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Council Recap - October 2025

  • Council moved to a consent agenda at its June 2025 meeting, focusing on a Leadership Discussion, Ministry Team updates, and New Business. As a result, staff reports from the Pastor, Minister of Music, Director for Equipping Ministry and Director of Faith Formation are submitted and reviewed by Council in advance of the meeting; with items for Council consideration flagged for discussion.

  • October’s Leadership Discussion: Hopewood Outdoors Capital Campaign. Pastor Drew Tucker shared details of the capital campaign, which is under way now and aims to raise $2.5 million by December 2029 to support its 10+% growth in campers and create new capacity to connect as many as 7,500 people annually with faith and nature. Council is considering contributing to the campaign using funds from the recently received Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC).

  • Cathy Steffen shared an update on Holy Trinity Women’s Ministries, highlighting the many speakers the group has hosted recently, as well as involvement in service programs including First English Breakfast and Thanksgiving Food Bags.

  • Council approved a new eight-meeting schedule, to be implemented on a one-year trial basis in 2026.

  • Council also discussed:
    • The new Breeze database and online directory (part of the new website introduction), which will be rolled out to the congregation with introduction and support soon.
    • Council Nominations for the 2026 term (openings to be announced soon).
    • The topic of safeguarding the church and location safety, with initial steps being taken related to door locking/procedures and parking lot usage. Additional considerations, including possibly offering safety training to the congregation, will be evaluated based on recommendations arising from an upcoming discussion with the Upper Arlington Police Dept.