Sat, 08 Aug 2026 20:59:09 -0500WeeblyThu, 23 Jul 2026 17:36:37 GMThttp://www.trinitygrovecity.org/church-council-minutes/trinity-lutheran-church-grove-city-mn-church-council-minutes-wednesday-july-15th-2026-600-pm-minutes-are-pending-approval​Call to order – Meeting was called order by Kyle Larsen, Vice President.
Present:  Kyle Larsen, Joe Jans, Chris Slinden, Pam Bagley, Jake Boonstra, Gabby Swisher, and Sonia Liedman. 
Absent:  Evan Behrends, Mike Buer, and Pastor Donna Putney.
Approval of the Agenda - Joe, made motion to approve, Jake seconded. 
1. Reports 
a. Secretary - Joe Jans: Approved the minutes from Sunday, June 14th, 2026, Joe made a motion to approve, Jake seconded. 

• Moving August Council meeting to Wednesday, August 12th. 

 
b. Treasurer - Sonia Liedman: Chris made a motion to approve, Jake seconded.

• There were no unexpected expenses this month. 
• We started with $10291.52 in the Livestream/Sound System upgrade account.  We paid Advanced Ministry Technologies a $7,500 down payment to purchase the equipment for the Livestream/Sound System updates.  We have $2791.52 remaining in the account.  His estimate for the job was $9,915.00, so we have a small pad of about $375 for any overages.  We might want to consider trying to sell some of the old equipment on Marketplace.

 
c. Pastor’s Report:

• Viewed the new mission statement with symbol options.
• She did a week of continuing education.  
• Working on a grant for the church.
• Vacation coming up.
• She wants to set up a meeting for the parents of the Sunday school kids.

 
d. Christian Education and Youth – Gabby:

• Bible School will be August 9-11th at the church.

 
e. Organizations & Activities - (Fellowship – Joe)

• Antique Car Run Stop is Saturday, August 8th at 8:00 am Trinity.
  • Working on getting donuts and coffee set up 

 
 
f. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia:

• N/A

 
g. Missions & Outreach Ministry – Mike: 

• Mission BBQ with auction & meat raffle takes place Tuesday, August 25th from 5:30-7:30 pm.
  • Proceeds will benefit to the Grove City Area C.A.R.E. Program. 
• Sonia made a motion to give $600.00 to the BBQ auction for seed money from general budget to be reimbursed after event.
  • Kyle Seconded

 
h. Personnel – Jake

• Going to do reviews in August. 

 
i. Sunday morning Accompanist, Worship, Music & Arts - Pam:

• Pam didn't have a Worship meeting in July. 

     j. Properties - Kyle:

• The toilet was broken and got that fixed in the Parsonage.
• Landscaping at the Parsonage, a few things finished up.  
• The tree at the Parsonage needs to be taken down.

               k. Endowment Committee

• N/A

2. Old Business 
a          Live streaming equipment will begin installation on Monday, July 20th
b          Still working on a grant for the church.
3. New Business 
a          Council meeting for August has been moved to Wednesday the 12th at 6:00 PM.
b          There will be no activities for Windmill Days from Trinity this year.
c          Promotional T-Shirts are still in the works.
5. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer 
a. Motion to adjourn at 7:10 pm was made by Chris and seconded by Pam.
 
6. Next Meeting: Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 @ 6:00 PM
a. August Council Assistant – Jake Boonstra
 
**Minutes are Pending**
rjfl 
]]>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:34:00 GMThttp://www.trinitygrovecity.org/church-council-minutes/june-14-2026-council-minutes-approved-at-july-15-2026-regular-council-meetingThu, 25 Jun 2026 17:30:07 GMThttp://www.trinitygrovecity.org/church-council-minutes/trinity-lutheran-church-grove-city-mn-church-council-minutes-sunday-june-14th-2026-minutes-are-pendingCall to order – by Chris Slinden, President @ 10:50 am.
Present: Kyle Larsen, Joe Jans, Chris Slinden, Evan Behrends, Mike Buer, Sonia Liedman. 
Absent:  Gabby Swisher, Pastor Donna Putney, Jake Boonstra, Pam Bagley.
Approval of the Agenda - Evan, made motion to approve, Mike seconded. 
 
1. Reports 
a.  Secretary - Joe Jans: Approval of the secretary notes for May , Kyle made a motion to approve, Mike seconded. 

• There were not enough people on Tuesday, June 9th to have a quorum. 

b.  Treasurer - Sonia Liedman:
Sonia presented the following documents.  On Tuesday 6-9-2026 Ryan from Advanced Ministry Technologies presented & answered questions about the upgrading of the Audio/ Video systems with Council members present and members of the Endowment Committee.
      - Trinity Lutheran Church – Existing Equipment Impact Review
      - Trinity Lutheran Church – A/V System Upgrade Explanation and
      - Trinity Lutheran Church Estimate from Advanced Ministry Technologies
Sonia presented updated estimate based on conversation with Ryan from Advanced Ministry Technologies on Tuesday night 6-11-2026 totaling $9,915.00.
c.  Pastor’s Report:

• She was on vacation. 

d.  Christian Education and Youth – Committee:

• N/A

e.  Organizations & Activities - (Fellowship – Joe)

• N/A

f.  Finance & Stewardship – Sonia:

• A motion was made to donate $500.00 for the ELCA Synod remodeling/ reconstruction project appeal with funds from Thrivent Choice Dollars. 
  • Chris made the first motion, Kyle seconded.
• Mike made a motion to move forward with the new audio system with Advanced Ministry Technology
  • Chris seconded the motion. 

g.  Missions & Outreach Ministry – Mike: 

• N/A 

h.  Personnel – Jake

• Set up a date for the Janitors Review 

i.  Sunday morning Accompanist, Worship, Music & Arts - Pam:

• N/A

j.  Properties - Kyle:

• Few little projects for the parsonage this spring to be accomplished.
• Looking to remodel the pews in the sanctuary to make it more accessible for wheelchairs.
• Looking at insurances for different quotes. 

k.  Endowment Committee

• The endowment currently has $7,300 for the new playground.

 
2. Old Business 

1. Sip & Sing 
   1.    Will be held on June 23rd at the church at 5:30-8 P.M.

 
3. New Business 

1. New audio system for the church.

 
4. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer 
a.  Motion to adjourn at 11:10 am was made by Kyle and seconded by Sonia
 
5.  Next Meeting: Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 @ 6:00 PM
a. June Council Assistant – Joe Jans 
 
*Minutes are PENDING*
rjfl
]]>Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:26:09 GMThttp://www.trinitygrovecity.org/church-council-minutes/church-council-minutes-from-tuesday-may-12th-2026Were approved on Sunday, June 14th at Church Council Meeting]]>Wed, 27 May 2026 18:08:37 GMThttp://www.trinitygrovecity.org/church-council-minutes/trinity-lutheran-church-grove-city-mn-church-council-minutes-tuesday-may-12th-2026-minutes-are-pending-approvalCall to order: Meeting called to order by Chris Slinden @ 6:10 pm
Present: Kyle Larsen, Sonia Liedman, Gabby Swisher, Pam Bagley, Evan Behrends, Mike Buer, Jake Boonstra, Chris Slinden
Absent: Joe Jans, Pastor Donna Putney,
Endowment Committee Report: Richard Larson presented the Endowment Committee report to council.
Approval of the Agenda: Motion made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Pam Bagley. Motion carried.
Reports:Secretary’s: Motion made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Gabby Swisher to approve April 14th, 2026 council minutes. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s: Motion made by Mike Buer, Seconded by Pam Bagley to approve Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.
Pastor’s: N/A, Pastor on vacation.
Committee Reports:Christian Education & Youth: Gabby reported, Rummage Sale raised $1800 to help fund kids going to camp.
Organizations & Activities: Final preparations are being made for COOP service at Windmill Park.
Finance and Stewardship: N/AMission & Outreach: Beginning to Plan for Mission BBQ. Trinity completed the Backpack Program for the month of April.
Personnel: N/A
Worship & Music: Java for Jesus will be held on June 28th, July 26th, & August 30th. Aug 2nd, COOP service will be held at Meeker County Fair Grounds @ 10:45 am. Sip and Sing will be held on June 23rd.
Vacation Bible School will be August 9th & 10th.
Properties: Clean-up day has been moved to May 31st, following service. Potluck lunch.
Endowment Committee: N/A 
Old Business:
Applying for Grant: Motion made by Kyle Larsen, second by Mike Buer to have Pastor Donna continue to apply for Grant for safety upgrades to the church. Motion carried.
Constitution Updates: Sonia Liedman completed updates to Trinity’s constitution.
New Business:May Coffee Money: Motion made by Evan Behrends, second by Gabby Swisher to allocate May-July’s Coffee & Fellowship proceeds to go towards Promotional items for Trinity. Motion carried.
Mission Statement: Motion made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Evan Behrends to approve Trinity Lutheran Church’s new Mission Statement. Motion carried.  “Gathered in God’s grace, we grow in faith, and serve in love.  Gather…Grow…Serve”
Synod’s Remodeling Donation: Tabled until June.
Livestream Updates: Sonia Liedman presented to the council a first draft proposal for upgrading livestream and sound equipment.
 
Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer: Motion made by Gabby Swisher, seconded by Kyle Larsen to adjourn meeting. Motion carried.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 9th, 2026 @ 6:00 pm.
Council Assistant: May council assistant - Evan Behrends
 
Minutes submitted by Chris Slinden.
 
Minutes are PENDING Approval
rjfl]]>Thu, 14 May 2026 15:54:54 GMThttp://www.trinitygrovecity.org/church-council-minutes/minutes-from-april-14-2026-approved-at-may-12-2026-meetingThu, 30 Apr 2026 23:37:30 GMThttp://www.trinitygrovecity.org/church-council-minutes/trinity-lutheran-church-grove-city-mn-church-council-minutes-tuesday-april-14th-2026-600-pmMinutes are PENDING Approval!!

Call to order – Meeting was called order by Chris Slinden, President.
Present: Pastor Donna, Kyle, Gabby, Joe, Chris, Jake, Pam, Evan, and Sonia.
Absent: Mike Buer.
 
Approval of the Agenda - Kyle, made motion to approve, Gabby seconded.
  1. Reports
a. Secretary - Joe Jans: Approval of the secretary’s notes, Kyle made a motion to approve, Pam seconded.
 
b. Treasure - Sonia Liedman: Approved, Kyle made a motion to approve, Jake seconded.
IRA RMA offerings

• Received several large IRA RMD contributions.  These are likely the yearly offering for these individuals.

Food Shelf Donations in March   *** $6,749.09 ***

• Sharing Garden close-out - $4892.49
• March Coffee Money - $145.30
• Lent Suppers (through 3/9) - $287.00
• Thrivent Choice Coffee match - $145.30
• Easter Memorial Donations - $685.00
• Undistributed – Lent Suppers (3/11-3/30) - $594.00

Other Easter Donations

• Project Backpack - $425
• Camp Fund - $691

Parsonage Property Taxes

• 1st Half Parsonage Property Taxes of $1,204 due May 15
• Total tax for year is $2,408
• Set up autopay

Thrivent Choice Dollars

• Received a deposit of $2,318 on March 9, but can’t find confirmation email from Thrivent.

SS/VBS

• There is $2,497 in the Sunday School fund.  Much of this is from the old EconoFoods fund raising efforts. 
• Also there is $1,080.21 of undistributed SS/VBS offerings that have accumulated over the years.

 
c. Pastor’s Report:

• May 11th - 17th, Pastor Donna will be on vacation.
  • Sunday, May 17th,  Tom Cubbage will be filling in for service.
• May 10th will be senior recognition.
• May 20th will be baccalaureate at Immanuel Lutheran in Atwater 7:00pm
• Email was sent to Donna Whitcomb to help with grants.
• Looking into a new camera for livestreaming services.
• Joe made a motion to give $50 to ACGC & $100 to Litchfield Area Ministerial.

 
 
d. Christian Education and Youth – Committee:

• Easter breakfast was a great success.
  • Earned $758
• May 3rd is going to be the final day of Sunday school for the youth.
• May 8th & 9th is the rummage sale.
  • Donations are asked to be brought in by the 7th.
  • There will also be a bake sale along with the rummage sale.

 
e. Organizations & Activities - (Fellowship – Joe)

• N/A

 
f. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia:

• N/A

 
g. Missions & Outreach Ministry – Mike:

• Backpack program has begun; donations are highly suggested.
  • Need $1,800 for backpack program in April

 
h. Personnel – Jake

• Set up a date for the Janitors Review

 
i. Sunday morning Accompanist, Worship, Music & Arts - Pam:

• Music is filled in until the end of May.
• Easter breakfast went well.
  • Egg muffins are going to be a topic to continue for next year.
• Flowers were ordered.
• There are 3 new youth members for First Communion this year.

     j. Properties - Kyle:

• Few little projects for the parsonage this spring to be accomplished.
• Looking to remodel the pews in the sanctuary to make it more accessible for wheelchairs.
• Looking at insurances for different quotes.

               k. Endowment Committee

• The endowment currently has $7,300 for the new playground.

2. Old Business

1. Sip & Sing
   1. Will be held on June 23rd at the church at 5-8 P.M.
   
   

3. New Business

1. N/A

4. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer
a. Motion to adjourn at 7:35 pm was made by Jake and seconded by Evan
b. Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 12th, 2025 @ 6:00 PM
c. May Council Assistant – Evan Behrends
 
rjfl
]]>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:21:48 GMThttp://www.trinitygrovecity.org/church-council-minutes/trinity-lutheran-church-grove-city-mn-church-council-agenda-tuesday-march-10th-2026-605-pm​Call to order – Meeting was called order by Chris Sliden, President.
Present: Pastor Donna, Kyle, Gabby, Joe, Chris, Jake, Pam and Sonia. 
Absent: Mike Buer.
Faithful Innovations: N/A
Approval of the Agenda - Pam, made motion to approve, Kyle seconded. 
  
1. Reports 
a. Secretary - Joe Jans: Approved the secretary notes, Pam made a motion to approve, Jake seconded. 
 
b. Treasure - Sonia Liedman: N/A
 
c. Pastor’s Report:

• Watch weather for snow on Sunday
• Bake potato back up date March 22nd 

      Moved the bake potato to the 22nd 

• Southwest Senate remodeling a building and need money
• April 12th pastor Donna will be gone.

 
d. Christian Education and Youth – Committee:

• Easter breakfast will be held on April 5th 
• Garage sale May 8th & 9th 

 
e. Organizations & Activities - (Fellowship – Joe)

• All sign-up sheet are full for Lent 
• Working with Pastor Donna on the potato bar 

 
f. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia:

• N/A

 
g. Missions & Outreach Ministry – Mike: 

• Food shelf for March, Fill the pews 
• Need $1,800 for backpack program in April 

 
h. Personnel – Jake

• Set up a date for the Janitors Review 

 
i. Sunday morning Accompanist, Worship, Music & Arts - Pam:

• Looking at email with existing information 

 
     j. Properties - Kyle:

• Few little projects for the parsonage this spring to be accomplished
• Looking to remodel the pews in the sanctuary to make it more accessible for wheelchairs

 
               k. Endowment Committee

• Endowment currently has $7,300 for the playground 

 
2. Old Business 

1. Ice cream social
   1. Chris is going to talk to Gwen 
2. Sip & Sing 
   1. Will be held on June 30th at the church at 5-8 P.M.

 
3. New Business 

1. Retreat for the council will be on April 12th 

 
5. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer 
a. Motion to adjourn at 7:25 pm was made by Kyle and seconded by Gabby
6. Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 14th, 2025 @ 6:00 pm
a. April Council Assistant – Chris Slinden
 
             **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – April 14, 2026**
rjfl
]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:20:45 GMThttp://www.trinitygrovecity.org/church-council-minutes/trinity-lutheran-church-grove-city-mn-church-council-minutes-tuesday-february-10th-2026-615pmCALL TO ORDER - Meeting was called to order by Chris Slinden.
 
Present: Jake, Gabby, Kyle, Sonia, Pam, Evan and Pastor Donna
Absent: Joe and Mike
 
APPROVAL OF AGENDA- Kyle, made motion to approve, Gabby seconded.
 
1. Reports

1. Treasurer - Sonia
   1. A motion was made by Kyle and seconded by Sonia to switch the people on Trinity accounts. Results are below:
      1. General Checking:  Sonia Liedman, (removed Richard Larsen &Jeff Niedenthal); added Chris Slinden and Kyle Larsen.      
      2. Money Market Acct:  Sonia Liedman; added Chris Slinden and Kyle Larsen. Should be the same as General Checking.          
      3. Camp:  Gwen Chase, (removed Willis Chase); added Gabby Swisher.
      4. Youth:  Gabby Swisher, Sonia Liedman – no change    
      5. Heritage:  Rosie Dilley, Sharon Smith, Sonia Liedman – no change
      6. Library:  Gloria Palmer; added Sonia Liedman.   
      7. Scholarship Fund (Savings acct):  Sonia Liedman, Jeff Niedenthal - no change
      8. Endowment:  Dean Stenberg, Greg Jans – no change  
      9. WELCA:  Virginia Flemming, MaryAnn Marshall – no change
      10. Christmas Dinner:  Virginia Flemming – no change        
   2. Motion made by Pam and seconded by Kyle to approve the treasurer's report.
2. Secretary - Joe
   1. A motion was made by Jake to approve the January 13th minutes, seconded by Gabby.
   2. Annual meeting minutes, Motion made by Greg Jans, seconded by Dennis Brown, Sonia was elected to council, not on ballet.
3. Pastor’s Report (emailed out)

i.
ii.
iii.
 
 
2. Committee Reports

1. Christian Education and Youth - Committee
   1. N/A
2. Organizations & Activities -
   1. Five lent services, first one council serves, last one, confirmation kids families and mentors serve.
3. Finance & Stewardship - N/A
4. Missions & Outreach Ministry -
   1. Backpack program - 31 kids/families meals provided
5. Personnel -
   1. Janitor review prep
   2. Successful yearly meeting with Becky on 2/11/2026
6. Worship Music & Arts
   1. Lent accompanist figured out
   2. Actively looking for choir director
   3. Two Co-op services: Memorial Day, May 24th @ Windmill Park, and Meeker County Fairgrounds August 2nd.
7. Properties -
   1. Office Furnace got fixed
   2. New sink in kitchen happening soon
   3. Searching for grants for handicapped accessible doors
   4. The light up cross got fixed

 
3. Old Business
 
4. New Business

1. Ice cream Social first week in June for camp fund
2. Rummage sale funds go towards camp fund on Mother’s Day weekend

 
5. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer

1. Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Kyle, seconded by Gabby
2. Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 @ 6:00 pm
3. March Council Assistant - Gabby Swisher

 
Submitted by Jake Boonstra
 
rjfl added bank account updates and Pastor Donna’s report details.
Motion made, March 10, 2026, by Pam Bagley to approve Minutes from February 10, 2026, seconded by Jake Boonstra, motion carried.
              **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – March 10, 2026**
rjfl
]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 20:19:16 GMThttp://www.trinitygrovecity.org/church-council-minutes/34th-annual-congregational-meeting-minutes-trinity-lutheran-church-january-25th-2026President Melissa Bergstrom called the meeting to order at 11:05 am

1. Devotion - Pastor Donna Putney leads a devotion. 
2. Declaration of Quorum and Appointment of Election Tellers. 
3. Adoption of Agenda: Motion was made by Allan Knutson and seconded by Greg Jans to approve the agenda. Motion carried. 
4. Approval of the Ballot: Motion was made by Greg Jans and seconded by Dennis Brown. Motion carried.
5. New business: 
   1. Approval budget - Greg Jans made a motion and seconded by Kyle Larsen. 
   2. New Council Members - Mike Buer & Gabby Swisher were added to the council in 2026.  Along with Evan Behrends as Youth Representative.  Sonia Liedman was elected to another term.
6. Motion to Adjourn: Motion was made by Chris Slinden and seconded by Mike Buer to adjourn the annual Congregational meeting. 

 
Submitted by Joe Jans
 
           **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – February 10, 2026**
rjfl
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