Council Minutes
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH SUDBURY, ONTARIO
Minutes September 9, 2024
Present on Teams: Doug Ashick, Ken Kauffeldt, Terry Wurster, Dan Zadow, Sheila Haaranen,Darren Radey, Arnold MacMillan, Jackie MacMillan, Pastor Tom Arth
Treasurer: Brian Koivu
DISCUSSION: ACTION BY:
1. Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:33 p.m.
2. Devotions
Pastor Tom led the devotions, based on Matthew, chapter 21, with a lesson about authority.
3. Agenda
Sheila distributed a draft agenda ahead of the meeting.
Pastor Tom suggested an additional item to discuss two separate celebration services: one for the 40 th Anniversary of Pastor Paul’s Ordination; and one for the 65 th Anniversary of Diane playing the organ
M/S to accept the agenda as amended with flexibility. Carried.
4. Minutes
Minutes of the June 10 th meeting were circulated by Darren ahead of the meeting.The only revision proposed was Item 10. Next Council Meeting. The date of today’s meeting in the minutes to be revised from September 16, 2024 to September 9, 2024.
M/S to accept the Minutes as revised. 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 columns for the newspaper, attending the Synod Assembly, attending our Coffee House, and visiting members of the congregation. Pastor Tom noted that he will be taking two weeks of vacation at the end of October, from October 20 to November 2, and he has made arrangements for Pastor Paul to lead worship on those two Sundays (October 20 and 27). Pastor Tom also offered to prepare a report and devotion for the next council meeting, as he will be away during that time.
M/S that the Report of the Pastor be accepted as presented and attached. Carried.
6. Treasurer’s Report
Brian provided an update to council, with full financial statements for the first six months of the year, including:
The Report of the Treasurer and Financial Reviewers
Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet)
Statement of Operations (Profit & Loss)
Notes to the Statements
The results for July and August generally include the following:
1. July Current - Revenues of $11,097.00 against expenses of $11,535.96
leaving a small deficit of $438.96 for the month.
2. August Current - Revenues of $16,274.33 less expenses of $11,674.96
leaving a surplus of $4,599.37 for the month.
3. Revenues for August were supported by a couple of one-off items. We
received our HST rebate for the January to June period (of $2,143) and
$2,250 from one of our members via the United Way.
4. The Year-to-date results to the end of August show Current Revenues of
$101,454.42 against Current Expenses of $111,846.65 leaving a deficit of
$10,392.23 before investment income (+/-) is considered.
5. Current Offerings via envelope (including PAR and Direct Deposits) were $9,627 in July and $10,426.38 (not including the amount via United Way) in August.
6. Memorial Fund - $1,000 was received from a single donor in August and $3,330 has been received year-to-date. The single donor should be privately and quietly acknowledged.
7. The reconciled Current Account (bank) balance at the end of August was $27,633.77
8. Greater Sudbury Utilities (GSU) Hydro and Water Billings. We are on an
equal billing plan with GSU, so the amount remitted remains the same
month over month. The actual charges have been reconciled and it appears that our hydro usage has increased dramatically for 2024 when compared to 2023. The increased usage during off-peak hours is particularly noticeable. Our year-to-date hydro costs (net of rebates) at $4,268 exceeds the total for all of 2023 at $4,003. As of the end of August we have an Equal Payment Plan balance of $2,608.
9. There have been rate increases which explains some of this but as noted it is the usage that is the main driver. Brian has spoken to John Hamalainen on this, and he is recommending the acquisition of a digital (programmable) thermostat for the lower fellowship space.
10. We are incurring lower water costs in 2024 so good news there.
11. Total Benevolence offerings to the end of August were $9,546. This is
below the year-to-date budget commitment of $10,667.
M/S to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Carried.
7. Business Arising
Sheila thanked those who participated in the BBQ. It was noted it was very well received
Sheila noted that the air conditioning system installation with a protective covering has now been completed. The insurance claim has also been signed off, and the cheque issued
Sheila also noted that the approved bank signing officers for the church have been updated
As noted in the updated agenda, Pastor Tom suggested holding separate celebrations to mark some special milestones – the first being the 40 th anniversary of Pastor Paul’s ordination, and the other being the 65 th anniversary of Diane playing the organ. Pastor Tom suggested September 29 th for Diane’s celebration, and October 6 th for Pastor Paul’s celebration.
Darren to confirm with his family calendar for September 29, and Pastor
Tom to confirm with Joan for October 6
Post Meeting Note: November 10 is confirmed for Diane, October 6 confirmed for Pastor Paul
8. Program and Committee Reports
Worship and Music – Pastor Tom noted the Open Mic/Coffee House was well attended, and a lot of fun. Pastor Tom also noted that the video broadcasts of the church services are watched by many, and we have received very positive feedback. Terry noted that a third camera has been installed (at no cost to the Church), to help improve the recording quality
Christian Education – Pastor Tom noted that Christine has started Sunday School lesson planning, and that there are currently 5 children registered
Social – Jackie noted that the social committee is happy to take care of the celebration arrangements for Diane’s and Pastor Paul’s celebrations
Stewardship – Brian mentioned that offering update letters have been sent out to the congregation. There has been some discussion about holding a stewardship event in November. Pastor suggested a stewardship meal, but it was noted that those who would normally attend are the ones who normally contribute, so this is not likely to be effective in increasing offerings. This idea to be revisited. Brian noted that there is normally an increase in offerings after the regular update is provided, but cautioned about doing these too frequently
Property – Arnold to work with John Hamalainen and investigate the use of a programmable thermostat for the heaters in the basement
9. Other Business
Sheila to talk to Elaine about the muffin collection. Sheila noted that it looks like there are some changes being proposed, to support the hospice.
Elaine to also provide an update to the congregation on September 29 when she reads
Brian noted that Pastor Johanna from New Hope will be leaving, and moving back to Finland
10. Next Council Meeting
The next council meeting will be October 7, 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 7:21 pm.