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Monthly Report - June 2026
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It is finally SUMMER! As we dial some parts of the ministry back and try to rest up a bit, other parts of the minsitry are "full steam ahead!" Thanks for taking time to read through this monthly report, I hope it gives you a sense of all the great things God and his people are doing her and through the St. Andrews Community in Christ!
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VOTER'S MEETING - Sunday, June 28, 2026 after the worship service
(More information at the bottom of this email)
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Official Acts May 17- June 17
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Marriage - Erica Hauer and Quentin Kuper, June 6, 2026 at St. Andrews
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VOTER'S MEETING - Sunday June 28 after the worship service
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While the office is a little less busy during the summer months, I will be focusing on updating and organizing our Church Center database and other records to ensure that our information is accurate and up to date.
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If you are signed in to Church Center, I would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few moments to review the information listed for you and your family. One of our main goals is to improve communication, and having current contact information is essential to helping us stay connected.
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Nichole Wandel, Church Secretary
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Pastor Hoffmann Report - [email protected]
It dawned on me this week, that is was exactly a year ago when man of the VBS families stayed and helped the Luft Famliy unpack their moving truck! What struck me is how much we have accomplished as a church and school in the last year. Just to name a few of the things that come to mind:
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We welcomed Pastor Ethan, Wren and Isla to our St. Andrews Family.
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We completed an in-depth strategic plan for ministry.
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We interviewed candidates for Principal and hired Mrs. Hillary Delanty.
We celebrated 40 years of faithful service for our retiring Principal - Ms. Laura Boggs.
We initated a Mission/Vision/Marketing Process for our School.
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We hired a Director of Communication and Media for the Church.
We revamped our entire Communication System in the Church and School.
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We started the construction of our Church Office space in the basement.
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Over this summer, I am trying to take some time to "dial back" a bit and spend some more time with my family. However, there is still much happening! I am taking time to plan for New Member Classes and First Communion Classes, working on Planning Center technology to engage and manage our volunteer efforts, taking my first run at writing a devotional book, and preparing for a week long lecture series I am giving at Camp Arcadia in August.
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Pastor Ethan and I are also collaborating on making some changes to our 11am service when it starts up again in the Fall. We are envisioning a more interactive worship service based upon helping people dive deeply into the foundations of our faith in Luther's Small Catechism. We will keep you posted!
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Blessings to you as we walk together in Christ!
Pastor Matt Hoffmann
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To the St. Andrews Family,
It has been one year since me, Wren, and Isla moved into the Elm Street house. A month later I was ordained and installed as your associate pastor. As I reflect in this short letter, I simply want to thank you for being a blessing beyond words to my family. Thank you for loving us and welcoming us into this family. Park Ridge is our home and, God willing, this is where we will raise our family. St. Andrews, especially under the leadership of Pastor Matt, has motivated me to be the best pastor I can be. It has been a privilege to serve this congregation. And I can’t wait to be a part of the things God is doing here in the years to come.
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Lord Jesus, be at work through us and among us. AMEN.
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As I begin my time as principal at St. Andrews, I want to thank you for the warm welcome and encouragement I have received over the past few weeks. I have already experienced firsthand what a special community St. Andrews is, and I am grateful for the chance to serve alongside such dedicated families, staff, and congregation members. These first weeks have been filled with so many opportunities to learn, connect, and grow, and I look forward to continuing that journey throughout the summer as we prepare for another wonderful school year at St. Andrews.
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This month, I attended two leadership conferences for Lutheran school administrators. The first brought together administrators from across Illinois, where I met our regional team and learned more about the transformative ministry of Lutheran school leadership. I also attended the FLAME Conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where Lutheran leaders from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and New York poured into those of us entering new leadership roles within Lutheran schools.
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I was so encouraged by the wisdom, support, and fellowship of fellow principals and educational leaders. Both conferences provided such valuable opportunities to learn, share ideas, build relationships, seek guidance, and spend time in prayer as we prepare to lead and serve our school communities.
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Even though school is out for the summer, there has been plenty of activity around our school building! We hosted a sports camp earlier this month and wrapped up our afternoon Art Club last week. Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome students to our Early Childhood Enrichment Camp, which begins at the end of the month and runs throughout July. Our specialty sports camps will also be kicking off in the coming weeks.
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One of the highlights of these first weeks has been meeting with members of our staff. I have had the chance to sit down with several staff members over coffee and sweet treats and will continue those conversations throughout the summer. It is such a blessing to work alongside such dedicated individuals who care so deeply about the children and families of St. Andrews.
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Our current enrollment for the upcoming school year is 168 students, and we continue to thank God for every family He has brought to our school. Please keep our students, families, and staff in your prayers as we prepare for another year of growing together in faith and learning here at St. Andrews.
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Music Director Jordan Holiday Report - [email protected]
Jordan is taking the summer to work on planning, organizing all of the music, and composition
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We have added tap dots and QR codes to all of the pews. These will take you directly to the Announcement E-Bulletin, where you can check in for worship and view upcoming events and announcements. If you would like to submit an announcement, please use the announcement request form located at the bottom of our website. You'll also find an option there to subscribe to the church newsletter if you are not already receiving it.
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Our social media pages are up and running! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @standrewslutheranchurchpr to see photos and event highlights.
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Thank you for helping us strengthen communication and connection within our St. Andrews community. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
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Church Council - Contact the President of the Congregation
The Church Council met on June 16, The minutes of the May Meeting are below. The council is hard at work putting together the budget to present to the Voters ahead of our June 28 Meeting at 10:30am (following the worship service.) Thank you to Brenda Penney who has served faithfully in her role as First Vice President as she transitions off the Council!
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ST. ANDREWS LUTHERAN CHURCH
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Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
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Matthew Tobias, President
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Prayer: Pastor Ethan Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
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Motion to accept minutes for the April 21 Regular Council Meeting, carried.
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Lead Pastor’s Report, Matth Hoffman: Welcomed new members, working on implementing the communications portion of strategic planning. Setting up a detailed monthly report, asking for boards to send blurbs on what they are up to. Will eventually hand this report off to someone. Goal is to help streamline voters’ meetings by providing information for FAQ. Will move towards the engagement prong over the summer. Still looking for a Director of Volunteer Engagement.
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Implementing the check-in system. Will consider bringing back physical sign for holdouts but really working to make sign-in as frictionless as possible. Adding tap dots to cards in the pews.
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Associate Pastor’s Report, Ethan Luft: VBS has 75 kids registered, 34 volunteers, youth groups going well. Working with committee to finalize summer schedule. Sunday school looking for ideas on improving attendance. Still developing plans for 11AM service next year. Would like better lighting in youth room and will look into that. Lobby Revamp committee is in full swing and should present a plan next month.
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1st VP Report: Deacons supports changes to 11AM. Service. St. Paul of the Cross Food Pantry served 184 households in March. Sunday Night Suppers April 19 funded by Service Ministry. SA had 10 volunteers. Feed My Starving Children on April 11 had 4 SA members and 2 school families participated. Earth Day canceled due to lack of response.
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B&G Report: Church office remodel proceeding. Solar rough inspection past. Windfree will send documentation to engineering company. Hoping to get final inspection next week.
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BCDS, Julie Hock/Laura Boggs: Enrollment at 159, with 14 kids not yet registered. Glow run will be going to literacy instead of the book vending machines. Those that want their donations back are being offered a chance. Hillary onboarding progressing. Reading through bylaws. Attending PTL meeting, Met with staff, strategic planning. First official day June 8. Overlapping both principals in June. In contact with NID. Enrolled for Illinois Lutheran School Admin Conference and FLAME conference. Looking for a new PK teacher for next year.
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Family Ministry, Julie Hock: Looking to host a babysitter CPR class and for new Sunday School curriculum. Christmas in July will be planned.
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Controller’s Report, Mike Bauer: Offerings were about 44k below monthly budget driven largely by two large donations that did not reoccur. Tuition income is tracking nearly $30k over budget being driven by an increase in prepayment. This will normalize over the school year. Spending was $54k over budget in April largely due to repaving the elm lot which was budgeted for last September. Adjusted spending was up a little under 4k with a good chunk of that being increased church software spending, which wasn’t initially budgeted.
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Concordia Plan Services are telling us to prepare for an 8-10% increase in health insurance premiums which is 20-25k.
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BALANCE SHEET (approximate as of April 30)
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Member-at-Large Report, Dale Mirow: New paraments have shipped, may be delivered tomorrow.
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Question regarding Liability Insurance: John agreed to examine the policy and report back.
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Teacher Pay Discussion: Council discussed the scope of possible teacher pay increases. Determined that proposals should focus specifically on teachers and not all church staff, and with specific improvements to the lane capping situation. Mike and Julie will work with BCDS and report back.
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Annual Voters’ Meeting: Set for June 28. Would like each board to give a very brief 3 minute report on what they are excited for in the upcoming year. Also include Bethlehem Walk, Altar Guild, Comfort Dog.
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Next regularly scheduled Council Meeting June 16, 2026.
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Motion to Adjourn @ 8:18pm, carried.
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Submitted by John McCarty, Secretary
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Beautiful retirement celebration held at End of May for Ms. Boggs. Many church members as well as current and former students and staff in attendance.
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Updated Enrollment- enrollment 163 with 12 more anticipated to register that are current students who have not completed re-registering. New Social Studies Curriculum has arrived. Digital academy working on the transfer over process from Sycamore. Three dates for early childhood tours July 13, 15 and 23.
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6 candidates were interviewed from a variety of backgrounds and teaching experience for the open Pre-K position. An offer was made to a candidate with a strong background in Special Ed.
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Mrs. Carrie Kuehm has taken a call to serve a Lutheran Church in Texas. We will begin interviewing 1st Grade Teacher candidates soon. She will be missed, but she has been looking to go to a warmer part of the country for some time!
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PTL reworking their bylaws this summer. Field day was wonderful and a good turn out for Volunteers. PTL has begun to use fundraising monies: made purchases off of teachers' wishlists for their classrooms. Will be setting aside money for funding field trips for the upcoming year. Purchasing a new Scoreboard. Buildings and grounds approved little library placement and will install it this summer.
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Hillary started at the beginning of June.
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attend the Illinois Lutheran School Administrator Conference June 8-10. The following week to attend the FLAME Conference (Future Lutheran Administrators Midwest Education)
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offering them a 1:1 meeting over the summer and also has an anonymous questionnaire for them to fill out.
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overlapping the 2 principals the month of June. Allowing Ms. Boggs to be available by phone and not having to come into the office every day. This will allow plenty of time for questions to be asked and answered that only the two of them would know to ask or answer.
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Budget Discussions underway as well as discussions with Mike addressing the Salary schedule matrix and reworking sections to help address the staff at the top out of their lanes
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Participated in the Park Ridge Memorial Day parade
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BCDS members will be volunteering at a booth for the Taste of Park Ridge on July 11
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8 families on delinquency report, down from 11 families last month. Three months past due is $16,678. Total past due is $25,688.17.
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Board of Deacons - Contact the Head Deacon
The Summer Worship Service times are starting Memorial Day Weekend. Over the summer we will begin to look at how to use our feedback data, our attendance data, and look at making some adjustments to the 11am service when we start back in the Fall. Pastor Matt and Pastor Ethan are looking at how to introduce Catechism Instruction into the late service.
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SOLAR
The final rough inspection of the solar work has been completed and passed. The solar company electrician will connect the panels to our main disconnect in the next week. We will then need a final electrical inspection, once the city passes that Com Ed can switch us on and our panels will be producing electricity. As soon as the project is complete, we will immediately apply for our state and federal incentives.
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OFFICE UPDATE
Trim, painting, and electrical are completed. Once the flooring is installed (which will start this week) the office will be ready for move-in!
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ELM STREET LOT AND DRIVEWAY
The edges of the parking lot and driveway have been filled in and seeded which will will help with the longevity of the asphalt.
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ELM STREET BASEMENT
The Basement project has begun with the intial electrical and framing work. The fence, which was removed for the driveway project, will be installed soon.
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Board of Fellowship - Contact Board Chair
There have been so many wonderful events this year, thank you to all who helped make these events so successful! Because of the timing of Labor Day Weekend, there will be no May Pancake Breakfast or Fourth Friday Family Fellowship.
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St. Paul of the Cross Food Pantry
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148 households visited the St Paul of the Cross food pantry in April and 154 visited in May. Thank you! to Diane P for handling the May deliveries. Jennifer, Diane K and Wendy will handle deliveries in June, July and August respectively. Sunday School special collection in May. SA is scheduled to provide volunteers for the October 31 and December 19 distributions. Signup eMail sent requesting responses by June 30th. Most slots already filled.
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The Sunday School grocery shopping trip in May in support of the SPC food pantry was much appreciated and a wonderful way to show the children how they can participate in supporting others! It did, however, also highlight the need for an awareness of activities between involved groups. Fortunately, Service Ministry was able to quickly respond to the urgent request for the items to be removed due to the drop off space being required for staging groups for the school concert. Semi-annual planning session?
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Volunteers for the October and December distributions were reminded to use the SPC SignUp link
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Sunday Night Suppers (SA Sponsored)
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SA is next scheduled to sponsor in January and April 2027. The January event will be funded by an anonymous SA family and the April funding TBD.
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Sunday Night Suppers at First United Methodist Church)
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The last 2025-26 season dinner was held on May 17th. Signup eMail for CoHost roles sent requesting responses by June 15th. Volunteers for serving at the 2026-27 SA sponsored dinners will be recruited in the Fall.
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Message from Kate Kerin, SNS Committee Chair, First UMC on May 18 2026.
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“Our first year of Sunday Night Suppers at First United Methodist Church was a tremendous success, and we celebrate what God has made possible through this ministry of hospitality and care. We are so grateful for the support provided by the Park Ridge Ministerial Association. The funds raised at the Community Thanksgiving and Good Friday services helped purchase much needed supplies. With careful budgeting and generous donations, we were able to give guests a $50 gift card to Jewel to help them with groceries for the summer.
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Because of this generosity, along with the support of our partner churches, sponsor groups, and volunteers, this ministry has made a meaningful impact on our community:
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· 38 consecutive weeks of serving our community
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· 45- 50 guests welcomed each week
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· Over 600 bags of canned goods and fresh produce distributed
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· Approximately 750 cakes donated by Nothing Bundt Cakes
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· 1 welcoming site: First United Methodist Church
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· 3 faithful host churches: First United Methodist Church, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, and St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church
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· 22 sponsor groups providing meals and volunteers
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Together, we have offered more than just meals, we have built community, shared kindness, and offered welcome to all. Thank you to the members of the Park Ridge Ministerial Association. We look forward to a restful summer and starting back up on September 13!”
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Homebound Members No changes reported. New edition of Portals of Prayer will be distributed in June.
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Communications – Wendy met with Christa and Nichole to review changes to publicity with new technology. Communications by Service Ministry will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure we are using the appropriate technology. Very productive exchange of information among the participants.
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Engagement – Director position still available. Service Ministry will continue current practices to engage volunteers until further direction is received.
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2026 Project Planning Discussion
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General discussion on project planning included timing and funding. Research on existing needs for the ministry partners will be completed by the various board members.
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Wendy shared our funding plans with Mike Bauer.
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SA sponsored SNS on April 19 will be totally funded by Service Ministry 2025-26 budget.
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Lutheran World Relief Backpacks will be funded through May 16/17 door collections and supplemented if needed by Service Ministry 2026-2027 budget for purchase reimbursements.
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Exodus World Service – TBD Funding through item collection and subsidized by our 2026 budget. 2026-2027 Budget request has been submitted to Mike Bauer.
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Feed My Starving Children – Jennifer received information from FMSC that manna packs assembled at the session attended by six SA volunteers in April were shipped to Haiti.
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Lutheran World Relief backpacks Thanks to Laurie, Diane P and Becca for handling the door collections on May 16 and 17. Total donations with door collections and an anonymous donor totaled $669. Mike Bauer was made aware that some funding from SA checkbook will likely be needed and that we will request assistance from the school staff to process our order with Amazon.
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Decorating took place after service with assistance from scouts
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Epi pen and volunteer training took place in preparation for the start
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75 students were registered as of last month, no final count yet. 38 volunteers- combination of adult and High school
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Planning for Christmas in July movie event potentially July18th after Saturday service
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curriculum for next year(26-27) , reviewed True Way Kids will get new materials reviewed by Sunday School teaching staff
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recruiting more staff to fill vacancies
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holding a rally/registration/kick off day in Fall
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Installation of teachers and meet and greet for students to start off new Sunday School year to be held in fall at worship service
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Altar Guild - Contact Leader
New Paraments and Stoles have arrived and look GREAT! They are reverent and also show off the beautiful wood work on the altar.
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Myra has been very busy as usual this month! The Comfort Dog Team has between 2-3 outings with Myra every day.
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Bethlehem Walk Committee - Contact Leader
We will be meeting this summer to start the planning for Bethlehem Walk 2026! Thank you to all who helped last year!
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Financial Update - [email protected]
We ran a deficit of about $70,000 in May, compared to a budgeted deficit of about $28,200. Receipts were about $9,400 below plan; with school receipts $2,800 below and non-school income $6,600 below. There were no large changes by individual donors from prior periods as we saw with our April results.
Spending was about $33,000 higher than plan. There were three major contributors - the new driveway for the Elm St house ($11,300), the church office renovation, which was budgeted to start in March and started in May ($10,500), and pulling the remaining pay for a departing teacher forward (it would have been paid out through August 15th, when the teacher left in May we paid their final amount due in full at that time).
We expect to run an even larger deficit in June, due to shrinking tuition receipts (June and July are our lowest months for tuition income) and spending on major projects (the final payments for solar system completion and finishing the church office project).
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UPCOMING VOTER'S MEETING - Sunday June 28 at 10:30am (after the service)
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A proposed budget will be sent when it is finalized!
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SLATE OF CANDIDATES TO BE ELECTED
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| 1st Vice President |
Phil Kober |
| Controller |
Needs to be filled |
| Church Treasurer |
John McCarty |
| Assistant Treasurer - School |
Tiffany Kendrigan |
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| Deacons-Chair |
David Gillaspie |
| Deacons-Board Member |
Emily Kober |
| Deacons-Board Member |
Keith Grabske |
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| BCDS-Board Member |
Al Neve |
| BCDS-Board Member |
Debbie Panagokas |
| BCDS-Board Member |
Tiffany Kendrigan |
| BCDS-Board Member |
Heather McKeon |
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| Building & Grounds-Chair |
John Snow |
| Building & Grounds-Board Member |
Jim Selzer |
| Building & Grounds-Board Member |
Carl Steffen |
| Building & Grounds-Board Member |
Gary Dilfer |
| Building & Grounds-Board Member |
Gary Trapp |
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| Fellowship-Chair |
Jenny Dougherty |
| Fellowship-Board Member |
Carol Hannah |
| Fellowship-Board Member |
Jim Jordan |
| Fellowship-Board Member |
Geneveve Huston |
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| Service Ministry-Board Member |
Becca Weisheit |
| Service Ministry-Board Member |
Carla Staniec |
| Service Ministry-Board Member |
Jennifer Babich |
| Service Ministry-Board Member |
Caryn Valadez |
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| Family Ministry-Board Member |
Laura Rouse |
| Family Ministry-Board Member |
Angelica Tobias |
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