Leadership Board Recap: July 2026
The Leadership Board met on July 22 and approved a plan to restore the building after construction, set a new meeting night that frees Wednesday evenings for discipleship, and directed a legacy gift toward the mission it was given to serve. Amanda Faber opened with a reflection on the Sermon on the Mount, on Jesus naming his followers salt and light, and on the call to live humbly, with grace, hospitality, and kindness.
Restoring the Building After Construction
The board approved professional cleaning by ATS Facility Services at a cost not to exceed $8,000, with the Ministry Funding Plan covering the first $5,000 and the Tomorrow First HVAC contingency covering the rest. Work begins once P1 Service finishes and clears the building. The crew will clean carpets throughout, along with sanctuary chairs and upholstery.
Moving to Monday Nights
Beginning August 24, the Leadership Board will meet on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. Freeing Wednesday evenings opens that hour for additional adult discipleship offerings, part of the board's focus on growing engagement.
A Legacy Gift Put to Work
The board voted to place the combined James A. Cassler Legacy Fund with the Kansas Methodist Foundation, distributed as Mr. Cassler intended: 66 percent to UMCOR and 34 percent to the Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences, with Africa University named as contingency. The gift will be distributed in full the year it is given, so the funds go to work for their designated purpose.
Asking Where We Focus
Board members continued reading The Advantage, turning to Patrick Lencioni's second discipline, creating clarity through six questions. The conversation centered on focus, on doing fewer things well rather than spreading thin. Members returned to "Grow Engagement," the focus chosen at the spring planning session, and named making disciples of Jesus Christ as the church's enduring core value.
Shaping the Discipleship Guide
Board members offered feedback on the 2026-2027 Membership and Discipleship Guide, asking that it lift up contributions of time, talent, and service alongside financial giving, so newcomers hear clearly that they are welcome whatever their means. Members also suggested the guide would serve confirmation families well, and encouraged introducing it a piece at a time.
Looking Ahead
The board received a first look at a governance change that would give lay conference leaders voting seats, and at new designated funds for building and grounds and next-generation ministry. Nominations for 2027 leadership begin earlier this year, inviting input from the congregation as well as the board. The next Leadership Board meeting is August 24 at 6:00 PM. Please keep the people who serve our congregation in leadership in your prayers.