Minutes Joy Vision Council January 20, 2026
Opening Prayer/Devotion
Pastor Melissa opened the meeting with prayer/devotion.
Attendance:
Joe Fewer, David Burleigh, Tracy Banitt, Donna Boatman, Mandy Bernick, Christy Canfield, Hope Olson, Mark Olson, Corri Anderson, Pastor Melissa, Kathy Sommer (by phone)
Approve last month’s minutes
Donna Boatman made a motion to approve the minutes from the December 2025 meeting, and Mark Olson seconded the motion. All agreed and the minutes were approved by the council.
Worship Attendance
Date In-person Online
| 7-Dec | 123 | 21 | ||
| 14-Dec | 77 | 11 | ||
| 21-Dec | 128 | 19 | ||
| 28-Dec | 51 | 16 | ||
| Christmas eve: | ||||
| 4PM | 161 | 12 | ||
| 7PM | 54 | |||
Agenda discussion items
2026 Budget Discussion
· Proposed 2026 expenses for each budget ‘department’ were submitted to Mark prior to the Executive committee meeting last week. Major ‘departments’ included: administration; worship and music; property and grounds; youth and education; outreach. Payroll and benefits expenses were provided by the Executive committee in consultation with accountant Kristen Tibayan.
· 2026 budget spreadsheet shared by Treasurer Mark Olson had been emailed to council members after the Executive Committee meeting last week.
· Council reviewed all proposed budget line items in detail, and reductions were made where feasible.
· Adjustable-rate mortgage ‘scheduled reset’ to happen in February – new rate 6.125% for another 10 years = $4851/month ($441/month increase). If we wanted to refinance to 15 years, the rate would go up to 6.25%, and 20 years would be 6.5%. No motion was made to consider changing from a 10-year ARM.
· Some council members expressed interest increasing the Outreach budget in the future if possible.
· Benevolence contribution to NW Synod will have to remain at 7% (goal is 10%) because 2025 revenue/giving was insufficient to support an increase going forward.
· Pastor Melissa, Christy Canfield and David Burleigh were excused from the meeting for discussion of payroll and benefits. Council proposed cost-of-living compensation increases for youth/education ministry leader and administrative assistant/bookkeeper, and a modest increase above cost-of-living for pastor.
· Pastor Melissa, Christy and David returned to the meeting.
· Tracy Banitt made a motion to approve the 2026 proposed budget and present it to the congregation at the upcoming annual meeting; motion seconded by Hope Olson and approved by the council.
Future Revenue Expansion
· Mark Olson will find out if Thrivent can come to do a workshop on how to become an associate Thrivent member; this would increase opportunites for Thrivent Action Team funding applications.
· Giving Team is gearing up to engage with congregation members in a giving campaign.
· Novel revenue opportunities will be explored.
Annual Meeting Preparation
· Reports being gathered from teams
· Email notices sent to members
· Giving statements have been sent
· New council members; current council members encouraged to personally reach out to potential nominees
Response to Federal Immigration Actions
· In alignment with the ELCA position statement and applicable laws, Pastor Melissa and Christy will designate a ‘safe room’ for immigrants who may feel under threat.
Youth & Education Ministry Report
· 9th Grade retreat to Roen’s cabin is coming up
· Canada mission trip info has been sent out
· Luther Park Bible Camp sign-up info has also been sent out
Pastor’s Report
· Setting our Intentions; last week was Giving (Joe Fewer spoke), next week will be Service (Lisa Olson) will speak
· Dish with the Bish; 9th graders and Lindseths attended; kits for unhoused were made
· Bold Women’s Sunday coming up in March; a nun from the Sisters of St. Joseph in St. Paul will be speaking
· Planning for Lent/Easter with Worship & Music team will get underway soon
JWELCA Report
· Triennial coming up in July
· Garage Sale in May
· Lefse coming back in the fall
Pastor Melissa closed the meeting with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Kathy Sommer, secretary.