Council Minutes March 4, 2026
Council was called to order by President Anne Hutnyk.
Council Minutes from the February 4 regular council meeting was approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: We had a good month, which helped to make up for the shortfall in January, keeping in mind that a lot of what we received in February would have been received in January had it not been for the snow days. We're still showing a net deficit for the year of $5,833. We're 16% through the year and income is at 20% ($23,322.93) of the budgeted amounts and expenses are at 18% ($29,155.99). So while we're operating with a deficit, it is close to what we predicted when we approved the budget. The treasurer’s report was approved as written.
President’s Report: From Anne Hutnyk. Thank you for believing in me by voting for me. Praying I can fill the big shoes left for me. Family always works together and I am truly blessed to have you guys as family. Let’s keep this church going!
Pastor’s Report: I have led and presided at worship regularly throughout the month of February at Faith and Jerusalem. I continue to provide pastoral care, information, and help to those seeking aid. We give thanks and praise for the life of Verna Wilde. A funeral service was held at Faith on February 9 and at St. James Pitman on February 12. Thank you for coming out in celebration of Verna! Ash Wednesday: In the morning, I provided ashes for the staff and patients at Jefferson Lansdale Hospital. From 12pm-2pm, I did a walk in ashes and prayer at Jerusalem. Then from 2:30pm-4pm, I did a walk in ashes and prayer at Faith. There was a full Ash Wednesday service at 7pm at Faith. Have been in discussion and have given tours to the members of Iglesia Pentecostal Nueva Jerusalén La Celestial of Lansdale, who are looking to possibly use our space for worship. I continue to do shifts at the Lansdale Hospital as the Volunteer Protestant Chaplain and volunteer at Mitzvah Circle. Our last Faith Education Dinner was on February 8. Our theme for Lent 2026 will be “Dwelling.” This is in conjunction with our yearlong theme, “A Listening Faith.” We explore together what it means to dwell with God, with each other, and with all of God’s creation. See Important Dates for details. Continued Learning – clergy text study on Tuesdays; first call theological meetings; monthly clergy coaching in support of Nourishing Vocation Project; SEPA Synod peer group.
MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:
Christian Education:
Sunday School - Children ages 3 to 11 are welcome to attend Sunday school. (Children leave during Worship service with the Sunday school teacher after children’s sermon and return for communion.
Parent Night Out/Youth Fellowship (PNO/YF) – Our monthly event is scheduled for March 27, 6 pm to 9 pm in the church fellowship hall. Our theme is “Holy Week/Easter”. April event is scheduled for April 17.
Young Adult Fellowship (ages 12-17) - Because our last three meetings were cancelled due to weather conditions, the group will enjoy a Christmas, Welcoming the New Year, Valentine’s, Easter theme including devotion/discussion, and fun and fellowship with their peers and the adult support team. Our next YAF is scheduled for April 19.
MNBS- Our current study begins on March 9 for 4 weeks based on “The Promise and Power of Easter” by Christine Caine and Lisa Harper.
Faith Education: The March meeting will be on Sunday, the 8th. The time is 5:30–7pm.
Finance: On February 12, members of the Finance Ministry Team and Pastor Ethan met via Zoom with Guenter Wesch to review his findings on the External Financial Review. He discussed his findings and recommendations. He did not find any inconsistencies or problems with our financial reports. Mainly he recommended that we produce a 1099 tax form for the monies that we paid Pat Keen, our organist. He recommended to shorten the form that we share with Council monthly and moved a couple of lines around a bit to make things easier or cleaner. He stated that he would not recommend an External Review on a routine basis, as it is not necessary, in his opinion. The Financial Team plans to review the recommendations and will schedule a meeting in April to go over both the 2024 Internal Financial Review and the 2025 External Financial review and determine what changes will be made to our processes.
Hospitality: February 15 – Fastnacht Sunday – ordered 3 dozen donuts with no leftovers; March 8 – Celebrating Pat’s (organist) birthday (Janet getting cake); March 20 is the scrapbooking flea market so the kitchen will be open that day. I will be working in the kitchen, and any volunteers would be greatly appreciated; March 29 – Palm Sunday/Church’s 61st anniversary (sign-up will be available shortly).
Long-Range Planning: We are still in the process of reaching out to members to have conversations. We will be meeting again soon.
Property Management: see New Business..
Property: Another car was left in our parking lot but has already been taken care of.
Shepherding: Sharon Hood will lead the group again with Beth Schoening is recovering.
Social Ministry: For 2026, 141 Impact “noisy coin collection” will continue again this year. During January (and early February due to the snow!) we collected individual packets of tissues and bags of candy for the residents of Paradise Manor in Hatfield. Everyone signed a Valentine’s Day Card for each of the current residents. The day before Valentine’s Day, Debbie Hollenbach dropped everything off at Paradise Manor. The administration was excited about the donations and planned to set everything out for the residents on Valentine’s Day! Altogether we signed 22 individual cards for the residents, collected 10 cube boxes and 145 individual packets of tissues (very much appreciated during this season of the year!) and 13 bags or boxes of candy. Thank you for everyone who participated to help the residents of Paradise Manor and to making them feel loved!
OLD BUSINESS
Constitution Update: Rich Hollenbach will continue to work on this.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion on possible rental of our facilities to Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Nueva Jerusalén La Celestial (New Jerusalem Heavenly Pentecostal Church of God) of Lansdale. Background information: Faith received a letter from this church, inquiring about the possibility of renting our facilities for their church. They are currently leasing space in Lansdale, but their congregation is outgrowing the space. Their Pastor and a few church members came to Faith where Pastor Ethan gave them a tour. It was agreed that they would attend the council meeting for more discussion. Prior to their arrival, Council discussed questions and concerns we had. After their arrival, there was an open exchange amongst all with questions and concerns being openly discussed. Some of these topics included schedule of usage, their storage requirements, their flexibility if Faith needs the space during their scheduled time, terms of the rental agreement, insurance, child clearances, facility maintenance, references, etc. After their departure, council agreed that we should continue down this path with due diligence.
The Council voted to move forward with the rental agreement between the Pentecostal church and Faith on the following terms:
1) Initial rental agreement would be for four months at $1500/month, payable by check on the first of the month. Final rental agreement to be reviewed and accepted by both parties. 2) In the event that additional costs are incurred (utilities, insurance, maintenance, etc.) Pentecostal will assist in covering these costs. 3) The Pentecostal church provides a reference letter from their current location and insurance policy. 4) Faith has discussions with Janet and Adam (additions to their responsibilities, storage space,) confer with our insurance company, find out actual tax ramifications, Korean church timing.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 1st at 7pm.
Post Council Meeting Updates:
Pastor Ethan spoke with Pastor Melvin on March 8 to give him the go-ahead to continue with their preparations and tasks (i.e. reference letter, insurance, rental terms, etc.).
Council was called to order by President Anne Hutnyk.
Council Minutes from the February 4 regular council meeting was approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: We had a good month, which helped to make up for the shortfall in January, keeping in mind that a lot of what we received in February would have been received in January had it not been for the snow days. We're still showing a net deficit for the year of $5,833. We're 16% through the year and income is at 20% ($23,322.93) of the budgeted amounts and expenses are at 18% ($29,155.99). So while we're operating with a deficit, it is close to what we predicted when we approved the budget. The treasurer’s report was approved as written.
President’s Report: From Anne Hutnyk. Thank you for believing in me by voting for me. Praying I can fill the big shoes left for me. Family always works together and I am truly blessed to have you guys as family. Let’s keep this church going!
Pastor’s Report: I have led and presided at worship regularly throughout the month of February at Faith and Jerusalem. I continue to provide pastoral care, information, and help to those seeking aid. We give thanks and praise for the life of Verna Wilde. A funeral service was held at Faith on February 9 and at St. James Pitman on February 12. Thank you for coming out in celebration of Verna! Ash Wednesday: In the morning, I provided ashes for the staff and patients at Jefferson Lansdale Hospital. From 12pm-2pm, I did a walk in ashes and prayer at Jerusalem. Then from 2:30pm-4pm, I did a walk in ashes and prayer at Faith. There was a full Ash Wednesday service at 7pm at Faith. Have been in discussion and have given tours to the members of Iglesia Pentecostal Nueva Jerusalén La Celestial of Lansdale, who are looking to possibly use our space for worship. I continue to do shifts at the Lansdale Hospital as the Volunteer Protestant Chaplain and volunteer at Mitzvah Circle. Our last Faith Education Dinner was on February 8. Our theme for Lent 2026 will be “Dwelling.” This is in conjunction with our yearlong theme, “A Listening Faith.” We explore together what it means to dwell with God, with each other, and with all of God’s creation. See Important Dates for details. Continued Learning – clergy text study on Tuesdays; first call theological meetings; monthly clergy coaching in support of Nourishing Vocation Project; SEPA Synod peer group.
MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:
Christian Education:
Sunday School - Children ages 3 to 11 are welcome to attend Sunday school. (Children leave during Worship service with the Sunday school teacher after children’s sermon and return for communion.
Parent Night Out/Youth Fellowship (PNO/YF) – Our monthly event is scheduled for March 27, 6 pm to 9 pm in the church fellowship hall. Our theme is “Holy Week/Easter”. April event is scheduled for April 17.
Young Adult Fellowship (ages 12-17) - Because our last three meetings were cancelled due to weather conditions, the group will enjoy a Christmas, Welcoming the New Year, Valentine’s, Easter theme including devotion/discussion, and fun and fellowship with their peers and the adult support team. Our next YAF is scheduled for April 19.
MNBS- Our current study begins on March 9 for 4 weeks based on “The Promise and Power of Easter” by Christine Caine and Lisa Harper.
Faith Education: The March meeting will be on Sunday, the 8th. The time is 5:30–7pm.
Finance: On February 12, members of the Finance Ministry Team and Pastor Ethan met via Zoom with Guenter Wesch to review his findings on the External Financial Review. He discussed his findings and recommendations. He did not find any inconsistencies or problems with our financial reports. Mainly he recommended that we produce a 1099 tax form for the monies that we paid Pat Keen, our organist. He recommended to shorten the form that we share with Council monthly and moved a couple of lines around a bit to make things easier or cleaner. He stated that he would not recommend an External Review on a routine basis, as it is not necessary, in his opinion. The Financial Team plans to review the recommendations and will schedule a meeting in April to go over both the 2024 Internal Financial Review and the 2025 External Financial review and determine what changes will be made to our processes.
Hospitality: February 15 – Fastnacht Sunday – ordered 3 dozen donuts with no leftovers; March 8 – Celebrating Pat’s (organist) birthday (Janet getting cake); March 20 is the scrapbooking flea market so the kitchen will be open that day. I will be working in the kitchen, and any volunteers would be greatly appreciated; March 29 – Palm Sunday/Church’s 61st anniversary (sign-up will be available shortly).
Long-Range Planning: We are still in the process of reaching out to members to have conversations. We will be meeting again soon.
Property Management: see New Business..
Property: Another car was left in our parking lot but has already been taken care of.
Shepherding: Sharon Hood will lead the group again with Beth Schoening is recovering.
Social Ministry: For 2026, 141 Impact “noisy coin collection” will continue again this year. During January (and early February due to the snow!) we collected individual packets of tissues and bags of candy for the residents of Paradise Manor in Hatfield. Everyone signed a Valentine’s Day Card for each of the current residents. The day before Valentine’s Day, Debbie Hollenbach dropped everything off at Paradise Manor. The administration was excited about the donations and planned to set everything out for the residents on Valentine’s Day! Altogether we signed 22 individual cards for the residents, collected 10 cube boxes and 145 individual packets of tissues (very much appreciated during this season of the year!) and 13 bags or boxes of candy. Thank you for everyone who participated to help the residents of Paradise Manor and to making them feel loved!
OLD BUSINESS
Constitution Update: Rich Hollenbach will continue to work on this.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion on possible rental of our facilities to Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Nueva Jerusalén La Celestial (New Jerusalem Heavenly Pentecostal Church of God) of Lansdale. Background information: Faith received a letter from this church, inquiring about the possibility of renting our facilities for their church. They are currently leasing space in Lansdale, but their congregation is outgrowing the space. Their Pastor and a few church members came to Faith where Pastor Ethan gave them a tour. It was agreed that they would attend the council meeting for more discussion. Prior to their arrival, Council discussed questions and concerns we had. After their arrival, there was an open exchange amongst all with questions and concerns being openly discussed. Some of these topics included schedule of usage, their storage requirements, their flexibility if Faith needs the space during their scheduled time, terms of the rental agreement, insurance, child clearances, facility maintenance, references, etc. After their departure, council agreed that we should continue down this path with due diligence.
The Council voted to move forward with the rental agreement between the Pentecostal church and Faith on the following terms:
1) Initial rental agreement would be for four months at $1500/month, payable by check on the first of the month. Final rental agreement to be reviewed and accepted by both parties. 2) In the event that additional costs are incurred (utilities, insurance, maintenance, etc.) Pentecostal will assist in covering these costs. 3) The Pentecostal church provides a reference letter from their current location and insurance policy. 4) Faith has discussions with Janet and Adam (additions to their responsibilities, storage space,) confer with our insurance company, find out actual tax ramifications, Korean church timing.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 1st at 7pm.
Post Council Meeting Updates:
Pastor Ethan spoke with Pastor Melvin on March 8 to give him the go-ahead to continue with their preparations and tasks (i.e. reference letter, insurance, rental terms, etc.).
