Ad Council Notes Oct 2025

Trinity UMC Administrative Council Minutes

October 23, 2025

Present: Rev April Wegehaupt, Pastor Shella Choi, Steve Stoppkotte, Carol Stoppkotte, Bruce Schreiner, Deb Brummund, Vaughn Minton, Tom Graves, Ron Underwood, Susan Stoppkotte, Christina Landenberger, LeEllen Haynes

Administrative Council met October 23, 2025. Rev. April opened with a prayer. The Council first met in Executive session to complete forms and approve items to be presented at Charge conference. After this meeting adjourned, Chair Steve Stoppkotte called the Administrative Council meeting to order. The minutes of the September meeting were approved as written.

There was no Old Business or New Business.

Administrative Reports:

Finance: Bruce reported that year-to-date we have a $60,000 deficit. We still have ERC funds available to use. Bruce recommended and made a motion to pay $4,500 in Mission Shares for October. The motion was seconded and the motion carried. He said end of year giving has not been as strong in recent years. Looking ahead, we need to explore ways to boost giving throughout the year.

Trustees: Tom reported that the sanctuary roof is completed. The tower roof is being done now. Two open rooms in the basement have been painted for the Youth to use. Trustees are planning to replace some windows in the Gathering Place in the near future. They will also be getting a tablet for Gollaher Chapel.

SPRC: Vaughn reported that SPRC completed staff evaluations. They have recommended a 3% pay raise in 2026 for all clergy and staff.

Vision Committee: Deb reported that Trinity’s 160th anniversary celebration is set for September 26, 2026. Planning committees are being formed, and a budget needs to be set. Rev. April said that we have an opportunity to book the “Polka Tunes” band for that day at the cost of $600. Tome Graves made a motion to appropriate the money for the band. Vaughn Minton seconded, and the motion carried.

The Live Nativity will be December 7 at Fonner Park. First-Faith UMC will join Trinity to present this community event.

There were no reports from Endowments or Stewardship.

Program Reports:

Family Ministries: Christina reported that she is setting up for the “Not so Scary” Halloween event on October 26. She is preparing for the children’s Christmas pageant. The Advent theme this year is “Star of Wonder.” She will have activity packets for church members to do at home.

Missions: Deb reported Missions have prepared and served a meal at the Salvation Army. Loaves and Fishes served 1,671 people with 51% having children in their household. Trinity had a booth at Project Connect and they spoke with 180-200 attendees.

Carol said that most of Haven Garden has been cleaned up. Throughout the season a lot of people visited the garden regularly. Deb thanked Carol and Steve for their organization and work to make the project successful.

UMM: Tom said they are organizing to have a soup supper during the Live Nativity event.

There were no reports from Hospitality or Healthy Congregations.

Pastors’ Reports:

Pastor Shella shared that Wednesday evening middle school attendance is improving. She has made a connection with Erin at Aurora UMC, the district Director with Child and Youth. She is hoping to have more collaboration with the district. Shella is working with students on building character and on giving because of a love of Jesus.

At the 4th Street Festival there was a group of barbers giving free haircuts. They talked with the barbers about the possibility of Trinity offering haircuts to children in the neighborhood before school starts next year.

Rev. April had a kolache making time at Trinity that was open to the community. She had been interviewed about the event on Hastings KHAS radio about the event. She plans to in contact with the station to promote other church events.

An enchilada fundraiser is planned with the proceeds going to the sanctuary roof capital campaign. Enchiladas will be prepared Dec. 1 and 2, and orders can be picked up Dec. 3.

Rev. April is always open to new ideas and invites church members to contact her about their ideas.

The meeting adjourned. The next meeting will be November 20, 2025 on Zoom.

Respectfully submitted,

LeEllen Haynes, Secretary