Heard it at Council: September 2026

By Kate Silfen, Church Historian | September 8, 2026 Council Meeting Report

The Reverend Ashley Popperson opened our meeting with a reading of Nan Merrill’s version of Psalm 90. Ashley chose this piece because it will be read at the Memorial Service for beloved longtime Old South member, Jan Monsma on September 20th.

Finance Committee Chair Paul Kuenstner offered a brief overview of Old South’s current budget and finances. Due to a significant unpledged gift, Old South is operating with a surplus. Paul cautioned that building expenses are still running over budget. The Finance Committee has been meeting to start building a budget for the coming fiscal year. They are looking at ways to reduce discretionary spending but anticipate having a deficit through 2027. The Stewardship Committee is strategizing how best to raise funds.

Council members were pleased to learn that Larry Bowers has agreed to serve as Chair of the Associate Minister Search Committee. Larry reported that the committee has reviewed the UCC’s protocol for undertaking a national search. Committee members will be meeting every Sunday afternoon for the foreseeable future. Their next step is to plan how they will communicate with the congregation about their progress.

Council welcomed Old South’s BELONG Consultant Roeshana Moore-Evans, who reported on the results of the Congregational Belonging Survey. A total of 151 Old South members and friends responded to the survey. Roeshana noted that there is a distinction between feeling welcome and feeling a sense of belonging. Survey respondents said that they feel welcome at Old South, but not everyone feels that they belong. Our challenge is helping our community feel connected, but Roeshana believes we will begin this work in a position of strength. The survey showed that members find Old South has built a very strong sense of belonging among the LGBTQ+ community, but the work of racial diversity is more an aspiration than a reality, given that 98% of the survey respondents identify as white. BELONG convener Tim Harbold said the committee hopes to identify three initiatives to build a stronger sense of belonging at Old South.

The Reverend Rachel Barton provided an update on the task force that is reenvisioning Christian education and formation. The task force has been busy defining the meaning of both Christian education and Christian formation with the context of the Old South community. They have noted that we do not have a robust program for people wanting to learn more about Christianity and the Congregational tradition. Rachel said that the task force hopes to have recommendations for an implementation plan by the end of the year.

Rachel reported on her efforts to create a sense of community and belonging among attendees at Thursday Night Church. New attendees now receive welcome packets with candles and information about Old South’s small groups. The worship space now features fidget spinners, bean bags and tables with arts and crafts for people looking for a different kind of worship experience. Every week, there will be a designated “new people person” to welcome new attendees.