Heard it at Council: March 2026

By Kate Silfen, Church Historian | March 10, 2026 Council Meeting Report

The Reverend Ashley Popperson opened our busy March meeting with a reading of poet John O’Donohue’s “Blessing for a Leader.” This was in light of the new leaders who were welcomed to Council after their election at Annual Meeting. Treasurer Donna Matson reported on Old South's
finances for the month of February. Congregational giving was quite strong as is often the case in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Building use is also up. However, utility costs are higher than anticipated.

Stewardship Committee Chair Todd Krohne was pleased to report that we have received 169 pledges so far. We are still short of our goal, but Todd noted that Stewardship Committee members have seventy-six people they still need to call to solicit pledges. He anticipates that these efforts will bring us to our goal, and he will report on the committee’s progress at our April meeting.

Bradford Swing introduced a motion to designate the management of the Micah Mission Fund to the Christian Service & Outreach Committee, and that Micah Mission Nominators cease to operate as an independent entity within church governance. The original mission of this fund was to provide emergency grants to local service agencies in the city that needed money. Bradford’s motion was seconded and carried by Council. Micah Mission’s purpose will continue.

Members of the Grace Speaks Committee were at Council to present the happy news that they have identified a superb candidate for the BELONG consultancy project. Starting in April, the candidate will work with Old South over the next two years to help us become a more welcoming community for everyone. Laura Dunn and Tim Harbold praised the candidate for her impressive work with large institutes and churches, particularly with nearby King’s Chapel. Her references have described her as the “real deal.” Council voted to authorize Old South to enter into contract negotiations with this consultant. More information will be coming soon.

The Reverend Ashley Popperson prayed us out of the meeting and asked for God to be in our midst as we begin the work of becoming a more inclusive community.

Respectfully submitted,
Kate Silfen