SAINT ANSGAR LUTHERAN CHURCH

COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA and MINUTES

Sunday, February 2, 2025

 

Present: Betty Spence, Elaine Hammer, Pastor Erika Breddin, Andrea Boose, Cary Craig, Lori Miller, Tina Varney

Absent: Crystal Oberheu, Blake Halverson

 

Call to Order

By: Elaine Hammer at 11:13 a.m.

Devotions

Elaine Hammer

Approval of January 2025

Council Minutes

Motion:     Andrea Boose           Seconded: Tina Varney

Approval of January 2025 Treasurer’s Reports

Motion:     Lori Miller             Seconded: Andrea Boose

Mary Sand noted she has been busy with tax filings, tax prep and has been preparing the gambling and nonprofit reports. She also noted we gave the Synod no money in 2024. Per our established contribution formula, we should have donated $1400; however, there are no extra funds in the budget. Council will discuss this at the upcoming annual meeting to obtain the congregation’s input. Thanks to Mary who volunteers many hours to compile monthly financial reports and tax documents.

        Committee Reports

Old Business

None to discuss

New Business

1. Vice President - Council unanimously voted Cary Craig as the council vice president.

2. Mission Cross – Tina announced the new mission cross bulletins are printed. Per request from Mary last month, Tina moved Lowell’s mission month one month earlier.

3. Lent – Council discussed the upcoming 40 days of Lent. Pastor is working on the service. Elaine will meet with Cathy from Zion to schedule the Wednesday services and discuss meals at the two churches. Pastor said Zion offered to host the bread service. Lori noted last year several Zion people attended services and meals at St. Ansgar while few St. Ansgar members attended the meals or services at Zion. Due to minimal attendance and assistance with Lenten meals, Lori suggested we consider foregoing them at St. Ansgar.

4. Spring Rummage Sale – Andrea will work with Marcy on details for the spring rummage sale. No updates from last month.

5. Wartburg Choir – Elaine will contact Wartburg to discuss the logistics of Wartburg singing at St. Angar.

6. Safety Plan – Council discussed the potential for intruders to enter the church after service begins and whether we should lock the doors prior to the end of the service. There were mixed feelings about potentially locking a latecomer out with the need to protect the congregation. Council will discuss this at the upcoming annual meeting and obtain input from the congregation.

Property

1. Sensors - As required by our insurance company, we have installed emergency sensors by the office and the pulpit. There are two sensors for water leaks, two for fire and two for intruders. These sensors have straps that when pulled, auto dial 911.

2. Boiler – Joel has parts for the boiler and will install them at his earliest convenience. Thanks to Joel for keeping the box of tin running.

3. Cans and bottles – Thanks to Elaine and Marv who shlep the many bags of bottles and cans to the redemption center. Also, thanks to those who donate. We’ve increased our bottom line by $91.00.

Outreach/Fellowship

1. Quilters – Changed their meeting day to Mondays. All those interesting in participating can join the quilters. You do not need sewing skills. Check out the sewing room downstairs and be inspired.

2. Souper Bowl Day of Caring – We will host a luncheon on Feb. 9th. All are invited to attend.

 

Worship Committee St. Ansgar/ Zion

1. Lent begins March 5 – the schedule of services will be announced once it has been solidified.

WELCA

No report

Worship

1. Easter lilies - Tina will be ordering Easter lilies. Council noted the poinsettias were difficult to see on the floor and asked the lilies to be placed more prominently. Details will be forthcoming.

 

Children & Youth

No report

Pastor’s Report

Pastor will be taking vacation February 17th to the 23rd. Pastor has been responding to requests for visits and is available as needed. She noted she is actively involved in two United Church of Christ boards, which meet in the evenings.

 

 

Adjournment and next council meeting

The meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.

The next council meeting is March 9, 2025, following church.

Meeting minutes submitted by Lori Miller