Church Council Meeting Minutes
Date: October 19, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Meeting called to order by: Kevin Bock I
N ATTENDANCE: Jan Arends, Kevin Bock, Chris Christensen, Tracie Fischer, Jeni Rudenick, and Jared Zollner
ABSENT: Pastor Jon Wendt and Joel Schoer
REPORTS
● Pastor’s Report (taken from Pastor’s written report that was left in Pastor’s absence)
○ Had the Scenic Valley Conference meeting. Talked about combining conferences due to lack of pastors.
○ Attended Synod Theological Conference. The main topic of discussion was Christian Nationalism vs Patriotism vs Christ. A lot of discussion was also held regarding the rise of people who are in need and how churches are using benevolence funds to help. Rising health insurance rates were also discussed.
○ Continues to look at the possibility of an ecumenical Thanksgiving service with St. Anne’s Church.
○ Synod gathering is set for November 20-21st. Only one person has registered to attend.
○ National Gathering Priority registration opens on Wednesday the 21st. Looking to take 12-15 youth. Many have expressed interest in going, however only one has paid the deposit. The youth are making and baking pies as a fundraiser to offset costs.
○ Vacation Bible School is set for June 14-17th. It will be led by Shetek Lutheran Ministries. The education team decided to go with them due to their availability and lower cost. ○ A baptism has been requested for December 5th.
○ The Celebrate inserts had been donated to us in the past, however at the end of the year, we will not be receiving them anymore. The church uses 5. The smallest amount we can order is 50 at $4.29/quarter. Currently looking for other options.
○ The dedication plaque came in for the digital sign out front. The family decided on the wording. We need to figure out where on the sign to place it and that should complete this project.
● Secretary’s Report
○ The minutes were emailed to the council following the September meeting with copies available at the October meeting.
Approval: A motion to approve the October minutes was made by Tracie Fischer and seconded by Jared Zollner. Motion carried.
● Treasurer’s Report
○ Balances were presented as follows:
■ Checking: $9,675.88
■ General Savings: $7,328.55
■ CD (7 months @ 3.55%): $32,000.00
■ Building and Repair: $1,860.78
■ Memorial Savings: $11,911.36
■ Scholarship Savings: $1,706.71
■ Scholarship CD: $10,300.00
■ Youth Group: $5,369.42
● A motion was made, by Jared Zollner, that when the CD matures, $25,000 will be deposited into Savings with the balance going back into a CD. Seconded by Chris Christensen. Motion Carried.
Approval: A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was made by Tracie Fischer and seconded by Jared Zollner. Motion Carried.
OLD BUSINESS
● Jeni stated she spoke with Tim Iverson. Clements Lumber measured for the weather stripping, but has not submitted the cost to him yet. Jeni will continue to follow up.
● Office Computer: Jared reported that he did check into pricing. At one place the cost was over $1000. Best Buy was around $600-$700. He felt that the one at Best Buy was more than enough to accommodate our needs. It was decided to wait and see what the prices are with the holiday sales coming up. There was a discussion if we could let Jared purchase a computer when he found one. A motion to authorize Jared Zollner to spend no more than $800 for the purchase of a computer, submitting the receipt for reimbursement, was made by Jan Arends and seconded by Chris Christensen Motion carried.
● Finding people to fill the 3 vacancies on the council is proving difficult. A few church members have been asked with no responses.
NEW BUSINESS
● There was a fraudulent charge made to the bank card. Any money that was subtracted from our account was reimbursed. No money lost. A new card has been received and will be activated soon.
● There are some old banquet tables that we no longer use and are taking up space. Kevin will let Kelly Rohlik know that she can dispose of them.
● Service Point Electric to look at new lights behind the cross and the ballasts. Chris will call and remind Bailey of this.
● There are some dead bushes next to the church. A church member would like to remove them and fill in the empty space.
ADJOURNMENT
● A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Jared Zollner and seconded by Jan Arends at 7:57 pm. Motion Carried.
● The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 17th at 7 pm.
● The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.