Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Aspelund

 

The Emmanuel WMF annual meeting was held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 1 PM.  There were twelve ladies in  attendance. President Sue Davidson called the meeting to order. The Lord’s Prayer was said.  Secretary Tamra Berg read the minutes from 2022.  Motion by Dorothy Hjermstad to approve the minutes with a 2nd by Ann Romo. M/S/C. The ladies were thanked for their willingness to help with all the different duties. The donation list was reviewed.  Treasurer Carol Gjemse stated we have a balance of approx. $4800 to work with. Motion by Ann Romo with a 2nd by Margaret Greseth to leave the donations the same as 2022. M/S/C. Prison Fellowship: $150, Food Shelves in Cannon Falls, Zumbrota, and Kenyon: $150 each, Women’s Shelter in Red Wing: $150, ARC: $200, Miriam Home: $200, Samaritan’s Purse: $200,
Gideon’s: $100. Total $1450. Tamra Berg made a motion to donate $500 to the church with the money to be used toward the new chairs, bibles, or wherever needed. 2nd by Ann Romo. M/S/C. Motion by Ann Romo to donate $500 to the Emmanuel Scholarship Fund. 2nd by Charlene Anfinson. M/S/C.  It was brought up that the church has purchased bibles. In the past the 3rd graders were presented a bible.  Unsure as to why that has not continued. Replacing the serving countertop was discussed as it stains easily, and it was thought to have been installed in 1960. With the basement remodeling still being considered we will wait to see what happens.  In 2024, we will have four graduates: Bethany Trelstad, Josiah Trost, Isaiah Tennessen and Rueben Johnson. Ali Coulter has again volunteered to make the graduation quilts and Ann Romo will help if needed. We currently have a few quilts available to be given to the Goodhue County Christmas families or if another donation is needed. Monday, March 18, 2024, will be our annual Quilting Day.
We will post a Lenten Serving signup sheet like last year. Rachel, Hannah and FBI will be given a Wednesday to serve and hopefully others will volunteer to fill in the other Wednesdays. Janice Nelson mentioned that Hannah Circle has so few members with older ladies who don’t care to drive at night so that circle will need help. Tamra Berg helped them last year and is willing to help again.
We will update the serving committee list. Sarah Edwards and Maddy Jorissen will need to be added. It was mentioned that those of us contacting members do consider how far away the member lives and will often ask those for money.
The WMF will be hosting the meal on Dec. 3 after church. There will be a freewill donation with that money to be donated to the Marie Sandvick Center. The menu was discussed. Margaret Greseth has volunteered to make the hot dish. Christmas bakings will also be made by several of the ladies. Noel Aldrich PhD will also give a presentation titled “Observations on God’s Design for Health”.  The WMF has been asked to serve at the annual Congregational church meeting on Jan. 21.   In 2022 the WMF served BBQ’s and chips. It was decided to do the same. There will be a sign-up sheet posted.  We will make sure to plan accordingly as last year we ran out of a few things. No one has been contacted about hosting MN Adult and Teen Challenge. The WMF has served a full meal, and it is a lot of work. It was thought that
maybe we could host every other year and on the off year just make a financial contribution.
At the present time there is no need for any immediate purchases. The 30-cup coffee pot has been replaced with the coffee pot donated by the Froehlich family. Sue Davidson asked if Ann Romo would be willing to be Co-President with her and Ann agreed. The officers presented for 2024 are: Co- Presidents: Sue Davidson and Ann Romo, Vice-President: Janice Nelson, Secretary; Tamra Berg, Treasurer: Carol Gjemse. Motion by Dorothy Hjermstad to approve the slate of officers. 2nd by Charlene Anfinson. M/S/C.

The 2024 event calendar was discussed. The changes are as follows. Devotions for the Quilting Day will be Sue Davidson. We will have Eileen Burgess do devotions for the Guest Night Salad supper. It was decided to leave the program open at this time. We could possibly have the Raan family if they are available. For the Honoring Senior Members in July the hostesses will be Margaret Greseth, Lori Thompson and Jan Strand.  Motion by Ann Romo to adjourn the meeting with a 2 nd by Helen Feil. M/S/C. Thanks to Wanda Yngsdal and Carol Gjemse who served a delicious lunch following the meeting. The Communion and Altar Committee is also looking for an additional volunteer. Please talk to Linda Benson or Wanda Yngsdal if you are interested.  Let us always remember the reason for the season.  Hoping everyone enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving and wishing a Merry Christmas to all!!