Admittedly, part of my confusion is that every unit I've ever been in has treated PEC, welfare, and ward council meetings like the same meeting, but with different participants.
I'd really like to figure this out before my next bishopric meeting so that I can give some feedback on meeting schedule. What are the feelings and experiences among the participants here?
4.3 Priesthood Executive Committee
The ward priesthood executive committee (PEC) includes the bishopric, ward clerk, ward executive secretary, high priests group leader, elders quorum president, ward mission leader, and Young Men president.
The PEC meets regularly to consider priesthood matters. Generally, the PEC need not consider matters that will be discussed by the ward council. However, it may be beneficial for the PEC to preview some matters that will be on the ward council’s agenda. For convenience, the PEC could meet just before the ward council meeting.
As needed, the bishop may invite the Relief Society president to attend some ward PEC meetings to discuss confidential welfare matters and to coordinate home teaching and visiting teaching assignments.