Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Council Meeting Minutes
Date: June 17, 2026
Present: Jon Cooper, Amy Blackmore, Jim Doyle, Mark Ring, Julie Brown, Paul Dayton, Cindy Martin, Janet Sullivan
Absent: Pastor Jared, Brian Ferguson
Staff: Deacon Heather Feltman
Guests: Ellen Chrisler and Maggie Haroldson
Meeting called to order at: 6:05PM
Meeting concluded at: 8:15PM
Council Reporter: Julie Brown
Opening Prayer: Amy Blackmore
Devotions/ Reflection: Julie Brown- Read an article from the Gather Magazine- Planting seeds in their lives by Venice Williams
Agenda Item #1: RIC
Discussion: Ellen and Maggie both talked about “what’s next” regarding RIC. They recapped things already put into place such as artwork that is welcoming to all, handicapped seats/pews addressed in the sanctuary, worship language, 2-bathroom doors in the main hallway will be automated and several BLC members attended the St. Charles PRIDE parade. 2 faith forums are being planned for this fall in Sept., and T-shirts are now available for purchase. A very busy group.
Agenda Item #2: Council Retreat
Discussion: 2 dates are being considered. July 12 and 19. The retreat will be at Paul’s home.
Agenda Item #3: Summer Schedule
Discussion: Bethlehem Brothers have Bags and Brats planned for August. Men’s Bible study is moving from 0630 to 0700 start time. Coffee on the Lawn will be indoors in the welcome center, and Pastor Ron Feltman will be adding a 4-day VBS class for the adults during VBS from 9-11. Amy reminded us that there will be a dumpster available July 31 – August 7. Items to look over before throwing out will be in 2 SS classrooms/Education Hall for 1 week, July 29-31st. Julie will be the contact person if anyone is looking for missing items.
Agenda Item #4: SNAPS- Celebration of last month’s activities
1 PRIDE Sunday service
2 Pong’s Celebration
3 Pastor Ron and Pastor Ruban both celebrating 40 years of ministry
4 Synod Assembly very positive experience
Agenda Item #5: New Youth Music Leader
Friday June 26th will be Lily Alter’s first day at BLC. She is planning on taking part during VBS in July. We will try to plan a little welcome for her on the 26th.
Agenda Item #6: Labyrinth
Discussion: We reviewed the spreadsheets/contracts and still feel there are a couple things we need clarified in the contracts. Janet made a motion to provisionally accept the Labyrinth project as proposed pending the attorney review of the contracts and clarification of the long term maintenance of the labyrinth and what that maintenance includes and final review with Pastor Jared. 2ND: Jim Vote: 8-0 in favor. There will be a special meeting next Wed. 24th at 6:00PM for final vote.
Agenda Item #7: Financials- Review reports
All good- Reviewed numbers look good going into summer. We will start the process with Mission Investment Fund who have contacted Deacon Heather regarding the 5-year loan.
Agenda Item #8: Rostered Leader Report
Reviewed the attached report, no questions noted.
Agenda Item #9: Consent Agenda-Approve minutes, financials and RL report
Motion to approve made by: Jon
2ND: Mark Vote: 8-0 in favor
Agenda Item #10: Adjourn
Motion to Adjourn made by: Jon
2ND: Amy
Vote: 8-0 in favor