This month, we focused on several key items:

• Voted on our Revised Bylaws and Membership Policy
• Completed first readings of Personnel Policy,  Job Roles and Responsibilities Matrix
• Celebrated the launching of our Membership classes
• Conducted our ‘25-’26 Board Goal Brainstorming session

Voted Approval and First Reading

Two policies were presented to the board for review and approval. The Revised Bylaws as well as the Membership Policy were both unanimously approved. The bylaws, which serve as internal guiding documents, reflect the church’s vision, mission, governance, and operational practices. They provide clarity for both leadership and members regarding roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Minor revisions were made to improve consistency and coherence. Notable updates include the addition of a process for board member removal by a two-thirds board vote and a clear procedure for filling resulting vacancies. It was also added that any future changes to the bylaws will be promptly communicated  to all church members. The Membership Policy— developed for recent membership classes—was formally approved. Additionally, first readings were conducted for two other documents: the Personnel Policy and the Job Roles and Responsibilities Matrix. These are currently under review, and steps have been outlined to gather feedback before final approval.

Membership Review

Since June, our staff has led three meaningful and well-attended membership classes. We’re excited to share that over 45 people have shown interest and participated so far! At Tahoe Church, membership isn’t about exclusivity or benefits—it’s about belonging. It represents a deeper connection and commitment to walk together in faith, care, and accountability—much like a spiritual family. This vision is inspired by Acts 2:42–47, where the early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, shared meals, resources, and prayer. Anyone who has taken a membership class will be personally contacted by Pastor Terrence. After a brief pastoral affirmation, each individual will be invited to sign a membership covenant. These covenants will be available at the Hub, where a board member or volunteer will be on hand to answer any questions. All current members will be grandfathered in as members of Tahoe Church. However, we strongly encourage everyone—whether new or longtime attendees—to participate in a membership class to better understand what membership truly means and where God is leading Tahoe Church. For those who are unable to attend in person, online classes are in development and in person will be offered quarterly. If you were interested in a membership class but couldn’t make it, please reach out to our team at info@tahoe.church—we’d love to connect with you!  Also check out membership on our website.

Board ‘25-’26  Goals; Brainstorm Session

Lastly, the Board dedicated 30 minutes of the meeting to a focused brainstorming session aimed at identifying 3–5 key goals for the upcoming year. As a board, our role is to represent Tahoe Church faithfully, while also supporting and overseeing the church staff and their decisions. We are committed to understanding the church’s evolving needs, maintaining strong relationships, and staying in tune with the heartbeat of our church body. To help shape our direction, we began by reflecting on how far our church has come over the past year. Each board and staff member was invited to identify five potential areas for growth. These ideas were then shared and discussed to highlight common themes and determine priorities. While many important areas were raised, three key focuses emerged:

• Addressing and advancing the Brave Campaign
• Improving volunteer support and care team development
• Creating a facilities master plan and exploring ways to increase property revenue through events
   

At our next meeting, we’ll take the next step by breaking these priorities into specific, attainable goals and forming teams to work on each initiative throughout the coming year. We’re energized by the direction God is leading us— there’s exciting work ahead!If you’re interested in helping with any of these initiatives, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us by the email below.

In Gratitude,
Tahoe Church Board
John Halverson, David Conner, Kappie Keates, Bruce Dennie, Terrence Sutton, Lindsay Warren and Pat Post

Email questions to:  board@tahoe.church

This month, we focused on several key items:

• Staffing updates
• Goal planning
• Membership process.
   

Reminder: Next Family Meeting Aug, 3, 11:30am

Staffing Updates

We send our prayers and best wishes to the Castle family as they relocate to Minnesota, where Toby will serve as a private school principal. We’re grateful for Toby’s leadership in launching and overseeing community groups, supporting teaching, communications, and volunteer coordination. His impact has been significant and lasting.

We’re pleased to announce the following staffing developments:

• Karina Cramm has been officially hired as our full-time Administrative Coordinator and Tahoe Kids Director. She began in July and led a successful Kids Camp.
• Melissa Jewel has joined the team as a contracted accountant.
• We’re excited to have 4–5 ministry residents serving with us this year to support various church activities.

Goal Planning

The Board continues to develop strategic goals to guide our work in the 2025–2026 ministry year. After reviewing input from staff and assessing the church’s needs, four priorities have been identified:

• Strengthening volunteer support and care teams
• Increasing property revenue
• Advancing the membership process
• Continuing governance development

Teams composed of board members, staff, and volunteers are being formed to move these goals forward. If you’re interested in participating, please email board@tahoe.church.

Membership Process

Membership remains a key focus this year. Those who have completed a membership class will be contacted by Pastor Terrence for a brief conversation. Following this, individuals will be invited to sign a Membership Covenant, available at the Hub each Sunday. A board member or volunteer will be available to answer any questions. All current members are considered active under our updated membership structure. However, we encourage everyone—whether new or long-time attendees—to attend a membership class to better understand the heart and mission of Tahoe Church. An online class is also in development, with a planned launch in August. For more information, please visit the Membership section on our website.

In Gratitude,
Tahoe Church Board
John Halverson, David Conner, Kappie Keates, Bruce Dennie, Terrence Sutton, Lindsay Warren and Pat Post

Email questions to:  board@tahoe.church

This month, we focused on several key areas, with three primary updates we’d like to share with you:

Solar Update

Ryan Aldrich, our Director of Operations, and Mark Swanson, a Tahoe Church member with extensive experience in the solar industry, presented a compelling case for moving forward with a solar installation at the church. Their overview highlighted both the financial incentives and the strategic timing of this investment.

Several factors make this an ideal moment to act:

- An upcoming  15% increase in Liberty Utilities’ electricity rates
- A 30% federal tax credit for nonprofits, expiring in July 2026
- Shifting policies regarding how electricity is stored and credited

Based on this analysis, both the Board and staff unanimously agree that now is the right time to pursue this initiative. Fortunately, we are able to fund the project through the Property Maintenance Restricted Fund, which is supported by income from event rentals and has been designated for facility improvements.

Once installed, the solar system is expected to generate approximately $10,690 in annual savings, which will be redirected to support ministry efforts.

The Board views this project as an act of faithful stewardship—caring for both creation and the financial resources entrusted to us. While there is still work ahead, we believe that moving forward with this project positions Tahoe Church for long-term sustainability and impact. For more details, you are welcome to communicate with Ryan Aldrich.

Financial Update through July

This year, we set a bold and prayerful budget goal of $675,000, reflecting our belief in the expanding mission and ministry of our church. Through July, we remain largely on track—however, we are currently $15,300 below where we had hoped to be at this point in the year.

We’re also glad to share that the recent staff additions—covering areas like kids ministry, administration, accounting, prayer, technology, and communications—are all being supported within our current budget. These roles are helping the church run smoothly and serve our community more effectively.

We want to express deep gratitude to everyone who gives and serves at Tahoe Church. Your faithful generosity makes Tahoe Church  ministry possible. If you haven't yet established a rhythm of regular giving, we invite you to prayerfully consider doing so.  Giving is both a spiritual discipline and a tangible way to partner in what God is doing. Every gift—large or small—helps us carry out our mission to share the love and message of Jesus to our community.

Family meeting 

On August 3rd, we held our Summer Family Meeting. Thank you to everyone who took the time to attend—it was a valuable opportunity to share ministry and financial updates, as well as to engage in meaningful conversation around important topics.

Following the meeting, the Board spent time reflecting on specific questions raised by members, particularly around The Brave Campaign and the importance of accountability within church and leadership. These are significant matters, and we want to assure you that they continue to be carefully considered and discussed.

Your input is essential to the way we operate as a church. Tahoe Church is built on a model of shared leadership between the staff, board, and congregation—and your voice plays a vital role in that balance. We are deeply grateful for your engagement, and it is our ongoing privilege to serve and represent you as members of the Board.

In Gratitude,
Tahoe Church Board
John Halverson, David Conner, Kappie Keates, Bruce Dennie, Terrence Sutton, Lindsay Warren and Pat Post

Email questions to:  board@tahoe.church