Heard it at Council: January 2026

By Kate Silfen, Church Historian | January 13, 2026 Council Meeting Report

Church Moderator Maren Batalden opened our meeting with a reflection written by a Muslim writer titled “What is going right in Minneapolis?” This is in light of the recent shooting and tragic death of mother and poet Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Council members then broke into small groups to share what is “going right” in their world despite the violence and chaos all around.

Much of the meeting’s focus was on the budget and the state of Old South’s finances. Treasurer Donna Matson reported that our expenses continue to run over budget. Finance Committee Chair Paul Kuenstner said that the committee is making good progress towards preparing a budget for the coming year. Despite the healthy gains in our endowment, our normal annual expenses have exceeded our revenue in the past few years, and our building will need a great deal of maintenance in the coming years. This will require more of our yearly revenue to go towards funding a reserve to cover the cost of our building needs. Paul said that the committee is working to reduce our yearly deficit over the next three years. This may require making some difficult decisions about our budget priorities. The Finance Committee has prepared talking points about our budget to share with the congregation.

Tim Harbold, Chair of the BELONG Task Force, charged with recruiting a “Ministry Consultant for Congregational Belonging and Engagement” reported that the RFP went out in the beginning of December, and the committee has already received eleven impressive proposals. Tim and June Cooper, (G)RACE Speaks Chair, thanked everyone who helped with efforts to recruit applicants.

Leadership Committee Chair Randy Billings introduced a motion regarding the Christians in Formation Committee. The Christians in Formation Committee will be going on hiatus while Council re-envisions this important work. Kate Nintcheu and Rachel Barton will be overseeing Community Hour. Council members thanked Hillary Mull for her leadership on the Christians in Formation Committee.

Membership Committee Chair Anne Dearing said that the committee will be offering an all-church Lenten small group series during the 10am community hour. The purpose will be to strengthen our community, as many people are hungry for connection during these challenging times. Mark your calendar for this series, which will begin on February 22nd.