Moorhead, Minnesota
Annual Report for 2014
Printed January 2015
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])
Lew Clefisch
Program Ministries
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
Craig Hagen, Vice President
Alison Andreasen, Secretary
Chad Hanson, Treasurer
Chris Lien, Romina Hillier, Kathy Benson,
Curt Kallander, David Manning,
Jenny Stenehjem, Curt Cavalier,
Jeremy Blake, 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
Music Staff
Andrew Steinberg
Organist
Mike Weber
Cathedral Choir
Kathy Lindquist
Celebration Singers Choir
Sue Dale
Joyful Noise Choir
Angie Schulz
Minims Choir
Andrew Steinberg
Trinity Handbells Choir
Sharon Christensen-Clark
Trinity Chimes Choir
Nat Dickey
Trinity Brass
MISSION
Philip and Lou Marie Knutson
Missionaries in South Africa
Annual Meeting Agenda
February 1, 2015
1. Opening Worship
(Pastor Matt Peterson)
2. Call to Order
(Shellie Simonson Ulven, President)
3. Approve Agenda
4. Approve Minutes
5. Accept Treasurer’s Financial Report
I. Trinity ChurchIV. Lost and Found Ministry
II. Trinity Preschool
V. reGROUP
III. Friends in Faith
VI. Trinity Foundation
8. Presentation of 2015 Mission Plans
I. Trinity Church III. Friends in Faith
II. Trinity PreschoolIV. Lost and Found Ministry
9. Elections
10. Pastors’ Report
11. Approval 2015 Mission Plans
12. Recognition of Leadership
13. Lord’s Prayer
page 3
Minutes
2013 Annual Meeting Minutes
January 26, 2014
financial report as printed into the minutes. Motion
approved.
The 2013 annual meeting of Trinity Lutheran
Church was held in the Christian Life Center on
Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 10 am. Pastor Simon
Fensom led the opening liturgy. President Joel
Bakken declared a quorum and called the meeting
to order. Corey Elmer was appointed as parliamentarian. Dee and David Pretty, Jim and Nancy Cole,
Mark Jensen, Carole Olsen were appointed as
tellers.
Lost and Found Report
President Joel Bakken introduced Denise Peterson,
Director of Lost and Found Ministry, thanking her
for committed leadership. The 2014 financial report
for Lost and Found Ministry was presented as
printed in the annual report. Motion Curt Cavalier,
second, Jolene Beckman, to accept the Lost and
Found Ministry financial report into the minutes.
Motion approved.
Approval of Agenda
President Joel Bakken presented the agenda. Motion Gary Nolte, Clyde Allen second, to approve
the agenda as amended and presented. Motion
approved.
Mission Plans (budgets)
President Joel Bakken outlined the proposed 2014
Mission Plan for Trinity Church, noting it is being
presented as a challenge plan to the congregation
with an $87,314 difference between income and
expense. The increase reflects additional hours in
custodial staffing, funding for a pastoral position
beginning August 1 as the Transition into Ministry
program draws to an end on July 31, and a 1.5%
cost of living adjustment for staff. The negative difference figures out to $2 per week or $100 per year
of additional giving per household.
Mission Plans for the Trinity Preschool, Friends in
Faith, and Lost and Found Ministry were presented
as printed in the annual report.
Secretary’s Report
President Joel Bakken presented the secretary’s
report for the 2012 Annual Meeting and the July 21,
2013 special congregational meeting (letter of call
to Rev. Simon Fensom). Motion Al Traaseth, second John Andreasen, to accept the minutes of the
2012 Annual Meeting and the minutes of the July
21, 2013 special congregational meeting as printed.
Motion approved.
Treasurer Report
President Joel Bakken presented the treasurer’s
report for 2013, giving a summarized overview of
the year, noting total assets of $3,638,159. Income
received for 2013 was $1,192,631 with expenses
totaling $1,186,105 giving a year-end balance of
$6,526. Motion Linda Johnson Herman, second
Carmen Qualey, to accept the treasurer’s report
into the minutes. Motion approved.
Foundation Report
President Joel Bakken called on Foundation President Neil Qualey, who reported an excellent year
with 13.2% increase over the previous year, a result
of market appreciation and gifts. In recognition of
the Foundation’s 40th year anniversary in 2014, a
celebratory event is being planned. Congregational
support of the Foundation is much appreciated.
Attention was called to the financial report printed in
the annual report. Motion John Andreasen, second Gary Nolte, to accept the Trinity Foundation
page 4
Elections
The 2014 proposed ballot was presented, adding Sarah Bratlien to the Nominating Committee
and noting as council president, Shellie Simonson
Ulven serves as a delegate to the Northwestern
Minnesota Synod Assembly. It was also noted
that two trustees are being elected to the Trinity
Foundation. Cindy Nolte volunteered to serve as
a delegate to the Synod Assembly. Opportunity to
make nominations from the floor was given. Motion
Mavis Lysaker, second Renee Steen, to accept all
nominations as presented and to cast a unanimous
ballot. Motion approved.
Pastor’s Report
Given the pastoral transitions which will be experienced at Trinity this year and following discussion
with staff, leadership, members of the congregation, and with the recommendation of the Trinity
Church Council, Senior Pastor Simon Fensom
presented a resolution proposing a new vision and
mission statement for Trinity Lutheran Church. The
proposed statements were presented. Vision statement: ‘Confident in God’s grace, Trinity Lutheran
will grow as a community of “connected” believers, equipped and encouraged to live out our faith
in daily life in the Red River Valley and beyond.’
Mission Statement: ‘Welcoming the community to
worship and grow in serving God.’ Also introduced
was the concept of core ministry represented in the
four pillars of Hospitality, Worship, Education, and
Mission. Motion John Wentzell, second Lois Bylund, to accept the resolution as presented. Motion
approved.
2014 Mission Plans
Motion Al Traaseth, second Stewart Herman, to
accept the 2014 Mission Plans for Trinity Lutheran
Church, Lost and Found Ministry, Friends in Faith,
Trinity Preschool as presented. Discussion followed. A question regarding the elimination, reductions and increases in benevolence amounts
was addressed. President Joel Bakken stated the
Council’s thoughts regarding the changes were a
result of a desire of committing a focused financial
stewardship to fewer entities instead of smaller
commitments to more. Motion approved.
Recognition of Leadership
Out-going council members Joel Bakken, John
Lenarz, Shelly Strand, and Craig Wagstrom were
recognized and thanked for their leadership. Serving as the 2014 Executive Team will be Shellie
Simonson Ulven, President; Craig Hagen, Vicepresident; Alison Andreasen, Secretary; and Chad
Hanson, Treasurer.
The meeting adjourned and closed with the benediction and the singing of the doxology.
John Lenarz, Secretary
Jan McCormick, Recording Secretary
Special Congregational Meeting
Sunday, July 27, 2014
A special meeting of the congregation was held at
9:45 a.m. in the Christian Life Center on Sunday,
July 27, 2014. 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 Edu-
cation at Trinity Lutheran Church.
President Shellie Simonson Ulven called the
meeting to order and a quorum was declared.
Pastor Lew Clefisch gave an opening prayer. Ken
and Mary Tangen, John and Leah Lenarz, Lois
Edwards, and Craig Wagstrom were appointed
as tellers. President Simonson Ulven outlined the
procedure for the meeting.
Joel Bakken, Committee Chair, introduced Call
Committee members Rebecca Grothe, Sherry
Young, Chris Friese, Jeremy Blake, and Eric Johnson. The call process was outlined and summarized
by Joel Bakken. Becky Grothe presented the name
of the candidate, Pastor Matthew T. Peterson, and
provided the congregation with his biography.
On the recommendation of the Call Committee,
a motion was made by Joel Bakken to extend a call
to Pastor Matthew T. Peterson to serve as Pastor of
Education at Trinity Lutheran Church. A second to
the motion was made by Char Skaff. An opportunity
for discussion was given. Several questions regarding the candidate were answered.
The motion to extend a Letter of Call to Pastor
Matthew T. Peterson to serve as Pastor of Education at Trinity Lutheran Church was approved.
The meeting adjourned with the singing of the
doxology.
Alison Andreasen, Secretary
Jan McCormick, Recording Secretary
Special Congregational Information
Meeting
September 28, 2014
A special congregational information meeting was
called by the Trinity Church Council for the purpose
of sharing important information about Trinity’s
2015 Mission Plan, staff structure, and stewardship.
The meeting was held on Sunday, September 28,
2014, in the Christian Life Center following the 8:30
a.m. worship services.
President Shellie Simonson Ulven called the
meeting to order and opened with prayer. A quorum was declared.
Staff structure
Pastor for Missions
President Simonson Ulven outlined a partnering
opportunity proposed to Trinity by the Board of The
Project F-M, offering Trinity an option of contract-
page 5
ing pastoral services with Pastor Kristina Waters as
a half-time pastor, splitting salary, benefits, and time
50/50 between both ministries.
Pastor Kristina has been called through the Eastern North Dakota Synod to serve as the half-time
director of The Project F-M, an ELCA based ministry
reaching young adults in the Fargo-Moorhead community.
At the September meeting, the Trinity Church
Council approved a motion to contract pastoral
services with Pastor Kristina as a half-time Pastor
of Missions through a one-year renewable contract.
Pastor Kristina will join the Trinity pastoral staff on
October 15th. A brief biography of Pastor Kristina
was presented.
Mission Plan and Stewardship for 2015
Trinity’s mission statement, ‘Welcoming the Community to Worship and Grow in Serving God’ is reflected
in four pillars: Welcoming (Hospitality), Worship (Worship), Grow (Education), Serving God (Mission). The
concept of the envisioned Pillar Ministry at Trinity,
with a corresponding pastor matched to each pillar
was reviewed. The next step in the implementation
of a Pillar Ministry model is the staffing of a Hospitality Pastor. A motion to establish a Call Committee
to begin the search for a Pastor of Hospitality was
approved by the Trinity Church Council at their September meeting. With the retirement of Pastor Lew
Clefisch at year end, it is the goal to have a Hospitality Pastor on staff by January, 2015.
Congregational support through stewardship is
needed to staff and maintain the four pillar ministry
and to continue a vibrant ministry at Trinity. Members
of the congregation have the opportunity to show
support of the pillar ministry through their pledges for
2015. As a part of the 2015 Stewardship Program,
leaders of the congregation are being asked to be
part of a letter writing campaign. The goal of the campaign is to encourage congregational giving.
Meeting adjourned.
Alison Andreasen, Secretary
Jan McCormick, Recording Secretary
page 6
Summary Financial Statement
(A detailed Treasurer’s Report is available upon request)
Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 2014
Assets:
General Fund
2,402,744.83
Cash/Investments/Receivables
274,352.97
Land/Bldgs/Fixed Assets
2,128,391.86
Memorials and Dedicated
153,627.44
Building for Mission
265,969.09
Friends in Faith
110,747.78
Lilly III
0.00
Trinity Preschool
50,588.93
Lost and Found
609,917.75
reGROUP
12,216.33
Foundation
2,373,833.05
Total Assets:
$5,979,645.20
Liabilities:
General Fund
15,952.74
Memorials and Dedicated
7,610.56
Building for Mission
0.00
Friends in Faith
-1,772.80
Lilly III
0.00
Trinity Preschool
3,736.31
Lost and Found
9,167.42
reGROUP
12,278.16
Foundation
0.00
Total Liabilities:
$46,972.39
Net Worth:
Total Net Assets:
$5,932,672.81
Total Liabilities & Net Worth
$5,979,645.20
page 7
Summary of Income and Expenses 2014
Mission Plan
2014
Actual
Income
Offerings
1,154,865.81
Other Income
48,166.48
2014
Budget
Total Income
$1,203,032.29
Expense
Benevolences
94,828.00
Stewardship Expense
0.00
Social Concerns
65.21
Adult Discipleship
9,556.27
Senior Ministry
279.34
Small Group Ministry
24.76
Young Adult Ministry
0.00
Caring Ministry
250.00
Pastoral Staff - 2014
0.00
Evangelism
2,093.28
Worship & Music
9,565.46
Children’s Education
13,570.56
Youth
26,270.00
Physical Plant
234,264.17
Executive
772,893.41
Continuing Education
2,989.12
Total Expense
$1,166,649.58
Income - Expense
$36,382.71
1,123,000.00
59,765.00
$1,182,765.00
95,080.00
0.00
200.00
11,800.00
0.00
500.00
0.00
250.00
32,083.00
2,200.00
12,400.00
14,900.00
26,270.00
231,210.00
836,186.00
7,000.00
$1,270,079.00
$-87,314.00
Building for Mission Fund
2014
Actual
Income
$56,145.23
Expense
$42,460.02
Income - Expense
$13,685.21
Trinity Preschool
2014
Actual
Income
$545,258.61
Expense
$534,624.65
Income - Expense
page 8
2014
Budget
$0.00
$0.00
$10,633.96
2014
Budget
$536,941.00
$530,189.00
$6,752.00
Friends in Faith
2014
Actual
Income
112,634.00
Expense
86,063.94
Income - Expense
$26,570.06
2014
Budget
123,600.00
123,600.00
$0.00
Lost & Found Ministry
2014
Actual
Income
210,426.43
Expense
214,335.77
Income - Expense
$-3,909.34
2014
Budget
246,968.00
246,968.00
$0.00
ReGROUP
2014
Actual
Income
25,098.00
Expense
13,306.66
Income - Expense
$11,791.34
2014
Budget
0.00
0.00
$0.00
Trinity Foundation
2014
Actual
Income
150,841.23
Expense
112,259.92
Income - Expense
$38,581.31
2014
Budget
0.00
0.00
$0.00
page 9
Trinity Lutheran (Restricted Accounts)
2014
Actual
Receipts
164,263.38
Expenditures
178,840.72
Change in Trinity Lutheran Church Fund Balance
$-14,577.34
Memorials and Dedicated Fund
2014
Actual
Receipts
345,361.18
Expenditures
337,974.70
Change in Memorial and Dedicated Fund Balance
$7,386.48
Lilly III Fund
2014
Actual
Receipts
Registrations - First Call Events
4,083.83
Expenditures
Salaries and Benefits
108,692.70
Office Expense
3,208.12
Travel Expense
5,318.42
FMM Program Expense
10,553.26
Receivable not Realized
230,738.26
358,510.76
Change in Lilly III Fund Balance
$-354,426.93
page 10
Additional Benevolences/Special Offerings Received in 2014
Global Mission (January & July)
$12,272
Sheltering Churches (February)
$1,965
MN Foodshare (March)
$3,587
90-10 Offering (April)
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: Wayne Altenbernd, Pastor Simon Fensom,
Gloria Hanson, Lyle Nelson, Brian Schulz, Gail Swenson.
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
First Link
Lost & Found Ministry
Churches United for the Homeless
Jail Chaplains Ministry
4,000
4,000
4,000
435
Regional/National
Lutheran Social Services of MN
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
4,000
500
Global
India REACH Orphanage
TLC Haiti HIM Project
Lutheran World Relief
1,500
1,500
4,000
$23,935
Pathways Bible Camp (June)
$480
Habitat for Humanity (August)
$420
Trinity Preschool (September)
$1,238
Lost and Found (October)
$3,354
World Hunger (November)
$6,220
Cost and Joy Discipleship
$1,585
Family Emergency Fund
$954
REACH India Orphanage
$9,371
Food Pantry
$3,000
Haiti Medical Mission
$1,485
Haiti Build Mission
$350
Mission Workshop
$525
Total
$70,740
page 11
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. $40,021 was received in 2013 and $56,145 this past year. Thank
you for your gifts!
Projects and repairs completed this year included:
Restoration and repair of stained glass windows
Exterior door replacement
Flooring replacement in Trinity Preschool
HVAC repair project
$26,925
6,298
2,519
6,383
$265,969 remains in the Building for Mission fund to be used for up-coming projects (i.e. lounge remodel, window
replacement, etc.)
Trinity Foundation
The Trinity Foundation ended 2014 with total assets of $2,374,000 which was nearly identical to our 2013 yearend. Grant distributions for 2014 were based on a spending rate of five percent of average assets for the past
three years. This allowed for an allocations budget of $104,376. The breakdown of that total was $75,730 for
discretionary funding, $24,154 for designated funding with the balance as Foundation expenses.
Tremendous growth has occurred over the past 20 years. Total assets grew from $700,000 in 1994 to $2,374,000
at year-end 2014. This allowed the Foundation to distribute total grants in the amount of $1,200,000 during that
period. What a great history of providing funds to benefit the mission work of Trinity within our church, community, region and globally.
The Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2014. A banquet was held on October 12 to recognize that
period of giving and growth. Friends in Faith prepared and served an outstanding banquet meal. Former ELCA
Bishop Mark Hanson was our honored speaker. Thanks to all who attended and helped celebrated our 40th.
Our board meets five times during the year. At each meeting, action is taken to review grant proposals. A list of
those approved are a part of this report. Board members are Carole Olsen, Lenae Harless, Esther Allen, John
Andreasen, Mike Young and Shellie Simonson Ulven. We appreciate your support these past 40 years and look
forward to continuing to represent Trinity in our mission of giving.
Respectfully submitted,
Neil Qualey, President
page 12
2014 Foundation Grants, Projects & Gifts
FM Sheltering Churches
Boys & Girls Club of RRV
Lost & Found Ministry
The Center for Worship & Music Studies
Headwaters Conference Mission Table Waters of Grace
Living Grace Lutheran Church
ELCA Federation-Lutheran World Federation
NWMN Synod
Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity
Prairie Airwaves, Inc.
Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch
Andrew Steinberg Organ Recital
Fargo-Moorhead Pancreatic Awareness
Trinity Lutheran Church
Calvary Lutheran Church
Pathways
Trinity Lutheran Church (Sheltering Churches)
Trinity Lutheran Church (Sunday school)
Trinity Lutheran Church (Capital improvements)
Oak Grove Lutheran School
Total
2,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
1,500
1,250
5,000
8,000
2,500
2,000
1,000
5,000
650
500
5,000
2,000
2,500
2,000
3,000
12,730
4,100
$75,730
Parochial Report 2014
Ministerial Acts
Totals
Baptisms Confirmation
Weddings
Funerals Membership Summary
Baptized Membership, December 31, 2013
Additions:
Subtractions:
Membership, December 31, 2014
58
39
19
47 Confirmed
3,955
148
193
3,910
**Associate Members
3,050
72
142
2,980
9
Members Received in 2014
By Baptism
Kyla Haj
Benjamin McWaters
Briggs Sinner
Lillian Olson
Anders Sveet
Eleanor Dahl
Sophia Sanders
Ethan Kommer
Addison Barta
Mike Valenti
Kristian Honeycutt
Kennedy Honeycutt
Jonas Wittrock
Beckett Wolf
Cody Karch
Rylie Sayre
Everly Palanuk
Alexis Mohelski
Madison Oehlke
Hayden Oehlke
Phoenix Bennett
Chase Olson
Kylie Baukol
Owen Parvey
Lennon Weiss
Dominic Salinas
Nevaeh Salinas
Edmund Dickson
George Dickson
Elliott Rosenfeldt
Evelyn Weisenburger
Parker Williams
Everett Kiland
Anders Pedersen
Aubree Heald
Izaiah Nona
Wyatt Lau
Avalon Helgeson
Zoey Whitten
Kellan Whitten
Lars Juhl
Isabella Espelien
Khloe Kessler
Vida Mikkelsen
Collin Hintermeyer
Joseph Lomsdal
Paul Hanson
Noah Jorgensen
Colton Hendricks
Cooper Kalil
Henry Feigum
Cruz Trevino
Daxton England
Cullen Anderson
Aiden Sunde
Elliot Kath
Bryn Cariveau
Louie Mauritson
By Affirmation of Faith
Grace Christensen
Samuel Grove
Brady Halverson
Brady Leach
Emily Pizarro
Devon Solwold
Curtis Aamodt
Ryan Andringa & Lindsey Parr
Kaleb; Lillian
Lois Arneson
Mark Bondy
Charles Clements
Travis & Jessica DeJong
John & Marjorie Gjevre
Christy Jensen
Kelsey Jeseritz
Sara Lau
Wyatt
Bradley & Melissa Loween
Isabelle; Donovan; Elizabeth
Stanley Markusen (associate)
Jeff & Jen Martinson
Elise; Owen
Josh Nultemeier & Brianna Naugle
Charlie Ann
John & Maisi Pedersen
Mark & Davina Pederson
Caroline; Catherine; Stefan
Matthew & Kaley Peterson
Danielle Wright
Owen; Mattea
Jason & Erin Gregoire
Griffin; Gracie
Marjorie Bucher
James & Mary Conway
John Eliason
Kari Halgunseth
Zachary & Olivia Hill
Paul Hilleren
David & Jill Hudson
Ted Jirik
Frank
Michael & Renee Lerfald
Stanley & Janet Oian
Nicholas Olson
Pastor Matt & Melissa Peterson
Oscar; Edda
Kayla Porter
Debbie Scott
Matthew Sletto
Thomas & Diane Thayer
Jasmine; Nathan
Cynthia Underdahl-Uline
Jessica
Timothy & Laurie Wollenzien
Margaret; Hannah
page 13
Members Removed in 2014
By Transfer/Request
Michael Anda Timothy & Dawn Beedy
Christopher; Alexander; Anne
William & Jane Bergland
Johanna; Tomas; Jodi
Chelsea Cheney
Kristopher Dahl
Thomas Dahl
Hope Deutscher
Nicholas Dodge
Alan & Carolyn Dostert
Anthony; Anastasia
Wayne & Phyllis Erickson
Jennifer Fridgen
Tate
Kelli Gast
Travis Gefre
Lori Hatlevoll
Peter Haugstad
Harvey & Donna Henne
Craig & Jan Hermanson
Daniel & Erin Hetland
Payton; Sophie
Derek Kanwischer
Kelly Kanwischer
Kristin Kanwischer
Thomas & Phyllis Kloster
Brian & Sandy Korbel
Mackenzie; Jackson; Madeline
Jenna Korbel
Mike Lanning
Jeremy Mauritson
Raeanna McCollum
Matt & Brittni McWaters
Noah; Benjamin
Ingrid Myrum
Thor Myrum
Margaret Nelson
Travis Nymark
James O’Brien
Scott & Susan Pahl
Alexis
Heather Portscheller
Diane Roman
Rachel Roman
Robert Schwandt
Jared
Mindy Schultz
Cassie Skauge
Dave & Lois Smedstad
Kristopher Smith
Jennifer Sondag
Zander
Eric Steen
Nicholas Sternhagen
Dawn Swedberg
Shari Tang
Amy Tanner
Jacob
Aaron Thompson
Michael Tomanek
Jonathan Tranby
Steven Tranby
Bobbie Jo Tronsgard
Bonnie Warner
Chris Wear
Jerry & Marjo Nelson
Eric Loeffler
Sally Loeffler
Kayden Rasmussen
Vincent & Julie Arnold
Logan; Lauren; Daniel
Adam Morlock
Mark & Sarah Nissen
Cade; Anna
Merlyn & Susan Shelstad
Leah Jaeche
Jared & Lisa Keller
Taylor; Gavin
Gina Soule
Carter Winczewski
Jeremy Hayek
Janet Arnold Gast
Jeremy Lindell
David; Spencer
Katie B. Johnson
Annaka; Bennett
Pastor CJ & Mike Valenti
Kayla Sustad
David Elliott
By Death
Ron Hoffman
Julie Mathiason
Keith Hillstrom
Karien Zimmerman
Robert Chrissis
Kristian Honeycutt
Robert Pender
Alta Brokke
Alice Braniff
Alan Bosman
Kenneth Masterson
Larrel Clefisch
Don Krause
Milton Nelson
Roger Aafedt
Ruth Storvick
Jodie Manston
John Wambheim
Shanna Mjelde
Doris Hitchen
June Dewerff
Jeffrey Weber
Phyllis Onsgard
Vincent Anderson
Marion Kolstad
Martin Holsen
Irene Dahl
Cindy Steen
Velma Carlson
Lorrayne Bohm
Mavis Barth
Dorothy Teigen
Janet Hillier
Mildred Gobernatz
Phoebe Erickson
Florence Anderson
Don Atherton
Tammy Peterson
Elfie Skaalrud
Clara Aarthun
Taylor Colvert
Mariah Covey
Samuel Entzion
Lauren Graftaas
Brooke Gronwold
Samuel Grove
Brady Halverson
Matthew Hanson
Hannah Hendrickson
Brian Hoffman
Taylor Holt
Ariel Jacobson
Molly Johnson
Griffin Krabbenhoftr
Sarah Krueger
Brady Leach
Hannah Maki
Blake Martel
Madison Oehlke
Abby Olson
Caroline Pederson
Emily Pizarro
Katherine Riendeau
Sarah Schulz
Devon Solwold
Nicole Tang
Christian Thompson
Jackson Velaski
Lauren Zanotti
Confirmed in 2014
Sadie Anderson
Jacob Beedy
Casey Bellemare
Phoenix Bennett
Haden Bjorge
Tory Bratlien
Sydney Brusseau
McKinnon Carlson
Grace Christensen
Alexander Church
page 14
Weddings in 2014
Brittany Thompson & Travis Luthi
Kayla Hough & Jason Lein
Brittany Granberg & Anthony
Maher
Ingrid Anderson & Maxwell Beck
Ashley Fournier & Travis Ackerson
Taylor Hanson & Riley Erickson
Ashley Kassenborg & Cody
Smith
Hannah Vesledahl & Evan Balko
Saysamone Sandkuai & William
Shea
Jodie Anderson & Ricky Jacobson
Sara Schlenker & Anthony
Bachman
McKayla Titus & Brandon Schmitt
Sydney Redmond & Daniel
Sheridan
Morgan Taylor & Michael Bylund
Lewin Clefisch & Karen Hermann
Stephanie Raile & Jacob McMillan
Megan Klemisch & Bradyn
Anderson
Christy Jensen & Chad Brasel
Erica Clark & Joshua Hall
Kortney Wiechman & Jonathan
Fettig
page 15
Reports
Executive Committee Report
A prayer of gratitude:
“God, I am thankful for the people to whom I can
relate in all situations. I am grateful for all of them…”
– Author Unknown
I look back on this year with a thankful heart. First
of all, thank you to a very hard working Council and
Executive Committee. This year we were tasked
with many difficult conversations and even harder
decisions. Our Council is intelligent, kind, thoughtful
and brave. And I am so proud of the work we accomplished.
We have an engaged and caring congregation!
You are passionate about your faith, the Word that
is shared on Sunday mornings, and on what is happening within our community as a whole. Some of the
decisions and changes that occurred this year may
have left you feeling hurt, angry, and disgruntled while
others have shared that some of changes resulted
in renewed energy, a sense of closure, relief, and
even joy. As a family of faith, we are made stronger
by differing opinions within the context of respectful
dialogue. We don’t always need to think alike in order
to support each other and grow, so long as Christ is
our center.
Finally, the Trinity staff, no one knows the amount of
time, energy and care you put into making our worship
experiences meaningful, our education of the Word
challenging, our missions supported, the everyday
tasks professionally completed. I thank you for your
dedication.
We have again said good-bye to more friends,
colleagues, and leaders. We said our last good-bye
to the Transition in Ministry program including Pastor
CJ, Pastor Laura, and Pastor Matt. We said a warm
and appreciative farewell to Pastor Lew. We have also
opened our doors to Pastor Matt Peterson and Pastor
Kristina Waters. We are already benefitting from your
presence and guidance.
Financially, we have struggled most of the year. But
I am again awed and appreciative for your generosity
as we close this year. You challenged yourselves at
a time of the year when it is not always easy to give
an added gift.
In closing, a final thank you. This congregation
has shared your struggles, pains, joys and triumphs
with me. I thank you for your trust. Know your words
are heard. I carry them with me as I help lead our
page 16
congregation. Your faith and patience humbles me.
Thank you for your grace.
We are a congregation that I am extremely proud of.
Rejoice,
Shellie Simonson Ulven, President
Pastors’ Reports
From the Desk of Pastor Simon Fensom
This Annual Report will tell you something about our
life together during the past 12 months at Trinity Lutheran Church. However, our life together is far more
than the numbers, programs and ministries that have
been reported. Ultimately, Trinity is about community
– about people, sharing together in both the laughter
and the tears of life as we seek to live out our faith
in Jesus Christ.
For the opportunity to share in this life together, I
offer my profound appreciation: for your partnership
in the gospel; for your willingness to reach out and
serve; for your compassion and care for each other;
for your financial support; and for the way in which
you have embraced my family and I into the life of this
community. Thank you also to Pastor Matt and Pastor
Kristina for joining us in this life together, and thank
you to our dedicated staff and lay leaders for their
ongoing support through what has been a significant
time of transition. Their patience and flexibility have
been incredible.
As we look to the coming year and the stability of
adding a Pastor of Hospitality to our ministry, I am
very excited about the promise and possibility for our
future together. Yes, there will be challenges along the
way, but I am truly experiencing a sense of energy
and enthusiasm upon which to build and I ask for your
continued support as plans develop and take shape
over the coming year. As written in the 3rd Chapter
of II Timothy:
“Continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing how from childhood you have been
acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to
instruct you for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.”
Grace and peace,
Pastor Simon
From the Desk of Pastor Lew Clefisch
This report marks the end of my career as a Pastor. I
have been blessed in so many ways with caring congregations who have lived out the Love of God in their
lives. Over these past 43 1/3 years I have served with 25
pastors, which include Trinity’s 12 First Call Pastors. I thank you for your support, compassion and your
many prayers for me during this past year. I have felt
the Community of Saints surround me and uplift me in
so many ways. Thank you to the staff who have been
such a great support throughout these 10 1/2 years.
It has been a blessing to work with this dedicated and
caring staff.
I want to thank all the people who served on the Senior Ministry Team over these past 10 1/2 years. Their
dedication, ideas and energy has been a vital part of
the Senior Ministry Program. Turn to the Senior Ministry
Report to see what we have been up to this year.
It is now time for me to enter a new chapter in my life.
I will not be doing any ministry functions in the future. I
am planning on a lot of travel and volunteer opportunities in the community. I will be in the pew alongside of
you, doing what I can in living out the Love of God in
my life.
Pastor Lew Clefisch
From the Desk of Pastor Matt Peterson
What an exciting year it has been!
The Holy Spirit has been active this past year at Trinity
shaking things up, and stirring us up. When the Holy
Spirit moves, things happen whether we’re ready for
them or not. We may not always be expecting the Holy
Spirit to move in the ways that it does, but no matter how
the Spirit moves, excitement is sure to follow. And there
is no doubt that in 2014, Trinity was blessed with the
excitement of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, what an exciting
year it has been!
A wonderful welcome.
The Holy Spirit was indeed moving during our family’s
transition to Moorhead and Trinity. Moving into a new
community and a new congregation creates a certain
amount of anxiety—but I am happy to say that the
hospitality we have been shown from you has been
wonderful. I cannot say enough about how welcoming
Trinity has been to us over the past months that we have
been here. Melissa, Oscar, Edda and I feel right at home
in this congregation and this community. Your ministry
and your hospitality are greatly appreciated. Thank you
to members of the call committee who provided us with
delicious food and helped us unload the truck during
“phase one” of our move to Moorhead. We look forward
to completing “phase two” when we sell our house in
Marshall. Most of my board game collection is still in
Marshall, and that’s driving me nuts! ☺
God is at work among us at Trinity!
Pastors are always keeping an eye open for opportunities to name and claim God’s activity in their midst.
So far, as a pastor at Trinity, I have found that it is very
easy to do that naming and claiming here. God has truly
blessed us in this place, and that is evident not only in
the ministry that happens within the walls of our building,
but in the wider community as well. I have seen God
working in our children’s ministry on Sunday mornings
and Wednesday nights. God is active in the vibrant
milestone ministry at Trinity. God is helping the young
men and women in our confirmation ministry discover
the gifts that God has blessed them with, and God is
at work keeping our senior Bible study and school of
discipleship lively while provoking us with the Spirit. God
is growing faith inside you now, and God will continue
to feed you through the Word shared at Trinity.
God’s presence and the movement of the Holy Spirit
is strong in the ministry happening at Trinity. This ministry is made possible because of YOU! It is a pleasure
to serve at Trinity. I feel blessed by the energy that is
present in worship, by the passion for mission exhibited
in the community and the world, and by the great faith I
see lived out in your lives. Thank you for the opportunity
to minister with you, and thanks be to God for blessing
us in this place.
In Christ,
Pastor Matt
From the Desk of Pastor Kristina Waters
Thank you for welcoming me into your congregation as
your Pastor of Mission. Your passion and commitment
to the mission and ministry of Trinity Lutheran inspires
hope and excitement for the future.
In my first three months as one of our pastors, I have
enjoyed preaching and leading worship, working with
your wonderful staff, meeting you, and learning more
about the work of God’s people in our community.
One area of mission I have engaged is the issue of
homelessness in our community. Trinity has been very
involved with our area shelters to serve those experiencing homelessness in our area, including participating in the FM Sheltering Churches project. I hope we
can continue to serve while also seeking ways to work
toward more permanent solutions.
page 17
As you know, I am at Trinity part time as I am also the
Director of The Project FM. I am grateful for your support of the other half of my call, inviting me to speak
at some of your gatherings, asking about it after worship, and the financial support you as Trinity give to
The Project FM. The staff at Trinity have also been
so gracious and helpful in lifting up this ministry of our
community and synod.
I look forward to getting to know you better in the
upcoming year, and hope we can pray, listen, and
dream together of where God might be calling us next
in service to God’s people.
Peace,
Pastor Kristina Waters
In 2014, Trinity supported the following Missions:
Food Pantry Referrals: 119
Thrift Store Referrals: 7
Community Thanksgiving Dinner: we served over 1,000
through home delivered meals and the gathering at
the church.
Sheltering Churches: we housed around 200 homeless
in our church in February.
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.
During 2014, our volunteer teaching staff of about 65
adults, college students, and high school youth shared
their faith with about 325 children in Sunday school for
3-year-olds through sixth-graders.
This year we continue to use the Spark Sunday school
curriculum published by Augsburg Fortress. Our fifthand 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 3year-olds through sixth graders, combining the previous
May Bible School with Vacation Bible school. It was a
resounding success! We involved many seventh and
eighth grade youth as crew leaders. We had more than
page 18
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 60 kids
are enrolled. This year we incorporated CLUB 6 (sixth
graders) into GIFTS, instead of separating them into
their own group. This has been a positive change in
both participation and leadership opportunities for sixth
graders. The spring swim and pizza party and the fall
hayride were well attended.
We offer a faith milestone for every age group—
3-year-olds through sixth-graders. These include the
welcome for 3-year-olds, olive wood cross necklaces
(4-year-olds), Bible story books (Kindergarten), prayer
place mats (first grade), faith tiles (second grade),
third-grade Bibles, guardian angels (fourth grade), first
communion (fifth grade), and the sixth-grade prayer
retreat. These milestones celebrate the children’s faith
journey and encourage participation of their families.
Funds from Sunday school offerings supported Churches United for the Homeless, Sheltering Churches, ELCA
Good Gifts, and Heifer International. 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 by Amanda Peterson, Chair
Ministry team members: Melanie Barth, Sarah Bratlien,
Becky Grothe, Kirsten Juhl, Kristi Stuber, Amy Vogt,
Sandra Anderson
Health and Caring Ministry Team
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one
another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
1 Peter 4:10
We are grateful for the many people who have served in
Trinity’s Health and Caring Ministry. They have reached
out in a variety of ways to enhance Trinity’s ministry to
others. We are also grateful for those who have supported our ministry with monetary gifts which enabled
us to complete several projects.
Our Parish Nurse Ministry has been involved with
monthly blood pressure checks, Messenger articles, our
bulletin board, and other activities to promote healthy
lifestyle. They maintain our AED device and the hearing
aids for the Sanctuary. They supply Care Notes which
are available by the Reception Window. Parish Nurses
are available to visit with members.
Our Friendly Visitor Ministry has reached out to
members who are not able to be active in worship and
activities at Trinity but love to visit and to keep aware
of our activities.
The Prayer Ministry Team continues to offer special
prayers for members and others in need of support. A
special activity each fall involves prayer for all Trinity
members.
Trinity’s Bereavement Ministry reaches out to members who have lost a loved one. Letters, along with
devotional materials are sent periodically. All Saints Day
activities provide special opportunities to remember our
departed loved ones during worship services as well as
the All Saints Day Tea during the Fellowship Hour. The
Blue Christmas prayer service in December provide
another opportunity to remember our loved ones and
to receive 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, chairperson, Team Members: Carla
Myrum, Chris Stenerson, Mary Ann Vigen, Judy Bauman, Char Skaff, Leann Wright, Carol Zielinski, Godela
Iverson, Gail Swenson, Angie Christensen
Senior Ministry Team
Again this year, there were the regularly scheduled
events and yearly happenings which are part of our
life here at Trinity and in the F-M area. The new
events for this year included: visits to the Case-IH
Factory, St. Anne & Joachim’s Church, Olivet Lutheran’s new addition, WDAY Radio & TV Studios.
We went to the 50th year celebration at the Medora
Musical, Long Lake Theater and Jasper Jubilee
Theater’s 10th year. The Falls Colors Tour this year
was to Maplewood State Park with Lunch at Thumper
Pond near Ottertail City. We traveled this year to
Israel in February, Germany in May, Alaska and the
Yukon Territory in late August and early September
and Northern France in October.
I am retiring on December 31, 2014 after 43 1/3
years of ministry. It has been a privilege to serve
as your Associate Pastor for Senior Adults Ministry. These 10 ½ years have gone by too quickly. I
thank you and all the members of the Senior Ministry
Teams throughout these years for all your support
and ideas. I continue to be amazed at God’s work
among us and through us. My thanks to the Senior
Ministry team of Gloria Brown, Gerdes Ulseth, Bev
Edenborg, LouAnn Troubridge, Marjorie Markusen
and Jim Renslow.
Youth Ministry Team/Friends in Faith
The mission of Friends in Faith is to engage youth in
intentional faith and life-building opportunities. Together
we create a space where youth can feel welcomed and
where they can share their questions, joys, junk, and
Jesus moments with those around them. Engaging
youth, families and adults of all ages through ministry
opportunities, relationships and friendships helps us to
thoughtfully live out our faith.
What does ‘Solace’ look like in our daily and busy
lives? This was the theme for our past year of ministry
opportunities. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God is our
refuge and strength, our ‘solace’, an ever-present help
in trouble. Youth and adults engaged in conversation
and service throughout the year to help create a space
of ‘solace’ for each other and those outside our church
walls.
The youth of Trinity are 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, repaired trails and bridges in the
Rocky Mountains at Sky Ranch Bible Camp in Colorado, helped with a family night at Rustic Oaks, served
at Dorothy Day Pantry and Churches United, collected
over 850 pairs of socks for the area Sheltering Churches
project, cleaned and washed windows at the church,
helped with the Cost & Joy of Discipleship events, lived
technology-free on houseboat, put together boxes for
Operation Christmas Child, represented Trinity at the Jr.
High Synod Youth Gathering in Alexandria, and shared
their faith and stories at the Stockholder’s Banquet.
2014 has brought many new and exciting opportunities for Confirmation classes, Jr. High events, Family
Faith Nights for Confirmation, and Sr. High activities. In
2015 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 and Ashley Strelau
Pastor Lew Clefisch
page 19
Global Mission Ministry Team
The goal of the Global Mission team is to support and
highlight the ministries of the global church. The Global
Mission team focuses on churches in South Africa and
India. In addition, members of our church work with
ministries in Haiti and support outreach efforts of Lutheran World Relief and the ELCA Malaria and World
Hunger programs. In 2014, the Global Mission team
did the following:
Global Mission Sundays – We sponsored two
Sundays, one in January and one in July. In January
our focus was our companion synod of India, and in
July we highlighted South Africa through a South
African Song Service.
Rev. Phil and Lou Marie Knutson – Trinity participates in a mission sponsorship program to help
with the work of the Knutsons. Last year, we gave
$11,000 to the Division of Global Mission for this
work. The Knutsons visited Moorhead in July, and
Trinity and members of Our Saviors in Moorhead had
a chance to visit with Phil and Lou Marie about the
work they do in Southern Africa.
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.
Alternative Gift Giving Cards – During Advent,
cards were available which enabled members to
give gifts to various causes (ELCA Good Gifts, ELCA
World Hunger, Lost and Found Ministry, Haiti Work
Team, Haiti Hot Lunch Program) in honor of a friend
or loved one.
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
Trinity Preschool continues to strive towards excellence in care and education of young children. We
are involved in Parent Aware Building Quality. I firmly
believe that quality care is an ongoing process and
we must always do our best by families and young
children. Check out www.parentawareratings.org for
more information and what this means for your young
children and our teaching staff.
2014 was a year of much change and much blessing
in our program. We said goodbye to four experienced
page 20
and beloved staff and we said hello to four awesome,
energized, and dedicated new teachers. I truly believe
God had a hand in making sure we were well provided
for, and I thank Him daily for provision and blessings.
We have also been blessed with full enrollment, and
a strong financial position all year long, and for this we
are indeed thankful as well. As always, we are amazed
at how loving and supportive Trinity Lutheran Church is
of THEIR preschool. In 2015 we will be 46 years old!
Thank you for sharing your space, for your prayers, and
for thinking of the preschool as you speak of quality care
to your friends, neighbors, children and grandchildren.
May 2015 be another year for Trinity Lutheran
Church Preschool to light the way of Christ in the lives
of young children and point others to becoming a great
place for young children and families.
For the children,
Kay L. Heidrich
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.” LFM is located at 111 7th St. So.
in Moorhead, and is open M-F from 9-5 p.m. with other
appointments available upon request.
January 2014 was spent in preparing a major grant
application for developing a recovery community organization headquartered in Moorhead (next to Lost and
Found Ministry) and serving the 25 counties of northwest Minnesota. January and February were also spent
in preparation for Giving Hearts Day that brought in over
$17,000 in donations as well as new friends. In April, a
three-year grant was approved by the MN Department
of Human Services Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division
to develop what will become a separate organization
of peer addiction recovery support.
The news of the grant brought the remodeling project
of 107 7th St. So. into full swing in April. This was the
former vacuum repair and sales business. The project
was spearheaded by Lost and Found board member,
Wayne Christianson with help from many community
members and friends. The grant began at the end of
July, 2014, and the grand opening for reGROUP was
held in September, 2014. The reGROUP grant brings
on two full-time staff and supports part-time work from
three Lost and Found staff and two more reGROUP
part-time staff as well as pays rent to Lost and Found.
reGROUP, hosted by Lost and Found Ministry, a
program of Trinity Lutheran Church, is a peer-based
volunteer organization that serves the 25 counties
of northwest Minnesota with telephone recovery
support, peer-to-peer recovery coaching, and recovery celebrations. It utilizes the eight dimensions of
wellness to encourage healthy living in recovery for
those individuals and their families struggling with
addiction. Lost and Found Ministry continues its work
of counseling and addiction interventions plus the resource library. Lost and Found offered monthly “Let’s
Talk” sessions in the summer of 2014 and bi-monthly
“Help Me, Please: My Loved One’s Using/Drinking
is Making Me Crazy” sessions during the rest of the
year. Lost and Found has been active in the “Rethink
Mental Health” community assessment around mental health and substance abuse.
Rain delayed the June 20th tee-off at the 4th Annual
Lost and Found Ministry Golf Tournament to July
11 at the Meadows Golf Course. Fifty-three golfers played the course on a very hot day. A morning
tee-off was a new thing in 2014 and will be back by
popular demand in 2015. Over $16,000 was raised
from this event thanks to several donors including
Valley Imports and the Trinity Foundation.
Summertime also saw some staff changes at
Lost and Found Ministry. New staff are now in place
and serving the community with library resources,
counseling and intervention services, informational
and educational classes, and outreach on addiction.
In 2014, counselors had 77 appointments, 350 brief
contacts or phone calls with concerned individuals,
four interventions, and 65 pastoral visits. Volunteers
gave 924 hours at LFM. The library had 350 individuals who checked out materials 1582 times in
2014. Since July, reGROUP has hosted eight regular
monthly events and two major events, trained five
volunteers to do telephone recovery support, and
maintained relationships with five recoverees. An advisory board of 15-20 people has guided the growth
of reGROUP under the guidance of the Lost and
Found board of directors.
Thanks to the great support from Trinity Lutheran
and our friends for making 2014 a God-filled year of
grace for those of us who work at Lost and Found
and for those who seek its services.
Respectfully submitted by Denise Peterson, director
Lost and Found Ministry
111 7 Street South, Moorhead, MN
218-287-2089; Fax: 218-291-1250
www.lostandfoundministry.org
Staff:
Denise Peterson, director
Jann Johnson, office manager/project assistant
Beth Brantner, LPCC, counselor/project advisor
Nicole Myhre, circulation assistant
Cheryl Melbye, bookkeeper
Tanya RedRoad, volunteer coordinator
Emily Greene, office manager
Connie Longie, training coordinator
Jim Power, outreach
Lilly Transition into Ministry/Fabric of
Mutual Ministry
Since 2002, Trinity Lutheran Church has been participating in a movement that was started by the Lilly Endowment. Lilly recognized that the long-term retention
of rostered leaders is significantly improved if leaders
learn healthy practices in their first, critical years of
ministry. The goal of Trinity’s Transition into Ministry
(TiM) program has been to provide a rich and fertile
training ground for first call pastors.
The mission and purpose of Trinity’s TiM program has
been to recognize and recruit gifted seminary graduates
who demonstrate promise for long-team leadership in
the church, and provide a supportive place to do ministry with gifted and committed congregational members
and staff.
Trinity’s TiM program has gone through several
phases since it began in 2002. With each phase of the
grant, Trinity has broadened its’ scope. In 2006, the TiM
program was also funded to work with a small number
of rural congregations. By 2010, the grant expanded it’s
scope as well as forging a partnership with the Eastern
North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota synods,
Concordia College, and Luther Seminary.
For the last phase, this new partnership has been
named, “The Fabric of Mutual Ministry” (FMM). FMM
has been a part of providing opportunities to foster the
same healthy practices that Trinity’s TiM program has
strived to provide. But in this phase, they have been
able to work with over 50 new rostered leaders and 70
congregations as these new graduates transition into
their first calls.
The support of your mission dollars, in partnership
with the Lilly Endowment, our synods, Concordia College, and Luther Seminary, have had a huge impact on
the leadership of the church. Not only have the pastors
who have worked directly with the program benefitted,
but the model of the TiM and FMM has been shared
throughout the ELCA as synods and regions evaluate
how they help new graduates transition into ministry.
page 21
The TiM program drew to its close at Trinity in 2014,
with the final TiM pastors, Laura Stancher, Matt McWaters and CJ Valenti. We give God thanks for all that
has been and all that will be, as the First Call ministry
continues to support new rostered leaders throughout
the church.
Pathways Lutheran Outdoor Ministries
This year, Pathways has seen many changes. The Lake
of the Woods Bible camp was sold back to the Lake
of the Woods Bible Camp Association as Pathways
was unable to sustain three camps financially. There
were personnel changes with fulltime staff in an effort
to achieve a more efficient working environment and
to cut costs.
New members were added to the board, including
a new board president and new executive committee
members. The Pathways Nomination Committee has
interviewed, and the board has voted to approve to
hire a new Director. Even with the transitions that are
taking place, Pathways was fortunate to have a good
year in 2014.
There were 19 day camps, where kids spent the day
at camp with their parents taking part in many activities. There were approximately 775 campers during
the camping season. The camp counselors and the
campers boasted a positive experience. All enjoyed
the outdoor camping experience, including ending the
day singing songs around the camp fire. Some made
new friends and others were able to connect with old
friends that they had met at camp in the past years.
Scrapbooking and knitting retreats were also held
at Emmaus during the times that camp was not in
progress.
Trinity Women of the ELCA
The mission of Trinity Women is to act boldly in 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. Eight women
form a leadership team for Trinity Women.
About 80 women in seven small Bible Study groups
meet from September through May. This year’s theme
is “Transforming Life and Faith.”
Various opportunities for the action part of our purpose include monthly quilting. There were 61 quilts sent
to Lutheran World Relief. There were also 25 school
kits, 12 health kits, and six baby kits sent to LWR. There
were about 83 quilts also given to local charities such
as Dakota Boys Ranch’s “Pigs ’n A Blanket” Fargo Auc-
page 22
tion, YWCA shelter, Baby quilts to the YWCA Shelter,
Churches United and other miscellaneous charities of
the quilters’ choosing.
Large group meetings included a January ‘All
Daughters Event’ with skits, music, craft projects and
food to help us better understand three Biblical Mothers
& Daughters.
In February, we as a board served the Quilters
Luncheon and also invited the Trinity staff. We do this
every year to thank the quilters for their year long commitment to making quilts for missions.
The March meeting centered on homeless families in
the F-M area and we brought items for Baby Layettes.
The Spring 2014 Salad and Pie Luncheon raised
over $4,500. The TLCW Board approved a gift of
$5,000 to the chosen recipient, Churches United for
the Homeless.
In May we hosted a luncheon for retired pastors,
presented gifts to Confirmands and announced three
Scholarships for Trinity Members who would be freshmen at Concordia in the fall.
In July we hosted a Bible Study on Mary for over
80 women from Moorhead churches. The registration
monies of $225 from this event went to the Dorothy
Day House of Hospitality.
This fall we prepared for our Bazaar where we raised
over $2,200 to give to various local missions. New
people are always welcome in these groups, including
men. (Special thanks to the men who helped serve and
wash dishes at the Luncheon and made lefse for the
Bazaar.)
We also had a fun movie night, and Lois Bylund
shared her experiences on the national level of the
ELCA women.
Pastor Simon had a fun presentation on the theme
of an “English Christmas” for our Christmas party. We
learned customs and about English carols. This event
raised $625 for the Thankoffering that goes to WELCA.
We welcome all women to join a Circle Bible Study,
or just come when you can to participate in one or all
events for the Women of Trinity. A blessed New Year
to all!
Submitted by: Char Skaff, President; Lucia Schroeder,
Past President and board members: Lenae Harless,
and Lucy Johnson, Janelle Leiseth, Kathy Lindquist,
Becky Olson, and Jane Skunberg.
Trinity Lutheran Church Women
Statement of Revenues and Expenditures
January 1, 2014-December 31, 2014
page 23
Bishop’s Report
(continued on next page)
page 24
page 25
Trinity Lutheran Church
Mission Plan 2015
page 26
Trinity Lutheran Church
2015 Proposed Mission Plan
2014
2015
Mission
2014
Mission
Proposed
Actual
Proposed
Income:
Offering
1,154,866
Other Income
48,166
Total Income
$0
$1,203,032
$0
Expense:
Welcoming
Hospitality
8,500
8,066
8,500
New Member Supplies
200
30
200
Caring Ministry
250
250
250
Small Group Ministry
500
304
500
Devotional Materials
3,800
1,771
2,500
Trinity Transit/Fri Fellw
1,100
1,204
1,100
Music on the Blacktop
1,500
1,763
1,500
Salaries
70,313
70,681
67,550
Mileage
3,000
0
3,000
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
25,629
23,533
26,800
Miscellaneous Expense
0
0
500
$114,792
$107,600
$112,400
Worship
Cathedral Choir Materials
1,600
1,876
1,600
Celebration Singers
250
145
250
Joyful Noise
250
249
250
Koinonia/High School Choirs
100
0
100
Research Materials
50
0
50
Bell Choirs
250
143
250
Instrumentalists
400
500
400
Communion Elements/Candles
3,000
2,198
3,000
Organ Maintenance
2,000
1,850
2,000
Piano Maintenance
800
437
800
Misc. Worship & Music
1,000
330
1,000
Children’s Musical
500
428
500
Minims
50
33
50
Worship, Too!
500
47
500
Handbell Maintenance
50
0
50
Trinity Brass
100
100
100
Copyright Payments
1,500
1,229
1,500
Salaries
196,873
173,970
198,979
Mileage
3,000
3,000
3,000
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
48,870
40,062
56,455
Miscellaneous Expense
0
0
500
$261,143
$226,597
$271,334
page 27
2014
2015
Mission
2014
Mission
Proposed
Actual
Proposed
Education
Parish School Materials
10,000
6,216
10,000
Library
250
250
250
GIFTS Program
500
433
500
Nursery Supplies
100
90
100
Birth to Three Committee
300
0
300
5th & 6th Grade Program
250
68
250
Salaries
64,908
59,186
103,155
Mileage
3,000
0
3,000
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
25,596
14,907
36,408
Miscellaneous Expense
0
0
500
$104,904
$81,149
$154,462
Mission
Northwestern MN Synod
32,825
32,825
36,825
ELCA Churchwide(thruNWMNSynod)
32,175
32,175
36,175
Lost & Found Ministry
9,000
9,000
10,000
Project FM
2,000
2,000
2,500
Lutheran Social Service
500
500
1,000
Pathways
15,000
15,000
15,000
MSUM Lutheran Student Center
500
500
1,000
Churches United
2,000
2,000
2,000
Dorothy Day House
500
500
500
Bread for the World
80
80
80
Global Missions
500
300
500
Salaries
0
5,831
27,899
Mileage
1,500
0
1,500
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
500
1,138
10,804
Miscellaneous Expense
700
163
500
$97,780
$102,012
$146,283
Youth
Released Time Transportation
1,500
0
0
Confirmation Program
2,000
6,514
2,000
Youth Ministry Support
26,270
26,270
26,270
Salaries
76,807
77,072
78,500
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
30,034
33,493
35,516
Miscellaneous Expense
0
0
500
136,611
143,349
142,786
page 28
2014
Mission
Plan
2014
Actual
2015
Mission
Plan
Administration
Pastoral Staff - 2014
32,083
0
0
Office Supplies
19,000
15,073
19,000
Postage
15,000
12,568
15,000
Offering Envelopes
5,000
4,042
5,000
Office Telephones
3,400
3,183
3,500
Office Equip-Repair/Mtnce
5,000
4,205
5,000
Networking Maintenance
3,000
611
3,000
Equip/Cmptr Hdwe/Software
5,000
2,304
5,000
Publicity
2,000
666
2,000
Transaction Fees
4,000
4,263
4,200
Synod Assembly Fees
3,000
1,213
3,000
Fair Hills Synod Retreat
1,500
1,080
1,500
Council/Staff Retreats
1,000
376
1,000
Financial Audit Fees
12,000
11,250
12,000
Salaries
169,195
162,460
177,092
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
42,349
38,695
48,276
Miscellaneous Expense
0
150
500
Total Administration
$322,527
$262,138
$305,068
Physical Plant
Repairs/Maintenance
30,000
29,247
30,000
Physical Plant-Supplies
12,000
13,376
12,000
Insurance
28,000
38,557
39,000
Fuel
30,000
37,885
35,000
Utilities
56,000
63,204
60,000
Snow Removal
10,000
4,119
10,000
Prpty Tax/Spec. Assessments
4,710
662
1,000
Salaries
52,000
46,489
53,000
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
9,645
10,266
10,000
Miscellaneous Expense
0
0
500
Total Physical Plant
$232,355
$243,804
$250,500
Total Expenses $1,270,112
$1,166,649 $1,382,834
Total Income
$1,203,032
Income Less Expenses
$36,383
Percent Increase
8.87%
page 29
Trinity Preschool 2015 Proposed Mission Plan
2014 Budget
2014 YTD 2015 Proposed
Income
Tuition/Activity Fees
510,441
520,011.93
553,582
Transportation Fees
1,800
865
1,000
Other Charges/Interest
300
41.73
150
Contribution Income
200
0
100
Child Care Food Program
18,000
17,734.7
18,000
Summer Activity Fees
2,200
2,095.5
2,200
Thrivent Choice 0
626
500
Special Activities/field trip cost
600
1,421.75
5,000
Misc Inc. (& out) 200
184.6
800
Funding Revenue
3,200
2,277.4
2,000
Total Income
$536,941
$545,258.61
$583.332
Expenses
Operating
Reimbursement to Church
8,000
8000
4,000
Office Supplies
1,600
732.04
750
Advertising
3,420
3,765.76
3,600
Membership Licensing
2,000
1,550.73
2,000
Postage
200
53.53
100
Repairs/ Maintenance
2,000
71.74
200
Total Operating
$17,220
$14,173.80
$10,560
Classroom
Photo Processing
1,260
456.34
1,100
School/Teacher Supplies
8,500
8,678.93
8,500
Teacher Resources
0
64.16
Continuing Education
4,000
2,664.03
3,000
Activities
1,200
1,462.25
4,000
Paper Supplies
7,000
7,389.12
7,000
Food
58,000
5,7224.9
63,000
Cleaning
3,500
2,344.61
2,500
Equipment
3,000
1,825.52
1,500
Transportation
1,800
1,200
1,000
Funding
3,200
2,010.19
2,000
Telephone
450
346.4
400
Insurance
4,000
3,600
4,000
Summer Activities
2,200
3,521.39
2,200
Special Activities/field trip costs
600
1,674.75
5,000
Miscellaneous
1,000
243.97
800
Total Classroom
$99,710
$94,706.56
$10,6000
Compensation/Benefits
Wages
365,825
379,265.96
421,318
FICA
30,533
28,495.13
32,113
Pension
16,901
17,983.2
9,108
Total Compensation/Benefits
$413,259
$425,744.29
$462,539
Total Expenses
$530,189
$534,624.65
$579,099
Income minus Expenses
page 30
$6,752
$10,633.96
$4,233
Trinity Friends in Faith 2015 Proposed Mission
Plan
Year to Date
2015
Actual
Proposed Income
Other Income
Interest Income
115.61
100.00
Misc Income - FIF
0.00
0.00
Mem Acct Inc-Scholarship
200.00
200.00
Trinity Support
26,270.00
26,300.00
Other Raised Income
0.00
500.00
Senior High General Income
1,030.00
800.00
Junior High General Income
272.00
300.00
Thrivent Choice Inc - FIF
0.00
0.00
Total Other Income
$27,887.61
$27,700.00
Dinner Event
Dinner Income
12,905.00
13,000.00
Fall Retreat Event
Fall Retreat Income
0.00
900.00
Food & Refreshments
Food & Refreshments Income
1,440.14
1,500.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering Event
Nat’l Yth Gathering Income
17,270.00
42,000.00
Ski Retreat Event
Sr. High Ski Retreat Income
9,444.00
10,000.00
Jr. High Ski Day Income
0.00
1,000.00
Synod Yth Gathering Event
Sr. High Yth Gathering Income
250.00
750.00
444 Jr. High Yth Gathering Income
2,749.00
3,000.00
Houseboat Trip Event
Houseboat Trip Income
11,723.25
3,000.00
Stockholder Activity
Stockholder Donations
26,280.00
30,000.00
Summer Servant Trip
India Orphan Servant trip Inc.
0.00
0.00
Summer Servant Trip
2,685.00
0.00
Other Income
$112,634.00
$132,700.00
Total Income
$112,604.88
$123,600.00
Expense
Friends In Faith Fund
Other Activities & Events Exp
1,624.86
1,400.00
Materials & Equipment
1,194.64
1,200.00
Senior High Programming
457.13
500.00
Junior High Programming
1,166.58
1,000.00
Sunday School Exp
56.08
200.00 Total Friends in Faith Fund
4,283.89
4,300.00
Dinner Event
Dinner supplies
7,564.88
7,500.00
Fall Retreat Event
Fall Retreat-Travel
0.00
1,000.00
Fall Retreat-Supplies
0.00
500.00
Fall Retreat-Other
0.00
1,500.00 Total Fall Retreat Event
0.00
3,000.00
page 31
Year to Date
Actual
2015
Proposed
Food & Refreshments
Food & Refreshment Expenses
798.71
1,200.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering Event
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Travel
0.00
20,000.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Lodging
0.00
39,000.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Supplies
-393.00
3,000.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Meals
0.00
10,000.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Registration
13,450.00
14,000.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering-reimb.
0.00
0.00
Total Nat’l Yth Gathering Event
13,057.00
86,000.00
Ski Retreat Event
Jr. High Ski Day
0.00
1,000.00
Ski Retreat-Travel
4,500.00
5,000.00
Ski Retreat-Other
11,403.35
11,000.00
Total Ski Retreat Event
15,903.35
17,000.00
Synod Yth Gathering Event
Sr. High Registration/Other
875.00
1,000.00
Sr. High Travel
56.00
150.00
Jr. High Travel
1,015.36
1,100.00
Jr. High Registration/Other
6,145.54
6,200.00
Total Synod Yth Gathering Event
8,091.90
10,000.00
Houseboat Trip Event
Houseboat Trip-Travel
3,589.04
0.00
Houseboat Trip-Supplies
1,857.30
0.00
Houseboat Trip-Food
2,279.21
0.00
Houseboat Rental
15,878.25
3,000.00
Total Houseboat Trip Event
23,603.80
3,000.00
Stockholder Activity
Stockholder-Supplies/Other
1,554.87
1,500.00
Summer Servant Trip
Smr. Servant Trip-Travel
7,000.00
0.00
Smr. Servant Trip-Lodging/Meal
3,099.19
0.00
Smr. Servant Trip-Meals
549.37
0.00
Smr. Servant Trip-Supply/Other
324.21
0.00
Total Summer Servant Trip
10,972.77
0.00
Bible Camp
Bible Camp
0.00
0.00
Counselor Training
Counselor Training
-27.63
750.00
Boy Scouts
Boy Scouts
45.00
0.00
India Orphanage
India Orphanage - Travel
0.00
0.00
India REACH:Orphan home/school
0.00
0.00
Friends In Faith Fund
86,063.94
132,700.00
Total Expense
85,848.54
123,600.00 page 32
Trinity Lost and Found Ministry
2015 Proposed Mission Plan
Income
Library Mat Rest
Hospitality
Donations & Memorials
Donations Today and Tomorrow Fund
Reimbursements
Other Income
Library Materials
Trinity Luth Support
New Space Rental Inc
Rental Income
Gullings Trust Revenue
Congregation Benevolence
Endowment Revenue
Project Seed - Trin FD
FFS Intervention
Fundraising Events
FFS Counseling
FFS Groups
FFS Retreats
FFS CD Eval
Advertising
Grants Income
Client Assistance
New Space Capital Campaign
Reserve
Utitlities Refund
Total Income
2014 Actual
2015 Budget
$173,536.64
$190,873.00
103.00
0.00
30,420.05
0.00
733.23
8,744.94
0.00
9,000.00
4,675.00
17,880.00
19,748.00
6,956.00
4,992.00
5,784.00
2,800.00
47,661.22
75.00
0.00
0.00
2,175.00
1,870.00
0.00
0.00
9,775.00
0.00
144.20
500.00
200.00
30,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
9,000.00
10,800.00
17,880.00
19,748.00
6,000.00
5,000.00
5,700.00
12,000.00
45,000.00
9,375.00
4,800.00
1,000.00
6,000.00
1,870.00
5,000.00
1,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Expenses
Printing
Lease Expense
Office Expense/Postage
Travel/Continuing Ed
Continuing Education
Professional Fees
Promotion & Advertising
Hospitality
Miscellaneous Expense
Exp for Svce CD Eval
Telephone/Internet
Exp. For Svce Intervention
Exp for Svce Counseling
Exp for Service Groups
Subscriptions
Newsletter
Equipment/Software
Salaries
Pension and Health
Utilities
Printing Srvces IN-Kind
Fundraising Event Expense
Repairs & Maintenance L&F
Insurance
New Spce Cap Camp Renov
Real Estate Taxes
New Spce Op Ex/main Cap C
Cleaning
Rep/Main Rentals/Capital
Payroll Taxes
License Renewal/counselor
Memberships
CrCd Service Fees
Library Materials - Budget
1,644.48
1,668.23
2,854.35
277.51
964.65
2,666.15
2,445.74
1,101.09
315.30
0.00
4,106.14
0.00
193.38
16.24
344.97
3,845.35
2,155.00
97,183.40
0.00
11,826.85
27.76
11,103.41
1,924.43
3,000.00
19,785.80
3,021.00
1,386.46
407.58
62.00
7,291.97
324.50
830.00
458.72
428.30
2,400.00
2,500.00
3,000.00
500.00
1,000.00
3,000.00
4,000.00
1,500.00
500.00
4,800.00
4,300.00
6,000.00
4,687.50
2,400.00
500.00
4,500.00
1,000.00
96,000.00
0.00
12,000.00
0.00
12,000.00
2,500.00
3,000.00
0.00
2,850.00
0.00
500.00
0.00
7,500.00
500.00
500.00
550.00
500.00
$183,660.76
$184,987.50
Income Less Expenses $10,124.12
$5,885.50
Total Expenses
page 33
Gullings/Endow Trust Income
2014 Actual
2015 Budget Endowment Unrealized G/L
(3,849.78)
0.00
Endowment Div&Int Income
6,934.79
0.00
Endowment Realized G/L
4,497.97
0.00
Gullings Unrealized G/L
(7,153.32)
0.00
Gullings Tr Div&Int Income
22,574.69
0.00
Gullings Realized G/L
13,885.44
0.00
Total Gullings/Endow Trust Income
$36,889.79
$0.00
Gullings/Endow Trust Expenses
Gullings Trust Allocations
19,748.00
19,748.00
Endowment Allocations
4,992.00
5,000.00
Gullings Trust Expenses
4,660.55
4,660.55
Endow Mgmt Expenses
1,274.46
1,274.46
Total Gullings/Endow Trust Expenses
$30,675.01
$30,683.01
Gullings/Endow Income Less Expenses$6,214.78 $30,683.01
Total Income
$210,426.43
$190,873.00
Total Expenses
$214,335.77
$215,670.51
Total Income Less Expenses
$3,909.34
page 34
2015 Proposed Election Ballot
2015 NOMINATING COMMITTEE - one-year term (vote for four)
(Council president, past president and council representative also serve on the Nominating
Committee.)
_____ Stephanie Holm
_____ Sarah Bratlien
_______________
_____ Ira Bailey
_____ Jolinda Michels
_______________
CHURCH COUNCIL – (vote for three)
_____ Kathy Benson
_____ Shellie Simonson Ulven _____ Chris Lien
_______________
_______________
_______________
REPRESENTATIVES TO NW MN SYNOD ASSEMBLY – two-year term (vote for five)
_____ John Docken
_____ Gary Nolte
_____ Cindy Nolte
_____ Becky Olson
_____ Margie Markusen
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE TO NW MN SYNOD ASSEMBLY (vote for one)
_____ Lynne Kovash
_______________
_______________
REPRESENTATIVES TO EVENTIDE ANNUAL MEETING – two-year term (vote for two)
_______________
_______________
_______________
DELEGATES TO PATHWAYS ANNUAL MEETING – two-year term (vote for three)
_____ John Lenarz
_____ Deanne Sperling
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
REPRESENTATIVE TO CHURCHES UNITED – one-year term (vote for two)
____ Janelle Leiseth
_____ Ardis Sandvig _______________
page 35
page 36