Council Minutes

September 17, 2025

 

Trinity Lutheran Church council was called to order at 7:05 pm on Wednesday, 

September 17, 2025, by Chairperson, Lynn Menz.

 

Pastor Martens gave the opening devotions based on Matthew 5:4

 

Shelly Berger read the minutes of the previous meeting.  It was moved by Ellie Menz, seconded by Alana Curnyn to approve the minutes as read.  Motion carried.

 

Al Robson reported on finances and noted that 70.8% of the church financial year has been completed to date.  The profit and loss statement shows that donations are higher than budget for this time of year.  Balance sheet is very strong.   It was moved by Melissa Barrett, seconded by Carol Christensen to accept and approve the financial report as presented.  Motion carried.   

 

Al reported that we received $108,000 from Vi Hoffman’s estate. The council asked him to move it to a CD for now and left it to the Missions and Outreach committees to bring ideas to the November meeting on how to use this gift.  Some ideas were discussed at this meeting. 

 

Board Reports:

 

  • Trustees:  Mike Compton reported 
  • They are still working on the altar repairs
  • For insurance purposes, he checked to see if we could get a credit for security cameras but there are none. 
  • They will be repairing some step cracks.
  • Looking at the north entry to see if we need to repair or stabilize.
  • Looking at adding some plants by canopy and southeast corner of church to improve landscaping. 

 

  • Elders:  Craig Hertel reported
  • We will continue utilizing the common cup on the first Sunday of the month and otherwise if enough elders are available.  This requires two elders to serve. 
  • ARC encounter.  The elders felt it would be nice to take all confirmands every 2 or 4 years and to the National Youth Gathering in 2028 in San Antonio. We need to begin planning for these. 

 

  • Missions:  Alana Curnyn reported
  • The quilting committee shipped 56 quilts last spring for world relief and will be sending another 40-50 in October.  We gave out 6 comfort quilts, one to Camp Okoboji for their quilt auction and gave 40 for Adopt a family with pillows for that outreach and will participate in that again this year.

 

 

 

  • Education:  Melissa Barrett reported
  • Vacation Bible School was held with a decrease in numbers from the previous years.  She said not everyone is sending their children to Sunday School and the board struggles with ways to get them to come. 
  • They have started a mission project each quarter and are putting hygiene kits together this quarter.
  • December 14th is the Christmas program, and Laurie Walker is in charge of that. 

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  • Outreach:  Ellie Menz reported
  • Monthly visits to the Gardens, Regency and Greene County Medical Center continue.  Treats are provided by parish fellowship. 
  • Continuing free Bibles and Christian materials in the church, along with free Christian greeting cards. 
  • Blessing Box is currently being utilized. 
  • Continue to provide crosses for Jefferson Welcome Bags
  • 18 campers went to Camp Okoboji with free registration.  Two anonymous donors covered the registration costs. 
  • Outreach and Mission Committees are hosting a free catered meal from Bett and Bevs on September 21st at our Spring Lake service.  This meal is free because of the generosity of a donor who is interested in promoting congregational fellowship. 
  • The Pen Pal Project which connects 94 Greene County Elementary School 4th graders with adult volunteer pen pals in our community is bringing awareness to our church, with the Pen Pal mailbox on the west side of the church.  Lynn and Ellie Menz are coordinating this project. 
  • Annual Christmas Shoebox Outreach is beginning soon.  Packing will be November 9th. 
  • Several of our members restock shelves and do whatever is needed at the ARC monthly.
  • This month our church is in charge of Meals on Wheels delivery. 

 

High School Youth:

Sunday School Class will be the comparison of the teaching of various denominations.  Iowa District West Senior Youth gathering is November 21-23.  Service projects include serving the firemen an appreciation meal in November, Signing and enclosing an ornament in Christmas cards for Adopt-A-Family, hosting a movie night in January, and purchasing and delivering fresh flowers in vases to residents at the Gardens and Regency Nursing Home. 

 

  • LWML:    Ellie Menz reported
    • LWML served the Gage Derry confirmation reception.   
    • Hosted:    August 17 – backpack Sunday and Sept. 14 – 4-H recognition during Lutheran Half Hour. 
    • Current Mission Goals:  Collect empty pill bottles, underwear for homeless in Des Moines, toilet paper for homeless shelter near Fort Dodge, plastic grocery bags for making sleeping mats for homeless, eyeglasses and stamps for missions. 
    • Save the Dates:  October 19 - LWML Sunday, October 26. - Pastor Appreciation during Lutheran Half Hour, October 5 - Blessing of the Quilts

 

  • Parish Fellowship

Nothing to report.  No problems. 

 

SOC Position:  Linda Thede had no report or complaints. 

 

Old Business:  None

 

New Business: 

 

Scott Graham will be reaching out to chairs to work on nominations for council positions next year.  He will also be getting the budget committee together in October to present to the council in November.  He would like input from all chairs of the committees. 

 

We had a lengthy discussion on how to engage young adults and parents more. 

 

Pastor closed the meeting with prayer.   

Meeting Adjourned:   8:30 pm

Next Meeting:  November 19, 2025 

Annual Meeting:  December 7, 2025

 

 

Respectfully,

 

 

Shelly Berger

Trinity Lutheran Church

Council Secretary

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