ANNUAL REPORT FY Called by God, Forgiven in Christ, United in Spirit, Sent to Serve

Transcription

1 Trinity Lutheran Church 816 East Clark Street, Vermillion, SD Tel ANNUAL REPORT FY 2016 Called by God, Forgiven in Christ, United in Spirit, Sent to Serve

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents 2016 Officers, Boards, Committees, and Staff 1 Agenda 3 Annual Meeting Minutes from January 25, Pastor James E Fowler 7 Worship, Music, and the Arts 11 Message from the President 13 Pastoral Acts of Baptisms - 15 Weddings - 17 Funerals Senior Class rd Grade Bibles Confirmation Class - 20 First Communion / 5 th Graders - 21 New Members Received - 21 Members Transferred out/ Released to Other Congregations - 21 Ministry of the Month 22 Salvation Army Assistance 22 Mutual Ministry 22 Health Ministry 23 Stephen Ministry at Trinity 23 Prison Congregations of America 23 Board of Deacons 25 Board of Education 25 Board of Parish Life 27 Board of Property 28

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Board of Trustees 29 Board of Worship and the Arts 31 Altar Guild 31 Quilting 32 Wednesday Men's 33 Trust Fund 34 Trust Fund Activity Lutherans Outdoors 37 A Word from the Bishop 38 South Dakota Synod Finances Ballot Year End Financial and 2017 Mission Plan 43 New Business Notes 52

4 2016 OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND STAFF 2016 Officers, Boards, Committees, and Staff OFFICERS President Mary Berglin Secretary Cindy Lias Vice-President Richard Rasmussen (Jan.-June) Treasurer Kathy Heles Vice-President Tom Sorensen (June December) BOARDS AND COMMITTEES AND STAFF Board of Deacons Board of Education Board of Parish Life 16 Jeaneite Lorenz 16 *Amber Anders 16 Larry Madsen 16 Scott Schempp 16 *Kirsten Passick 16 Clare Wagner 17 Teresa Gilbertson 17 Jolene Klemme 17 Cindy Nelson 17 Pat Meyers 17 Trevor Mandernach 17*April Noteboom 18 Dennis Harvey 18 *Liz DeVelder 18 Jen Lerfald 18 *Nancy Nelson 18 Kara Terry 18 Mary Brevik 18 Dennis Luft 18 Amy Richardson 18 *Mary Baer Board of Property Board of Trustees Board of Worship & Arts 16 *Bob Nelson 16 Mick Breske 16 Susanne Steenholdt 16 Jeff Noteboom 16 Dwight Berglin 16 Cinda Passick 17 Chuck Dibley 16 Keith Emerson 17*Sarah Lias 17 Mike Hauck 16 Craig DeVelder 17 Carol Finnegan 18 Melvin Walz 17 Kent Osborne 18 Heidi Fowler 18 *Todd Brevik 17 Chad Passick 18 June Mikkelson 18 Jerami West 18 Cindy Johnson-Brown 18 Wyatt Waage Trust Fund Committee 16 Rick Retzlaff 16 Bill Huber 16 Gene Iverson 17 Ed Nesselhuf (Jan.-July) 17 Alan Wittmuss (Oct.-Jan 2017) 17 Dennis Iverson 17 Debora Gruhn 18 *Mark Meyers *served a second term Page 1

5 2016 OFFICERS, BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND STAFF CHURCH COUNCIL Scott Schempp; Elizabeth DeVelder; Mary Baer; Jeff Noteboom; Chad Passick; Sarah Lias; Christy Kimball; Pastor James Fowler; Mary Berglin; Tom Sorensen; Cindy Lias; Kathy Heles EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mary Berglin; Tom Sorensen; Barton Kjellsen; Cindy Lias; Chad Passick STAFF Pastor James E Fowler Parish Nurse Marcy Lund Office Manager Karla Tawzer Head Custodian Lyle Timm Director Music, Worship, and the Arts Associate Custodian Taylor Birgen Christy Kimball Stephen Ministry Leaders: Janice Olson; Barbara Schwartz INFORMATION IN PREPARATION FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING This is your copy of the annual report. One hundred fifty-copies were printed. VOTING MEMBERS C8.02. C. of our Constitution: Voting members are confirmed members. Such confirmed members, during the current or preceding calendar year, shall have communed in this congregation and shall have made a contribution of record to this congregation. Members of this congregation who have satisfied these basic standards shall have the privilege of voice and vote at every regular and special meeting of the congregation. C Voting by proxy or by absentee ballot shall not be permitted. QUORUM C of our Constitution: Ten (10%) percent of the voting members shall constitute a quorum. Page 2

6 AGENDA FOR ANNUAL MEETING Agenda for Annual Meeting Sunday, January 22, 2017 Trinity Lutheran Church, Vermillion, South Dakota Call meeting to order... Mary Berglin, President Devotions... Pastor James Fowler Approve Agenda Approve minutes of 2015 Annual Meeting Reports: Pastor, Boards, Committees, Organizations, Trust Fund Report Election Officers, Board and Committee Members (Ballot)... Nominating Committee New Business Presentation and vote on approval for the 125 th Anniversary Legacy Building Projects Presentation of Scholarship Awards Unfinished Business Elizabeth DeVelder Mary Berglin, President New Business Selection of 20 voting members to the Conference Assembly, Scandia Lutheran Church, Centerville, SD. March 5, Selection of 4 adult and 1 youth voting members to the Synod Assembly, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD. June 2-3, Presentation and Approval of 2017 Mission Plan (Budget)... Chad Passick... Kathy Heles Announcement of Election Results... Nominating Committee Recognitions and Thanks Benediction, Closing Prayer... Pastor James Fowler Adjournment... Mary Berglin, President Page 3

7 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES, JANUARY 31, 2016 Annual Meeting Minutes, January 31, 2016 TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, :30 A.M. ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES Call to order by President Barton Kjellsen. 88 members signed in, which indicated there were enough voting members present for a quorum. Devotions: Congregation sang, What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine followed by the litany as printed in the annual report book, led by Pastor James Fowler. Approve Agenda: A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Motion was passed unanimously. Approve Minutes of 2015 Congregational Meeting: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the congregational meeting on January 25, Motion was passed unanimously. Approve Minutes of July 12, 2015 Special Meeting of the Congregation regarding the call of Pastor Fowler: A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the special congregational meeting on July 12, 2015 to approve offering a call to Pastor James Fowler. Motion passed unanimously. Reports: Pastor: Pastor Fowler thanked the congregational members for attending the meeting. He wants to work toward bringing more vitality to the church as we move forward. Boards and Committees: A motion was made and seconded to approve the board and committee reports as printed in the annual report. The motion passed unanimously. Trust Fund: Pastor Ed Nesselhuf presented on the Trust Fund. The Trust Fund Committee has chosen to give $2,500 to Lutheran Disaster Response to help with the Refugee Crisis in Europe and is asking members to collectively match that amount during the month of February. Election: Keith Joy representing the nominating committee presented the ballot. No new nominations were made from the floor. Approval of the ballot by unanimous vote. New Business: Liz DeVelder representing the Board of Education discussed the letter that was sent out to the congregation about the elimination of a librarian position and discussion of Page 4

8 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES, JANUARY 31, 2016 closing Trinity Lutheran Christian Preschool. A Congregational meeting will be held on February 21, 2016 to further discuss and vote on those proposals. Presentation of Scholarships by Liz DeVelder, Board of Education. Scholarships were presented to 2 students who are currently attending college (Jack Brown and Hannah Tawzer). 3 Scholarships were presented to 3 high school students. (Jordan Fostvedt, Gavin Gilbertson and Allison Odens). They will receive their money once they are officially enrolled in the postsecondary institution of their choice. Money for the scholarships comes from the Trust Fund. Selection of 20 voting members to the Conference Assembly at St. Paul s Lutheran Church, Elk Point on March 6, Volunteers from Trinity are Mary Berglin, Bob Nelson, Kathy Nelson, Kevin Brown, June Mikkelson, Larry Madsen, Keith Joy and Christy Kimball Selection of 4 adults and 1 youth voting members to the Synod Assembly at Lutheran Church of our Redeemer, Watertown on June 3 & 4, 2016 Volunteers from Trinity are Bob Nelson, Kathy Nelson, Mary Berglin, Jill Munger, & Ric Rasmussen. A motion was made and seconded to approve the nominated people to attend the conference. Motion passed unanimously. Nominating Committee Three volunteers are needed from the congregation and 2 people appointed by the council to serve on the nominating committee for Volunteers from the congregation are: Chad Passick, Cyndie Madsen & Susanne Steenholdt. Unfinished Business: Changes in the Constitution: Trinity needs to look at making changes to its constitution, however, when the Church Wide Assembly meets in August it will develop a new model of the constitution. Pastor Fowler indicated that it would be in Trinity s best interest to wait until those changes, before we make any more changes to our constitution. Presentation and Approval of 2016 Budget by Doug Martin President of Trustees Doug Martin representing the Board of Trustees discussed how the Trustees develop a proposed budget for the upcoming year. Kathy Heles, Treasurer, asked for an amendment to the 2016 proposed budget to include $7,010 added to pay back the rest of the special revenue debt. A motion was made and seconded and passed to accept the changes. There is a proposed budget of an additional $52, for the possibility of a part time associate pastor. Discussion pursued about the amount of money it would cost for an associate pastor. Do we need an associate pastor and can we afford an associate pastor? Possible plans in place to have enough money to afford a part time associate pastor. Hopefully as Trinity becomes more Page 5

9 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES, JANUARY 31, 2016 vibrant there is the possibility of an increase in membership and giving. There is grant money available for ELCA churches in the renewal process. Pastor Erik Olson from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elk Point and Board President of the Luther Center on campus of USD explained the possibility of The Luther Center and Trinity being able to share a pastor. The pastor could be half time at each place or a 40% -60% arrangement could be made. Details could be worked out if that was the plan Trinity wishes to pursue. The total amount budgeted would not be used this year, as we still need to go through the call process if it would be decided to call an associate pastor. Years of experience the Pastor has would also make a difference in the salary amount. The moving expenses would be a one- time item and that amount would depend on how far the Pastor is moving. After discussion ceased, a vote was called for approving the budget by a show of hands. The proposed 2016 budget with the change of the pay back to the special revenue fund was approved with 84 yes votes and 4 no votes. Budget Approved. Recognition and Thanks was given to President Barton Kjellsen for his service. Pastor Fowler reminded all board and committee members to attend the Retreat at Trinity on Sat. Feb. 6. He would also like council members to attend Saturday night, Feb. 6 and Sunday, Feb. 7 worship for the installation service. Benediction and Closing Prayer led by Pastor James Fowler Adjournment by outgoing President Barton Kjellsen Respectfully Submitted Cindy K. Lias Church Council Secretary Page 6

10 PASTOR JAMES E FOWLER Pastor James E Fowler Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, the other to the future. Among the gods (small g ) in the Roman pantheon is Janus. It is commonly thought that the month of January is named for Janus (although there is some dissent against that notion). Janus was the god of transitions, of beginnings and endings. Statues of this god depict Janus with two heads, facing in opposite directions. One face looks toward the past, and Our annual meeting every year in January, like Janus, looks both back and forward. We look back to celebrate those ministries that were effective and to identify those that need revision, as well as those which have outlived their usefulness. We look forward to new opportunities and possibilities. Of course, our discernment regarding both the past and the future is not fueled simply by our own insight. As the letter to the Ephesians puts it, we rely on the Holy Spirit to enlighten the eyes of our hearts. (Ephesians 1:18) One of my recurring prayers for Trinity is that our vision would not be limited to those things we can see. The first verse of Hebrews 11 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Paul wrote we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). In both Testaments of the Christian Bible, we see that dreams are regarded as valuable sources of revelation. That means the church must consider more than just the facts when it wrestles with a decision. Along with the facts, we pay attention to the witness of the Scriptures and what the Holy Spirit may be saying through God s people. Page 7

11 PASTOR JAMES E FOWLER Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations During the fall of the year just ended, we experienced a preaching and study series with the title above. We worked through the key concepts of Bishop Robert Schnase s book by the same name. My hopes in sharing this with you were to introduce its key themes so that they would take root within us, and by our continued attention to them, that they would help us as a congregation to bear fruit. One of my mentors is fond of saying keep the main thing the main thing. Well, these are five main things, each one building upon the previous. In 2017, while there will not be a worship series based on the Five Practices, you can expect to hear them emphasized in In looking back on the year that was, I m most pleased with BLAST, the Wednesday evening fellowship and education program for our children and confirmation youth. BLAST began as a response to disappointing attendance to Trinity s more conventional Sunday school program. In a way, BLAST was a nothing-to-lose proposition, because we couldn t do much worse than we did during the Sunday school year. Our attendance during the first half of this BLAST year has been tremendous! Just as exciting to me is the team of adults: teachers, helpers, dinner-providers, and cleaner-uppers that has had a great time working together so that we as a congregation can keep our promises to our kids, parents, and families, to support the faith development of our kids promises that we make every time a child is baptized. Kudos to Liz DeVelder and the Board of Education for stepping out in faith and trying something new, and thanks to everyone who has made this new venture a success so far! Page 8

12 PASTOR JAMES E FOWLER A Double Anniversary Year The doors of the Castle Church of Wittenberg as they appear today. Luther's 95 Theses are engraved on the doors. the date draws closer. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 theses for academic debate on the Castle Church door. He was not expecting a Reformation, but simply a chance to advance his argument that the sale of Certificates of Indulgence was contrary to the Gospel as he was beginning to understand it. Nevertheless, the Lutheran Reformation was launched five hundred years ago. Throughout this year, there will be several activities in observance of this significant event. Trinity will join with the other congregations of the Southeastern Conference of the South Dakota Synod to hold a Concert in Celebration of the Lutheran Reformation on Sunday, October 15, Trinity will be the host for this concert. Watch your newsletters and announcement inserts for more information as Three hundred and seventy-five years later, Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermillion, South Dakota, was founded. The year was This year marks Trinity s one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary. Trinity Lutheran Church has been in existence for the last one-quarter of the Lutheran movement s life. I think that s pretty cool! We have Pam Hanson to thank for the striking logo for our anniversary year! You ll be seeing more of it as time goes by. Elsewhere in the Report for the Annual Meeting, you should find information about the 125 th Anniversary Legacy Building Project. I hope the congregation supports this effort. Over the years, much-needed repair and replacement has not been done in a timely manner. It s time to get these things done. Jeff Noteboom and the Board of Property, together with Chad Passick and the Board of Trustees, have worked hard in 2016 to present the package of projects and the proposal of funding for your approval at this 2017 Annual Meeting. Page 9

13 PASTOR JAMES E FOWLER I hope you ve heard by now that the big day will be Sunday, October 22, Our Anniversary Committee is hard at work arranging concerts, lectures, and our celebratory meal. I thank them for their hard work! More information will be shared as the year goes on. Be on the watch for it! Finally I am grateful to serve with our hard-working, dedicated staff. Karla Tawzer, our office manager does countless little things, and big things like this Report for the Annual Meeting. She finds time to greet guests and members alike with courtesy and a smile, and to help them however she is able. Christy Kimball plans the services and prepares the worship bulletins for those services. She directs the choir and arranges for other special music. Lyle Timm and Taylor Birgen have a neverending job of keeping our facilities looking good for the many church and community activities that go on here. They do a great job, but they could use some help. Our building hasn t gotten any smaller, and we have as much activity as we ever have. Therefore, I would like to see us add another custodian to help carry their load. And where would we be without our volunteer Parish Nurse, Marcy Lund? She keeps me up-to-date on how people are doing and lets me know when it s time for me to visit. I think that 2017 will be an excellent year for Trinity, and I look forward to serving and living with you through it all! Yours in Christ, Pastor Jim James E. Fowler, D.Min. Pastor and Head of Staff Page 10

14 WORSHIP, MUSIC, AND THE ARTS Worship, Music, and the Arts People of God, As we come to the close of 2016, it is time to reflect on what has happened in the last year as well as to dream and vision for the next year. Music: We have a variety of favorite hymns and songs here. Thank you for singing during worship: it is part of your worship work We will be learning some new hymns and such as we go through the year. Please keep an open mind and heart, as we worship our Triune God Our adult choir has been a Godsend, with their willingness to assist in worship. Come and join us in making a joyful noise to God! All are welcome We have some very talented folks in the congregation who have been willing to share these talents with us. Instrumentalists of all ages have played for us, on special days in the church year as well as any time they have been asked. We are thankful that some of our college students are also willing to share their time and talents with us. Chuck Dibley has become our resident composer and has given us much good music this year. It has been our pleasure to be able to use it within worship. The trios he has written for saxophone, flute, and piano have been so much fun. Just recently he arranged Christmas carols for tuba duet, which were played as the prelude the Sunday before Christmas. And on Christmas Eve, the Dibley Family Brass helped to lead worship at 7pm. What a rare treat we are indeed a fortunate people As we move into the new year, I am looking toward starting a children s choir and a middle school / high school choir, each of which would meet for a few weeks to learn a piece or two to use within a certain worship service. This would be a way to ease into having a bit more of a commitment to how choir works in our church family We were fortunate to host Christmas on the Missouri on December 11 th. Choirs from several churches in town participated in telling the Christmas story in song, ending the concert with Hallelujah from Handel s Messiah. It was followed by cookies and bars in the Fellowship Hall, with several Nativity displays set up around the room. This will be an annual event, hosted by the participating churches Worship: This fall Pastor Fowler did a series on the 5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations. The second of these was Passionate Worship. As we move through 2017 and beyond, the Worship and Arts board along with Pastor Fowler and myself, will be planning more parts of worship in the hopes of bringing worship alive with you. We want to engage all of the senses; move beyond what we always do; continue asking the question What is Page 11

15 WORSHIP, MUSIC, AND THE ARTS GOD up to in this place? There is so much more to do in this area to keep us coming back to learn and grow. With the purchase of a new InStreamer for our radio broadcast, we no longer have to worry about what is happening with the phone lines between here and Yankton. Our broadcast is much clearer and is available all of the time. I work with a gentleman from USD so that we can ensure the broadcast signal is working before worship begins each week. We are fortunate to have this means of outreach to those around us I will be visiting some other congregations in the area during 2017 in order to see and hear what they are doing in worship in this 21 st century. If you would like to go with me, please let me know Arts: A few people have put together some funds to buy us a banner or two in memory of loved ones who died this year. It was a pleasure for me to work with them to see this come to fruition We still need a few more banners to complete our set for the church year. We have been working on this for the last several years, purchasing some and making others 2017 is our 125 th anniversary year! We anticipate having at least one new banner celebrating this throughout this year. If you are interested in assisting in the purchase or creation of a banner for this, please contact me at the church office 2017 promises to be an eventful year. It is the 125 th anniversary of Trinity Lutheran Church. We have a group of people working together to make this a wonderful year. It is also the 500 th anniversary of Martin Luther nailing the 95 theses to the church door in Wittenburg. Though he did not mean to start a whole new church, that is, exactly what happened. And throughout all these years the Church has continued to change. Martin Luther paved the way for that. I am on a committee to plan the worship service to take place on October 31, 2017, the actual anniversary day. There will be two big services in South Dakota: one in Sioux Falls and one in Rapid City, happening simultaneously and being broadcast throughout the state. What an exciting time that will be! We will be a church of celebration in We are the church, working together from this place. The one task that brings us all together as the body of Christ is worship. Each one of you is important in carrying out that task, with no one more important than another. Even as we think, dream, and vision about what God is calling us to do as a church, I challenge you to think about what God is calling you to do as a person. It is my pleasure to be a part of the ministry here at Trinity Lutheran Church. Christy Kimball Page 12

16 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Message from the President Dear Members of Trinity Lutheran Church, May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Romans 15:8 I have chosen to quote Paul s text because 125 years ago, our founding families established a permanent congregation in Vermillion, SD. Those early members needed a spirit of harmony to continue this new congregation. This was not easy, but they worked together to establish their new church. We are part of the 1892 agreement made by TLC. Now we have become the care-takers of that legacy. Working in harmony is the only way that a church can survive for 125 years. It isn t always a stress-free time; and so we need to pray for our congregation, council members, board members and staff! It is our job to carry on the work of their legacy. I have been honored and blessed to be your president this past year. It has been a growing experience for me, and it has been a busy year for the boards and our council. I want to thank them for all their hard work. But we aren t done yet! There are projects that still need to be finished. These are the capital projects we have received bids for: HVAC-Heating, ventilation and air conditioning for the old part of the building. The west hallways will need renovation to install new duct work. Improvements for the Sanctuary new sound system and better lighting for the Sanctuary. We need to re-carpet all the classrooms, nursery, preschool area, and food pantry. We have been given 8,000 square feet of new carpet squares to do this. The cost is to remove old carpeting and lay new carpet. The Capital Fund Campaign will fund the gap between what we have in hand for projects and their total cost. We will be voting on these at our Annual Meeting. Ten exciting things that happened at Trinity this year! 1. Both the Men s and Women s Bible Study Groups have given dollars to enroll in school four Guatemalan children. Together they are sponsoring two boys and two girls. There is no free public education in Guatemala. 2. There is a new project called Helping our Neighbors which will provide Hy-Vee or Wal- Mart gift cards to members who are having a difficult time making ends meet. 3. Naomi Bible Study Circle has put their monthly offerings for the year into purchasing a lamb to be given through ELCA Good Gifts Catalog. Martha Circle continues to sponsor the Faith Boxes given at baptism to families. Page 13

17 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 4. Our weekly Sunday school has been replaced with BLAST on Wednesday evenings. Our attendance has gone from 10 children to 50 children by switching to a different day. Students come for a meal, and then they have their music opening and their classes. 5. TLC continues to take up offerings for many organizations: like Prison Congregations of America, Sharing the Dream, Vermillion Food Pantry, and the Tara Rohan family after their house fire in the neighborhood. 6. The Congregation participated in God s Work, Our Hands this fall. We took treats to all the first responders in Vermillion on We also cleaned the downtown area after Ribs, Rods and Rock n Roll Night. We will be continuing this tradition joining Lutheran Churches all over America that day to help neighbors. 7. Trinity hosted Christmas on the Missouri this year. This concert was produced and sung by many Vermillion Church Choirs. They celebrated Christmas with music on December 11 th. It was a wonderful concert, and our sanctuary was full that night. 8. Stephen Ministers finished their eleventh year of serving at TLC. They provide visits, friendship and prayer for members who are going through difficult times. St, Ministers help their Care Receivers through the rough times in their lives. Not all St Ministers are assigned, so if you know someone who could benefit from such a relationship, call Barb Schwartz. 9. TLC s Quilting group continues to provide quilts for overseas families. This year 161 quilts were finished and sent. TLC women also provide health kits and school bags for children around the world. 10. The Vermillion Food Pantry will set a new food give away record in They expect to serve 7,000 people this year. This is the big increase in users, and it shows how much food insecurity there is in Clay County. The Food Pantry has donated $4,000 to Trinity for their electricity use in TLC supports the work of the Pantry by giving donations of food, money and space. A spirit of helping and sharing God s love is still strong after 125 years at Trinity Lutheran. May God continue to bless this congregation and may TLC continue to pass this blessing on to our community. Sincerely, Mary Berglin Congregational President Page 14

18 PASTORAL ACTS OF 2016 Pastoral Acts of 2016 BAPTISMS DATE PASTOR Everett David Moeller Saturday, January 2, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Son of Derek and Crystal Moeller Sponsors: Desiree Heeren and Dayle and Heather Moeller Nola Sue Wedel Sunday, January 31, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Daughter of Douglas and Tara Wedel Sponsors: Alex and Tasia Hofman Jakob Adam Learing Sunday, January 31, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Son of Laura Learing Sponsors: Mike and Bethany Josephsen Caden James West Saturday, February 6, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Son of Jerami and Liv West Sponsors: David and Amy Thiesse Maci Jade Sommervold Saturday, February 13, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Daughter of Ford Sommervold and Autumn Dugan Sponsors: Cody Sommervold; Tylyn LeBeau; Shyanne LeBeau Carolyn JoAnn Towner Saturday, March 19, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Daughter of Carl Towner and JoAnn Amundsen Sponsors: Dexter and Noreen Jorgensen Katelyn Marie Proefrock Sunday, March 20, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Daughter of Rickey and Debbie Proefrock Sponsors: Greg and Tara Pirak Page 15

19 PASTORAL ACTS OF 2016 Reese Austin Proefrock Sunday, March 20, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Son of Rickey and Debbie Proefrock Sponsors: Greg and Tara Pirak Rickey Alan Proefrock Sunday, March 20, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Adult Baptism Sponsors: Greg and Tara Pirak Amanda Lee Grant-Schroeder Sunday, May 1, 2016 Adult Baptism Sponsor: David Hesse Pastor James E. Fowler Mason Joshua Gilbertson Sunday, June 26, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Son of Daniel and Megan Gilbertson Sponsors: Ryan Gilbertson and Sarah Von Ruden Margaret Amelia Schmeling Sunday, July 24, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Daughter of Aaron and Kristin Schmeling Sponsors: Ben and Marcee Irlbeck *Dorothy Edna Nesselhuf Monday, July 18, 2016 Pastor Edmund Nesselhuf Daughter of Seth and Alicia Nesselhuf Pastor James E. Fowler Sponsors: Nesselhuf family Nora Renee Gilbertson Sunday, September 11, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Daughter of Jeffrey and Devin Gilbertson Sponsors: Grant Preheim and Ashley Dendinger Izaak Oliver Neal Sunday, October 2, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Son of Matthew and Lauryn Neal Sponsors: Morgan Hower; Ric Meins; and Samantha Haakinson Page 16

20 PASTORAL ACTS OF 2016 Korbin Dean Neal Sunday, October 2, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Son of Matthew and Lauryn Neal Sponsors: Jimmy and Jaci Neal and Brenden Hower Brielle Audrey Peters Sunday, October 9, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Daughter of Taylor and Amanda Peters Sponsors: Zach and Nicole Biggs Braylen Thomas Walker Saturday, October 29, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Son of Tyler and Tayler Tigert Sponsors: Brittany Walker and Sam Tigert Bly Daniel Steffen Saturday, November 5, 2016 Pastor James E. Fowler Son of Brian and Holly Steffen Sponsors: Dana Schenk; Brad and Ashley Steeneck WEDDINGS Tiffany Moore and Justin Roetman April 16, 2016 Pastor James E Fowler, Officiant April Miles and Jeff Brevik June 4, 2016 Pastor James E Fowler, Officiant FUNERALS DATE OF DEATH FUNERAL DATE Paul Roberts January 11, , 10:00 AM Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler Leone Christopherson February 19, , 10:30 AM Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler Page 17

21 PASTORAL ACTS OF 2016 Vernon Anderson February 29, , 10:30 AM Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler Betty L. Hansen May 4, , 10:00 AM Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler Edmund K. Nesselhuf July 27, , 11:00 AM Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler Margot L. Moller Sept. 8, , 2:00 PM - Memorial Svc. Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler (assisted) Aloysius C. Gorseth Sept. 14, 2016 Katy, TX Richard D. Cayce Sept. 27, , 10:30 AM Kober Funeral Home Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler Glen Ray Lawrensen October 16, , 10:30 AM Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler Page 18

22 PASTORAL ACTS OF 2016 James F. Henze December 9, , 10:30 AM Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler *Mabel J. Neary December , Kober Funeral Home Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler *Thomas D. Kruse December 14, , 1:00 PM Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler Opal V Smith December 15, , 3:00 PM Trinity Lutheran Church Vermillion, SD Pastor James E Fowler Clayton Hall December 29, 2016 *Denotes non-member 2016 SENIOR CLASS SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2016 Dylan Andal Autumn Barnett Jordan Fostvedt Gavin Gilbertson Blake Gilkyson Jacob Manger Kyleigh Melstad Katy Noteboom Allison Odens Kylee Retzlaff Jeremiah Johnson Page 19

23 PASTORAL ACTS OF RD GRADE BIBLES SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 Natalle Buckman Katie Even Evan Gilkyson Cooper Girard Madellyn Jerke Talon Johnson Treyton Law Kelcy Orr Oscar Passick Katelyn Proefrock Dain Richardson Jordan Springer 2016 CONFIRMATION CLASS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2016 Kate Jolene DeVelder Katrina Mae Heles Ethan Robert Learing Emma Grace Noteboom Evelyn Rose Marie Saltzgiver FIRST COMMUNION / 5 TH GRADERS THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2016 MaKenzie Richardson Jordan Springer Page 20

24 PASTORAL ACTS OF 2016 Tayden Wells NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED INTO OUR CONGREGATION MARCH 20, 2016 Debbie Proefrock NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED INTO OUR CONGREGATION APRIL 24, 2016 Bob and Terri Nielsen NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED INTO OUR CONGREGATION MAY 1, 2016 Amanda Grant-Schroeder and son, Landon Sopoci David Hesse and daughter, Cadee Hesse NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED INTO OUR CONGREGATION OCTOBER 23, 2016 Darwin and Diane VanDenOever NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED INTO OUR CONGREGATION NOVEMBER 5, 2016 Brian and Holly Steffen MEMBERS WHO TRANSFERRED OUT / RELEASED TO OTHER CONGREGATIONS Robert L. Freese Molli R. Anderson Andrea Wood; Autumn Barnett, and Gracie Wood Robert and Barbara Boone Richard and Kay Rasmussen MINISTRY OF THE MONTH In 2004, we implemented a ministry-of-the-month benevolence. Thanks to you, this has been a charitable avenue in which to share the gifts that God gives us to various ministries locally and throughout the world. January St Dysmas $ February Lutheran Disaster Response $1, Page 21

25 PASTORAL ACTS OF 2016 March Lutheran Social Services $ April Lutherans Outdoors $ May Lutherans Outdoors Camperships $ June The Welcome Table $ July ELCA Malaria Campaign $ August Lutheran World Relief $ September The Vermillion Civic Council $ October Vermillion Food Pantry $ November Prison Congregations of America $ December Sharing the Dream in Guatemala $ SALVATION ARMY ASSISTANCE Through your generous donations in 2016, we were able to assist people in our community who were in need through the Salvation Army assistance, via the Vermillion Ministerial Association (the combined churches in Vermillion). Thank you for your continued generosity and prayerful support of this program. Checks may be made payable to the Salvation Army. MUTUAL MINISTRY Mutual Ministry Committee is mission-oriented builds on a broad vision of ministry and healthy practice of mutuality makes use of small group approach to develop mutuality Carries-out the ministry tasks of scanning and response in support of mission. The mutual ministry is a small group of individuals with a unique purpose in the life of the congregation. The committee scans and listens to the joys and frustrations of the congregation members and prayerfully concentrates on what God is calling our ministry to do? Mutual ministry included: Faith boxes, Divas (group of young women that gather in Christian fellowship), Pictorial Directory and Pastoral support. Committee members: Dave Lorenz, Tom Sorensen, Shirley Huber Rich Walker, Pastor Jim Fowler, Jennifer Law, Secretary, Crystal Moeller, Chairperson. Page 22

26 MINISTRY REPORTS Ministry Reports HEALTH MINISTRY Monthly Blood Pressure Screenings Good Samaritan Program dispersed $6,200 to 3 families Parish Nurse made 281 visits between January 16, 2016 and December 1, 2016 Red Cross Babysitting Class was held in April Health Cabinet served Vacation Bible School meal in July Maintain AED (automatic external defibrillator) Maintain First Aid Kits Disinfect the church nursery semi annually Health Cabinet served a soup supper during Lent. Members: Cindy Lias, Chairperson Joanne Martin, Secretary Marcy Lund, RN, Parish Nurse Karol Brodersen Pam Hanson Kathy Nelson Mary Jo Olson, MD Dawn Wirth Pastor Jim Fowler Page 23

27 MINISTRY REPORTS STEPHEN MINISTRY AT TRINITY The Stephen Ministers have been busy visiting their care receivers throughout the past year. Many hours of support have been given by our 17 Stephen Ministers. (We have one SM taking a break right now) We have had three new pairings this year, with two of those involving our newly commissioned Stephen Ministers. We have had closure with one of our care receivers this year. We do have several Stephen Ministers who do not have a care receiver, so if you or someone you know is in need of support, please contact me, Jan Olson or the church office to get more information. Stephen Ministers always participate in ongoing education at our supervision meetings. This year we reviewed the Journey Through Grief booklets and found opportunities to use them with people in our congregation going through a loss. We were also lucky to have an informative talk about hospice. We also extend our outreach by attending a worship service at St. Dysmas congregation, behind the prison walls. Our supervision meeting always involve ideas and support for each other. Stephen Ministry continues to be a vital outreach to our members as well as to the whole community. Our weekly visits usually involve listening and prayer together. Our 50 hours of training help us relate to our care receivers and show them the love of God. Please pray for our ministry to flourish in our congregation. We remember 1 John 4:19- "We love because he first loved us." Barb Schwartz- Stephen Leader PRISON CONGREGATIONS OF AMERICA Prison Congregations of America, Inc Annual Report to Trinity Lutheran Church You have perhaps heard us say, What began as one man s dream has become a national movement. That claim sums up There never was down time as we continued simultaneous work on many different fronts. We have a new congregation in the Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Rev. Mark Thompson leads Breaking the Chains Church in that facility. The congregation is sponsored by the ELCA. The ELCA is also in the call process for FreeIndeed, the prison congregation that will be in the Anamosa State Penitentiary in Iowa. After praying that we might enter into relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA), we have solid relationships in several different states. The first PC-USA prison congregation is The Cross Road in the Crossroads Correctional Facility in Shelby, Montana. The Olympia Presbytery in Page 24

28 MINISTRY REPORTS Washington is interviewing pastors for the soon to be viable congregation in the women s prison in Washington. There are very early conversations among Presbyterian leaders for yet another congregation in a prison in the northeastern part of the state. The ELCA in Pendleton, Indiana will soon be in the call process for a congregation there, and there are early conversation in North Carolina and Florida. I recently got to speak to a group of mission planters from various denominations. I believe that both the denominations and PCA will benefit from our ongoing relationship. We were able to host a PCA Pastors Retreat in September at the Abbey of the Hills in northeastern SD. The event was so well received that we promised to make it happen annually. We hope next year to host it somewhere in the South. Sister Helen Prejean did not come speak here this year because of her sister being ill. She is taking 2017 off to write a book, and then she will be with us in Our hearts broke at the death of Ed Nesselhuf. I thank God every day that I get to work in this amazing ministry he created. Oh yes, it is true: What began as one man s dream has become a national movement. Thank you for your continued support and love. God bless. Mary Mortenson, Executive Director, PCA BOARD OF DEACONS Our board members were Dennis Luft, Dennis Harvey, Teresa Gilbertson, Jeaneite Lorenz, Nancy Nelson, Pat Meyers, and Scott Schempp. We attended the Anniversary Committee Leadership Retreat on Saturday, February 6, At this retreat we reviewed and set our goals for the year. We held monthly meetings on the 2 nd Tuesday of each month, except during the summer months of July and August. We served communion every Sunday this year. Every 1 st and 3 rd Sunday we served the traditional way, with bread and communion cups. All other Sundays we served by intinction, by dipping wafers or bread into the wine chalice. We also served two services on Christmas Eve by intinction. With only seven members on our board, we sometimes had to ask other members of the congregation to help serve. Page 25

29 MINISTRY REPORTS We assisted with new member orientations in April, July and October by serving refreshments and helping answer questions from the new members. Several of our board members joined Pastor Fowler and confirmands on October 26, At this time we listened to each confirmand s Faith Statement and also served refreshments. Throughout the year, Jeaneite Lorenz sent out several thinking of you cards to church members who have recently lost a loved one. She recently started to send out Grief Booklets in place of the cards. The booklets are a series of four separate mailings sent out periodically. Our board recently produced new pew cards for prospective members, visitors or current members to fill out if they need assistance or have questions. Completed cards are to be placed in the offering plate. These cards are printed by office staff. Scott Schempp, Chairperson BOARD OF EDUCATION The Board of Education had a very busy and productive Board members included Liz DeVelder, Jolene Klemme, Trevor Mandernach, Kirney Passick, Amy Richardson, and Kara Terry. In January of 2016, the congregation voted at the annual meeting to amend the bylaws and remove the preschool from the bylaws. (Due to declining enrollment, the preschool was closed in May of 2015.) The Board of Education worked throughout the spring and early summer to clean the preschool rooms. Materials were sold with proceeds split between the church treasuries, the High School youth travel account, and the BLAST Kids and Confirmation program. The large preschool room is currently used by a Head Start class and the small preschool room is the home to the Board of Education materials and is also used for BLAST classes. Vacation Bible School was held in late July with the theme Cave Quest. Over 50 children attended VBS for 5 nights. A meal was served and kids then rotated through many stations: music, games, drama, science/art, movie, and snack. The week ended with a performance for parents and guests. Kirney Passick organized VBS again this year and over 30 people of all ages helped in some way either teaching, providing meals, wrangling kids, or cleaning up after us! In August, the Board of Education decided to have a BLAST on Wednesday nights! Christian education for children moved from Sunday morning to Wednesday night. BLAST is the name for Wednesday night activities so we have BLAST Kids (ages 3 - grade 5), BLAST Confirmation (grades 6-8), and BLAST High School (grades 9-12). We started off in August with a parent meeting. Each night starts at 5:30 with a meal prepared and served by parents. Classes are from Page 26

30 MINISTRY REPORTS 6:00-7:00. We have had enormous success with BLAST. We have approximately 55 BLAST Kids and 21 BLAST Confirmation Kids attend each night. This is a dramatic increase in attendance from last year! And again, we couldn't do it without all of the help from parents and other members of the congregation! In December, the BLAST Kids performed their Christmas program during the church service. With our increased numbers, we had several more innkeepers, shepherds, and of course bubbly little angels! The High School youth group continues to grow and increase their involvement. They meet on Wednesday nights for devotions, lessons, and a little fun. Many kids come early to work on homework or just socialize. The group has completed many service activities (collecting for the food pantry and serving Lenten soup supper), many fundraising events (raking leaves and selling poinsettias), and of course they have had a lot of fun. The youth, under the direction of June Mikkelson, have become a close group and have attended hockey games, corn mazes, and hosted an overnight lock-in and a late night fun night. We saw enormous growth in participation in 2016 and our goal is to continue this in We are hoping to increase the number of parents and congregational members participating in our youth education programs. We also would like to see the confirmation class attend a confirmation camp through Lutheran Outdoors. Submitted by Liz DeVelder, chair BOARD OF PARISH LIFE Parish Life started the year out with a Game Afternoon in February. Fun was had by all playing Bingo and munching on popcorn. In March we sponsored a Wed. night soup supper before Lenten service. Each of our board members brought a crockpot of soup and we enjoyed hot soup on a cold night. In April and May we began working on Gods Work, Our Hands Sunday, which was the 11 th of September. On the 26 th of June, Parish Life sponsored a potluck lunch after church service. It was a great meal and time of fellowship. It was also decided that we would help clean up Main Street after Ribs, Rods, Rock n Roll for God s Work Our Hands Sunday. July brought Vacation Bible School, in which we had a great time serving the evening meal. We had an awesome time with the children and leaders. Page 27

31 MINISTRY REPORTS In August we had a table set up each Sunday in the narthex where we sold t-shirts for God s Work Our Hands Sunday. Shirt sales went really well and they will probably be sold again next year for members who did not get one. We also decided that along with cleaning up Main Street that we would also make cookie and treat trays to be taken to all of the Clay County Emergency workers, since it was the 15 th anniversary of September brought God s Work Our Hands Sunday. We had a great group of adults and youth that helped with this event. It was work cleaning up Main Street, but fun was had by all. Another group made cookie and treat plates and delivered them to the emergency responders in the community. Thanks you to everyone who helped to make this day a success. This will be an annual event, so watch for it in Fall is upon us and it s time for our fall potluck and trunk or treat. We had a great potluck on the 23 rd of October and trunk or treat was held on the 30 th in which the children and adults both enjoyed. The Board of Parish closed out the year by decorating the narthex in preparation of the birth of our Lord and Savior. We also made cookie and treat plates to take to the shut-ins. Thank you to all of you who made and brought the Christmas goodies to help with this event. I d like to thank the Board members of Parish Life for their service throughout this past year. We had a great year and I enjoyed working with all of you. God s Blessings, Mary Baer BOARD OF PROPERTY The Board of Property held regular meetings during 2016 for the purpose of performing or acting on normal maintenance and considering future needs of the church facility and campus. The board was asked to consider changes in rental prices and policies for fellowship hall, Askeland lounge, and the large kitchen. The Property Board approved a building and usage agreement for members and non-members. It has been brought to the Council for further consideration. A great number of meetings dealt with heating and cooling problems the church is facing. Most of the problems are due to mechanical equipment (some of it was original with the church building) or items that are not efficient to meet today s standards. Bids have been received for these needed upgrades. Page 28

32 MINISTRY REPORTS The Board has received multiple complaints about the appearance of the hall by the Sunday school rooms. The main concerns deal with poor lighting and a non-inviting atmosphere. The Board has sought bids for hallway improvements and submitted them to the Church Council. Sidewalks by the street have been repaired. The Board arranged for the playground equipment to be removed as there is no longer the pre-school program. The Board was asked to look at options for improving lighting and sound systems in the sanctuary and has submitted the bids to the Council. The Board was also asked to develop a parking policy for the parking lot. Signs were placed but vandalized. We thank our custodial staff for the outstanding job of keeping our church looking so nice and dealing with all the crisis that happen in a church like ours and thanks to all of the people who helped with seasonal cleanups and Tanager Volunteer Day. Respectfully submitted, Jeff Noteboom, Chair BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2016 was an exciting year for Trinity s Board of Trustees, and 2017 promises even more excitement as we continue in our faithful stewardship of the gifts with which we ve been entrusted by the people of Trinity. Our Board of Trustees for 2016 was comprised of Dwight Berglin, Cindy Brown, Craig DeVelder, Keith Emerson, Kent Osborne and Chad Passick. Kathy Heles once again served as Trinity s treasurer a role and a person whom our board, as well as our congregation, owes many thanks. Overall in 2016, thanks to the gifts of its congregation, Trinity was able to support local programming and staffing needs. While total offering fell well short of the budgeted amount, so did total spending. In addition to meeting expenses, the General Fund was able to fully repay the Special Revenue loan in February; however, a budgetary shortfall in August required the Trustees to once again borrow funds from the Special Revenue Fund to satisfy financial obligations. While those funds have again been repaid, Trinity was unfortunately unable to meet entirely its 2016 benevolence pledge to the South Dakota Synod. In total, we paid the Synod $10,500 of our $18,000 pledge this year. For 2017, the Trustees have reduced the amount budgeted for Synod benevolence to a more manageable $12,000. In coming years, however, we must focus on building our capacity to better support the mission of the Church beyond just the walls of Trinity through increased benevolence. Page 29

33 MINISTRY REPORTS At our 2016 annual meeting, Trinity s congregation approved a mission plan that included funding for an associate pastor. The Luther Center was in need of a pastor, and the possibility of sharing staff with them offered one potential solution to a perceived need for additional staff at Trinity. That opportunity has since passed, however, and the Luther Center has moved forward with other arrangements. While we continue with an eye toward the possibility of adding staff, we are also keenly aware of funding challenges such an addition currently represents. We will continue to carefully evaluate our staffing needs at Trinity by balancing those needs with the financial resources entrusted to us. For 2017, however, the Board of Trustees does not anticipate such an addition, and no funding was appropriated for additional pastoral staff. While the Board of Trustees is dedicated to conservatively managing funds, we also recognize there is a balance to be maintained, and that offerings are made with faith that they can be used for the good of Trinity. It became evident in 2016 that a portion of our Special Revenue fund (originally the Building fund) could, and should be used as intended. The Trustees worked extensively with the Board of Property to identify and prioritize several much-needed building projects, each of which could be characterized as overdue, and which will preserve and enhance Trinity s physical facilities and the worship experience of its membership. While the total price tag for the projects exceeds what the Special Revenue fund alone can support, Trinity s Trust Fund Committee has already pledged a significant, additional amount to help support the plan. These 125 th Anniversary Legacy Projects will provide Trinity s membership with the opportunity to support its mission in an enduring way, and to help provide for and mold an exciting future for our church. To facilitate these projects, a Capital Improvements plan and campaign has been proposed by the Board for Trinity s approval, in addition to the standard mission plan and general fund budget. Finally, the Trustees worked hard this year to establish a reliable financial projection to budget against. By evaluating the congregation s stewardship pledges for 2017 in conjunction with historical giving, we were able this year to better paint a picture of Trinity s financial future. We worked hard to consolidate line items and propose realistic budgets for them, while also ensuring that programming was supported and our staff in many ways the backbone of Trinity received cost-of-living increases to their salaries. It was our goal to propose a responsible mission plan that reflects much more closely a realistic revenue projection for And it is our continued goal to be stewards of the gifts offered by and to Trinity, so that together we might do great things, and continue to realize in 2017 what God has in store for us in this place. Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chad Passick Page 30

34 MINISTRY REPORTS BOARD OF WORSHIP AND THE ARTS Members: Sarah Lias, chair; Carol Finnegan, Heidi Fowler, June Mikkelson, Cinda Passick, Susanne Steenholdt, Wyatt Waage; Christy Kimball, ex-officio This year we spent time working on various items: Updated the bylaws description of Worship and Arts board Suggestion to Council that monies from Lenten soup suppers be divided between TLC Youth Group travel funding and Vermillion Backpack program Encouraged participation in Lenten Round Robin Decision to purchase eco-palms from Lutheran World Relief for 2017 Pentecost on May 15 th was also the day we honored our high school seniors Participated in SWOT discussion Talked about communion practices, including every week communion (which was instituted), how to take care of bread and wine between services; Pastor Fowler met with Altar Guild Worked on our budget for several months in order that we might turn in our best estimate for the Trustees Discussed returning to the Head Usher program that had been used at Trinity for several years; several people have been asked to take it on but so far no one has agreed Called for worship assistants in July and October Worked out a possible sign-up sheet for worship assistants due to the seeming ineffectiveness of the current calling plan; the entire congregation will be able to use the results of the Time and Talent sheet to help fill the empty spaces o Note: the congregation has taken well to this opportunity; our question is: in what other manner can we contact those who are less active at Trinity than they have been in the past? Received a new red banner in memory of Paul Roberts Worked with Pastor Fowler on the stewardship program, 5 Practices of Fruitful Congregations; Heidi Fowler designed graphics for each practice Cinda Passick compiled the information from the Time and Talent sheets that were returned What does the future hold? We are not sure. But there are a few things we do know: Setting 10 of the liturgy will begin on January 8 th the setting that uses familiar hymn tunes for each part of the liturgy Updating of our wedding policy will be done in 2017 October 22, 2017 is the culmination of Trinity s 125 th anniversary year October 29, 2017 is our celebration of the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation here at Trinity; October 31, 2017 is our synod-wide celebration, to be held at the Arena in Sioux Falls Page 31

35 MINISTRY REPORTS We look forward to working together with the rest of the Boards and the congregation in Thank you for working with us this past year, for your suggestions on other things we could do, and for all of your prayers. Sarah Lias, chairperson ALTAR GUILD Members of Altar Guild who served during the past year include: Arlis Johnson (Committee Chair), Barbara Boone (partial year), Sandy Mette, Mary Lynn Berntson, Nancy Nelson (Committee Chair), Kelly Gilkyson, Shelly Hauck, Michelle Fostvedt, Kazy Mollet (Committee Chair), Quentin Larson, Linda Martinson and Sheryl Peterson. Members serve a three-year term with a renewal option. Members assist the pastor during communion, help care for the chancel area and its furnishings; prepare communion vessels; make communion bread; care for the linens; order necessary supplies for communion, and clean and polish the brass pieces several times a year. Members also met with the Pastor and first communion youth to help them make the bread for communion. Members also make provision for candles and candelabra used at weddings and help decorate for the season of Christmas. We continue to use the two beautiful artificial pre-lit Christmas trees and thank Erma Larson for providing them to the church. Van Dale & Erma began this tradition in 1953 when they donated Christmas trees to Trinity in memory of Dick Tonseth who died in The trees are also in memory of Van Dale who passed away in Respectfully submitted, Nancy Nelson and Arlis Johnson, Co-Chairpersons, Altar Guild QUILTING The quilters were busy in At the end of October we sent 161 quilts to Lutheran World Relief, and the congregation contributed $204 to defray costs for shipping them overseas. In addition to the quilts, 7 school kits, 27 personal care kits, and 20 pounds of soap were also sent to LWR. Sincere thank yous to Robin and Dennis Iverson for taking them to Yankton and to Lyle Timm, who saves all the big boxes for us to pack the quilts in. The quilters also donated a quilt to the Luther Center for its silent auction and another lap quilt to the South Dakota Synodical Women of the ELCA s silent auction at its annual convention in Mitchell this year. Page 32

36 MINISTRY REPORTS We have a wonderful group of women who donate two hours of their time at the church on Thursday mornings, plus many hours are spent sewing quilt tops together at home. We are in need of backs, so if you have sheets you d like to replace in your homes and they are not stained, please consider donating them to the quilters. We make 60 x 80 quilts, and even a twin size sheet works nicely for the backs with enough room for the binding. Just because we have a great core group of women already doesn t mean we couldn t use your help! I ve been hearing all year about a wonderful intern pastor who came to quilting, so if you gentlemen have some time on your hands, you will be more than welcome! I came into the group only knowing how to snip and tie, and that s all I needed to know. The fellowship we share is beyond compare. I agreed to be the secretary for the Southeastern Conference Women of the ELCA this year, and while Trinity does not have an active board or group, many activities are done by the women at Trinity, from serving funeral and other luncheons, Bible studies, both circles and Wednesday scripture study, and a myriad of other activities. I m so grateful to be part of this wonderful group of women. Your Sister in Christ, Elayne Lande WEDNESDAY MORNING MEN S GATHERING The Trinity men s Wednesday morning lesson study sessions occur every Wed. Am, officially starting at 7AM. We have from 12 to 20 or so in attendance each week studying the lessons for the upcoming Sunday. Each week we collect an offering which we use to fund scholarships for two middle school students in Guatemala plus a stipend for a college student who tutors scholarship students. We have collected over $1200 in 2016 to support these three young people. If anyone is interesting in joining us please come to Hy-Vee any time between 6:15 and 7 Am on any Wednesday morning. Keith Joy Page 33

37 MINISTRY REPORTS TRUST FUND Trust Fund Committee (TFC) 2016 was a year in which the TFC met a total of 7 times. The highlight of these meetings are as follows: Scholarship funds in the amount of $3,000 was presented to 5 church affiliated members. The sources of these funds was from rental income from property at 511 E Clark Street. $2,500 was provided to Luther World Relief for the refugee crisis in Europe. Edward Jones Company was selected to manage the Trust Fund designated funds in order to provide a more realistic return on investment accounts. This was formalized on March 30, 2016 with a deposit of $166, Improvements at the Cedro Gallon facility in Guatemala in the amount of $10,000 with matching gifts from the congregation. With heavy hearts the TFC moved to find a replacement for Pastor Ed Nesselhuf who passed away. We are happy to report that Allan Wittmuss has agreed to serve out Pastor Ed s term (expiring 2016). Funded request from the Board of Deacons for the program, Journeying Through Grief in the amount of $ Donated $250 to Prison Congregations of America in memory of Pastor Ed Nesselhuf, the initial founder of PCA. Will provide $3,000 for 2017 scholarship program. Will provide $20,000 in support of Board of Property request for various church upgrades and repair projects. Bill Huber, Chairperson Page 34

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39 MINISTRY REPORTS Property at 511 East Clark Street, Vermillion, SD Beginning Balance $4, Income Rent & Deposit $4, $9, Expenses City Rental Registration $40.00 City Utilities $ MidAmerican Energy $53.88 Garbage Service $ Maintenance $1, Advertising $20.00 Insurance $ Real Estate Taxes $ Trinity Lutheran Trust Fund $3, Scholarship $7, Ending Balance $1, Respectfully submitted, Dick Sunde Page 36

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