Annual Report for 2016
Printed January 2017
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])
PROGRAM MINISTRIES
Andrew Steinberg ([email protected])
Sanctuary Worship Director & Organist
Rachel Horan ([email protected])
CLC Worship Director
Sandra Anderson ([email protected])
Director of Children’s Ministry
Kathy Hunstad ([email protected])
Director of Youth Ministry
Ashley Strelau ([email protected])
Associate Director of Youth Ministry
Kay Heidrich ([email protected])
Director of Trinity Preschool
Denise Peterson
Director of Lost & Found Recovery Center
CHURCH COUNCIL
Alison Andreasen, President
Matt Leiseth, Vice President
Craig Hagen, Secretary
Jeremy Blake, Treasurer
Kathy Benson, Catherine Dickey,
John Juhl, Curt Kallander,
Jenny Stenehjem, Carmen Walter
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
Sandra Venckus ([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
CHOIR DIRECTORS
Michael Culloton
Cathedral Choir
Angie Schulz
Minims
Sue Dale
Joyful Noise
Erin Gaffaney
Celebration Singers
Sharon Christensen-Clark
Trinity Chimes
Andrew Steinberg
Trinity Handbells
Nat Dickey
Trinity Brass
MISSION
Philip and Lou Marie Knutson
Missionaries in South Africa
Colin and Jeni Grangaard
YAGM Missionaries in Jerusalem
Annual Meeting Agenda
February 5, 2017
1.
Opening Worship
2.
Call to Order
3.
Approve Agenda
4.
Approve Minutes
pages 4-5
5.
Accept Financial Reports
pages 6-9
Foundation report provided at the annual meeting
6.
Presentation of 2017 Mission Plans
I. Trinity Church
II. Trinity Preschool
III. Friends in Faith
IV. Lost and Found Ministry
7.
Elections
Ballots provided at the annual meeting
8.
Dream Team Update 9.
Pastors’ Report
10.
Approval 2017 Mission Plans
11.
Recognition of Leadership
12. Lord’s Prayer
see inside cover
page 3
page 26
page 29
page 30
page 32
pages 26-33
page 3
Minutes
2015 Annual Meeting Minutes
February 7, 2016
The 2015 annual meeting of Trinity Lutheran
Church was held in the Christian Life Center on
Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Tessa
Hansen led the opening liturgy. President Shellie
Simonson Ulven declared a quorum and called the
meeting to order. Chuck Hendrickson served as
parliamentarian. Laurie Natwick, John and Leah
Lenarz, Janelle and Matt Leiseth were appointed as
tellers.
Approval of agenda
President Shellie Simonson Ulven presented the
agenda as printed in the 2015 Annual Report.
Motion Kathy Lindquist, second Stan Iverson, to accept the agenda as presented. Motion approved.
Approval of Secretary’s Report
President Shellie Simonson Ulven presented the
secretary’s report for the 2014 Annual Meeting. Motion Matt Leiseth, second Curt Cavalier, to approve
and accept the minutes into the record. Motion
approved.
Acceptance of Treasurer’s Financial Report
President Shellie Simonson Ulven presented the
treasurer’s financial report for 2015, giving a summarized overview of the year and noting total net
assets of $5,800,245. Income received in 2015 was
$1,212,079 with expenses totaling $1,240,675 giving a year-end balance of $-28,596. While year-end
figures were “in the red”, total income for 2015 was
up $9,047 over 2014. Money given to additional
benevolences and special offerings (non-budget) in
2015 totaled $144,633. Motion David Manning, Ted
Horan second, to accept the treasurer’s financial
report into minutes. Motion approved.
Presentation of 2016 Mission Plans
President Shellie Simonson Ulven presented the
2016 Mission Plans for Trinity Church, Trinity Preschool, Friends in Faith, and Lost & Found Ministry
as printed in the annual report. The proposed Trinity
Church 2016 Mission plan reflects a 2% increase
over the 2015 budget. The increase includes a 2%
cost of living adjustment for staff and increased
expense due to rising health insurance costs.
Ballot/Elections
Those serving as this years’ Nominating Committee
were Sarah Bratlien, Stephanie Holm, Ira Bailey,
Shellie Simonson Ulven and Alison Andreasen.
page 4
Individuals were invited to contact Shellie following
the meeting if they wanted to nominate someone or
themselves for any of the open spots remaining on
the ballot. The Church Council will work to fill any
openings remaining. The ballot was presented as
printed. Motion Gary Nolte, second Curt Cavalier, to
accept the ballot as presented and to cast a unanimous ballot for all nominees.
20/20 Vision Team update
The CAT Scan congregational assessment allowed
us to share areas we feel Trinity is doing well and
areas we feel could be improved. A Vision Team
comprised of Sue Cavalier, Jim Cole, Ted Horan,
Brian Schulz, Kathy Benson, Tom Knakmuhs,
Janelle Leiseth, Ashley Strelau, and Clark Tufte
was formed and has been tasked with analyzing
the compiled data and to develop a recommendation as how best to move forward with the information gleaned from the assessment. Based on the
compiled data, the Vision Team determined four
areas of focus to be hospitality, organizational
structure, technology, and facility improvement. In
coming months members will have the opportunity
to become engaged in the process as it moves
forward.
Pastor’s report
Pastor Simon began his report by thanking the Trinity staff for their dedication to the ministry of Trinity
Lutheran Church. Kay Heidrich, Director of Trinity
Preschool and Denise Peterson, Executive Director
of Lost & Found Ministry were introduced and recognized for their ministry. Church Council Members
were thanked for their leadership and commitment.
The Vision Team was acknowledged for their work
as Trinity moves forward.
Pastor Simon went on to extend the following three
challenges to each member:
Volunteer
Many volunteers are needed every Sunday to
make worship happen at Trinity! Please step forward and help where you are able. We can’t do it without volunteers!
Stewardship
Stewardship is very important in the life of a
congregation. Trinity’s ministry is funded 100% through the offering plate. We all need to be
challenged in our giving.
Hospitality
Hospitality was indicted as a big area in need of
improvement per the congregational
assessment. We all need to work to build
community together, engaging one another in building relationships.
One can feel the exciting energy at Trinity. Let’s
build on that excitement together!
Purchase of property
RESOLUTION # 16-01 was read: WHEREAS an
opportunity has arisen to purchase the land and
building at 213 8th Street S., Moorhead (in our 8th
Street parking lot) for $120,000, and;
WHEREAS the council has reviewed and discussed
potential sources for this purchase and believes it
to be in keeping with the purposes for Building for
Mission funds;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that Trinity Lutheran Church purchase the land and building at
213 8th Street S., Moorhead for $120,000 using
Building for Mission funds.
Motion Scott Allen, second Ted Horan, to approve
the resolution as read. Discussion followed. Corey
Elmer, spoke to a question regarding fair market
price of the property. Use of the property was questioned. Additional parking was discussed.
Matt Leiseth called for the question. Motion to
purchase the land and building at 213 8th Street
S., Moorhead using Building for Mission Funds was
approved.
Mission Plan
Motion Michael Culleton, second Scott Allen, to
approve the 2016 Mission Plans for Trinity Church,
Trinity Preschool, Friends in Faith, and Lost &
Found Ministry as presented. Motion approved.
Recognition of Leadership
Chris Lien and Shellie Simonson Ulven were
thanked for their leadership and recognized with a
round of applause.
The meeting adjourned and closed with Lord’s
Prayer.
page 5
Summary Financial Statement
(A detailed Treasurer’s Report is available upon request)
Consolidated Balance Sheet
December 31, 2016
Assets
General Fund
2,238,934.63
Cash/Investments/Receivables
182,144.77
Land/Bldgs/Fixed Assets
2,056,789.86
Memorials and Dedicated
160,757.83
Building for Mission
105,791.33
Friends in Faith
99,330.17
Trinity Preschool
18,811.26
TLCW
5,965.66
Lost and Found
576,266.55
reGROUP
57,183.06
Foundation
*
Total Assets:
$3,263,040.49
Liabilities
General Fund
39,437.96
Memorials and Dedicated
7,627.70
Building for Mission
2,529.43
Friends in Faith
1,772.30
Trinity Preschool
3,520.66
TLCW
208.00
Lost and Found
18,962.62
reGROUP
64,717.07
Foundation
*
Total Liabilities:
$138,775.74
Net Worth
Total Net Assets:
$3,124,264.75
Total Liabilities & Net Worth
3,263,040.49
*Foundation figures will be available at the annual meeting
page 6
Summary of Income and Expenses 2016
Mission Plan
2016
Actual
Income
Offerings
1,200,813.49
Other Income
42,039.86
Total Income
$1,242,853.35
Expense
Welcoming 89,451.49
Worship
240,645.99
Education
155,171.56
Mission
155,846.63
Youth
154,041.64
Administration
276,260.99
Facilities
226,271.33
Total Expense
$1,297,689.63
Income - Expense
$-54,836.28
2016
Budget
0.00
0.00
$0.00
101,793.00
255,346.00
162,098.00
155,484.00
149,850.00
309,954.00
265,598.00
$1,400,123.00
Treasurer’s Observations
In 2015, an extremely ambitious budgetary increase was approved and despite ending that year “in the
red,” an impressive 6.3% increase was achieved. In 2016, it was deemed appropriate to build upon that
momentum while “welcoming the community to worship and grow in serving God.”
Income
• Although end-of-year figures were “in the red,” total income in 2016 was up $31,954.28, highlighted by
an increase in the general offering of $19,610.15.
• The average Sunday offering was higher in 7 of the 12 months compared to 2015, while the last half of
2016 provided a fiscal surge over the tremendous support shown the year prior.
• As more congregational members begin using e-Giving and the Give+Church Mobile App, budgeting is
simplified. Consistent financial stewardship over the course of a calendar year is possible!
Expense
• Given the enthusiastic Mission Plan in 2016, careful attention was paid to expenses; and in doing so,
expenses were less than projected for the second straight year.
• Again this year, a large portion of savings occurred through continued and cautious management of our
facilities. General maintenance and repair costs as well as fuel costs were well under projections.
• As technology continues to grow and means of communication expands, another significant savings was
made in Administration. Please remember that connecting with Trinity via the internet and by using apps
provides opportunities for the congregation to stay informed.
page 7
Summary of Income and Expenses 2016 continued
Income
Expense
Income - Expense
Income
Expense
Income - Expense
Building for Mission Fund
2016
Actual
14,174.36
58,520.47
$-44,346.11
2016
Budget
Trinity Preschool
2016
Actual
570,439.39
572,430.57
$-1,991.18
2016
Budget
583,115.00
583,115.00
$0.00
Friends in Faith
2016
Actual
Income
107,207.85
Expense
83,902.47
Income - Expense
$23,305.38
Income
Expense
Income - Expense
2016
Budget
120,750.00
120,750.00
$0.00
TLCW
2016
Actual
9,079.92
8,568.55
$511.37
2016
Budget
8,950.00
8,800.00
$150.00
Lost & Found
2016
Income
Expense
Income - Expense
Actual
209,235.87
245,089.57
$-35,853.70
2016
Budget
232,804.00
229,406.00
$3,398.00
Income
Expense
Income - Expense
Actual
186,192.81
241,836.60
$-55,643.79
Budget
180,000.00
180,000.00
$0.00
reGROUP
2016
2016
Foundation
Information will be available at the annual meeting.
page 8
Summary of Dedicated Accounts Activity
Trinity Lutheran (Restricted Accounts)
2016
Actual
Receipts
321,110.03
Expenditures
310,920.68
Change in Trinity Lutheran Church Fund Balance
$10,189.35
Memorials and Dedicated Fund
2016
Actual
Receipts
258,599.68
Expenditures
265,487.09
Change in Memorial and Dedicated Fund Balalnce
$-6,887.41
page 9
Additional Benevolences/Special Offerings Received in 2016
90/10 Offering
90/10 Week has been a part of the Lenten disciplines at Trinity for over 30 years. The idea of reversing the tithe for one week; to live on 10 percent of one week’s income and to give away 90 percent for the work of Christ has been and continues to be a very creative, Gospel-centered idea.
The allocation committee members: Dennis & Carol Martin, Carmen & Deb Walter, Char Tallakson, Pastor Simon
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
Family Emergency Fund
2,401
Churches United for the Homeless
2,000
Oak Grove Lutheran School
2,000
FirstLink
2,000
Central Cities Ministry
2,000
Lost and Found
2,000
Regional
Pathways
2,000
Lutheran Social Services of MN
2,000
Global
Concordia College Intl Student Fund
2,000
Young Adult in Global Mission
2,000
20,401
Cost and Joy Discipleship
2,560
Family Emergency Fund
1,056
REACH India Orphanage
6,533
Global Mission
12,672
Disaster Relief
2,500
Haiti Medical Mission
69,153
Haiti Build Mission
1,679
Lost and Found
4,211
World Hunger
19,986
Mission Workshop
935
Pathways Bible Camp
4,226
Trinity Preschool
5,732
Total
$151,643
page 10
Building for Mission
Your continued support of Building for Mission is 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. $13,649 was received this year. Thank you for your continued support of
Building for Mission.
Projects and repairs completed this year included:
Purchase of building (east parking lot)
Boiler mud leg replacement
Preschool kitchen updates
CLC Video/Streaming Project
Roof top unit compressor replacement (L&F)
Elevator code work
Lounge refurbish
Total
$119,743
18,847
13,904
264
4,170
14,729
6,607
$178,264
$105,791 remains in the Building for Mission fund to be used for up-coming projects and improvements.
Trinity Foundation
During the past 42 years, the Trinity Foundation has been “preparing the way” for God’s grace to bring wholeness and meaning to a suffering world. Foundation assets have reached approximately $2.35 million.
(Specific financial information will be available at the annual meeting) Distributions for the year, based on a
spending rate of 5% of the three-year rolling market average, totaled $116,052.
A portion of the distributions go towards designated projects such as youth ministry, camperships, seminary
scholarships, Lost and Found Ministries, and Trinity’s music program. The greater part of the earnings is
awarded in response to requests for financial assistance.
In 2016 the Trinity Foundation distributions included the following ministries:
The youth ministry in our own congregation
The ELCA Fund for Leaders (preparing pastors for congregational leadership)
Northwest Minnesota Synod Vibrant Faith Program
MSUM Lutheran Campus Ministry
Churches United for the Homeless
FM Choral Artists
Lost and Found Recovery Center
reGroup (support group for those recovering from addiction)
Pathways Bible Camp
African Soul, American Heart
Oak Grove (Hummingbird Project for impoverished international students)
Trinity Concert Series
Trinity Pre-school (playground enhancement)
NWMN Synod Fund for Leaders Endowment
Hosean International, Pignon, Haiti (hurricane recovery effort)
FM Coalition for Homeless Persons (taxi service to and from medical appointments)
An internal operating budget of less than 1% of the fund value covered expenses related to professional
management fees, accounting, and the annual audit of the Foundation.
Thank you for your support of the Trinity Foundation during this past year! Through gifts and memorials you have helped to build the fund that will stay invested in perpetuity. Earnings from this investment
generate the dollars to support these life-enhancing ministries.
Respectfully submitted,
John Andreasen, (Board President) and members: Lenae Harless, Neil Qualey, Paul Dovre, Alison Andreasen,
Godela Iverson, and Jim Hausmann
page 11
Parochial Report 2016
Ministerial Acts
Totals
Baptisms
Confirmation
Weddings
Funerals
Membership as of 12/31/2015
Additions
Subtractions
Statistical Adjustments
Total Members as of 12/31/2016
** Associate Members 43
35
19
24
Membership Summary
Baptized 3,849
117
102 90
3,774
Confirmed
2,916
56
80
90
2,802
10
Members Received in 2016
By Baptism
Ellis Kaye Weiss
Brynn Gertrude Bergeson
Everleigh Rose Bullock
Savannah Grace Kolle
Stella Marie Marz
Ruby Gail Anderson
Dekker Hayes DeClercq
Ellie Marie Barth
Milo Everett Thom
Wyatt Lane Rust
Charlie Ann Nultemeier
Avery Jo Nultemeier
Aiden Jayce-Duane Helgeson
Shafer
Connor David Wright
Izabelle Ann Zitzow
Dekker Philip Behrens
Jaxon Harvey Hendricks
Cullen Kenneth Kays
Isaiah William Johnson
Kora Lee Klinkhammer
Everett Charles Klinkhammer
Lilly Adella Steen
Benjamin Carl Feigum
Charlee Noel Nicholas
Elise Victoria Jorgensen
Arianna Henrietta Kooren
Harrison Leo Kooren
Jordyn Leann Hass
Owen Paul Scheevel
Michael Joseph Allen Scofield
Vera Scott Johnson
Henry Charles Johnson
Vincent Michael Johnson
Marit Jo Bormann
Ellianna LaRae Holsen
Bjorn Blake Pedersen
Sawyer Zimmerman
Caleb Zimmerman
Elizabeth Loween
Donovan Loween
Vivian Sue Meyer
Evan Richard Rosenfeldt
Eli Charles Kiland
Kenadi; Caleb; Cullen
Nick and Amanda Midthune
Jackson; Carter
Robert and Sonja Sammons
Shawna Steen
Lilly
Tyler and Cheryl Bormann
Graeme; Bennett; Marit
Jamie and Sarah DeJean
Bella
Curt Kasper
Amber and Jessica Kulzer
Jossy
Caitlin Massop
Rebecca Moore
Meghan
Rhanda Pivetz
Maela; Wynnie
Eric Pollestad
Zachary Anderson
Elijah Badar
Justin Barnett
Grant Bathurst
Brady Behrens
Dylan Crompton
Eponine Gallegos
Rhett Kramer
Rainey Mercil
Jadyn Odegard
Abigayle Werth
Jim and Beth Postema
Gerrit; Cees
Roger and Kathy Rotvold
Zachary
Wendy Marx
Braydon Bader
Bill Beck
David and Mary Leiseth
By Affirmation of Faith
Alan and Lisa Christenson
Ben; Madelyn
Ariel Dowling
Isla
Jordan and Rebecca Green
Raymond Grothe
Dorothy Harsh
Carol Jacobs
Ryan Kleven
Justin and Samantha Klinkhammer
Kora; Everett
Lucas and Aimee Marz
Jamie Motschenbacher
Jon Nistler
Marcia Pederson
Ryan and Christine Scheevel
Abigail
Marshall and Rochelle Kays
page 12
Members Removed in 2016
By Transfer/Request
H. Chris and Janice Hallanger
Lynnae Wallace
Del and Connie Walby
Paul Lillehaugen
Timothy Lillehaugen
Addy Bolgrean
Emily Bolgrean
Steve and Enid Peterson
Benjamin and Samantha Rage
Harold and Lois Hoghaug
Patrick and Kaley Meyer
Lawson
Denise Haaland
Lowell Regstad
Joel Wentzell
Brock and Jessica Franke
Katie Johnson (from inactive)
Luan Schuman
Davin and Laura Henrik
Roger Peterson
Joshua
Jeremiah and Brenda Clifton
Jayden; Jenna
Aaron Stenerson
Pamela Sundberg
Orris Moen
Jessica Charlton
Nathan Charlton
Joseph S and Kelsey Lomsdal
Aspen; Joseph A
Ashley Ackerson
Aaron and Colleen Murray
Morgan; Hudson
Brent and Tara Hendricks
Colton; Jaxon
Brent and Jennifer Gerber
Randy and Katie Elenberger
Aly; Aubrey
Nathan and Danielle Eaton
Krister Anderson
Ingrid Beck
Johan Anderson
Derek and Jenny Poehls
Lauren
Susan Trygg
Richard and Carol Waudy
Matthew and Darcy Nitschke
Melissa Shellito
Mark and Laurie Hintermeyer
Fran Ladwig
Grace Clark
Paulette Littlefield
Irene Torgerson
Gladys Hoffman
John Harkness
Edmund Hohenstern
Leone Carter
Beverly Hicks
Helen Rudie
Susan Bekkerus
Mary Beth Stenerson
Marlene Bekkerus
Connie Larson
Arnold Strom
Nancy Stuart
Lila Hazemann
By Death
Donna Voxland
Valorayne “Chris” Frantsvog
Ione Roering
Evelyn Wold
Nancy Hudoba
Ivan Camrud
Donald Braniff
Wilma Pierson
Glenn Anderson
Confirmed in 2016
Zachary Anderson
Elijah Badar
Justin Barnett
Grant Bathurst
Tierra Becker
Brady Behrens
George Christensen
Tyler Church
Dylan Crompton
Calvin Darling
Margaret Dickey
Christian Elmer
Grace Entzion
Jack Entzion
Jack Evavold
Eponine Gallegos
Victoria Gardner
Vanessa Hellner-Born
Isaac Homuth
Carlyn Huseby
Alexander Iverson
Zachary Johnson
Landen Kjos
Rhett Kramer
Jacob Kunka
Katherine Leiseth
Megan Markert
Kade Melander
Rainey Mercil
Ethan Miller
Jadyn Odegard
Todd Olson, Jr
Catherine Pederson
Adam Stanek
Abigayle Werth
Weddings in 2016
Stacey Lindell and Nathan Bannick
Ren Chong and Scott Simmons
Katharine Gregg and Andrew Thomas
Lacey Gador and Andrew Abernathey
Jalayna Busse and Daniel Reinhart
Amanda Guhlke and Jordan Nelson
Melissa Kath and Cory Evans
Jodi Lein and Bert Kvamme
Kayla Porter and Michael Holtan
Brooke Thompson and Zachary White
Jamie Motschenbacher and Ryan Kleven
Emily Skauge and Brock Gion
Lauren Arndt and Nathaniel Thompson
Kelsey Houkum and Nicholas Deutz
Rachel Sternhagen and Preston Johnson
Katelynn Bondy and Luke Lagergren
Alyssa Dahl and Michael Mongeau
Allyson Marthaler and Nicholas Tollefson
Stephanie Honomichl and Austin Russett
page 13
Reports
Executive Committee Report
As we start the New Year, it brings to mind Jeremiah
29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares
the Lord, plans for welfare, and not for evil, to give
you a future and a hope”.
Over the last year, we have tasked the leaders of
Trinity to openly and creatively assess the areas of
operations, hospitality, technology and facility. The
Dream Teams are continuing the analysis of each of
these areas and how to position Trinity as a church
for the future. There are many complexities of today’s
ever-changing church and we want to stay vigilant to
take Trinity’s mission and ministry into the future.
It is an exciting time for Trinity and my heart is full
with the positive energy that is not only brought on by
the Dream Teams, but also by attending Wednesday
night worship! The Wednesday night worship service is averaging 200+ people, many of whom were
not worshiping on Sunday’s. Glory be to God! And
although, reaching our mission plan goals continues
to be a challenge, working together as a congregation, we have increased our giving over 4.0% over
last year! We have so much to be thankful for.
Thank you for your support as we “welcome the
community to worship and grow in serving God”.
Alison Andreasen, Council President
Pastors’ Report
As we think about the past year, we can’t help
but think about the text from John 15 carved into
our reredos in the sanctuary: “I am the vine, you are
the branches.”
In 2016, we have indeed been God’s branches,
reaching out to one another, to our community and
to the world in many and various ways. It was a full
and exciting year for Trinity!
In addition to our many annual rituals, events
and activities, our branches bore this fruit that we
want to lift up:
• Baptized 43 children and adults into the family of God
• Affirmed the baptismal promises of 35 young men and women
• Welcomed 74 new members into the
congregational life of Trinity
• Raised over $13,000 during Lent for World Hunger - exceeding our goal of $10,000. Did you know Trinity won the Synod’s “Holy Mackerel” award this year for our efforts?
page 14
• Provided $249,623 in support of our local,
national and global mission partners. This does not include support provided through the Trinity Foundation, which will put us over $300,000 in total!
• Introduced “Jesus on the Go.”
• Started a new Wednesday worship opportunity in the fall with an average weekly attendance of well over 200 people.
• Established the Trinity Foundation Concert Series.
• Set up reGROUP, a peer to peer recovery program, as its own independent non-profit organization.
• Created our four Dream Teams to plan for the future and enhance our mission and ministry.
There is a palpable excitement and energy in the
air at Trinity over this last branch to be highlighted
– the creation of our Dream Teams. Almost 40
members have been meeting regularly for the past
six months, gathering information and discerning
ways in which we can embrace the challenges of
being “church” in the 21st century.
One clear challenge that has emerged for us
from all of the Dream Teams is the need for flexibility. From hospitality to technology to our organizational structure and even in the building itself,
the call for a more nimble approach to our ministry
together has been issued. This means change—
change in our culture, change in how we utilize
technology, change in our staffing structure and
yes, change in our building.
Change is never easy, perhaps that’s why the
image of the vine and branches is so powerful – an
image that we the church are being trimmed and
pruned to give life where it’s needed most. It may
feel scary, to risk letting go of what once bore fruit
and give something new a chance to grow– but
when we remember God is the vine, our fears are
transformed into hope, confident that God will be
with us, guiding us into a future of proclaiming the
good news of God’s grace and love.
Thank you for all the ways in which you support
our mission and ministry through sharing your time,
talents and treasure. Faithfully and fruitfully, may
we continue to nurture the branches of God’s vine
that we call Trinity as “we welcome the community
to worship and grow in serving God” in 2017 and
beyond.
In Christ,
Pastor Simon, Pastor Kristina and Pastor Matt
Dream Team Reports
In June of 2016 the then 20/20 Vision Team proposed
the following four strategic initiatives:
1. To create a culture of authentic hospitality
2. To develop a more effective operational structure
3. To improve and enhance uses of technology
4. To improve and enhance our facility
Four Dream Teams were then established to put
these initiatives into practice - Facility, Hospitality,
Operations and Technology. Each Dream Team has
provided a summary update of their work to date below.
Facility
The facility team was created to analyze and
evaluate the utilization and effectiveness of Trinity’s
current facilities, to create a master plan to guide
future growth and use of the facility, and to make any
recommendations to modify or upgrade the facility,
if needed, as a result of the facility evaluation and
master planning.
The group has been given a very large, all-encompassing task and have been diligently, if not methodically, progressing toward the stated objectives this
past year. The team has been regularly meeting
twice a month since June and includes members of
the church who work professionally as architects,
engineers, contractors and facilities managers. Some
specific activities undertaken thus far include:
• thorough observation of almost every inch of the facility and property,
• Interviews of major user groups here at Trinity,
• Identification of deferred facility maintenance needs,
• Analysis and evaluation the current usage of building(s) space,
• Site visits and facility tours of many other churches in the area.
As every member knows, physically, parts of Trinity’s current building are old and in need of attention.
Functionally, the facility team has identified areas
or parts of the building that work well for Trinity’s
mission and others that do not. Evaluation of how
spaces might be utilized, as a part of Trinity’s mission
in the future, is in progress. Some enhancements to
Trinity’s facility may be needed to realize its future
mission. For any facility enhancement project to be
considered, the team has identified five outcomes
that must be achieved in such a project. Those outcomes are:
• Create a defined front entry point for visitors and members alike,
•Implement a comprehensive building security plan,
•Create a gathering place to connect our worship spaces, provide a more welcoming atmosphere, and promote better flow through the building,
•Better utilize the building’s existing square footage,
•Address the deferred maintenance needs of our existing building(s).
Going forward in 2017, the facility team will be assessing many different options for enhancements
within our current facility confines and also outside of
it. The team looks forward to preparing a final report
to bring all of the efforts to date together in April/May
of 2017. A thank you to the congregation for your
interest, input, and support during this process.
Team members: Eric Greiff, Chair; Matt Leiseth,
Council Rep; Matt Peterson, Pastor; Jim Cole, Vision
Team Rep; Tom Knakmuhs, Vision Team Rep; Stan
Hanson, Brenda Elmer, Dee Pretty, Frank Pierce,
Taylor Dahl
Hospitality
Early in our discussions as a Hospitality Dream
Team, we realized that hospitality at Trinity is really
going to be about changing the culture of our congregation, the execution and evaluation of which, will be
quite challenging.
We are doing our best to come up with ideas that
will benefit incoming members as well as those that
have been faithfully serving Trinity for many years.
The familiar theme “It’s On Us” needs to be embedded in our brains! A sincere greeting and friendly
smile go a long way. We as people are designed
to be in communion with one another so it’s critical
people feel connected and needed at Trinity. With
that said, our team is making every effort to come up
with ideas that will connect groups of people together
where strong relationships can be formed. Here are
six areas we are focusing on:
• Signage: Better signage will help ensure our
first time guests are not frustrated and over-
whelmed with the size of our church if there isn’t a greeter around to help them.
• Welcome Team: Forming a group of people that would be ready and able to answer questions
that visitors might have. This role would perhaps go beyond Sunday mornings with team members willing to take and make phone calls during the week as well. These point people would help guide new comers to different subgroups within our church where relationships can develop.
• New Members: Developing an effective data
base of skills and interests of new members to help engage and integrate them into the life of our congregation.
page 15
• Finding and Keeping New Volunteers:
Implementing more training programs to ensure our new volunteers are comfortable and have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. We can’t lean so heavily on our same volunteers and cause them to “burn out”.
• Baptismal Families: Coming up with ways to engage and connect these young families in our church.
• Families in Distress or Homebound: Finding ways to ensure our congregational brothers and sisters feel loved and supported during difficult times. In addition to the role of the pastors, we’d like to see a team of people formed that would reach out and check on these families.
These are just six of the ideas our Hospitality Team is
discussing and developing. If any of these ideas tug
at your heart strings, please contact the church and
let us know if you’d like to help out! Trinity is blessed
to have you as a member…don’t be afraid to step out
of your comfort zone!
Team members: Amy Anderson,Chair; Kathy Benson,
Council Rep; Simon Fensom, Pastor; Sue Cavalier,
Vision Team Rep; Curt Kasper, Jon Ulven, Shawn
Bagne, Sara Hanson, Kirsten Johnson, Nat Dickey
Operations
We started with a focus on organizing the process
of how people who work at the church interact. With
that in mind we tried to answer two questions:
How do employees within the church interact with each other?
How can we maximize the effectiveness of those interactions?
So we set out figuring out how Trinity Lutheran is
currently organized. We interviewed current employees. We reviewed the current organization structure
and we reviewed the current available job descriptions. From these activities we documented and digitized all current job descriptions. In those instances
where a job description did not exist, we created one.
We also set them up in a consistent format.
We then created a formal process for an annual
review to give all employees the opportunity to engage, comment and control their work environment.
For 2017 we will be focusing on how we need to
adapt our current organizational structure to take
advantage of what we learned and examining our
constitutional structure and bylaws to help us achieve
our shared priorities:
•Reach and incorporate new people into the life of the church
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•Develop spiritual generosity to financially support the mission
•Develop members equipped for ministry and leadership
•Attract families with children and youth to our church
•Develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life circumstances
•Create more opportunities for people to form meaningful relationships
Team members: Erich Schoenfish, Chair; Ted Horan,
Vision Team Rep; Clark Tufte, Vision Team Rep; Simon Fensom, Pastor; Billi Zielinski, Paul Grothe, Lisa
Christenson, Michelle Colvert, Eric Johnson
Technology
The Technology Dream Team has been meeting
regularly. Our main focus has been to assess the
technology needs of Trinity to understand what is
working well today, where upgrades are needed to
existing services and where new technology investments could be made, in conjunction with the other
Dream Teams to help Trinity serve its mission more
effectively. Through discussions with staff, clergy and
various members, 40 different items were documented for improvement across a variety of areas including:
•Security Improvements for Preschool and staff including door security and video surveillance
•Sound, lighting and audio visual improvements in worship spaces
•Website and social outreach channel improvements
•Physical hardware updates to outdated phone and computer PC software
•Church Management System upgrades to improve efficiency with both “Member
Management” and “Church Financial Systems”
•Wi-Fi availability for all
•Internal and/or external digital signage
The Technology Dream Team is conducting ongoing
analysis in all these areas with the goal of preparing
the church council with insight, direction and cost
assessments to aid them as they build a long-range
plan for Trinity in conjunction with the other Dream
Teams. We look forward to continuing our work
throughout the winter and spring to help Trinity continue to live its mission.
Team members: Co-chairs Brian Schulz and Eric
Stenehjem; John Juhl, Council Rep; Kristina Waters,
Pastor; Keith Vogt, Lyle Nelson, Josh Barth, Rebecca
Green, Erik Ramstad, Melissa Peterson
Program Reports
Children’s Ministry Team
The mission of the Children’s Ministry Team is to nurture the spiritual growth of the children of this congregation and of the community. We nurture faith in a caring
Christ-centered environment by: facilitating teaching
and learning; incorporating knowledge of the Bible and
the catechism; providing access for and participation
of all learners; encouraging family involvement; and
providing ways for children to carry their faith into their
everyday lives.
In fall of 2016, we introduced Wednesday School in
combination with a Wednesday worship service. This
gives families the option of worshiping with children’s
Christian education on Sundays or Wednesdays. Families are free to move between the two. We have had an
amazing response to Wednesday school. Over half of
the Trinity children participate on Wednesdays!
Sunday school is going strong. We introduced a
praise band for first—sixth graders on Sunday mornings. The band members are four Trinity young adult
volunteers. The children love this musical addition to
their Sunday mornings.
During 2016, our volunteer teaching staff of about
55 adults and high school youth shared their faith with
about 325 children in Sunday school and Wednesday
school for 3-year-olds through sixth-graders. We continue to use the Spark Sunday school curriculum published
by Augsburg Fortress. We use our own curriculum for
our fifth- and sixth-graders based on recycling many
of the workshops from our previous rotation model of
Sunday school.
In August, we offered vacation Bible school for 3year-olds through sixth graders. We involved about 25
seventh and eighth grade youth as crew leaders. We
had over 100 preschool—sixth graders participate.
We offer a faith milestone for every age group—
3-year-olds through sixth-graders. These include
“Welcome, Three Year Olds!”, “My Olive Wood Cross”
(4-year-olds), Spark Story Bibles with a visit from Noah
(kindergarten), The Lord’s Prayer (first grade), Faith
Tiles (second grade), Spark Bibles (third grade), The
Ten Commandments (fourth grade), First Communion
Instruction and Bread Baking (fifth grade), and the SixthGrade Prayer Retreat. These milestones celebrate the
children’s faith journeys and encourage participation of
their families.
Funds from Sunday school offerings supported the
ELCA Malaria Campaign, Heifer International, and the
creation of gift jars of soup for seniors at Trinity that were
assembled and decorated by our fifth and sixth graders.
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.
Ministry team members: Sandra Anderson, Melanie
Barth, Sarah Bratlien, Becky Grothe, Kirsten Juhl, Pastor Matt Peterson, Kristi Stuber, Amy Vogt
Health and Caring Ministry Team/Parish
Nurse Ministry
“As each has received gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” 1Peter
4:10
We are grateful for many people who have served
in Trinity’s special ministry. We have reached out on
a variety of ways to enrich the lives of our congregation. We are also grateful for those who have supported our ministry with monetary gifts which enables
us to complete several projects.
Our Parish Nurse Ministry has been involved with
monthly blood pressure checks. There have been
Messenger articles and a bulletin board next to the
Caring Center office. The nurses led a study and support group, “Healing and Hope” which focused on living with health issues. We have also maintained the
AED device located near the Reception Office as well
as the hearing aids for the Sanctuary. We also supply
“Care Notes” which are available near the Reception
Window.
Our Friendly Visitors & Eucharistic Ministers reach
out to members who are not able be active in worship
and activities at Trinity. Members who have been
trained as Eucharistic Ministers to provide lay communion. We are working in coordination with Pastoral
visits.
page 17
The Prayer Ministers continue to offer prayer for
members and others who need support. A special
prayer activity involves prayers for all Trinity members.
The Bereavement Ministry reaches out to members who have lost a loved one. Letters along with
devotional materials are sent in coordination with
Pastoral follow up. All Saints Day activity involves
remembrance during services and we provided
refreshments during the coffee hour. This year the
Wednesday Advent Worship Service will remember
our departed loved ones and reflect on feelings which
come during the Holiday Season.
We always welcome those who would like to be a
part of our ministry.
Respectfully submitted:
Jerry Koenig, Carla Myrum, Chris Stenerson, Mary
Ann Vigen, Judy Bauman, Gail Swenson, Godela
Iverson, Char Skaff, Leann Wright, Carol Zielinski
Senior Ministry Team
Friday Fellowship is an active group of seniors
that meets once a month from September-May. A
program is planned with a speaker, devotions, music,
goodies, coffee and lots of conversation! We have
two special potlucks during the year - one in May
for Syttende Mai and one in December to celebrate
Christmas.
Several outings were enjoyed by many this year.
In June we went to a Twins game and in July we
went to Minneapolis again and saw two great musicals - “The Lion King” and “South Pacific”. Also in
July we went to Trollwood for the wonderful production of “The Little Mermaid”. In August we visited the
new Eventide facility on 51st St. in Fargo. Another
outing in August was to travel to Duluth where we
saw the tall ships come in, visited the beautiful
Glensheen mansion and had a train ride following
the coast of Lake Superior. As always, we ended
our outings with attendance at the annual Concordia
Christmas Concert and dinner together afterwards at
a local restaurant. This event always prepares us for
the Christmas Season and Jesus’ birth!
We want to thank Jolinda Michels for taking the
time to secure tickets and plan these outings for us.
We couldn’t have done all this without her knowledge
and time commitment!
We would like to encourage all Trinity seniors to
come and enjoy our fellowship together.
Marcella Gulsvig, Senior Ministry Board Member
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Youth Ministry Team/Friends in Faith
Love~Share~Serve was our theme for the year
on FiF Street. These terms were both an inspiration
and a challenge to us all as we continued to grow in
community with each other. The words from 1 John
4:7-10, “My beloved friends, let us continue to love
each other since love comes from God. Everyone
who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love
doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God
is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love. This
is how God showed his love for us: God sent his only
Son into the world so we might live through him. This
is the kind of love we are talking about—not that we
once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us
and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins
and the damage they’ve done to our relationship with
God.”, remind us that it’s not only the love of God that
brings all of us together, but also the sharing of God’s
love with our neighbors that truly makes Friends in
Faith a community.
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.
This past year the youth, alumni, and adult leaders of Friends in Faith were very active with ministry
and mission opportunities both here at Trinity, in the
community and beyond. A group of youth and adults
went to Seattle on our summer servant trip where
they shared God’s love with those around them,
learned about the community they were serving in,
and served alongside some of the homeless youth
and families in the Seattle area. Through their experiences, they were able to create many meaningful
relationships with each other and with the people
they served. 75 of our youth and adults also went on
the Houseboat trip to Rainey Lake this summer.
Here are some quotes and words of thanks from the
youth about our trips: “Houseboat 2016 was filled
with many moments I’ll carry with me forever. Singing in praise and thanksgiving to our Lord around a
campfire under a star filled sky, studying and talking
about His word, hearing His voice without the constant ring of my cell phone, the tv, and noise of a hectic life that all too often drowns out the voice of God
in my life- was a true, true gift. This trip changed me
and you helped make it possible.” “Your gifts toward
the stock program and your prayers provided me with
an endless supply of smiles, enough laughter for a
lifetime, & strong enough friendships that will last well
beyond the walls of our church! My faith was deeply
affected by the singing, questions asked/ pondered,
deep conversations and stillness in nature. Thank
you again, you will never know how much this trip
and FiF has affected my daily life!”
Along with these wonderful trip experiences, our
youth and adults were involved in small groups,
wrote and led Friday Morning Devos during Lent,
served dinners, volunteered during the God’s Work
Our Hand’s Sunday, served at Dorothy Day Pantry
and Churches United, helped with the Cost & Joy
of Discipleship events, represented Trinity at the
Sr. High Synod Youth Gathering at the Castaway
Club, went to Bible Camp, and shared their faith and
stories at the Stockholder’s Banquet. In 2017 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
Global Mission Ministry Team
The goal of the Global Mission team is to support
and highlight the ministries of the global church.
Global Mission offerings from Trinity help support the
ministries of Rev. Phil and Lou Marie Knutson
(regional coordinator in Southern Africa), Revs. Colin
and Jeni Grangaard (Young Adult in Global Ministry
coordinators on the West Bank), and the ELCA’s
Young Adult in Global Mission program. We were
able to meet our pledge to the Knutson ministry and
give additional money to Grangaards and YAGM
because of your generosity. Thank you!
Global Mission Sundays – We highlighted the global church on two Sundays, one in January and one in
July. Both services featured global songs and messages. It was a privilege to have Phil Knutson preach
at our service in July and Sarah Brock, YAGM Alumni
Coordinator, preach in January. Andrea Wright, a
YAGM volunteer, told us about her experiences in
England during our School of Discipleship hour.
Olivewood sales – With the help of Lois Balko,
we once again sold olivewood pieces. The proceeds
from these pieces help support Palestinian Christian
families on the West Bank.
If you are interested in being on our Global Mission team, please contact one of us. We are always
interested in adding more members.
Global Mission members Char Alto, Evonne Anderson, Jolene Beckman, Joan Rich, Pastor Kristina,
Pastor Simon
Trinity Lutheran Church Preschool
The Children, Parents, and Staff of Trinity Preschool
wish you and yours a very happy and prosperous
2017. This past year has been one of many personal
challenges for many on our staff and yet they are ever
dedicated and ever professional. We are so favored by
God in His care for us.
We said hello and goodbye to two staff this year. One
of our most recent teachers is an immigrant of Brazil.
We are excited to have her on our staff and are learning
much from her as she is with us as well. Although we
have seemed to have turnover in teaching staff the past
few years, we continue to retain and recruit awesome
dedicated staff. I myself began my 29th year with the
preschool this fall! Trinity Lutheran Church is such a
great place to partner with the community in supporting
and educating families wrapped in the love of Jesus.
The teaching staff are loving the iPads and tablets
as teaching tools and really appreciate the wireless
capability added to our program last year! We found
the online child assessments too costly for this year’s
budget so we are still working on paper copies, but
hope to have that ability in the upcoming years.
We submitted our quality rating portfolio through Parent Aware ,the MN quality rating system. We are awaiting our ratings score. The teaching staff trained many
hours, implemented many more of the types of learning
activities and questioning skills that they learned, and
developed strong relationships with families and one
another through this process. With God’s good grace
and in his will we hope to achieve that higher rating
score soon.
We face challenges in the new year with Moorhead
Schools’ new boundary lines, and hope to be able
to serve our current afterschool population and add
children from the Robert Asp schools. We are praying
that affordable transportation be made available to us
to continue this service.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our preschool
through your prayers, appreciation, and contributions.
We are blessed to be a part of this church.
For the children,
Kay Heidrich, Trinity Preschool Director
page 19
Lost & Found Ministry/ReGROUP
Lost and Found Recovery Center serves the region
as a Christian ministry of healing for those who struggle
with addictions. L&F is located at 111 7th St. S. in Moorhead, and is open M-F from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. with other
appointments available upon request. On July 1, 2017,
Lost and Found will observe 30 years of service.
Beth Brantner, LPCC, LADC works full-time with Lost
and Found Recovery Center providing professional
counseling for mental health and addiction/recovery
concerns. Her services are augmented by Sandy Hanson, LADC, who rents space at Lost and Found and
provides chemical dependency evaluations. Denise Peterson served as executive director and Jann Johnson
as assistant director. Denise retired as of December 31,
and Jann continues on until other leadership is decided.
In 2016, the counseling office had 402 counseling appointments and billed insurance for 275 appointments.
On average, another five to seven people walk-in every
day to talk or find resources. On Tuesday evenings,
Beth hosts a free support group on “Loving an Alcoholic/
Addict”. Average attendance is 6-8 people. A monthly
notice of events at reGROUP and Lost and Found is
emailed to over 900 emails each month. Cathy Short
manages the front desk, insurance billing, and acts as
a recovery coach when needed. Beth and Cathy offer
a free weekly mental health support group at the Clay
County Jail.
As of Dec. 31, medical insurance billing has brought
in $21,361 with more expected in early 2017 to finish
up the year for 2016. L&F started billing in May of 2016.
At this writing, L&F expects to write-off about $50,000
with much of that from lower payments from insurance
companies. Donors provided community care support
(based on a sliding fee scale) for over $15,000 to those
who requested help plus another est. $8,000 in free,
unpaid counseling services. Thank you, Donors!
The library had 843 transactions in 2016 from 219
clients. Most checked out: DVD “28 Days” and book,
Language of Letting Go. Several outdated items have
been given away to clients and friends and several
shelving units donated to other non-profits in need.
This has opened up a new seating area for clients and
friends to gather for meetings and sharing.
In 2016, reGROUP, a sister agency to L&F, received
its official 501C3 status from the IRS and has solicited
the MN DHS ADAD to move the grant from Trinity to
reGROUP. When this happens, reGROUP will become
fully independent and remain at its present location.
reGROUP is a peer-based volunteer organiza¬tion
that serves the 25 counties of northwest Minnesota
and the Red River Valley with telephone recovery
sup¬port, peer-to-peer recovery coaching, and recovery
cel¬ebrations. It is now 2.5 years into a three-year grant
from the Minnesota Department of Human Services
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department, with support
from an Otto Bremer Foundation grant, and gracious
page 20
donors. It is overseen by an elected board of directors
that began in January of 2016.
reGROUP employs a full-time site coordinator, one
part-time recov¬ery coach, and a justice outreach advocate. Former Exec. Dir., Denise Peterson retired as
of December 31, and a search will begin in early 2017
for her replacement.
2017 reGROUP stats: Telephone Recovery Support
Calls- Total of 1,590 calls made, 580 of which we were
able to make contact with the recoveree (36%). 539
out of the 580 times we were able to make contact, the
recoveree was remaining abstinent (93%). Recovery
Coaching: Total of 560 coaching sessions- 385 were
face to face, 20 were by mail and 155 were over the
phone. In 493 out of the 560 sessions conducted, the
recoveree was remaining abstinent (88%). During 2016,
84 recoverees received coaching. Activities- Total of
364 activities ranging from board meetings, fundraising
events, community events, recovery groups, trainings
and presentations. 15,107 persons were affected by this
outreach. Most of the outreach was done jointly by Lost
and Found and reGROUP. Demographics- Recoverees
by race/ethnicity: 74% White, 14% Native American,
3% Black/African American, 3% Hispanic/Latino, 6%
Other/Mixed.
2016 highlights for Lost and Found Ministry and
reGROUP with many thanks to donors and volunteers!
•Giving Hearts Day raised $24,292 for L&F
•6th Annual Mulligan Classic Golf Tournament cleared $14,300 for L&F
•The Baked Potato Luncheon cleared $2,000 for L&F
•Weekly “Loving an Addict/Alcoholic” Support Group
•Started the weekly Clay County Jail Mental Health
Support Group and weekly Road to Recovery group
at Centre, Inc. (women)
•Started taking health insurance and providing a sliding fee scale so all can get services
•March, 2016: No More Deaths Walk to bring aware ness to the heroin deaths in our own communities
•April, 2016: Transformation Breakfast with Daniel Maurer, $850 for reGROUP
•July, 2016: Rocking for Recovery Rocking Chair-
a-Thon at Ace Hardware Parking Lot
•September, 2016: Blind Joe in Concert, raised $5,000 for reGROUP; “Fed Up! Rally” at Island Park
on the heroin epidemic and need for change; “Recovery Round-Up” at reGROUP; showing of Paper Tigers with Clay County Collaborative and sponsors; hosted breakfast with local law
enforcement and luncheon with college recovery community reps.
•Staff presented at the statewide MARRCH
conference in St. Paul and at the ND Addiction Counselors Conference in Fargo.
Denise Peterson, Director of Lost & Found Recovery
Center/reGROUP
Trinity Women of the ELCA
Our mission: Mobilizing women to act boldly on their
faith in Jesus Christ.
Our purpose: As a community of women created in the
image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and
empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves
to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in
our callings, engage in ministry and action and promote
healing and wholeness in the church, society and the
world.
2016 was another great year in the life of Trinity
Women. As I reflect on how we are living the mission
and our purpose, I am grateful for the fine women of
Trinity who give selflessly of their time and talents to
support each other in our faith journey and reach out
to a hurting world in ministry.
We currently have seven Bible Study/Circles which
meet monthly for study and fellowship. Always looking
for more members, please know that all are welcome
to join these small groups.
Many thanks to our circle leaders, Loraine Kummer,
Janelle Leiseth and Jane Skunberg, Elizabeth Protextor, Carol Johnson, Janet Amundson, Maxine Kallender
and Kathy Lindquist.
The Quilters meet every first Wednesday of the
month, September-May, from 9-3:00 in Fellowship Hall.
This year they have made 128 quilts that were sent to
LWR, 50 quilts that went to local charities such as Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, YWCA Shelter, Clark Tufte
Welcome Baskets, Pathways and Native American
Indian Reservations. Thank you, faithful quilters! You
are amazing.
Lenae Harless also reports that besides the quilts
sent off to LWR, 151 personal care kits, 4 fabric kits
and 4 baby care kits have been sent to LWR as well.
The Quilters and Staff Appreciation Lunch 2016 was
Wednesday, Feb. 3 in the CLC and was a great time
of fellowship hosted by the TLCW board. Each quilter
was presented with a small gift of appreciation. The
quilters include Jean Jacobson, Marlene Bekkerus,
Ardis Sandvig, Joan Rich, Deloris Severtson, Arlys
Brantner, Vi Lien, Gloria Hanson, Char Grant, June
Hansen, Nora Koenig, Lou Troubridge, Beverly Edenborg, Brenda Oistad, Louise Grant and Lew Clefisch.
Our sincere thanks to these faithful friends who give of
their time and talents.
On Saturday, Feb. 6, Trinity Women met for a general
meeting/ breakfast at 9:30 a.m. in the CLC. The speaker
was Jacky Arness who was Miss ND 2014 and a semifinalist in the Miss America pageant. Her music and
message were very inspirational to all who attended.
The annual Salad and Pie Luncheon was Wednesday, May 4 in the CLC. What an amazing group-effort
this event was! Many of the women of Trinity banded
together in planning, set up, receiving donated salads
and pies, decorating, recruiting celebrity servers from
our community, welcoming people from all over the
area, clean up and more. This year’s beneficiary is the
Bright Sky Apartments, a 43 unit, $8.5 million apartment
building to house people transitioning out of homelessness in Moorhead. $3,500 was donated thanks to the
great success of the Salad and Pie luncheon and our
sponsors, Wright Funeral Home, Stein and Voxland Electric.
All City Bible Studies were held July 19 at Our Saviors
Lutheran and August 16 at Christ the King Lutheran Church.
On September 22nd, TLCW met in the CLC. The
speaker was Mrs. Deb Wald who gave her testimony
on faith and vocation as a choral music teacher in the
Fargo schools.
On Friday, Oct. 28, the TLCW sponsored a movie
night in the Youth Room.
Friday/Saturday, November 11/12 was the annual
Fall Bake Sale and Bazaar at the Moorhead Center
Mall. $2,166.50 was raised for our general budget and
the charities we support such as HIM Haiti Team, MSUM
Campus Ministry, New Life Auxiliary, Summer Bible
Retreat, Trinity library, Trinity Preschool, Emergency
Pantry, LWR, Pathways, Oak Grove School, Concordia
scholarships and others.
The Christmas Potluck and guest night was Monday,
Dec. 5, which included the Thank Offering of $412 and
a wonderful program by the Oak Grove Carolers.
How exciting and overwhelming if is to think of the
donated hours made by volunteers, the talents of bakers
and sewers, the musicians, the social justice advocates,
the time spent in Bible study and fellowship, the funeral
and wedding servers, those who care for youth, small
children, shut ins, the bereaved and the list goes on.
Thank you for all you do. Soli deo gloria!
And a special thanks for our faithful TLCW board:
Kathy Lindquist, President; Char Skaff, past president
and Mission Community; Mary Johnson, PresidentElect; Joy Wohlrabe, secretary; Mary Thornton, treasurer; Lenae Harless, Mission Action; and we welcome
new incoming members Sara Lau, treasurer; and Laurie
Hoium, Mission Growth/Circle Coordinator.
Peace and joy in your journey,
Kathy Lindquist, TLCW President
page 21
Bishop’s Report
(continued on next page)
page 22
page 23
Pathways Lutheran Outdoor Ministries
It was another good year for Pathways. There is
great gratitude for all of the congregations, people,
individuals and groups who have provided encouragement, financial support, prayers, campers, volunteer
assistance, leadership and partnership in ministry in all
kinds of ways – including Trinity and any many Trinity
members! THANK YOU!
Campers in the summer of 2016 caught the excitement of what “The Jesus Way” is all about. A total of
703 campers attended Pathways onsite programming
including the wet n wild program. Twenty-six campers
headed north to participate in the Houseboat Program
and 15 day camps happened in congregations serving an additional 695 campers. This compares to the
764 Emmaus onsite and wet and wild campers, no
houseboat and 518 Day Campers in 2015 for a total
increase in campers served from the previous year of
142 overall. There is much optimism for further increase
in campers served in 2017 - based on much more time
for preparation and promotion than the then new year
round staff had in 2016 and due to the offering of several
new programs.
Recent Accomplishments:
• After several years of transition in year-round
leadership a new administrative leadership staff is in place and off and running.
• An administrative “infrastructure” has been rebuilt including a new web site, new operational software
(including on-line registration) and reorganized
bookkeeping.
• Small increase in camper numbers overall with reason for optimism for further growth
• New and reintroduced programming for both
summer and retreat season.
• Growing program partnership with the Episcopal Church and selected congregations, particularly among the Native American community.
• Development of Financial Development plan that is beginning to unfold, including the reinstitution of
page 24
Pathfinder and Trailblazer individual giving clubs.
• A second year in a row with a positive financial year,
ending in the black.
• New efforts to communicate with and build
relationships with congregations and individuals
including planning for a church council visitation program to begin in 2017.
As we enter into a new season of summer camp planning and recruitment of staff and campers I would like to
point out several new programs or twists on programs
for 2017:
Houseboat - is not a new program for church group signup but Houseboat this summer also have
one week where any high school youth can sign up
individually or with friends.
Feed Minnesota - is a unique mission-learning trip
that will involve traveling around Minnesota to learn
what it means to serve those who are experiencing
hunger. There will also be time to explore beautiful MN through Stand up Paddle boarding, Kayaking, and Biking.
Hike, Peddle, Paddle - will involve spending days exploring local areas like Itasca State Park, Heart-
land Trail and North Country Trail by foot, bike and boat.
Pathways Village - Families of all descriptions, folks
of all ages have the opportunity to choose which days work best for them during the five days offered
for a time away for fun and relaxation while exploring
and sharing faith together.
Grandparent Resort Weekend at Camp Emmaus Why not spoil your grandkids with a weekend at camp with you while the camp staff does the cooking,
makes sure everyone has a great time and provides
opportunities for sharing faith together.
Trinity Lutheran Church
Proposed Mission Plan for 2017
Worship
18%
$253,070
Administration
21%
$290,227
Welcoming
8%
$109,146
Youth
11%
$158,394
Physical Plant
19%
$269,977
Education
12%
$166,964
Mission
11%
$153,347
page 25
Trinity Lutheran Church
2017 Proposed Mission Plan
2016
2017
Mission
2016
Mission
Proposed
Actual
Proposed
Income
Offering
1,200,813
Other Income
42,040
Total Income
$1,400,123
$1,242,853
$1,400,123
Expense
Welcoming
Hospitality
9,000
8,617
9,000
New Member Supplies
200
0
200
Caring Ministry
250
250
250
Small Group Ministry
250
0
250
Senior Ministry
250
158
250
Devotional Materials
2,500
1,565
2,000
Nursery Supplies
100 0
100
Trinity Transit
1,100
929
1,100
Farewell/ Welcome Expense
0
412
0
Salaries
65,122
54,242
42,806
Mileage
3,000
3,000
1,500
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
19,521
19,809
8,690
Miscellaneous Expense
500
471
500
Total Welcoming
$101,793
$89,452
$66,646
Worship
Cathedral Choir Materials
2,000
804
2,000
Celebration Singers
250
162
250
Joyful Noise
250
108
250
Research Materials
50
0
50
Bell Choirs
250
227
250
Instrumentalists
500
9
500
Communion Elements/Candles
3,000
2,459
3,000
Organ Maintenance
2,000
1,230
2,000
Piano Maintenance
800
0
800
Misc. Worship & Music
2,000
1,359
2,000
Children’s Musical
500
620
500
Minims
50
15
50
Worship, Too!
500
0
500
Handbell Maintenance
50
0
50
Trinity Brass
100
129
100
Copyright Payments
1,500
1,339
1,500
Salaries
185,054
177,141
181,073
Mileage
3,000
3,000
3,000
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
52,992
51,881
54,697
Miscellaneous Expense
500
163
500
Total Worship
$255,346
$240,646
$253,070
page 26
2016
2017
Mission
2016
Mission
Proposed
Actual
Proposed
Education
Sunday School Materials
10,000 6,624
10,000
Library
250 0
250
GIFTS Program
500 287
500
5th & 6th Grade Program
250 62
250
Salaries
105,794 105,313
107,848
Mileage
3,000 3,000
3,000
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
41,804 39,887
44,616
Miscellaneous Expense
500 0
500
Total Education
$162,098 $155,172
$166,964
Mission
Northwestern MN Synod
40,825
40,825
41,925
ELCA Churchwide(thruNWMNSynod)
40,175
40,175
41,219
Lost & Found Ministry
11,000
11,000
12,000
Lutheran Social Service
1,500
1,500
2,000
Pathways
15,000
15,000
15,000
MSUM Lutheran Student Center
1,500
1,500
1,500
Churches United
2,000
2,000
2,000
Dorothy Day House
500
500
500
Bread for the World
80
80
0
Global Missions
500
400
500
Salaries
28,549
27,271
27,206
Mileage
1,500
1,375
1,500
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
11,855
14,220
7,497
Miscellaneous Expense
500
0
500
Total Mission
$155,484
$155,847
$153,347
Youth
Confirmation Program
3,500
9,594
5,580
Youth Ministry Support
26,270
26,298
26,270
Salaries
79,484
78,022
81,242
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
40,096
40,127
44,801
Miscellaneous Expense
500
0
500
Total Youth
$149,850
$154,042
$158,394
page 27
2016
Mission
2016
Plan
Actual
2017
Mission
Plan Administration
Office Supplies
18,000
16,694
18,000
Postage
13,000
11,273
12,000
Offering Envelopes
4,000
5,565
4,000
Office Telephones
3,500
2,995
3,500
Office Equip-Repair/Mtnce
5,000
3,161
5,000
Networking Maintenance
3,000
282
3,000
Equip/Cmptr Hdwe/Software
5,000
2,080
5,000
Publicity
3,000
1,771
3,000
Transaction Fees
4,200
4,236
4,500
Synod Assembly Fees
2,000
1,550
1,500
Fair Hills Synod Retreat
1,500
1,740
1,500
Council/Staff Retreats
3,000
161
2,500
Financial Audit Fees
12,000
1,321
2,000
Salaries
178,347
173,550
173,276
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
53,908
49,817
50,951
Miscellaneous Expense
500
64
500
Total Administration
$309,954
$276,261
$290,227
Physical Plant
Repairs/Maintenance
30,000
17,275
30,000
Physical Plant-Supplies
18,000
17,497
18,000
Insurance
47,000
38,997
46,000
Fuel
35,000
21,140
30,000
Utilities
60,000
63,655
65,000
Snow Removal
10,000
2,213
10,000
Prpty Tax/Spec. Assessments
1,000
2,125
2,500
Salaries
49,412
48,526
50,409
Benefits and Payroll Taxes
14,686
14,744
16,567
Miscellaneous Expense
500
100
500
Total Physical Plant
$265,598
$226,271
$268,977
Half Time Pastor
Half Time Pastor
0
0
$42,500
Total Expenses
$1,400,123
$1,297,690
$1,400,123
Total Income
$1,400,123
$1,242,853
$1,400,123
Income Less Expenses
$0
$-54,836
$0
page 28
Trinity Preschool 2017 Proposed Mission Plan
2016 Budget
2016 Actual 2017 Proposed
Income
Tuition/Activity Fees
564,210.00
554,423.91
Transportation/ Field Trips
0.00
50.00
Other Charges/Interest
75.00
4.60
Contribution Income
100.00
0.00
Child Care Food Program
13,800.00
14,059.98
Summer Activity Fees
2,430.00
893.50
Thrivent Choice 300.00
751.00
Special Activities/field trip cost
0.00
0.00
Misc Inc. (& out) 200.00
0.00
Funding Revenue
2,000.00
256.40
Total Income
$583,115.00
$570,439.39
Expenses
Operating
Reimbursement to Church
4,000.00
4,000.00
Office Supplies
650.00
776.30
Advertising
3,300.00
3,456.67
Membership Licensing
2,000.00
1,802.50
Postage
65.00
124.30
Repairs/ Maintenance
200.00
128.81
Total Operating
$10,215.00
$10,288.58
Classroom
Photo Processing
500.00
360.98
School/Teacher Supplies
7,000.00
6,369.16
Teacher Resources
83.00
45.44
Continuing Education
2,000.00
3,578.18
Activities
4,000.00
6,252.29
Paper Supplies
7,700.00
6,295.93
Food
56,700.00
56,732.72
Cleaning
2,800.00
2,890.52
Equipment
1,500.00
395.89
Transportation
0.00
400.00
Funding
2,000.00
1,174.70
Telephone
500.00
410.22
Insurance
4,000.00
4,000.00
Summer Activities
2,000.00
3,720.55
Special Activities/field trip costs
0.00
0.00
Miscellaneous
500.00
292.82
Total Classroom
$91,283.00
$92,919.40
Compensation/Benefits
Wages
440,610.00
428,265.53
FICA
32,755.00
32,425.55
Pension
8,252.00
8,531.51
Total Compensation/Benefits
$481,617.00
$469,222.59
Total Expenses
$583,115.00
$572,430.57
Income minus Expenses
$0.00
$(1,991.18)
558,600.00
14,400.00
0.00
500.00
11,000.00
3,000.00
300.00
3,000.00
200.00
2,000.00
$593,000.00
4,000.00
700.00
3,500.00
2,000.00
115.00
100.00
$10,415.00
350.00
7,400.00
55.00
2,400.00
5,200.00
6,000.00
57,000.00
2,900.00
500.00
14,400.00
2,000.00
450.00
4,000.00
3,800.00
3,000.00
300.00
$109,755.00
432,252.00
33,024.00
7,349.00
$472,625.00
$592,195.00
$205.00
page 29
Trinity Friends in Faith 2017 Proposed Mission
Plan
Proposed
2016
2016
2017
Actual
Budget
Budget
Income
Other Income
Interest Income
85.72 150.00 100.00
Senior High General Income
345.35 300.00 400.00
Junior High General Income
850.00 300.00 500.00
Other Raised Income
310.80 300.00 300.00
Trinity Support
26,298.00 26,300.00 26,270.00
Other Income Totals:
$27,889.87 $27,350.00 $27,570.00
Dinner Event
Dinner Income
12,702.75 13,000.00 13,000.00
Fall Retreat Event
Fall Retreat Income
0.00 900.00 1,000.00
Food & Refreshments
Food & Refreshments Income
962.03 1,000.00 1,000.00
Ski Retreat Event
Sr. High Ski Retreat Income
14,225.00 11,000.00 11,300.00
Jr. High Ski Day Income
0.00 1,500.00 1,900.00
Ski Retreat Event Totals:
$14,225.00 $12,500.00 $13,200.00
Synod Yth Gathering Event
Sr. High Yth Gathering Income
260.00 1,000.00 750.00
Jr. High Yth Gathering Income
1,660.25 2,000.00 2,000.00
Synod Yth Gathering Event Totals:
$1,920.25 $3,000.00 $2,750.00
Houseboat Trip Event
Houseboat Trip Income
10,345.00 18,000.00 11,000.00
Stockholder Activity
Stockholder Donations
32,760.00 30,000.00 33,000.00
Summer Servant Trip
Summer Servant Trip
6,395.00 15,000.00 7,000.00
Total Income:
$107,199.90 $120,750.00 $108,250.00
Expenses
Friends in Faith Fund
Senior High Programming
1,282.54 1,500.00 1,300.00
Junior High Programming
232.82 1,600.00 600.00
Sunday School Exp
39.72 400.00 200.00
Other Activities & Events Exp
809.29 1,500.00 1000
Materials & Equipment
485.31 1,500.00 1,000.00
Friends In Faith Fund Totals:
$2,849.68 $6,500.00 $4,100.00
Dinner Event
Dinner supplies
6,823.19 9,750.00 7,500.00
Fall Retreat Event
Fall Retreat-Travel
0.00 1,200.00 1,000.00
Fall Retreat-Supplies
0.00 800.00 500.00
Fall Retreat-Other
0.00 2,500.00 2,000.00
Fall Retreat Event Totals:
$0.00 $4,500.00 $3,500.00
page 30
Proposed
2016
2016
2017
Actual
Budget
Budget
Food & Refreshments
Food & Refreshment Expenses
758.49 1,000.00 1,000.00
Nat’l Yth Gathering Event
Nat’l Yth Gathering-Meals
(42.07)
0.00 0.00
Ski Retreat Event
Ski Retreat-Travel
5,000.00 5,000.00 5,500.00
Jr. High Ski Day
0.00 2,000.00 2,000.00
Ski Retreat-Other
11,566.78 17,000.00 13,000.00
Ski Retreat Event Totals:
$16,566.78 $24,000.00 $20,500.00
Synod Yth Gathering Event
Sr. High Registration/Other
2,830.00 2,000.00 3,000.00
Sr. High Travel
0.00 350.00 600.00
Jr. High Travel
0.00 1,500.00 1,500.00
Jr. High Registration/Other
1,360.00 6,200.00 9,000.00
Synod Yth Gathering Event Totals:
$4,190.00 $10,050.00 $14,100.00
Houseboat Trip Event
Houseboat Trip-Travel
3,300.00 4,500.00 3,750.00
Houseboat Trip-Supplies
2,333.07 2,750.00 2,750.00
Houseboat Trip-Food
2,369.93 5,000.00 3,500.00
Houseboat Rental
21,124.73 20,000.00 23,000.00
Houseboat Trip Event Totals:
$29,127.73 $32,250.00 $33,000.00
Stockholder Activity
Stockholder-Supplies/Other
1,693.52 1,000.00 1,800.00
Summer Servant Trip
Smr. Servant Trip-Travel
9,000.00 13,000.00 8,000.00
Smr. Servant Trip-Lodging
7,335.28 9,750.00 8,270.00
Smr. Servant Trip-Meals
1,275.14 4,500.00 3,000.00
Smr. Servant Trip-Supply/Other
4,267.44 3,700.00 4,250.00
Summer Servant Trip Totals:
$21,877.86 $30,950.00 $23,520.00
Counselor Training
Counselor Training
12.29 750.00 500.00
Boy Scouts
Boy Scouts
45.00 0.00 0.00
Total Expenses:
$83,902.47 Income - Expense:
$23,297.43
$120,750.00 $109,520.00
$0.00
$0.00
page 31
Trinity Lost and Found Ministry
2017 Proposed Mission Plan
Income
2016 Budget
2016 Actual 2017 Proposed Budget
Library Mat Rest
200.00 - Hospitality
200.00 - Donations & Memorials
30,000.00 34,765.20 30,000.00
Donations Today & Tom.
- 45.00 Reimbursements
- 1,130.89 500.00
Other Income
- 1,000.00
Trinity Luth Support
10,000.00 13,063.83 11,000.00
New Space Rental Inc
10,200.00 9,350.00 10,200.00
Rental Income
17,880.00 14,980.00 13,080.00
Gullings Trust Revenue
(see below) (see below) 19,108.00
Congregation Benevolence
6,000.00 4,314.50 5,000.00
Endowment Revenue
(see below) (see below) 5,592.00
Project Seed - Trin FD
5,592.00 5,592.00 5,580.00
FFS Intervention
15,000.00 1,200.00 1,000.00
Fundraising Events
48,000.00 34,548.73 35,000.00
FFS Counseling
45,000.00 20,321.97 30,000.00
FFS CD Eval
3,000.00 2,125.00 2,000.00
Advertising
- (235.94)
Grants Income
3,000.00 1,000.00 14,400.00
Release of Client Assistance Fund
- 1,761.75 Project ACT
- - Renovation Fund
15,000.00 - Total Income
$209,072.00 $143,962.93 $183,460.00
Expenses
Printing
Lease Expense
Office Expense/Postage
Travel/Continuing Ed
Continuing Education
Professional Fees
Promotion & Advertising
Hospitality
Miscellaneous Expense
Youth Development Expense
Business Development Expense
Exp for Service CD Eval
Telephone/Internet
Exp for Svce Intervention
Exp for Svce Counseling
Exp for Service Retreat
Subscriptions
Newsletter
Equipment/Software
Salaries
Salaries-Counseling
Utilities
Printing Srvces IN-Kind
Fundraising Event Expense
Repairs & Maintenance L&F
Insurance
New Spce Cap Camp Renov
Real Estate Taxes
Cleaning
Payroll Taxes
License Renewal/counselor
Memberships/Fees
Credit Card Service Fees
Total Expenses
page 32
1,000.00 1,621.40 4,600.00 1,010.70 3,000.00 1,992.20 500.00 3,040.41 500.00 617.85 4,000.00 5,027.17 5,000.00 9,110.02 1,000.00 331.66 500.00 953.72 100.00 - 500.00 225.00 - 4,000.00 4,838.07 500.00 500.00 1,549.76 500.00 20.00 250.00 5,000.00 3,632.23 2,000.00 1,100.39 135,600.00 139,042.58 - 12,000.00 10,044.37 - 9.72 9,000.00 5,142.83 4,000.00 1,092.07 3,000.00 6,160.00 - 2,850.00 2,466.00 750.00 594.91 10,756.00 10,590.86 500.00 545.00 500.00 743.10 1,000.00 314.44 -
$213,406.00 $211,816.46 1,000.00
3,600.00
2,300.00
500.00
500.00
5,000.00
4,000.00
500.00
500.00
4,500.00
500.00
1,000.00
250.00
4,000.00
2,000.00
115,300.00
10,500.00
6,000.00
3,000.00
3,200.00
2,500.00
8,821.00
550.00
750.00
500.00
$181,271.00
2016 Budget
2016 Actual
Library Materials Expenses
Library Materials - Budget
1,000.00
3,383.41 Renovation Expense
15,000.00
- Total Library Expenses
$16,000.00
Total Expenses
$229,406.00 $215,199.87 Income Less Expense
(-20,334.00)
$(71,236.74)
before End/Gull
2017 Proposed Budget
1,000.00
$1,000.00
$183,271.00
$189.00
Endowment/Gullings Trust Income / Expenses
Endowment Revenue
4,624.00 4,624.00
Endowment Unrealized G/L
- 1,147.68
Endowment Div&Int Income
- 5,497.66
Endowment Allocations
- (4,624.00)
Endowment Mgmt Expenses
- (1,305.47)
Gullings Trust Revenue
19,108.00 19,108.00
Gullings Unrealized G/L
- 17,767.77
Gullings Tr Div&Int Income
- 14,955.43
Gullings Realized G/L
- 2,172.40
Gullings Trust Allocations
- (19,108.00)
Gullings Trust Expenses
- (4,852.43)
- Total End/Gull Income/Expenses
$23,732.00 $35,383.04
Income Less Expense after End/Gul
$3,398.00 ($35,853.70)
4,624.00
19,108.00
$23,732.00
$23,921.00
page 33
NOTES
page 34
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page 36