September 13, 2018 Council Minutes

                                                           TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
                                     REGULAR CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING – Sept. 13, 2018
 
Present:  Pastor Megan Preston, Greg Jans,  Dennis Brown, Mardelle Crist, Richard Larson, Gabby Swisher, Jeff Niedenthal, Randa Larsen, Sonia Liedman,  and Sharon Smith. 
 
Greg called the meeting to order at 7:07. 
 
Devotions:  Randa Larsen shared devotions with us, referring to Mark 4:35-41, the story about Jesus calming the storm when the boat he and the disciples were in was about to swamp.  The devotional reminded us to trust Jesus to calm our storms, too.
 
Approval of Agenda:  Mardelle moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Jeff.  Motion passed.
 

1. Reports:  

1. Secretary’s report:  Minutes of the August 9, 2018 meeting had been emailed to council members.  Jeff moved to approve, seconded by Randa.  Motion passed.
2. Treasurer’s report:  The bottom line is that we are still doing well financially.  Revenue is tracking to expenses.   Automated giving is increasing.  Dennis moved to accept the report, seconded by Richard.  Motion approved.
3. Pastor’s report:  Now that the Houston trip has been successfully completed, Pastor Megan is getting back to fall meetings, and has been out visiting more.  A new book study and Wednesday night worship services are under way.  Pastor has two more continuing education opportunities – 1) attending a seminar in St. Cloud led by a mentor pastor and 2) a personal retreat to Grand Marais Oct. 15 – 22.  That should complete continuing education requirements for the year.

 

1. Committee Reports:

1. Christian Education and Youth – Gabby said that Sunday School started Sept. 9.  A different story will be emphasized each two weeks.  They are working with Cole, our assistant from Green Lake Bible Camp.  She expects a good year.
2. Church Properties  - Brian Weseman was not at the meeting, so no report.
3. Organizations and Activities – Mardelle said that Tables of 8 was nearly done.  Project Hope is ongoing; next month, there will be a warm coat drive.  She requested assistance with the Mission Auction lunch.
4. Finance and Stewardship – Sonia and Pastor Megan will work on stewardship plans for this year.
5. Missions and Outreach – Richard asked about adverting the Mission Auction, scheduled for Sept. 30.  The council requested that he pursue it.  Mardelle said that sandwiches, bars and chips will be served. 
6. Personnel – Jeff will meet with Pastor Megan and Marcia Brown to work on

details of Cole’s responsibilities and employment  .

1. Worship, Music and Arts – Randa reported that Wednesday night services will begin on Sept. 26.  A healing service is scheduled for Oct. 7.  Confirmation will occur on Oct. 28. 

 

1.   Old Business –  

• Frank’s Place is nearly cleaned out.  New furniture - two three-cushion couches,  a couple of easy chairs, and a coffee table are needed.  Jeff will check at the Habitat Restore.   Jenna Tanner has reorganized the storage room.
• Steeple painting is in progress and on time.
• Preparing for an Active Shooting Incident – Gabby informed the council that ACGC is looking for people from the community to attend a workshop.   Jeff and Greg will try to go.  Planning is in the works. 
• God’s Work our Hands – This event was held on Sept. 9, with clean-up around the church and fleece blankets to assemble.  Twenty  blankets were finished. 
• Electronic Monthly Newsletter  - the current month’s newsletter was sent out via Mail Chimp.  Fewer people than expected signed up for the electronic version, but that may adjust in the future. 
• Church Fire Alarm System – this is now a work in progress.
• AED Training – Randa said a Community Education class is available on line or in a classroom.  The classroom course will be at Meeker Memorial Hospital on November 20, 5:30 to 8:30, at a cost of $63 per person.  Pastor Megan would like to attend, as would Becky Lothe, church secretary.  Others may sign up. 

Jeff moved to spend up to $650 for this vital training, seconded by Richard.  Motion carried.

• Wednesday Night Services – Pastor Megan told the council that for these evening services,  pre-recorded music may be unsatisfactory, because the community really likes good music.  Joan Reckdahl  is working on getting musicians to play two songs for each service. 
• Mandy, at Green Lake Bible Camp, is following up on correcting the agreement we have with them concerning a youth director.

 
4.         New Business
            Church Gutters – Richard reported that the gutters along the church addition are full
            of vegetation and muck,  and that the downspouts are plugged.  Greg thought they
            could be cleared with a big air compressor, although it would be extremely dirty
            work.  Gutter guards would be very costly to have done, but maybe we could do it                  ourselves.  Greg said he’d check with 201 Building Supply.
 
Executive Session – no meeting.
 
Adjournment and Lord’s Prayer – Greg adjourned the meeting at 8:12,  and we closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Smith, Secretary
 
Next meeting is October 11, 2018
October Council Assistant:  Richard Larson
 
**Minutes approved at regular council meeting on Thursday, October 11, 2018**