​Financial & Governance UpdatES

The board reviewed the Treasurer’s report, noting a total balance of $21,965 across all accounts and recent income including a $120 offering from Redeemer Lutheran Church.
The board discussed the distinctions between Forms A, B, and C, all available on the website, and reviewed updates to the 2026 budget. To support clearer financial tracking, expense categories were expanded by event type, including spring gatherings and the biennial convention.
The 2026 budget was unanimously approved, and the updated version will be distributed to the board.
The board also unanimously approved combining two non-designated investment funds into a single demand account

Spring Gatherings Budget RevieW

The board reviewed how offerings from spring gatherings are processed. All offerings go to New England, with half forwarded to churchwide. Registration fees cover event expenses.
To reflect this activity more accurately, the board approved adding $700 in estimated income and expenses to the budget:
  • $350 in registrations
  • $350 in offerings
Expenses will be divided between churchwide giving and program costs.

Triennial Scholarship PlanninG

The board discussed scholarship funding for the upcoming triennial gathering, including congregational offerings and budget adjustments.
A synodical-wide offering invitation will be issued, with congregational units encouraged to receive this information by April to support participation in the July triennial. This announcement will be included in upcoming communications.
Due to current financial constraints, the board unanimously agreed not to allocate the previously considered $500 from this year’s budget to the Triennial Scholarship Fund.
The board approved allocating $250 from the existing scholarship fund to support five attendees, with the requirement that itemized receipts be submitted.

Biennial Convention PlanninG

The board reviewed scholarship options for the upcoming biennial convention. Scholarship funds come from un-designated legacy money intended to support attendance and strengthen organizational presence.
After considering alternatives—including reducing scholarship amounts or waiving registration fees, the board unanimously approved offering a $50 discount on convention registration, with a September 15 deadline.

Educational Scholarship UpdatE

​The board unanimously approved renaming the “Gifts in Tribute” educational scholarship to the Lifelong Learner Scholarship. Existing eligibility criteria will remain unchanged.
Updated scholarship materials will be revised and redistributed.

Newsletter Design: Threads of GracE

​The board previewed the updated newsletter design, featuring water and blue thread elements, which will debut in the next issue of Threads of Grace.

​Upcoming Events

  • Spring Gatherings (April 25 & May 2)
  • Synod Assembly: June 4–6
  • Triennial Convention (via Zoom): July 13–14
  • Triennial Gathering, Des Moines, IA: July 16–19
  • New England Biennial Convention: October 22–24

​Task–To‑Do–Takeaways

  • Begin publicity for spring gatherings and retreats, including verbal announcements and printed handouts
  • Include the synodical-wide triennial offering invitation in upcoming communications
  • Schedule a Biennial Convention Committee meeting before the end of April to finalize registration planning
  • Update the budget with all approved changes and distribute the revised version
  • Collect and process Triennial Gathering scholarship documentation and payments once itemized receipts are received

​Closing

The meeting closed with shared commitments to stewardship and clarity.
The next board meeting will be held on May 15 at 7 PM