Trinity Lutheran Church

Council Minutes

September 18, 2024

 

Trinity Lutheran Church council was called to order at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, by Chairperson, Lynn Menz.

 

Lynn held devotions in Pastor Martens’ absence.  His topic was “Peace of God is with you!”

 

Shelly Berger read the minutes of the previous meeting.  It was moved by Jeff Kienast, seconded by Al Robson to approve as read.  Motion carried.

 

Al Robson reported the balance sheet for the church is very strong. The fixed assets for the building and contents have changed to correlate with the insurance policy change in assets.  70.8% of the church financial year has been completed to date.  He noted there are six items not budgeted that were special offerings or donations. He answered some questions regarding the report.  It was moved by Dan Benitz, seconded by Charles Griffith to accept and approve the financial report as presented.  Motion carried.   

 

Board Reports:

  • Elders:  Jeff Kienast reported that they are putting together a list of usher duties, which will be attached to the monthly volunteer calendars and laminate two copies to post.  The council felt this was a great idea.  They will be setting up a list of 2 acolytes for each Sunday. 
  • Trustees: 
  • Mike Compton reported the kitchen curtain repair/replacement is still in the works.
  • There is a carpet spill in the hallway that has not come up. After much discussion, it was decided to try to clean it first and then replace the square if it does not come up. Mike has received one quote and will be looking at others for cleaning.  It was moved by Mike Compton, seconded by Melissa Barrett to approve up to $1200 to clean the hallway and adjoining rooms.  Motion carried.
  • Mike thanked Pastor Martens for doing trimming and borders, etc. around sidewalks and other things he does around the church grounds.   
  • Outreach:
  • Ellie Menz showed a display of greeting cards that we have received free from a store that went out of business.  It will be set up in the fellowship hall with a freewill offering. 
  • Monthly visits to the Gardens, Regency and Greene County Medical Center continue.
  • Continuing free Bibles and Christian materials in the church. 
  • Blessing Box is currently being utilized.  Please help to keep it stocked. 
  • We are collecting socks and underwear for Greene County youth.
  • The committee is planning a firemen appreciation supper for November 13th and will give out the book called “Stories of Faith and Courage from Firefighters and First Responders.”
  • The Christmas Shoeboxes will be starting soon.  The Goal is 125 boxes.
  • Adopt-a-family outreach will be coming soon.
  • LWML:
    • Eighteen campers attended Camp Okoboji.
    • Backpack Sunday was August 11th
    • Third grade Bibles will be given September 22nd.   
    • Recognition of 4-H members was during Lutheran Half Hour on September 15th. Fourteen 4-H Members brought ribbons, trophies and projects.
    • Upcoming LWML Sunday is October 20th.
    • Pastor’s appreciation reception will be during Lutheran Half-Hour on October 27th.
    • Blessing of the Quilts will be Sunday, October 13th. 
  • Education: 
  • Melissa Barrett reported that there will be two classes for Sunday School – one for 1st grade and below and one for grades 2-4 with two teachers for each Sunday. 
  • There is a couch and chair that are not needed anymore that we can donate somewhere. 
  • The Children’s Christmas program is on the calendar for December 15th. 
  • Laurie Walker will have the youth sing during communion Sundays, so families should go to early communion if they want to go together. 
  • Missions: 
  • Janie Hertel reported they have inserted international mission opportunities in the bulletin and weekly email notes to raise member awareness.
  • Met with other TLC committees to see where they can coordinate and work together.
  • Currently holding a clothing drive for the Orphan Grain Train. 
  • After meeting with the Midwest Missions Jefferson Facility, it was decided we are doing many of the same things through our local and synod missions.  However, we will be happy to notify members of activities that are suitable for assembly at home or for small groups. 
  • Two people from Lutheran Bible Translators will be here October 13th to talk about their mission plans during Lutheran Half Hour. We will be collecting a free will offering for them.
  • It was noted that the Rickman Family and Erin Mackenzie are responsible for raising over $100,000 for 2025 and both are underfunded at this time. We may want to increase our mission giving for next year, which will be discussed at the upcoming budget meeting. 
  • Parish Fellowship: 
  • Linda Thede and Carol Christensen reported it is difficult to get people to volunteer for Lutheran Half Hour and it doesn’t need to be elaborate. They’ve come up with some ideas:

1.The board of parish fellowship will furnish and serve ‘half hour’ the first Sunday of each month beginning in November.  (We will ask the youth if they would help serve.) This will reduce the number of people needed to host each month. The board will keep drinks on hand and some non-perishable items in case food runs low on a Sunday.

2. A ‘half hour’ fund has been set up to cover costs to reduce that burden for those serving. The fund should cover food costs well into next year. Servers should make use of this money by turning in Al Robson’s expense form to the office.  If they still want to cover the cost of 'half hour’ as part of their church contribution, that is fine if they choose to do so.

3. The amount of food served is to be reduced and made simpler by serving only one or two items.  (No more ‘keeping up with the previous server.’)  It should be about fellowship and not the food.

 

 

 

SOC – Darla Hirsch reported the following:

  • She is working on a volunteer questionnaire to fill positions each Sunday.   She will add descriptions of each position needing volunteers.  She will work with the committees for descriptions.  She will send reminders through postcards, emails and/or phone calls. 
  • On the weekly notes, It was suggested to put the weekly happenings at the top of the email along with lists of volunteers for that week.   
  • Darla is working on updating the directory.  Please send any new pictures or changes in contact information to her. 

 

Old Business:  Safety committee – this was tabled to the next meeting due to time constraints.

 

New Business: 

  • Lynn Menz thanked all the board committees for sending info for the calendars for the remainder of 2024.  Copies will be made available to the congregation. 
  • Jeff Kienast explained ideas for a date/movie night.  The license cost to stream movies is $100. The council suggested trying it during the winter months on Sunday nights. 

 

The Lord’s Prayer closed out the meeting.

Meeting Adjourned:  9:00 pm.

Next Meeting:  November 20, 2024

The Vice Chairperson will present 2025 officers and board members for approval as well as a proposed budget at this meeting. 

 

Respectfully,

 

 

Shelly Berger

Trinity Lutheran Church

Council Secretary

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