Annual Report for 2015 - Trinity Lutheran Church

Moorhead, Minnesota
Annual Report for 2015
Printed January 2016
210 7th St. S
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone 218-236-1333
Fax 218-236-8918
www.trinitymhd.org
“Welcoming the community to worship and grow in serving God.”
page 1
Ministry Staff
PASTORS
Simon Fensom ([email protected])
Matt Peterson ([email protected])
Kristina Waters ([email protected])
Tessa Hansen ([email protected])
PROGRAM MINISTRIES
Andrew Steinberg
Sanctuary Worship Director & Organist
Rachel Horan
CLC Worship Director
Sandra Anderson ([email protected])
Director of Children’s Ministry
Kathy Hunstad ([email protected])
Director of Youth Ministry
Ashley Strelau ([email protected])
Associate Director of Youth Ministry
Kay Heidrich ([email protected])
Director of Trinity Preschool
Denise Peterson ([email protected])
Director of Lost & Found Ministry
CHURCH COUNCIL
Shellie Simonson Ulven, President
Alison Andreasen, Vice President
Craig Hagen, Secretary
Jeremy Blake, Treasurer
Chris Lien, Kathy Benson,
Curt Kallander, Jenny Stenehjem,
Ann Camrud Larr, Catherine Dickey
SUPPORT STAFF
Charlotte Tallakson ([email protected])
Receptionist/Secretary
Jan McCormick ([email protected])
Business Administrator
Lois Wagner ([email protected])
Bookkeeper
Kristin Johnson ([email protected])
Communications Coordinator
Sue Ellingson ([email protected])
Office Assistant
page 2
CUSTODIANS
Dale Myrum
Steve Twito
TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS
Deb Flaskerud
Lyle Nelson
Sound Board Assistants, Sanctuary
Steve Sebelius
Projection Assistant, CLC
Eric Jensen
Audio Engineer, CLC
CHOIR DIRECTORS
Michael Culloton
Cathedral Choir
Kathy Lindquist
Celebration Singers
Sue Dale
Joyful Noise
Angie Schulz
Minims
Sharon Christensen-Clark
Trinity Chimes
Andrew Steinberg
Trinity Handbells
Nat Dickey
Trinity Brass
MISSION
Philip and Lou Marie Knutson
Missionaries in South Africa
Colin and Jeni Grangaard
YAGM Missionaries in Jerusalem
Annual Meeting Agenda
February 7, 2016
1. Opening Worship
2. Call to Order
see inside cover
Shellie Simonson Ulven, President
3. Approve Agenda
page 3
4. Approve Minutes
pages 4-5
5. Accept Financial Reports
pages 6-9
6. Presentation of 2016 Mission Plans
I. Trinity Church (page 27)
II. Trinity Preschool (page 30)
III. Friends in Faith (page 31)
IV. Lost and Found Ministry (page 33)
7. Elections
see separate ballot
8. Update from 20/20 Vision Team
9. Pastors’ Report
10. Purchase of yellow building in 8th St. parking lot
11. Approval 2016 Mission Plans
pages 27-34
12. Recognition of Leadership
13. Lord’s Prayer
page 3
Minutes
2014 Annual Meeting Minutes
February 1, 2015
The 2014 annual meeting of Trinity Lutheran
Church was held in the Christian Life Center on
Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Matt
Peterson led the opening liturgy. President Shellie
Simonson Ulven declared a quorum and called the
meeting to order. Chuck Hendrickson served as
parliamentarian. Ed and Maxine Kallander, Ardis
Sandvig, Will and Mavis Fisher were appointed as
tellers.
Approval of agenda
President Shellie Simonson Ulven presented the
agenda as printed in the 2014 Annual Report. Motion Curt Cavalier, second Char Skaff, to accept the
agenda as presented. Motion approved.
Approval of Secretary’s Report
President Shellie Simonson Ulven presented the
secretary’s report for the 2013 Annual Meeting.
Motion Joel Bakken, second David Manning, to
approve and accept the minutes into the record.
Motion approved.
Acceptance of Treasurer’s Financial Report
President Shellie Simonson Ulven presented
the treasurer’s financial report for 2014, giving a
summarized overview of the year and noting total
assets of $5,979,645. Income received in 2014
was $1,203,032 with expenses totaling $1,166,650
giving a year-end balance of $36,383. Motion Ted
Horan, Stewart Herman second, to accept the treasurer’s report into minutes. Motion approved.
Presentation of 2015 Mission Plans
President Shellie Simonson Ulven presented the
2015 Mission Plans for Trinity Church, Trinity Preschool, Friends in Faith, and Lost & Found Ministry as printed in the annual report. The proposed
Trinity Church 2015 Mission plan reflects an 8.87%
increase over the 2014 budget. The increase
includes a 2% cost of living adjustment for staff and
increased expense due to rising health insurance
costs.
Elections
President Shellie Simonson Ulven requested that
Paul Dovre be added to the ballot as a nominee to
page 4
the Trinity Foundation Board, completing the term
of Mike Young. Additional nominees were requested from the floor to complete the ballot for representatives to the Eventide Annual Meeting, Pathways, Synod Assembly, and for any of the positions
listed on the ballot. There were no nominations
made from the floor. Motion Cindy Nolte, second
Chad Hanson, to accept the ballot as amended
and to cast a unanimous ballot for the nominees as
presented. Motion approved
Pastors’ Report
Pastor Simon addressed the congregation, thanking them for their financial support that met and
exceeded Trinity’s mission for 2014. Pledges are
coming in with increased support for 2015. Members were commended on being a tithing congregation, with 16% of funds received given to others.
A challenge was given to continue increasing the
percentage.
The search for a Hospitality Pastor is progressing and a candidate will soon be presented to the
congregation for call.
Members were encouraged to take an active
role in a congregational challenge extended by
the Church Council this year “To be intentionally
invitational and hospitable – inviting and welcoming people to our worship services at Trinity.” A goal
has been set by the Council to increase worship
attendance 5% by May 17th. Members were also
encouraged to spread the news of happenings at
Trinity via social media.
In coming months, Trinity members can anticipate the opportunity to complete a congregational
survey which will help staff focus on improving and
strengthening areas of ministry. A task force will be
formed and asked to envision where Trinity wants
to be ten, twenty, fifty or more years from now and
put together a plan on how to move forward to
achieve the vision.
A shout out was given to the many volunteers
who help Trinity thrive. Staff was thanked for
their dedication to the ministry of Trinity Lutheran
Church. Denise Peterson, Executive Director of
Lost & Found Ministry and Kay Heidrich, Director of
Trinity Preschool were introduced and recognized
for their ministry.
Approval 2015 Mission Plans
Motion Ted Horan, second Michael Culloton, to
approve the 2015 Mission Plans for Trinity Church,
Trinity Preschool, Friends in Faith, and Lost &
Found Ministry as presented. Discussion followed.
Questions were asked and answered. With the recent retirement of Pastor Lew Clefisch who served
as Pastor to Seniors, Senior Ministry will now fall
under the area of the Hospitality Pastor. Motion
approved.
Recognition of Leadership: Chad Hanson and
Romina Hillier were thanked for their years of committed leadership on the Church Council. Chris
Lien, Kathy Benson, Shellie Simonson Ulven will
serve an additional term on the Council.
The results of the vote were 167 yes and 4 no.
The motion to extend a Letter of Call to Pastor
Tessa C. Hansen to serve as Pastor of Hospitality
at Trinity Lutheran Church was approved.
Craig Hagen, Secretary
Jan McCormick, Recording Secretary
The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lord’s
Prayer.
Special Congregational Meeting
Sunday, March 8, 2015
A special meeting of the congregation was
held at 9:45 a.m. in the Christian Life Center on
Sunday, March 8, 2015. Council President Shellie
Simonson-Ulven called the special congregational
meeting at the request of the Call Committee for the
purpose of voting to issue a letter of call to a Pastor
of Hospitality at Trinity Lutheran Church.
President Shellie Simonson Ulven declared a
quorum and called the meeting to order and offered
an opening prayer. Brian and Angie Schulz, Jay and
Delaine Bjerke, Pat and Willis Frazee were appointed as tellers. President Simonson Ulven outlined
the procedure for the meeting.
John Docken, Committee Chair, introduced Call
Committee members Gloria Brown, Sue Cavalier,
Char Skaff, Jenny Stenehjem, Kevin Wallevand and
Pastor Simon Fensom (ex-officio). The call process
was outlined and summarized by John Docken who
also presented the name of the candidate, Pastor
Tessa C. Hansen, and provided the congregation
with her biography.
On the recommendation of the Call Committee,
a motion was made by John Docken to extend a
Letter of Call to Rev. Tessa C. Hansen to serve as
Pastor of Hospitality at Trinity Lutheran Church. A
second to the motion was made by Gary Nolte. An
opportunity for discussion was given. A question regarding the responsibilities of the Hospitality Pastor
was answered.
Written ballots were distributed and collected.
The meeting was adjourned by the President,
with ballot results to be announced when the count
was completed.
page 5
Summary Financial Statement
(A detailed Treasurer’s Report is available upon request)
Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 2015
Assets
General Fund
2,344,746.84
Cash/Investments/Receivables
214,752.98
Land/Bldgs/Fixed Assets
2,129,993.86
Memorials and Dedicated
165,840.32
Building for Mission
267,368.76
Friends in Faith
76,524.26
Trinity Preschool
53,669.68
TLCW
5,246.29
Lost and Found
608,700.72
reGROUP
24,087.58
Foundtion
2,254,060.92
Total Assets:
$5,800,245.37
Liabilities
General Fund
12,911.72
Memorials and Dedicated
-2,727.22
Building for Mission
152.50
Friends in Faith
-634.23
Trinity Preschool
-1,866.10
TLCW
0.00
Lost and Found
12,910.34
reGROUP
18,062.80
Foundation
0.00
Total Liabilities:
$38,809.81
Net Worth
Total Net Assets:
$5,761,435.56
Total Liabilities & Net Worth
page 6
$5,800,245.37
Summary of Income and Expenses 2015
Mission Plan
2015
Actual
2015
Budget
Income
Offerings
1,177,806.73
0.00
Other Income
34,272.34
0.00
Total Income
$1,212,079.07
$0.00
Expense
Welcoming 59,233.22
112,400.00
Worship
233,474.13
271,334.32
Education
151,247.54
154,462.00
Mission
142,271.97
146,283.00
Youth
144,889.66
142,786.00
Administration
276,119.86
305,068.00
Facilities
233,438.61
250,500.00
Total Expense
$1,240,674.99
$1,382,833.32
Income - Expense
$-28,595.92
Treasurer’s Observations
- At last year’s Annual Meeting, church members approved an ambitious budgetary increase
of 8.87%. At the time, such an increase was deemed necessary for a variety of reasons, but,
none more important than the continued effort of the congregation to live into its vision for
ministry and mission.
- At year’s end, after an impressive financial finish, the actual budgetary increase achieved was
an inspiring (approximately) 6.3%.
- Attendance is stable if not increasing.
Income
Although end-of-year figures were “in the red”, total income was up $9,046.78 and highlighted
by an increase in the general offering of $34,888.96.
The average Sunday offering was higher in 9 of the 12 months compared to 2014 and the only
months in which envelope income lagged behind included: January (the month after December
2014 in which congregants offered $171,166); June (a four-week month in 2015, but a fiveweek month in 2014); and August and September (which suffered from an extended summer
- Labor Day falling as late as possible on the calendar in 2015).
Expense
Given our enthusiastic Mission Plan for 2015, careful attention was paid to expenses this year;
and in doing so, expenses were less than projected.
A significant saving was made in Administration through the use of technology over and against
postage, paper and office supplies.
A large portion of savings also occurred through cautious management of our facilities and the
blessing of a warmer winter both early and late in 2015. Some might suggest that to be “lucky”.
We think God is good! All the time!
page 7
Building for Mission Fund
Income
18,605.95
Expense
17,223.78
Income - Expense
$1,382.17
Income
Expense
Income - Expense
Trinity Preschool
566,096.43
567,154.27
$-1,057.84
Friends in Faith
2015
Actual
Income
Expense
Income - Expense
583,332.00
579,189.00
$4,143.00
119,488.83
153,011.92
$-33,523.09
2015
Budget
133,350.00
132,700.00
$650.00
TLCW
Income
9,238.25
Expense
8,885.01
Income - Expense
$353.24
$0.00
Lost & Found Ministry
Income
177,528.36
Expense
189,630.31
Income - Expense
$-12,101.95
190,873.00
184,987.50
$5,885.50
reGROUP
Income
231,473.87
258,604.00
Expense
225,387.26
258,604.00
Income - Expense
$6,086.61
$0.00
Trinity Foundation
Income
-31,880.02
Expense
87,892.07
Income - Expense
$-119,772.09
page 8
0.00
0.00
$0.00
Trinity Lutheran (Restricted Accounts)
2015
Actual
Receipts
233,151.31
Expenditures
257,067.36
Change in Trinity Lutheran Church Fund Balance
-$23,916.05
Memorials and Dedicated Fund
2015
Actual
Receipts
253,416.28
Expenditures
239,583.62
Change in Memorial and Dedicated Fund Balalnce $13,832.66
page 9
Additional Benevolences/Special Offerings Received in 2015
90-10 Offering
90/10 Week has been a part of the Lenten disciplines at Trinity for over 30 years. The idea of reversing the tithe for one week; to live on 10 percent of one week’s income and to give away 90 percent for the work of Christ has been and continues to be a very creative, Gospel-centered idea.
The allocation committee members: Ira Bailey, Karen Hanson, Renee Larfald, Dave Pretty and Pastor Simon Fensom.
The committee decided to continue the Local-Regional/National-Global format for distribution of the 90/10 offering funds. The committee decided to make most of the distributions larger to have a greater impact for each of the recipients. The committee decided to direct the 90/10 offering funds to the following entities:
Local
Churches United
$6,000
First Link
$2,155
Regional/National
Pathways
Lutheran Social Services
Global
ELCA Campaign YAGM
Cost and Joy Discipleship
Family Emergency Fund
REACH India Orphanage
Food Pantry
Global Mission
Habitat for Humanity
Haiti Medical Mission
Haiti HIM
Lost and Found
World Hunger
Mission Workshop
MN Foodshare
Pathways Bible Camp
Sheltering Churches
Trinity Preschool
Total page 10
$2,000
$2,000
$7,000
$19,155
$1,803
$759
$7,490
$3,110
$12,707
$100
$67,443
$2,250
$6,711
$7,334
$165
$1,800
$9,005
$2,889
$1,913
$144,633
Building for Mission
Your continued support of Building for Mission is very much appreciated! Many needed projects and repairs
are accomplished through your gifts. While the official campaign ended in 2012, a number of members have
chosen to continue giving towards the fund. $18,606 was received this year. Thank you for your continued
support of Building for Mission.
Projects and repairs completed this year included:
Boiler repairs
$4,502
Preschool facility updates
1,572
CLC Video/Streaming Project
5,779
Fire suppression code updates
2,871
Storm sewer inlet repair
2,500
Total
$17,224
Projects currently underway include elevator code updates and Fellowship Hall kitchen flooring replacement.
$267,369 remains in the Building for Mission fund to be used for up-coming projects and improvements.
Trinity Foundation
It is my privilege to express appreciation for your support of the Trinity Foundation. With your contributions
and encouragement, the Board carries out God’s work through the Foundation for our congregation, our
greater community, and around the world.
The Trinity Foundation ended 2015 with total assets of $2,254,060.55 which compares with $2,373,833.05
from December 31, 2014. Grant distributions for 2015 were based on a spending rate of five percent of the
average assets for the past three years. This allowed for an allocation of $112,822. The breakdown of that total
was $60,200 for discretionary funding, $23,335 for designated funding, and the balance as Foundation expenses.
Designated funds within the Foundation provide ongoing support for youth ministry, seminary tuition, Bible
Camp camperships, Lost and Found Ministry, church music and maintenance. Seventy percent of the Foundation assets are in the General Fund. Distributions from the General Fund are made in response to grant
requests from within the congregation, our broader regional community and globally. Care is taken to ensure
that distributions are in line with Foundation guidelines and our congregation’s mission statement.
An annual audit of the Foundation is a part of the audit for Trinity Lutheran Church. During this past year the
Investment Committee met on a quarterly basis and the Foundation Board met six times. Board members
serving in 2015 were Neil Qualey, Lenae Harless, Carole Olsen, Paul Dovre, Esther Allen, Shellie SimonsonUlven, and John Andreasen. Jim Hausmann joined the Board this fall to fill the unexpired term of Esther Allen.
2015 Foundation Grants, Projects & Gifts
ELCA Campaign – Fund for Leaders
NWMN Synod Vibrant Faith Conferences
NWMN Synod Candidacy Retreat
Boy Scout Troop 637 Eagle Scout Project for TLC
TLC pastoral moving expenses
TLC congregational assessment
Bethlehem L.C. – Feed My Starving Children
Project Hero – to establish a site in Moorhead
Lost & Found Ministry – golf fund-raiser
TLC organ renovations
TLC children’s ministry
TLC GWOH Sunday T-shirts
Young Adults in Global Mission – Elise Sperling
Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity
NWMN Synod Headwaters Conference
Haiti HIM 2016 Construction Project (returned)
Pathways – technology project
Dorothy Day Food Pantry – cooler expansion
Total distributions from General Fund
$8,000
2,500
1,500
1,000
2,800
2,300
1,000
2,500
5,000
8,600
1,000
3,500
1,000
2,500
1,000
5,000
7,000
4,000
$60,200
Thank you for your continued support and for the opportunity to serve you. Together with the Foundation Board,
I encourage you to remember the Foundation through your annual gifts, memorials, and estate planning. Contributing to the Foundation can insure that Trinity and its ministries will continue to touch other for years to come.
Respectfully submitted,
John Andreasen, Board President
page 11
page 12
Parochial Report 2015
Ministerial Acts
Baptisms Affirmations of Baptism
Weddings
Funerals 33
39
22
38 Membership Summary
Membership, December 31, 2014
Additions:
Subtractions:
Membership, December 31, 2015
Totals
**Associate Members
Baptized 3,910
121
177
3,854
Confirmed
2,980
66
130
2,916
10
Members Received in 2015
By Baptism
Adilynn Jean Oye
Jaleigh Lynn Engquist
Brynn LaRae Nistler
Briella Cambrie Otteson
Evan Robert Jenson
Peyton JoAnn Capouch
Josefine Claire Rock
Willa Jo van der Hagen
Emory Robb Weaver
Harlow Caroline Martinson
Etta Vivienne Hepker
Grant William Krogman
Catherine Marie Johnson
Paula Nicole Anderson
William Anders Horne
Mason Murphy Maher
Luke James Martin
Aubrey Marie Bachman
Alexis Nicole Gordon
Charles Colin Speer
Bentley James Thomas Heald
Chase Jacob Smith
Annalia Fay Helgeson
Regan Dawn Schmidt
Ahna Genevieve Svare
Kate Francesca Burgess
Harrison David Quamme
Everett James Parvey
Austin James Luetjens
Blake Johnson DiFiore
Kaia Leigh Bylund
Isla Lynn Brown Waters
Myles David LaPash
Madison Brantner
Kaila Capouch
Conner
Tessa Hansen
Holden; Sam
Tom and Judy Jensen
Tom and Lindsey Knakmus
Kali; Trey
Sean Kooren and Stephanie
Smith
Arianna Kooren
Cody and Kari Martinson
Harlow
Erich and Cara Schoenfish
Carlin
Tom Simanski and Courtney
Bernu
Brooklyn Simanski
Stephany Smith
Elizabeth
Amanda Thornton
William
Del and Connie Walby
Arlys Brantner
Joe and Molly Gilbert
Kayla Grasshoff
Peter Holte
Neil and Tara Iversen
Eleanor; Beatrix
Sarah Jones
Kale Olson
Richard Ludemann
Shanna McArthur
Paige; Lydia
Leslie Oberg
Marjorie Rendell
Randy and Rebecca Scofield
Andrew Steinberg
David and Joanna Struck
Aiden; Annika
Karl and Nicole Stumo
Bryn; Karsten; Maren
Nick Tollefson
Larry and Joy Wohlrabe
By Affirmation of Faith
Wendy Blankenship
April Chaput
Ron Desmarais
Judith Hassenstab
Richard Helland
Tyler and Hillary Newborg
Michael Olson
Ashley Roder
Race Rolland
Jean Stout
Alex and Kristina Waters
Anita Anderson
Angeline Bahe
Ian Bahe
Parker Dronen
Brayden Osland
Ian Smith
Alec Steen
Rebecca Bailes and Travis Loker
Riley Bailes; Camryn and Silas Loker
Mike and Lynn Brantner
Nick Brantner
page 13
Members Removed in 2015
By Transfer/Request
Rebecca Hulden
Miranda Ostgarden
Naomi Paasch
Kimberly Grabowska
Tyler; Katelyn
Jay and Cheryl Beech
Alison; Adam
Dave and Samantha Overland
Wesley; Nolan
Angela Brady
Monica Goeson
Jade Kruger
Tony Rice
Vernon and Patricia Pederson
Cheryl Thorpe
Liz Coleman
Scott and Merrily Brewer
Adam; Destiny; Ariana
Bruce and Andrea Monston
Brayden; Rylan; Jarrett
Carol Wambheim
Steven Lewis
Pamela Raeszler
Brian and Crystal Mosher
Carter
Adam and Amanda Douglas
Heylen
Bruce and Jeanne Laugtug
Nicole Tang
Paul and Susan Willard
Mason Montplaisir
Gary C. Hendrickson
Karin Andreasen Gambell
Kyle Svennungsen
Diane Glumich
Kimberly Jatko
Tom and Siri Fiebiger
Taylor and Melissa Dahl
Hali; Oliver; Eleanor
Randy and Carolyn Osborne
Layla Schmitz
Michael and Michelle Strand
Malcolm; Ian
Holly Johnson
Carmen Haskins
Allie; Anna
Roland and Carolyn Barden
Joseph Allen and Barbara
Beckman
George and Tara Haj
Libby; Kyla
Dorothy Zuehlsdorff
Ralph Krueger
Mary Hennessy
Pearl Chilberg
James Renslow
Glenn Brown
Elizabeth Pezalla
Patricia Hoime
Francis Allen
Karen Lewis
Melva Lokken-Myhre
Beverly Groslie
Darlene Hallstrom
Norman Kanwischer
Tom Lee
Al Traaseth
Alfred Amundson
Ruth Sorknes
Violet Mortenson
Carl Hoime
Audre Rusness
Oliver Jabs
Marie Leiseth
George Fevig
Troy Nipstad
Wayne Wagstrom
Harriet Johnson
Ethan Johnk
Lucas Johnson
Katherine Kasper
Riley Larson
Seth Lawrence
Bryanne Leiseth
Jadyn Leiseth
Ian Manning
Noah Melton
Emmilee Muehler
Riley Nelson
Benjamin Oberg
Gunner Olstad
Brayden Osland
Trevor Poach
Salena Rock
Sophie Wegge-Schlick
Ian Smith
Ryan Stafford
Alec Steen
Kate Stein
Wyatt Swanson
Matthew Walter
Nathan Walter
Jacob Williams
Zachary Williams
By Statistical Adjustmemt - 66
By Death
Selma Hermanson
Betty DeVries
Katherine Christenson
Benjamin Stein
Elna Thorson
Genevieve Carlisle
Myron Dewey
Marie Mortenson
F. Carmen Ford
Floyd Lecy
James Sundahl
Arlean Lipetzky
Thomas Markert
Jean Kreps
Confirmed in 2015
Angeline Bahe
Ian Bahe
Austin Bitker
Addison Carlsrud
Teagan Carlsrud
Emma Cullen
Tyra Donahue
Parker Dronen
Liv Eidukat
Hans Engen
Noah Fairfield
Samantha Haiby
Martin Hendrickson
page 14
Weddings in 2015
Andrea Bakken and Lee Richards
Laura Hanson and Taylor Wolford
Kelsey Jeseritz and Casey Thielges
Heather Walton and Ryan Hanson
Elizabeth Blanchard and Cody Readel
Carley Paulseth and Spencer Deutz
Hallie Grinde and Ryan Tiffany
Anne Debner and James Kallander
Jamie Nelson and Kevin Torkelson
Brenna Bertsch and Carl Orstad
Cara Schroeder and Alexander Cline
Brittany Berg and Tomas Solc
Elise Tweten and Andrew Pokel
Robin Nelson and Russell Peterson
Tarah Whiteford and Zachary Johnson
Mari Bjorkman and Eric Bjorkman
Jennifer Lein and Jordan Johnson
Michelle Hoefer and Derek Juhls
Karly McCormic and Ben Bondy
Courtney Bernu and Tom Simanski
April Chaput and Michael Olson
Kimberly Hauer and Andrew Thompson
Ashley Hudson and Scott Peterson
Gabrielle Kedrowski and Benjamin Asplin
page 15
Reports
Executive Committee Report
I can’t help but be excited for our future at Trinity Lutheran Church. Over the next year we will be
asked to openly and creatively think about the future
direction of our congregation. In order for us to look
forward, we took an opportunity this past year to look
within ourselves and our church to gather a sense of
identity.
My heart was warmed to witness the overwhelming
amount of responses to the CAT Scan survey from
our congregation. It was evidence to me that there
is passion and commitment among us, and I learned
that diversity of thought and belief can actually bring
us closer together. I believe that we are challenged to
create a greater sense of stewardship for our congregation, deepen the engagement of our current, and
embrace new members in order to keep our church
standing strong.
As we close this year, we are at a very exciting
part - who do we want to be? There seems to be an
excited anticipation among us when we talk about
our future, and lately I have felt an energy within our
church. Do you feel it as well?
For the past four years, I have had the privilege to
know and learn from a fine group of individuals. Our
Council is filled with people of character, intelligence
and trust. I am forever grateful for their trust in me,
Thank you.
Grace to you,
Shellie Simonson Ulven, Trinity President
Pastors’ Report
“Welcoming the community to worship
and grow in serving God.”
-Trinity Lutheran Church Mission Statement
Dear Members of Trinity,
On the occasions when we have time to sit and reflect on our life together (which can be rare, given the
pace of ministry and activity at Trinity), we are humbled
by the enormous privilege we feel by serving as your
pastors. We have a great fellowship, a truly divine joy
and blessedness for the way in which we go about our
mission and ministry; and a bright and purposeful path
for our future growth together. Thank you sincerely for
the trust and faith you place in the pastors, the staff and
the lay leadership as we strive to live out God’s will for
Trinity Lutheran Church in this time and place.
2015 was a year of welcome for Trinity’s pastoral staff:
• Pastor Tessa Hansen was welcomed as Pastor of
Hospitality at Trinity in May. Pastor Tessa has already made a significant impact on our life of faith
page 16
together as a congregation. We are excited about how God continues to work in ways that make Trinity
open to the radical hospitality of Jesus Christ.
• Pastor Kristina Waters and her spouse Alex
welcomed a baby into their family: Isla Lynn! Isla is
already three months old, and her radiant facial
expressions let us know that she is happy to join into
the mission of Trinity along with all of you.
• Pastor Matt and his family moved into a house this
spring, which was very welcome! Oscar and Edda only
now need to walk across the street to attend school.
• Pastor Simon welcomed his parents from “across the pond” in England for the month of December. They had a lovely time, and were impressed with the warm welcome they received from Trinity
members during this cold month!
As we look to the future, we are very excited by the
possibility and promise of our ministry at Trinity together.
You continue to be served by strong staff and lay leaders (church council and executive committee). We are
grateful for their leadership and support.
We are also deeply grateful for your participation in
the ministry of Trinity. Because of the gifts of time, talent
and financial resource that you shared in 2015, Trinity
made a significant difference in the community and the
world. Here are some of the ways we did God’s work
with our hands together:
• We supported missionaries in South Africa,
Jerusalem and Cambodia.
• We served our community through “God’s Work, Our Hands” Sunday.
• We offered support to those struggling with addiction
through our Lost and Found ministry.
• We continued to provide top-notch early education
to the community through the Trinity Kids Preschool.
• We welcomed the community to an energetic
Vacation Bible School this summer.
• We hosted a variety of concerts and musical events
throughout the year.
We continued to offer vibrant worship opportunities to the community.
• We sent 85 youth and adults to the ELCA national youth gathering in Detroit, who came back filled with
the Holy Spirit and ready to engage in our robust Friends in Faith youth ministry.
All of this ministry happened because you shared the
gifts and blessings God has given to you. Thank you!
We are concerned by the continuing economic realities of our world that limited the possibilities and promise
for our ministry in 2015. We did end the year $28,000
behind our expenses. However, we must also say a very
sincere word of thanks for your continued and faithful
financial support. Starting the month of December, we
were facing a $130,000 difference. Your support narrowed this gap. You, the congregation, did respond
generously when called upon at the end of the year.
Thank you.
In 2016, we will continue to boldly journey together
through a visioning process led by our 20/20 Vision
Team. As a part of the preliminary work of the campaign,
you were invited to complete the Church Assessment
Tool. We heard the interpretation of the results, and
your voices have been heard. Members of Trinity are
yearning for relationships, connections, engagement
and involvement in the ministry happening here.To
make that happen, the vision team are preparing several strategies for our consideration. Please keep the
team and their work in your prayers, and thank you for
your participation in this process, and your vital role in
our life together as a community of faith!
Thank you also to the staff, the lay leadership and
volunteers who work behind the scenes at Trinity
throughout the year. We sincerely value the enthusiasm
and energy that you bring to our ministry and pray for
God’s continued blessing upon your work.
May God continue to bless each one of us in this
coming year as we continue “Welcoming the community
to worship and grow in serving God.”
God’s grace and peace,
Your Pastors at Trinity: Simon, Tessa, Matt and Kristina
Program Reports
Children’s Ministry Team
The mission of the Children’s Ministry Team is to nurture the spiritual growth of the children of this congregation and of the community. We nurture faith in a caring
Christ-centered environment by: facilitating teaching
and learning; incorporating knowledge of the Bible and
the catechism; providing access for and participation
of all learners; encouraging family involvement; and
providing ways for children to carry their faith into their
everyday lives.
In fall of 2015, the Children’s Ministry Team initiated a long-term goal of strengthening the relationship
between church and home. We introduced this faith
practice in the fall:
The Faith Five
The Faith Five is part of Rich Melheim’s Faith Inkubators. The five steps for families to do at home every night
are: share, read, talk, pray, and bless. We are also using the Faith Five in Sunday school. In GIFTS, our
Wednesday night programming for 1-6 graders, we use
the Faith Five to structure our Bible studies each week.
In 2016, we are working on the conceptual stages of
another faith practice that we hope will provide a connection for families with Trinity when they are unable
to worship with us. We hope to launch this one in the
spring of 2016.
During 2015, our volunteer teaching staff of about
65 adults and high school youth shared their faith with
about 325 children in Sunday school for 3-year-olds
through sixth-graders. We continue to use the Spark
Sunday school curriculum published by Augsburg
Fortress. Our fifth- and sixth-grade Sunday school kids
participate in the workshop rotation model of Sunday
school. Throughout the year, they attend five six-week
units with each week providing a different workshop
centered on one or two biblical themes.
In August, we offered vacation Bible school for
3-year-olds through sixth graders. We involved 22
seventh and eighth grade youth as crew leaders. We
had more than 100 participants.
GIFTS, a Bible study and fellowship program for
first- through sixth-graders, meets on Wednesday
evenings, with a pizza meal for families. About 65 kids
are enrolled. The spring swim and pizza party and the
fall hayride were well attended.
We offer a faith milestone for every age group—
3-year-olds through sixth-graders. These include the
welcome for 3-year-olds, olive wood cross necklaces
(4-year-olds), Bible story books (Kindergarten), prayer
place mats (first grade), faith tiles (second grade), thirdgrade Bibles, Ten Commandments (fourth grade), first
communion (fifth grade), and the sixth-grade prayer
retreat. These milestones celebrate the children’s faith
journey and encourage participation of their families.
Children’s ministry received a generous grant from
the Trinity Foundation to provide funding to teach our
students about stewardship. The funds supported these
four causes: children living at Churches United for the
Homeless, supplies for “Welcome” kits for our Sheltering Churches guests, an organization that aids survivors
of Ebola in West Africa, and the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Sunday school offering money supplemented
these causes as well as the Heifer Project. Lenten
offering money went to Minnesota FoodShare and the
ELCA World Hunger Appeal.
The library serves members of all ages. History,
biography, theology, fiction, and devotional materials
are a part of the collection of over 6,000 books, videos,
and DVDs. We encourage everyone to take advantage
of this resource, which is open whenever Trinity is.
Respectfully submitted,
Amanda Peterson, chair
Ministry team members: Melanie Barth, Sarah Bratlien,
Becky Grothe, Kirsten Juhl, Kristi Stuber, Amy Vogt,
Sandra Anderson
page 17
Health and Caring Ministry Team/Parish
Nurse Ministry
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one
another as good stewards of God’s varied grace”
-1 Peter 4:10
We are grateful for many people who have served
in Trinity’s Health and Caring/Parish Nurse Ministry.
They have reached out in a variety of ways to enrich
Trinity’s ministry. We are also grateful for those who
have supported our ministry with monetary gifts
which enables us to complete several projects.
Our Parish Nurse Ministry has been involved with
monthly blood pressure checks, Messenger articles,
our bulletin board, a support group “Healing & Hope”
which focuses on living with health issues. We maintain the AED device located near the office, and the
hearing aids for the Sanctuary. We also supply Care
Notes which are available by the Reception Window.
Our Friendly Visitors reach out to members who
are not able to be active in worship and activities
at Trinity. Several of the visitors are joining with the
Eucharistic Ministry program which will provide lay
communion visits in coordination with pastoral visitation.
The Prayer Ministers continue to offer prayers for
members and others in need of support. A special
activity each fall involves prayers for all Trinity members.
The Bereavement Ministry reaches out to members who have lost a loved one. Letters along with
devotional materials are sent in coordination with
Pastoral follow up. All Saints Day activity involves
remembrance during worship service as well as a
special coffee hour. Trinity also hosts a workshop
on grief and recovery, Grief Share. This is a national
ministry program that uses video presentations
followed with discussions which empowers each
participant to share their grief experiences and to
give support to others. The Blue Christmas Service in
December provides another opportunity to remember
our loved ones and to provide support in facing grief
and stress during the Holiday Season.
We always welcome those who would like to be a
part of our ministry.
Respectfully submitted:
Jerry Koenig, Carla Myrum, Chris Stenerson, Mary
Ann Vigen, Judy Bauman, Gail Swenson, Godela
Iverson, Char Skaff, Leann Wright, Carol Zielinski
Senior Ministry Team
The Senior JOY (Just Older Youth) group has had
a busy year. We have Friday Fellowship each month.
It is a great time to connect with other seniors and socialize. In April we took in the play at Moorhead High
School - there is a lot of talent in the high school kids.
In May we celebrated Syttende Mai. In June we went
page 18
to a Twins game. It was a beautiful day and the Twins
won with a home run hit right in front of us. In July
we went to Mary Poppins at Trollwood. It was well
done and the evening was perfect. We went out to
Seasons at Rose Creek in August. It was a wonderful
lunch and great company. We hopped into two vans
in September and headed to Minneapolis. We went
to the Norway House and Ingebretson’s Scandanavian Market. What a treat! We went to the Plymouth
Playhouse for the performance by the Church Basement Ladies. It was full of laughs! In November we
took a bus to Minneapolis. We visited the American
Swedish Institute and toured the Turnblad Mansion.
Wow! 33 rooms decorated for Christmas. We had
dinner at Bucca di Peppos and stayed in a nice hotel.
On our way home we stopped at the Grand Depot in
St. Cloud for a little shopping. We also stopped at St.
John’s university to see the hand written calligraphy
Bible. We stayed home in December and attended
the Concordia Christmas Concert. It was tremendous. We went out for dinner afterwards and then
drove through Lindendwood to see the light display.
The evening really put us in the holiday spirit.
We look forward to many activities, trips and fellowship in 2016. Hope to see you at some of the
events.
Jolinda Michels, Coordinator
Youth Ministry Team/Friends in Faith
The words from Mark 2:2-5, “So many gathered
around that there was no longer room for them, not
even in front of the door; and he was speaking the
word to them. Then some people came, bringing to
him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And
when they could not bring him to Jesus because of
the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and
after having dug through it, they let down the mat
on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their
faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are
forgiven.’”, were inspirational for Friends in Faith as
we prepared for the ELCA Youth Gathering. We are
reminded that we never carry a burden alone. God is
always there for us through our friends and the others in our community who are willing to love and care
for us as people of God.
Ninety youth and adults traveled to the ELCA
Youth Gathering in Detroit in July for a two-week
trip filled with many opportunities. Throughout the
gathering youth and adults were challenged to bear
burdens, break chains, build bridges and rise up together to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
Friends in Faith began to do this by challenging each
other in our pre-trip small groups to learn about the
city of Detroit and breakdown the stereotypes of the
city that we had heard.
Once we arrived in Detroit, we were able to visit
area museums to learn the history of the city from
the people who live there. Throughout our time at the
gathering we were called to “Rise Up Together” to
learn the stories of the people from Detroit, live as a
community in Christ, and share God’s love with those
around us. Our group participated in the Proclaim
Justice Day at the gathering where we were sent
to work with a local agency, Keep It 100!, to help
clean up abandoned lots and houses. During this
experience many of our youth and adults were able
to interact with the residents of the neighborhood
we were in. They shared stories of their lives and
what the neighborhood use to be like before places
became rundown, their children came out to play with
our youth in between projects, and a new sense of
community was formed for the day where all of us
were able to help a community see the good in their
neighborhood again.
The youth of Trinity were also very active with
ministry and mission opportunities both here at Trinity and in the community. This past year they were
involved in small groups, wrote and led Friday Morning Devos during Lent, served dinners, helped with a
Sr. High night at Rustic Oaks, volunteered during the
God’s Work Our Hand’s Sunday, served at Dorothy
Day Pantry and Churches United, helped with the
Cost & Joy of Discipleship events, put together boxes
for Operation Christmas Child, represented Trinity at
the Jr. High Synod Youth Gathering in Bemidji and
the Sr. High Synod Youth Gathering at the Castaway
Club, went to Bible Camp, and shared their faith and
stories at the Stockholder’s Banquet.
2015 has once again brought many new and exciting opportunities for Confirmation classes, Jr. High
events, Family Faith Nights for Confirmation, and Sr.
High activities. In 2016 we look forward to continuing
these opportunities and providing spaces where both
youth and adults can grow in relationships as well as
discover more deeply what God is calling each of us
to do.
Peace,
Kathy Hunstad, Director of Youth Ministry
Ashley Strelau, Youth Ministry Assistant
Global Mission Ministry Team
The goal of the Global Mission team is to support
and highlight the ministries of the global church. Global Mission offerings from Trinity help support
the ministries of Rev. Phil and Lou Marie Knutson
(regional coordinator in Southern Africa), Revs. Colin
and Jeni Grangaard (Young Adult in Global Ministry
coordinators on the West Bank), and our companion
synod, the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church in
India. Additional support this year was given to Elise
Sperling and Andrea Wright, Young Adults in Global
Mission volunteers, and the Haiti work team.
Global Mission Sundays – We highlighted the
global church on two Sundays, one in January and
one in July. Both services featured global songs and
messages.
Olivewood sales – With the help of Lois Balko,
we once again sold olivewood pieces. The proceeds
from these pieces help support Palestinian Christian
families on the West Bank.
If you are interested in being on our Global Mission team, please contact one of us. We are always
interested in adding more members.
Respectfully submitted by the Global Mission Team:
Char Alto, Evonne Anderson, Jolene Beckman, Joan
Rich, Pastor Kristina, Pastor Simon
Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool
Preschool continues to live out the mission of providing quality childcare in an educational environment
that nurtures individual development and mirrors Christ
love for children. We received a star rating this year that
wasn’t exactly what we had anticipated by coming in
lower than previous ratings but have been involved in
some very rich conversations about the rating process
at the state level and believe that in 2016 we will see
our return to top star quality rating in a much better
system. We have also been involved in a community
collaborative that is looking at how best to partner with
the Moorhead Schools as we look to universal pre-K
for all 4-year-olds in the not too distant future.
We welcomed two new teachers into our toddler
program this year and promoted two assistant teachers
to lead teaching positions. The preschool staff is the
hallmark of what makes Trinity Preschool the admired
program that it is in our community. We are grateful for
their service and proud of the work they do.
Our new field trip transportation fund served us well
in 2015. We attended many community events with our
preschool and school age children providing them with
opportunities to experience culture, art, service, and
just plain fun! We are fundraising for those events this
year as well as for some technology in the classroom
support. We got a grant for iPads and look forward to
the many educational and assessment uses they will
bring.
Trinity Lutheran Church continues to be a wonderful
support to their preschool through prayers, partnerships, and the ongoing support from church staff and
congregation. Thank you! We look forward to 2016 to
grow, nurture, and develop the minds and hearts of the
little ones in our care.
For the children,
Kay L. Heidrich, Preschool Director
page 19
Lost & Found Ministry/ReGROUP
Lost and Found Ministry continues to serve the
region as a Christian ministry of healing for those who
struggle with addictions. Its tagline is, “Help for those
lost in another’s addiction.” L&F is located at 111 7th
St. S. in Moorhead, and is open M-F from 9-5 p.m. with
other appointments available upon request.
Counselor Beth Brantner started full-time work
with Lost and Found Ministry in Dec. 2014. Beth is an
experienced interventionist and a licensed professional
clinical counselor/licensed addiction counselor. Her
services are augmented by Sandy Hanson, LADC who
does CD evaluations. In 2015, the counseling office
had 304 appointments, did 12 interventions (averaging 10-20 hours per intervention working with families,
employers, and friends), saw 74 individuals and 14
couples. On average, five people walk-in everyday to
talk or find resources. The office fields an average of
26 calls per day with 90% being for Beth and 5% for
Sandy. Beth hosts a free monthly session on a topic of
interest to the community. This topic is written up and
sent to over 800 churches, organizations, and individuals in the two-state region each month.
The library had 1,434 transactions in 2015 with
February being the busiest month. Most checked out:
“Family in Recovery” DVD by Mark Lundholm and
“Anger,” another DVD. The most checked-out book
was “One Day at a Time in Al-Anon.” DVDs are more
popular than books.
reGROUP, sister agency of L&F, a program of Trinity
Lutheran Church, is a peer-based volunteer organization that serves the 25 counties of northwest Minnesota
and the Red River Valley with telephone recovery support, peer-to-peer recovery coaching, and recovery celebrations. It is a year-and-a-half into a three-year grant
from the Minnesota Department of Human Services
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department, an Otto Bremer
Foundation grant, and gracious donors. reGROUP is
now incorporated in the state of Minnesota, has just
elected an official board of directors, and will apply for
non-profit IRS status in February 2016. It is located at
107 7th St. S., Moorhead and is open from 8:30-5 M-F
and Tuesday, Thursday, Friday evenings from 6:30-8
p.m. for groups and activities (check out www.regrouprecovery.org for more info). Also by appointment. The
space is also available for group recovery-oriented use
by contacting 218-258-0555.
reGROUP employs a full-time volunteer/events
coordinator, a site coordinator, three part-time recovery coaches, and a very part-time outreach person.
reGROUP has 52 active volunteers of whom seven
are recovery coaches and 10 do telephone recovery
support. Other volunteers give time distributing flyers,
shoveling the sidewalk, or folding brochures often to
support their recovery work. The L&F director, assistant director, and counselor are shared between both
organizations. Other L&F staff include a bookkeeper,
page 20
part-time receptionist, and a full-time office manager.
reGROUP made 494 Telephone Recovery Support
calls in 2015, had 97 recovery coach appointments
(starting mid-June after the first training), and averages
46 telephone recovery support phone calls per week.
In December 2015 alone, recovery coaches averaged
25-30 meetings per week. These are all free services.
2015 highlights for Lost and Found Ministry:
• Now accepting major insurances for counseling services! This is a great boon for clients.
• Deepened the intervention services by adding access to CD evaluations and recovery coaching.
• Participated in three recovery coach trainings including one for Red Lake and White Earth tribes in Bemidji, MN.
•February 12 Giving Hearts Day raised $27,631 for
L&F with 60 attending the fun open house at L&F.
• 5th Annual Mulligan Classic “Because Everyone Deserves a Second Chance” Golf Tournament on June 26 cleared $17,448.09 for L&F with 53 golfers.
2016 golf tournament is June 24.
•At-risk youth outreach collaborating with Re-Entry
Services of Clay County starting summer 2015 via a Clay Co. Collaborative grant.
• Most of Lost and Found work continues to be with
families of those directly dealing with the disease of
addiction. L&F works closely with regional treatment
providers to match L&F clients to the right services.
Several clients do choose to work one-on-one with the L&F counselor as part of their healing from
addiction. L&F can tailor the program to fit the client’s
needs. There is a fee for the counseling services but
scholarships are also available because of the
generosity of L&F donors.
• Recovery Month activities partnering with re
GROUP (see below).
2015 Highlights for reGOUP: Peer Advocates for Addiction Recovery:
• Rocking-Chair-A-Thon, July 2015, raised over $2,000 for reGROUP and brought lots of attention to “Recovery Works.”
•First recovery coach training (have now completed
3) and hiring of recovery coaches at reGROUP to meet demand for free recovery help for individuals.
• Monthly outreach into the 25 counties of NW
Minnesota of visiting treatment centers, community
leaders, faith leaders, and more. Incorporated
contacts into data base with first newsletter and monthly e-newsletters.
• Regular all-recovery meetings at reGROUP on
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays (plus games and crafts), and fun sober meet-ups every month
including gatherings, potlucks, Haunted Farm, and Streets Alive.
•Recovery Month events including: Mark Lundholm
Comedy at the Fargo Theatre (raised over $3,000),
Bike 4 Recovery (raised over $2,500), Unite to Face Addiction on the F-M Veterans Memorial Bridge,
a Townhall Meeting at the Moorhead City Center Mall
with community leaders and recoverees speaking, a community recovery walk featuring Dick Beardsley,
a Healing the Spirit event with Thunder Lodge, and four people going to Washington DC to participate in a historical recovery-focused event on the Mall.
• Holiday Dinner in December that served 60+ people to a full sit-down dinner with inspirational music and sharing of gratitude and gifts. Hosted by
Friends of reGROUP and Thrivent Financial.
• Three TRS trainings, three recovery coaching trainings, five messaging trainings, five parades, and
one TownHall meeting. Discussed results of the one year-long community assessment done by re
GROUP.
• Agreements with Fraser, Ltd and Churches United
for the Homeless to have recovery coaches come in on a weekly basis and visit with folks. This will
expand to other interested organizations.
• Receipt of a major Otto Bremer Foundation grant to strengthen and focus outreach to three NW MN communities who might also like to have more
recovery-oriented services like reGROUP (Crookston, Walker, and potentially Fergus Falls).
Most often heard comments about Lost and Found
and reGROUP:
• What a warm, welcoming space!
• I haven’t felt this welcome anywhere.
• I feel safe here.
• I’m feeling better now. Thank you.
2016 Expectations:
• Increased demand for counseling services and therefore ironing out insurance issues.
• Desire to remodel Lost and Found offices to
accommodate more individual office/counseling spaces for recovery coach meetings and to update
furnishings and feel of the space. Insulation, paint, and new phone system needed.
• reGROUP Board of Directors will take on
sustainability of the reGROUP organization beyond
state funding.
• Greater demand for recovery coaches and
volunteers as reGROUP reaches out to NW MN,
Fargo, and local organizations. This is all good.
Thank you to the great support from Trinity Lutheran
and our friends for making 2015 a God-filled year of
grace for those of us who work and volunteer at Lost
and Found and reGROUP, and for those who seek its
services. You have a great impact through prayer and
through this outreach beyond the walls of Trinity.
Respectfully submitted by Denise Peterson, executive
director
Pathways Lutheran Outdoor Ministries
Pathways had a very successful summer camp season at Camp Emmaus. Summer youth camp numbers
on site were almost exactly the same as a year ago;
764 on site campers. This was especially satisfying
considering it was a year of a lot of transition for the
Pathways year round staff. Day camping expanded
somewhat, Family camp held its own. There was a
general appreciation for an excellent staff and program,
the uniqueness and specialness of the beautiful setting
as well as for the style and culture of Emmaus Youth
Camp. This is not just another camp, it is a jewel to be
treasured and used in a number of life and faith impacting ways.
Going forward into 2016 with new co-executive directors (Pr Steve Peterson and Pr Daniel Wolpert), a
new year-round program director (Brooke Klemetsrud),
and a new office manager (Alicia Rengel) there seems
to be interest, opportunity and support for Pathways to
continue and move forward in both tried and true and
new ways. The summer of 2016 will see the return of
house boat trips and a new “Pathways Village” intergenerational program in a Holden Village type style of
programing at Camp Minne-Wa-Kan in August.
An exciting milestone in the future of Pathways (the
Trinity Foundation made a significant contribution) is
the launching of a new website and operations program
for camper registrations and a variety of other helpful
functions. The new website is both attractive and functional, and will allow Pathways to communicate with
constituents more effectively. The new camper registration software will also allow Pathways to do the work
more effectively. Both of these wonderful new changes,
have been made possible by generous donations from
Pathways supporters both individuals and churches
and their foundations, very much including Trinity. We
are very grateful for these gifts and for the confidence
in pathways that they reflect. These new tools are also
part of our attempt to make pathway a more efficient
and effective ministry organization. We look forward to
launching these efforts and we also are excited for you
to use them. Blessings to you as we enter into the New
Year.
Steve Peterson, Pathways Executive Director
Trinity Women of the ELCA
“The mission of Trinity women is to act boldly by our
faith in Jesus Christ. Our purpose is to grow in faith,
affirm our gifts, support one another, engage in action,
and promote healing and wholeness globally.”
The Women of Trinity have many opportunities to
serve, study, give and to have fellowship with one another.
page 21
Opportunities to give to projects such as Lutheran
World Relief. Opportunities to study and pray with
monthly circle meetings. And, the opportunity to have
fellowship. We had awesome fellowship opportunities
when we hosted a large ELCA Women’s conference
this past fall and our Salad and Pie Luncheon in the
spring.
This is a synopsis of our past year of opportunities:
January and February programs were a “movie night”
and an impact speaker from “Solutions” (Behavioral
Healthcare professionals) talking about children and
their needs locally in Moorhead.
In February, our participation in “Giving Hearts Day”
provided donations (doubled by the Dakota Medical
Foundation’s Impact Give Back campaign) to Churches
United for the Homeless, Haiti Medical Mission, Jail
Chaplaincy Program, Lost & Found Ministry and Oak
Grove High School.
What a May for us! Our Salad and Pie Luncheon on
May 6th was an amazing success. There were yummy
pies and awesome salads of every kind and flavor. Over
300 people attended with a total of $3,424 from ticket
sales and sponsorships from Stein Chemical, Wright
Funeral Home and Voxland Electric. TLCW presented
a check for $3,500 to Pathways outdoor camping
ministries. Thank you, thank you to all who prepared,
worked and baked!
Trinity Lutheran Church hosted the All-City Bible
Study in August. Pastor Matt from Trinity gave the study.
An offering of $330 was donated to Churches United
for the Homeless.
Trinity hosted the NW MN SWO Convention in September with TLCW member, Becky Olson, attending
as a Voting Member. Over 150 attendees took part in
service projects, sessions with guest speakers, and a
worship service. Thanks to all who volunteered to help
make this conference a success.
On November 14th, Dr. Michael Culloton, Trinity
church member and conductor of the Cathedral Choir,
presented the program. Culloton conducts three Concordia choirs, teaches choral literature, and is the artistic director and conductor of the FM Chamber Chorale.
He sang two songs by Antonin Dvorak, accompanied
by Andrew Steinberg, and spoke on his life experience
and passions in addition to the impact of choral music.
November’s bazaar raised over $1,700 which allowed
us to donate to local charities, churchwide and right
here at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Our Christmas potluck was held on Monday, December 7th. The Moorhead High Carolers were a delightful
program and we received $490 from our “Thank Offering.”
“Giving” plays a huge part in our ministry. We are
pleased to tell you that our Lutheran World Relief
projects gathered: 14 fabric kits, 16 school kits, 20
infant kits and 46 quilts. Thanks so much! Also our
Trinity Quilters made 181 quilts from September 2014
page 22
through May 15, 2015. The following quilts were given:
69 to Lutheran World Relief, 13 to Dakota Boys Ranch
kids, 3 to Pigs ‘n Blanket Fargo Auction, 11 to YWCA
Shelter, 21 to YWCA Baby Quilts, 16 to Clark Tufte for
“Cost & Joy of Discipleship” and 48 to miscellaneous
charities. Wow – this is awesome!
So, you can see there is a place for every women
to partake of our programs. We invite you to join us
in February for our first meeting on February 6, 2016
at 9:30 a.m. in the CLC. Our speaker will be former
Miss North Dakota, Jacky Arness. Come for a time of
inspiration and fellowship.
Special thanks to our outgoing board members
Janelle Leiseth and Becky Olson. We thank them for
their amazing service to our board and our church.
Our Board: Char Skaff, Kathy Lindquist, Mary Thornton, Jane Skunberg, Lenae Harless and Jerilyn Forde,
invites you to join us for any of our opportunities for
women.
Submitted by Char Skaff, TLCW President
Trinity Lutheran Church Women
Statement of Revenues and Expenditures
January 1, 2015-December 31, 2015
Proposed
2016
Budget
2015
Actual
2015
page 23
Bishop’s Report
(continued on next page)
page 24
page 25
Trinity Lutheran Church
Mission Plan 2016
Physical Plant
19%
$265,598
Administration
22%
$309,954
Welcoming
7%
$101,793
Youth
11%
$149,850
Worship
18%
$255,346
Mission
11%
$155,484
Education
12%
$162,098
page 26
Trinity Lutheran Church
2016 Proposed Mission Plan
2015
2016
Mission
2015
Mission
Proposed
Actual
Proposed
Income:
Offering
1,177,411
Other Income
34,667
Total Income
$0
$1,212,079
$0
Expense:
Welcoming
Hospitality
8,500
8,311
9,000
New Member Supplies
200
0
200
Caring Ministry
50
250
250
Small Group Ministry
250
211
250
Senior Ministry
250
0
250
Devotional Materials
2,500
1,569
2,500
Nursery Supplies
100
-30
100
Trinity Transit
1,100
778
1,100
Music on the Blacktop
1,500
0
Salaries
67,550
34,720
65,122
Mileage
3,000
2,000
3,000
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
26,800
11,245
18,521
Miscellaneous Expense
500
149
500
Total Welcoming
$112,500
$59,204
$101,793
Worship
Cathedral Choir Materials
1,600
1,520
2,000
Celebration Singers
250
234
250
Joyful Noise
250
276
250
Koinonia/High School Choirs
100
0
0
Research Materials
50
0
50
Bell Choirs
250
234
250
Instrumentalists
400
400
500
Communion Elements/Candles
3,000
2,686
3,000
Organ Maintenance
2,000
1,230
2,000
Piano Maintenance
800
789
800
Misc. Worship & Music
1,000
1,609
2,000
Children’s Musical
500
477
500
Minims
50
26
50
Worship, Too!
500
125
500
Handbell Maintenance
50
0
50
Trinity Brass
100
30
100
Copyright Payments
1,500
1,280
1,500
Salaries
198,979
171,397
185,054
Mileage
3,000
3,000
3,000
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
56,455
48,160
52,992
Miscellaneous Expense
500
0
500
Total Worship
$271,334
$233,474
$255,346
page 27
2015
2016
Mission
2015
Mission
Proposed
Actual
Proposed
Education
Sunday School Materials
10,000
8,156
10,000
Library
250
153
250
GIFTS Program
500
537
500
Birth to Three Committee
300
0
0
5th & 6th Grade Program
250
19
250
Salaries
103,155
103,873
105,794
Mileage
3,000
3,000
3,000
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
36,408
35,539
41,804
Miscellaneous Expense
500
0
500
Total Education
$154,362
$151,277
$162,098
Mission
Northwestern MN Synod
36,825
36,825
40,825
ELCA Churchwide(thruNWMNSynod)
36,175
36,175
40,175
Lost & Found Ministry
10,000
10,000
11,000
Project FM
2,500
2,291
0
Lutheran Social Service
1,000
1,000
1,500
Pathways
15,000
15,000
15,000
MSUM Lutheran Student Center
1,000
1,000
1,500
Churches United
2,000
2,000
2,000
Dorothy Day House
500
500
500
Bread for the World
80
80
80
Global Missions
500
500
500
Salaries
27,899
27,989
28,549
Mileage
1,500
0
1,500
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
10,804
8,402
11,855
Miscellaneous Expense
500
510
500
Total Mission
$146,283
$142,272
$155,484
Youth
Released Time Transportation
0
0
0
Confirmation Program
2,000
3,419
3,500
Youth Ministry Support
26,270
26,268
26,270
Salaries
78,500
78,721
79,484
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
35,516
36,481
40,096
Miscellaneous Expense
500
0
500
Total Youth
$142,786
$144,890
$149,850
page 28
2015
Mission
2014
Plan
Actual
2016
Mission
Plan Administration
Books, Periodicals, Materials
0
30
0
Office Supplies
19,000
15,548
18,000
Postage
15,000
10,370
13,000
Offering Envelopes
5,000
2,625
4,000
Office Telephones
3,500
3,525
3,500
Office Equip-Repair/Mtnce
5,000
2,824
5,000
Networking Maintenance
3,000
2,731
3,000
Equip/Cmptr Hdwe/Software
5,000
2,719
5,000
Publicity
2,000
1,289
3,000
Transaction Fees
4,200
3,769
4,200
Synod Assembly Fees
3,000
1,525
2,000
Fair Hills Synod Retreat
1,500
1,375
1,500
Council/Staff Development
1,000
618
3,000
Financial Audit Fees
12,000
11,700
12,000
Stewardship
0
491
0
Salaries
177,092
170,732
178,347
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
48,276
43,885
53,908
Miscellaneous Expense
500
362
500
Total Administration
$305,068
$276,118
$309,954
Physical Plant
Repairs/Maintenance
30,000
20,272
30,000
Physical Plant-Supplies
12,000
18,377
18,000
Insurance
39,000
47,173
47,000
Fuel
35,000
27,587
35,000
Utilities
60,000
58,880
60,000
Snow Removal
10,000
2,000
10,000
Prpty Tax/Spec. Assessments
1,000
662
1,000
Salaries
53,000
47,610
49,412
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
10,000
10,878
14,686
Miscellaneous Expense
500
0
500
Total Physical Plant
$250,500
$233,439
$265,598
Total Expenses
$1,382,834
$1,240,673
$1,400,123
Total Income
$1,212,079
Income Less Expenses
-$28,594
page 29
Trinity Preschool 2016 Proposed Mission Plan
2015 Budget
2015 Actual 2016 Proposed
Income
Tuition/Activity Fees
553,582.00
546,159.98
Transportation/ Field Trips
1,000.00
150.00
Other Charges/Interest
150.00
54.24
Contribution Income
100.00
1,050.00
Child Care Food Program
18,000.00
16,575.51
Summer Activity Fees
2,200.00
1,472.25
Thrivent Choice 500.00
378.00
Special Activities/field trip cost
5,000.00
0.00
Misc Inc. (& out) 800.00
18.00
Funding Revenue
2,000.00
238.45
Total Income
$583,332.00
$566,096.43
Expenses
Operating
Reimbursement to Church
4,000.00
3,996.00
Office Supplies
750.00
551.87
Advertising
3,600.00
2,892.56
Membership Licensing
2,000.00
2,205.37
Postage
100.00
13.85
Repairs/ Maintenance
200.00
790.35
Total Operating
$10,650.00
$10,450.00
Classroom
Photo Processing
1,100.00
442.89
School/Teacher Supplies
8,500.00
6,707.36
Teacher Resources
0.00
132.20
Continuing Education
3,000.00
1,193.79
Activities
4,000.00
3,488.96
Paper Supplies
7,000.00
7,640.80
Food
63,000.00
53,969.21
Cleaning
2,500.00
2,587.36
Equipment
1,500.00
2,436.76
Transportation
1,000.00
250.00
Funding
2,000.00
1,517.08
Telephone
400.00
419.77
Insurance
4,000.00
4,008.00
Summer Activities
2,200.00
4,280.44
Special Activities/field trip costs
5,000.00
196.00
Miscellaneous
800.00
282.29
Total Classroom
$106,000.00
$89,552.91
Compensation/Benefits
Wages
421,318.00
425,835.03
FICA
32,113.00
32,208.40
Pension
9,108.00
9,107.93
Total Compensation/Benefits $462,539.00
$467,151.36
Total Expenses
$579,099.00
$567,154.27
Income minus Expenses
$4,233.00
$(1,057.84)
page 30
564,210.00
0.00
75.00
100.00
13,800.00
2,430.00
300.00
0.00
200.00
2,000.00
$583,115.00
4,000.00
650.00
3,300.00
2,000.00
65.00
200.00
$10,215.00
500.00
7,000.00
83.00
2,000.00
4,000.00
7,700.00
56,700.00
2,800.00
1,500.00
0.00
2,000.00
500.00
4,000.00
2,000.00
0.00
500.00
$91,283.00
440,610.00
32,755.00
8,252.00
$481,617.00
$583,115.00
$0.00
Trinity Friends in Faith 2016 Proposed Mission
Plan
Proposed
2015
2015
2016
Actual
Budget
Budget
Income
Other Income
Interest Income
104.59
100.00
150.00
Misc Income - FIF
0.00
0.00
0.00
Mem Acct Inc-Scholarship
0.00
200.00
0.00
Trinity Support
26,268.00
26,300.00
26,300.00
Other Raised Income
100.00
500.00
300.00
Senior High General Income
144.06
800.00
300.00
Junior High General Income
158.00
300.00
300.00
Thrivent Choice Inc - FIF
0.00
0.00
0.00
Total
$26,774.65
$28,200.00
$27,350.00
Dinner Event
Dinner Income
10,869.55
13,000.00
13,000.00
Fall Retreat Event
Fall Retreat Income
0.00
900.00
900.00
Food & Refreshments
Food & Refreshments Income
829.63
1,500.00
1,000.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering Event
Nat’l Yth Gathering Income
42,172.00
42,000.00
0.00
Ski Retreat Event
Sr. High Ski Retreat Income
9,735.00
10,000.00
11,000.00
Jr. High Ski Day Income
1,248.00
1,000.00
1,500.00
10,983.00
11,000.00
12,500.00
Synod Yth Gathering Event
Sr. High Yth Gathering Income
280.00
750.00
1,000.00
Jr. High Yth Gathering Income
1,605.00
3,000.00
2,000.00
1,885.00
3,750.00
3,000.00
Houseboat Trip Event
Houseboat Trip Income
1,900.00
3,000.00
18,000.00
Stockholder Activity
Stockholder Donations
24,075.00
30,000.00
30,000.00
Summer Servant Trip
India Orphan Servant trip Inc.
0.00
0.00
0.00
Summer Servant Trip
0.00
0.00
15,000.00
0.00
0.00
15,000.00
Total Income
$119,488.83
$133,350.00
$120,750.00
Expense
Friends In Faith Fund
Other Activities & Events Exp
892.66
1,400.00
1,500.00
Materials & Equipment1,456.41
1,200.00
1,500.00
Senior High Programming
1,273.40
500.00
1,500.00
Junior High Programming
1,129.59
1,000.00
1,600.00
Sunday School Exp
53.46
200.00
400.00
Total
$4,805.52
$4,300.00
$6,500.00
Dinner Event
Dinner supplies
7,142.97
7,500.00
9,750.00
Fall Retreat Event
Fall Retreat-Travel
0.00
1,000.00
1,200.00
Fall Retreat-Supplies
0.00
500.00
800.00
Fall Retreat-Other
0.00
1,500.00
2,500.00
Total
0.00
3,000.00
4,500.00
page 31
Proposed
2015
2015
2016
Actual
Budget
Budget
Food & Refreshments
Food & Refreshment Expenses
566.82
1,200.00
1,000.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering Event
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Travel
19,434.00
20,000.00
0.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Lodging
48,854.84
39,000.00
0.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Supplies
17,900.86
3,000.00
0.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Meals
9,160.55
10,000.00
0.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Registrati
16,600.00
14,000.00
0.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering-reimb.
1,040.00
0.00
0.00
Total
$112,990.25
$86,000.00
$0.00
Ski Retreat Event
Jr. High Ski Day
1,576.00
1,000.00
2,000.00
Ski Retreat-Travel
4,500.00
5,000.00
5,000.00
Ski Retreat-Other
13,419.80
11,000.00
17,000.00
Total
$19,495.80
$17,000.00
$24,000.00
Synod Yth Gathering Event
Sr. High Registration/Other
875.00
1,000.00
2,000.00
Sr. High Travel
57.50
150.00
350.00
Jr. High Travel
1,100.00
1,100.00
1,500.00
Jr. High Registration/Other
4,981.85
6,200.00
6,200.00
Total
$7,014.35
$8,450.00
$10,050.00
Houseboat Trip Event
Houseboat Trip-Travel
0.00
0.00
4,500.00
Houseboat Trip-Supplies
0.00
0.00
2,750.00
Houseboat Trip-Food
0.00
0.00
5,000.00
Houseboat Rental
0.00
3,000.00
20,000.00
Total
$0.00
$3,000.00
$32,250.00
Stockholder Activity
Stockholder-Supplies/Other
951.21
1,500.00
1,000.00
Summer Servant Trip
Smr. Servant Trip-Travel
0.00
0.00
13,000.00
Smr. Servant Trip-Lodging/Meal
0.00
0.00
9,750.00
Smr. Servant Trip-Meals
0.00
0.00
4,500.00
Smr. Servant Trip-Supply/Other
0.00
0.00
3,700.00
Total
$0.00
$0.00
$30,950.00
Bible Camp
Bible Camp
0.00
0.00
0.00
Counselor Training
Counselor Training
0.00
750.00
750.00
Boy Scouts
Boy Scouts
45.00
0.00
0.00
India Orphanage
India Orphanage - Travel
0.00
0.00
0.00
India REACH:Orphan home/school
0.00
0.00
0.00
Total Expense
$153,011.92
$132,700.00
$120,750.00
Income - Expense
page 32
-$33,523.09
$650.00
$0.00
Trinity Lost and Found Ministry
2016 Proposed Mission Plan
Income
2015 Actual
Library Mat Rest
$0.00
Hospitality
0.00
Donations & Memorials
33,206.99
Donations Today & Tom.
560.00
Reimbursements
817.45
Other Income
15.00
Trinity Luth Support
10,000.00
New Space Rental Inc
10,200.00
Rental Income
18,570.00
Gullings Trust Revenue
19,108.00
Congregation Benevolence
6,928.88
Endowment Revenue
4,624.00
Project Seed - Trin FD
5,592.00
FFS Intervention
6,757.12
Fundraising Events
51,443.90
FFS Counseling
7,655.75
FFS Groups
0.00
FFS Retreats
0.00
FFS CD Eval
705.00
Advertising
0.00
Grants Income
3,500.00
Client Assistance
0.00
New Space Capital Campaign
0.00
Project ACT
1,142.96
Utitlities Refund
0.00
L&F Renovation Fund
Total Income
$180,827.05
-
Expenses
Printing
710.38
Lease Expense
4,531.58
Office Expense/Postage
2,496.79
Travel/Continuing Ed
249.35
Continuing Education
200.00
Professional Fees
4,351.75
Promotion & Advertising
5,554.95
Hospitality
529.32
Miscellaneous Expense
1,104.59
Youth Development Expense
10.99
Business Development Expense
309.85
Exp for Service CD Eval
0.00
Telephone/Internet
3,385.82
Exp for Svce Intervention
440.40
Exp for Svce Counseling
21.76
Exp for Service Groups
0.00
Subscriptions
0.00
Newsletter
4,633.33
Equipment/Software
1,739.52
Salaries
89,297.00
Salaries-Counseling
1,850.00
Utilities
11,072.72
Printing Srvces IN-Kind
1,192.04
Fundraising Event Expense
7,953.20
Repairs & Maintenance L&F
3,816.91
Insurance
0.00
New Spce Cap Camp Renov
1,841.23
Real Estate Taxes
2,466.00
2016 Budget
$200.00
200.00
30,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
10,000.00
10,200.00
17,880.00
19,108.00
6,000.00
4,624.00
5,592.00
15,000.00
48,000.00
45,000.00
0.00
0.00
3,000.00
0.00
3,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
15,000.00
$232,804.00
1,000.00
4,600.00
3,000.00
500.00
500.00
4,000.00
5,000.00
1,000.00
500.00
100.00
500.00
0.00
4,000.00
500.00
500.00
500.00
250.00
5,000.00
2,000.00
$135,600.00
0.00
12,000.00
0
9,000.00
4,000.00
3,000.00
0.00
2,850.00
page 33
New Spce Op Ex/main Cap C
0.00
Cleaning
795.48
Rep/Main Rentals/Capital
0.00
Depreciation
0.00
Payroll Taxes
6,931.97
License Renewal/counselor
0.00
Memberships
502.00
CrCd Service Fees
853.90
Total Library Materials Expenses
$810.68
L&F Renovation Fund
Total Expenses
$159,653.51
-
Total L&F Income Less Expenses
$21,173.54
Gullings/Endow Trust Income
Endowment Unrealized G/L
(6,044.35)
Endowment Div&Int Income
6,029.29
Endowment Realized G/L
0.00
Gullings Unrealized G/L
(23,617.66)
Gullings Tr Div&Int Income
19,391.16
Gullings Realized G/L
942.87
Total Gullings/Endow Trust Income
-$3,298.69
Gullings/Endow Trust Expenses
Gullings Trust Allocations
19,108.00
Endowment Allocations
4,624.00
Gullings Trust Expenses
4,900.82
Endow Mgmt Expenses
1,343.98
Total Gullings/Endow Trust Expenses $29,976.80
-
Gullings/Endow Income Less Expenses-$33,275.49
Total Income
$177,528.36
Total Expenses
Total Income Less Expenses
page 34
-$189,630.31
-$12,101.95
0.00
750.00
0.00
0.00
10,756.00
500.00
500.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
15,000.00
$229,406.00
$3,398.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0
19,108.00
4,624.00
4,900.82
1,343.98
$29,976.80
NOTES
page 35
page 36