Trinity Lutheran Church Council Minutes
August 8, 2023
6:00 Shalom Room
I. Call to Order/Attendance – Mike, Terri, Laurie, Kendra, Kristy, Janel and Elaine.
Meeting commenced at 6:06pm.
II. Devotion – Mike opened with prayer.
III. Administration
A. Approve Minutes – Approve minutes of last meeting. Laurie motioned, Janel
seconded to approve the July 11, 2023, minutes. Passed unanimously.
B. Treasurer’s Report – Approve the treasurer’s report for July. Laurie
motioned Kendra seconded to approve the report. Passed unanimously.
• Laurie made a motion to donate a non–budgeted $400 to the Tipton
Ministerial fund; Janel seconded the motion. Motion carried.
• Council decided that we needed to close the Capital Investment and
General Savings Account.
C. Pastor’s Report –
Plan God’s Work Our Hands September 10
• Fall cleaning and yard work– who will make list of chores and supplies
to bring – Property committee will do this.
• Letters to Jon: paper, pens, addressed envelopes– Charline.
• Cards for shut–ins, Andrea, Brenda and college students– Laurie can
bring cards that she has.
• Tying quilt set up– Alma
• Lunch– have you had lunch or treats for workers? Fellowship will
provide treats
• Other?
• Bring toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex for food pantry – who can
deliver items?
Education
–Confirmation class– complete 2 years between 5–8 grades; Pastor left
messages with Moes, Stroup and Thomas families; will text and email
–At Home Sunday School to send out monthly with Bible story, lesson leaflet;
begin mid–September
–Sunday School with UMC– meeting with UMC education committee to
discuss further
August 8, 2023
6:00 Shalom Room
I. Call to Order/Attendance – Mike, Terri, Laurie, Kendra, Kristy, Janel and Elaine.
Meeting commenced at 6:06pm.
II. Devotion – Mike opened with prayer.
III. Administration
A. Approve Minutes – Approve minutes of last meeting. Laurie motioned, Janel
seconded to approve the July 11, 2023, minutes. Passed unanimously.
B. Treasurer’s Report – Approve the treasurer’s report for July. Laurie
motioned Kendra seconded to approve the report. Passed unanimously.
• Laurie made a motion to donate a non–budgeted $400 to the Tipton
Ministerial fund; Janel seconded the motion. Motion carried.
• Council decided that we needed to close the Capital Investment and
General Savings Account.
C. Pastor’s Report –
Plan God’s Work Our Hands September 10
• Fall cleaning and yard work– who will make list of chores and supplies
to bring – Property committee will do this.
• Letters to Jon: paper, pens, addressed envelopes– Charline.
• Cards for shut–ins, Andrea, Brenda and college students– Laurie can
bring cards that she has.
• Tying quilt set up– Alma
• Lunch– have you had lunch or treats for workers? Fellowship will
provide treats
• Other?
• Bring toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex for food pantry – who can
deliver items?
Education
–Confirmation class– complete 2 years between 5–8 grades; Pastor left
messages with Moes, Stroup and Thomas families; will text and email
–At Home Sunday School to send out monthly with Bible story, lesson leaflet;
begin mid–September
–Sunday School with UMC– meeting with UMC education committee to
discuss further
–3 baskets of books for Andrea’s benefit
Evangelism
First mailing in September to college students of poster, Starbucks $5 gift
card
Stewardship
Ordered Stewardship in a Box; introduced in webinar Aug 10
Sunday August 27
Meal details and Table set up and tablecloths – Walking Tacos
Bring sides and desserts and table service provided. Wanda is going to
handle it. Janel will take care of BBQ from Family Foods. Getting enough for
50 people.
Taco Toppings Laurie is going to get.
Laurie will check lemonade.
Property Committee will set up tables.
Bubbles–Kendra
Education committee sending out backpack themed invitations to students.
Caitlin sent out evites to everyone.
Sept–Dec Tentative schedule
September
3– Marcia
10– Gods work our Hands
17– Donnita
24– Marcia
October
1–Donnita
8– Marcia
15– Donnita
22– Marcia
29– Donnita Confirmation Sunday
Evangelism
First mailing in September to college students of poster, Starbucks $5 gift
card
Stewardship
Ordered Stewardship in a Box; introduced in webinar Aug 10
Sunday August 27
Meal details and Table set up and tablecloths – Walking Tacos
Bring sides and desserts and table service provided. Wanda is going to
handle it. Janel will take care of BBQ from Family Foods. Getting enough for
50 people.
Taco Toppings Laurie is going to get.
Laurie will check lemonade.
Property Committee will set up tables.
Bubbles–Kendra
Education committee sending out backpack themed invitations to students.
Caitlin sent out evites to everyone.
Sept–Dec Tentative schedule
September
3– Marcia
10– Gods work our Hands
17– Donnita
24– Marcia
October
1–Donnita
8– Marcia
15– Donnita
22– Marcia
29– Donnita Confirmation Sunday
November Stewardship month
5– Marcia All Saints
12– Donnita
19– Marcia
26– Donnita Christ the King Sunday
December
3– Marcia Advent 1
10– Donnita Advent 2
17– Marcia Advent 3
24– Donnita Christmas Eve
31– Lay led Readings and Carols
Extra
Kitchen light – make sure lights are turned off.
Church orders
2 All Creation Sings hymnals ELCA resource
15 copies of The Church and the Justice System @ $2ea
18 copies of Sparkhouse learners leaflets to send home @ $6.75ea
1 digital poster for college students mailings @ $10
My orders
Story for worship Fall–Advent webinar $20
Word $7
Stewardship in a Box $50
Caitlin
On vacation and not in office Friday September 8; God’s Work our Hands
Sunday September 10 so no bulletin needed
I asked her to keep the newspaper information for Trinity updated
5– Marcia All Saints
12– Donnita
19– Marcia
26– Donnita Christ the King Sunday
December
3– Marcia Advent 1
10– Donnita Advent 2
17– Marcia Advent 3
24– Donnita Christmas Eve
31– Lay led Readings and Carols
Extra
Kitchen light – make sure lights are turned off.
Church orders
2 All Creation Sings hymnals ELCA resource
15 copies of The Church and the Justice System @ $2ea
18 copies of Sparkhouse learners leaflets to send home @ $6.75ea
1 digital poster for college students mailings @ $10
My orders
Story for worship Fall–Advent webinar $20
Word $7
Stewardship in a Box $50
Caitlin
On vacation and not in office Friday September 8; God’s Work our Hands
Sunday September 10 so no bulletin needed
I asked her to keep the newspaper information for Trinity updated
Since last Council meeting
Planned Hymn sing worship
Attended UMC joint worship
Education meeting
Researched At Home Sunday School options
Administration details
Study for Back Page articles on parables
Prepared bullet information
Newsletter
1 sermon and worship
D. Council Reports/Committee
1. Worship & Tech
2. Stewardship
3. Education
4. HR
5. Property
6. Hospitality
7. Evangelism
8. Finance
IV. Previous Business (compilation of issues from the past six months):
NOTE: Because of the number of New Business agenda items, I would propose
we proceed directly to New Business and some or all delay Previous.
Business item to a less hectic month!!!
A. Review and ratify officer position descriptions: President, VP, Secretary,
Treasurer, Financial Secretary
B. Still to be developed are Stewardship, Evangelism and HR position
descriptions.
C. Review and ratify Worship and Technology, Education, Property, Hospitality
committee descriptions.
D. TLC asset sign out policy–discussion continuation
E. Chamber membership and at what level–Elaine’s explanation
F. Dave Hein is Coordinator of ride assistance. Caitlyn will be asked to check
the sign–up sheet and send a reminder email the Friday before
G. Other –
Planned Hymn sing worship
Attended UMC joint worship
Education meeting
Researched At Home Sunday School options
Administration details
Study for Back Page articles on parables
Prepared bullet information
Newsletter
1 sermon and worship
D. Council Reports/Committee
1. Worship & Tech
2. Stewardship
3. Education
4. HR
5. Property
6. Hospitality
7. Evangelism
8. Finance
IV. Previous Business (compilation of issues from the past six months):
NOTE: Because of the number of New Business agenda items, I would propose
we proceed directly to New Business and some or all delay Previous.
Business item to a less hectic month!!!
A. Review and ratify officer position descriptions: President, VP, Secretary,
Treasurer, Financial Secretary
B. Still to be developed are Stewardship, Evangelism and HR position
descriptions.
C. Review and ratify Worship and Technology, Education, Property, Hospitality
committee descriptions.
D. TLC asset sign out policy–discussion continuation
E. Chamber membership and at what level–Elaine’s explanation
F. Dave Hein is Coordinator of ride assistance. Caitlyn will be asked to check
the sign–up sheet and send a reminder email the Friday before
G. Other –
V. New Business:
A. Van drivers – trained were Susan Stephens, Ray Brownsworth (Susan’s
fiancé), Kim Chapman, Mike White, Brenda Emick–Herring & Mike Herring
on August 2nd. Shall we donate to Cedar Co Volunteer Services?
Mike made a motion to make a $25 each time we use the van. Kristy
seconded the motion. Motion carried.
B. There will be an August van driver sign up form posted in the hallway
(August is spoken for). Once We know Pastor D’s future service schedule,
those months too will be posted. From that list, someone will need to
contact Jerry O’Rourke the Monday before the Sunday we need the van,
reminding him to pull the van out of storage. A second reminder text should
be sent to Jerry on the Friday before we need the van. We need to have
someone assume ownership of this scheduling responsibility. As we will be
doing for the ride assistants (see IV. Previous Business F.), I’ll have Caitlin
send out a reminder notice the Friday before Pastor D’s Sunday service.
Caitlin, I’ll stop by tomorrow morning, August 4th to discuss further. The
driver will text Jerry, Mike will post the number on the sign–up.
C. Shall we host the Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service at 6 pm (probably on
November 19th) and ask Susan to coordinate an ecumenical choir to sing for
it. Terri made a motion that we host the ecumenical service. Laurie seconded
the motion. Motion carried.
D. Involvement in the 2nd Pumpkin Fest October 25th from 6–7:30 pm – should
we expand our role (Charline would form a committee). We will be
interested in helping.
E. LSI/Kelly Thomas/Boy Scouts/Peace Makers building use agreement. Kristy
will check with Boy Scouts and get back to Mike. Mike will contact Kelly
Thomas asking if she had ever executed a building use agreement with Trinity
and if so, would she give Trinity a copy of the document.
F. Remember to keep Andrea/Brenda Montogomery in your prayers. Andrea’s
fundraiser will be held on September 16th. Sleep in Heavenly Peace will be at
the Fairgrounds on September 16th.
H. Call committee update
1. Pastor Kuckuck’s Synodically Authorized Ministry email
2. Letter I sent to Pastor Dan on August 2, 2023
3. Pastor Dan’s response – Mike had council complete a 20–question
assessment that came from a document, sent by Pastor Kuckuck,
entitled a “Three Pathways Guide.” From the assessment, the council
A. Van drivers – trained were Susan Stephens, Ray Brownsworth (Susan’s
fiancé), Kim Chapman, Mike White, Brenda Emick–Herring & Mike Herring
on August 2nd. Shall we donate to Cedar Co Volunteer Services?
Mike made a motion to make a $25 each time we use the van. Kristy
seconded the motion. Motion carried.
B. There will be an August van driver sign up form posted in the hallway
(August is spoken for). Once We know Pastor D’s future service schedule,
those months too will be posted. From that list, someone will need to
contact Jerry O’Rourke the Monday before the Sunday we need the van,
reminding him to pull the van out of storage. A second reminder text should
be sent to Jerry on the Friday before we need the van. We need to have
someone assume ownership of this scheduling responsibility. As we will be
doing for the ride assistants (see IV. Previous Business F.), I’ll have Caitlin
send out a reminder notice the Friday before Pastor D’s Sunday service.
Caitlin, I’ll stop by tomorrow morning, August 4th to discuss further. The
driver will text Jerry, Mike will post the number on the sign–up.
C. Shall we host the Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service at 6 pm (probably on
November 19th) and ask Susan to coordinate an ecumenical choir to sing for
it. Terri made a motion that we host the ecumenical service. Laurie seconded
the motion. Motion carried.
D. Involvement in the 2nd Pumpkin Fest October 25th from 6–7:30 pm – should
we expand our role (Charline would form a committee). We will be
interested in helping.
E. LSI/Kelly Thomas/Boy Scouts/Peace Makers building use agreement. Kristy
will check with Boy Scouts and get back to Mike. Mike will contact Kelly
Thomas asking if she had ever executed a building use agreement with Trinity
and if so, would she give Trinity a copy of the document.
F. Remember to keep Andrea/Brenda Montogomery in your prayers. Andrea’s
fundraiser will be held on September 16th. Sleep in Heavenly Peace will be at
the Fairgrounds on September 16th.
H. Call committee update
1. Pastor Kuckuck’s Synodically Authorized Ministry email
2. Letter I sent to Pastor Dan on August 2, 2023
3. Pastor Dan’s response – Mike had council complete a 20–question
assessment that came from a document, sent by Pastor Kuckuck,
entitled a “Three Pathways Guide.” From the assessment, the council
identified eight areas considered to be NEGATIVE responses, three
areas that were considered MAYBE responses and nine positive
responses. However, three of the nine POSITIVE responses related to
Trinity’s physical structure, that while important, has no bearing on
the weight of the eight negative responses. Instructions at the
conclusion of the survey state if a church registers eight or more
NEGATIVE responses, the church should reach out to synod, as that
number of negative responses indicates a church with potentially
serious problems. Mike will reach out to Pastor Kuckuck tomorrow to
set up a meeting time.
I. Replacement cost insurance notice = $2,688.00 additional to the budget.
Do we go with replacement cost or actual cash value?
Mike made a motion that we go with replacement cost value to Grinnell
Mutual’s standards. Laurie seconded the motion. Motion carried.
J. Free Indeed Prison Ministry account closure and Iglesia replacement – Terri
will have Caitlin put a notice in the weekly bulletin and in the monthly
newsletter stating because Free Indeed Ministry is no longer an alternative
place to send a donation would be to the Davenport start up church, Iglesia
Camino de Emaus.
K. Jim McCollough fellowship acknowledgement update. Janel will follow up.
G. Other
VI. Closing Prayer – Laurie
VII.Adjournment – Motion by Janel to adjourn the meeting; second made by Terri.
Motion passed. 8:47pm
Next council meeting—September 12, 2023
areas that were considered MAYBE responses and nine positive
responses. However, three of the nine POSITIVE responses related to
Trinity’s physical structure, that while important, has no bearing on
the weight of the eight negative responses. Instructions at the
conclusion of the survey state if a church registers eight or more
NEGATIVE responses, the church should reach out to synod, as that
number of negative responses indicates a church with potentially
serious problems. Mike will reach out to Pastor Kuckuck tomorrow to
set up a meeting time.
I. Replacement cost insurance notice = $2,688.00 additional to the budget.
Do we go with replacement cost or actual cash value?
Mike made a motion that we go with replacement cost value to Grinnell
Mutual’s standards. Laurie seconded the motion. Motion carried.
J. Free Indeed Prison Ministry account closure and Iglesia replacement – Terri
will have Caitlin put a notice in the weekly bulletin and in the monthly
newsletter stating because Free Indeed Ministry is no longer an alternative
place to send a donation would be to the Davenport start up church, Iglesia
Camino de Emaus.
K. Jim McCollough fellowship acknowledgement update. Janel will follow up.
G. Other
VI. Closing Prayer – Laurie
VII.Adjournment – Motion by Janel to adjourn the meeting; second made by Terri.
Motion passed. 8:47pm
Next council meeting—September 12, 2023