TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Jefferson, IA

 

Trinity Lutheran Church council meeting was called to order by Chair, Scott Graham at 7:00pm, September 16, 2026.

 

Pastor led all in a devotion based on Psalm 95:6-reminding us that we are called to come and praise the Lord as we are forgiven by Jesus. 

 

Last council minutes were approved following spelling errors with a movement of Al Robson, seconded by Carol Christensen– motion passed. 

 

Financial report was given by Al Robson. Full reports can be found under the mailboxes. Financial position is strong with a movement of banks to be discussed under new business later in the meeting. Craig Hertel moved and Cassidy Kennedy seconded- motion passed. 

 

Reports on the Boards began with the 

 

Elders- George shared on the vision from Rhonda Mohr to give guidance on Trinity’s search for the new Director of Children and Family Ministries. They are looking for a list of possible candidates that may match our needs to review. Preparing for this new position, the Elders have hired a designer to update our online platform. The vacant Elder position has been filled by Mike Barrett. He will finish the term originally held by Aiden Shorey.

 

Education- VBS was held with 9-13 kids in attendance that ended with a family grill out. The youth held a bowling night with 24 youth attending. Sunday School and confirmation have begun. They will be using the Grow curriculum again this year. Sr and Jr. Youth gatherings will be held in October (SR) and November (JR). December 20th will be the children’s Christmas program during worship. The board is also looking to fill 2 vacancies opening in January. Please reach out to a board member if interested. 

 

Trustees- The north and west landscaping has been completed. They have also replaced the speaker cloth at the front of the altar. They continue to work to replace the upholster that shows water damage.  A proposal was made by Mike to complete the landscape project- East side. The project will cost no more than $21000.00 with a current quote around $20,400.00 amount. Cassidy Kennedy moved and Ellie Menz seconded to approve the project not to exceed $21,000.00- motion passed. Work will possibly begin before year end with total completion Spring 2027.

 

There is a weed eater and a push mower available- no longer needed, please look for further details in the bulletin. 

 

Outreach- 5000 bracelets were made for the Iowa State Fair; supplies are still available in the Parenting Matters room to continue making for the 2027 fair. Worship at Spring Lake is set for Sept 27th @ 10 AM with a provided lunch following. October 25th there will also be a Women’s Retreat held at the church. All women are invited. 

 

Parish Fellowship- No report was given 

 

Missions- Brief discussion on a possible trip to Mission Central in November, when the Sharps (one of the missionaries supported) will be there visiting.   

 

Old Business was discussed, next

 

Craig Hertel said no changes or updates to ARC. This will no longer be a meeting updated topic. 

 

Linda Thede gave her thanks for everyone’s help and participation.  

 

New Business

 

Bank Changes- Al Robson shared that he was continuing next steps follow last meeting’s discussion to move all accounts to Home State Bank.

 

Craig Hertel moved and George Walker seconded that all People’s Bank accounts be moved to Home State Bank to open new accounts- motion passed. 

 

Craig Hertel moved and George Walker seconded that Allen Robson, David Pedersen, and Terry Johnson be authorized signers for the church checking and money market accounts- motion passed. 

 

Laurie Walker moved and Elizabeth Graham seconded that Allen Robson and Linda Thede are authorized to access online banking to the accounts- motion passed. 

 

George Walker moved and Carol Christensen seconded that Allen Robson, Ellie Menz and David Pedersen be authorized signers for the church youth checking account- motion passed. 

 

New Members- Pastor presented the following to be welcomed into the Trinity Lutheran Church family at the Spring Lake Worship;

                Brett Cranston & Christina Wilson (Tayven & Kambree)

                Steven Andrew Garcia, Stephanie Kennedy 

                                             (Aleigha Shcultz, Zoey & Oliver Kennedy)

                Cindy Kennedy

People presented will be received at that time with no objections. 

Next Council Meeting will be held November 18th, 2026 @ 7:00 pm.

 

Pastor closed the meeting with prayer at 8:23 PM

 

Respectfully,

Melissa Barrett

Trinity Secretary

 

 

Pages