June 2016 Epistle - St. Paul Lutheran Church
Transcription
June 2016 Epistle - St. Paul Lutheran Church
The Epistle of St. Paul June 2016 “…none of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.” Acts 5:13-14 I have been reading through the book of Acts for my Bible study lately. One thing that grabbed my attention was the radical nature of this new community of Jesus-followers. The passage above exemplifies this sentiment. The apostles were performing signs and wonders; casting out demons and healing the sick. The believers met together daily in their homes and at the temple. People sold off property to give to those in need. No one among them lacked anything. This new group of disciples were so radically different than the rest of the culture that people feared them and yet… they couldn’t help but to be attracted by this crazy, loving, risk-taking community. When the people of God behave in these ways the kingdom of heaven becomes tangible here on earth. When people surrender their lives to the Lordship of Jesus, radical communities of love and grace are formed. We as followers of Christ today should all strive to create Christian communities like we see in the New Testament. Now, these communities were far from “perfect,” quite the contrary, they were full of sinners just like churches today, but God worked through them to do amazing things. My prayer is that God would work among us and through us today to bring about His Kingdom on earth. I pray that He stirs in our hearts the desire to surrender all and preach Christ crucified and risen for the salvation of the world. I pray that he would cause us by His Spirit to be so radical that people would not dare join us and yet so attractive people couldn’t help but to climb on board. In Christ, Pastor Aaron Updates at The Gate • Last month a few of us served as “Angels in the Outfield” for Ankeny’s Miracle League, where kids and adults with developmental disabilities can come and play baseball. • On Sunday, May 1st, the mission team for The Gate celebrated our first Lord’s Supper together. • The mission team for The Gate continues to grow spiritually and embodying the life of a disciple of Jesus and missionary to our community. God is opening up many doors for spiritual conversations with friends, neighbors, and coworkers. • Please welcome the newest member to The Gate community, Craig Willoughby. Craig will be serving as our Music, Technology, and Worship Director. We have prayed and God has sent us Craig to help us lead worship, troubleshoot our new sound and technology equipment, and partner with us as we reach the lost and make disciples of Jesus. • Our portable worship equipment from Church-in-a-Box will be delivered to Ashland Ridge Elementary School on Saturday, June 4th. We will be trained on how to set up, operate, take down, and store the equipment from 8am-1pm. If you are interested in seeing what it’s all about, you can come any time and take a look at the goods. • Our first practice worship service will be on Sunday, June 5th at 9:30am. We will be trying out our worship equipment and running through a simple order of worship. Anyone is welcome to join us for this. • We will have “Preview Services” for The Gate at Ashland Ridge on July 17th and August 14th. • Our Public Worship launch date is scheduled for Sunday, September 18th. Prayer Requests • For a smooth delivery, training session, and practice worship service with our portable worship equipment on the weekend of June 4-5. • For God to open up more doors for us to make an impact in service to our community. • Thanksgiving for the lost and hurting people God has already sent to us and for Him to continue to bring people into our lives who need to hear the good news of Jesus. • For Pastor Duncan McLellan, that God would give him wisdom as he discerns the call to be Senior Pastor at St. Paul. • For protection from sin and Satan as we seek to further God’s Kingdom. CHANCEL CHOIR ...A huge thank you to all of the Chancel Choir members for your service in the music ministry this year. Using the special musical gifts God has blessed you with has been a blessing to our worship services! We will be taking a break for the summer and will look forward to starting up with rehearsals again on August 30th, 2016. I hope to see all of you back next year as well as anyone else who is interested in joining the choir. Have a wonderful summer! SPECIAL MUSIC … Thank you to everyone who served by providing special music this year! Music is such a wonderful way to edify our worship time, and our services just wouldn't be the same without it. Starting at the beginning of June we will have many openings for special music in both our 8:00 and 10:45 services. If you would like to work on a solo, duet, or group piece to play or sing, please contact me (Arkay Brown at [email protected] or (515) 963-0998) and I would be happy to help you find music if needed, and put you in our schedule. You may either share during one or both services on a date that fits into your schedule. Please consider using the talents God has given you to serve and praise Him as you enhance our worship! In Christ's Service, Arkay Brown HAND BELLS ...We have wrapped up another year of hand bells and I would like to thank everyone for all their participation. Please be on the look out as we will be getting the word out in the fall when we resume our rehearsals. I already know that we will have a spot or two open in the Alleluia Ringers so if you've ever thought about trying it, first thing in the fall is a good time to start. Thanks again! Jon Jero CHILDREN’S CHOIR … Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm. 145:1 Summer - a time of vacations, outdoor events, making new connections, family and friends - blessings. Summer worship will include children, preschool through 5th grade, singing from the balcony. Please send your child when "Jesus Loves Me" is played at offering time. Our summertime songs and dates are: June 12: June 26: July 10: July 24: August 14: August 28: “Jesus Is My Rightousness” and “Lord, Be Glorified” “God Chose Me” and “Fishers of Men” “Give Thanks” and “Love The Lord Your God” “We Thank God For Loving Us So” and “Seek Ye First” “Sanctuary” and “Trust in The Lord With All Your Heart” “My Bible Book” and “You Are By My Side”. Thanks to all children, youth, and adults who shared their musical gifts in worship this past year. Thank you for humbly serving. With appreciation and joy, Sharon Ommen LWML Lutheran Women in Mission On Tuesday, June 14th we have the opportunity to visit the Ronald McDonald house in Des Moines. We will leave from the church at 5:00 pm and Nancy Medick will drive us in the church van to our destination. We will be given a tour at 5:30 pm. The Ronald McDonald House provides housing for families who live outside the Polk County area and have children who were born premature, have respiratory problems, cystic fibrosis and cancer. Please review the LWML Mission Project in the June Epistle for the items we will donate to the Ronald McDonald House when we go on our visit. Following our tour we will have a short business meeting at Perkins in Ankeny at 7:00 pm. We will not have an LWML meeting in July or August. Please join us for an evening of fellowship and fun. We look forward to seeing you there!! “SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS … GLORIFY HIS NAME!” SCRIP UPDATE … Thank you to all the members supporting the SCRIP program. SCRIP stores in the month of June will be on June 5th, 19th, and the 26th between services in the Family Life Center. SCRIP orders will be placed on June 5th and the 19th. If you have any questions, please contact Dorothy Marvin ([email protected] or 964-3020). Thank you! LWML June Mission Project The June LWML mission project will be collecting items needed for the Ronald McDonald House in Des Moines, IA. We will deliver the requested items when we tour the house on June 14th. The following items have been requested: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Newborn or Preemie Onesies Diapers of any size Diaper Wipes Small Individual Snack Food Packages (chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc.) Fresh Fruit Pop Tarts Stamps The Iowa West District 2016 LWML Convention is being held at Camp Okoboji on June 23rd through June 25th. During this time there will be In-Gatherings and Servant Activities where the ladies will be making Diapers for Haitian Babies and putting together This Is The Child Jesus Coloring Book. The coloring book will be distributed at the State Fair and county fairs through Lutheran Hour Ministries and local churches. Items needed for Diapers for Haitian Babies: ♦ T-shirts – large or x-large – 50% to 100% cotton – can have logos – preferably white but can be any color Items needed for This is the Child Coloring Book ♦ Boxes of crayons – 8 ct., 16 ct., 24 ct., but NOT 48 ct. ♦ Portfolios – 3 prong any color If you would like to donate any of the above mentioned items please place them on the LWML table. All items donated will be greatly appreciated and a blessing for those in need and an opportunity to share the message of Jesus and His Love!! Our goal this year is $4,000 / 20,000 meals. To help us meet the fund raising goal we are holding a Family Bunco night with Silent Auction on June 12th, starting at 6pm. You can participate by joining us for Bunco ($5/ person or $25/family), donating silent auction items, and bidding on silent auction items or with a cash donation. Example of silent auction items: Movie tickets; combine ride & meal; 3 boys to do chores (the Twedts); Olive Oil & balsamic vinegar gift set from the Olive Tap; wind breaker from Bike Country; signed John Deer print; vases; wooden salt & pepper shakers; garden supplies; party bucket and of course food items – pies and cream puffs. Our packaging event will be held July 17, 2016 from 9:00 – 11:00. This year we are trying something new and will be packaging at the Meals From the Heartland facility located at 357 Lincoln St, West Des Moines, IA 50265. For those that would like to car pool to the facility we will be meeting at church at around 8:00am – more details to come. Packaging event sign up will start after VBS. ALL AGES EVENT IT IS TIME FOR OUR BUNKO NIGHT AND SILENT AUCTION WHEN: JUNE 12TH, 6:00 PM WHERE: ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH A fun night of Bunko, Silent Auction, Prizes, and Snacks for all. ADMISSION $5.00 per person $25.00 max per family. All are welcome even if you have never played before. It is so easy to play. It is a great way to meet people as you travel from table to table. Prizes for Winners and Losers. PROCEEDS WILL GO TO FUNDING MEALS FOR THE HEARTLAND SILENT AUCTION Do you have an item or a service that you could donate? The Evangelism Committee is looking for donations for our Silent Auction during our Bunko night. If you have an item or a service that you would like to donate please let Nancy Medick know by June 1st. Also, we would appreciate it if you would set the starting bid on your item or service. Thank you so much! Let us know if you need child care for those under 5. Sponsored by the Evangelism Committee. BOUNDARY WATERS God has called us to live in this world, but not be of this world. I believe that a canoe trip in the wilderness is living that command. This summer from July 29 through August 4th there are 16 folks that will embark on a Wilderness adventure in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota. We have two groups this year, a Jr. High and a Sr. High trip. The camp theme is “Prayer” and I for one am so excited to discuss the role of prayer in our daily lives, how to grow in our relationship with God through meditation on His word and the prayer that sustains us in that relationship. This adventure allows youth and adults alike to disengage from the world for a moment and focus on God. Thank you for supporting our trip through the annual “Think Spring” plant sale and for the Thrivent members that direct their choice dollars to the church. In the combined efforts we were able to decrease the financial burden on our families to send their youth on this adventure by $175/person. Thank you for your generosity. Please keep our groups in your prayers! Sara Jo Olson BOARD OF FINANCE The Board of Finance is a group of 17 members who rotate in a team of two through a schedule to count and prepare the deposit for the weekly offering to St Paul. This essential task takes a couple of hours each week for these faithful and reliable volunteers. We are always looking for new volunteers. If you would like to help please contact Joel Ott at ([email protected]) In addition, the board also promotes the use of electronic giving. Electronic giving is a safe and secure way to contribute to St Paul's missions via direct withdraw from your bank account either on a one time or recurring basis. Recurring contributions via electronic giving help the church maintain a consistent flow of contributions even in the slower Summer months when members are on vacation or just away from church. Electronic giving also eliminates the need for members to prepare a weekly check. If this is something you would be interested in, simply visit the St Paul website (www.StPaulAnkeny.org) and click the give now button. All widows and single ladies of St. Paul are invited to attend “Lady Diners”. We meet on the first Tuesday of each month. This month we will be dining at Wig and Pen, Tuesday, June 7th at 6:00 pm. Wig and Pen is located at 2005 S. Ankeny Blvd. If you have any questions, please call Carol Wenndt, 964-2403, or Betty Berlau, 249-9968. Ladies’ Morning Bible Study Ladies Bible Study will be taking a break and meet again in September on the first and third Thursday of the month at 9:00 am. The Fall study promises to bring an exciting time of studying God’s word as well as wonderful fellowship together. All women are invited and look for more details coming in August. We would love for you to join the Prayer Warriors Bible Study! THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Lutheranism 101 will be meeting on Thursday, June 9th, at 9:00 am in the Youth Room. We will again learn that it is all about Jesus. All those who believe in Jesus, even with doubts, fears and questions can say with confidence that God has forgiven all their sins. After summer break, we will continue our studies starting Thursday, September 9th on “What is the Church?”, chapter 9. All are welcome to join us anytime. For more information or questions, please contact Gary & Jean Wisneski. Watch for more information in the September Epistle. Every third Sunday of the month at 2:00 pm, St. Paul leads a worship service for the residents at Sunny View Nursing home. We would love it if you joined us in leading that service! All you have to do is arrive at Sunny View at 1:45 pm and be ready to hand out books, help the residents turn pages, and sing the praises of our God for all he has done for us! Hope to see you there as we share the love of Jesus with the residents at Sunny View! Our mission is to serve Christ and be faithful witnesses by providing appropriate burial clothing for premature infants who die and by offering Christian support and comfort to their grieving families. We believe even the tiniest person should be cared for with love, respect and dignity. Our next workshop will be at a special time and place, June 18th from 9-11:00 am at Hope Lutheran Church. The address is 3857 East 42nd St., Des Moines. We will be putting together Tiny Feet Bracelets with ladies from other churches in our zone. These precious bracelets are a new item we will be offering to bereaved family that have had a miscarriage. If you have wanted to help our mission but don’t sew, crochet or knit, this might be for you. No experience is necessary. Please join us for a fun morning of service and fellowship! For questions, or if you need a ride, call Kelly Buttery at 963-1232. CANCER SURVIVORS GET-TOGETHER You and your family are invited to meet at Wig and Pen, 2005 S. Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny, on Monday, June 20th at 6:00 pm for a great supper and get-together. If you have any questions, please call Mary Stratmann at 964-8271. ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH 50TH ANNIVERSARY In 2017, St. Paul Lutheran Church will proudly celebrate it’s 50th Anniversary! The 50th Anniversary Committee met for the first time May 17th to begin planning for the big event. A lot of great ideas were discussed. The planning process will continue over the months ahead. As plans are finalized and dates decided, watch for “Save the Date” announcements in the Epistle and weekly bulletins. We look forward to celebrating with you in 2017!! 50th Anniversary Committee LIFE LINE SCREENING COMMUNITY EVENT JUNE 29, 2016 St. Paul Lutheran Church Family Life Center Do you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Have members of your family suffered from these ailments? Do you have a poor diet? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you may want to consider being screened through the services of Life Line Screening. Life Line Screening uses ultrasound technology to view the plaque build up in your carotid arteries, the main arteries that carry blood to the brain. Blockages in these arteries are a leading cause of stroke. We are pleased to host a Life Line Screening event on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at St Paul Lutheran Church. Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. We would like to make sure that our members get the best opportunity to sign up for this date. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-653 -6441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners. Protect your health by participating in the Life Line Screening event. THE 13TH ANNUAL ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH GOLF OUTING FOR “AGAPE PREGNANCY CENTER” AND “ON WITH LIFE” SATURDAY-SATURDAY--AUGUST --AUGUST 13, 2016 Otter Creek Golf Course 4100 NE Otter Creek Drive Ankeny, Iowa COST: COST: $75.00/person -- $280.00/4$280.00/4-some Includes 18 holes of golf, 44-person best shot, cart, lunch, sleeve of golf balls, fellowship REGISTRATION ABSOLUTELY ENDS: ENDS: August 6, 2016 Sign up as 44-somes or individually. Shotgun start time is 8:00 a.m. Please arrive earlier to sign in. Send the registration fee and names of participants to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 SE Sharon Drive, Ankeny, IA, 50021, 515515-964964-1250. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ “Agape Pregnancy Center” offers pregnancy tests, ultra sounds, STD tests, parenting instruction, adoption referrals, maternity and baby items, as well as spiritual and emotional support for women at no charge. “On With Life” is a Midwest leader in brain injury rehabilitation that helps persons living with brain injury get on with life by creating life-enriching opportunities. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COUNCIL PRESIDENT ... Senior Pastor Call…At the Special Voters’ Assembly on May 15, Pastor Duncan McLellan was extended a Divine Call to be the next Senior Pastor at St. Paul. We are looking forward to a brief visit from Pastor McClellan and his wife in early June. They plan to meet with St. Paul staff and leadership to discuss the call and to ask questions. Unfortunately, they will only be with us just over a day and it won’t be possible for them to meet with a larger group of members. While he considers the call, please join us in praying for Pastor McLellan and his family, his current congregation, and that God’s will be done. In the meantime, Pastor John Schonkaes will continue to serve as our vacancy pastor. If pastoral care is needed, Pastor John encourages contacting him by phone at 515-779-5355 or by e-mail at [email protected]. New Administrative Assistant…We welcome Kathy Olson as the newest member of the staff at St. Paul. Kathy will begin her duties as Administrative Assistant on June 1. She and Marge will work together on training prior to Marge’s retirement at the end of June. And Speaking of Marge…There will be a reception in her honor between services on Sunday, June 26. Please plan to join us in the Family Life Center to wish Marge (and Jim) well in retirement and to thank her for many years of dedicated service to the Lord, St. Paul, and all of us. I know from personal experience, this wasn’t just a job to Marge. It was a labor of love and she gave it her all every day. But we are blessed this won’t be a farewell. We’ll still have the joy of seeing Marge and Jim in worship and at other events around St. Paul. Facilities Use & Security Committee…A new committee has been formed to review our current facilities use policy, as well as what needs and solutions exist for making certain the church and its occupants are safe. The members of this committee are: Tim Krehbiel - Chairman Ray Marvin, Kathy Olson, Bob Peters, Amy Schmidt and Susan Smith Your Brother in Christ, Greg Stokke 2016 Council President St. Paul Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes April 25, 2016 Present: Pastor Schonkaes, Greg Stokke, Tim Krehbiel, Amanda Weathers, Tammy Grant, Bob Peters, Doug Ommen, Cordell Wabeke, Tim Rohwer, Amy Schmidt, Joel Ott, Randy Sunderman, Greg Stokke called the meeting to order; Pastor Schonkaes led in a devotion. Golf Outing: Jim Anderson, Dale Musfeldt, and Don Stratmann met with Pastor Mark and Pastor Aaron to discuss funds received from ongoing annual golf outings. Since the future of the radio program is uncertain, they looked at other charity options. Some included Agape Pregnancy Center, and On with Life. They are hoping to increase participants from 40 to 60 and also considered having companies sponsor holes. Another option is to invite other local churches. Their desire is to still run the funds through the church accounts and write checks to charities out of church account. After discussion, the decision was made to proceed in planning. Comments to the Council: Gary Lohmann shared concerns he had and asked for the Council’s consideration in the matters. Call Committee update: Jeff Fahrmann shared the committee has finished 5 interviews and they have agreed on 3 candidates to recommend to voters. An informational meeting will be held Sunday, May 1st at 4:00. The committee will present on the process and information on the 3 recommended candidates. The call meeting will be May 15th at 5:00 pm. How Has God Blessed Us This Month?: The forum on Sunday went well and there was good discussion with the 42 participants. The Baby Shower for The Gate at Shepherd of the Valley was well received and was a good connection. The committee interviews went well with pastor candidates. Minutes of the March 2016 council meeting were reviewed. Motion by Tim R to approve the minutes following a minor name update, second by Doug. Approved. Vacancy Pastor’s Report: Pastor Schonkaes is currently working with guest pastors and is spending a few hours at St Paul each week. He stated he is always available as needs arise. Church Planter Report: Pastor Hannemann was absent but submitted a report for review. The Church in a Box was purchased from the Gate restricted funds. DCE Report: Amy provided highlights of her report including recent youth activities and upcoming Vacation Bible School. Elders Report: Accepting Junior & Adult Confirmands Adult Confirmands: Sileny Chodur, Levi Chodur, Bernard and Irene Griffin, BreAnne Solem, Sammi Wangsness, Rebecca Haase Junior Confirmands: Lucy Brooner, Jaren Buls, Anna Christiansen, Allison Dorfler, Kara Foster, Trent Frandson, Emma Hood, Hunter Hykes, Keenan Jacobs, Logan Johnson, Sydney Lee, Ella Maurer, Kevin Meissner, Carter Reddel, Morgan Wiebelhaus Motion by Tim K, second by Randy to accept confirmands. Approved. Tim asked for a motion to approve the following transfer out: Eugene and Bev Samuelson to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlotteville, VA. Motion by Doug, second by Joel. Approved. Tim presented the following to be Received by Profession of Faith: Brittany (Volf) Lamb from St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manson, IA (ELCA). This will be presented to the voters in May. Tim provided highlights from his written report. Motion for approval of staff and Elder reports: Motion by Bob, second by Tim R. Approved. Treasurer’s Report: Amanda shared offerings for March continue to be ahead of budget and expenses are under budget due to lower worship staff cost. The current loan balance is $532,643. The 2016 budget reduced the monthly loan payment, and Amanda stated we are in a position to ‘true up’ the amount paid in 2016 to the prior amortization schedule. She recommended a payment of $6,761. Amanda shared there is a fair amount of record keeping involved for change in personnel and suggests the new administrative assistant be involved in coordinating benefits. Motion to accept treasurer report by Tim R, second by Bob. Approved. Old Business: The Gate worship equipment/staff: Pastor Aaron submitted a job description for the Music, Technology, and Worship Director position. This will be a 20hr/week position with a salary of $350/week. A request has been submitted to receive up to 50% of the salary from District contribution. Pastor Gerken will connect with the leadership team prior to making a commitment. A suggestion was made to change #4 under Duties and Responsibilities to read: Lead, recruit and mentor musicians and vocalists. Motion by Tim K, second by Doug to approve the job description. Approved. 2016 Budget revisions: Greg asked each board to submit budget needs for remainder of 2016 by Monday, May 2nd. Time Management Study – Cordell passed out a document summarizing facility usage. It is organized by areas within the church and he asked for assistance in filling in activity hours to assist in compiling numbers. The report also lists benefits and challenges of each area. Examples include: wifi, size of chairs, tables. Right now this will show how we are using the facility and will eventually help with long term planning. Digital Piano – the Journey service music ministry team presented for approval the purchase of a new keyboard. Proposed Funding for the $1,700 cost: $500 donation from Kathy and Al Sievers, $600 from the music budget, $600 approved by council to come from Thrivent Choice Funds. Motion by Tim K, second by Doug to approve funds. Approved. Hiring Administrative Assistant (Church Secretary): 3 St Paul members have expressed interest. Greg, Amy, Tim K. and Tim R. will conduct interviews this week. Congregational Forum on Discipleship: Held on Sunday April 24th, there were 42 participants. Technology Committee Update: Randy shared they will be repurposing Pastor Baldwin’s computer equipment. Constitution Committee Update: The by-law regarding inactive members is the remaining issue to complete. The committee is discussing how to handle. Once the constitution updates are completed and reviewed, it will be submitted to Reverend Turner to request approval by the district. 50th Anniversary Committee: Greg presented the committee chairpersons and members: Kathy Olson and Cindy Twedt, Chairpersons; Members: Casey Carlson, Russ and Lola Eastman, Kevin and Karen Kisker, Dorothy Marvin, Bob and Pat Peters, Cari Poock, Julie Stokke, Craig Twedt, Norma Zubradt, Erwin and Linda Aswegan Motion to approve committee members by Bob, second by Amanda. Approved. SummerFest: Greg will register St. Paul for the parade. New Member Checklist: Greg reminded everyone to take care of their functions. New Business: Facilities Use & Security Committee: The current Facility Use Policy is vague and the need was identified to have a firm policy in place to follow. Greg presented the following members for approval: Tim Krehbiel, Chairman; Members: Ray Marvin, Bob Peters, Amy Schmidt, Susan Smith. Motion to approve committee members by Randy , second by Joel. Approved. Fellowship Hall HVAC: During the last board meeting the decision was made to go forward in changing out the unit. Bob received quotes from 72 Degrees and Aspen Air. The 72 Degrees quote was lower at $12,596. They also offered a $500 discount and rebates from Mid America bringing the cost down to $9,311. They made a recommendation to hang the heating unit in the storage room which would still allow for storage space. Installation is scheduled for the 1st week of June. Bob made a motion to use $6,500 from the Facility Maintenance Fund, and the balance to be charged to Repairs and Upkeep under Property. Additionally, since the Facility Maintenance Fund has been increasing $600 per month, once funds reach $3,000 those funds will be applied back to Repairs and Upkeep. Second by Tim R. Approved. Medical Emergency Equipment & Assistance: All equipment needs to be tested on a regular basis and trained personnel are needed to handle emergencies. Elders may be a good choice as they are present at each service. AED’s are currently being examined and new pads have been ordered to bring them up to date. Greg will work with Bob and Tim R to put together a policy including responsibilities. Mission Trip to Belize: Pastor Aaron, Nancy Medick, and Zach Pool would like to attend this mission trip with Aaron’s father’s congregation. They each asked for $500 of support to assist with participant costs. There was discussion if these funds should come from Thrivent Dollars or if we should put funds in the revised budget under Outreach. Amanda made a motion to include this in the revised budget. Second by Doug. Approved. Board Reports: Council was directed to the submitted written reports and asked only for questions or specific updates. Christian Education: none Evangelism: none Finance: none Property: none Stewardship: Randy made a motion to approve Pat Peters as a Stewardship board member. Second by Tim K. Approved. Youth: none Motion by Tim K , second by Tim R to approve Board Reports. Approved. Motion to adjourn by Bob, second by Amanda. Approved. The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Tammy Grant, Council Secretary Board of Elders April Meeting was held on April 5, 2016 St. Paul Lutheran Church Board of Elders Report The Elders report the following Official Acts (Baptism, Confirmation, Wedding, Funeral) for March, 2016: Baptism: Amber Ashley Moen — March 12, 2016 Levi Chodur (Adult Baptism) — March 6, 2016 Lola Maria Chodur — March 6, 2016 Adult Confirmation — March 6, 2016: Sileny Chodur, Levi Chodur, Bernard and Irene Griffin, BreAnne Solem, Sammi Wangsness, Rebecca Haase To be received, transferred or released on April 5, 2016: Received by Profession of Faith: Brittany (Volf) Lamb from St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manson, IA (ELCA) Transfer: Eugene and Bev Samuelson to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlotteville, VA Average worship Attendance in March: 2016: 495 2015: 410 Average Worship Attendance Year to date through March: 2016: 412 2015: 399 Total Baptized and Confirmed members (including March, 2016 Official Acts and those received, transferred or released on April 5, 2016): Baptized — 1020 Confirmed — 767 Family Units — 386