Commission Reports Financial Reports · b) Pastor Dave Onboarding/Support – Pastor Dave complimented staff and Nirmala and how they use their gifts. He is working hard to learn

CONTENTS

2019 Council Covenant

Agenda

Council Minutes

Pastor’s Report

Director’s Report

Commission Reports

Financial Reports

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

KASSON, MN

COUNCIL PACKET

April 9, 2019

2019 Council Covenant

God Open/Committed to Change Open Minded Honest Timely Respect Support Focus on a Common Goal! Cohesiveness Energized when we leave Confidentiality Conscious Seeking Relevant Leaders Love our neighbors Live our Faith so others want what we have. Ask and they will come but thank them.

Council Members Pastor David Efflandt Pastor Nirmala Reinschmidt Jen Smith Marlo Bungum Kim Allen Kelly Utesch Kyle Howell Al Flickinger John Klein Dan Paulsen Ann Trihey Rayelle Haase Lindsay Colwell Amanda Sabelko

Council Meeting Agenda Tuesday, Apr 9, 2019 7:00 p.m. - Conference Room

1. Call to order – Jen (10 minutes)

a. Approval of agenda b. Welcome any guests c. Review any thank you notes or correspondence sent to Council or St. John’s

2. Devotions – Al (5 minutes)

3. Reports – Jen (10 minutes)

a. Discuss/Approve staff and commission reports b. Discuss/Approve previous meeting minutes

4. Financials – (10 min)

a. Summary of the past month’s financials b. Tithe.ly E-giving update c. Foundation loan (Marlo)

5. Old Business – (10 min)

a. Procedural audit b. Parochial report c. CKP update

6. New Business – (40 min)

a. Personnel handbook b. Constitution and Bylaws Review c. Facility Usage d. Member Directory e. Stewardship f. Book Study g. Roundtable discussion h. Closed session – elected council

7. “God Sightings” – All (5 minutes)

8. Motion to Adjourn 9. Lord’s Prayer

10. Upcoming events/ meetings:

a. Next council meeting – Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at 7:00 pm (Conference Room) i. Devotions – Marlo

b. Other important dates: i. Synod Assembly May 31st – June 1st

St John’s Lutheran Church "We are disciples of God, living in his grace as an inclusive community, worshiping together, growing

in faith, serving others, and living as witnesses of Jesus Christ."

March 2019 Council Minutes

St. John’s council met on Monday, March 11th at 7:00 pm in the Conference Room. Present members

included Jen, Marlo, Kim, Kyle, Al, Jon, Dan, Rayelle, Ann, and Kelly. Pastor Dave and Lindsay were also

present. Deacon Amanda was absent. Special guests included Jessica Paulsen and Rachel Linbo from

CKP.

1. Call to Order

Jen called the meeting to order at 7:08.

a) Call to Order – Jon made a motion to approve the agenda. Rayelle seconded. Motion carried.

b) Welcome Special Guests – Jessica Paulsen (CKP President) and Rachel Linbo (CKP Vice President)

were in attendance to review the CKP program, history, and points of differentiation with other

preschool programs, staffing and classes that are offered. They discussed challenges that they

have faced with staffing changes, low enrollment, and transportation. They recently conducted a

survey to current and past enrollees and understand that there is an overwhelming need for

childcare. They also toured other similar programs that offer care before and after the preschool

hours. They believe from the feedback they learned, that CKP would benefit by accommodating

working families better if they offered before and after child care on site, as it would alleviate

transportation issues, and also help with generating revenue for the program, and perhaps

eventually for the church. They shared a proposal that they had drafted for a program and

included some forecasting models, and how staffing hours would be adjusted to accommodate

the program. Jen asked about the next steps and to provide an action plan/timeline, and asked if

Amanda had been involved in any planning since she had been on leave. Kyle asked if CKP plans

to be a self-sustaining entity. Rachel said that they are currently reviewing CKP’s Document of

Understanding. Jessica reviewed tentative financials based on enrollment numbers, and that the

first year would be a trial and that it would be hard to commit to a specific income that could be

shared with the church. Jen suggested a percentage of profits. Kim asked about how commercial

property insurance/liability/workman’s compensation would be affected based on new staff, and

other expenses that could be incurred through more building usage. Jessica and Rachel thanked

the Council for their time and excused themselves.

c) Thank You/Correspondence – Jen plans to send thank you notes to WELCA and those involved in

Pastor Dave’s installation lunch, which was well-attended. Pastor Dave passed out thank you

notes for those involved with accommodating him with meals, lodging, and entertainment during

his first week at St. Johns when the poor weather prohibited much travel.

2. Devotions

Kelly led devotions.

3. Reports

a-b) Discuss Staff and Commission Reports/Approve Previous Meeting Minutes – Pastor Dave had a

change from his submitted report, and updated his vacation to the week after Easter. Al made a

motion to approve the submitted reports and previous meeting minutes. Marlo seconded the

motion. Motion carried.

4. Financials

a) Summary of the past months’ financials – Kim provided financials for January and February and

noted that giving was down, likely due to cancelled services and low attendance related to

inclement weather. To date, St. Johns is roughly $20,000 behind.

b) E-giving – Kim, along with office staff and officers vetted five software applications to evaluate

ease of use, interface, interaction with church management software, cost, and other helpful

features. Council members had received links to evaluate the software applications over the past

month as well. Kim provided an overview to all regarding pros and cons. Kim stated that in her

research as well as feedback offered from staff and officers that Tithe.ly was the best option for

St. John’s, as it is recommended by the ELCA, free, and requires minimal disruption to other

applications. Jon made a motion to implement Tithe.ly as St. John’s e-giving option. Kyle

seconded the motion. Motion carried. Rayelle offered to assist Kim with the member education

and enrollment aspects of the application. Kim will work with Katie to communication to

membership. The plan is to roll out implementation in April.

5. Old Business

a) Congregational Meeting Overview – Sixty-four voting members attended the meeting. Meeting

minutes are posted online and will be reported as unapproved until the Jan 2020 meeting, when

they are approved after acceptance by the congregation. Pastor Dave and Deacon Amanda are

registered as staff representatives for Synod Assembly. Council reviewed the write-ins recorded on

the ballots, and selected Lindsay, Rayelle, Al, and Kyle. Dennis Foster is listed as an alternate.

Maddie Flickinger was selected as a youth representative. Lindsay and Jen will check on availability

for Ashley Johnson, Cate Trihey, Annabel Smith, and Olivia Smith as a second voting youth

representative. Marlo made a motion to approve the selected representatives to vote at the Synod

Assembly. Ann seconded the motion. Motion carried.

b) Pastor Dave Onboarding/Support – Pastor Dave complimented staff and Nirmala and how they

use their gifts. He is working hard to learn the names of everyone, but it’s helpful when people can

wear their nametags. He is currently working about 50 hours plus drive time. He has been arriving

in the morning, unless he has evening meetings scheduled, in which case he comes in at noon.

6. New Business

a) Housing Allowance Election form – Pastor Dave presented his housing allowance election form,

which allows him to allocate a portion of his salary toward housing expenses, allowing him to avoid

double taxation. The allocation does not affect his compensation, but will be noted on his W2 for

tax reporting purposes. Pastor Dave has elected $36,720 for a housing allowance. Kim will adjust

the budget from the previously line for housing allowance which was $15,000. Rayelle made a

motion to move the allocated dollars from salary to housing to be reported as housing income, in

accordance with IRS guidelines. Al seconded the motion. Motion carried. Jen signed the document.

b) Parochial report – Kim is working on the annual parochial report, but has nothing to discuss on it

at this time.

c) Roundtable –

i. Kim noted that the foundation loan is due in June, but there is currently no money available to

pay off the loan. Marlo will follow up with Rene Solberg about how to request a renewal or

extension.

ii. There is a newly formed communications commission who will address updating corporate

identity elements and standards, branding, messaging, and the website.

iii. Council reviewed the proposal submitted and conversation held earlier with CKP. Kim noted

that CKP would be required to submit regular financial reporting since they fall under St. John’s

EIN. The Document of Understanding would need to be reviewed and updated with its updated

mission and purpose. Jen noted that there would be a lot of work to be completed to update

and enroll families for the 2019-2020 school year, as registration opens Sunday, March 17th. She

also emphasized that with council’s approve, council support would be essential to CKP’s

success. Marlo offered to take the role of liaison between Council and CKP and to ensure that

they are reporting monthly and that communication remains open. Al made a motion to allow

council to vote on CKP’s proposal to extend the preschool hours to allow for before- and after-

school care. Jon seconded the motion. Motion carried. Council elected in favor to accept CKP’s

proposal with 8 in favor, 1 opposed, and 1 abstaining from voting. Dan and Marlo offered to

communicate the accepted proposal with CKP. Ann made a motion to move the discussion from

closed session to roundtable discussion. Rayelle seconded the motion. Motion carried.

d) Closed session had been previous moved to Roundtable section iii.

7. “God Sightings”

Council shared recent God Sightings moments.

8. Motion to Adjourn

Jon made a motion to adjourn. Kyle seconded the motion. Motion carried.

9. Lord’s Prayer

Council closed the meeting by reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

10. Upcoming events/meetings

Next council meeting is Tuesday, April 9th, 2018 7:00 pm in the Conference Room. April devotions will be

led by Al. Synod Assembly will be Friday-Saturday, May 31st – June 1st.

Parking Lot: Constitution/Bylaws, Foundation loan

Respectfully Submitted,

Kelly Utesch

Dear [Member], We at St. John's want to express our gratitude for your dedicated electronic giving. Donating electronically mutually benefits our giving families as well as our local and global ministries; it allows for both parties to plan accordingly, prevents disruptions during inclement weather and missed services, enhances opportunities for a variety of ministries through the Church, and aids in responsible budgeting for our needs. While we currently offer a few options for e-giving, there are some inconsistencies with different platforms, associated costs, and integration with our church management software. In 2018, St. John's established a task force of employees and members to evaluate a streamlined and cost-effective service that will integrate e-giving through one application. We wanted a system that would allow giving in a secure manner, cause minimal disruption to users and the staff who utilize the software, and provide accurate and timely reporting for tax purposes. We are happy to announce that the ELCA-supported application tithe.ly was selected as the best service to meet the needs of our online givers as well as the management of the congregation. We found this platform to be very user-friendly with excellent online support, secure to protect the giver and the congregation, as well as being low in cost to utilize. We request that you visit the application which is available at www.stjohnskasson.org/giving or through the ELCA-sponsored Tithe.ly app to set up an account and to establish your new giving amounts. Your current automated giving will end on April 30th, 2019. If you would like to discontinue this prior to that date, you must email Shelly at [email protected] to request this cancellation and state an end date prior to April 30th. Please keep in mind that terminating your existing contribution may have a lag of 2-3 business days. We appreciate your prompt action to this request and your dedication to the ministries of the church. As you transition your accounts over, it is also a good time to reflect on your current giving status, evaluate your current household budget, and if you are able, to enhance your giving. Even a small step up - such as a $5 or $10 periodic increment over time - provides St. John's resources to better serve the ministries we support. Should you have any questions regarding this request, please contact Shelly in the church office at (507) 634-7110 or by emailing [email protected].

Pastor’s Report

Pastor Dave’s Report, February 2019

The first month of ministry has been quite eventful! Here are some of the details of the ways that I

have encountered ministry here at St. John’s in February, 2019.

Commissions and Other Groups

During my first month, I visited in some form or fashion with the following commissions or groups:

Executive Team and Church Council

Finance and Personnel Commissions

Property Commission and Communication Commission

Hospitality and Growth Commission

CKP Board and CKP Chapel and Wednesday after-school groups

Getting to Know Folks

First of all, let me say thank you again to those of you who reached out to extend hospitality to me

during my extended stay thanks to the blizzard! I had a great time at the middle school play on that

Saturday evening. And, I appreciate the many offers of food and a warm place to stay. You made my

first “official” Sunday so much better through your generosity. Our family was also so blessed by your

greeting, both at church and at the fellowship and meal following my installation service on March 3rd.

They are so excited to get to you know you all as well. Thank you as well to all of you who have come in

to say hello during these first few weeks!

Working with Staff

I know that you are aware, but you have an amazing staff here at St. John’s, and I have had a wonderful

time getting to know them, to learn from them, and to look forward to the months ahead, working

alongside them. Our staff meetings have been efficient, yet meaningful. We have also established the

preaching schedule through July, and I am so excited about the chorus of preaching voices that you will

hear from in the months ahead!

Continuing Education

The synod has invited me to be a part of a small group of pastors to partake of leadership training called

SHAPE. I will be attending four retreats in Alexandria, MN on the following dates to complete this

training:

March 31-April 2, 2019; May 5-7, 2019; September 22-24, 2019; October 27-29, 2019

Premarital Counseling: I am providing counseling for one couple at present

Funerals: I had one funeral in February: Mary Xavier, February 2nd, 2019

Pastoral Care Visits: I had four pastoral care visits in February, 2019

Baptisms: We had no baptisms in February, 2019

Days Off / Vacation Information

Number of Days Off Through 2/28/2019:____2____ Days Off that I worked in 2018:___0___

Number of Comp Days Remaining:__0__ Note: Monday is my day off.

Vacation Days Taken in 2018: Zero Vacation Days Remaining 2018: 4 Weeks/4 Sundays

Upcoming Days Off: I will be using my remaining vacation and comp days for the two weeks following

Christmas (one Sunday). This will still leave me with one remaining Sunday, but I don’t see how I can

take another Sunday off at this point.

Pastor Nirmala – April Council Report

Visitation continues to the shut-ins and to those hospitalized.

I presided over monthly worship at both Sun wood and Fairview. Good

attendance at both services.

Visitation team met and planned for Maundy Thursday Lunch.

Prayer team met on Monday mornings throughout March.

I preached once in March and performed two baptisms.

I lead the CKP Chapel time with the children.

I attended March Staff Meetings

Director’s Report

Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Development Director Report to Council - April 2019

January Continuing Education SEMN Synod Faith Formation Retreat, January 10 - 11

First Quarterly Weekend - January 20th Bethel Lutheran Church, Rochester

Ministry Updates First Communion classes are being held on April 6 & 13 with a make=up date for April

17th. I will be teaching these classes along with presence and voice from Pastor Dave and Lindsay.

I was asked by Luther Seminary’s God Pause Devotions writing coordinator to offer devotions for the week preceding May 5th. These daily devotions are written by alumni of Luther Seminary. I will share a link to the devotions when they are available!

Current Synod Involvement SEMN Synod Assembly Implementation Team

As a part of this team, I help with hospitality for guests at Synod Assembly. This year that will include Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, visiting Bishops from other Synods, as well as candidates for SEMN Synod Bishop and their families. I also coordinate the stage schedule to make sure presenters are where they need to be at the right time. This team also helps with the general organization of materials and overall flow of the SEMN Synod Assembly.

Faith Formation Network, presenter - April 25th Curriculum Development, presenting on the Milestone Program that I have developed

over the last two years.

Time Away

Parental Leave - 6 weeks

Returned March 17th Vacation used on March 21, 28, & April 4-5

Vacation April 19 - 22

Continuing Education April 29 - May 1

o Resilient Rostered Minister Retreat

Submitted by Deacon Amanda Sabelko

Youth Ministry Coordinator’s Report to Council

April 2019

High School Ministry

Fundraisers:

We have had a great response from the congregation for all of our fundraisers during this

Lenten season.

Positive feedback on the chili cook-off, specifically the time change to after worship.

Great attendance and financial support from Lenten soup suppers.

Caramel roll sales have started and are getting a great response. Pick up will be on Palm Sunday.

Envelope wall has had an excellent response as well. Envelopes are being turned in and we still

have a month before they are due.

San Diego update:

We have secured a hotel in San Diego, a brand new Hampton Inn and Suites.

Van rental is being worked on.

Upcoming training with adult leaders will happen in early June.

Seminary Preview, April 30

Two 8th grade students planning to attend

Several high school students interested

Finalizing details

Weekly Youth Troop

Continued good attendance of 10-20 students a week

Beginning to explore the intersection between science and faith with free curriculum that came

out of www.scienceym.org

Really great conversation a few weeks ago that students initiated on consent that came out of a

presentation they attended at the high school.

Middle School Ministry

Confirmation finishing up this year with student led worship on Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30pm

and Sunday, May 5 at 10:15am.

Several make-up sessions have been scheduled for the end of the year.

Registration for 2019-2020 will be available before the end of April.

Action Packed Day Camp is scheduled for June 10-13. Final schedule being worked on.

Registration will be available before the end of April.

Sugar Creek Bible Camp plans being finalized. A total of 19 students attending.

Commission Reports

Creation Kids Preschool 04/2/2019 MEETING MINUTES

CKP SUNDAY

Served donuts and coffee. Total earned: $181

Had CKP Board Members, Club 56, and Confirmations Group helping. We did not ask families to

help again, as we’d rather have them enjoy the time with their children versus working.

The Fellowship Hall was decorated with projects. Registration table was set up by chalkboard.

We did advertising in Snippets, Messenger, and it was sent home with current students

Rachel did Temple Talk at both services on Sunday and Wed night service. She was not

scheduled on Wed evening bulletin, so next year will ensure this is done.

Former CKP graduates did the readings. Next year we’d like to ensure bulletin reflects they are

former CKP graduates so congregation knows this.

Rachel and Jessica were the greeters for both services on Sunday

Children sang songs and did a bible verse, Phyllis played the piano. This was done very nicely by

the teachers!!!!

SOUP SUPPER

Appox. 195 in attendance, earned $856.00

Used Thrivent Grant to buy food (appx $200 spent as we did not have to purchase chicken this

year, used turkeys in freezer).

Had Lindsay’s group help with cleanup, next year will need to delegate duties to them.

Used a new recipe this year, it went over well. Had complains soup was not hot. Next year, we

will need to start soup warmers sooner to ensure soup is hot.

Had a group of 4 people + Justin prep soup day before, and this worked well.

CKP families signed up to bring desserts and desserts were set out in the Fellowship Hall. This

worked out great, and had less left over at the end of the evening.

Fellowship hall was decorated same as Sunday, registration table was set up by chalkboard.

EXPO

Anne made several new posters for the board and we used them on the stand holders. Tessa

and Kresta set up the booth with those and our banners. Anne made a few other signs that were

bright and noticeable. The booth looked fabulous this year!!

Brochures were updated to include Before and After Care and new classes.

We had 3 paper registrations at the Expo. We had a lot of interest. A lot of parents took our

brochure and asked questions to start their child next year (too young this year)

ADMINSTRATOR UPDATES:

Registration totals to-date: 28 kids signed up for all preschools classes and 18 kids for before and

after care. Open house is Thursday so hoping to fill more spots. Bridge class is almost full

already.

Katie is working on updating the Policies and Procedures with Marlo, working on adding Before

and After Care. Several forms that are required by DHS and she is working with a Nurse

Practitioner to create and sign off on (Health Care Consultant Form).

Concern about staff being med certified. This was a question asked by a potential family whose

son has a heart condition. Will look more into this issue

Katie had staff meeting with Kresta and Anne on Monday, April 1 to go over classroom updates

and talk about upcoming events before end of school

OPEN HOUSE:

Scheduled for Thur, April 4th from 5:00-6:30.

Advertised in DCI, Snippets, Facebook and other social media sites, and Expo

All staff asked to try and attend so we can answer as many questions as possible about Before

and After Care

Rachel will get snacks at Costco; will serve Apple Juice in CKP cups

Asked teachers to prep rooms and hallways with student art projects

APRIL ACTION ITEMS:

Easter Party: Kresta said several parents volunteered to help.

Asked for both bulletin boards to be updated for Easter season

Spring Program: April 28 at 3:00pm

Anne will work on slideshow and program with Kresta

Will get 4 sheet cakes this year as we ran out last year with only 3 cakes

Kresta will get invites out to families as soon as possible.

Spring survey and staff reviews will be held soon

Before and After Committee will confirm registrations before May 1

GRADUATION

Will be held last day of school (May 23) at 1:30

2019/2020 CALANDERS

Board went over dates and added a few items to be added. Rachel will get them added and will

be posted soon

MISCELLANOUS:

Would like to have pictures of CKP board members added to website. Great way to advertise we

have parents, who is the board members, and people know who to go to with questions.

Rachel met with Properties and Wayne Henderickson will need to be present when quotes are

done

BEFORE AND AFTER CARE:

Main items are now to create job descriptions, post ads, confirm registrations.

Will remove part of committee so can work on the pay and interviewing part.

Per Council, we will need a Treasurer who can take care of both the CKP and Before and After

Care side. With our current Treasurer, Mark, it is hard to do this as he travels a lot for work.

Justin Haase has agreed to take over as Treasurer after the current CKP School is completed

(June). Jessica and Katie will work with Justin to get him fingerprinted and get him bank access.

Communication Commission Meeting Minutes

March 21, 2019, 7:00 pm Present: Patty Foster, Ariana Wright, Katie Livingood (staff) Absent: Ann Brenke, Michelle Coy

Website o Prior to meeting, watched Websites that Convert (Barbara Carneiro). Discussed

audience (before next meeting, get an overview of new families in past 3 years), what “problem” are we solving for them (connecting/belonging), what they should do on the website (need a great “new here” site flow, see Autumn Ridge’s opportunity finder, Gloria Dei’s highlight of members)

Branding - https://dotmediagroup.net/ asked a few questions. o Discussed wanting to talk further with Pastor Dave before responding. Katie will start

exploring meeting dates. o Meanwhile, we did discuss words/emotions we associate with our “brand” including:

Relational Personal Tradition Free of judgement/persecution Seen and known

o Communicate to designer that we are interested in a “Branded House” – being able to tie in visuals for other ministries with our overall brand (vs. everyone having their own visual identity)

o Ariana will connect with Jen about how we might proceed about a tagline Katie Livingood Communications & Media Specialist St. John's Lutheran Church Kasson, MN stjohnskasson.org

St. John’s Lutheran Education Commission Meeting Minutes

Monday, March 18th, 2019 7:00pm (Library)

Present: Melissa Klein, Carol Cady, Christie Schaefer, Deacon Amanda and Kelly Utesch

1. Amanda called the meeting to order at 7:00.

2. Kelly led devotions.

3. Old Business

a. VBS

i. Evaluate list of needs – Mel started a list on google drive for all to add. Amanda

will follow up with Katie Livingood on a VBS registration form. Christie suggested

quarter sheets over the course of a couple weeks to send home with Sunday

School and OASIS kids.

ii. Volunteers – Angie will assist in training in a replacement. Task force to consist

of Katie Freerkson, Kim Allen, Carol Cady, Heidi Durland and Owen, Sue Utesch,

and Deacon Amanda.

iii. Decorating – Amanda suggested updating the bulletin board and was going to

check with Lindsay on availability.

b. Lenten Study Update – Low interest for Thursday evenings with no one signed up to

lead. One person was willing to come to Saturday morning. Sunday did not meet the

first week due to poor weather cancellation. On week 2, there was no leader, so one

member offered to come to Saturday’s session. Feedback has been positive on the

content and video.

4. New Business

a. Rummage Sale –

i. Date – Scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend (Friday, May 10th and Saturday,

May 11th)

ii. Youth Assistance – Lindsay has youth who will assist, and Kelly said that Kim will

follow up to allow for

iii. Communication – Amanda to follow up with Katie on what’s been done in the

past. DCI, Messenger, Flyers at Erdmans, Facebook, etc.

iv. Proceeds – With enhancements in the budget structure, proceeds will be

directed toward General Funds which will help with the cash flow efficiency of

the church.

b. Sunday School –

i. Milestones – Milestone celebration on Sunday, April 28th/ Wednesday, May 1st.

Amanda will order any stones needed.

ii. Surveys of New Curriculum – The group brainstormed questions to ask to both

Sunday School leaders as well as parents looking for feedback on the new

Sunday School/Oasis lessons.

c. Commission Recruitment – We recently welcomed Heidi to the group, and would like to

add 2-3 additional members.

5. Roundtable Discussion

a. Easter Egg Hunt – We will do a “surprise” Easter Egg hunt on Wednesday, April 10th and

Sunday, April 14th during Oasis and Sunday School. Club 56 students will prepare the

egg. Amanda will email parents looking for non-nut candy donations.

b. Mother’s Day – Since Sunday School will be over, Amanda will purchase chocolate to

hand out at the end of worship.

6. The meeting was adjourned 8:17pm. The next meeting will be tentatively held at Monday, April

15th at 7pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kelly Utesch

Growth & Hospitality Commission Minutes

4/2/19 Members present: Lindsay, Genny, Kathy, Marlene Members absent: Katie F. , Katie P., Betty

We welcomed Marlene Edgar to our commission. We talked about what we do as a commission. Genny put together a list of phone numbers/emails for everyone along with a list of our mission and the current activities for the year.

Old Business:

Welcome packets – hoping to have these completed in time to give out at the May new member welcome. Genny contacted several church members to update sections. Jackie Longendyke updated the Mission & Outreach Commission insert sheets. Lindsay will update the remainder and get them ready to put in the Welcome folders.

Greeters - Growth and Hospitality Commission will only be responsible in getting Greeters. Lindsay has been a big help in getting the youth involved in helping at services. Genny has been asking people at the services to help with greeting and reading.

New Business:

New member class will be on Sunday on May 5th at 11:30am. There are 20 families on the list that may be interested in joining St. John’s. We are not going to have a lunch but rather a coffee, muffins, etc.

St. John’s will receive new members on May 8 and 12.

Kathy will apply for a Thrivent grant to get funds for the new member coffee in May and for Family Fun Night in June (6/29/19).

Amanda & Lindsay updated the Time & Talent sheet as it hasn’t been done in 2 years. We will get it updated and pass out again to the congregation and especially the new members. We will have Pastor announce in church service to encourage people to help in the various areas. Lindsay will also encourage families and students to volunteer.

Next meeting is May 7, 2019 at 7 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Kathy Hamlin

Media Commission Minutes

March 14th, 2019

Present: Samuel Marsland, Katie Livingood, Randy Johnson, and Dennis Foster Absent: Pastor Dave Agenda Items:

1. Financials/Budget a. Have not spent any money from budget this year yet b. We have about $6000 in dedicated

2. Training of new volunteers to staff Soundboard and Plan for future a. Continue to work with Lindsay to keep youth involved

3. Webpage a. Working on redesign b. Looking at options for different emails c. Will research different hosting sites around June

4. TV for Kindergarten room a. Suggestions for stand and TV sent to Amanda and Lindsay

5. Equipment Concerns a. Mic 2 cable is crackling

i. End is good ii. May need to replace cable

b. Meeting room TV Wireless connection i. Let us know if more people are having trouble

6. Cloud based storage vs Remote access to server a. Need to consider what type of information is stored on cloud based b. Need one access or multiple accesses c. Katie will research option

i. How much data we will need ii. What will the cost be

7. Podcasting a. Anchor.fm b. Unlimited free hosting c. Pushes out to all standard Podcasting sites d. Does not require adds or monetization e. There are future podcasting options f. Will consider with the new website

8. Egiving and Membership software a. Council approved Tithe.ly for online giving

i. Hope to have a test page for council by this weekend ii. May have something up and running by Easter

b. No membership software yet 9. Portable Soundboard Set-up

a. Will research 10. Recordings on the website

a. Flyer to be passed out with instructions for how to listen to the sermons(Tabled for now)

11. Computer replacement plan for the church

a. Pastor Dave would like a Laptop i. Will find something that meets his preferences

b. Otherwise wait and see 12. Plan for replacing the Mixing board

a. Behringer X32 ~ $2000 (Digital) b. Add to memorial wish list c. Dedicated funds possibly available

13. Inventoried all the routers for the church a. Developed a plan to update our router and access points

i. ~$1000 b. Should establish a password management strategy for the wireless network

14. Requested to put a TV in the conference room for council meetings a. Will start researching

15. Narthex Speakers a. ~$2000-2500 for new speakers

16. Fellowship Hall Soundboard Improvements a. Poor sound with feedback issues

i. Consider replacing board with digital board to allow adjustments from anywhere in the room

ii. Repositioned speakers

Next Meeting: April 18th, 2018 Submitted By: Samuel Marsland

Worship and Music Present: Pastor Dave, Amy Evans, Linda Wunderlich, Gloria Gilbertson, Jodie Tvedt, Amy Weaver, Ann Brenke, Lindsay Colwell Absent: Clark Johnson, Jason Wright, Kimberly Johnson, Olivia Smith

1. Lent a. Candles on Wednesday nights b. Communion during Lent 1st=kneeling, 3rd=intinction c. Prayer stations

2. Palm Sunday a. Readers theater b. Palm/Passion Sunday c. Amanda ordering palms d. Kids waving palms

3. Maundy Thursday a. First Communion b. Traditional Communion, strip altar

4. Good Friday=Readers theater a. Pastor Nirmala preaching b. Burning at the end of prayers, etc. outside

5. Easter (6:30am, 8am, 10:15am) a. 4 stations in front, 1 upstairs, (2 for 6:30am) b. Decorate Saturday, April 20, put up white/gold strips on tree of life, add lilies and other

spring flowers c. 6:30 am worship service, Easter vigil structure for this worship

i. Welcoming in the light ii. Open to other ideas

6. Paschal Candle a. Moved to north side of altar, in metal stand, for Easter b. Moved back to the baptismal font, on the main floor, on Ascension Day

7. Baptismal Font a. Water in the font to remember baptism

8. Flowers for Easter a. Decorating on April 20 b. Stay in sanctuary through Wed., May 1

9. Communion a. Preference for grape juice for wine alternative

10. Season after Pentecost 2019 a. In shared drive b. June 9-through All Saints

11. Summer schedule a. 9am worship, starts Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day b. Wednesday night worship at 6:30pm

i. Asking Levi Livingood ii. No worship May 29

iii. Starts June 5, no worship week of 4th of July 12. Special Music

a. How are we going to move forward on this?

Next meeting is Tuesday, April 16, 2019 ● Copyright issues ● Wednesday summer worship

Notes from Worship and Music meeting on Tue, Mar 19, 2019

LENT:

* Candles WILL be used on Wednesday nights.

* We will have pillar candles on the small wooden stands, located on the steps.

* We will also provide votive candles for worshipers to light, similar to past years.

* I believe that a confirmation group will help gather the candles at the end of the service (using cardboard boxes, or “flats”) and place them on the counter of the sacristy, so that they can be prepared for next week (any spent votives removed and new votives inserted.)

* Communion during Lent is back to our typical schedule, which is traditional / kneeling communion on the first Sunday and Wednesday. And intinction / drive-by communion on the third Sunday and Wednesday.

* The small simple crosses will be used, for “sins” to be “nailed” onto.

PALM SUNDAY (Sun, Apr 14): Other than red paraments, nothing special is needed. If requested, Altar Guild will assist Amanda with ordering the palms.

MAUNDY THURSDAY (Thu, Apr 18): First Communion at evening service. Traditional communion and altar stripped at both services.

GOOD FRIDAY (Fri, Apr 19): NO Tenebrae service. Instead the service will be the one found in the hymnal.

Sat, Apr 20 @ 9am: Decorate for Easter. Put up white / gold. Add lilies and other spring flowers.

EASTER (Sun, Apr 21): * 6:30am: 2 intinction stations * 8am: 4 intinction stations at front of sanctuary * 10:15am: 4 intinction stations at front of sanctuary At this time, NO stations in balcony or narthex. That might change if the choir requests a communion station.

CRUCIFIX: In 2019, we will NOT “adorn” the crucifix at all. No black cloth. No white cloth.

PASCHAL CANDLE: * moved to north side of altar, in metal stand, for Easter. * moved back to the baptismal font, on the main floor, on Ascension Day, which is _____May 30_____ in 2019.

FLOWERS: * will remain in sanctuary through Wed, May 1 (for 2 Sun and 2 Wed). Pastor Dave would like water in the baptismal font on the Sundays and Wednesdays that there is communion. Pastor Dave would prefer that we use white grape juice as the non-alcoholic wine option. If there is no other option, apple juice would be better than having no non-alcoholic option.

ALTAR GUILD MEETING MINUTES Sunday, February 10, 2019

Members in attendance: Carol Cady, Julie Edgar, Mona Finley, Shelley Gustafson, Barb Nuehring, Jane Struthers, Jodie Tvedt Thank you to Carol, Jodie and Shelley for serving during the month of February. Serving the following months: March: Barb, Carol, Julie and Tanya

April: Jodie, Mona, All of us for Palm Sunday/Holy Week/Easter Sunday😊 May: Barb, Jane, Julie and Mona Items discussed:

Dates to remember:

o Pastor Dave installed Sunday, March 3

o Ash Wednesday, March 6 (services at 5:20 pm ad 6:30 pm)

o Lenten Services March 13 thru April 10 (service at 6:30 pm / suppers at 5:15 pm)

o Maundy Thursday, April 18 (services at 11 am and 6:30 pm) First communion to be held

at the 6:30 pm service.

o Good Friday, April 19 at 6:30 pm

o Easter Sunday, April 21 (services at 6:30 am, 8 am and 10:15 am)

The attached page that Jodie sent earlier to us reflects the wording placed in the

announcements regarding Easter Lily sales. Thank you for completing that task Jodie!! Please

look carefully at the dates to see where you might help.

Thank you Carol and company for getting the decorations up for Ash Wednesday!! Looks nice!

In our discussion regarding the Easter garden it was decided to again sell Easter lilies as well as a

selection of colored plants. The plants obtained from Houston’s last year were outstanding!

They lasted well and looked awesome! It was decided that Shelley would visit with Houston’s

regarding availability and price for this year’s sale. We will begin sales with March 13 and

conclude April 7. Our order will be placed with Houston’s on April 8 with expected delivery on

April 19 or 20. We will have tables set-up in the hallway on the day of delivery for easy access.

Plans to set-up all Easter decorations (gold/white streamers, cross draped in white, flower

garden, etc.) on Saturday, April 20 beginning at 9 am.

We will check with the office on upcoming baptisms as well as whether a prayer station is to be

set-up for Lenten services.

We will start back to our routine communion schedule of traditional the first Sunday of the

month and intinction the third Sunday of the month.

In an attempt to ‘advertise’ who we are it was thought perhaps to develop tents to be placed on

the tables in the Fellowship Hall to communicate what the purpose of Altar Guild is and to

encourage individuals to check us out! These tents could be placed out at breakfast events,

perhaps the Lenten suppers etc.

Jodie shared with us some thoughts/ideas from Growth and Hospitality Committee on how to

encourage new members to connect to formulated groups. We need to express a welcoming

and sharing atmosphere. More will be shared as time moves forward.

Concern by our members was again expressed for the fact that new cabinets and counter top

are needed. This concern will be sent to Properties. It is the hope of the group that this need

will be addressed in the near future.

We will ask that updates for the Sacristy be considered for placement on the list of memorials

families can chose from.

REMEMBER! We will meet Sunday, March 17 at 9:15 am in the Meeting Room.

Easter lilies for sale The Altar Guild will be selling Easter lilies to decorate the building for Easter Sunday. You may purchase flowers—one for $15 or two for $25—in the narthex beginning Wednesday, March 13 at 5:15pm. Flowers will also be sold on Sunday mornings, between the services. The last day to purchase flowers will be Sunday, April 7th. ***** DETAILS: Based on what we talked about yesterday, here are a few more details to add, that likely will NOT make the newsletter, but are good for our group to know. Time slots Wed, Mar 13 - 5:15pm to 6:30pm (after the meal and before worship) 1) Jodie 2) __________ 3) __________ Sun, Mar 17 - 9am to 10:15am (between services) 1) Sharyn 2) __________ 3) __________ Wed, Mar 20 - 5:15pm to 6:30pm (after the meal and before worship) 1) __________ 2) __________ 3) __________ Sun, Mar 24 - 9am to 10:15am (between services) 1) Tanya 2) __________ 3) __________ Wed, Mar 27 - 5:15pm to 6:30pm (after the meal and before worship) 1) __________ 2) __________ 3) __________

Sun, Mar 31 - 9am to 10:15am (between services) 1) Tanya 2) __________ 3) __________ Wed, Apr 3 - 5:15pm to 6:30pm (after the meal and before worship) 1) __________ 2) __________ 3) __________ Sun, Apr 7 - 9am to 10:15am (between services) 1) __________ 2) __________ 3) __________

TRAVELING COMMUNION INSTRUCTIONS

The serving group for any month is asked to prepare the traveling communion basket for visitation to the nursing homes. This is typically needed the third Thursday of the month. The basket is stored on the shelving above the paraments. Items can be left in the basket from month to month. Just make sure everything has been cleaned!

Items to be packed:

Large white plate

Single silver tray and cover filled with communion cups. If for some reason the tray is not in the

basket look for it in the lower right cupboard.

Plastic bottle that is filled with wine (place in a large zip lock bag with the plastic liquid

dispenser.) Helps to avoid spillage in the basket. Remember, to dilute the wine with water.

There are marker lines on a piece of tape on the bottle. Good rule of thumb would be to mix half

wine/half water. The reason this is done is the pastors have found the wine too strong for some

of the residents to swallow, they begin to cough.

Plastic liquid dispenser (place in large plastic zip lock bag with the plastic bottle of wine)

Two small plastic wafer tubes – filled.

2/3 paper towels

Bottle of hand sanitizer

A Bible

ALTAR GUILD MEETING MINUTES Sunday, March 17, 2019

Members in attendance: Carol Cady, Julie Edgar, Mona Finley, Shelley Gustafson, Barb Nuehring, Jane Struthers, Jodie Tvedt Thank you to Barb, Carol, Julie and Tanya for serving during the month of March. Serving the following months: April: Barb, Jane, Jodie, Mona May: Barb, Jane, Julie, Mona Items Discussed:

Pastor Dave spent a few moments with us to share his thoughts and review with us the

processes we have in place.

o We discussed whether our group or the church office should take on the responsibility

of ordering ashes and palm branches for Lent.

o He asked that we set out candles in the sanctuary for parishioners to light during Lenten

services.

o In our discussion regarding the stripping of the altar on Maundy Thursday Pastor Dave

has asked that our group handle removal of all items as he will be involved with the

readings.

o He likes the manner in which communion is set-up and at this time we should continue.

o He has noted that we are following the changing of paraments to coordinate with the

liturgical year.

o We asked if placing flowers on the altar is permitted. Pastor was fine with doing so if

necessary.

o For baptisms Pastor felt we should pour one pitcher of hot water from the faucet into

the bowl before the service and then place a full hot pitcher full on the font for his use

before service begins. Prefers that the water be lukewarm.

o Pastor Dave warmly thanked us for our ‘behind the scenes’ gifts and talents.

A reminder for us that whatever is held on Sunday (example communion) the Wednesday

following will mimic Sunday’s activities. Communion is traditional on the first Sunday of the

month and intinction on the third Sunday.

In the upcoming weeks we have many baptisms to plan for. Two on March 24th and one on the

31st. The quilters have provided an adequate supply of children style quilts for us.

Properties repaired the counter top in the sacristy. Looks great!

Flower sales is just starting. We anticipate the process to be similar to last year. The goal is to

sell 50 plants. A combination of lilies, begonias, mums and azalea’s will be ordered. Price range

of the flowers is $10-$18. Unclaimed flowers will remain in the sanctuary for two weeks

following Easter and then removed. (2 Sundays/2 Wednesdays)

On April 13 at 9 am purple decorations will be removed and red paraments will be put up. Red

will also be placed on the wooden cross.

Saturday, April 20 beginning at 9 am we will decorate for Easter on Sunday, April 21st.

Jodie will attend the Worship & Music meeting on Tuesday, March 19 to obtain final details

regarding Holy Week.

NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 14 AT 9 AM.

Youth and Family Commission Meeting Minutes March 11, 2019 Attended: Marlo Bungum, Lindsay Colwell, Jim Evenson, Al Flickinger Absent: Patty Foster, Luckinger Hilaire, Erin Quam

1. YouthWorks a. Will put up the envelope fundraiser with a variety of amounts for people to take. b. Bio posters of kids c. Jim is going to follow up with van companies d. Lindsay is writing the Thrivent Choice and Foundation grant applications e. Hotel for the weekend following=find a volunteer who could research this (Jodie or

Patty) i. Connect with Angie Richards about a possible discount

f. Chili soup supper, March 13 g. Caramel rolls=coming together and sending out advertising information in the next

couple of weeks h. Palm Sunday brunch and auction

i. Thrivent action grant needed ii. Auction items needed

iii. Have Kwik Trip card for items there i. Raffle

i. Action Grant ii. Cooler

iii. Tumbler and something Komets iv. Gift card (gas and car wash)

j. American Legion Burger Night i. Get Action Grant

2. Sugar Creek Bible Camp 3. Action Packed Day Camp

a. $60 per kid b. Air Insanity c. Quarry HIll d. ValleyFair e. 1 more-ROCA Climbing Wall

4. Milestone a. Driver’s license=key chain

i. Current-12th graders b. Seniors

i. 1 of Sticky Faith 1. A Sunday after worship-Switch to a resource that we can pass out

ii. Possible College Inside Track 5. Family Fun Night-June 26 6. After prom lock-in-possible event for next year

Members IN / OUT

Date Name IN OUT

3/5/2019 Todd & LeeAnn Hoffman Transfer

3/10/2019 Jaelynn Batista Baptism

3/17/2019 Lauren Jean Hanson Baptism

3/17/2019 Leela May Halverson Baptism

3/24/2019 Christian Lee Kurtz Baptism

3/27/2019 Everly Jean Beissell Baptism

3/27/2019 Sara (Gasper) Halverson, Aidan, Amelia & Andrew Transfer

3/31/2019 Mason Karl Lobdell Baptism

Financial Reports