TABLE OF CONTENTS Page(s) Table of Contents 1 Annual Meeting Agenda 2 Annual Meeting Minutes January 22, Church Staff 5

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1 MISSION STATEMENT Hope Lutheran Church seeks to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, to proclaim the Gospel to others, and to strive for unity in Christ. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page(s) Table of Contents 1 Annual Meeting Agenda 2 Annual Meeting Minutes January 22, Church Staff 5 REPORTS Church Membership Statistics/Baptisms/Deaths/Confirmands/Marriages/New Members/Transfers Out 6 Our Stewardship Per Family Unit/Pastors 7 Bishop Jon V. Anderson s Annual Report 8-9 President s Report 10 Interim Pastor s Report 11 Board of Trustees 11 Board of Deacons Workgroups 12 Board of Education GLOW, Teen Power, Confirmation, Youth of Hope Music/Worship Program - Jubilation, Praise Band, Music/Worship Committee HLCW Report Altar Guild 17 Cemetery Board Library & Resource Center 18 Prayer Shawl Ministry 18 FINANCIAL REPORTS General Fund Approved Budget, 2017 Actual, 2018 Proposed Budget Walk Around Offerings 22 Petty Cash 22 Cornerstone Fund 22 Building Fund Checking & Money Market 23 GLOW Fund 23 Cemetery Permanent Care Fund 24 Cemetery General Fund 25 HLCW Fund 26 Memorial Fund 27 Youth Of Hope Fund 28 School Backpack Program Fund 29 Make A Difference Report 29 Endowment Fund 30 Farm Account 30 Pennings Investment Building 30 Floyd Hettling Memorial Sponsorship Fund 30 Robert E. & Alice V. Geiwitz Scholarship Fund 31 Scholarship Funds 32 Ballot 33 The Annual Meeting of Hope Lutheran Church January 28, 2018, 11:00 am Page 1

2 HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH 2017 ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA JANUARY 28, :00 A.M. 1. Call Meeting to Order 2. Opening Devotions 3. Secretary s Minutes 4. Treasurer s Report 5. Reports: a. Pastor b. President c. Board of Deacons d. Board of Education e. Board of Trustees f. Altar Guild g. Hope Lutheran Cemetery Fund h. Hope Lutheran Church Women i. Library Resource j. Music Program k. Prayer Shawl Ministry 6. Financial Reports: a. Building Funds b. Cornerstone c. General Fund d. Petty Cash e. Cemetery f. Confirmation g. Hope Lutheran Church Women h. Memorial i. Youth of Hope j. Floyd & Agnes Hettling Memorial k. Scholarship Funds 7. Report of Nominating Committee 8. Elections a. Church Council b. Nominating Committee c. Synod Assembly Delegates d. Call Committee 9. Presentation and Approval of Budget for Old Business a. Parsonage 11. New Business a. Ministry Sharing with St. Paul s Lutheran b. Fellowship Hall Flooring 12. Other a. Dan Deitte Endowment Fund Discussion 13. Closing Page 2

3 Hope Lutheran Church Annual Meeting Minutes January 22, 2017 Attendance: 67 members The meeting was called to order by President Barry Gronke. Devotions were led by Interim Pastor Bruce Drackley. His prayer centered on the future for Hope Lutheran Church and its members. He also prayed to bless the meeting and the decisions for the upcoming year. Secretary s Report The minutes of the annual meeting of 2016 were presented. A motion was made by Bob Nelson to approve the Secretary s Report as printed, seconded by Lori Skaar. Motion carried. Treasurer s Report The Treasurer s Report was presented. A motion was made by Scott Anderson to approve the Treasurer s Report as printed, seconded by Jen Mahan-Deitte. Motion carried. Reports The following reports were reviewed as presented: a. Pastor b. President c. Board of Deacons d. Board of Education e. Board of Trustees f. Altar Guild g. Hope Lutheran Cemetery Fund h. Hope Lutheran Church Women i. Library Resource j. Music Program k. Prayer Shawl Ministry A motion was made by Deb Belaen to accept the reports as printed, seconded by Lori Skaar. Motion carried. Financial Reports The following Financial Reports were reviewed as presented: a. Building Funds b. Cornerstone c. General Fund d. Petty Cash e. Cemetery f. Confirmation g. Hope Lutheran Church Women h. Memorial i. Youth of Hope j. Floyd & Agnes Hettling Memorial k. Scholarship Funds A motion was made by Bob Nelson to approve all Financial Reports as presented, seconded by Deb Belaen. Motion carried. Report of Nominating Committee President Barry Gronke thanked all of the outgoing Council members for their years of service and hard work to the congregation. The nominating committee presented three candidates for Church Council. It was discussed a bit on downsizing the council as there were not enough candidates presented for nominees. After more discussion and encouragement three more members volunteered to be candidates. New candidates are Moriah Reiss, Shawn Page 3

4 Boerboom, Wade Myhre, Betty Prellwitz, Jen Mahan-Deitte and Lori Skaar. Bob Nelson motioned to have nominations cease and to cast a unanimous ballot for the six candidates, seconded by Glen Johnson. Motion carried. The nominating committee for 2018 was then nominated from the floor, which included: Roberta Josephson Nona Gottskalkson Keven Larson A motion was made by Barb Knutson to close nominations and to cast a unanimous ballot, seconded by Glen Johnson. Motion carried. Synod Assembly Representation The Nominating Committee presented Bob & Lynette Nelson for Synod Assembly representation. Deb Belaen motioned to close nominations and to cast a unanimous ballot, seconded by Gene Fodness. Motion carried. Endowment Committee The Nominating Committee presented four for the Endowment Committee, two positions are needed to be filled. Ballots were passed out, turned in and counted. Dan Deitte and Andy Hennen were voted in on the Endowment Committee. Cemetery Board Elections There were three positions to be filled on the Cemetery Board. Howard Huso, Ron Thostenson and Dave Dovre were presented for three year terms. Glen Johnson made a motion that nominations cease and to cast a unanimous ballot, seconded by Patrick Petersen. Motion carried. Presentation and Approval of the Budget for 2017 The budget for 2017 was reviewed by Barry Gronke. This year s budget is conservative and much lower as Pastor Bruce has agreed to stay on with us as long as we need and help with possible transitioning of a pastor sharing agreement. Much discussion went on about having our own full time pastor. Barry pointed out that according to the Synod s pay bases we cannot afford a full time pastor. We are researching deeply and cautiously on new ways how and who we can afford to accommodate our ministry needs. A motion was made by Bob Nelson to approve the budget as presented, seconded by Deb Belaen. Motion carried. The total budget for 2017 is $121, Old Business Would like new flooring in the Fellowship Hall. A committee will be formed, estimates will be gathered and a fund will be formed. New Business Parsonage updates - estimates are coming in. Council and Parsonage committee will work closely together on approvals and updates on all progress. There was some discussion on the financial statements and why some of the numbers did not match up exactly between the end of the year financial statement and budget. There was also discussion on how donations coming in for other organizations are run through our accounts. Ron Gilgert expressed having more details on when funds are moved between accounts. Rose VanUden motioned to have better itemized financial reports and to see detailed reports ahead of time, seconded by Lori Skaar. Motion carried. Other Business Re-establish that the correct Sunday for the Annual Meeting is always the fourth Sunday of January. A motion was made by Deb Belaen to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Nona Gottskalkson. Motion carried. Page 4

5 HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH STAFF Interim Pastor Bruce Drackley Dr. Elisabeth Johnson Chris Pesch Lynn and Barbara Okrina Peter Van Vooren Valerie Buysse Gayle Van Vooren Erin Roberts Bree Anderson CHURCH COUNCIL Scott Josephson (The Church President is an advisory member of all boards.) Sandy Tolk Chris Hansen Pastor Missionary in Cameroon Parish Secretary Custodians Financial Secretary Organist Jubilation Director GLOW Director GLOW Director President BOARD OF DEACONS Jamie Lanners - Chairperson 2019 Gayle VanVooren 2018 Jen Mahan-Deitte 2020 JD Pesch 2018 Betty Prellwitz 2020 BOARD OF EDUCATION Tony Esping - Chairperson 2018 Moriah Reiss 2020 Wade Myhre 2020 Kathy Opdahl 2019 Patrick Petersen 2019 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chris Hansen 2019 Shawn Boerboom 2020 Shane Bordewyk 2019 Sandy Tolk 2018 Lori Skaar 2020 Vice President Secretary CEMETERY BOARD Gene Fodness Dave Dovre Wayne Skaar Mark Hovland Ron Gilgert Howard Huso Ron Thostenson OTHER OFFICES (Appointed by Church Council) Pete Van Vooren Financial Secretary Lois VanDePutte Auditing Committee Glenda Fink ` Auditing Committee NOMINATING COMMITTEE Roberta Josephson Elected Keven Larson Elected Nona Gottskalkston Elected CEMETERY SEXTON Wayne Skaar Page 5

6 CHURCH MEMBER STATISTICS Membership January 1, 2017 Baptized Confirmed Active Membership Inactive Roster Membership Adjustment Membership December 31, The following pastoral acts were administered during 2017: Baptisms 2 Funerals 6 Confirmation 6 Marriages 1 CHURCH SERVICES Sunday Worship Services (Includes two Easter services) Ash Wednesday, Lent(5), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday 9 8 Thanksgiving (Ecumenical) 1 1 Christmas Eve 1 1 Christmas Day 1 1 ATTENDANCE Total Sunday Attendance 6,193 5,692 Average Sunday Attendance Total Attendance for Ash Wednesday, Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday Thanksgiving Eve (Ecumenical) - - Christmas Eve Christmas Day COMMUNION SERVICES Number of Services Conducted Number of Communions 1,606 1,370 Number of Communions at the Minneota Manor 196 BAPTISMS Bostyn Cory Myhre Bennett Lyle Buysse CONFIRMANDS Nolan Boerboom Serena Breyfogle Jackson Jeremiason Blake Reiss Alexander Saltzer Myles Williams NEW MEMBERS DEATHS/FUNERAL SERVICES of Members Borglund Larson Mark Bresson Charles Drown Elsie Hasert David VanDePutte Lavonn Alleckson MARRIAGES Seth Hasert & Heather Fier REMOVED FROM MEMBERSHIP Transfers Out Page 6

7 Submitted by Pete Van Vooren GIVING PER FAMILY UNIT 2017 $ 0 53 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH PASTORS The Rev. Olaf Hoel The Rev. A. N. Kleven The Rev. E. J. Hinderlie The Rev. O. P. Stensrud The Rev. J. David Larsen The Rev. Otto Dale The Rev. E. David Natwick The Rev. Howard C. Gravrock The Rev. John R. Thorstensen The Rev. Gerald M. Staehling The Rev. Karl E. Hansen The Rev. Timothy P. Larson The Rev. Timothy J. Wittwer The Rev. Ann Dwelle Ward The Rev. Thomas T. Kolden Interim Pastor Bruce Drackley Page 7

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10 Fellow Members of Hope, PRESIDENT S REPORT 2017 has been an exciting and eventful year at Hope Lutheran Church, the most significant of which is the pastoral sharing agreement we have established with St. Paul's Lutheran. It is exciting to bring the Minneota Lutheran community together and we look forward to the opportunities such an arrangement provides for our community, our congregations, our programming and youth development programs. Pastor Drackley has provided wonderful shepherding of our church during his interim here and has agreed to continue in this capacity for both churches under our new association. His experience with multi-denominational sharing of pastoral duties will serve us well as we move forward with this new relationship. Our agreement has been signed and forwarded to the synod for their information. We begin sharing pastoral duties in March of this year. At our annual meeting this month, we will be selecting 4 members to serve on a joint call committee which will work with 3 members selected from St. Paul's Lutheran Church and be assigned the task of initiating a pastor search when that time comes for us. We have completed the job of updating the parsonage during the last year. This task was extensive but necessary to bring it up to code and to prepare it for the arrival of a new pastor when that time comes. Many volunteers helped with this project under the guidance of Nona Gottskalkson, Roberta Josephson and Tony Opdahl. We thank those three and all of the volunteers who helped to keep the costs down as much as possible with this endeavor. This project provided a great opportunity for volunteers of all ages to get better acquainted, work together and enjoy fellowship while achieving a common goal. We now have a parsonage that will be an asset we can be proud to show to a prospective pastors' family. There are further projects we will encounter in 2018, one of which is revisiting the integrity of our bell tower. We continue to have a problem with moisture getting into the structure of the bell tower and we will need to address this problem as soon as the weather permits. With the extensive roofing project of the church building and the parsonage remodel, our building funds have been depleted. As we all consider our giving in the coming year, please make an effort to add additional gifting to the building fund so that we can be prepared to meet the maintenance needs of our beautiful facilities. Our GLOW program continues to flourish and we are very thankful for those responsible for the planning, teaching, meal preparation and financial support of this program. We are able to share the message of God's love with nearly 100 students each week which includes many from congregations outside of Hope. This commitment to our community youth continues through our Youth Of Hope and Teen Power programs which are well attended and maintain the connection to the church among our youth. We will soon be completing the updating of our technology used in education and worship. The council purchased a large video screen to be installed in the sanctuary which will be used to enhance our worship services and GLOW programming. We are also upgrading our internet service which will allow us to better use this new technology and enable us to livestream our worship services for those that are shut-ins and snow birds. This is truly an exciting time in the life of Hope Lutheran Church. As we look forward to 2018, let us recommit ourselves to Hope's mission to strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, to proclaim the gospel to others, and to strive for unity in Christ. Scott Josephson Chairman, Hope Lutheran Church Council Page 10

11 PASTOR S REPORT I will begin by apologizing for this year s report, as I didn t thank I would have to do one this year, but here s what I have in my opinion was a great year for Hope Lutheran. We had many baptisms, which shows that our church is growing from within and is a place of worship for young adults. For me to see and hear the young children talking and crying on Sunday mornings is a great experience. Second only to see some of the years past baptized kids come toddling down the aisle for the children s message. What a thrill and blessing for our church. We also experienced several weddings which indicates that our young adults feel that Hope is a special place in their lives and want to start their new life and future in the right place. Unfortunately we had our share of funerals also which is both sad but also reassuring knowing that our loved ones and friends have achieved the ultimate goal they were taught through the years here at Hope. Our youth programs are outstanding and I always beam when I share them with other pastors and churches. The success in just numbers alone is a tribute to all those adults and youth that make them so successful. The Mission trip again this year was one of my favorite experiences not only going somewhere new, but the privilege of being with such marvelous kids and adult leaders will always be a fond memory. Thanks to the congregation and community for is wonderful support. The music of Hope is second to none and we must give thanks to the individual leaders and participants who bring joyful blessings to us and to God for these special gifts. I get a huge smile on my face as I see our past graduates sneak into the choir loft and participate in singing on Sundays. The church is always active with people coming and going like ants. You never know what they are doing but something is getting done, from food preparation for GLOW or other event, to working on the parsonage this summer, to the Altar Guild making sure all is in order for the next service or event. The unsung heros in the balcony that get the voices done, to the custodial and secretary that keep the Hope ship upright. Thank you all who do your thing here at Hope. All your hard work is appreciated. Keep it up and someday the church won t be big enough to hold all your great efforts to bring God s message to the people of the Minneota area. Congrats to all our youth workers and teachers, to those who bring music to our ears, to those who usher and read the scriptures, to those who tend the flowers and shrubs, to those who take care of our loved ones places of rest, to all who make Hop Lutheran what it is today. God Bless You and Thank You! Bruce Drackley Interim Pastor BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORT 2017 was again a busy year. The Parsonage update was a big project which is now complete. The meeting with St. Paul s church was successful as we start a new chapter in the year for Hope and St. Paul s churches. We are still having problems with a leak in the Bell Tower. This will have to be addressed in the spring. The flooring in the Fellowship Hall will be done this spring. A committee has been formed to find flooring. I want to thank all of the board members of the Trustees as well as all council members this past year. Respectfully submitted, Sandy Tolk, Vice Chairperson Page 11

12 BOARD OF DEACONS The Board of Deacons members for 2017 consisted of Jamie Lanners - Chairperson of the Board of Deacons, Gayle VanVooren - Secretary of the Board of Deacons, Betty Prellwitz - Communion Servers, Jamie Lanners - Meals on the Move, Jen Mahan-Deitte - Lectors each week and JD Pesch - Food Shelf Coordinator. We had several new members in 2017, including transfers. A new membership welcome was held in May during service and we will be holding another welcome in the beginning of 2018 to celebrate those who became members in the second half of the was a very busy year packed with activities. As we continue to grow as a congregation, we will continue to gather congregational information on Time & Talent Sheets to help match up volunteers to areas of interest. If you are interested in volunteering or helping in any of the church or community activities, please reach out to any member of the deacons or council member. We look forward to hearing from you! Some of our activities this year were: Mission Sunday was held in March with a dinner served by the Mission Trip Youth. In May, a congregational meeting was held to get a formal vote on sharing a Pastor. Hope Lutheran Church congregation voted almost unanimously to continue to pursue a Pastor sharing arrangement with St. Paul s Lutheran Church in Minneota: 84 Yes and 3 No. The 27 th annual HLCW Ascension Brunch held in May with guest speaker, Pastor Jennifer Thul of Danebod Lutheran Church of Tyler, went very well. Pastor Bruce led the Sunday Boxelder Bug Day service at Bug Square in September. Service Day was recognized with the Youth of Hope doing services & a meal. Our annual Swedish Meatball Supper & Bake Sale along with a Silent Auction was well attended in October. As part of stewardship, we continue to work on rebuilding the building fund. All Saint s Sunday in November remembered all deceased and baptized members this past year, with members or relatives lighting a candle for those if they wished. Mission Sunday with guest speaker Laural Johnson was also held in November this year, followed by the delicious Mission Dinner which included Ham O-Brien prepared by Gayle VanVoreen and Sandy Tolk; along with others who contributed a variety of salads and desserts. Ending the year, Pastor Bruce s Live Nativity was held for two days in December and was open to the community. What a magnificent display! Walk around offerings for 2017 were: Salvation Army, Good Gifts-ELCA-Family Farm, Food Shelf, Hope Harbor (formerly called House of Hope), Heartland Girls Ranch, YOH 2017 Mission Trip, Esther s Kitchen, Red Cross, Backpack Program, Special Olympics, Live Nativity and Christmas Angels. The donations given from Hope Lutheran do not go unappreciated by any of these groups that we have shown our support for in Thank you all for your contributions as you make this possible! If you have any suggestions that you would like to see supported by our monthly church walk arounds, please feel free to share your suggestions with us. Thank you again for all your contributions in making 2017 a great year and looking forward to 2018! Jamie Lanners - Chairperson of the Board of Deacons Work Groups Contribute Work groups continue to be important at Hope Lutheran as they are the service part of our congregation. Three work groups cover the 12 months of the year. Their main duties are providing ushers, nursery sitters and coffee servers at our weekly services. Other special duties include providing cookies for bloodmobiles, cleaning the nursery and kitchen and helping with birthday parties at the Minneota Manor. Page 12

13 The work groups are also called, on a rotating basis, for funerals of our members. Funeral Coordinator, Marilyn Kompelien, calls the appropriate work group and shares information of funeral date and time, the number expected and what is being served. That work group then responds by calling for workers and cakes. All of this is done through our work group chairmen. They are called by the Deacons and shoulder the responsibilities for their month of service. Those who served as chairmen in 2017 were: Val Buysse, Lori Dyce, Jason & Jennifer Johnson, Ralph & Judy Hagen, Pete & Gayle VanVooren, Dave & Lois VanDePutte, Betty Prellwitz, Arla Boe, Sandy Tolk, Walt & Kathy Bulander, Jim & Glenda Fink, Wade & Terri Myhre, Gene & Barb Fodness, and Fig & Linda Nuytten. Each of these members are appreciated for their work for the good of the whole congregation. As Jesus did, they agreed to serve others with little reward. Thank you 2017 Work Group Chairmen and all those who said yes when called. Gayle VanVooren, Deacon BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT On behalf of the Board of Education I want to say thank you to everyone for their support in all of the many activities this past year in supporting our youth. We also recognize the many countless hours of time and effort by our volunteers to make each activity a success. Thank you everyone very much! God s Love on Wednesdays (GLOW) began its 4 th year with very good participation. We continue to see new families participating in GLOW activities. All church members are invited to be part of the GLOW experience so please come for fun, food and fellowship. The Confirmation Program saw 6 students confirmed on October 29 th Thank you to Pastor Bruce who has been leading the Confirmation Program this past fall. The Youth of Hope (YOH) had a very successful Minneota Mission Trip to San Diego last July with all students and chaperones coming back feeling very rewarded. Teen Power continues to be an active part of the Wednesday night activities. An important activity from the group was the Soles4Souls where they collected shoes for those in need. This has been a great group for our confirmed teenage members to get together and continue to build their faith. We want to thank again the many volunteers who have worked so hard to make all of the activities a success for the children of Hope Lutheran Church. We also want to thank all members of the Hope Lutheran Church for your support to make the activities the children participate in successful and enriching and rewarding experiences for them. Thank you! Respectively submitted, Tony Esping, Education Chairperson GLOW (God s Love on Wednesdays) The fourth year of GLOW kicked off in September with high energy illusionist, Jett Skrien. There was a great crowd then and it s stayed just as strong as ever since! GLOW, again, had a lot of volunteers who continue of offer us their time and talents. The classes were combined as follows: PreK-K (Sydney Larson, Tyler Myhre, and Karen Dalager), 1-2 (Grace Jeremiason and Shelby Corbin), 3-4 (Kathy Opdahl), 5-6 (Keven Larson), and 7 (Moriah Reiss). New to the kitchen are Brenda Swoboda and Jen Mahan-Deitte. They has a sign-up sheet to help in the kitchen in 2 shifts every Wednesday. Hopefully these shifts continue Page 13

14 to get filled in and they receive the help they need from the GLOW families. We serve supper to about weekly and have about kids in class. We thank all the teachers and kitchen managers so much for their hard work week after week. We purchased new curriculum this fall. The teachers have everything they need in the box for the week and it incorporates everyday items to teach the word of God. The idea is to teach the way Jesus taught. The kids look forward to their weekly lessons and the teachers do a great job. After class, we meet in the sanctuary at 6:45 for a short, energetic service with contemporary music, message, and our much loved GLOW prayer. GLOW had a fantastic Christmas program once again. It was led by Jess Gronke, Emily Hennen, and Tegan Gillund. It was a VERY well-attended service and was enjoyed by all. GLOW has gotten a lot of great support and we are certainly impressed with how well it is being received. The kids has a great time and get excited every week to come. Bree reports that the kids start asking about GLOW on Monday s at school and are always curious about what the week will bring. We d like to thank ALL those who continue to contribute their time, money, and talents to make GLOW a success! If you have never been to GLOW, please make it a priority. THAT MANY KIDS in our sanctuary THAT excited about God s word. It s a crazy, fun time that EVERYONE can enjoy. Respectfully submitted, Erin Roberts & Bree Anderson, Directors Teen Power Teen Power meets every Wednesday evening as the Hope Lutheran High School education contingent of GLOW (God s Love On Wednesday s). We are usually eating supper at about 5:30, lesson time at 6:00 and then large group GLOW time is at 6:45. We have devotions and share individual highs and lows weekly. We have a lesson and discuss how God, Christ, and Bible scriptures influence our lives today. We also talk about being grateful and how we can reach out and provide help to others. The Teen Power students are also members of Youth of Hope and many of them were part of the 2017 Mission Trip to San Diego last summer. We collected shoes for our SOLES4SOULS shoe drive. The collection of shoes, sandals, and boots was picked up from Taunton and Minneota businesses, schools, and churches and delivered to Schuller Shoes in St. Cloud, MN on Wednesday, December 13. After unloading the shoes, one of the employees share with us that after they are paired and sorted, the shoes go to four different places. The nicer ones may be donated then sold at shelters for $5.00 with the money then being donated to the food shelf, some stay in Minnesota with a program called Good for the Hood, some go to other countries where they are needed for people without shoes, and the rest, if pretty worn out or are singles, are ground up and used for playground base material. What a terrific contribution our church and community shared with others who are in need! Thanks to all who donated shoes and to Barb and Gene Fodness for their contribution to help pay for gas for our trip to St. Cloud. Our co-coordinators this year were Tyler Myhre, Laura Knutson, Trent Esping, Sydney Larson, Nolan Boerboom, and Blake Reiss, with everyone in Teen Power helping with getting boxes set up and delivered to local businesses. We were happy to help Pastor Bruce with not only setting up and serving hot dogs, popcorn, and apple cider downtown at the Live Nativity on December 2 nd and 3 rd, but also being characters in the Live Nativity on one or both nights. We practiced our parts on Wednesday nights for our GLOW Christmas Program which was the December 17 th church service. As well as our Minneota area kids, we are happy to have four foreign exchange students with us this year being very active in our GLOW program. In early January we were asked by the Minneota Schools and our church council to organize a hats/scarves, mittens, and gloves collection for the next few weeks to help students and families in need in our Page 14

15 community. Those warm items, as well as monetary donations, are being collected here and will be distributed through the school. All 10 th -12 th graders are invited to join us for supper and then in the lounge for fellowship every Wednesday evening. I am happy and proud that we have such a terrific group of youth in this congregation! It s an honor to be with them and to grow spiritually every Wednesday evening! Respectfully submitted, Roberta Josephson Confirmation Six students were confirmed by Pastor Bruce Drackley on Reformation Sunday on October 29 th, The six students were: Nolan Boerboom, Serena Breyfogle, Jackson Jeremiason, Blake Reiss, Alexander Saltzer, and Myles Williams. The students presented their statement of faith and an explanation of their chosen Bible verse to the church council and their families on Monday, October 16 th during Faith Statement night. Eighteen students are currently attending Wednesday night classes from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. Classes are being taught by Pastor Bruce Drackley Respectfully submitted, Barb Knutson Youth of Hope Youth of Hope had had another incredible year, and we are looking forward to a great 2018! Twenty seven of our members participated in the Minneota Mission Trip 2017, which was an amazing experience, and has definitely impacted every participant. It is humbling and heartwarming to know that our kids are being called to serve, and that we are giving them that opportunity. I ve received many comments from area churches on the amazing support that Hope Lutheran gives to their youth! Your support, both spiritually and financially, extends beyond our own congregation and is making a difference in the lives of others. Youth of Hope is fortunate to have that support, and we thank you for all that you do. Looking ahead to 2018, we have some fun activities planned for Youth of Hope members. We are planning a ski trip for after state tournaments, and are looking at a summer activity as well. Plans are beginning to take shape for Mission Trip 2019, so there will be various activities for that as well. I d like to take a moment to recognize and say THANK YOU to Scott Knutson and Laura Knutson for their work as treasurer the last four years! Scott and Laura have done a tremendous job, are incredibly organized and have spent countless hours keeping our finances in check. We can t thank them enough! Brian and Jackson Jeremiason will be taking over the books in 2018, and we look forward to working with them. Respectfully submitted, Terri Myhre, Youth of Hope Leader HOPE LUTHERAN MUSIC/WORSHIP PROGRAM Jubilation Your choir, Jubilation, continues to sing anthems on Sunday that reflect the general message of the day. You can expect Jubilation to be in place most Sundays, while the Praise Band leads worship on the fourth Sunday of each month. Jubilation is made up of confirmed members from your to senior citizens. They are very committed to bringing quality music to the congregation, and for the congregation, on any given Sunday. When personnel are missing, others step in to fill the gap. Page 15

16 Gayle VanVooren directs the group most Sundays and calls on Roberta Josephson and Kassie Gottskalkson when she is going to be gone. Nona Gottskalkson is our devoted pianist, while Val Buysse also fills in on occasion. The choir has many files of music at our disposal and orders new music when given a good selection. The selling of our tape many years ago has given us a balance of $2, in our account. We purchase music and equipment out of this fund. Music is selected each week to compliment the day s message and add to the impact of Sunday worship. Jubilation is filled with talented musicians, average musicians and music lovers of all ages. We laugh, we sing, we share the highs and lows of personal and church life and have become an extended family. Hope Lutheran has certainly been blessed with its music program. All are invited to join Jubilation on Wednesday evenings following GLOW (about 7:15) for rehearsal. We also meet before services on Sunday as a refresher. Let us continue to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Respectfully submitted, Gayle VanVooren, Jubilation Director Praise Band Hope Lutheran Praise Band plays every 4 th Sunday October May. We have skipped a couple months due to members being absent. Our Praise Band brings a contemporary feel to the service, using arrangements or our favorite hymns as well as new popular Christian hits. We feel music is a very powerful form of evangelism; sending people out the doors on Sunday morning with a song about Jesus in their hearts and sometimes in their heads so much it lasts all week! Our Praise Band members include: Emily Hoffmann, Erin Roberts, Kassandra Gottskalkson, Shelby Corbin, Val Buysse, Scott Knutson, Scott Anderson, Scott Josephson, Scott oops, I mean Darwin Dyce and Nona Gottskalkson. Music & Worship Committee Hope Lutheran Music and Worship Committee has a meeting every 2-3 months. We use our ELCA Sundays and Seasons book to guide us throughout the church year. We use the order of service from either our Lutheran Book of Worship or With One Voice. We choose hymns and special music that echoes the scripture theme of the particular day in our church calendar. We always try to have a balance of some newer music as well as our favorite hymns. If you have a favorite hymn, or new music that you have heard that you would like us to use in our service, please let a committee member know. Our committee members for 2017 included: Emily Hoffmann, Val Buysse, Gayle VanVooren, Roberta Josephson, Kassandra Gottskalkson and Nona Gottskalkson. Respectfully submitted, Nona Gottskalkson HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN (HLCW) As usual, this was an active year for the HLCW. The meetings are held after the Sunday worship service in the Lounge on the third Sunday of the month. Included in the HLCW are the three Circles; morning, afternoon and evening. Members of the HLCW put a lot of time and effort into their activities. They feel rewarded to be able to help our church, community and various charities. A brief overview of the activities for this past year were as follows: Page 16

17 Quilts for the graduating seniors were completed and given out. Thrivent funds were used to partially pay for the needed supplies. The Spring Gathering was held at First English Lutheran Church in Tyler. A donation of $100 was given to the Youth of Hope to be used toward their mission trip. The Ascension Brunch was held on May 24. The speaker was Pastor Thul from Danabod Church in Tyler. The Meatball Supper/bake`sale/silent auction was held on October 22 and was quite successful. Some of the funds from this activity were given to various charities and a large sum was given toward the flooring project in the Fellowship Hall. The Fall Gathering was held at First Lutheran Church in Marshall on October 7. Our HLCW makes donations at each of these gatherings. The Cheer Committee led by Bernice Helgeson continues to send cards for birthdays and other occasions. This committee also makes visits to those who have been hospitalized. The HLCW is an important part of the functioning of our church. A big thank you goes to all those who helped in any way. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Fodness, Secretary ALTAR GUILD The Altar Guild is made up of 10 dedicated members who serve on teams of two each month. Regular duties include preparing the altar for worship services, serving communion, filling the candles, changing paraments, taking care of the funeral pall and flowers, and assisting with communion at the Minneota Manor once a month. The Altar Guild meets in the Fellowship Hall on the fourth Sunday of each month from January through May and September through November. We meet right after Sunday morning worship. The president this year is Marlys Skaar and the secretary is Barbara Fodness. We are always looking for new members, so if you are interested, please contact any Altar Guild member or come to a meeting. I would like to thank all the members for their faithful service this past year. Respectfully submitted, Marlys Skaar, President The Cemetery Board had another busy year. HOPE LUTHERAN CEMETERY BOARD Work completed or required as of 12/31/2017: Clean up and trimming of trees and picking up large amounts of broken branches and limbs was completed in April with the assistance of Cemetery Board members and congregation volunteer members totaling 14. Thrivent donated dollars toward this project and also again in September after 11 Ash trees were removed. 20 yards of black dirt were brought in to full the 11 tree root areas. Rauch Tree Service cut down and removed 11 terminal Ash trees. In 2018 there are an additional 6 Ash trees to be removed and replaced with new trees. Garvin Nursery planted 11 new trees to replace our Ash removal. There were replaced with Linden, Sugar Maple, Hackberry, and Emerald Maple. Lyon County Farm Service sprayed the cemetery for weeds and dandelions in the month of September. Page 17

18 Maryls Skaar did the lawn mowing and manicuring of the cemetery, she does a wonderful job and many great compliments have come forward on her hard work. There are still a number of head and foot stones that need to be raised and/or straightened. That is a goal for There was a number a new trees planted being nibbled on by deer, and that was rectified with pole tubing. As always, items can arise with climatic changes in our area. The Hope Lutheran Cemetery Council Members appreciate any help financially or physically you may be able to help with. Respectfully submitted, Shawn Boerboom LIBRARY AND RESOURCE CENTER The Hope Library and Resource Center s collection continues to grow. The library has many new children s books, adult books (fiction and nonfiction) and DVD s for all ages. Members of Hope are encouraged to make use of these materials. Thank you to everyone who has remembered the library by donating materials or by contributing to the library memorial fund. Respectfully submitted, Judy Hagen PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY REPORT The Committee has seven active members. We have given out 17 prayer shawls/afghans in Thank you to all who contributed to the ministry. Page 18

19 HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH - GENERAL FUND BALANCE ON HAND - JANUARY 1, 2017 $ 10, REGULAR INCOME Regular Offering Envelopes $ 96, Loose Offering $ 8, Southwest Minnesota Synod - Member Designated $ - Thrivent Choice Dollars $ 2, Cover Expenses - Member Designated $ 1, TOTAL REGULAR INCOME $ 109, OTHER INCOME/LOANS Mission Related/Hunger/Food Shelf $ 2, Special Offering Allan Geiwitz $ 57, Special Offering Allan Josephson $ 10, Walk Around Offerings $ 3, Endowment Fund Matches $ 7, Hurriance Relief $ 7, Refunds/Reimbursements/Transfers $ 5, Cemetery Reimbursement for Social Security $ TOTAL OTHER INCOME/LOANS $ 93, TOTAL ALL INCOME/LOANS $ 213, BUDGETED EXPENDITURES Outreach $ 3, Worship $ 4, Parish Education $ 2, Administration $ 17, Salaries $ 47, Properties $ 38, Building Fund $ 5, Cemetery Fund $ 4, Benevolence $ TOTAL BUDGETED EXPENDITURES $ 124, OTHER EXPENDITURES/LOANS Mission Related/Hunger/Food Shelf $ 7, Thrivent Choice Dollars - Member Designated $ 1, Walk Around Offerings $ 5, Member Designated Transfer (Gene Fodness to Cemetery) $ Member Designated - SWMN Synod $ Hurricane Relief $ 11, Transfers (Allan Geiwitz to Scholarships) $ 50, TOTAL OTHER EXPENDITURES/LOANS $ 76, TOTAL ALL EXPENDITURES/LOANS $ 201, BALANCE ON HAND DECEMBER 31, 2017 $ 12, Page 19

20 2017 BUDGETED, ACTUAL & 2018 PROPOSED BUDGET CATEGORY 2017 Budget YTD 12/31/17 Over/Under 2018 Proposed Budget OUTREACH 1a. Synod $ 3, $ 3, $ - $ 3, d. Prairie Conference $ $ $ (272.50) $ e. Bible Camps $ $ - $ (300.00) $ f. SMSU Campus Ministry $ $ $ $ g. Lutheran Social Services $ $ - $ (50.00) $ Total Outreach $4, $3, ($362.50) $4, WORSHIP 2a. Church Supplies $ 3, $ 4, $ 1, $ 4, b. Music $ $ $ (192.00) $ c. Guest Speakers/Pastors $ $ $ (450.00) $ Total Worship $4, $4, $ $5, PARISH EDUCATION 3b. Vacation Bible School $ $ - $ (750.00) $ c. Confirmation $ 1, $ $ (624.95) $ 1, d. Adult $ $ $ (161.69) $ e. Library $ $ - $ (50.00) $ f. Campers $ $ $ (250.00) $ g. GLOW $ 1, $ 1, $ - $ 1, h. Bibles $ $ $ (135.80) $ i. YOH $ $ $ - $ Total Parish Education $4, $2, ($1,972.44) $4, ADMINISTRATION 4a. Telephone / Internet $ 2, $ 2, $ (163.85) $ 2, b. Office Supplies $ $ 1, $ $ c. Office Equipment $ 2, $ 3, $ $ 2, d. Postage $ 1, $ $ (732.25) $ 1, e. Mileage - Pastor $ 9, $ 10, $ $ 9, f. Conventions--Conferences $ 1, $ $ (795.00) $ 1, h. Newspaper Ads $ $ $ (140.00) $ i. Lawyer Fees $ - $ - $ - $ - 4j. Moving Expenses $ - $ - $ - $ 2, Total Administration $17, $ 17, $ $19, Page 20

21 2017 Budget YTD 12/31/17 Over/Under 2018 Proposed Budget SALARIES 5a. Pastor - Salary $ 25, $ 23, $ (1,132.82) $ 54, b. Pastor - Pension/Health Insurance $ - $ - $ - $ - 5c. Pastor - Housing $ - $ - $ - $ - 5d. Pastor - Continuing Education $ $ - $ (500.00) $ f. Secretary $ 9, $ 10, $ 1, $ 9, g. Custodian $ 12, $ 13, $ $ 12, h.1. Organist (FICA deducted) $ 1, $ 1, $ (410.00) $ 1, h.2. Pianist (No FICA deducted) $ 1, $ 1, $ (360.00) $ 1, i. Social Security $ (1,701.76) 5m. Medicare $ (148.63) 5j. Honorariums $ $ - $ (600.00) $ k. Pastor - Wedding Stipend ($60 per wedding) $ $ - $ (300.00) $ l. Worker's Comp Insurance $ 1, $ (1,400.00) $ - Total Salaries $52, $47, ($3,147.57) $80, PROPERTIES 6a. Insurance $ 12, $ 14, $ 1, $ 15, c. Church - Heat - Electricity $ 14, $ 13, $ (165.83) $ 14, d. Church - Heat - Propane $ 1, $ $ (875.00) $ 1, e. Parsonage - Electricity $ 1, $ 1, $ $ 1, f. Parsonage - Heat - Propane $ 1, $ $ (802.64) $ 1, g. Water/Sewer/Garbage - Church $ $ $ (114.02) $ g1. Water/Sewer/Garbage - Parsonage $ $ $ (25.26) $ h. Janitor Suppliers $ 1, $ 1, $ $ 1, i. Snow Removal/Equipment $ 2, $ $ (1,096.29) $ 2, k. Parsonage Upkeep $ 4, $ 4, n. Church/Parsonage Lawn Mowing $ $ - $ (700.00) $ p. Property Tax $ $ $ - $ Total Properties $35, $ 38, $ 3, $37, HOME BENEVOLENCE $ $ $ $ CONTINGENCY $ 1, $ (1,200.00) $ 1, BUILDING FUND $ 2, $ 5, $ 3, $ 2, a. CEMETERY FUND $ $ 4, $ 3, $ b. NON-BUDGETED EXPENSES $ 76, TOTALS: $122, $201, $3, $155, *6k. Parsonage Upkeep - A check for the amount of the flooring at Menards was cut from the General Fund and a transfer for that same amount was done from the Building Fund to the General Fund. *9b. NON-BUDGETED EXPENSES INCLUDES THE $50,000 FROM ALAN GEIWITZ THAT WAS MADE OUT TO THE GENERAL FUND BUT TRANSFERRED TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Page 21

22 WALK AROUND OFFERINGS American Red Cross $ Christmas Angel Project $ Ester's Kitchen $ Ester's Kitchen $ Evangelical Lutheran - Good Gifts $ Heartland Girls Ranch $ Hope Harbor $ Live Nativity $ Marshall Area Global Relief $ 2, Special Olympics $ Youth of Hope - Backpack Program $ Youth of Hope - Mission Trip $ $5, PETTY CASH FUND BALANCE ON HAND JANUARY 1, 2017 $ 1, INCOME Sunday Coffee $ Funeral $ Flowers $ Miscellaneous: Income from Meals $ Transfer from General Fund $ Total Income $ 2, $ 3, EXPENSES Kitchen $ 1, Flowers $ Miscellaneous: Office Supplies $ Postage $ Total Expenses $ 2, BALANCE ON HAND DECEMBER 31, 2017 $ CORNERSTONE FUND BALANCE ON HAND JANUARY 1, 2017 $ 14, INCOME Interest Income $ 1.43 Total Income $ 1.43 $ 14, EXPENSES $ - Total Expenses $ - BALANCE ON HAND DECEMBER 31, 2017 $ 14, Page 22

23 BUILDING FUND BALANCE ON HAND JANUARY 1, 2017 $ 16, INCOME Member Designated Offerings $ 5, Miscellaneous Church Usage Rental $ Endowment Fund Money $ 6, Transfer from General Fund $ 5, Transfer from Building Savings $ 24, Transfer from Other Accounts $ 11, Total Income $ 52, $ 68, EXPENSES Church Maintenance $ 3, Piano $ Parsonage Repairs $ 62, Miscellaneous - Check Blanks $ Total Expenses $ 65, BALANCE ON HAND DECEMBER 31, 2017 $ 3, BUILDING FUND - MONEY MARKET BALANCE ON HAND JANUARY 1, 2017 $ 24, INCOME Interest Income $ 8.05 Total Income $ 8.05 $ 24, EXPENSES Parsonage Repairs $ 24, Total Expenses $ 24, BALANCE ON HAND DECEMBER 31, 2017 $ GLOW FUND BALANCE ON HAND JANUARY 1, 2017 $ 5, INCOME Food Offering Income $ 3, General Fund Budgeted Line Item $ 1, Total Income $ 4, $ 10, EXPENSES GLOW Supplies $ 3, Kitchen/Food Supplies $ 2, Total Expenses $ 5, BALANCE ON HAND DECEMBER 31, 2017 $ 5, Page 23

24 HOPE LUTHERAN CEMETERY PERMANENT CARE FUND BALANCE ON HAND JANUARY 1, 2017 National Financial Services $76, Gordon Johnson Memorial-COD 5, Dudley Hovland Memorial-COD 1, Bank of the West-MMIS 6, RECEIPTS Interest from CODS $71.54 Interest from National Fin. Services 4, Nat l Financial-market value adjustment (1,145.70) Donation Sale of 2 lots (40%) DISBURSEMENTS Interest transferred to General Fund $4, BALANCE ON HAND, DECEMBER 31, 2017 *National Financial Services $80, Gordon Johnson Memorial-COD 5, Bank of the West-MMIS 3, $89, $3, $93, $4, $89, $89, *Memorials from Anita Anderson, Nels Fodness, Ludwig & Inez Huso, Gilbert Hovland, Grace Huso and Dudley Hovland included in this balance. Lois VanDePutte, Treasurer Page 24

25 HOPE LUTHERAN CEMETERY GENERAL FUND BALANCE ON HAND JANUARY 1, 2017 Bank of the West-Checking $1, Bank of the West-MMIS 1, Bank of the West-MMIS (lawn mower fund) Donald Rye Memorial-COD 1, RECEIPTS Interest Income-MMIS $1.43 Interest Income-COD-Permanent Care Interest Income-COD-Donald Rye COD 3.41 Interest Income/National Financial Services 4, Donations Thrivent Choice Dollars Hope Lutheran Church (2016 Budget) Hope Lutheran 4, Hope Lutheran Endowment 2, Land Rent Income Sale of 2 lots (60%) DISBURSEMENTS Social Security $ Mowing 2, Mower Gas Mower Repair Lyon-Lincoln Electric Garvin Nursery 11 trees 1, Rauch s Tree Care remove 11 trees 5, Tolk Graveling black dirt Lyon County Farm Service National Financial Services Wayne Skaar-Honorarium BALANCE ON HAND DECEMBER 31, 2017 Bank of the West-checking account $2, Bank of the West-MMIS 1, Bank of the West-MMIS (lawn mower fund) Donald Rye Memorial-COD Respectfully submitted, Lois VanDePutte, Treasurer $5, $11, $16, $11, $5, $5, Page 25

26 HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN 2017 Beginning Balance, January 1, 2017 $1, RECEIPTS Circle Offerings $ Worship Offering Thankoffering Sale of Cards Ascension Brunch Fall Festival 3, Thrivent Dollars Donations Miscellaneous 4.00 Total Receipts $4, $6, DISBURSEMENTS Quilting Supplies $12.87 Ascension Brunch Conference/Synod Offerings Cards Cheer Committee Kitchen Supplies Food Shelf Green Lake Lutheran Ministries Shetek Lutheran Bible Camp Youth of Hope Food Packing Event Hope Harbor Tyler Area Food Shelf Fall Festival Hope Lutheran Memorial Fund Flooring Project 3, Gifts Church-wide WELCA Thankoffering Postage 9.80 Total Disbursements $4, Balance on Hand, December 31, 2017 $1, *Thrivent Action Team dollars were applied as follows: Quilting Project - $ Ascension Bruch - $ Fall Festival Dinner - $ Respectfully submitted, Helen Rokeh, Treasurer Page 26