• 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.

• 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’ 2^nd 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

• 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

• 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