CALL TO ORDER – Melissa Bergstrom Meeting was called order by Melissa. Present: Kyle, Melissa, Joe, Pam, Pastor Donna, Chris, Jake, and Sonia 
Faithful Innovations: We all talked about Willis and the good things he did for everyone. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Chris made motion Kyle seconded. 
1. Reports 
a. Secretary - Joe Jans:  
Sonia made a motion to pass the secretary, Chris seconded. 
b. Treasurer - Sonia Liedman:
Joe made a motion to pass, Kyle seconded 
c. Pastor’s Report: 

• Confirmation 2025-2026: 5:45-7:00pm…We are sharing a meal together this year 
• Doors being locked during unstaffed hours and weekends 
• 2 members suggesting the doors are locked doors on Monday, Friday, Saturday 
• The doors will be open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. They will be closed Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. 
• Meeker County Holiday Project 2025 
• Grove City Fire Department Request 2025 
• Annual Meeting Letter 2025 
• Using videos this Sunday for accompanist 
• Vacation/Continuing Ed Time Away 
• October 27-November 1: Continuing Education Prairie Fire (Not taking a Sunday off) Will use this Sunday at a later date if possible 
• November 24-December 1: Vacation (Lay Led) 
• December 28-January 4: Vacation (Lay Led) 
• January 12-19, 2025: Continuing Education Prairie Fire (Pastor Led) 
• Pastor Sarah Jones has accepted a call to Evangelical Lutheran Cokato 
• I have been invited to be a part of the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 19th.
• Stained glass Window Inspection
• 7 youth attending Jr. High Youth Gathering on Nov. 21
• Trinity Hosting the Crow River Conference on February 22@ 2:00pm Drinks and treats
• Thanksgiving Eve: Worship at Zion Lutheran in Litchfield 6:30pm 
• Monday November 24 Devotion/Dinner @ Peace Lutheran Cosmos 6:00pm
• Thanksgiving Day 11-1 Thanksgiving Dinner at First Lutheran Litchfield, sponsored by Pastor Sarah’s family 

 
2. Committee Reports 
a. Christian Education and Youth – Committee: 
i. 5 kids are attending Sunday school this year. 
b. Organizations & Activities (Fellowship – Jake) 
i. Meeker County holiday project, Jake will contact Barb Larson.
c. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia: N/A 
d. Missions & Outreach Ministry – Chris: N/A  
e. Personnel – Joe  
i. Joe is setting up a date with the janitors 
f. Sunday morning Accompanist, Worship, Music & Arts - Pam: N/A g. Properties - Kyle: 
i. Parsonage repairs; Siding and windows are about done. 
ii. The project looks very nice. 
3. Old Business 
a. Picture Directory 
i. Offer it to the members again 
b. Swing set Project 
i. Found someone to come take the old one 
4. New Business 
a. 4-H use of building 
i. The Danielson hustlers are wanting to use the church for meeting 1. Council Approved 
b. Minnesota paid leave law 
i. Church will pay 
1. Sonia made a motion to approve Minnesota paid leave law, Kyle Seconded 
c. Holiday Express 2025 
i. Will be held on December 13th at Trinity.  
d. Made a motion to remove Willis Chase from the Trinity Youth checkbook and add Gabby Swisher to the Trinity Youth checkbook. 
i. Kyle made the first motion, Chris seconded 
5. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer 
a. Motion to adjourn at 830 pm was made by Kyle and seconded by Jake 
6. Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 18th 2025 @ 6:30 
a. November Council Assistant – Chris Sliden
 
Submitted by Joe Jans
rjfl
           **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – November 18, 2025** 

ATTENDANCE: Willis Chase, Jake Boonstra, Kyle Larsen, Sonia Liedman, Pam Bagley, Chris Slinden, Pastor Donna Putney.
CALL TO ORDER: Vice president Willis Chase called meeting to order at 6:45pm
CHURCH DIRECTORIES: Council listened to a presentation via phone from Rob Newman about creating a new Church Directory.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion made by Chris Slinden, seconded by Jake Boonstra to approve agenda.  Motion carried.
REPORTS:
                Secretary: Motion made by Chris Slinden, seconded by Jake Boonstra to approve August council minutes.  Motion carried.
                Treasurer’s Report: Insurance checks have been deposited.  Finances are stable. Motion made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Chris Slinden to approve treasurer’s report.  Motion carried.
                Pastor’s Report: $500 donation allocated to piano repairs/needs. Becky Vann will update cemetery computer. New bulletins will be used starting in November.  Pastor will be away Oct 5th-7th for theological conference.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
                Christian Education and Youth: Sunday School will begin Oct 5th. Confirmation will begin on October 11th.
                Organizations & Activities: Discussions on signing up for Coffee & Fellowship.
                Finance & Stewardship: N/A
                Mission & Outreach: Mission BBQ served approximately 225 people and raised over $4000 to donate to ACGC Boosters for Sports & Fine Arts.
                Personnel: Motion made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Sonia Liedman to restructure working hours for church secretary.  Motion carried.
                Sunday Morning Accompanist Worship, Music, & Arts: See Worship Committee Minutes!
                Properties: Materials have been ordered for parsonage repairs.  Labor on the parsonage project is expected to start November 1st.  Talks will begin on pest control.
                Endowment: N/A
 
OLD BUSINESS:
                Picture Directory: Presentation was held in the beginning of the council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
                Swing set Project: Discussions on removing old swing set, and ideas on replacing it with newer modern swing set.
                Secretary’s Computer: Motion made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Chris Slinden to purchase a new computer for Church Secretary.  Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT & LORD’S PRAYER
                Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 14th 2025 @ 6:30
                October Council Assistant: Pam Bagley
Submitted by Chris Slinden
 
           **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – October 21, 2025**
 
rjfl

CALL TO ORDER –Meeting was called order by Melissa Bergstrom.
Present: Kyle Larsen, Willis Chase, Melissa Bergstrom, Joe Jans, Pam Bagley, Pastor Donna Putney, Chris Slinden, Jake Boonstra
Not Present: Sonia Liedman
Faithful Innovations Chris had a great time with the family in North Dakota for a family vacation.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Willis Chase made a motion to approve the agenda, and Kyle Larsen seconded the motion.

1. Reports
   1. Secretary - Joe Jans
      1. Kyle made a motion to pass the secretary’s report and Chris Slinden seconded the motion.
   2. Treasure - Sonia Liedman: N/A
   3. Pastor’s Report:
      1. Fellowship money to LWR wildfires, flooding, etc. August-December
      2. Ask people to be willing to sign up to check on the church monthly if there is an event.  Pastor Donna is looking for 12 volunteers.
      3. God’s Work Our Hands:  Sept. 7th meal after worship. Virginia has been informed.  In the process of planning activities for that day.
      4. Communion Cards:  We will be using communion cards sporadically throughout the year (3rd Sunday in November through December and March through the 2nd Sunday in April) this may change at the pastor’s discretion.
      5. Children’s Bibles for the pews, Spark Story Bibles will be ordered for the pews
      6. $685 was received at the August 3rd Coop service for WELCA to purchase school supplies for local communities and Lutheran World Relief

 

1. Committee Reports
   1. Christian Education and Youth – Willis:  
      1. good mission trip,
      2. VBS Bible school is going well.  There were about 15 to 17 kids.  
      3. Willis is going to look into buying children’s Bibles for the pews.
   2. Organizations & Activities (Fellowship – Jake)
      1. Jake said there were about 40 cars for the antique car run.  Trinity served donuts and juice.  They collected about $200 worth of donations.  These donations will go towards Evan’s International 2026 trip.
   3. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia - No report
   4. Missions & Outreach Ministry – Chris
      1. Mission BBQ will be on August 19th.  There will be signup sheets in the front for people to sign up.
      2. Chris made a motion to get $600 for seed money from Thrivent Choice dollars Willis seconded it.
   5. Personnel – Joe   
      1. Annual Review had a review with Becky going to follow up with her in 4 to 5 months and still working on small details.
   6. Worship, Music & Arts - Pam
      1. Sunday morning Accompanist,
      2. Worship Notes for Council Minutes:
      3. God's Work, Our Hands, Sept 7th:
         1. Possible Service in the fellowship hall, with light meal.
         2. Maybe package school supply bags for fall gathering. (To be determined).
      4. Upcoming Events:  
         1. Confirmation may be changed to Oct 12th. To be decided. Three youth will be confirmed: Isabelle, Nadia and Evan.
         2. All Saints Sunday - Nov 2nd.
      5. Altar Guild:  August- Sue Laabs/Gloria Palmer, Communion - Aug 3rd and 17th; September - Janelle Johnson/Pam Bagley, Communion Sept. 7th and 21st.
      6. Upcoming Coop Services:  Aug. 31st: Cosmos City Park at 10:45 am. With a 9:00 am service at Trinity, followed by fellowship.
   7. Properties Report - Kyle
      1. Started ordering material for the parsonage work will start soon.
      2. Looking into the swing set what to do with it repair or replace.

 

1. Old Business: 
   1. Windmill Days, Kyle’s going to take care of the bouncy house.
   2. Looking at putting a TV in the fellowship hall on the wall.
   3. Cleaning sticks, grass, etc. outside of the front of the building; looking into buying a leaf blower and other equipment.

 

1. New Business

September at the next council meeting there will be a gentleman coming in talking about the directory.
 

1. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer: Motion to adjourn at 8:42 pm was made by Chris Slinden and seconded by Pam Bagley. 
   1. Next Meeting:  Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
   2. September Council Assistant – Melissa Bergstrom

 
Submitted by Joe Jans
 
             **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – September 9, 2025**
 
prdp;rjfl 

CALL TO ORDER – Meeting was called order by Melissa Bergstrom.
Present: Kyle Larsen, Willis Chase, Melissa Bergstrom, Joe Jans, Pam Bagley, Sonia Liedman
Not Present:  Jake Boonstra, Chris Slinden, Pastor Donna Putney
Faithful Innovations Wills both had a good day on the lake with friends and family for the 4th.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Willis made motion Sonia seconded.
 

1. Reports
   1. Secretary - Joe Jans
      1. Minutes from June 10th, 2025. Willis made a motion to pass the minutes Sonia second.
   2. Treasure - Sonia Liedman:
      1. Talk to Chris and we agreed to request $600 seed money from Thrivent funds for the mission BBQ.
      2. Thanks to this success of the Sip and Sing event we added $1,953 towards the parsonage renovation.
      3. Got a letter from NorthStar Insurance about uncashed checks from June 2024. One check was for $2,884.75, the second check was for $14,986.81. I requested that they resend the checks since the bank would not cash the checks.
      4. Coffee money donations were 233, which is earmarked for parking lot garden.
      5. Did increase the limit on pastor Donna’s credit card to 1500 for the youth trip.
      6. The backpack program money has been sent to pastor Mindy.
   3. Pastor’s Report:
      1. Reminder for the communion assistants please make sure that there’s both wine and juice on the tray when we take communion to those who don’t come forward.
      2. I obtained a copy of the building usage document from Becky and it states that alcohol beverages can be served inside and outside by a licensed distributor.
      3. Change in the co-op services, the August 31st service will not be at the Optimist  Park but will be at the ball field in Cosmos. There has also been some discussion about discontinuing Co-op services for the next summer. The pastors will continue with this discussion this fall. Right now there are mixed feelings about what should happen.
      4. I will be gone on Sunday August 10th there’s no communion, so I am planning to have a lay leader for that Sunday. The SWMN Senate has typed four sermons that can be used when the pastor is gone, so this will take care of sermon. I will find the lay leader for that Sunday.
      5. Update on cemetery information: Chairpersons from each of the three cemeteries have been given a list of questions to answer and return to me. There has been a request to have all three meet with myself and Dave Walker (grave digger) when I have received the information back from them.
      6. I am planning a vacation sometime between August 5th - 12th. I’ll be back to lead in joint Bible study and meal with Nordland Church on August 13th. Becky and I will also be serving desserts at South Grove Friendship Club on August 14th.  We will be representing Trinity Lutheran Church.

 

1. Committee Reports
   1. Christian Education and Youth – Willis:  Mission trip getting closer July 13 leaving.
      1. Kids are all ready to go to Nebraska for the mission trip.
      2. Bible school week before Windmill Days.
   2. Organizations & Activities (Fellowship – Jake) No report
   3. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia No report
   4. Missions & Outreach Ministry – Chris  
      1. Mission BBQ will be August 19th there will be sign-up sheets in the narthex for people to sign up.
   5. Personnel – Joe   
      1. Annual Review meetings have been set up with Becky for her.
   6. Sunday morning Accompanist, Worship, Music & Arts, Pam no meeting this month.
   7. Properties - Kyle
      1. Finishing getting bid on the parsonage. We will be starting this fall on the reconstruction of the parsonage.

 

1. Old Business
   1. Sip and Sing on June 26th, went good raised $1,953.
   2. Windmill Days, Chris is taking care of it.
   3. Church Use Form for that Becky created still working on it.
   4. Communion cards Missy will talk to Becky.

 

1. New Business
   1. God’s Work Our Hands (per Pastor Donna, all should have received full email/ see reverse for a brief).  Jake is going to look into redoing the playground.

    
 

1. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer: Motion to adjourn at 9:10 pm was made by Willis and seconded by Kyle. 
   1. Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 12th, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
   2. August Council Assistant – Jake Boonstra

 
Submitted by Joe Jans
 
                 **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – August 12, 2025**
 rjfl

CALL TO ORDER – Meeting was called order by Melissa Bergstrom.
Present Kyle Larsen, Willis, Melissa, Joe, Chris, Richard Larson, Pam, Pastor Donna
Not Present Jake & Sonia
Faithful Innovations Willis talked about the upcoming mission trip to Omaha.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA Joe made motion Pam seconded. Approved
Richard Larson talked about the Endowment/Memorial Funds and how it can be spent with approval from the Council. He also shared information about the balances and investments. 

1. Reports
   1. Secretary - Joe Jans

                      Chris made a motion to pass the May secretary’s report.  Joe second.  Approved  

1. Treasurer - Sonia Liedman: N/A - There was no report to review.  It will be approved at the July meeting.
2. Pastor’s Report: 

Flower Bed ready for flowers.
Aluminum can sign can’t read it. Willis will fix it by Sept 1
Livestream Craig can’t hear the people singing, don’t see people on the livestream.  What can we do to make the livestream better?
Pastor Donna will be on vacation June 15-20.
We will have a new church-wide bishop in July. Bishop Eaton will be retiring.
 

1. Committee Reports
   1. Christian Education and Youth – Willis:  Mission trip getting closer July 13 leaving.
   2. Bible school during the week prior to Windmill Days.
   3. Organizations & Activities (Fellowship – Jake) No report
   4. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia No report
   5. Missions & Outreach Ministry – Chris   Upcoming meeting to plan the Mission BBQ to be sometime in August on a Tuesday evening. Aug 19 is the proposed date from 5:30 to 7:30.  Chris has been communicating with the ACGC booster for youth activities
   6. Annual Reviews – Janitors; Becky, church secretary, has requested a meeting with the Personnel Committee
   7. Sunday morning Accompanist, Worship, Music & Arts - Pam 

Pentecost June 8, Java with Jesus special Music Terry Shaw and daughter, Worship at 9:00 am on July 13 with a litany commissioning the youth for the mission trip.  Fellowship will be at 10:00am.

1. Properties - Kyle
   1. Church Roof in progress
   2. Finishing getting bid on the Parsonage
   3. Need to work on the flower area by the light pole…what should go in that space?  Thinking of planting perennials and other mostly carefree plants; thinking of placing a metal cross in this garden
2. COOP News - Summer Services on track

 

1. Old Business
   1. Council Member Retreat – Date, Location, Agenda:  Put on hold until 2026…Pastor Donna will plan a retreat for February 2026

 

1. New Business

Pastor Donna hopes to meet with Gordon, Dennis, and Dave to get some questions answered about the policies in place for each of the three cemeteries.
 

1. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer:  Motion to adjourn at 9:10 pm was made by Kyle and seconded by Pam Bagley.  Pastor Donna ended the evening with a prayer. 
   1. Next Meeting: Tuesday, July 8th, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
   2. July Council Assistant – Melissa Bergstrom

 
Minutes Submitted by Joe Jans
 
                     **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – July 8, 2025**
 
prdp.rjfl

CALL TO ORDER – Meeting was called to order at 6:35 by Willis Chase, Vice-President
Members present:  Sonia Liedman, Pastor Donna Putney, Kyle Larsen, Pam Bagley, Chris Slinden
Not present:  Jake Boonstra, Joe Jans, Missy Bergstrom
Faithful Innovations
APPROVAL OF AGENDA

1. Reports
   1. Secretary - Joe Jans
      1. Minutes from April 8th, 2025 (change date for May council meeting) motion made by Kyle Larsen to approve the minutes and was seconded by Chris Slinden. Motion carried with the date change from May 12 to May13.
   2. Treasure - Sonia Liedman:  We have spent $200 less than our giving as of the end of April.  We took in $1200 for the Backpack Blessing program.  A motion was made by Chris Slinden and seconded by Kyle Larsen to approve the Treasurer’s report. Motion carried.
   3. Pastor’s Report:  Synod Assembly June 6 & 7.  I will be attending in-person with Becky Vann and Jeff Niedenthal.  I am asking the Council to establish a discretionary fund of $200 for people calling the church in a time off need.  There have been two requests in the past six months. Pastor Donna will approach the Endowment Committee for funds.  Pastor Donna would like to meet with each cemetery board or the head of the board to understand requirements and fees for each of the three cemeteries that are part of Trinity.  I want this information so when a funeral home is not involved, I have accurate information to share with the family, including costs.  Bible distribution for the youth and First Communion will be the Sunday after Easter in the future.  After some discussion it was decided the sign on the main door should only have our office hours and church phone number.  

 

1. Committee Reports
   1. Christian Education and Youth – Willis:  Potato Bake…Prep for this on Saturday, May 17th @ 9:00 am Potato Bar will be on Sunday, May 18th after worship…free will offering is going to the Omaha Mission Trip, VBS has not been scheduled, Adult Ed is done for the summer months as well as confirmation and Sunday School.
   2. Organizations & Activities (Fellowship – Jake) No report
      1. Coffee Money – August through December:  need to decide at June meeting
      2. May COOP Service in the Park – Memorial Weekend, sign-up sheet to setup for the service in the park, Kyle will make Jake aware of what needs to be done.
   3. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia No report
   4. Missions & Outreach Ministry – Chris Upcoming meeting to plan the Mission BBQ to be sometime in August on a Tuesday evening.
   5. Personnel – Joe    N/A
      1. Annual Reviews – Janitors; Becky, church secretary, has requested a meeting with the Personnel Committee 
   6. Sunday morning Accompanist, Worship, Music & Arts - Pam The committee reviewed all of the past services in Lent and Easter; wear red for Pentecost on June 8; Java for Jesus June 24; send-off July 13 for Mission Trip…Worship at 9:00 am and Fellowship at 10:00 am; Length of worship was discussed. Minor changes to the worship service are being made to keep the service to one hour (cross your fingers).
   7. Properties - Kyle
      1. Church Roof in progress
      2. Balcony railing for now signs are posted to stop people from leaning on the railing
      3. Pouring concrete for a parking spot by the back kitchen door and the garbage dumpster…Pastor Donna will call Czycalla Concrete for an estimate, Kyle would like to have members do the labor to save on costs
      4. Need to work on the flower area by the light pole…what should go in that space?  Thinking of planting perennials and other mostly carefree plants; thinking of placing a metal cross in this garden
      5. Pastor Donna asked about a three-five year plan on projects that need to be completed so congregation is aware of future financial needs on capital projects
2. Endowment Committee:  Pastor Donna will ask for funds ($200) for a pastor’s discretionary fund; Chris will invite this committee to report to the Council in June…Chris will invite Richard Larson to the June Council meeting
3. COOP News Summer Services on track

 

1. Old Business
   1. Council Member Retreat – Date, Location, Agenda:  Put on hold until 2026…Pastor Donna will plan a retreat for February 2026

 

1. New Business
   1. Worship/Music Committee Fund – Paschal candle, new tables for church services:  Pastor Donna wants checked into pricing and refillable candles cost between $450-$1200.  AS for now, Pastor Donna will have Becky order a wax candle.
   2. Craig requested permission to move piano so he can see people better:  Yes, if the people can walk past during communion. 
   3. Windmill Days:  Chris will call her on May 14 for more details.    
   4. Church Use Form that Becky created:  First Draft Council members will bring ideas in June for possible changes to this document
   5. Offering Amount for Synod Assembly:  Our tithe for the Synod Assembly will be $150.  Motion was made by Kyle Larsen and seconded by Chris Slinden. Motion carried.

 

1. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer:  Motion to adjourn at 9:10 pm was made by Sonia Liedman and seconded by Pam Bagley.  Pastor Donna ended the evening with a prayer. 
   1. Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
   2. June Council Assistant – Joe Jans

 
                 **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – June 10, 2025**
 
prdp.rjfl
 

Members present:  Missy Bergstrom, Sonia Liedman, Willis Chase, Jake Boonstra, Chris Slinden, Joe Jans, Kyle Larsen, Pastor Donna Putney, Pam Bagley
 
Not present: N/A
 
CALL TO ORDER - Melissa Bergstrom, President Meeting was called to order at 6:33 pm by President Missy Bergstrom 
 
Faithful Innovations Willis said bingo at the Muddy Cow was a good time.
 
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion was made by Willis Chase and seconded by Kyle Larsen to accept the agenda.  Motion Carried

1. Reports
   1. Secretary - Joe Jans
      1. Minutes from March 11, 2025, Motion: Kyle Larsen, Second: Pam Bagley   Motion Carried
   2. Treasurer - Sonia Liedman
      1. Motion was made by Willis Chase and seconded by Pam Bagley the Motion carried
   3. Pastor’s Report
      1. Gave report on the Synod.
      2. Co-op is going to have church at Meeker County Fair again.  Congregation members will receive a free card to get in that day
      3. May 18 Potato Bake for the mission trip.
      4. Senior Recognition will be during worship on May 18.  Trinity has seven graduating seniors

 

1. Committee Reports
   1. Christian Education and Youth – Willis
      1. Sunday school is winding down.
      2. 19th preparing for easter breakfast.
   2. Organizations & Activities (Fellowship – Jake) No Report
   3. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia: No report
   4. Missions & Outreach Ministry –
   5. Personnel – Joe
      1. Annual Reviews - Janitors
   6. Sunday morning Accompanist Worship, Music, & Arts - Pam 
      1. Gave some updates on what is going on.
   7. Properties - Kyle
      1. Fundraiser – Parsonage Repairs
      2. Church Roof going to hold off to next year 
      3. Balcony railing: in progress
      4. Parsonage color
      5. Continuing to work on all the projects
   8. Endowment Committee: No report
   9. COOP News:  Summer worship services will be May 25, 2025 in Windmill Park; June 29 @ Beckville Picnic Grounds (Lake Minnebelle); August 3 @ Meeker County Fairgrounds; August 31 Possible location is Optimist Park in Litchfield (more information to come)

 

1. Old Business
   1. Council Member retreat:  Pastor Donna is in communication with Pastor Kia from Calvary Church in Alexandria about a possible training.  Pastor Donna has also spoken to area pastors about how they organize council retreats. 

 

1. New Business
   1. Business Card 
   2. Website

 

1. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer:  
   1. Meeting was adjourned at 9:30. Kyle made the motion and Joe seconded it.  Motion carried
   2. Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
   3. May Council Assistant – Jake Boonstra

 
Submitted by Joe Jans, Secretary
                  **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – May 13, 2025**
prdp:rjfl 

Members present:  Missy Bergstrom, Sonia Liedman, Willis Chase, Jake Boonstra, Chris Slinden, Joe Jans, Kyle Larsen, Pastor Donna Putney, Pam Bagley
Not present:  N/A
CALL TO ORDER - Melissa Bergstrom, President    Meeting was called to order at 6:33 pm by President Missy Bergstrom 
Faithful Innovations N/A
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  Motion was made by Willis Chase and seconded by Kyle Larsen to accept the agenda  Motion Carried

1 Reports
a. Secretary - Joe Jans
i. Minutes from February 11, 2025, Motion: Kyle Larsen, Second: Chris Slinden Motion Carried
b. Treasure - Sonia Liedman
i. Offering revenues were down from January and expenses were about the same.  We do have about $900 from Advent suppers.  Discussion about what to use the money for was discussed. The thought is to make a matching fund for the Serve Boldly 2025 mission trip. Kyle made a motion to accept. Chris Slinden seconded the motion.  Motion carried.
c. Pastor’s Report: 
i. Caysen Slinden will make his First Communion on April 27.
ii. On April 6 there will be a baptism during the worship service.  The family will be using the Fellowship Hall for a family meal after the service.
iii. May 18: Senior Recognition Sunday with a Potato Bake fundraising event for the 2025 Serve Boldly Mission Trip.
iv. Round Robin Midweek Lent services.  There will be visiting Crow River Conference pastors at Trinity as guest pastors, and I will be at their churches.
3/12: Pastor Janine  
3/19: Pastor Mark Little
3/26: Pastor Mindy
4/2: Pastor Sarah
4/9:  Pastor Donna

2 Committee Reports
a. Christian Education and Youth – Willis
i. Palm Sunday, the Sunday school kids will sing.
b. Organizations & Activities (Fellowship – Jake)
i. Coffee Money – May, June, July will go to help with greening up the front of church.
ii. Council will be serving the meal on March 12 before worship
c. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia: No report
d. Missions & Outreach Ministry – Working on the Backpack program for the month of April there are 18 students/families who receive a voucher for food.
e. Personnel – Joe
i. Annual Reviews - Janitors
f. Sunday morning Accompanist Worship, Music, & Arts - Pam 
i. Worship Committee met on March 4, 2025 - doing a good job.
g. Properties - Kyle
i. Fundraiser – Parsonage Repairs
ii. Church Roof think to start in May sometime 
iii. Balcony railing
iv. Parsonage color
1. Continuing to work on all the projects
h. Endowment Committee: No report
i. COOP News: Trinity will host the May 25, 2025 COOP Worship Service 

3 Old Business
a. June 26th 2025, Sip and Sing with the Basics 
b. Constitution-Active Versus Non-Active Members
c. Council Member retreat comeing up with date and place for next month.
d. Watched Increasing membership video.

4 New Business
a. Business Card:  Missy brought up the idea of having business sized cards that have a message about “praying for you” that members could handout to people they meet
b. Website: Discussed possible updates to the website or making changes 

5 Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer: Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm. Willis made the motion and  Joe seconded it.  Motion carried
a. Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 @ 6:30 pm
b. April Council Assistant – Sonia Liedman

                 **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting – April 8, 2025**
rjfl

Members present:  Missy Bergstrom, Sonia Liedman, Willis Chase, Jake Boonstra, Chris Slinden, Joe Jans, Kyle Larsen, Pastor Donna Putney
Not present:  Pam Bagley
CALL TO ORDER - Melissa Bergstrom, President Meeting was called to order at 6:33pm by President Missy Bergstrom
Council jobs were discussed and assigned:
President:  Missy Bergstrom
Vice President:  Willis Chase
Secretary:  Joe Jans
Treasurer:  Sonia Liedman
All of the Council members will be remaining on their current committees.
Faithful Innovations were shared by Joe Jans, Willis Chase, Kyle Larsen, Pastor Donna
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:  Motion was made by Chris Slinden and seconded by Jake Boonstra to accept the agenda with one change (March Council Assistance is Joe Jans, not February) and one addition (parsonage colors).  Motion Carried
Annual Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Chris Slinden and seconded by Jake Boonstra to approve the minutes.  Motion carried

1. Reports
   1. Secretary - Joe Jans
      1. Minutes from January 26th, 2025, Annual Meeting Minutes Approved Motion Sonia Liedman, Second Joe Jans  Motion Carried
      2. Minutes from January 14th, 2025, Motion: Kyle Larsen, Second: Willis Chase Motion Carried
   2. Treasure - Sonia Liedman

When lump sum tithes are given at the beginning of the year, Sonia will divide the amount by the twelve months and report it as monthly giving to reflect monthly income.
Sonia needs to be told if bills are for the parsonage or the church building for tax purposes.  Kyle made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report. Chris Slinden seconded the motion.  Motion carried

1. Pastor’s Report:
   1. First Communion Class is March 15, 2025 at Green Lake Bible Camp.  A class will be offered on March 16 during Sunday School for those who were unable to attend the March 15th event.

ii.

1. Confirmation Mentor/Mentee I will be meeting with the students and mentors after Ash Wednesday service for a 15-20 minute meeting      
2. Round Robin Midweek Lent services…I will be here on Ash Wednesday and April 9.  There will be visit Crow River Conference pastors at Trinity as guest pastors and I will be at their churches.
   3/12: Pastor Janine
   3/19: Pastor Mark Little
   3/26:  Pastor Mindy
   4/2: Pastor Sarah
   4/9:  Pastor Donna
3. I would like to recognize our Trinity Visitors for everything they do to keep our members who have a difficult time getting to the church in touch with what is happening at Trinity.  We will have an official appreciation event in the future.
4. Form A Annual Report has been sent to the ELCA Churchwide in Chicago
5. Synod Assembly registration is open Becky Vann & Jeff Niedenthal will be attending in-person…I have not decided yet if I will be online or in-person
6. The people I have asked like the gluten-free communion bread I have been using.  We will continue using it for now.  
7. There will be five Cooperative worship services this summer.  Are we going to do a service at Trinity as well as the Coop service?
8. Crow River Conference Meeting is February 23 @ Gethsemane in Dassel, 2:00pm  Missy Bergstrom and Greg Jans will be attending
9. SWMN Synod Lutheran Men in Ministry looking for members to re-establish this group

 

1. Committee Reports
   1. Christian Education and Youth – Willis

Sunday School is going well.  Confirmation youth are opening up in class.  Planning events for the youth from all the Coop churches attending the Omaha trip. 

1. Organizations & Activities (Fellowship – Jake)
   1. Coffee Money – May through December: tabled until March meeting

Jake will be talking to Becky about making Midweek Lent sign-up sheets
Jake will be consider organizing a Movie Night
Council will be serving the meal on March 12 before worship

1. Finance & Stewardship – Sonia: No report
2. Missions & Outreach Ministry – No report
3. Personnel – Joe

Met recently (Marcia, Joe, & Jeff).  Will be meeting with the janitors to complete a performance review.

1. Annual Reviews - Janitors
2. Sunday morning Accompanist Worship, Music, & Arts - Pam

May 4 will be First Communion Sunday, Will be using setting 8 Lent through Memorial Day; People will be asked to list their favorite hymns and they will be used throughout the summer; Ash Wednesday is March 5 there will be a service with Holy Communion; worship committee members will be cleaning the sacristy area on February 16, Lent midweek services will be held in the sanctuary; Bibles will be distributed on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday

1. Properties - Kyle
   1. Fundraiser – Parsonage Repairs
   2. Church Roof
   3. Balcony railing
   4. Parsonage colors

Continuing to work on all the projects

1. Endowment Committee: No report
2. COOP News:  There will be five Coop church services during the summer months.

 

1. Old Business
   1. February 16th  Council Members Installation: reminded to be present if possible
   2. February 16th  Declutter/Purge Meeting after church – Create Plan:  A plan was discussed and Council members will direct people to find an area to purge and clean.
   3. June 26th 2025, Sip and Sing with the Basics (meal 5:00, music 6:30), asking the Council to approve $400 for the musicians and $300 for food from the Thrivent Choice Dollars to help cover costs. Motion was made by Kyle Larsen to use the dollars listed above to assist with costs and seconded by Joe Jans.  Motion carried.

 

1. New Business
   1. Offering Envelopes:  Should we be asking people if they want offering envelopes?  Will ask members what they want before these are ordered in 2025.
   2. Constitution – Active versus inactive members: Organize as per the information Missy has collected through her phone calls to those listed in the directory.  Sonia and Pastor Donna will read the Constitution to determine who should be transferred to an inactive list.
   3. Council Organization:  See above
   4. Council Member Retreat: Council would like to have a retreat.  Chris will check when we can reserve a place for a retreat.  More information to come.

 

1. Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer:  Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm. Willis made the motion and  Joe seconded it.  Motion carried
   1. Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 11th, 2025 @ 6:30
   2. March Council Assistant – Joe Jans

 
                **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting - March 11, 2025**
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President Melissa Bergstrom called the meeting to order at 11:02 am

1. Devotion – Pastor Donna Putney lead a devotion, and the hymn Now Thank We All Our God was sung as part of the Opening Liturgy.
2. Declaration of Quorum and Appointment of Election Tellers:  Jim Curry appointed as Election Teller.  Quorum declared by President Melissa Bergstrom
3. Adoption of Agenda:  Motion was made by Dennis Brown and seconded by Greg Jans to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.
4. Elections:

1. Report of the Nominating Committee:  After many years of service, Gordon Czycalla is retiring from this position
2. Nominations from the floor:
   1. Brian Bagley and Kevin Drange were nominated to share the vacant Head Usher position.
   2. Janelle Johnson was nominated to serve as a representative for the Green Lake Bible Camp Annual meeting.
3. Balloting:  Dennis Brown motioned to approve the Ballot and Willis Chase Seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

1. Pastor’s Report:  Pastor’s report was in the Annual Meeting Report booklet
2. Council Reports:

1. President’s Report:  In Report Booklet
2. Treasurer’s Report:  Thanked all who supported Trinity with their time, talents and offerings. Referenced the annual General Fund Offering Revenue History chart in the annual report that showed the upward growth trend that started in 2023 has continued into 2024. General Fund expenses for 2024 exceeded revenue by just under $5000.  Price inflation on consumables such as office supplies was a large contributor to this shortfall.  Parsonage rent is being put into the Building Fund to help make up for the unexpected expenses incurred.  We spent about $18,000 on major repairs to the church building, including 2 new air conditioning units.  This used up most of the non-earmarked funds in the Building Fund.  The remaining earmarked funds include insurance money for the church and parsonage roof repairs, and the Parsonage Repair Fund (which is still about $6000-$7000 short of our goal).
3. Finance and Stewardship Committee:  In Report Booklet
4. Christian Education and Youth Committee:  In Report Booklet
5. Mission and Outreach Committee:  In Report Booklet
6. Worship, Music, and Arts Committee:  In Report Booklet
7. Church Properties Committee:  In Report Booklet
8. Personnel Committee:  In Report Booklet
9. Organizations and Activities:  No Report

1. Reports of Groups and Organizations:

1. Endowment Fund:  Report in Booklet
2. Women of the ELCA:  Report in Booklet…Trinity will host the 2025 Fall Gathering
3. Green Lake Lutheran Ministries:  Report in Booklet
4. Scholarship Committee:  Report in Booklet
5. Library Committee:  Report in Booklet
6. Heritage Committee:  Report in Booklet
7. Knotty Quilters:  Report in Booklet
8. Prayer Shawl:  Report in Booklet

1. Auditors’ Report:  Report in Booklet…Audit was completed on January 14, 2025, no discrepancies found
2. Election Results – No re-balloting
3. Old Business:  No Old Business

1. New Business:

1. Approval of Budget for 2025:  Motion made by Dennis Brown and seconded by Joe Jans.  Motion carried.
2. Other:  Parsonage has been rented as of October 2024
3. Be it resolved that  “We give a special thank-you to our pastor and staff for their faithful ministry among us during the past year.”
4. Be it resolved that  “Permission be given to the Church Council to approve the minutes of the 2024 Annual Meeting at the February Council meeting.”

1. Adjournment and Lord’s Prayer:  Jim Curry made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Greg Jans seconded.  Motion carried.  We closed with the Lords’ Prayer, followed by a Table Prayer.

 
             **Minutes approved at Regular Church Council Meeting - February 11, 2025**
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