Trinity Lutheran Church – Regular Church Council Minutes August 15th, 2023

                                   TO BE APPROVED ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 MEETING

Present: Melissa Bergstrom, Sonia Leidman, Joe Jans, Willis Chase, Jake Boonstra, Kyle Larsen, Chris Slinden, Megan Preston
CALL TO ORDER: President Melissa Bergstrom called meeting to order at 6:40 pm
FAITHFUL INNOVATIONS: Members shared “Where They Have Seen God”
Sunday School Teachers: Gwen and Janelle Joined the council to review the past year of Sunday School and explain curriculum and events for the coming year. Sunday School teachers were recognized by the council for their dedication and hard work.  Both were given a gift of the council’s appreciation.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Added Donation to Forest City Stockade to New Business.   Motion made by Joe Jans, seconded by Chris Slinden to approve the agenda.  Motion carried.
REPORTS
SECRETARY: Motion made by Joe Jans, seconded by Kyle Larsen to approve July 2023 minutes.    Motion carried.
TREASURY: Motion made by Chris Slinden, seconded by Willis Chase to approve Treasury Report.  Motion carried.
PASTOR: Megan was able to visit all but 1 member on the visitor’s list this summer.  Held a communion service for 9 people at South Grove.  She was involved with “Java for Jesus” and church coop services.  Megan has resigned from Meeker Area Ministries due to her new job.  She was able to attend Jerome and Joan Reckdahl’s 65th wedding anniversary.  Lots of coordinating and planning along with preparing documents for her transition.
 
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Christian Education and Youth: Dan Cannon was absent.
            i.    Youth Coordinator: No Report
            ii.   Middle & High School Activities: No Report
            iii.  Mission Trip – Serve Boldly: No Report
            iv.  Policies (Carpooling, volunteer background checks, etc.): No Report
Organizations and Activities:
            i.  Coffee and Fellowship:
                        1. May-Dec Donations: Motion was made by Joe Jans, seconded by Kyle Larsen to donate May-August coffee and fellowship money to Rally Sunday.  Motion Carried
            ii. Antique Car Run: Was a fun and successful event.  Provided juice and donuts.
Finance and Stewardship: Looking into stewardship campaigns.
Mission & Outreach Ministry:
            i.  Mission BBQ: Planning is complete, and arrangements have been made.
            ii. Mission Auction – January 14th: Tabled until next month to decide a date.
            iii. God’s Work Our Hands: Tentatively decided on Oct 15th.  Looking into options.
Personnel:
            i. Annual Reviews: Joe will be meeting with committee members at the end of August. Then will meet with Becky, Mary, and custodians for reviews.
            ii. Office Hours: Office hours will be from 10:30am-12:30pm and 1:30-4:30pm on Monday through Thursday.  After September the hours will be 10:30am-12:30pm and 1:30-4:30pm, Tuesday through Friday.
Worship, Music, and Arts:
Secured (2) pastors, and (1) lay person to cover pastoral duties until the end of the year.  Hoping to have (3) emergency on call pastors available if needed.  Hoping to meet with the Head of the Coop Committee in September.
Properties:
            i.   Parsonage chimney, siding, & soffits: Waiting on bids.
            ii. Fellowship Hall Window: Have received a bid on fixing window.  Waiting for another bid.
Endowment Committee: No Report.
 
OLD BUSINESS
Estate Planning Workshop:  Richard Larson & Jeff Niedenthal working on a workshop.
Constitutional Updates: Advised to have a small group to go over updates.
Streaming Worship: No Report
Mission & Vision Statements: Tabled to next month.
Windmill Days – Craft fair & parade float: Planning is complete and “Good to Go”.
NEW BUSINESS
Home Communion Team: Goal is to train some congregation members to visit and deliver at home communion.  Will continue to talk with congregation members.
MailChimp Subscription – Upgrade ($13/month): A update is needed to provide an easier and more efficient ways of emailing out newsletters.  Motion made by Joe Jans, seconded by Chris Slinden to upgrade MailChimp Subscription for $13/month, for a 6-month period.  Motion carried.
MN Beer Company: MN wants to provide its services at Trinity’s parking lot during Windmill Days.  Motion was made by Kyle Larsen, seconded by Joe Jans to amend the Community Service Events portion of the Building Use Guidelines to allow alcohol to be served/sold by a licensed and insured vender only with council approval.  Motion carried.
Website & Facebook: Discussion was had on who the administrators are, and who has access.
Donation to Forest City Stockade: Motion made by Willis Chase, seconded by Jake Boonstra to donate $200 to Forest City Stockade for facility use during VBS, using VBS funds.  Motion carried.
 
Executive Session:
Adjournment & Lord’s Prayer:
Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 12th, 2023 @ 6:30 p.m.
September Council Assistant: Melissa Bergstrom
Chris Slinden, Secretary
 
          **Minutes TO BE APPROVED on September 12, 2023 - Regular Council Meeting**
rjfl