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March 12, 2026
Pastor Andrew
We continue to proceed with usual church activities. Of note, this last month, the Church Vision and Goals meeting seemed to be a real success. Our new format focused on the future and gave our church ministries the ability to rejoice in what God has done, while looking forward to the New Year. It’s my desire to see the Vision and Goals meeting as part of a strategic year-long format that engages our congregation. The Elders will use something we are calling a Listening Meeting to connect with our people concerning many of these topics. We’d invite you to stay tuned and participate in this system.
 
Frank’s recent visit to the Light House SS is an example of this type of thinking. His good impulse on that sort of follow-up represents wise Elder leadership hopefully resulting in more transparency and trust across the board.
 
I’ve begun to sense some fatigue in our Exodus series. When an appropriate point comes, I will shift my focus and work on something else for a while before returning to finish our series.
 
Both Joseph and Lexi are operating well. Joseph recently had almost forty students on a Wednesday night, more than
I’ve ever really seen. Meanwhile, Lexi has had to deal with some behavioral issues with some of her students. I felt she handled all this with real professionalism.
 
I continue to keep my eyes on Jesus, the head of the church and the one who holds everything together.
 
Elders
Elders only met one time in the past month due to rescheduling the business meeting. Not much else to work on but we all were working on our areas of focus. Elders are working to listen to the congregation and offer leadership as necessary. Some of what we are working on are as follows:
 
  • Frank has reached out to the Lighthouse Sunday school class and discussed the new format of business meetings moving forward and moving from maintenance to mission. It was a very good follow-up meeting with great suggestions. Frank will also touch base with the Women's class, Saturday morning Men’s Bible Study and the young married class. It was discussed briefly in the Homebuilders class. We plan to put together another listening meeting.
  • We were given a report on how the search team is doing and things are progressing well.
  • The Elders will be hosting the 24 hours of prayer vigil starting on Maundy Thursday after the service. We will be presenting it to the church starting this week.
  • We are praying about Elder Nominations coming up in April. Eric’s and Mark’s terms will end at the end of April and are not eligible for another term
Trustees
  • Organized for this next year
  • Painting to be done on the church outdoors – windows and eaves.
Finance/Budget
Charles presented the budget as of March 11, 2026. The budget is short by $26,262.38. Not a good start.
Mission Sunday brought in $3,600, which was a record low. There was discussion and it was suggested that we announce a week ahead about Mission Giving.
 
Other Business
Rick – Search Committee Update
  • Making progress, meeting every week on Monday
  • Six people met on March 2, 2026, to set a timeline with goals and deadlines.
  • Worked on drafting a Job Description
  • Will meet again on the next Monday to review the Job Description
  • When ready, it will be posted on Zoar's website.
  • Update will be announced on Sunday, and we will report to the congregation periodically
 
Pastor Andrew suggested to the trustees to put in a sand volleyball court. (sand, net, lights)
If we were to proceed with this project, it was suggested that the men’s fellowship help with this.
 
January 8, 2026
Pastor Andrew
January is the busiest month of the year for our office as Melissa gets reports and other information together for the business meeting. I’m thankful for her hard work.
 
Both Joseph and Lexi have been working on their New Year’s vision and goals. They will be set to present their thoughts at the Vision and Goals meeting. I’m thankful for their forethought and willingness to embrace the process.
 
Last Sunday we had the joy of affirming two new families into church membership. It’s always a blessing to see new folks join our number. My prayer is that Zoar continues to grow into a place where people feel fed, encouraged, and challenged in their faith. 
 
I’m so thankful for the willingness of the Stewardship Council to try new things as we changed the business meeting format. Hopeful this will be strategically beneficial for the body.
 
Please continue to pray for me as the pastor of this church. I’m thankful for God’s grace and His enduring goodness as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.

 

Elders

The elders have been meeting more often in December and working on items. We start each meeting with prayer and invite God to come alongside and direct us.

  • We are working on the agenda for the January Vision and Goals Meeting.  We support the change in this meeting moving forward, to look to the future of what God has in store for Zoar Church. In times past, this has always been a time for reflection, which is important, but more important is looking ahead.  There will be certain business items that still need to be voted on per the constitution, such as the new budget.
  • We wrapped up with the Finance team on budget suggestions. 
  • We did not do an official pastor evaluation but suggested to the Finance team that our pastoral staff are doing an excellent job and should be rewarded for that.
  • We did visitation with people who are sick and kept in contact with their families, so that the elders can continue to pray.
  • We did a reminder to the congregation on how to find what is going on in the church via the website.
  • We will be working in the first part of the year on our social media presence by enhancing our website as well as our Facebook pages.

This year will be interesting to see what God has for us.  We will be replacing two Elders who will not be eligible for another term.  We pray that God will place the right men in these positions. Our goal is to trust God completely.  

Trustees

  • The mower is getting older but is still in good shape. We have checked around for a new mower and a good trade-in value. The trade-in value is $5,000, and the difference will be $8,400.
  • A contractor for mowing Zoar’s Cemetery has not committed.

 

Finance/Budget

  • Presented the Budget Summary for 2025

            All expenses and conference norms were met

  • Presented the Mission Support Summary for 2025
  • Charles presented and discussed the 2026 proposed budget
Business 
Brad Franz was approved as the Annual Meeting Chairman.

Discussed the agenda for the Annual Meeting.

Other Business

Pastor Joseph Carter – Joseph and his family will be leaving sometime this June. They will be going to North Carolina to do mission work with JAARS.