Council Minutes

July 16, 2025

 

Trinity Lutheran Church council was called to order at 7:00 pm on Wednesday July 16, 2025, by Chairperson, Lynn Menz.

 

Pastor Martens gave the opening devotions based on 2 Timothy 2:13. “God is faithful.”   

 

Pastor reported that he and Mike Christensen attended the Iowa District West conference in June and felt it was well organized with speakers giving concise reports.  He mentioned the Hispanic ministry is going well. 

 

Pastor noted that 3600 women attended the LWML convention.  He felt it was invigorating and well organized. He noted the impressive flags and ceremonial clothing of the countries that LWML helps with missions. 

 

It was moved by Mike Compton, seconded by Kathy Milligan to accept into membership Sharon Fast by transfer and Rosalee Severson by Profession of Faith.  Motion carried. 

 

Fifteen people are scheduled to take a trip to the ARC in Kentucky, August 13-15.  Packets and forms are going out to each this week.  They are taking 2 vans with several adults included.  The children pay $100 and the rest of their trip is paid out of the education fund.   

 

Shelly Berger read the minutes of the previous meeting.  It was moved by Linda Thede, seconded by Dennis Thede to approve the minutes as read.  Motion carried.

 

Linda Thede reported for finance in the absence of Al Robson. She said that 50% of the church financial year has been completed to date and the profit and loss statement is strong.  Balance sheet looks good with no problems noted.   It was moved by Janie Hertel, seconded by Carol Christensen to accept and approve the financial report as presented.  Motion carried.   

 

Board Reports:

  • Elders:  Pastor reported
  • One family is utilizing the common cup.   It will be continued for now and will re-evaluate later.  This requires two elders to serve. 

 

  • Education:  Linda Thede reported
  • Vacation Bible School will be held August 7, 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 and August 9 from 9-1 with family festivities afterward. There will be a link to sign up in the bulletin flyers.  Linda updated the education sheets and will give to the education board.  She revised the acolyte schedule to begin with the September school year. 

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  • Trustees:  Mike Compton reported 
  • They are still working on the altar repairs
  • Our insurance policy has been updated with no changes other than a rate increase of 10.3% or $815. 
  • The name of our church has been added to the front doors. 
  • Shelly thanked the trustees for the new ceiling fans in the quilting room. 

 

  • Parish Fellowship:  Carol Christensen and Linda Thede reported
  • Restocking continues.

 

  • Outreach:  Ellie Menz reported
  • Monthly visits to the Gardens, Regency and Greene County Medical Center continue. 
  • Continuing free Bibles and Christian materials in the church, along with free Christian greeting cards. 
  • Blessing Box is currently being utilized.  Please help to keep it stocked.  Need frozen lasagna, toilet paper, Kleenex, and cheese 
  • Continue to provide crosses for Jefferson Welcome Bags
  • 18 campers went to Camp Okoboji with free registration.  Prayer buddies were organized.  Each camper was paired with a TLC member to pray for each other and each received a “prayer bear”  This was a good way to connect youth and the congregation.   
  • $3,000 worth of Bibles and Christian materials were distributed at the annual Bell Tower Festival.
  • Outreach and Mission Committees hosted a free catered meal from Casa de Oro on June 22nd.  80 people attended.  New members were recognized.  The next one will be in September.  It was suggested to contact Bett and Bev’s to see if they cater. 
  • The high school youth gave carnations in a vase with a card attached to 75 residents in Regency and the Gardens on June 1st.

 

  • LWML:    Ellie Menz reported
    • LWML served the Dick Fairclough funeral luncheon. 
    • The National LWML Convention was held in Omaha June 26-29.  Pastor, Margaret, Trisha, Elizabeth, Ada and Scarlet attended. 
    • Save the dates:  August 17 – backpack Sunday, Sept. 14 – 4-H recognition during Lutheran Half Hour and Sept. 21 Spring Lake Service and catered meal. 

 

  • Missions:  Janie Hertel reported
  • We received a thank you from the Federwitz family for the $5,000 donation from the Trost memorial money.
  • This committee continues to work well with the Outreach Committee.

 

SOC Position:  Linda Thede previously reported on items she is working on or reorganizing. 

 

Old Business:  None

 

New Business: 

 

The constitution and bylaws were discussed concerning terms of boards and the chair, vice-chair and secretary.  There are some boards that are not officially organized, but items are taken care of with calls and emails.  Instead of the auditing committee, we have checks and balances with segregation of duties.  Lynn Menz distributed the list of duties of each board to the various board chairmen. 

 

It was moved by Linda Thede, seconded by Mike Compton to appoint Terry Johnson as financial secretary.  Motion carried.

 

Pastor thanked the Council for working together to get things done.  He thanked each and every one for using their talents to the fullest. Pastor announced he will be the camp chaplain next week at Lake Okoboji giving daily devotions. He will be leaving for Alaska August 4-14. 

 

Pastor closed the meeting with prayer.   

Meeting Adjourned:   8:10 pm

Next Meeting:  September 17, 2025 

 

 

Respectfully,

 

 

Shelly Berger

Trinity Lutheran Church

Council Secretary

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