Our April 9 meeting started with a presentation from Pastor David on stewardship.  We reflected on stewardship as an opportunity to be drawn together more deeply in community and mission here at Alleluia! 

This coming month we will be reaffirming the mission of Alleluia! in a series of temple talks by the Council and the Stewardship team. We will be providing updates on Youth Ministry, opportunities for giving, and a Mission Pancake Breakfast planned for May.

The Council thanks everyone who contributed to a wonderful Holy Week and Easter celebration— including all those who sang, played music, preached, participated in readings, ushered, helped with media, opened doors, engaged with young people, and attended!

On March 6th, 2023, the newly installed Church Council elected Gary Zoet as council chair, Jenn Vrba as vice chair, and Mike Raczak as secretary.  The Council appointed Roger Russell as chair of the church finance committee, and designated Sean Huenecke and Dan Stolle as co-chairs of the stewardship team.  Council also approved a plan to appoint a search committee for a Youth Ministry Director.  Council received a report from four members of the outgoing council to help with the transition process.

Interim Pastor, David Heim, has arrived at Alleluia! and has assumed all preaching and pastoral care duties until a new Lead Pastor is called by our congregation.

The church council has been meeting over the summer and discussing key priorities and accomplishments. Kurtis Arndt has been hired as Youth Ministry Director and Alleluia! now has a brand-new website. The call committee continues its search for a lead pastor, so prayers continue in that search.

The council is focused on certain key areas for the remainder of 2023. These include:

o        Working with Little Blessings to better align with the church and maximize student enrollment.

o        Roger Russell, head of the finance committee, has been present at every meeting with financial updates and recommendations.

o        Beginning the update of the church constitution and bylaws.

o        Developing a Human Resources strategy and plan across Alleluia! and Little Blessings.

o        Revitalizing the youth programs with numerous summer events.

o        The Stewardship team is meeting for our Fall Pledge Campaign for 2024.

o        The council has begun reading the book Belong, by Barnabas Piper. Pastor David and Darcy Jasien are leading the discussion. The plan is to make this a 
        recommended reading for the congregation along with small group discussions.

o        The council has adopted 2023 goals that are quantifiable and measurable. A report on the progress will be given at the end of the year.