January 22, 2017

2016 Annual Report

TEACHING

THE

WORD

REACHING

THE

WORLD

South Santiago

Lutheran Church

2016 Annual Meeting Minutes

Page 2

2016 Annual Report

1. Call to Order by Joy Hurd at 9:25am. Quorum declared present for business.

2. Opening prayer by Pastor Mike Pancoast.

3. Adoption of Agenda. Moved by Brad Thom, second by Todd Drayna. Motion passed; agenda adopted as written.

4. 4. Review our mission & purpose/value statement-all present read as led by Pastor Mike. Mission Statement:

“Teaching the Word, Reaching the World”, Purpose/Value Statement: We will pursue our mission in this way:

We are a congregation whose core values seek changed lives through the power of the Holy Spirit by forming &

sustaining life-long personal faith in God through Christ Jesus. We practice this by engaging in cross-

generational ministry and radical hospitality as it is revealed by God’s Word, connecting with others within our

congregation, our community, and the world.

5. Election of Council Members

a. Nominations opened. Following nominated: Joy Hurd, Bert Robb, Barb Marsh, Jim Kocherer, Scott Bursch.

Nominations closed. Motion by Julie Jarvi, second by Richard Harshman to cast unanimous ballot since there

are 5 open positions and 5 people nominated. Motion passed. Council members to meet after meeting to verify

which persons will fill 3-year, 2-year and 1-year position.

b. b. Youth/Young Adult position. Nominations opened. Joy nominated Melody Swanson. No other nominations.

Motion to cast unanimous ballot since there was only 1 nominee for the one open position by Todd Drayna,

second by Dani Priebe. Motion passed.

6. Reports

a. Moved by Bill Empting to accept President’s Report and Secretary’s Report (minutes from 2015 meeting),

second by Julie Jarvi. Motion passed.

b. Treasurer’s Report. Moved by Jeanette Harshman to accept report. Second by Barb Marsh. Motion passed.

7. Election of Delegates to Synod Assembly (3 positions—must split male/female). Nomination of Curt and Julie

Jarvi and Walt Munsterman. No other nominations. Motion for unanimous ballot since 3 people nominated for

the 3 positions by Mark Swanson, second by Scott Bursch.

8. Consideration of Congregation Budget—narrative budget. Adoption moved by budget committee, no second

required. Budget was discussed with no changes. Motion passed.

9. Consideration of changes to SSLC Constitution—moved by Richard Harshman, second by Bill Empting.

Explanation: this is to match the model ELCA constitution with discussion, no changes proposed. Motion passed.

10. Other Business—Pastor’s report—goals identified that are joint with the congregation membership.

11. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Adjourned at 10:20 a.m.

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2016 Annual Report

2017 Annual Meeting Agenda

Church Council - Re-organization Meeting for 2016 Council

No Minutes from this meeting are available.

1. Call to Order

2. Opening prayer

3. Adoption of Agenda

4. Review our mission & purpose/value statement Mission Statement: “Teaching the Word, Reaching the World “

Purpose/Value Statement: We will pursue our mission in this way: We are a congregation whose core

values seeking changed lives through the power of the Holy Spirit by forming & sustaining life-long

personal faith in God through Christ Jesus. We practice this by engaging in cross-generational

ministry and radical hospitality as it is revealed by God’s Word, connecting with others within our

congregation, our community, and the world.

5. Election of Council Members

a. Three 3-year positions: Scott Bursch, Steve Bachler, Mark Swanson, (further nominations

allowed from the floor)

b. One Youth/Young Adult position (3 years)

6. Reports

a. President’s Report

b. Pastor’s Report

c. Treasurer’s Report

d. Secretary’s Report

7. Election of Delegates to Synod Assembly (3 positions—must split male/female) on June 9-10 at Gustavus

Adolphus in St. Peter, MN.

8. Consideration of Congregation Budget—narrative budget

9. New Business

10. Adjournment

11.Close meeting with the Lord’s Prayer

Council President

2016 was a busy year for the church council. Through the grace of God, and

generous support, we were able to get some of our to-do list accomplished.

The stucco failure on the outside of the church was analyzed, repaired, and

repainted. Additional gutters were put on to prevent problems in the future.

Issues with the heating were taken care of as they came up. The carpet was put

on hold, partly due to an error the previous year when we did not estimate enough

in the budget. The playground equipment underwent repairs, and will be finished up this spring.

The Narthex lighting was replaced with LED lights which will be a more economical use of our resources.

All of those things were handled by our very dedicated Building Committee. We are very blessed by

everything those volunteers do!

Due to age, our microphones and speakers were failing. Speakers have been donated, and the council

approved the purchase of new microphones. It is our hope that these will make spreading God’s word a

more meaningful and enjoyable experience.

An Audit Committee was formed, and will begin the task of making sure we are following good financial

procedures.

We worked with the Personnel Committee to finish, and approve job descriptions for most of the staff.

They are finalizing a contract form to be used, so the current council can easily tell what has been agreed

upon in the past. We are hoping this will be updated yearly. That group will also look at a previously

created Staff Handbook and tweak it for council approval.

The Stewardship Committee is also in the process of reorganizing. They will provide a vital link to help us

identify what we are capable of.

My hope, going into the New Year, is that we can find ways to strengthen our communication with each of

the committees. The people on those committees are imperative for supporting our Mission and

Purpose/Value Statement. They are doing a wonderful job, and we need to find out what we can do to

make it better.

Going forward, we have a church that is nearly 15 years old. We anticipate there will be unforeseen

repairs starting to come up. As a council, we are trying to keep those things in mind, while also trying to

ensure that in the process, our Mission is not compromised.

If you feel God is calling you to help us reach any of these goals, or to go beyond and realize new

opportunities, let us know!

Joy Hurd – Council President

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2016 Annual Report

2016 Annual Report

Page 5

Pastoral Care in 2016

New Members

*Jerad, Cheri, Julias, Lincoln Hendricks

*Jared & Ashley Engdahl

*Tim, Tanya, Cole Gilberts

*Tony, Carla, Tommie Griffin

*Josh & Kallyne Harren

*Krystil Iverslie, Dallas & Delyliah Patterson

*Glen Kaas

*Matthew, Desiree, Peyton, Brooke Murphy

*Cary, Deb, Dylan, Colton Rauch

*Rick, Pauline, Madisen, Eric Temple

Home, Hospital, and other Visits: 124

Pathfinder families in Process:

Pre-Marriage: 1

Pre-Membership: 19

Baptisms:

*Brendan Stang—son of

Christopher & Elizabeth Stang

*Brynlee Lawson—daughter of

Joshua & Casey Dahlmeimer-Lawson

*Cegan Hickman—son of Jon & Amity Hickman

*Kaden Traut—son of Adam & Tara Traut

*Ava Boser—daughter of Ashley Boser

*Clayton Hallquist—son of

Jeremy & Elizabeth Hallquist

*Miles Bistodeau—son of

Jared & Christine Bistodeau

*Jackson White—son of

Christopher & Karen White

*Lily Schmidt—daughter of

Adam & Dayna Schmidt

*Elliot Johnson—son of

T. J. & Tamara Johnson

*Everly Free—daughter of Corey & Jenna Free

*Cody Campbell—son of

Blake & Morgan Campbell

*Brynn Timm—daughter of

Michael & Amanda Timm

Funerals:

*Ronnie Campbell

*Rex Bjorkland

*Barbara Kydd

*Clinton Cox

*Jeffrey Doering

*Susan Golding

*Judy Peterson

*Greg Schendzielos

*Marlene Hollinder

*Dee Schendzielos

2016 Annual Report

Youth & Family Ministry

Page 6

This year I celebrated a decade of ministry at South Santiago. In a field with a high

burnout, high turnover rate this is not only a professional success but also a

testament to the gifts of this congregation. Starting out I hadn’t imagined I would

be here for more than a few years. I hadn’t imagined starting seminary and would

have never fathomed the idea of becoming a pastor. Over the last decade this

congregation has encouraged, pushed, and empowered me for the uncertainty of

a future lived out in the life of the congregation.

That same encouragement has been witnessed in the lives of the young people that have been raised as a part of

this mission and ministry. Whether teaching in classrooms, serving overseas, leading ministries, or repairing a

vehicle each of the young people that have become a part of our congregation have, and continue, to recall with

fondness their experiences at SSLC.

As we keep an eye toward the future we are always looking for new ways to invite young people to lead and own

worship within the ministries of SSLC. Wednesday nights seek to empower young people to lead by serving in all of

the roles vital to worship. They are invited to lead the liturgy, or serve communion, speak about their faith, and use

their gifts to guide others in worship. If you haven’t had a chance to join us on Wednesdays, please consider

coming to support them and to walk with them in their faith journey.

This year was our largest mission trip yet with 62 students and adults serving in Niagara Falls, NY. I am continually

grateful for the students and adults who head out to serve communities without reservation. Their hearts for

service is a great witness to this congregation and the community of faith they have been brought up in. We realize

fully that we could not send this many people without a great deal of generosity and support from each of you.

Thank you for helping make a lasting impact on our young people.

Our Backpack Buddies program is and remains a vital part of the Becker Community. This year we packed about

2,500 meals for the 2016-17 school year and will continue to provide meals to those students who are struggling.

Our 2017 partnership with Hope Avenue in Minneapolis is a great opportunity to grow in our service to the larger

world and a chance to give back those in need. If you would like to partner with us we head out every second

Sunday of the month.

Thank you for your part in all the ways our young people feel encouraged, loved, and support in their faith through

your generosity, prayers and support. We cannot do this ministry without your gifts however great or small. We are

grateful for your part in “Teaching the Word, Reaching the World.”

Respectfully,

Jeremy Hallquist

Director of Youth and Family Ministries

2016 Annual Report

Board of Education Report

Page 7

We have approximately 60 children enrolled in Sunday School. Several new families registered their children

after our VBS this past summer.

We sang 5 times for worship with approximately 15-20 children singing each time.

We held our two annual Parents Nights Out; one in February and one in December. Approximately 20 kids

attended each. 5-10 youth came to help out while members of the Sunday School board chaperoned

the events.

We had record breaking attendance at our VBS this past summer with 81 kids. VBS was successful

because of our awesome energetic youth and our parents who supported, volunteered, and provided for the

VBS program. New families were introduced to our church through current families invitations and through

fliers handed out at the Becker Freedom Days parade. Thank you to all who helped in one way or another.

We planted our garden again this year and were able to fill every week with families to help tend to the garden

and donate all of the produce to the Becker food shelf. Thanks to all who helped out!

We had a float in the Becker Freedom Days parade. We handed out fliers that advertised our church and VBS.

We are in our 3rd year of doing Bible Bucks. Kids are encouraged to learn bible verses, practice

doing devotions at home, and remember the answers for bonus trivia.

The teachers are teaching the 3rd year of curriculum that correlates to Pastor Mike’s sermons. We have 5

awesome teachers and 5 great youth who bring the stories of the Bible to our children. We are blessed with

these teachers!

We continue to support Ken Jerrick from the Philippines as our sponsor child.

Children in Kindergarten – 3rd grade received Bibles in the Fall.

We hosted our annual Fall Festival this year with several new attractions. We changed the time to have it

following the 10:30 service and had over 30 families participate.

Advent Craft Day was a hit again this year having 8 stations and many happy kids covered in glitter.

We ended the year with our Christmas program combined with the Cantata and they gave a stellar

performance. Thanks to all who help make this a true Christmas miracle.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4

As we close on 2016, I look back at all the events and times where we as a congregation have helped a child

become closer to God our Savior. It warms my heart to know that Gods love it working through us to reach our

children. May 2017 be filled with many more opportunities to bring a child to know God more. Our Sunday School

board has 7 members who meet once a month to plan activities and events that helps grow our children’s faith.

Thank you all who have helped the Sunday School program with your gracious gifts, volunteering, prayers,

teaching, and sharing of love. May God bless you all.

Karla Zerwas, Sunday School Superintendent

2016 Annual Report

Page 8

Building and Grounds Report

PROJECTS COMPLETED IN 2016

Repair of heating and air exchange systems

Updated light bulbs in narthex with LED bulbs

Wasp control in garage

Stucco repair on various areas on outside of church

Gutter replacement and addition of longer downspouts

Lawn mowing and snow removal and many other jobs done by

member volunteers

We set up an account for future maintenance as our build is getting older and

will need repairs such as shingles (3-5 years) and other upkeep

UPCOMING PROJECTS FOR 2017

Clean and resealing of wood in the canopy area

Bird netting under canopy area

Parking lot light outlet repairs

Spring burning of native plant area as recommended

Replace light bulbs in sanctuary with LED bulbs

Annual spring and fall check of heating systems

Carpet replacement in narthex?

A special thanks to all of the volunteers for doing tasks such as lawn mowing, furnace filter changes,

changing light bulbs, snow plowing, prayer garden upkeep, repair work, plus many other tasks .

God’s Blessings,

Rich Alickson

Building and Grounds Chair

Committee Members: Ralph Johnson Gary Lindsey Walt Munsterman

Bill Rogers Shane Mekeland Luke Bluhm

2016 Annual Report

Page 9

Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer’s Report

1/1/2016 12/31/2016

ASSETS

Petty Cash $300 $300

Checking-Frandsen Bank $38,197 $15,580

Money Market –Frandsen Bank $11,999 $56,165

Mission Investment Money Market $2,955 $4,170

Buildings & Grounds $1,646,643 $1,646,643

TOTAL ASSETS $1,700,094 $1,722,859

LIABILITIES AND FUND BALANCES

Mission Investment Fund Mortgage $657,101 $633,608

Accrued Expense -$354 $188

TOTAL LIABILITIES $656,747 $633,796

General Fund $39,868 $65,359

Building Fund $3,029 -$622

Local Benevolence Fund $2,044 $1,173

Net Fixed Assets $989,543 $1,013,035

Jr & Sr High Youth Fund $5,975 $7,225

Mission Scholarship Fund $2,460 $2,460

BackPack Buddies Fund $428 $431

TOTAL FUND BALANCES $1,043,348 $1,089,063

TOTAL LIABILITES & FUND BALANCES $1,700,094 $1,722,859

2016 Annual Report

Message from Bishop Jon Anderson

Page 10

“Rural Minnesota is changing, not dying,” - Kelly Asche Center for

Small Towns at the University of Morris

Not everyone in our synod lives in rural Minnesota, but we all are part of God’s church which is facing new

challenges and opportunities. “The church is changing.” Inside the challenges, we find opportunities that are a

call from God for personal and communal renewal. We have less cultural support for our people’s participation

in a church, professing and living our faith. It is an opportunity to deepen people’s sense of identity.

We have over a hundred congregations with fewer than 50 people at worship a week. This means

almost every pastoral transition requires a frank assessment of the sustainability of the current ministry model

of staff, solo, multipoint parishes. We are always reforming.

Many of our congregation’s average age has grown significantly older. This is raising questions about their

future. With intention, congregations can invite new generations into leadership.

In many communities, we are having difficulty connecting to people who have fewer resources and who have

participated in less formal education. Some of our congregations have difficulty reaching out to young adults.

The Good News is for all people.

Our seminaries have 40% fewer students than thirteen years ago. This creates a challenge to attract leaders

and extend the length of calls for congregations and rostered ministers. Together we have all that we need.

Many generous giants, who have previously supported the lives of our congregations, are no longer

able to do so. We are learning new ways to gather resources to sustain our congregations, synod, and

churchwide ministry.

We have prayed and wrestled with the question, “What does this mean?” After much prayer,

thought and conversation we have come to believe we are called to, “Embrace God’s Mission

- Equip God’s People.” God has embraced us in God’s mission through Jesus Christ. God

invites us to embrace the mission field of today with its challenges and opportunities. God

calls us to equip all God’s people to live their lives of faith, to gather and serve in

communities of faith, while also hearing God send us to care for all people and God’s world.

Our callings are all about inviting people into a relationship with our gracious God we know

most deeply in Jesus through word, sacrament, and community.

We are called to Deepen Congregational Vitality. Congregations are called to be “mouth houses” where we hear the

Gospel in many ways and where we share and build up our faith. We are called to deeper faith, hope and love to-

gether in Christ. Renewal begins with you and me.

This year we will be lifting up faith practices because God works in and through these ancient practices to

transform our lives, our communities and our world. Our inviting, forgiving, generous, encouraging, loving God calls

us to be inviting, forgiving, generous, encouraging and loving people. God sends God’s Holy Spirit to call us to faith,

call us to worship, to grow and study and be strengthened so God can send us out to live out our callings and love

God’s whole world. During this coming year, in Facebook posts, we will highlight faith practices like we did in

December with our 30 Days of Prayer.

God calls us to deepen our capacity and open doors to all people, those who have many resources and those who

have little. We are called to be inviting people back into the community of Jesus who have struggled in faith or in

relationship to God’s people. We pray for them and find ways to listen and learn.

2016 Annual Report

Page 11

We are called to care for those who have never had much contact with our faith and its traditions. Instead of seeing

people who are different as a problem, we need to see our new neighbors as gifts and opportunities. In the coming

year, we will work on communication, learning from one another and deepening our capacity to engage people with

new doorways.

We believe God is calling us to Enhance Local and Global Mission. A recent conference in our region emphasized

that we are called to grow and love all our children in our families, congregations, and communities. In our research

for our strategic planning, we learned that we have a serious issue with food

insufficiency in the communities of Southwestern Minnesota. We also know we are

called to develop the capacity to competently receive the gifts of neighbors whose

history and culture is different than ours. What an exciting time to be synod together.

Our long-standing commitment to global mission helps us as we seek to reach out to

the world of people God is bringing into our synod. Most people who are moving here

come from other parts of our state and our country, but some come from other parts

of this amazing world. We want to sustain our work with our companions in Christ from Southern Africa, while also

encouraging congregations to engage their local communities and be more aware of the needs of people in their

midst. Whether our new neighbors become Christians or not, we are called to love all our neighbors and witness to

our Lord Jesus. One thing we can share with people of no or other faiths is caring for people who are hungry. One of

our best events this past year had us working with people of many kinds in St. Cloud making food for people who

did not have enough. We are “Better Together.”

Healthy congregations function like our circulatory system. We are called by God toward God’s heart and God’s

word and sacraments in public worship and personal devotion. In the Bible Study, prayers, hymns, sacraments,

mutual conversation and consolation we are nourished with what we need to go and be sent to our many callings in

this world as family, neighbors, citizens, workers and stewards of this creation.

Finally, we hear God calling us to Develop Servant Leaders. While we

need to talk about pastors and other rostered ministers, every one of the

baptized is called to grow deeper in faith, hope, and love as followers of

Jesus. All the baptized serve in a gathered and scattered church. We are

called to equip, knowing that God does the most important equipping for

lives of faith, meaning, and purpose.

Our synod has a history of depending on other synods to help us grow our

pastors. We have been a consumer of pastoral candidates requiring other synods to provide 30-50% of the pastors

we need to serve our congregations over the past decade. As retirements increase and fewer candidates attend

seminary, we must deepen our ability to encourage people who have the gifts for ministry, invite them to listen to

the question of God’s call to ordained ministry and support them in their formation. If you had to boil down the work

of our synod to a single word, it is the word “Equip.” It is what God does through the Holy Spirit. It is what each of

our congregations is called to do for all God’s people. Two weeks before Christmas we took three phone calls from

people who God have been wondering if God is calling them to serve in some way. In the coming years, we will walk

with these people and seek to help them discern if God is calling them to become pastors: it requires an internal

and external call. We give thanks for all the mentoring and supervising pastors and internship committees and

many others who support seminarians with prayers, encouragement and resources. I am thankful for the many gifts

of the past year, the great team of rostered ministers, synod governance, and staff I serve alongside. “Together,

by God’s Grace, together we have all that we need in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod and our lives together

in Christ. “

2016 Annual Report

Page 12

2017 Proposed Budget

SSLC Statistical Information

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Young Adults Confirmed 14 19 15 22 13 20

Baptized 16 17 5 16 6 13

First Communion 19 15 33 22 20 12

Member Funerals 4 6 1 4 2 8

Graduates 24 15 17 18 17 17

New Members Received 41 13 30 0 33 30

Transfers Out 0 14 11 17 12 11

First (Kinder. & 5th grade) Bibles 15 17 13 30 29 26

Member Weddings 2 2 0 0 6 1

2016 Budget 2016 Actual 2017 Budget

INCOME

General Fund Income $215,000 $249,351 $215,000

Building Fund Income $73,000 $46,540 $75,840

Other Fund Income $2,703 $2,983 $3,025

Total Income $290,703 $298,874 $293,865

EXPENSE

Total Pastor Expense $98,941 $93,772 $102,595

Total Salary $76,097 $69,291 $77,467

Total Payroll Taxes $6,602 $7,058 $6,632

Total Lay Expense $1,250 $187 $250

Total Music Expense $6,158 $10,293 $4,990

Total Utility Expense $10,010 $9,418 $10,380

Total Building Maintenance $26,070 $24,401 $31,519

Total Administration $9,774 $10,212 $10,265

Total Youth Expense $5,130 $4,993 $7,825

Total Adult Education $200 $211 $200

Total Worship Expense $5,000 $6,245 $5,500

Total Outreach Expense $10,300 $11,551 $8,995

Total Loan Expense $51,000 $50,237 $50,200

Total Expenses $306,532 $297,869 $316,818

Difference -$15,829 $1,005 -$22,953

2016 Annual Report

Women of the ELCA 2016

Page 13

Altar Guild 2016

Balance Forward 01/01/2016 $3,044.88

Income

Cookbook sales $40.00

Memorials $950.00

Quilt memorial gift 100.00

Craft and Bake Sale $1,531.70

Spring & Fall Thankoffering $1,841.04

“It’s a Girl Thing” luncheon $731.00

Ice Cream Social $95.00

Total $5,288.74

Available Funds $8,333.62

Expenses

Sunshine Committee Cards $74.64

Quilting Supplies $927.75

Synod Convention Offering $200.00

Convention Registration $202.30

Postage $29.00

Kitchen Supplies $135.98

Craft Fair expenses $286.50

“It’s a Girl Thing” luncheon supplies $1,026.28

Staff Christmas gifts $250.00

Prayer Shawl yarn supplies $154.35

Youth Mission Trip donation $200.00

Total $3,486.80

Ending Balance $4,846.82

Opening Balance 01/01/2016 $711.32

Income

Soup Suppers $581.00

Total $1,292.32

Expenses

Funeral Pall $246.00

Communion Supplies $438.92

Flowers for altar $168.38

Gift Card $25.00

Total $878.30

Ending Balance $414.02

2016 Annual Report

Page 14

Cemetery Board 2016

January ELCA Well Water Projects $179.05

February ELCA Hogs and Kisses $685.23

March Place of Hope-St. Cloud $437.46

April Lutheran Social Services $177.24

May Church of St. Mary in Melrose $290.43

June ESCSA-SED $160.91

July Relay for Life-Becker team $233.79

August SCSU Campus Ministries $151.37

September Compassion International-Step into my Shoes $423.52

October God’s Global Barnyard $784.10

November Muscular Dystrophy $187.63

December None $0

Noisy Offerings for 2016 Every fourth Sunday we collect a Noisy Offering (loose coin, bills thrown into a metal pot to make noise) for a

specific area of need. With the check that we send, we send a letter with the following statement explaining our

donation.

“We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. An important part of our

mission is following Christ's call to witness to the whole world. Part of our outreach includes

receiving a "noisy" offering of coins on the fourth Sunday of every month which is then

designated for a mission/outreach beyond the walls of our own church.

Many years ago, our church was lost to a horrible arson fire. In the aftermath of that event, we

received a shower of blessings of churches and individuals that helped us regain our

ministry. From that day, we determined that generosity, outreach and hospitality would be

first priorities for our congregation.”

Opening Balance 01/01/2016 $2,604.05

Deposits

Interest $34.49

Cemetery lots $250.00

Total $284.49 $2,888.54

Expenses

Youth Mission Trip $500.00

Lot refund $250.00

Lettering on War Memorial stone $500.00

Total $1,250.00

Ending Balance $1,638.54

Page 15

2016 Annual Report

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS

Joy Hurd

Todd Drayna

Luke Bluhm

Bert Robb

Barb Marsh

Jim Kocherer

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Kris Mateyka

Dawn Drayna

Denise Fowler

Amity Felton

Deb Rauch

WORSHIP AND MUSIC

Marvel Paulson

Holly Klinker

Carol Michaletz

Ginny Kampa

Alberta Brown

Dee Holt

YOUTH BOARD

Jeremy Hallquist

Amy Lear

Marianne Lindsey

Steve Bachler

Molly Loven

CEMETERY BOARD

Sexton: Bill Rogers

Treasurer: Marvel Paulson

Members: Rich Alickson,

Richard Harshman,

Carol Michaletz

Sandy Empting

BUILDING & GROUNDS

Walt Munsterman

Gary Lindsey

Rich Alickson

Ralph Johnson

Bill Rogers

Luke Bluhm

Shane Mekeland

MONEY COUNTERS

Nancy Alickson

Barb Marsh

Mark Swanson

Rosalie Klinker

Melanie Niday

Tammy Miller-Hess

Ralph Johnson

Dee Holt

MUTUAL MINISTRY

Walt Munsterman

Tammy Miller-Hess

Luke Bluhm

Tammy Alickson

Scott Bursch

HEAD USHERS

Mike Peabody

Dani Priebe

Scott Alickson

Ryan Johnson

Kevin Kampa

Richard Harshman

Rich Alickson

Bert Robb

Mark Swanson

SHARING MEALS MINISTRY

Roberta Bistodeau

Dee Punton

SW MN SYNOD CONFERENCE

**Delegates Needed

LIBRARIAN

Rosalie Klinker

BEFRIENDERS MINISTRY

Marlene Olson

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

**Needed

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

Brad Thom, Mark Swanson

HISTORIAN

Holly Klinker

ALTAR GUILD

Sandy Empting

FUNERAL COORDINATOR

Church Office

GRADUATE QUILTERS

Shelly Bluhm

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Mark Swanson

MISSION QUILTERS

Shelly Bluhm

CHOIR DIRECTOR

Heidi Hansen

PRAYER CHAIN

Carol Michaletz

RELAY FOR LIFE CANCER WALK

Donna Pozorski

SUNSHINE COMMITTEE

Sandy Empting

WOMEN OF SSLC

Cheryl Ellingson

Nancy Alickson

Jeanette Harshman

Roberta Bistodeau

Tammy Alickson

Barb Marsh

LANGE HOME LIASON

Dee Punton

Committees/Groups for 2017 This is not a complete or final list, all members are welcome to be part of any group.

Just let us know if you are interested.

Page 16

2016 Annual Report

Thank you to all those who served this year: *All families who donated baked goods for the Craft

and Bake sale;

*Julie Johnson for planning and organizing the Craft

and Bake sale;

*All families who made lefse and helped in any way

serving for the Craft and Bake sale;

*Bill Empting, Lester Krei and Ralph Johnson for setting

up the Christmas tree;

*Adele Munsterman for donating kids crayons;

*Dee Punton for making and donating the fresh winter

outside floral decorations;

*Karen Jensen for making a prayer shawl;

*Buster Graning and our mystery person(s) for snow

removal;

*Roberta Bistodeau for organizing and hosting a

FANTASTIC Christmas party! ;

*Rich Alickson for repairing and re-installing

our mailbox;

*All families who helped with stations for Advent Craft

Fair Sunday;

*All families who donated turkey stamps and cards for

Thanksgiving (we filled 6 cards!);

*Dee, Mike and Abby Punton for planning and

organizing the Christmas party for the Lange

Home residents;

*All families who helped with the Christmas party at the

Lange Home;

*All families who helped with the Advent Candle

Lighting reading each week;

*Heidi Hansen, all choir members, and Sunday School

students for their Christmas Cantata event;

*All families who contributed toward gifts for the annual

Giving Tree;

*Sara Gallus for organizing and coordinating the annual

Giving Tree;

*Jeremy & Ellie Hallquist, Matt Murphy, and Brad Thom

for special music during offering;

*Luke Bluhm and Mark Bistodeau for building a manger

for the Cantata;

*Donna and Danyell Pozorski for donating kids goody

bags for Christmas;

*Halle, Cooper, and Lauren Bluhm for special music

during offering;

* Families who donated turkeys and hams for families

in need;

*Jerry and Judy Atwood for donating items for the kids

Christmas bags;

*Buster Graning, Scott Ulsby, Lester and Pat Krei for

snow removal;

*Rich and Scott Alickson for taking down the Christmas

tree and changing light bulbs in the building;

*Tim Gallus for adjusting and repairs on the

worship projectors;

*Rich Alickson for resupplying our sand/salt mix

for the sidewalks;

*Shelly Gilmore for making a prayer shawl;

*Bill and Sandy Empting for donating and installing

shelving in the kitchen storage room;

*David Whitcomb for donating fabric and yarn to the

Women’s Ministries;

*Glen Kaas, Richard and Jeanette Harshman, Rich and

Nancy Alickson, Marilyn Humble, and Sandy

Empting for working at the Campbell funeral;

*All families who brought gifts of food for the

Campbell funeral;

*Cheri Hendricks for coordinating our booth at the

Becker Expo;

*All families who volunteered to help at the Expo;

*Donna Pozorski for donating paper cups and plates;

*Sandy Cox for donating prayer shawl yarn;

*All youth who helped label water bottles for the

Becker Expo;

*Gary Hammer for repairing the light fixture on the

nursery wing;

*Jeff Bluhm, Richard Harshman, and Lester Krei for

snow removal;

*Mark Swanson and Kelly Bergman for their service on

Church Council;

*Patty Simmons and Debbie Goenner for making

pillow stuffing;

*Walt and Adele Munsterman for donating candy, kids

toys and copier paper;

*Ralph Johnson for donating building

maintenance items;

*Ron and Lavonne Gilyard for donating altar flowers;

*Altar Guild members for serving soup supper on

Ash Wednesday;

*All youth and mentors for helping with Lenten worship;

*Dennis and Lucille Schuette for donating

communion wine;

*Youth group families for serving Lenten soup supper;

*Marvel Paulson, Jeanette and Richard Harshman,

Carol Michaletz for newsletter mailing preparation;

*Glen & Carol Kaas for donating children’s books;

Thank you to all those who served this year:

*Walt and Adele Munsterman for donating office

stationery and paper;

*Karen Jensen for making and donating a prayer shawl;

*Bill Empting for making a wooden box for

communion wafers;

*Donna Pozorski for making covers for the communion

serving dishes;

*Choir group and Altar Guild for serving soup suppers;

*All Meals Ministry families who have helped with

meals for the Lysdals;

*Heidi Hansen and all members of the choir for a

GREAT Palm Sunday cantata;

*All Sunday School students for singing during Palm

Sunday worship;

*Tammy Alickson and Billie Van Lith for organizing the

Youth flower fundraiser;

*For all families bringing goodies for Easter Sunday

fellowship time;

*All who helped lead worship services for Holy Week;

*Luke Bluhm, Mark Bistodeau and Corey McCalla for

replacing the steeple light bulbs;

*Bill Empting for making 3 wooden boxes for

communion wafers, and a wooden file for the nursery

utility closet;

*All families who donated Ham cards (we filled 8

cards!);

*The anonymous family giving through United Way;

*All families who donated coats and winter clothing for

coat drive;

*Gary Hammer for replacing a ballast in the nursery;

*Marvel Paulson and Nancy Alickson for newsletter

mailing preparation;

*All families that brought gifts of food, and helped in

any way for the funeral of Barb Kydd;

*All families who helped with the packing event for

Backpack Buddies;

*All families who donated undergarments for the

Undy Sunday drive;

*Marlene Olson for donating coffee cups;

*Judy Olson for decorating communion cup gifts for the

First Communion students;

*All families who helped during worship on April 10;

*Mark Bistodeau for lawn mowing and cleanup.

*Randy Bader for sprinkler system repairs;

*Tammy & Scott Alickson, Billie Van Lith, Marianne

Lindsey, and Tammy Alickson’s sisters for organizing

the flower fundraiser deliveries;

*Shane Mekeland and Theron Cabinets for building

faith chests;

*Mark Bistodeau for tilling the kids garden and

lawn mowing;

*Barb Marsh, Cheryl Ellingson, Roberta Bistodeau, and

all others who helped with “It’s a Girl Thing” event;

*All families who supported the Relay for Life

team fundraiser;

*Curt Jarvi for bringing all garage sale items to Becker;

*All families who donated time to man the garage sale;

*To our quilting group who lovingly give their time to

make these gifts for our graduates: Nancy Alickson,

Ella Arneson, Shelly Bluhm, Alberta Brown, Sandy

Empting, Debbie Goenner, Jeanette Harshman, Dee

Holt, Marilyn Humble, Holly Klinker, Nita Lerdahl,

Marianne Lindsey, Carol Michaletz, Marvel Paulson,

Patty Simmons. Thank you for your dedication!

*The Mielke, Hanzlik, Baldry, and Fowler families for

tending the kids garden;

*Walt Munsterman for outdoor building maintenance;

*Marvel Paulson for newsletter mailing preparation;

*Families that helped with our float in the Becker

Freedom Days parade: Zerwas, Fowler, Klimmek,

Baldry, Ament; *Roberta and Mark Bistodeau for weeding the prayer

garden and the street sign flowerbed; *Glen and Carol Kaas for donating a coffeemaker;

*Walt and Adele Munsterman for donating candy;

*Tim Gilberts for returning the parade trailer;

*All families who helped with or brought gifts of food for

the Clinton Cox and Jeff Doering funerals;

*The Gilberts family for caring for the kids garden;

*Todd Drayna for driving the parade float ;

*Kenny Howe for the use of his trailer.

*Pancoast family for tending the kids garden;

*Rich Alickson for building maintenance;

*Haus family for tending the kids garden;

*Judy Olson for leading worship;

*Rich and Scott Alickson for building maintenance;

*Tim Gilberts for lawn mowing;

*Dennis Schuette and Olsen Pancoast for delivering the

aluminum cans to the recycling station;

*Hendricks family for tending the kids garden;

*Heidi Hansen and Helen Swanson for special music on

July 17;

*To all adults chaperoning the mission trip for their

leadership to the youth ministry;

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*Felton family and VBS kids for tending the

kids garden;

*Mark Bistodeau for fertilizing the apple trees;

*Lester and Pat Krei for donating kids snacks;

*To all families who donated gifts of food for VBS;

*To all who helped with a FANTASTIC VBS this year; *A

HUGE THANK YOU to Karla Zerwas for her hard work

and dedication to planning and organizing VBS;

*All Education Board members for their

preparation for VBS;

*Prokott family for tending the kids garden;

*Bill Empting for building maintenance;

*Richard and Jeanette Harshman for donating clocks;

*Walt Munsterman for grounds maintenance;

*Angela Spinler and Sammie Mekeland for

reorganizing the Kids Activity bags;

*Dennis and Lucille Schuette for donating

communion wine;

*Ruth Thom for garden tending;

*Mark Bistodeau for pressure washing the

playground set;

*Nita Lerdahl for quilt fabric shopping and

preparation;

*Tammy Alickson for sewing mission quilt bindings;

*All families who donated school supplies for our

HUGE drive!

*Walt Munsterman for grounds maintenance;

*Denny Bloch for playground maintenance;

*All families that gifted their time for “God’s Work, Our

Hands” events; We raised $255 for the Becker schools

with coupon clipping! ;

*Glen and Carol Kaas for donating storage tubs;

*Lonnie and Carla Suckert for donating quilting

supplies and yarn;

*Rich and Scott Alickson for building maintenance;

*Shane Mekeland for building faith chests;

*Patty Simmons and Debbie Goenner for

making pillow stuffing;

*Jeff Bluhm for property maintenance;

*All families who donated food and clothing for the

youth scavenger hunt;

*Sandy Empting for decorating for the fall season;

*Rich Alickson for building maintenance;

*Greg Prokott for re-staining the kids playground set;

*Walt Munsterman for repairs and maintenance on the

log church and for insect control;

*Bill Empting for sanding and staining on the

entry canopy;

*Lester and Pat Krei for delivering the food and

clothing to Hope Avenue;

*All families who donated food and clothing for

Hope Avenue;

*All who helped to load the trailer for Hope Avenue;

*Ella Arneson, Angela Spinler, Sammie Mekeland and

Shelly Bluhm for prayer garden fall cleanup;

*Norm’s Market in Becker, and Don and Diane

Pappenfus for donating pumpkins for the Fall Festival;

*Karla Zerwas and the Education Board for

organizing and putting on a GREAT Fall Festival;

*Roberta Bistodeau and Becky Bursch for

contacting their funeral serving group members;

*All families who helped with or brought gifts of food for

the Judy Peterson funeral;

*Richard Harshman and Shane Mekeland for posting

the road signs for the Craft and Bake Sale;

*Randy Bader for winterizing the sprinkler system;

*All families who helped with or brought gifts of food for

the Greg Schendzielos funeral;

*Mark Bistodeau for lawn mowing;

*Kim Wipper for yarn donations;

*Adele Munsterman for wall decals;

*Rich and Scott Alickson for building maintenance;

*Ruth Thom for fall cleanup in the kids garden;

*Bill Empting for picking up and redeeming the

aluminum cans from the collection trailer;

*All families who helped with or brought gifts of food for

the Marlene Hollinder funeral;

*Walt and Adele Munsterman for office

paper donations;

*Walt Munsterman for building maintenance;

*Rich Alickson, David Kisner, Richard Harshman, Lester

and Pat Krei, Ralph Johnson, Ryan Johnson and Buster

Graning for snow removal;

*Shane Mekeland and Rich Alickson for delivering and

setting up the Christmas tree;

*All families that participated in the mass packing for

Backpack Buddies.

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Thank you to all those who served this year:

Thank you from:

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Department of Veterans Affairs St. Cloud, MN: Thank you for the generous gift of quilts.

They are very much appreciated by the Veterans

that receive them.

We appreciate your support to the St. Cloud VA Health

Care System and our nation’s Veterans.

Many thanks for your support in our loss of

Ollie. The beautiful funeral service meant a

great deal to our family.

Lonnie Christopherson and family

What a wonderful way to give back to our

young community of children battling stress

and depression associated with suicide.

We will forever continue to protect each and

every one, and the families who have broken

hearts because of this.

It is greatly appreciated that we and all

victims are in your prayers.

Thank you and God Bless,

Dylan’s Hope Foundation

Thank you so very much for the very kind donation so we can

provide a home and resources for our veterans!

Eagle’s Healing Nest

THANK YOU FROM ESTHER GUNDERSON:

Thank you all for the many cards, gifts, prayers and

visits from all my dear friends at SSLC. It is very

appreciated! A special thank you to Pastor Mike for

his prayers and visits at my home and at Monticello.

You are all very welcome to visit when I return

home this week. Blessings to all! Esther

THANK YOU FROM

GINNY LYSDAL Thank you all so much for the many cards, calls

and visits during my recovery. A special thank

you to all the Meals Ministry

families, it is very appreciated! The Clinton Cox family: A heartfelt thank

you to all who served in the kitchen and who

brought gifts of food for Clinton’s funeral.

Thank you! FROM OUR RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM: Thank

you all for your support of and contributions

to our team, the walk on July 22 was very

successful! We raised $4,482! A special

thank you to all our teammates for helping to

make the walk a success!

THANK YOU FROM BECKER SCHOOLS

Thank you so very much for the school supplies! We

cannot express our gratitude in words! Your generosity

is amazing! They will certainly be put to good use

for students in need. We appreciate your

kindness very much!

Thank you to everyone who donated to our October

Noisy Offering of God’s Global Barnyard for a total

of $784! We were able to send gifts of 3 pigs,

2 goats, 3 honey bee hives, 2 sheep, 13 chickens,

and 3 cow shares! Thank you!

Kylie Nielsen: Thank you so much for the

beautiful quilt, I will treasure it forever!

Erica Brovold: Thank you for making the

beautiful quilt for me! It fits perfectly on my

bed at college in the fall! Thanks so much

for spending so much time for us every year!

THANK YOU FROM

RICHARD AND JEANETTE HARSHMAN:

A special thank you to all who sent cards and

expressed condolences upon the death of

our son-in-law Chuck Lundeen. Your support

is very appreciated!

2016 Annual Report

South Santiago Lutheran Church 14675 - 37th St. Clear Lake, MN 55319 Phone: 763-662-2048 Email: sslcoffice@izoom.net Website: www.sslcmn.org Pastor Mike Pancoast

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday at 8 & 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion offered every Sunday and Wednesday Wednesday Youth Activities Youth 5th - 12th Grade at 6:30 p.m. Office Hours Monday - Thursday 8 am-3 p.m.

Looking forward to a great year in 2017! We look forward to new opportunities to step out in faith, service to our neighbor, and a renewed mission

for the year.