Annual Report for 2013

Transcription

1 Moorhead, Minnesota Annual Report for 2013 Printed January th St. S Moorhead, MN Our mission as children of God is to live together in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, acting with compassion in the world as we proclaim the promises of God. page 1

2 Ministry Staff Pastors Simon Fensom Lew Clefisch Matt McWaters Laura Stancher CJ Valenti Program Ministries Sandra Anderson Director of Children s Ministry Kathy Hunstad (kathy@trinitymhd.org) Director of Youth Ministry Ashley Strelau (ashley@trinitymhd.org) Associate Director of Youth Ministry Kay Heidrich (kay@trinitymhd.org) Director of Trinity Preschool Church Council Joel Bakken, President Shellie Simonson Ulven, Vice President Chad Hanson, Treasurer John Lenarz, Secretary Chris Lien, Romina Hillier, Kathy Benson, Craig Wagstrom, Shelly Strand, Craig Hagen, Sandy Bekkerus, Curt Kallander, David Manning, Alison Andreasen, Jenny Stenehjem Support Staff Charlotte Tallakson (char@trinitymhd.org) Receptionist/Secretary Jan McCormick (jan@trinitymhd.org) Business Administrator Lois Wagner (lois@trinitymhd.org) Bookkeeper Kristin Johnson (kristin@trinitymhd.org) Communications Coordinator Sue Ellingson (sue@trinitymhd.org) Office Assistant Trinity Lutheran Church Street South, Moorhead, MN ; Fax: Emergency Number: (after hours) Web site: Radio broadcast: 9 am: KVOX (740 AM) Telecast (Ch 99): Mhd Wed., 7 p.m. (Ch 99): Fgo Sun., 11:30 a.m. custodians Dale Myrum Steve Twito TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS Deb Flaskerud Lyle Nelson Sound Board Assistants, Sanctuary Steve Sebelius Projection Assistant, CLC Mark Wallis Audio Engineer, CLC Music Staff Peggy Johnson Organist Choir directors Mike Weber Cathedral Choir Jessamy Thomas Youth Choirs Rachel Horan Celebration Singers Sue Dale Joyful Noise Sharon Christensen-Clark Joy Ringers (bells) Angie Schulz Minims Nat Dickey Trinity Brass Peggy Johnson Adult Bell Choir MISSION Philip and Lou-Marie Knutson Missionaries in South Africa Lost and Found Ministry Street South, Moorhead, MN ; Fax: Denise Peterson, Executive Director Barbe Isaacson, Bookkeeper Susan Aukes, Manager Kris Webb, Library Aide Beth Brantner, Lead Counselor Jennifer Reid, Lead Counselor Sandy Hanson, Counselor page 2

3 2013 Annual Report for Trinity Lutheran Church Moorhead, Minnesota Annual Meeting Agenda January 26, 2014 Opening Worship inside front cover 1. Call to Order (Joel Bakken, President) 2. Approve Agenda Page 3 3. Approve Minutes Pages Accept Treasurers Report (Chad Hanson, Treasurer) Pages Accept Trinity Foundation Report (Neil Qualey, President) 6. Accept Lost and Found Report (Denise Peterson, Interim Director) Page Presentation of 2014 Mission Plan I. Trinity Church Pages II. Trinity Preschool (Kay Heidrich, Director) Page 31 III. Friends in Faith (Kathy Hunstad, Director) Pages IV. Lost and Found Page Elections Page Pastor s Report - Resolution (Pastor Simon Fensom) Page Approve 2014 Mission Plan Pages Recognition of Leadership 12. Closing Prayer page 3

4 Trinity Lutheran Church 2012 Annual Meeting Minutes January 27, 2013 Minutes The 2012 annual meeting of Trinity Lutheran Church was held in the Christian Life Center on Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 12:45 pm. President Alan Dostert called the meeting to order and a quorum was declared. Pastor Lee Yarger led the opening liturgy. Mark Hintermeyer was appointed as parliamentarian. Curt and Sue Cavalier, and Stewart Herman and Linda Johnson were appointed as tellers. Approval of Agenda Vice-President Susan Carlson presented the agenda, noting the addition of the item Northwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA Bishop Election Information be added to the printed agenda, following the Election agenda item. Motion to approve the agenda as amended and presented was made, seconded and approved. Secretary s Report Susan Carlson presented the secretary s report for the 2011 Annual Meeting, the June 10, 2011 special congregational meeting (letters of call for Transition into Ministry Pastors Matt McWaters, CJ Valenti and Laura Stancher) and the September 16, 2012 special congregational meeting (letter of call to Rev Dr Phil Holtan). Motion to accept the minutes of the 2011 Annual Meeting as printed was made, seconded and approved. Motion to accept the minutes of the June 10, 2012 special congregational meeting as printed was made, seconded and approved. Motion to accept the minutes of the September 16, 2012 special congregational meeting as printed was made, seconded and approved. Treasurer Report Joel Bakken presented the treasurer s report for 2012, giving a summarized overview for the year, noting total assets of $3,765, Income received for 2012 was $1,193, with expenses totaling $1,186, giving a year end balance of $7, Motion Neil Qualey, second Heidi Manning to accept the treasurer s report into the minutes. Motion approved. Senior Pastor Call Committee Call Committee members John Andreasen (chair), Shelly Strand (vice-chair), Eric Johnson (secretary), Marcella Gulsvig, Ted Horan, Shimmer Foster, Steve Wright, Michelle Colvert, and Grant Weiss were introduced. The Call Committee, selected by the Church Council, began the call process duties in December A ministry site profile for Trinity Lutheran Church was developed based on results of a congregational survey. Candidates were interviewed and the committee presented a name for congregational vote. Approval of the candidate failed for lack of the required two-thirds majority vote. Following meetings with Bishop Wohlrabe and full endorsement from the Trinity Church Council, the committee will begin moving forward with the next steps in the call process. The call committee is confident a new senior pastor will be in place by fall, The committee asks for prayers from the congregation as the committee continues the call selection process. Year in Review President Alan Dostert began by commenting on several items brought up to the Executive Team at the Annual Meeting Preview held during the School of Discipleship hour prior to today s Annual meeting. Comments and questions raised included: 1) Term limits for Council leadership Current bylaws limit council members to serving two consecutive three-year terms (six years). Generally, the first year as a new council member is one of learning with subsequent years of more involved leadership roles, with the goal of developing a broader base of leadership and involvement. 2) Transparency and communication with council members Council meetings are open to all who wish to attend. The council makes every effort to ensure council actions are as transparent as possible. Specific detailed financial records and information, while not disseminated to everyone on a frequent basis due to logistics, is readily available for the asking. 3) Overview of Life & Mission of Trinity Lutheran Church Over this past year, council focused on the question What is our calling?, culminating with council members indicating three top areas of priority focus which were: I) Stewardship Trinity is faced with an on-going effort to meet budget. II) Organization/mission/budget Trinity will be facing realignment with the ending of the three pastoral positions of the Transition into Ministry Program in III) Building for Mission, the next step While the official campaign is over, Trinity continues to face the issues of maintaining an aging facility. In closing, Alan stated it has been a pleasure and a rewarding experience for him to serve Trinity congregation as Council President. page 4

5 Pastor s Report Interim Senior Pastor Lee Yarger spoke of exciting times ahead as a Senior Pastor is called. Issues facing Trinity Lutheran in coming months were outlined. The ending of the Transition into Ministry Program in July, 2014 will require a re-alignment of pastors. Stewardship will also be an item of focus, with conversations already happening at the council level. Pastor Lee lifted up the great ministries, great pastors, and great lay staff at Trinity Lutheran Church. Nominations President Alan Dostert briefly outlined the procedures used by the Nominating Committee for selecting nominees to the various positions on the 2013 ballot. Bob Larson, Susan Trygg, Corey Elmer, Pat Frazee, Kathy Benson (council representative), and Alan Dostert (council president) were recognized and thanked for their work on the Nominating Committee. It was noted three open church council positions on the ballot as well as an alternate synod assembly delegate. President Alan Dostert stated the council would act as a nominating committee to fill any remaining open council spots. An opportunity to advance nominations from the floor was given. Sandy Bekkerus stated she was willing to serve on the council and her name was advanced to the ballot. John Wentzell stated he would serve as an alternate delegate to the Northwestern Minnesota Synod Assembly. There were no further nominations from the floor for ballot positions. Motion to accept the ballot as published and amended from this meeting was made, seconded and approved. Northwestern Minnesota Synod ELCA Bishop Election Information Stan Iverson, Chair of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod Bishop Election Committee outlined the transitioning steps of a newly implemented pre-nomination process for the election of Synod Bishop which will take place at this year s assembly. Any pre-nominations from Trinity congregation will require a special congregational meeting to be held prior to the February 20, 2013 Synod submission deadline Budgets Trinity church budget Treasurer Joel Bakken presented the proposed budget as recommended by the Church Council. It was noted the 2013 proposed budget is a lateral budget from the 2012 approved budget. The proposed budget reflects an increase in income/revenues of $45,343 above the 2012 actual income and includes a 2 percent cost of living adjustment for core staff. Projected income is $1,238,814 with projected expenses of $1,237,305 giving a projected 2013 year end balance of $1,510. Proposed expenses reflect an open Associate Pastor position and no funding for a Parish Nurse Coordinator position, previously funded by a grant from the Trinity Foundation. Concern regarding the Parish Nurse Coordinator position not being funded in the proposed budget was voiced. Motion Clyde Allen, second Gary Nolte, to accept the 2013 budget as presented. Motion approved. Trinity Preschool budget Preschool Director Kay Heidrich outlined the 2013 proposed budget, projecting income of $505,428 and expenses of $ with a projected ending balance of $370. Motion Curt Cavalier, second Sandy Bekkerus to accept the 2013 Trinity Preschool budget as presented. Motion approved. Friends in Faith Joel Bakken presented the proposed 2013 budget for Trinity Friends in Faith. Income and expenses are projected at $125,350. Motion Stewart Herman, second Bob Larson, to approve budget as presented. Motion approved. Lost and Found Ministry Interim Executive Director Denise Peterson reported on the Lost and Found Ministry, expressing thanks for prayers and financial support for the past 25 years. Members were invited to donate to Lost and Found through the upcoming Giving Hearts Day. The proposed 2013 budget reflects projected income and expenses of $108,712 and $108,051 respectively. Motion to accept Lost and Found budget as presented was made, seconded and approved. Trinity Foundation Foundation Board President Neil Qualey addressed the meeting and called attention to the Foundation report as printed in the annual report and summarized the distributions made by the board over the past year. Foundation assets total $1,976, Approximately $42,000 was received in new gifts in Expended Foundation grants totaled $52,157. On a historical note, from the establishment of the Foundation to date, $1,350,000 has been given in gifts. Motion Clyde Allen, second Al Traaseth, to accept the Foundation report into the minutes. Motion approved. page 5

6 Recognition of Leadership Kathy Hunstad was acknowledged and given a round of applause for her 25th year of employment at Trinity. Out-going council members Susan Carlson, Alan Dostert, Jana Kasper and Marj Matthees were recognized and thanked for their leadership. Serving as the 2013 Executive Team will be Joel Bakken, President; Shellie Simonson Ulven, Vice-president; John Lenarz, Secretary; and Chad Hanson, Treasurer. The meeting adjourned and closed with the benediction and the singing of the doxology. John Lenarz, Secretary Jan McCormick, Recording Secretary Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, Minnesota Special Congregational Meeting Sunday, July 21, 2013 A special meeting of the congregation was held at 12:30 p.m. in the Christian Life Center on Sunday, July 21, Council President Joel Bakken called the special congregational meeting at the request of the Senior Pastor Call Committee for the purpose of voting on issuing a letter of call to Rev. Simon G. Fensom to serve as Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church. President Joel Bakken called the meeting to order, declaring a quorum. Pastor Lew Clefisch gave an opening prayer. Darrel and Ardis Sandvig, Jerry and Elizabeth Protextor, George and Marlane Sanderson, and Bob and Sue Dale were appointed as tellers. Alan Dostert served as parliamentarian. President Bakken outlined the procedure for the meeting. Members of the Senior Pastor Call Committee, Marcella Gulsvig, Steve Wright, Shimmer Foster, Michelle Colvert, Ted Horan, Shelly Strand, Grant Weiss, and Eric Johnson (Secretary) were introduced by John Andreasen, (Chair). John Andreasen addressed the congregation, giving a summary of the call process, stating the committee had prayerfully reviewed 24 candidates profiles, conducted 9 Skype interviews, 3 personal interviews with candidates meeting staff, and concluding with 2 second interviews with both candidates meeting with the Church Council. John Andreasen stated the Committee s focus was to find the best candidate to fit with the top five ministry tasks as defined in the Ministry Site Profile (compiled from the congregational survey), with the tasks being: Building a Sense of Community Worship Leadership/preaching Strategic Mission Planning Interpret Theology Stewardship. Following prayerful deliberation, John Andreasen reported the recommendation of the Call Committee was that a Letter of Call be issued to Rev. Simon G. Fensom. Eric Johnson, Secretary of the Call Committee, spoke on key factors on which the Committee based their recommendation and stating specific comments on how the candidate related to the five ministry areas as defined in the congregational profile. A motion was made by John Andreasen to extend a Letter of Call to Rev. Simon G. Fensom to serve as Senior Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, with a second to the motion by Jim Forde. Opportunity for discussion was given with no discussion being brought forth. Written ballots were distributed. The results of the vote were 257 yes and 4 no. The motion to extend a Letter of Call to Rev. Simon G. Fensom to serve as Senior Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church was approved. The meeting adjourned with the singing of the doxology. John Lenarz, Secretary Jan McCormick, Recording Secretary page 6

7 Summary Financial Statement of Trinity Lutheran Church (A detailed Treasurer s Report is available from the Church Office) Consolidated Balance Sheet December 31, 2013 Assets: trinity Lutheran Church Cash/Investments/Receivables 456, Land/Bldgs/Fixed Assets 2,221, Memorials and Dedicated Cash/Investments 146, Building for Mission Cash/Investments 252, Friends in Faith Cash/Investments 86, Lilly III Cash/Investments/Receivables 435, trinity Preschool Cash/Investments/Receivables 40, Total Assets: $3,638, Liabilities: trinity Lutheran Church Payables 33, Deferred Income 9, Memorials and Dedicated Payables 10, Building for Mission Payables Friends in Faith Payables 4, Lilly III Payables 0.41 trinity Preschool Payables 3, Total Liabilities: $62, Net Worth: Total Net Assets: $3,575, Total Liabilities & Net Worth $3,638, page 7

8 Summary of Income and Expenses 2013 Trinity Lutheran Church Mission Plan (budget) Income: Budget Fund Actual Budget Offerings 1,111, ,142, Designated Offering 21, , Other Income 59, , Total Income 1,192, ,238, Expense: Budget Fund Benevolences 106, , Stewardship Expense Social Concerns Adult Discipleship 16, , Senior Ministry 5, , Small Group Ministry Young Adult Ministry , Caring Ministry Pastoral Staff , , Evangelism , Worship & Music 11, , Children's Education 11, , Youth 26, , Lost & Found Ministry Physical Plant 227, , Executive 724, , Continuing Education 3, , Total Expense 1,186, ,237, Income - Expense 6, , Building For Mission Fund Actual Budget Income: 40, Expense: 40, Income - Expense Trinity Preschool Actual Budget Income: 537, , Expense: 527, , Income - Expense 9, Friends in Faith Actual Budget Income: 95, , Expense: 83, , Income - Expense 12, page 8

9 Summary of Income and Expenses 2013 for Dedicated Accounts Trinity Lutheran Restricted Acounts 2013 Actual Receipts 177, Expenditures *231, Change in Trinity Lutheran Church Fund Balance $-54, * Includes 2012 expenditure of $45,000 Memorials and Dedicated Fund 2013 Actual Receipts 375, Expenditures 376, Change in Memorial and Dedicated Fund Balalnce $-1, Lilly III Fund 2013 Actual Receipts Registrations - First Call Events 4, Expenditures Salaires and Benefits 254, Office Expense 1, Travel Expense 4, FMM Program Expense 68, , Change in Lilly III Fund Balance $-324, page 9

10 90/10 Allocations /10 Week has been a part of the Lenten disciplines at Trinity for over 30 years. The idea of reversing the tithe for one week; to live on 10 percent of one week s income and to give away 90 percent for the work of Christ has been and continues to be a very creative, Gospel-centered idea. Over $750, has been given in these past years. Local: Milk Money (to Moorhead Elementary Schools) 1,500 Great Plains Food Bank 500 Dorothy Day House 500 Churches United for the Homeless 1,000 Concordia College Campus Ministry 500 FM Coalition of Homeless Persons 500 FM Sheltering Churches Project 500 Hospice of the Red River Valley 1,000 Lost and Found Ministry 1,000 MSUM Campus Ministry 500 RSVP/Metro Youth Partnership 500 Emergency Food Pantry 1,000 Project F-M 500 Central Cities Ministry 500 Recovery Worship 500 Trinity Preschool Scholarships 500 Total $11,000 Regional/National: Jail Chaplains 695 Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch 500 Lutheran Disaster Response-US Flooding 1,000 Lutheran Social Services 1,000 American Red Cross 1,000 Pathways 2,000 Cass Lake People s Church 500 Total $6,695 Global: ELCA Malaria Campaign 500 China Service Ventures 500 Friends in Faith Orphanage in India 1,000 Haiti Habitat Project 2,000 Pastor Phil Knutson ELCA Missionary 2,000 Total $6,000 Grand Total 23, /10 Allocations 2013 Team: Eric Greiff Jana Kasper Jeanne Laugtug Dennis Martin Amanda Peterson Nancy Stene Pastor CJ Valenti page 10

11 Summary Financial Statement of Lost and Found Ministry Balance Sheet December 31, 2013 Assets: Cash/Investments/Receivables 544, Total Assets: $544, Liabilities & Net Worth: Fund Balance 488, Dedicated Payables 2, Equtiy 53, Total Liabilities & Net Worth $544, Summary of Income and Expenses Actual Budget Income: 189, , Expense: 156, , Income - Expense $33, $3, page 11

12 Building for Mission Your continued support of Building for Mission is very much appreciated! The three-year capital campaign ended with contributions totaling $875,896. Many needed repairs and improvements were accomplished through your gifts. While the official campaign ended June 1, 2012, a number of members choose to continue giving towards the fund. During this past year, nearly $40,000 was received. Thank you for your gifts! Projects and repairs completed this year: Replacement of boiler condensate tank $ 4,110 Replacement of five Heating/cooling office units 19,890 Design services (lounge) 5,842 Window / glass replacement (narthex & main office) 5,302 Roof top unit compressor / motor replacement 4,877 Total $40,021 $252,283 remains in the Building for Mission fund to be used for up-coming improvements. Trinity Foundation The Trinity Foundation had an excellent year in 2013 with asset growth of $273,000. This brings total assets of the Foundation to $2,333,000 which is a 13.2% gain over The increase was a result of market appreciation with a lesser amount from gifts and memorials. Grant distributions for 2013 were based on a spending rate of 4% of average assets of the Foundation for the past three years. This allowed for a distribution of $78,001. For 2014, the Foundation raised the spending rate from 4% to 5%. This increase, along with our gain in average assets, will allow for distributions in 2014 of over $100,000. The increased funding adds greater support for congregational projects, community outreach and global missions. This past year, the Foundation sponsored a Musical Showcase, highlighting the outstanding musicians we have at Trinity and the community. It was a great performance, representing the musical excellence which has always been a big part of our congregation. The Trinity Foundation will celebrate forty years of existence in We appreciate your support over the years and look forward to the future. Foundation board members are Carole Olsen, John Andreasen, Lenae Harless, Mike Young and Esther Allen. Respectfully submitted, Neil Qualey, President page 12

13 Parochial Report 2013 Ministerial Acts Totals Baptisms 43 Confirmation 37 Weddings 24 Funerals 42 Membership Summary Baptized Confirmed Membership, December 31, ,928 3,039 Additions: Subtractions: Membership, December 31, ,955 3,050 **Associate Members 13 Members Received in 2013 By Baptism Brayden Holsen Benjamin Nicholas Isaac Licht Isadore Licht McKenna Fry Jace Roach Peyton Ingersoll Haven Hatzenbeller Aspen Lomsdal Kellen Behrens Jace Hagen Hannah Johnson Joselynne Anderson Aubrey Elenberger James Weaver By Affirming their Faith Angela Brady Bree Bourgoin Kay Carlsrud Macklin;Teagan; Addison Adam & Amanda Douglas Evan Ellis Lewis Foster Orris & Barbara Moen Matthew Nitschke Darcy Pulkrabek Lloyd & Judith Schulz Jennifer Stavenger Elise Tweten Pastor Lee & Jan Yarger** Marshall & Rose Mary Moore** Sara Roach Wilma Pierson Lorraine Beckman John Bengson Brad & Susan Fradet Paul Hoefer Brian & Laurie Kuehl Muriel Larson Jackson Hass Matthew Ellefson Heylen Douglas Emma Smith Autumn Opheim Brynn Taylor Henry Senn Jackson DiFiore Silas Sobocinski Lauren Martin Allore Olson Gavin Hendrickson Olivia Rasmussen Major Hillier Melissa Schlabsz Richard & Carol Waudby Jamie & Todd Church Alexander; Tyler; Jacob Davin Brown Gloria Bylund Michael & Brynn Culloton Eleanor; Miriam Wes & Rebecca Darling Calvin; Cole Pastor Simon Fensom & Nancy Hillier-Fensom Catherine; Gregory Roberto & Lisa Gonzalez Brayden Mark & Holly Hedlund Annabelle; Ivy Kristin Johnson** Zaria; Isaiah Claire Farwell Blake Fowler Sophia Frohberg Joseph Grove Sophie Alderman Layla Schmitz Garett Malson Lydia Lokhorst Conner Johnson Quentin Darling Norah Quamme Katelyn Hall Rex Woodward Harmony Sletto Brayden Gonzalez Anna Eberhardt Witt Perius Hadley Jagim Lana Gunderson Alexandra Koomia Brooke Macleod Madi Mercil McKenna Taylor Delores Oleson Jennifer Sanden Tom & Sarah Schlotterback Carmon Titus and Peggy Stenehjem-Titus McKayla; McKenzie Megan Casper Stan & Karen Hanson Mikaela; Matthew; Juliana Merrlyn Meland Stephanie Sinner Brock Leif & Katie Sveet Anders Jason Thomas Marc & Billi Jo Zielinski Aurek; Ruby page 13

14 Members Removed in 2013 By Transfer/Request Parochial Report 2013 continued Confirmed in 2013 Donovan & Mindy Wadholm Zachary; Thomas; Gretchen Mark & Lorrie Carlson Elisha Joan Aakre James Cermak Kaia Hoium Paul Baumgartner Joseph Lindquist Rachel Simonson Christopher Korfe Solie; Seth By Death Ethel Welter Adeline Erickson William Nelson Elmyra Jacobson Hazel Haarstad Dolores Johnson Bernie Lindrud Robert Beaton Jennie Royer April Richards Lorraine Hagen Blanche Leonard Barbara Moen Kaydee Marie Amundson Samuel Isaac Beedy Brenna Meta-Irene Bellemare Leif Howard Engen Jordan Bailey Evavold Claire Nicole Farwell Michelle Yang Foster Blake Robert Fowler Christopher Lee Friese Sophia May Frohberg Joseph Jeremiah Grove Lana Lee Gunderson Halli Jo Helgeson Weddings in 2013 Jesse Bridley & Jenna Baumgartner Zane Erickson & Cami Hendrickson Donald Desmarais & Sandra Stetz Jared Mohelski & Amy Ingebretson Matthew Oye & Mehgan Ashmore Jeremiah Otteson & Ashley Smith Erik Weiss & Kendra Vipond Joseph Coot & Claudia Rios Kelsie Krein Alex; Jack Christopher Myrold Fran Bertheuson Mitchell & Christie Axness Morgan Darrel & Dorothy Bauder Jodi Smith Ethan Heidi Peterson Ellyn Froberg Matthew Hendrickson Gary Atherton Michael D. Stenerson Isabelle Fabian Arthur Wenner Franklin Jacobson Verna Cartford James Aadland Luverne Eid Richard McMahan Donald Kruger Richard Becker Helen Erickson Catherine Dokken Derrek Eldon Hillier Signe Montgomery Johnson Alexandra Skye Kooima Garrett James Krabbenhoft Kara Kristen Lee Isaac John Lenarz Brooke Nicole Macleod Alanis Jacqueline Magnuson Madison Elizabeth Mercil Adrianna Chris Miller Nicholas Alan Oberg McKayla Caroline Overby Laurel Kristian Redmond Todd Bergeson & Emily Thesing Steven Moser & Anna Willard John Byers & Jennifer Stabenow Matthew Nitschke & Darcy Pulkrabek Brand Skrei & Stephanie Sculthorp Travis Dollinger & Amanda Dickerson Benjamin Rage & Samantha Jacobsen Jason Thomas & Jessamy Kathryn Robillard Victoria; Fiona Brad & Dixie Bosch Conner; Regan David L. & Karla Slovick Jill Daniel & Rachel Nasset Rhyli Chad Anderson Ann Bergeson Pastor John Hulden Edna Oien Vivian Wensel Betty Helland Wendell Westfield Kathryn Matthees Claire Hendrickson Edna Strandlien LeRoyce Hagen Lorraine Beckman Berdelle Kragnes Orville Holsen Antoinette Beedy Neil Stenshoe Morgan Jae Renslow Madison Lynn Rock Blaine Sha Rogness Emma Christine Smith Zachary Thomas Spaeth Raymond Scott Swanson McKenna Leah Taylor Hunter George Thompson Parker Ronald Thompson Cooper Vaughn Tietz Maren Linn Tollefson Alto Evan Ellis & Bree Bourgoin Benjamin Full & Kayla Penning Davin Brown & Laura Stancher Daniel Ross & Dana Wambach Blaine Nelson & Ashley Wheeler Chad Zitzow & Kristy Schenk John Bengson & Melissa Schlabsz Jeffrey Horner & Katherine Tweten page 14

15 Executive Committee Report The New Year is a time of change, and one of these changes is that the terms of a portion of our church council representation expire. This past year I have had the privilege to work with Shellie Simonson Ulven, Vice President, Chad Hanson, Treasurer, and John Lenarz, Secretary, and want to share how it has been a joy to work with them and the church council. As of the annual meeting this month I am officially off the council, and Shellie Simonson Ulven will take on the duties of President. When I accepted this appointment back in 2009, I was not really sure what to expect, aside from perhaps financial matters. I certainly did not expect the level of transitioning we faced at Trinity. We were notified that Pastor Wold would be retiring and went through a call process, and then yet another call process, again challenging our congregation to engage in thoughtful and prayerful dialogue. We said a tender goodbye to Pastor John; we welcomed Pastor Simon this fall and have shown a good learning curve for understanding his delightful British accent! And yes, we have also faced ongoing financial challenges and held many thoughtful discussions about how to best minister both within our church and in our community. My four-year slice of history with Trinity has been eventful, challenging, and yet highly rewarding as well. Each week I continue to be impressed with how very remarkable our congregation is, how open, respectful and thoughtful people are, how much character and intellectual talent there is, and how members of the church and the council alike have stepped up to embrace these challenges rather than avoid them. In closing, I want to thank the congregation and the members of the council for allowing me to be a part of Trinity s eventful trek over the past few years. I thank you for your prayers, your kind and inspiring words, and for the confidence you have shown in me as a leader. I have been blessed to be a part of such a purposeful journey, and value the relationships I have developed along the way. I look forward to the surge of new leadership and ideas both to fill vacancies on the council, but also to be a part of the vastly important and flourishing informal leadership which solidifies Trinity. Thank you again for supporting me and entrusting me to help guide decision making in keeping with the spirit of Trinity s mission. Please continue to support the council and the new President as you have me. Blessings to all. Joel Bakken, President Pastors Reports From the Desk of Pastor Simon Fensom How Good, Lord, to be here! As I put the last four months into perspective, the opening line of this epiphany hymn rings loudly in my mind: How Good, Lord, to be here! It truly is good to be here and I thank you sincerely for granting me this opportunity to share with you in mission and ministry. I also want to say thank you to our staff for their incredible patience, flexibility and professionalism. I already feel like I am part of the team and working with them, and with the leadership at Trinity has made the transition almost seamless. Needless to say, I am eager to have my family join me in the coming months to complete the transition and I thank you for the ways in which you have attempted to embrace them. Life will be a lot less complicated once they are here. As I look forward to this new year and to our ministry I am very excited by the possibility and promise of our future together. Such excitement may sound naive, given the declining statistics and bleak prognosis for mainline denominations in our day and age - especially for downtown traditional congregations like Trinity. However, there is a palpable sense of energy for renewal within our congregation, which I believe, when combined with our many, many resources, will help us meet and capitalize upon any and all challenges that lie ahead. To this end: our exciting future, I trust that you will step forward when asked and share of your time and talents, remembering as ever, that all things, including our best efforts, are in God s good and gracious hands. For me, this means that we have nothing to fear about our future and everything to hope for. Hence, my excitement! Yes indeed, How good, Lord, to be here! Grace and peace, Pastor Simon From the Desk of Pastor Lew Clefisch This year, from my vantage point, has exhibited the faithfulness and deep love of the Lord from those who call Trinity their church home. Even though this was a year of transition as it was so often called, yet the work and love of our Lord was carried out in care filled and energetic ways. A big thank you to Trinity s dedicated and hardworking staff, and to our three First Call Pastors who have taken on a greater share of the work during this time and to you the congregation for all you do will be my last year of ministry as your pastor. I page 15

16 plan to retire on Dec. 31, This does not mean I will be coasting for 12 months. I have quite a few events and happenings on the 2014 calendar already. See the Senior Ministry Report for some of those. There will always be those surprises, both g o o d a n d b a d, w h i c h e a c h y e a r h o l d s. I look forward to this coming year of ministry with you as the Word of God is preached and taught, as we gather in thanks and praise for all God does, and as we respond in so many ways to the love of God for us, and the needs of those around us. Together In Christ, Pastor Lew From the Desk of Pastor Matt McWaters In the same way God calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church of earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith -Luther s Small Catechism, Explanation of the Third Article of the Apostles Creed Last year at this time I was reflecting on our five months together, and now I look ahead to the fiveplus months remaining in my call here at Trinity. Our life together in the promises of God thus far has been a blessed one marked by celebrations, transitions, and the normal ups and downs any community experiences everyday. Through it all the Holy Spirit has kept us. I am proud to point out that it is together that we have lived our shared life in the gospel, and together we stand now looking into a future teeming with excitement and possibility. Looking into our unknown future of possibility, I am excited that worship will continue to be a central part of our life together in this community, as we are fed by God s words and promises of grace, mercy, and forgiveness! I am excited to see the many ways we will publically witness together to the good news of Jesus Christ in our community and around the world. I am excited by our shared commitment to be a place where all are welcome to be fed and sent. I am excited to be surprised by the ways God shows up in our life together, and in the world around us. I am excited about this unknown future precisely because God promises to be with us in the midst of it all, and where God is, new life abounds. Giving thanks to a God who promises to be here, we begin a new year of life together. A life together that always seeks to be intimately involved in God s continuing mission in our world. In this next year, let us imagine together discover together journey together into a new and exciting future full of possibility. From the Desk of Pastor Laura Stancher None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I m absolutely convinced that nothing nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable absolutely nothing can get between us and God s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:37-39 As the year closes, I reflect back on all the things (big and small) that have happened this year, such as: Journeyed to Haiti with the work team Exhausted and blessed by 2 weeks of Sheltering Churches Worked on another Habitat for Humanity build More hospital visits than can be counted Weddings, Baptisms, and funerals Finished one year of Confirmation, confirmed my first teenagers, and started the next year Studied the Old Testament with 7th graders at morning release time Assist our neighbors in need and build relationships with them Helped with the Social Concerns Committee Served and prepared for the annual Thanksgiving meal Preached at Recovery Worship Participated in a First Call Colleague group Walked along side the Global Missions Committee Involved myself with the FM Sheltering Churches Project, Native American Christian Ministry Board, Central Cities Ministry Board, and Rape and Abuse Crisis Center Built relationship with the wonderful staff Continue to learn and grow in my role as a pastor Although looking back is important, looking forward is where my hope comes from. There are many exciting things coming up for me and Trinity as we move on to I am excited for another week of FM Sheltering Churches, a wonderful Ash Wednesday meal, confirming more teenagers, getting to know and build relationship with more people, more weddings and baptisms, a reflected and meaning Lent, and everything that ministry at Trinity is all about. Grace and Love, Pastor Laura Stancher Grace and Peace be Yours, Pastor Matt page 16

17 From the Desk of Pastor CJ Valenti There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. As I sat down to write this report, Psalm 46 came to mind and then I realized I used verses 1-3 for last year s report. So it seems fitting to use verses 4-7 this year. Through all the changes and transitions 2013 has brought to Trinity, God is still in the midst of us. God is our refuge. You, the people of Trinity, continue to be God s love and beautiful hope both inside these walls and out has been such a full year. It has been a lot of fun for me to continue to teach 6th grade release time, Wednesday evening bible study, and adult education on Sunday mornings. In April, Pastor Laura and I traveled to Washington, D.C. for Ecumenical Advocacy Days learning about the Farm Bill and advocating for sustainable farming practices and SNAP benefits on the hill. In June, Pastor Laura, Pastor Matt and I ventured to Estes Park, CO for two weeks of continuing education through Wartburg Seminary s School of the Rockies learning about leadership in changing times. Some of my favorite moments of the year include-talking about the spiritual discipline of Welcome during Lent, Worship at Gooseberry Park in the summer, Vacation Bible Schools, Houseboat Trip, Movin Along summer campaign, teaching Financial Peace and as always preaching, baptizing, marrying, teaching, worshiping with and walking with you. I have been out in the community serving on the board for Lost and Found Ministry, the board for the Project F-M, helping at Recovery Worship, serving on NWMN synod s Stewardship Table and NWMN and EaND synod s First Call Theological Education committee will of course hold more transitions for Trinity and me. While this term call will be ending in July 31st, I am excited to vision with you and Pastor Simon these coming months about what the future holds for Trinity. I hope and pray you are too. Be thinking about how your gifts and talents can be a part of the amazing ministry that happens here every day. NO matter what changes come down the road for us, remember God promises to be in the midst of us. God s peace be with you always, Pastor CJ Program Ministry Team Reports Children s Ministry Team The mission of the Children s Ministry Team is to nurture the spiritual growth of the children of this congregation and of the community. We nurture faith in a caring Christ-centered environment by: facilitating teaching and learning; incorporating knowledge of the Bible and the catechism; providing access for and participation of all learners; encouraging family involvement; and providing ways for children to carry their faith into their everyday lives. During 2013 our volunteer teaching staff of about 75 adults, college students, and high school students worked with about 350 children in Sunday school for 3-year-olds through sixth-graders. This year we continued to use the Spark Sunday school curriculum published by Augsburg Fortress. Our fifth- and sixth-grade Sunday school kids participate in the workshop rotation model of Sunday school. Throughout the year, they attend five six-week units with each week providing a different workshop centered on one or two biblical themes. Additional programming included about 40 kids who participated in May Bible School and about 50 kids who participated in vacation Bible school in August. GIFTS, a Bible study and fellowship program for first- through fifth-graders, meets on Wednesday evenings, with a pizza meal. We have about 50 kids enrolled this year. CLUB 6, for sixth-graders, also meets on Wednesday evenings and continues to thrive. It s led by dedicated Concordia students. The spring swim and pizza party and the fall hayride were well attended. We offer a faith milestone for every age group 3-year-olds through sixth-graders. These include the welcome for 3-year-olds, olive wood cross necklaces (4-year-olds), Bible story books (Kindergarten), prayer place mats (first grade), faith tiles (second grade), third-grade Bibles, guardian angels (fourth grade), first communion (fifth grade), and the sixth-grade prayer retreat. Funds from Sunday school offerings supported Churches United for the Homeless, the principal s emergency fund for the three Moorhead elementary schools, Sheltering Churches, ELCA Good Gifts, and Heifer International. Lenten offering money went to Minnesota FoodShare and the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Respectfully submitted, Amanda Peterson, chair Ministry team members: Sarah Bratlien, Becky Grothe, Kirsten Juhl, Kim Melton, Ashley Askew- Quamme, Kristi Stuber, Deb Walter, Sandra Anderson page 17

18 Evangelism Ministry Team Evangelism is, in its most basic form, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with our neighbors and the world. While it has become customary in congregations to have an Evangelism team to spearhead congregational efforts to share this good news, it is really the role and responsibility of the whole congregation and each individual within to share the evangelical witness of God s promises in Jesus with the world. It is the joy and call of each of the baptized to proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace. Order for Holy Baptism, ELW Trinity s Evangelism team has done some incredible work in The E-team has revived the new member sponsor ministry. This ministry promises our 92 new members in 2013 a person or family who can accompany them as they seek to engage and connect in our life together. Also for the 17th straight year, the E-team has planned and hosted Music on the Blacktop, welcoming our whole community to gather for fun and ice cream. What this team can do, however, pales in comparison to potential evangelical witness of the combined individuals who make up this congregation. Here are a couple thoughts on what this might look like for you, me, and us in the year to come. Radical Hospitality: We are called to embody our identity as a place where all are welcome, and where we truly welcome those around us. This means we get to be vulnerable, ask people their names at risk of being embarrassed, and meeting folks on their own terms. Share the Story: We are called to share how our Christian faith matters in a world where both life and death exists. This means sharing how God s story and your story are connected, with words (we tend to be pretty poor at this). It also means sharing the story in our actions/service/life in the community. Invitation: We are called to invite others to see, hear, and experience the life God has for us all. If it is as good as we claim it is, then it is definitely worth inviting others to come and see. I encourage us all in the coming year to embrace who we are called to be imperfect people who share the good news of Christ in word and deed. Christians called to radical hospitality, who share the story and invite others to come and see why the news is so good. Peace be yours, Pastor Matt Health and Caring Ministry Team As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:10 We are grateful for the many people who have served in Trinity s Health and Caring Ministry. They have reached out in a variety of ways to enhance Trinity s ministry to others. We are also grateful for those who have supported our ministry through monetary gifts. We are always grateful for new members to our Ministry Teams. Our Parish Ministry has continued through monthly blood pressure checks, Messenger articles and other activities to promote healthy lifestyle. They supply the Care Notes which are available by the Reception Window. The Parish Nurses have also visited with some of our members with health needs. Our Friendly Visitor Ministry has reached out to members who are not able to be active in worship and activities at Trinity but who are interested in our activities and love to visit. The Prayer Ministry Team continues to offer special prayers for members and others in need. A special prayer activity each fall involves prayer for all Trinity members. Trinity s Bereavement Ministry reaches out to members who have lost a loved one. Letters, along with devotional materials are sent members periodically. There is a Grief Share Ministry Group which meets in the fall for 13 open-ended sessions. The program presents video and printed material on a variety of grief issues, and allows for much discussion and support. All Saints Day activities provide special opportunities to remember our departed saints during worship services as well as the All Saints Day Tea during the Adult Forum hour. The Blue Christmas prayer services in December provide another opportunity to remember our departed loved ones and to provide support for those who are facing grief during the Holidays. Our Ministry also sponsored the Daffodil sales which provide needed support for the Cancer Society. We are especially grateful for the leadership and support we receive from Pastor CJ. She has given us direction as well as communicating with pastors and staff as well as our communications through Trinity Messenger. We are excited about what 2014 will bring for Health and Caring Ministry. Thanks to all who have responded to the Opportunities to Serve cards and we will look forward to our ministry expanding especially with the friendly visitor program. Respectfully submitted: Jerry Koenig Chairperson, Pastor CJ, Pastoral Liaison Health and Caring Ministry Team Members: Char Skaff, Leann Wright, Carol Zielinski, Carla Myrum, page 18

19 Chris Stenerson, Jeanne Laugtug, Judy Bauman, Wayne Zitzow, Mary Ann Vigen, Godela Iverson, Craig Wagstrom, Council Liaison Senior Ministry Team There were the regularly scheduled events and yearly happenings which are part of our life here at Trinity and in the F-M area. The new events for this year included: a guided tour of the new Offutt School of Business at Concordia College, tour of Eventide s new Wellness Center, an all day tour of the Alexandria, MN area, the Door County Tour in Wisconsin, and we visited Ken Nyberg in Vining, MN. The Fall Colors Tour this year was from Crookston, to Mentor and Fertile, MN. We heard the Glen Miller Orchestra in Fergus Falls and were at the PRISM Concert at Concordia. We also traveled to Greece, Greek Islands and Turkey and Norway this year. The new happenings for 2014 include a day visit to Grand Forks, tour of the Case-IH plant in Fargo and a Houseboat Trip on Rainy Lake in September. This is the 50th year for the Medora Musical and the 10th Anniversary for the Jasper Jubilee Theater. We will go to both of those. Visits to Israel, Germany, Alaska and a 9-day tour of Northern France are also scheduled. My thanks to the Senior Ministry team Sandy Bekkerus, Gloria Brown, Snookie Drechsel, Bev Edenborg, Marjorie Markusen and LouAnn Troubridge for all their ideas and work. Pastor Lew Social Concerns Ministry Team Our mission is to live out our baptismal promise to strive for justice and peace in all the earth by engaging the Trinity family in supporting the disadvantaged through education, advocacy, and organizing in our local and global communities. we will be focusing in on during this next year including: FM Sheltering Churches, MN Foodshare, our Ash Wednesday meal that will be themed Trinity s Soup Kitchen, Music on the Blacktop, and many more. If you d like to join us, please do! We are always looking for new members for our Team. Respectfully submitted, Pastor Laura Stancher on behalf of Team members: Trygve Olson, Erika Yoney, Laurie Olson, Nancy Stene, Ellie McCann, and Maggie Stewart Youth Ministry Team/Friends in Faith Whatever was the theme for our past year of ministry opportunities. Based on Philippians 4:8-9, we drew inspiration for engaging in thoughtful ministry that challenged us to grow as people of faith involved beyond our church walls. Small Groups, Friday Morning Devos during Lent, serving dinners, repairing a home in Atlantic City, New Jersey, serving at Dorothy Day Pantry and Churches United, living technology-free on the houseboat trip, supporting Sheltering Churches, cleaning along the Red River, helping with the Cost & Joy of Discipleship events, were just a few of the ministry opportunities we experienced. In 2014, we look forward to serving both in and beyond our communities. We will be intentional in growing our relationships as well as challenging ourselves to discover more deeply what God is calling us to do. We look forward to growing the Rustic Oaks event, the Jr. High Outdoor retreat and family nights for Confirmation. Social Concerns has been involved in a lot throughout the last year: Minnesota Foodshare throughout March Ash Wednesday meal Emergency Shelter Host Site Feb 3rd-Feb 17th Table at Music on the Blacktop showcasing and lifting up the Fair Trade Ministry Thanksgiving Meal at Trinity this year (1,200 meals served) Collaborating with Fair Trade Cabinet to raise education and awareness of fair trade and increase fair trade sales Guest presenters for School of Discipleship We made 95 referrals to the FM Food Pantry and 3 references for people to get assistance from the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Stores We are looking forward to all the important events that page 19