September 18, 2025 | Deacon Meeting Minutes
Present: John Genskow, Erika Zank, Aaron Libner, Chuck Falch, Denny Denk, Stan Norman, Adam Urberg, Mark Oldenberg, James Martin, Pastor Ethan Luhman, Pastor David Forke, Pastor Mark Schulz
Absent: Gail Graese, Bruce Winkler
Guests: Kristin Brantner
John Genskow, Congregation Chair, opened the meeting at 6:30 pm.
Aaron Libner gave the devotion and opening prayer.
Staff Introduction: Kristin Brantner, Dir. of Communication and Technology
Started attending church at Peace in 2000. She has volunteered for many years. She began employment at Peace in 2014 as a Confirmation Assistant, and then full-time as Director of Communication & Technology in 2022. She received her Business Management Associate Degree in 2023 and Digital Marketing Associate Degree in 2024.
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Aaron Libner to accept the pastoral report and the July 2025 minutes, and seconded by Stan Norman. Motion carried.
Financial Report
A motion was made by Aaron Libner to approve the 2024-25 year-end financial report and the August financial report, and seconded by Erika Zank. Motion carried.
Follow-Up Items
Audit Committee Update (Mark Oldenberg)
• Mark O. has contacted three companies, and two have responded. The team will meet again once some cost information comes in.
Ministry designation for funds raised beyond the funds needed to retire the mortgage (John Genskow)
• Goal is to raise money to pay off the mortgage early. Pastor Mark requested that any extra dollars coming in for debt reduction should go to the Endowment Fund. We have a couple of large donations that may come in. Endowment fund goes for building improvements, music ministry, communication and technology items, new mission outreach (ie: SonRidge). The Endowment Board consists of the lead pastor, Chuck Falch, and the church treasurer.
Celebrate the Journey (Mark S/Ethan Luhman)
• Plan is to combine Celebrate the Journey (end of True North and Pastor Mark’s legacy of 40 years of ministry) with mortgage paydown. Oct. 5th will kick off this multi-faceted campaign. A motion was made by Chuck Falch that the Celebrate the Journey campaign will pay off the mortgage, and any additional money would go to the endowment fund. Seconded by Aaron Libner. Motion carried.
• There will be a report back to the congregation around Christmas or early January 2026.
Mark’s Retirement Celebration Update (John Genskow)
• Paul & Cheri Weinke have agreed to head up the celebration. More to come.
Training
• Peace Organizational Chart (Mark S)
Pastor Mark briefly explained the layout of the org. chart. Opened it up for questions. The current org chart will take the staff through the end of Pastor Mark’s tenure. The upcoming visioning process will include the deacons and other leadership to look at the vision for the next 5 years. It was mentioned that there will be a potential need for a Vicar (pastor intern) after Pastor Mark’s retirement.
• Information Technology Follow-Up (James Martin)
There are no questions after the information was shared at the last meeting.
Additional Comments
• It was strongly suggested that the leadership team at Peace participate in church events. Some upcoming events include: the men’s/women’s retreats, FMSC packing.
• Committee updates will be added to upcoming agenda items.
• We will discuss the visioning process in greater detail at the November meeting. (Pastor Mark)
• Request for Anna Reineke and Caleb Haack to provide updates to the BOD as the program year progresses.
New AED has arrived. Need to find a place in the Gathering Place.
The closing prayer was given by Denny Denk.
Adam Urberg made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Denny Denk seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 pm.
