Council Minutes

May 21, 2025

 

Trinity Lutheran Church council was called to order at 7:05 pm on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, by Chairperson, Lynn Menz.

 

Pastor Martens gave the opening devotions based on 1st Thessalonians.   

 

Pastor reported that he and Mike Christensen plan to attend the Iowa District West triennial conference June 8 and 9.  Dave Pedersen had planned to attend but is unable. 

Pastor will be giving the invocation, message and benediction at the Jefferson Cemetery on Memorial Day. 

 

It was moved by Jeff Kienast, seconded by Dave Pedersen to accept into membership Thomas and Melinda Heater by proclamation.  Motion carried. 

 

Dick Fairclough is no longer able to sign checks and serve as financial secretary.  Dave Pedersen thanked him for his service and said we would pray for him.  It was moved by Dave Pedersen, seconded by Al Robson to remove Dick Fairclough from the checking account signature card.  Motion carried.

 

Dave Pedersen submitted his resignation as vice chairman.  It was moved by Craig Hertel, seconded by Linda Thede to accept Dave Pedersen’s resignation as vice chairman with thanks for his service.  Motion carried.

 

It was moved by Craig Hertel, seconded by Ellie Menz to approve Scott Graham as Vice Chairman with the understanding that he will move into Chairman at the elections in December.  Motion carried. 

 

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

 

Al Robson reported that 37.5% of the church financial year has been completed to date.  He reported the profit and loss statement was strong.  He noted that net income stays fairly constant, and said thank you to our Lord for the strong balance sheet.  It was moved by Janie Hertel, seconded by Jeff Kienast to accept and approve the financial report as presented.  Motion carried.   

 

Board Reports:

  • Elders:  Jeff Kienast reported
  • They put the goals on the monthly agenda and are making good progress on them. 
  • They are reintroducing the common cup one time each month for 3 months and then will re-evaluate.  This requires two elders to serve. 
  • Jeff is exploring interest in a possible trip to the ARC for youth and maybe open up to others.     

 

  • Trustees:  Mike Compton reported 
  • He thanked Laurie Walker for updating the “cry room” which looks great. 
  • They are still working on the best way to replace the cloth around the speakers and around the cross above the altar.
  • The new fans in the quilt room are here and should be installed in the next few weeks. 
  • We received a discount for three cameras and free installation and are working on licensing in the Cloud.  Pastor suggested putting the app on one of the trustee’s phones along with his. 
  • Signage was discussed.  Pastor placed a pause on the digital sign to add the church name.  It was also suggested we could put something on the inside of the glass without a permit.  It was suggested to add the “801” address.  Mike Compton will look into it and also what permits are needed for what types of signage.    

 

  • Education:  No report

 

  • Missions:  Janie Hertel reported
  • The “40 days of Lenten giving” was very successful.  Janie and Craig Hertel loaded up their van to the top and delivered items to the Orphan Grain Train.  Janie said the volunteers there were extremely helpful and welcoming. 
  • We welcomed the Rickman family today which went very well and served a meal afterwards.  Pastor Rickman has been focusing on restoring a church in Panama right now and when that is established, he will resume his regular duties.  It was suggested to contact Redeemer Lutheran Church in Iowa City for additional ways we can support Pastor Rickman and his family. 
  • Janie Hertel said the missions board and outreach board have teamed up with various programs and are accomplishing many goals by working together.

 

  • Parish Fellowship:  No Report

 

  • Outreach:   Ellie Menz reported
  • Monthly visits to the Gardens, Regency and Greene County Medical Center continue. Gifts from the Sunday School children were given. 
  • 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, cheese and eggs. 
  • Continue to provide crosses for Jefferson Welcome Bags
  • At Easter, adults and youth received cross bookmarks and sticker books.
  • An Anonymous donor has given funds for FREE sponsorship for youth going to Camp Okoboji.  Currently, there are 18 registered.  An additional donor has offered to cover the remainder of registration expenses.  We are organizing prayer buddies and each registrant will receive a “prayer bear.” 
  • Bibles and Christian materials are ready for the annual Bell Tower Festival distribution.  Set-up crew is set, but we need more volunteers for the booth.
  • Daffodils outreach with Mission Committee.  Twenty-four were given to homebound members. 
  • Outreach and Mission Committees are planning catered congregational meals quarterly, which will be free because of the generosity of a donor who is interested in promoting congregational fellowship.  The first one will be a new member recognition and summer kick-off on Sunday, June 22nd.  There will be games and Bingo.  The free meal will be catered by Casa Do Oro. 
  • The high school youth will be giving a carnation in a vase with a card attached to 75 residents in Regency and the Gardens on June 1st.

 

  • LWML:    Ellie Menz reported
    • Hosting the Boone LWML Rally on March 29th went very well.  Attendance was 49.   
    • A confirmation reception was held on Palm Sunday.
    • Senior reception was held on May 11th.
    • LWML served the funerals for DuWayne Kinne and Steve Carlson.
    • Quilters delivered 54 quilts for Lutheran World Relief and a quilt for the Camp Okoboji quilt auction.
    • The National LWML Convention will be in Omaha June 26-29.  Pastor, Margaret, Trisha, Ada and Scarlet are planning to attend.
    • Ingathering of quilts, sheets, cleaning supplies and gift cards were delivered to the women’s Homeless Shelter near Fort Dodge.  Ellie Menz and Cheryl Robson told a little bit about the shelter and their needs.   

 

SOC Position:  Linda Thede reported:

  • Doing both jobs works well as there are many things overlapping both areas. She works six hours a day Tuesdays through Thursdays each week.  The board expressed appreciation for the great job she is doing.   

 

Old Business:  None

 

New Business: 

 

Janie Hertel suggested putting copies of the church directory in the pews.  She said it would help to know the new people in church and help the new people to know us. 

 

Lynn said the monthly calendar for the second half of the year is ready to print and if anyone has any changes or additions, to please notify him soon.  He noted he would be happy to continue this task next year. 

 

Pastor closed the meeting with prayer.   

Meeting Adjourned:   8:15 pm

Next Meeting:  July 16, 2025 

 

 

Respectfully,

 

 

Shelly Berger

Trinity Lutheran Church

Council Secretary

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