Present: Richard Larson, Kyle Larsen, Joe Jans, Willis Chase, Chris Slinden
Call to Order: Richard Larson call meeting to order at 6:21pm
Devotion: N/A
Approval of Agenda: Motion made by Chris Slinden, seconded by Joe Jans to approve agenda.  Motion carried.
Reports:
Secretary’s:
No report.  Approval of notes will be moved to September due to no notes present.
 
Treasurer’s:
No Report.
 
Pastor’s:
No Report
 
Committee Reports:
Christian Education and Youth:
No Report.   Add Rally Day and Youth Coordinator to next month’s agenda.
 
Organizations and Activities:
No Report.
 
Finance and Stewardship:
SALT project is ready to ship.
Mission and Outreach:
-Mission BBQ – Dewey Zeska is doing pork, Jim Curry handling meat raffle and baked beans, Barb Larson is heading up Basket Raffles.  Richard Larson and Dennis Brown will handle the grocery shopping.  Johnsons will supply sweet corn.  Budget is $850 ($600 from Thrivent Choice, $250 from action card.  Possible 2nd action card).  Many more volunteers helping.
-Gods Work Our Hands – Possible work on playground and church grounds.  Looking into community project also.
 
Personnel:
No Report
  
Worship, Music, and Art’s:
Continuing backyard services.  Postpone Gideon Sunday.  Possible Healing service in mid-October.  Coop Church group will hold meeting with Trinity members for input on coop services.  Church service on September 4th will be held at Windmill Park in Grove City (open to all).  Christmas eve service at 4:00pm, and no service on Christmas Day.  Discussed having favorite Hymn service. Discussed having a pet blessing service.
 
Properties:
-Motion by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Willis Chase to transfer $5,000.00 from Endowment fund checking account to Building fund for LED retrofit lighting.  Motion carried.
-Motion by Chris Slinden, seconded Kyle Larsen to spend up to $10,000.00 for LED retrofit lighting per bid.  Motion carried.
-Still collecting bids on Sanctuary roof.
-Have not received any bids yet on parsonage roof.  Will review next month.
-Bait setters have been installed at the church for pest control.  Will spray property this fall.
 
Old Business:
-Remove Exit plan from old business.
-Move outdoor signage to next month’s Old Business.
 
New Business:
-Collect bids to add shrubs/landscaping around new sign.
-Motion made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Joe Jans to install memorial tree with insurance money received.  Motion carried.
-Motion made by Joe Jans, seconded by Willis Chase to host “Movie Night” at Trinity on Friday November 18th at 6:00pm.  Motion carried.
-Motion made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Willis Chase to host “Santa Day” per discussed.  Motion carried.
-Motion made by Joe Jans, seconded by Kyle Larsen to change Council meeting to 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm.  Motion carried.
 
Richard Larson adjourned meeting at 8:42 p.m.  and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
 
Chris Slinden, Secretary
Next Meeting date Tuesday September 13th, 2022 at 6:00pm
September Council Assistant: Jake Boonstra
 
                    **Minutes approved on September 13, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting**
 rjfl

Present: Richard Larson, Jeff Niedenthal, Kyle Larsen, Jake Boonstra, Chris Slinden, Megan Preston.
Richard Larson called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Devotion: N/A
Approval of Agenda:
-Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal, seconded by Kyle Larsen to approve agenda.  Motion carried.
Reports:
Secretary’s:
-Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal, seconded by Jake Boonstra to approve April 21st, 2022, council minutes.  Motion carried.
-No quorum for May 12th, 2022, meeting.  Informational meeting only, no approval.
 
Treasurer’s:
-No Report due to system errors.  Report will be distributed later.
 
Pastor’s:
-Intern Pastor Sarah Graduated Seminary.
-No Quorum at Synod Assembly.  Synod council will handle voting measures.
-Meeker Area Ministries- Organization had been renting house, owner decided to sell.  Attempt was made to receive a grant to purchase house.  Grant was denied.  Individual donated $210,000 to purchase house and do renovations.
-Pastor will travel to Beckville to meet with coop churches, to discuss past and future plans.
-Pastor Megan’s summer goals are to do in-person visits with people have not seen in a while.
-Pastor will be gone July 5th to 11th for continuing education.
 
Committee Reports:
Christian Education and Youth:
-No Report
 
Organizations and Activities:
-In need of more volunteers for Coffee and Fellowship
-Tables of 6.  Will consult with Greg Jans
 
Finance and Stewardship:
-1st of 5 phases for SALT program will go out end of the week.  They will be distributed both electronically and printed copies.
                                                                                                                                            
Mission and Outreach:
-Will discuss a date for Mission BBQ
 
Personnel:
No Report
 
Worship, Music, and Art’s:
-July 3rd worship service will be held at Beckville picnic grounds.
 
Properties:
-Extermination bid - $65.00/trip.  There will be 4 trips made throughout the spring/summer/fall.
-Motion made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Jeff Niedenthal to accept and move forward     with extermination bid.  Motion carried.
-Kyle will take care of tree trimming.
-Claim has been made on roof due to hail.  Waiting for Assessment, assessors are backlogged.
-Received 2 bids for LED conversion for lights in church.  Move to old business.
 
Old Business:
-Membership Records are still being worked on.
-Emergency Plan is still being attended to by Joe Jans.
-Evangelism Task Force.  Good to see increased attendance to church.
   -  Will follow up after SALT program.
-Outdoor Signage.  Locate wall mounted sign. Move to next month’s old business.
-Committee Members.  Continuing to contact possible future committee members.
-Internet was down for a week last month.  Upgraded wiring and modem.
 
New Business:
-Community Garden Proposal.
            Community Garden made possible by a grant for the synod
            Ask Council to use church fridges for food after harvested, until food can be delivered.
-Motion made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Jeff Niedenthal to advertise Trinity Lutheran on FFA t-shirts for $279.  Motion carried.
 
Executive Session:
 
Richard Larson adjourned meeting at 9:2 p.m.  and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
 
Chris Slinden, Secretary
Next Meeting date July 14th, 2022
May Council Assistant: Jeff Niedenthal
 
                     **Minutes approved on July 15, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting**
 rjfl

(Notes taken by Jeff Niedenthal, informational only - didn’t meet quorum no need for approval)

​PRESENT:  Pastor Megan, Kyle Larsen, Jake Bonstra, Dan Cannon, Jeff Niedenthal
 

1. Pastor Megan mentioned she’d be on vacation in August, pulpit supply would be sought.
2. Committee Reports:
   1. Christion Ed;

i.VBS – no info

1. Orgs & Activities

i.Tables of 6 b- Jake to contact Greg Jans for guidance. Encouraged to schedule to start mid-June through July

1. Finance:

i.SALT; needs to start asap.

1. Missions: no report
2. Personnel:

i.Job descriptions: focus is on custodians and need for follow-up and accountability. Further discussion to be held with Kyle & Jeff.

1. Worship: no report
2. Properties:

i.Emphasized cleanup day May 15th and current plans
ii.Discussed progress on planning for LED retrofit.
iii.Jeff to provide Kyle with POC for insurance company yo look at church and parsonage for damage from recent hail.
iv.Discussed pest control and questioned if contract called for rodent AND insects. Jeff to call Trudy. Questioned if contract covers the shed out back of the building, and if not should be extended to cover it.
v.Becky reported mice in the office. See item iv above.

1. Old Business:
   1. Membership records; no report
   2. Emergency Plan; no report
   3. Evangelism Task Force: no report
   4. Signage: Exec Board needs to clarify difference between new street sign and ‘event signage’. Street sign is complete awaiting installation by Viking Signs. Event signs would be used for events only to create public awareness. 
   5. Follow up on seeking new Committee members; no report
2. New Business:
   1. Internet has been down at church since Saturday. Megan seeking alternatives and quotes. Current provider, Century Link, will be at church Monday. Consensus was to leave Century Link and find new provider for better service at a better cost.
   2. Dan reported on discussion with organ tuner. He mentioned we should have a special rider for the organ based on $250K replacement cost. He also offered a ballpark number to upgrade the keyboard(s).

(Edited by rjfl on 0722.2022)

Present: Richard Larson, Joe Jans, Willis Chase, Jeff Niedenthal, Kyle Larsen, Jake Boonstra, Chris Slinden, Megan Preston.
Richard Larson called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Devotion: Thoughts on Ukraine, and Ukrainian people.  Keeping them in our prayers.
Approval of Agenda:
-Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal, seconded by Joe Jans to approve agenda.  Motion carried.
Reports:
Secretary’s:
-Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal, seconded by Jake Boonstra to approve March 10th, 2022, council minutes.  Motion carried.
 
Treasurer’s:
-Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal, seconded by Chris Slinden to donate May coffee money to Grove City Rescues.  Motion carried.
-Motion made by Jake Boonstra, seconded by Willis Chase to approve Treasure’s Report.  Motion carried.
 
Pastor’s:
-Lent & Easter Services were successful.  Discussions at Lent services were also successful.
-3 students received first communion on Maundy Thursday.
-6 children received their bible’s.
-Information will be sent out to current 9th/10th graders regarding First Lutheran’s MST trip, they participated in every 2 years.
-Pastor will be taking some continuing education time from April 25th to May 2nd.
 
Committee Reports:
Christian Education and Youth:
-Easter Breakfast was attended by approximately 50 people and raised $600.  Proceeds will go to the youth fund.
-Adult Education will continue for 2-3 more weeks, then will take a few months off.
 
Organizations and Activities:
-Continue to have great volunteers for morning coffee and fellowship.
-Lent meals were well staffed and well attended.
 
Finance and Stewardship:
-1st of 5 phases for SALT program will go out first week of May.  They will be distributed both electronically and printed copies.
 
Mission and Outreach:
-Mission BBQ preparations are starting to be made.
 
Personnel:
-Motion was made by Jeff Niedenthal, seconded by Joe Jans to change verbiage to Secretary’s Job Description.  New verbiage will be “44 hours of personal time off per year, remaining hours will not carry over to following year.”  Will also add a line in Secretary’s Job Description for distributing Gas Cards in additional duties.  Motion carried.
-Council was presented an example of a questionnaire to present to the congregation, regarding their thoughts on Trinity Lutheran Church.
 
Worship, Music, and Art’s:
-Continuing to explore ways to improve training and communication for usher duties.
 
Properties:
-Shingles on the sanctuary and steeple will need to be replaced in the next few years.
-Research different options for bat mitigation.
-Organize a cleanup committee, to clean grounds and gutters.  A tentative date of May 15th has been set.
-Sacristy, shingles flew off allowing water damage.  Create a plan to repair.
-Back stairs for the emergency exit door need to be treated/stained.
-Exit Lights need’s batteries.
-Contact electrician for bid to have a LED conversion done in Trinity.  Will follow up next month.
 
Old Business:
Membership Records:
-Revisit Next Month
 
Emergency Plan:
-Joe Jans will investigate next step.
 
Evangelism Task Force:
-Proceed this summer and will build on discussions held at Lent services.
 
New Business:
Outdoor Signage:
-New sign will be installed when weather provides. Discussion also held about obtaining a temporary outdoor sign for informing of certain days and events.
 
30th Anniversary Task Force:
-Move to Old Business.
Committee Members:
- A growing need to reach out and find volunteers for committees.
 
Endowment Committee:
- Guidance from council to disperse funds.
- Motion made by Chris Slinden, seconded by Jeff Niedenthal to reinvest $10,000, and keep $5,000 in account.  Motion carried.
 
Executive Discussion:
 
Richard Larson adjourned meeting at 9:23 p.m.  and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
 
Chris Slinden, Secretary
Next Meeting date May 12th, 2022
May Council Assistant: Willis Chase
 
**Minutes approved on July 15, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting**
 rjfl

Present: Dan Cannon, Willis Chase, Jeff Niedenthal, Kyle Larsen, Chris Slinden, Jake Boonstra, Pastor Megan Preston.
Dan Cannon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Devotion: Dan Cannon read an evening prayer.
Approval of Agenda:
-Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal, seconded by Willis Chase to approve agenda.  Motion carried.
Reports:
Secretary’s:
-Motion made by Willis Chase, seconded by Jake Boonstra to approve February 10th, 2022 council minutes.  Motion carried.
-Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal, seconded by Chris Slinden to approve February 6th, 2022 (Annual Meeting) council minutes.  Motion carried.
Treasurer’s:
-No Report currently due to computer issues.  Will issue financials later.
Pastor’s:
-Pastor Megan shared a spread sheet of stewardship statistics with the council. 
-There will be 1-2 students going to their first communion retreat, paid through camp account.
-Rewrite mask policy signage to making mask wearing optional.
-Pastor Megan is continuing to supervisor Intern Sarah, who is halfway through her internship.
Committee Reports:
Christian Education and Youth:
-Easter Breakfast is being planned and will be served Easter Morning from 8:30am to 9:30am.
-Adult Education will take a week off and resume on Sunday March 20th.
Organizations and Activities:
-Signup sheets for Coffee and Fellowship and Wednesday Lent dinners have been filling up.
Finance and Stewardship:
-1st of 5 phases for SALT program will go out next week.  They will be distributed both electronically and printed copies.
Mission and Outreach:
-Food shelf month is going well.  Dennis has been delivering donated food items to the food shelf every Monday.
Personnel:
-Parish Secretary and Custodial job descriptions are still being reviewed.
Worship, Music, and Art’s:
-Congregation will start to come forward for communion in efforts to get back to pre-covid.
-Will be decorating for Psalm Sunday at 9:30 before service.  Congregation will enter as a group.
-Bibles will be distributed on Psalm and Easter Sunday.
-Maundy Thursday’s communion will be at the rail.
-Setup for Easer Sunday will April 16th at 9:30am.
-Reviewed 1st Wednesday Lent service discussions, consensus was it went well.
-Job Description for Ushers – Was discussed to provide a checklist for ushers, to help guide them through the duties.  Checklist can be emailed out to volunteers prior to their time to usher and have printed copy available up by the sanctuary.
Properties:
-Inspection was made on status of roof and shingles.  Shingles on the sanctuary and steeple will need to be replaced in the next few years.
-Eves on bump outs have holes in them.   Will look at options to fix issue.
-Gutters are plugged and will need to be cleaned out.
-Windows will need to be caulked again.
Old Business:
Membership Records:
-Membership records are about 85% completed, hoping to have them completed by next council meeting.
Emergency Plan:
-Looking to allocate responsibility to a member to help finalize an emergency plan.  Will remain on old business.
Evangelism Task Force:
-No discussion currently.  Will remain on Old Business.
New Business:
Outdoor Signage:
- Put back up temporary sign, until conditions are good to install new sign.
Installation of Council Members at Worship:
-Council will be affirmed during Easter Sunday service.
Executive Discussion:
Motion made by Chris Slinden, seconded by Jake Boonstra to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried.
Dan Cannon adjourned meeting at 8:55 p.m.  and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
 
Chris Slinden, Secretary
Next Meeting date April 21st, 2022
April Council Assistant: Jeff Niedenthal
 
                      **Minutes approved on April 21, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting**
 rjfl

Present: Willis Chase (acting President), Jeff Niedenthal, Kyle Larsen, Chris Slinden, Jake Boonstra (via phone), Pastor Megan Preston.
Willis Chase called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
Devotion: N/A
Approval of Agenda: Update on Wednesday Lent dinner was added to New Business.  A motion to approve Agenda was made by Jeff Niedenthal and seconded by Jake Boonstra.  Motion carried.
Parish Secretary Becky Lothe joined the council to update and review the revised job description for Parish Secretary.  Finalizing job description was tabled until next month’s old business due to wording changes.
Reports:
Secretary’s:
Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal and seconded by Chris Slinden to approve December 6th, 2021, council minutes.  Motion carried.
Motion made by Chris Slinden and seconded by Jeff Niedenthal to approve December 12th, 2021, special council minutes.  Motion carried.
Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal and seconded by Chris Slinden to approve January 13th, 2022, council minutes.  Motion carried.
Treasurer’s:
Motion made by Chris Slinden and seconded by Kyle Larsen to allocate funds from coffee and fellowship for the months of January, February, and April to the (3) cemetery associations.  March’s funds will be allocated to area food shelf.  Motion carried.
Motion made by Jake Boonstra and seconded by Kyle Larsen to have $3,600 of Pastor Megan Preston’s 2022 gross salary go towards housing allowance.  Motion carried.
Motion made by Chris Slinden and seconded by Kyle Larsen to approve Treasurer’s Report.  Motion carried.
Pastor’s:
Pastor Megan enjoyed some much-needed time off at the end of January.  Confirmation class is going well with 10-11 students attending.  Conversations are on-going with area pastors and congregations, regarding co-op ministries.  Pastor Megan has continued touching base with people at home and in nursing homes.
Committee Reports:
Christian Education and Youth:
No report.
Organizations and Activities:
Sign up sheets will be available for soup and sandwich meals on Wednesday services during lent.  Church Council will host first lent service on March 9th, 2022.
Finance and Stewardship:
Materials for SALT program have been reviewed.  Work in progress.
Mission and Outreach:
Food shelf month will be in March.  Dennis Brown will do a temple talk at church on February 20th, 2022, to update congregation on donation items needed.  Trinity has been selected to provide condiments for the food shelf this year.  Post cards have been provided by the food shelf that will be handed out in the bulletins.
Personnel:
Parish Secretary and Custodial job descriptions are still being reviewed.
Worship, Music, and Art’s:
Removed sanctuary greens.  Bibles will be distributed on Psalm or Easter Sunday.  Working on scheduled music.  A dedication for purple paraments will be on February 27th, 2022, after service.  There will be no supper after Ash Wednesday.  Sunday school kids will be singing on Psalm Sunday.  1 service will be held on Easter Sunday at 10:00 a.m. with Easter Sunday will be Held before service.  Missy has been searching for an organ and piano accompanist.
Properties:
Exterior lights on church have been damaged by squirls.  Branch’s need to be trimmed that are hanging over roof.  Pictures will be taken of the shingles that need to be replaced in preparation for reroofing project on old part of the church.
Old Business:
Membership Records:
Will continue to sort through and update membership records.
Coop Ministries:
Trinity can record its previous weeks service to air for the following week on the radio.  This will happen on Trinity’s turn in rotation through the coop ministries.  Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal and seconded by Chris Slinden to continue coop ministries for another 12-month term cost $50.00/ month or a total of $600.00.  Motion carried.
Emergency Plan:
Looking to allocate responsibility to a member to help finalize an emergency plan.
New Business:
Evangelism:
Create a task force to assemble a plan to evangelize to surrounding communities.
Update on Lent Services:
Assembling an action plan for lent services.  Plans for first lent service will include talks about memories of when the 3 churches merged, or when members first joined Trinity.  Each following service members will have deeper discussions on what is Trinity’s identity and purpose moving forward.
Executive Discussion:
Motion made by Jeff Niedenthal and seconded by Chris Slinden to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried.
Willis Chase adjourned meeting at 9:17 p.m.  and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Chris Slinden, Secretary
Next Meeting date March 10th, 2022
March Council Assistant: Dan Cannon
 
                   **Minutes approved on March 10, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting**
 
rjfl

After worship on Sunday, Feb. 6th, 2022, Council Vice President Dan Cannon called our annual meeting to order at 11:01 a.m.
 

1. Pastor Megan Preston led us in devotions.
2. Vice-President Dan Cannon declared a quorum and appointed Jeff Niedenthal and Dennis Brown as election tellers.
3. Allan Knutson moved to adopt the agenda, seconded by Jeff Niedenthal. Motion carried.
4. Elections were opened. Vice-President Dan asked for any other nominations from the floor to be added to the ballot. No other nominations were presented. Jeff moved that the congregation cast a unanimous vote for the ballot as presented, seconded by Greg Jans. Motion carried.

 
          Church Council-Joe Jans and Kyle Larson
          Auditing Committee-Sue Laabs
          Endowment Committee-Greg Jans and Richard Larson
          Female Delegate to Synod Assembly-Nickie Jans
          Male Delegate to Synod Assembly-Greg Jans
   Nominating Committee-Janelle Johnson, Linda Mickelson and Dean Stenberg.
    Head Usher-Jim Curry
    Delegates to Green Lake Annual Meeting-Open
    Female Delegate to Crow River Conference Assembly-Marcia Brown.
    Male Delegate to Crow River Conference Assembly-Dennis Brown.
     5.   Pastor’s Report
     6.  Council Reports-As stated in book
     7.  Reports of Groups and Organizations-As stated in book
     8.  Auditors Report-As presented
     9.  Election Results- as stated earlier
     10. Old Business- None 
     11. New Business
              A.   Approval of Budget for 2022-Greg Jans moved to approve, seconded by Sonia Liedman. Motion passed.
               B.   Other-None
          C.   Be it resolved that “We, Trinity Lutheran Church, thank and recognize the outgoing Church Council members: David Martin and Janelle Johnson.”
             D.  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.”
             E.   Be it resolved that “Permission be given to the Church Council to approve the minutes of the 2021 Annual Meeting at the February Council Meeting."
   12. Adjournment and Lord’s Prayer-a motion to adjourn was made by Jeff Niedenthal and seconded by Willis Chase at 11:28 pm. Motion carried. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer and followed with the Table Prayer. 
 
​   Respectfully submitted,
    Janelle Johnson, acting secretary
 
                      **Minutes approved on March 10, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting**
 rjfl

Present: Pastor Megan Preston, Jeff Niedenthal, Willis Chase, Dan Cannon, Dave Martin, Jake Boonstra, Chris Slinden.
Dan Cannon called meeting to order at 7:10pm
Devotions: Chris Slinden – Read a devotion about transitioning from parenting out of fear to fearless parenting.
Reports
Secretary’s:
- No Report, Janelle was Absent.  No minutes were presented, so no approval on minutes for December.
Treasurer’s:
-  Received a total of $30,800 in prepaid 2022 pledges.  These will show up as January 2022 revenue.
-  Miscellaneous revenue in December
                -  $871.28 reimbursement from First Lutheran Cemetery Association for water used for new trees over the summer
                -  $50.68 from Post Office for unused bulk mail permit
-  Paid $357.02 to Litchfield Builder Center for Parsonage repairs
-  Paid $520 to Jory Behrends for last winter’s snow plowing at Parsonage (late bill submittal)
-  Re-issued a lost (April) paycheck to Pastor Megan
-  Awaiting reimbursement from ACGC Ministries for Project Backpacks costs ($1185).  Congregation monetary donations to the backpack program are sent to ACGC Ministries to support the overall program.  In turn, ACGC Ministries reimburses us fully for the food cost.
-  We had budgeted $16,500 in Synod benevolence contributions.  We sent in $14,358: $1000/month plus proceeds from the Mission Auction ($2,358)
- Motion to approve Treasurer’s Report by Chris Slinden, seconded by Jake Boonstra.  Motion carried!
- Dave Martin motion to submit a onetime payment to Financial Secretary and Choir Director for their annualized 4% raise (VS receiving raise per paycheck basis).  Motion was seconded by Willis Chase, following Discussion motion was carried by 5 yes and 1 no.
Pastor’s Report:
- Pastor Megan enjoyed some much-needed time off.
- Very busy fielding calls dealing with sickness and deaths.
- Pastor Megan will be absent January 25-31st.
Committee Reports
Christian Education and Youth:
- Janelle was absent no report.
- Jeff tells council that Adult Education is going well.
Organizations and Activities:
- Coffee and Fellowship is going well.  Lots of volunteers on the signup sheet.
- Wednesday Lent meals will be discussed in New Business.
Finance and Stewardship:
 - SALT program – discussions on starting date.  Deciding the target goal from where we are to where we want to be.
Mission and Outreach:
- Nothing to report this month.
Personnel:
- Motion by Jeff Niedenthal and second by Dan Cannon to approve Financial Secretary’s Job Description.  Motion was carried.
- Motion by Dave Martin and seconded by Jeff Niedenthal to approve Choir Director’s Job Description.  Motion was carried.
- Custodial Staff and Parish Secretary are being reviewed.
Worship, Music, & Arts:
- Christmas decorations were removed, and building new Christmas tree stands
- Memorial organization interested in old eternal flame or will look to donate it to another church.
- Coop worship services will end on January 31, 2022
- Have received Purple Paraments.
Properties:
- New roof vents are helping the ice dam issues at Parsonage.
- Snow removal.  Received 5 bids, narrowed to 2 bids.  Jory Behrend’s bid was $45/hr and Dan Cannon’s bid was $65 per time (estimated to take 1.5 hours per time).  Motion was made by Dave Martin and seconded by Jeff Niedenthal to accept Dan Cannon’s snow removal bid.  Motion carried.
Other Committee’s: N/A
Old Business
Membership records:
- Will be working on the shortly.
Coop Ministries:
-  Meeting in January to discuss the future.  Last coop worship service will be held January 31st, 2022.
New Business
Evangelism:
 - Form a committee
Annual Meeting:
-  Moved to February 6th.  Will be hosting a potluck lunch in conjunction with annual meeting
- Audit committee will have report on January 15th, 2022.
Emergency Plan:
- Dave Martin provided schematics of the Church.  Schematics supplied with all exits, fire extinguishers, exit signs, defibrillator locations, and fire alarm activators.
Nominating Committee:
- Outgoing council members need to notify Nomination Committee of future plans.
Lenten Services:
- Council will host 1st Wednesday
- Worship Committee discussed ways to add members to congregation.  Worship committee will use Wednesday Lent services to have an open discussion for congregants to offer insight on current and future of Trinity Lutheran Church.
- Easter Breakfast will be at 8:30 a.m. followed by 10:00 a.m. service.
Executive Session
Motion by Jeff Niedenthal and seconded by Jake Boonstra to adjourned meeting at 8:35 p.m.  motion carried.
Closed with Lord’s Prayer.
Chris Slinden, acting Secretary
Next meeting February 10th, 2022.
May Council Assistant: Dan Cannon
 
                  **Minutes approved on February 10, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting**
 
rjfl

 Present: Richard Larson, Willis Chase, David Martin, Jeff Niedenthal, Chris Slinden, Janelle Johnson, Pastor Megan Preston.
 
Richard called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm
 
A motion to approve the agenda was made by Willis and seconded by Jeff. Motion carried
 
Reports:
Secretary’s:
Minutes from the November 11th, 2021 meeting were reviewed and after an amendment to change the language that the parsonage eaves will use spinning vents and not spray foam insulation, a motion to approve was made by Jeff and seconded by Willis. Motion carried.
 
Treasurer’s: Motion to approve by Chris and seconded by Willis. Motion carried.
Budget discussion and approval will be moved to New Business
 
Pastor’s:
Pastor Megan has been busy with several funerals and visiting members with major health issues. Also, a surprise wedding and lots of family situations. Will carry over to 2022 the continuing education day previously scheduled.
The co-op ministry, with the Litchfield and other churches, Trinity will no longer participate after we fulfill our January commitment. The other churches will continue to broadcast.
 
Committee Reports:
Christian Education and Youth:
i. Sunday School-Continuing with 4-12 year olds meeting together as a group. Going well! Janelle and Gwen are leaders.
ii. Christmas Program- Set for Sunday, December 12th during worship service. Theme is Happy Birthday Jesus!
iii. Living Nativity- Trinity Sunday school youth will join with The First Baptist Church youth and Victory Fellowship Youth to form a bell choir to sing on both nights of the Nativity. Other youth will also have parts in the presentation of the Nativity. Very excited to work with the other churches to bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life.
iv. Adult Education-Jeff continues to lead on Sunday mornings at 9:00am
Organizations and Activities (Fellowship):
i. Coffee and Fellowship-Sunday mornings at 9:00am before church. Need volunteers to serve!
ii. Pie on November 21st- served before church, no thanksgiving eve service this year.
iii. Wednesday Advent Meals-scheduled for 3 dates.
iv. Potluck following Annual Meeting-tentatively scheduled
Finance and Stewardship-
i. SALT project- 3 mailings will be sent to members with the first starting in early January.
Missions and Outreach- planning for food shelf month in March
Personnel:
i. Job Descriptions-updated personnel job descriptions to be reviewed and discussed at the January council meeting. A 4% compensation increase for staff recommended by Dave and seconded by Jeff.
 
 
Worship, Music, Arts- December communion dates 12/5, 12/19, 12/24.
January communion dates 1/9 (Epiphany), and 1/16. Christmas Eve worship (12/24 Friday at 4 pm)
Pastor will be gone first Sunday in January 2nd- no communion
Looking ahead, Ash Wednesday is 3/2 and Easter is 4/17.
Properties:
i. Parsonage walk-through- complete
ii. Snow removal-discussion on budget amount.
 
Old Business:
Membership Records- on-going to start in February
Outdoor sign-on-going, electrical done, project done in next 60 days.
True Compass Counseling-contract complete, Kristle has key.
 
New Business:
Co-op Ministry-Trinity will not participate after our commitment is finished the end of January.
Evangelism-discussion on how we welcome people at our church.
Annual Report- reports due from committees
Emergency Plan- storms, fire, active shooting. Discussion on planning and implementation of plan that was put on hold when COVID arrived.
Budget-increase of 4% to compensation of employees, add $1500.00 for snow removal to budget. Special council meeting to be held on Sunday, December 12th, 2021 after church service to approve 2022 budget after changes are made as listed.
 
Executive Session:
 
Richard adjourned the meeting at 8:55pm and we closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
 
Janelle Johnson, Secretary
Next meeting date January 13th, 2022
January Council Assistant: Chris Slinden
 
                                                                 *****************
Special Church Council Meeting, Sunday, December 12th, 2021
 
Present: Richard Larson, Janelle Johnson, Dan Cannon, Chris Slinden, Willis Chase, Jeff Niedenthal, Pastor Megan Preston
 
Richard called the meeting to order at 10:55am
 
Advent soup and sandwich monies to go to the food shelf. Motion by Jeff seconded by Chris. Motion carried.
 
Changes as requested were made to the 2022 budget. After review and discussion, a motion to approve was made by Willis and seconded by Dan. Motion carried.
 
Richard adjourned the meeting at 11:15 am.
 
                       **Minutes approved on February 10, 2022 - Regular Council Meeting**
 
rjfl

Present: Richard Larson, Pastor Megan Preston, Willis Chase, Dan Cannon, Dave Martin, Chris Slinden.

Richard Larson called meeting to order at 7:00pm
Devotions: Willis Chase – Thoughts on being optimistic.
Motion to approve Agenda by Willis Chase, seconded by Dan Cannon, Motion carried!

Reports
Secretary’s:
- No Report, Janelle was Absent.
- Motion by Willis Chase and Seconded by Dan Cannon to amend October Minutes. Amendment changes coffee money donations to go thru December instead of October, motioned carried.
- Motion by Dan Cannon, seconded by Willis Chase to approve Minutes, motion carried.
Treasurer’s:
- No Report at this time, Jeff was absent, but presented financials.
- Motion to approve Treasurer’s Report by Chris Slinden, seconded by Dan Cannon. Motion carried!
Pastor’s Report:
- Pastor Megan updated council on Meeker Area Ministries. Meeker Area Ministries is planning on a free will offering event at the Oprah House in Litchfield on Dec 2nd at 7:00p.m.
- Participated in Internship Supervisor meetings, lots of Phone ministering to the sick.
- Discussion to extend Church Co-op service donation for the months of December and January.
Will be moved to New Business.

Committee Reports
Christian Education and Youth:
- Janelle was absent, no report.
Organizations and Activities:
- Jake was absent, no report. Council members discussed sign up sheets for Sunday morning coffee, and council’s advent dinner on December 1st.
Finance and Stewardship:
- Jeff was absent. Was reported that materials for SALT program were received, next step is to
form a committee.
Mission and Outreach:
- Mission Auction raised $2,847.00 and will be donated to ___________.
Personnel:
- Employees have received a current copy of job description for them to review. Waiting for updated information for approval or changes.
Worship, Music, & Arts:
- Eternal Flame candle insulation is complete and working on decommissioning for the old candle. Poinsettia’s have been ordered, same as last year, red, white, and ice punch – orders due 11/27. A thank you to Barb Larson for decorating planters. Purple paraments should be done by Ash Wend.
Properties:
- Parsonage has ice dam issues, decided best fix would be to remove plywood from eves, and will use spinning vents. After re-shingling of roof, spinning vents were removed and replaced with ridge vent. It has been decided to add in spinning vents to help with venting. Furnace was inspected and was reported good. Need to pickup new kitchen refrigerator for church and remove old one. Currently receiving bids for snow removal. Split rail fence has been fixed by Dave Martin.
Other Committee’s: N/A

Old Business
Membership records:
- Nothing new to report
Outdoor Sign:
- Waiting for sign installation. Will have to disconnect wires and move wire junction box to install sign. When everything is complete will have lighting reconnected.
True Compass Counseling:
- On 11/4/21 at 10:00 a.m. Dave Martin met with insurance agent in relative to True Compass Counseling. Council still needs to provide building key to True Compass Counseling.

New Business
Co-op Ministries:
- Setting up meeting with liaisons with each church to discuss pro’s and con’s.
- In Discussion, it was presented to continue Trinity’s contribution to the co-op service broadcast for December and January. This includes a $50 a month donation. Motion made by Chris Slinden and seconded by Dan Cannon seconded and motion was carried.
- Continued talks on the bad quality of our streaming process. Discussion’s will continue on making streaming better.
Evangelism:
- Discussions on which people to evangelize to and in which way they would best receive the message. Decided to leave on new business to have further in depth talks and communication on this item.
Annual Report:
- Annual meeting on January 23rd. Will need a report from each committee.
Emergency Plan:
- Implement a “Comprehensive Plan” in case of emergency. File plan with fire, police, and sheriff departments.
- Weather related cancellations during the week will follow the school’s decision on closings and late starts. Sunday activities with be decided on the morning of.

Executive Session
President Richard Larson adjourned meeting at 8:38 p.m. Closed with Lord’s Prayer.
Chris Slinden, acting Secretary
Next meeting December 9th, 2021.
December Council Assistant: Jake Boonstra

​                     **Minutes approved on December 9, 2021 - Regular Council Meeting**
 
rjfl