Timothy's Church Council held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, November 11th. 
The same afternoon, Pastor Dinger, Mark, Jinah, John (Chair of Elders), and Steve (Chair of Council) met with Dale, our strategic planning facilitator. We took great strides in developing a strategic plan in 2024, and Dale helped hold us accountable while also revising and setting new goals for 2026 and beyond. 
As one of our members on the Word of Life School Board, Greg provided an overview of the annual report to member congregations. Our Mother's Day Out program continues to grow, and has been a great success in connecting with our community. Keep an eye out in the coming months for ways to get more involved in both WOL and MDO ministries. Getting more members involved is a significant focus of our strategic plan. 
Before the end of the year, expect to see fresh paint in the narthex and gym entrance as well as all adjacent stairwells. The council also approved a contract to replace flooring and ceiling tiles in the school building over Christmas break. Thanks to Greg for getting bids and making all the arrangements. 
The Council received a first draft of the budget as prepared by Pastor Dinger and the budget committee. We will study it in the coming weeks and finalize it at our December meeting. It will then be brought to the Voters for approval in January. That Voters' Meeting will also include elections. Holly and Steve will both be concluding their second 3-year terms on Council, and will not be running again. Thus, we need at least two new recruits for Council, and there's almost always a need for new Elders. If you're interested, please contact Pastor Dinger or Margaret Rall.

What is the Church Council?
 (summarized from Timothy’s Constitution)
“The purpose of the Church Council is to provide governance, accountability and oversight in meeting the goals of Timothy Lutheran Church as they are accomplished through the congregation’s ministries. The Church Council is to assume all decision-making responsibilities not specifically reserved for the Voters Assembly.”
The council consists of 9 members with staggered 3-year terms, so 3 elected each year, with no term limits.
The council annually elects, from within, a president, vice-president, and secretary. It also appoints a treasurer and financial secretary annually.
The council is responsible for:
•    Meeting at least 6 times/year
•    Developing and monitoring the budget
•    Approving non-budgeted or emergency expenses
•    Hiring/dismissal of non-called staff
•    Writing/updating policies
•    Approving WOL Lutheran School budget
•    Strategic Planning and changes in organizational structure
•    Preparing the Voters Assembly agenda 
Communicating updates to the congregation.    What is the Board of Elders?
(summarized from Timothy’s Constitution)
“The Elders provide support for the Lead Pastor and the Ministry Leadership Team as they tend to spiritual needs of the congregation. Their work is to nourish the faith life of the congregation by assisting and advising the pastoral staff in all matters pertaining to the spiritual well-being of the congregation. They extend the pastoral ministry of Timothy.”
The Board of Elders currently consists of 6 male members with staggered 2-year terms and no term limits, and it annually elects a chairman from within.
The board oversees the spiritual welfare of the congregation by:
•    Assisting and advising the pastor(s)
•    Processing applications for admission into or termination of communicant membership
•    Working with the Circuit Counselor, in the event of a pastoral vacancy, finding a vacancy or interim pastor to conduct worship
•    Encouraging members to attend church and partake in the Sacraments.
•    Overseeing worship services
•    Providing spiritual guidance to groups within as well as the congregation as a whole