice a month
• New vision statement “Developing Empowered Disciples”
• Main goal is to make disciples for God’s kingdom
• Elders involved in 4 fellowship functions the past month

• • 2 Sunday school fellowship hours
  • Family Christmas program with fellowship time following
  • Youth pastoral installation service with lunch following

• Looking forward to the new year and implementing new goals Elders have been working for the church, and presenting them at the Annual Business Meeting

Trustees

• New water fountains installed
• Added circuits in the kitchen
• Discussion on getting a new hood to fit the new stove
• Researching a stand-up freezer for the pantry to free up space and be more efficient

Finance

• Discussed the final outcome of the 2023 Budget
• Reviewed the 2024 Budget to be presented and voted on at the Annual Business Meeting