Trinity Lutheran Church-Regular Church Council Meeting – March 11, 2021

Present: Willis Chase, Richard Larson, Jeff Niedenthal, Jake Boonstra, Dan Cannon, Chris Slinden, Dave Martin, Janelle Johnson, Pastor Megan Preston
 
Richard called the meeting to order at 7:02pm
 
Devotions: Chris Slinden read a piece called “Finish the Race” for devotions
 
After adding the topic of future activity to New Business, the agenda was approved as presented by Jeff and seconded by Willis. Motion carried.
 
Reports:
Secretary’s:
Minutes from the February 11th, 2021 meeting were reviewed and a motion to approve was made by Jeff and seconded by Dan. Motion carried.
 
Treasurer’s:
On target with very few expenses in February. Cumulative revenues far exceed cumulative expenses year to date. A motion to approve was made by Dan and seconded by Jake. Motion carried.
 
Pastor’s:
Season of Lent is in full mode. Several visits have been made. Some people have not been seen for a year. Lenten services are on-going. Easter services will be in person as well as digital. Pastor will be on vacation in March and will also have vacation time right after Easter. Much needed time to decompress.
Pulpit supply is low. The Synod sees a shortage of pastor’s as a current and future issue.
 
Committee Reports:
Christian Education and Youth: Planning for Vacation Bible school. Possible day long event.
Organizations and Activities: Talked to Jim Curry about creating a Trinity trap shooting team in Grove City. Will call Greg Jans about setting up Tables of 6 for the summer months.
Finance and Stewardship: N/A
Missions and Outreach: Project Hope - Food shelf month, Explore the idea of building a permanent box for food shelf items with a permanent spot in the church. Address Projects that need to be done in the community for April.
Personnel: N/A
Worship, Music, & Arts: March communion dates 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, April dates are 4/1 Maundy Thursday, 4/4 Easter, and 4/18. Bibles handed out to 3 year olds and 3rd graders on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. First communion on Maundy Thursday. Discussion on summer time change for Worship. May leave at 10:00am to remain consistent. Paraments nearing completion.
Properties: Painting the altar- hire someone since we had no volunteers.
Piano man came to tune piano and suggested we get quotes for a humidifier.
Fire alarm checked- we need to look at a new electrical contractor
Other Committees: N/A
 
Old Business:
Membership Records- on-going with Sonia
Outdoor sign- DOT approval will be needed for distance and height requirements. Dave Martin to get quotes from Darwin Monument and Richmond Concrete on proposed designs.
Cemetery Insurance-after discussion on the current status of cemetery insurance and whether the church policy has a clause for cemetery coverage in its main policy, a motion was made by Dan and seconded by Jeff to add cemetery insurance to the main policy and offer each cemetery board the option to be included. Motion carried.
Party to Rival all Parties- Jeff discussed options and ideas were discussed on what the church after COVID celebration would entail and look like. Future discussions and plans to be made.
Office Secretary Computer- A motion was made by Jeff and seconded by Dan to spend between $300.00-$400.00 to rebuild the current computer with Computer Samurai.
 
New Business:
Review COVID-19 Preparedness Plan- updated
Coffee and Fellowship-discussion on having pre-service coffee and fellowship to resume and what would that look like.
Building use-ACGC High School has requested the use of Trinity’s fellowship hall for PSAT testing on April 23rd. Approximately 64 students and teachers would be involved for the day. A motion was made by Jeff and seconded by Chris to approve the use of the building. Motion carried.
Streaming Worship-Dan will talk to Computer Samurai to try and figure out and solve the audio and visual difficulties we have with streaming worship.
 
Executive Session:
 
Richard adjourned the meeting at 9:05pm and we closed the the Lord’s Prayer.
 
Janelle Johnson, Secretary
Next meeting Date: April 8, 2021
April Council Assistant: Dan Cannon
 
                         **Minutes approved on April 8, 2021 Regular Council Meeting**
 
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