Council Members & Minutes

Messiah Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes February 11, 2026

Meeting attendees are Janell Crow, Brittany Hennesy, Sharon Paul, Katie Crow and Dave Phillips 

Call to order at 5 p.m. by Janell 

Janell talked about the December meeting and said that the 4 p.m. Christmas service was a good time, she asked council if there was any negative feedback about the time and there was nothing to report 

December and January Approval, motioned by Sharon seconded by Dave, approved by all.

Treasurer Report 

Brittany’s treasurer reports that the $40,000 did get moved and that’s why the general funds look low. Other accounts are the same and January was not a huge expense month.

•  Janell reported that Pastor Paul said he would volunteer his time for lent. 

Sharon made the motion to approve the report, Katie seconded, approved by all. 

Committee Reports

There was nothing new for committee reports. Building and grounds, looking into redoing the pews. Looking into forming the bell tower committee, Brittany wants to hear everyone out at the first committee meeting that will be in April and then go from there. 

Education 

There was no one in attendance the first week back for Sunday school and then kids were there the second week. Brittany said the kids would sing the third week of March. 

Katie Motioned to approve the committee reports, Sharon Seconded, approved by all. 

Old Business 

Bell Tower 

Brittany discussed making an announcement about the bell tower, Janell proposed a budget idea and Brittany proposed a plaque idea that would hold the names of members that were on the bricks. Brittany also added that the music in the bell tower doesn’t work. 

Stephen Ministry 

Janell presented information about training from St. Stephen Ministry, the training would help an individual to council people. This would cost a one time fee of $1675 per person, the leadership training is $1500 and manual for the leader training is $187, for additional people it would be $50, for a total of $3,362 for one person. She added that she would bring a pamphlet that discussed more in depth about the training. 

• Council discussed that there isn’t much interest in this training 

Janesville Days 

The pancake breakfast will happen on July 25, 2026 and the money will go to fellowship to build that fund. After discussion between members it was decided that there will not be a talent show during this weekend.

First Communion / Maundy Thursday 

Brittany reports that there will be two for first communion, Bentley and Brennen. Pastor Paul will be doing Maundy Thursday. 

New Business 

Janesville Days Donation 

Brittany discussed that the Janesville Days Committee wants Messiah to make a donation, she will reach out to the committee about little Ms and Mr sponsorship, Brittany is thinking of a possible total donation of $250. 

Sharon made a motion to approve, Dave seconded, approved by all. 

Janesville Schools PTA request 

Brittany brought up that Janesville's PTA is asking for a basket donation for their school carnival after discussion it was decided that the church will donate $50 to the event. 

Dave made a motion to approve, Katie seconded, approved by all. 

Confirmation 

The next confirmation is set for May 3, 2026 there will be one for this date and Pastor Paul will do this confirmation. 

Easter Egg Hunt 

The church easter egg hunt will be at 10 a.m. on April 4, 2026. Brittany said they will ask for donations again and if there is more supplies needed the expense will come from the education fund. Brittany noted that Janesville students are looking for volunteer hours and could possibly volunteer to help with this event. 

Secretary Hours 

The council discussed increasing Brittany’s hours from 6 to 9 hours, Janell thought 15 hours total, Brittany thought janitorial and secretary hours should be combined into 15 hours. The final decision was to do a combination for 15. 

Motion to approve made by Katie, seconded by Dave, approved by all. 

Tree of Life Conference 

Janell discussed attending the tree of life conference at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 15 at the Bartles Home and that Pastor Paul Nelson would also be attending it as well. 

Baptism 

There was discussion of a possible baptism for baby Drewis but still unknown when.

Easter Sunday 

There will not be an organist on Easter Sunday, looking into possibly getting a recording for the organ to play for that day and to look into the cost for that. 

Additional Notes 

• Allison to play on Ash Wednesday 

• Brittany added that Janesville students looking for volunteer hours could help with spring cleaning and could do things that are safe for 16 year olds 

Brittany motioned to adjourn the meeting, Katie seconded, meeting ended at 5:36 p.m. 

The next meeting will be on March 8 2026 following fellowship