Council Meeting Recap | May 31, 2026
The twelve tables reflected the soft glow of the sun making its way through the windows of Wesley Hall. Each was decorated with a colorful cloth, encircled by chairs waiting to support church members. Potholders and utensils greeted the potluck area, inviting salads, pasta, and fruits to join the area and nourish the bodies of those who just heard the Word through our 10 AM service. Agendas and post-it notes in hand, all we needed was a full Wesley Hall. Prayers answered.
Over 60 of us gathered. We started with grace and lunch (Thank you Hospitality Team for making sure everything was ready to go.), and opened dialogue by responding to the question, “If SUM were to close its doors tomorrow, what would be missing from our community - church, Simsbury, Connecticut, Conference, Nation, and World?” Collective “buzz” ensued and was followed by representatives sharing the highlights from tablemates. You can find all of the responses within the minutes, yet here is the spoiler alert: If SUM’s doors closed tomorrow, belonging, safety, care, and fellowship would be missed. Thank you Holy Spirit for your work among us! In addition, meeting attendees were challenged to develop and write down their hopes and ideas for SUM’s growth while listening to parish updates.
After setting that stage, Pastor DH shared. DH reminded us, even though it’s been almost a year, he is still learning, understanding, praying, and growing along with us. He stressed the importance of communicating - actually, over communicating with him when you see a need, want to share a concern, or a joyful celebration! DH implored us to remember that we all bring talents and gifts to our church community. We must be attentive and open to the Holy Spirit to use those gifts to further Jesus’s love here at SUM, as we bear witness to the needs around us and grow our congregation. He also asked for our patience, making an empathetic request that we remember the load of responding to the volume of demands a large congregation with three services (one pastor) can produce. We were also reminded of the cognition needed to do so in his second language. Please keep this in mind and DH in your prayers for strength and rejuvenation.
A youth update came next. With a twisted arm, Maleita Lemke provided the latest happenings with Youth Group, inclusive of our last two meetings. Cheryl Langin shared that Sunday School will be be offered through the summer, and that Vacation Bible School, a solo SUM effort this year, is still accepting both registrations as well as adult volunteers. Numbers and opportunities have increased since taking the helm in December.
As Chairs of Trustees, Finance, and Staff Parish Support (SPR), Steve Langin, Jen Acheson, and Glenn Knight provided information relative to those three main legs of our church’s stool. Steve shared endowment balance information, reminding us of both restricted and unrestricted funds. He went into further detail regarding our accessibility project. A project manager has been secured, and that individual will be meeting with vendors, developing a cost quote. More than likely, we will be having a Council meeting specific to this item. More to come. Patti Dudley provided passionate commentary on this project as well as her frustration with the progress to date. Those comments will be included in the meeting minutes.
Jen Acheson, Finance, shared that it has been a rocky road to cover operating costs. Church members may recall, Little Lambs and Ivy (LLI), typically supplements operating with a $6000 per month contribution. However, at the beginning of 2026, seemingly attractive childcare options resulted in decreased enrollment, therefore limiting the ability of LLI to make those monthly contributions. Although these payments have recommenced, as there has been a recent uptick in LLI enrollment again, their absence put additional strain on our operating budget to the tune of approximately $40K. Jen shared an agreement reached between Finance and Trustees - Trustees would provide a loan from their unrestricted funds to offset operational balances should that be necessary, emphasizing these funds would be paid back.
Glenn Knight, SPR, shared the recent busyness of that group. A successor for Jo Douglas has been secured. We are thrilled to welcome Christina Skeels as the new Director of LLI. Additionally, Jennifer Lopez (Yes, she does want to be called JLo), SUM’s new Office Manager has started, for what we hope to be, a long tenure with us. Glenn, near the close of the meeting, recognized the outstanding work of Lori Catlin Garcia. Lori will be stepping away from her communication, website and design work with SUM. An appropriate “standing O” resulted. Thank you, Lori.
I had the privilege of summarizing God‘s love manifested through the myriad of Justice and Joy ministries. A full report is linked here, with a standalone report on “Days for Girls” from Jan Baker. Additionally, I shared of a new potential ministry for SUM, The Underground. The Underground presented to the Susannas this fall. As a Christian-based non-profit, they support individuals who have been previously sex-trafficked. The Underground stays with individuals from “start” to independence/gainful employment. SUM may consider supporting an individual through prayer or financial support. Organization leader, Nadine Thomas, has offered to come and share more about their mission and needs. Thanks to Bob Sturgis for his advocacy of this potential new mission. Stay tuned!
This summary of the meeting reflects 90 minutes of initial dialogue and updates for attendees. To many church members’ disappointment, I did not invite room for additional dialogue or questions. I made that decision due to the meeting length and excessive content share that had already occurred. After experience with facilitating various meetings in my
professional capacity, I used my “read the room” skills, and brought the meeting to a close, yet not as a means to stunt communication. Those attending were reminded to please share their post-it notes of hopes and ideas for SUM on poster paper on their exit from Wesley Hall, back into the world. Council Chairs will be reviewing those outcomes and denoting next steps. Additionally, I will be developing a “FAQ” for next week’s Messenger regarding topics that may need clarification. Be on the look out!
And just as it was time to conclude our meeting last Sunday, it is similarly time for me to bring this robust article to conclusion. I encourage you to read the comprehensive minutes from Church Secretary Leslie Lahue (Thanks, Leslie.), and reach out to me, any Council Chair or Pastor DH with your joys, questions, or concerns, particularly if you had something to share for which time was not allotted.
In His love and in anticipation of the Holy Spirit working among and through us,
Sue Homrok-Lemke
Council Chair