Faith Lutheran Church Council Minutes-July 9, 2026
Attending council members: President - Lori Pietsch, Vice President - Randy Gustafson, S.A.M. - Ralph Flitter,
Treasurer - Jane Piepgras, Kathy Guyer, Deacons - Sherri Gustafson, Mary Feder, Cindy Lehman, Trustees - Chad Becker, Ben Odegard, BOE - Steph Odegard, Julia Young, Patti Young
Lori Pietsch called the meeting to order - Ralph Flitter opened the meeting with a prayer.
Secretary’s Report: Reviewed May minutes as printed in the newsletter.
Treasurer’s Report: June expenses were $10,648.26 and receipts $8,876.13.
Trustees Report: Satisfied where the budget is mid-year. Reported an increase in Centerpoint Energy monthly budget billing $396 to $592. Church CD was renewed for 5 months at an interest rate of 3.65. Dumpster has been requested for the week of VBS. Discussed budgeting more dollars for Synod Assembly costs. Will meet with Ryan Visher, Watonwan Emergency Management & Safety Director, who will assist with plans to mitigate disasters that could possibly affect our church. Will contact Elite Electrical for repairs to the church bell.
Deacon’s Report: Deacons will cover Altar Guild for the months of July and August. Ralph has requested that intinction be offered as a communion option one communion Sunday in August.
Board of Ed: The 2027 Tri-Annual Youth Gathering will be held in Minneapolis June 28-July 2nd. All interested youth grades 8-12 are welcome to attend. Informational letters will be sent to parents. JAM will start the 2nd week of
September, an informational letter will be distributed at VBS.
S.A.M. Report: For the month of June; Ralph officiated 3 baptisms at Faith and one wedding at Lake Hanska. Attended the Synod Assembly where he was officially commissioned as a Synod Authorized Minister (S.A.M.) Will be participating in Hanska’s 125th Community Anniversary church service on August 23rd. No services at Lake Hanska that day, Mya
Hanson will conduct worship services at Faith.
Motion to approve all reports was made by Ben Odegard and seconded by Julia Young.
Old Business: Peace of the Prairie service at Faith July 12th no services at Lake Hanska. September 27th- Bible Service,
October 27-New Member Service. The new table cart was delivered for stacking tables.
New Business: Carol Meier “Church Musician’s Retreat” will be held September 24-26 in Windom. Cost will be $300.
Motion was made by Sherri Gustafson and seconded by Patti Young to have Audrey Anderson attend. We are currently looking for a new church custodian. Confirmation will resume September 30th, 16 students have registered. Second year students will be confirmed April 25, 2027. A Communion Information Class will be held sometime this Fall, a time has not been set. Children’s sermons are scheduled for: Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 15th and Dec. 20th. VBS received a generous
donation from the American Legion - $1,000 and the Presbyterian Mission Fund - $3,000. A big thank you to both
organizations.
With no further business before the Council, a motion was made by Kathy Guyer and seconded by Ben, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Jane Piepgras - Treasurer
New Business: Carol Meier “Church Musician’s Retreat” will be held September 24-26 in Windom. Cost will be $300. Motion was made by Sherri Gustafson and seconded by Patti Young to have Audrey Anderson attend. We are currently looking for a new church custodian. Confirmation will resume September 30th, 16 students have registered. Second year students will be confirmed April 25, 2027. A Communion Information Class will be held sometime this Fall, a time has not been set. Children’s sermons are scheduled for: Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 15th and Dec. 20th. VBS received a generous donation from the American Legion -$1,000 and the Presbyterian Mission Fund-$3,000. A big thank you to both organizations.
With no further business before the Council, a motion was made by Kathy Guyer and seconded by Ben , to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Jane Piepgras - Treasurer
