Council Minutes
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH SUDBURY, ONTARIO
Minutes November 7, 2024
Present on Teams: Ken Kauffeldt, Dan Zadow, Sheila Haaranen, Darren Radey, Arnold MacMillan, Jackie MacMillan, Pastor Tom Arth, Doug Ashick, Brian Koivu ,Terry Wurster (6:54 pm)
DISCUSSION: ACTION BY:
1. Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:35 p.m.
2. Devotions
Pastor Tom led the devotions based on Mark, chapter 11. A copy of the devotions are attached to these minutes.
3. Agenda
Sheila distributed a draft agenda ahead of the meeting, and added the following items at the meeting:
Sheila noted that she will be relocating to Toronto in a couple weeks, and asked that someone take over the position of Chair until the Annual Congregation Meeting.
M/S to accept the agenda as amended with flexibility. Carried.
4. Minutes
Minutes of the October 7 th meeting were circulated by Darren ahead of the meeting. No changes were noted
M/S to accept the Minutes as read. Carried.
5. Report of the Pastor
Pastor Tom noted that since the last Council Meeting, his ministry has included presiding at Sunday worship, recording weekly devotions, writing a column for the newspaper, and making some phone calls to parishioners. Pastor Tom also noted he has recently taken two weeks of vacation time, which leaves him with one more which he’d like to take between Christmas and New Year. This would include Sunday, December 29. Pastor Tom will see if Pastor Paul is able to supply that Sunday, and if not, he’ll plan a service of lessons and carols to be led by one or more of our lay people.
The Synod office sent a request for congregations to provide an ornament, to be hung on their tree, to be included in the Eastern Synod Christmas Greeting photo. Sheila suggested the option that the Sunday School and Kristine could make one, and Pastor Tom suggested that we could re-purpose one of Trinity’s many decorations. Jackie suggested an historic crocheted ornament made by a Church member. Jackie to look through the decorations and suggest one. Ornaments must be received by December 13 to be included in the photo.
M/S that the Report of the Pastor be accepted as presented and attached. Carried.
Jackie
6. Treasurer’s Report
Brian provided an update to council in advance:
1. Brian attached a copy of our ELFEC Investment Statement for the third
quarter. The financial markets are on "something of a heater" (industry vernacular). To the end of September, the market value of our Investment Account has increased by just under $15,000 net of fees on the year. Almost half of that increase was in the 3 rd quarter. At the meeting it was reported that we were showing an operating loss of $10,229 in our general account. Factoring in the Investment Account gains (including those which are unrealized) our adjusted results for the 9 months ending September 30th reflect an accounting surplus of $4,676.
3. Brian attached a copy of the Statement of Operations which includes a comparative to budget.
a. Revenues - we are below budget in terms of Current Offerings but slightly ahead for Rental Income. Overall income receipts are negative to budget by $3,381.
b. Expenses - overall we are positive or below budget by $6,445.
4. Restricted Accounts:
a. Building Fund:
i. January 1 - $13,919
ii. Receipts - $403
iii. Disbursements - ($2,500) - deductible for A/C repairs
iv. September 30 - $11,822
b. Memorial Fund:
i. January 1 - $26,479
ii. Receipts - $3,385
iii. September 30 - $29,864
5. Finally, Brian noted that the Farmer's Almanac is forecasting higher than average snowfalls for the coming winter.
M/S to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Carried.
7. Business Arising
Sheila noted that the programmable thermostats have been installed. Doug noted that there are 4 lockable covers for the thermostats, which are to be installed in the next few weeks
Suggestions for a Stewardship event were discussed. Jackie noted a tea social could be held after Church on Sunday – Jackie to review with her committee for ideas. Pastor Tom noted that time might be tight before Christmas, and suggested perhaps we should consider an event early in the new year
For the redirection of water away from the church, Doug noted he purchased 100 feet of 4-inch diameter drainage pipe, so that water from the eavestrough can be collected and directed away from the building. He noted that he would need a volunteer to dig a trench to install the pipe. He also noted that if it’s not done in the next few weeks, that we will need to wait until Spring
Doug noted that there is likely enough salt and sand for the Winter, but that we will keep an eye on it and buy more as needed
Brian suggested that we consider scheduling the annual Congregational Meeting for the last Sunday in February after Church, to ensure there is enough time to complete the financial audit. The date is February 23, 2025.
Doug
8. Program and Committee Reports
Worship and Music – Sheila thanked everyone who helped for Diane’s
celebration. Darren also thanked everyone, and noted that Diane and the
entire family had a wonderful day
Christian Education – Pastor Tom noted that Kristine is planning the
Sunday School Christmas Pageant, to be held on December 15
Social and Stewardship – already discussed, see above
Property – already discussed, see above
9. Other Business
Sheila noted that she will be relocating back to Toronto in the next few
weeks, and will be stepping down as Council Chair. Sheila noted she
would be happy to remain on Council until the annual Congregational
Meeting in February. Terry offered to step up as Council Chair until the
annual meeting
Brian noted that with Minimum Wage increasing in Ontario on October 1, there will need to be adjustments made to the custodian wages, and recommended a comparable adjustment to the secretary wages. Based on the approximate hours per year, this would equate to approximately $900 per year. Terry suggested also revisiting the organist wages; Brian noted that they will also be updated in 2025.
M/S to increase the custodian wages to match Minimum Wage in Ontario, with retroactive pay to October 1, 2024; and to provide the same corresponding wage adjustment for the secretary. Carried.
Terry
Brian to make adjustments as necessary, and prepare cheques as required
Ken asked a question regarding attendance, and whether attendance
numbers should include those who are attending online. Pastor Tom noted
that attendance numbers should not include those online. Terry confirmed
that with the current streaming configuration, it is not possible to tell how
many people are attending online.
10. Next Council Meeting
The next council meeting will be December 9, 2024 at 6:30 pm. Darren to send out Teams invitation.
11. Adjournment and Lord’s Prayer
Pastor Tom led the Lord’s Prayer. Meeting adjourned at 7:16 pm.