Present: Chuck Bichel, President
Ed Termuende, Congregational Advocate
Henry Gerhardt, Financial Director
Al Welch, Communications Director
Glenrose Meier, Records Director
Ann Vorthmann, Vice President
Mark Pithan, Financial Rep
Guests: Berni Bichel Bob Meier Diane Welch

The social part of the meeting began at 6:00 pm with dinner at Pizza King in Council Bluffs. The business portion of the meeting began at 7:15 pm. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report: The current balance is $3,510.61; additional funds should be received for the second half of the year soon. With the exception of tonight’s dinner, all expenses have been paid. Chuck asked Henry to order about 130 Associate Membership Flyers and Application forms. Chuck is meeting July 12 with the St. Paul – Treynor Stewardship Team and will discuss the More Than Money Matters series dates, times, etc. This is a six-session series and each series lasts approximately one hour. Mark Pithan will make these presentations, and Thrivent will provide the materials. It was suggested that we make child care available. Ed will meet with Pastor Sherrill about scheduling stewardship session at St. Paul Evangelical – Council Bluffs during this Fall’s Christ Academy. Ed will correspond with the CA’s about getting offerings for the Disaster Relief Fund.

Chuck will check on fishing regulations at Arrowhead Park for the upcoming August 21 Picnic. Use of a paddle boat and/or a canoe for eight-hour periods is $30 each. The St. Paul – Treynor CA’s are going to work on the postcards and bulletin inserts for the picnic. The picnic begins at 3:00 pm with activities, 5:00 – 6:30 pm catered meal, and the guest speaker, Marilee Patterson, will give her talk on The History of Toilet Paper at 6:30 pm. Devotions will be given prior to the catered meal. Chuck is working on a letter to go to new members to include language about the picnic, guest speaker, etc. Mark can get a variety of Thrivent items that can be used as prizes for kids and adults. He will contact Rachel Dyke about available prizes for children. He also volunteered to bring a Wii and XBOX to entertain kids.

The annual meeting will be held October 23 in McClelland. St. Paul Evangelical – Council Bluffs is taking care of this event.

New Business: We have a request from St. John Lutheran – Honey Creek. They are holding a book sale, and monies raised will go to people affected by the flooding. They have requested $1,500. Chuck encouraged the Board members to contribute books to this effort. Ed moved that this request be approved; seconded by Ann; all in favor. The American Legion in Treynor is having a benefit for three wounded warriors scheduled for July 23. Ann moved that we give $1,000 to this benefit; seconded by Ed; all in favor. Ann moved that new members be approved; all in favor.

The effort to realign the zones due to the Thrivent merger is ongoing. Mark asked that we get the word out that he’s happy to help out.
Al moved that the meeting be adjourned; all in favor. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer at 7:45 pm. The next meeting is August 1, 2011, and may be held at St. John – Honey Creek. Stay tuned!

Present:
Chuck Bichel, President
Ed Termuende, Congregational Advocate
Richard Reed, Habitat Build Specialist
Al Welch, Communications Director
Glenrose Meier, Records Director
Mark Pithan, Financial Rep

Guests:
Diane Welch Neal Smith, CA – OSL, Walnut, IA
Berni Bichel Warren Winterhof, CA – OSL, Walnut, IA
Nancy Winterhof Phyllis Hoffman, CA – Harlan, IA
Joyce Ostabee Ardythe Smith
Susan Libby

A delicious dinner was served at 6:00 pm by ladies of Our Savior. At 6:30 pm Ed Termuende gave devotions from the Book of Ezekiel. There is no formal agenda this evening.

The meeting was called to order at 6:35 pm by Chuck. Chuck introduced Mark Pithan, Thrivent Financial Representative, to the group.

Minutes of the last meeting were read. Glenrose called humorous speaker Marilee Patterson again, and Marilee has agreed to speak at the August 21 picnic. Ed will talk to Dr. C about providing music at the October 23 annual meeting. Ed will provide clarification of Dr. C’s participation at the next meeting. Richard moved that the minutes be accepted with these changes; all were in favor.

Chuck read a financial statement provided by Henry Gerhart. We currently have $3,960.61 in our checking account as of today. Chuck motioned that the financial report be accepted; all in favor.

Since Monday, July 4, is a holiday, our next meeting will be held Monday, July 11, 2011. Chuck will advise the group where the meeting will be held.

Old business: The More Than Money Matters series has not yet been set up. The picnic will be held at Arrowhead Park in Neola, Iowa, on August 21, starting at 3:00 pm. The caterer and the “bouncer” (bouncy house) have been confirmed.

Chuck said that we are looking for a CA from Our Savior – Walnut to work with Ed Termuende. It was noted that the CA’s must be available via email or they aren’t recognized by Thrivent as CA’s. One of the responsibilities of the CA’s would be to help set up educational opportunities for young families who need encouragement with financial issues – Lutheran and non-Lutheran. Neal Smith agreed to serve as CA for Our Savior – Walnut.

New Business: Camp Okoboji has requested funds for a Quilt Auction. It was noted that churches and families in West Pott county participate in functions at this camp. Ed moved that we approve the request; seconded by Al; all in favor.

Chuck suggested that our Chapter look into fund raisers for victims of flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters. He said that Thrivent will contribute $1 for every $2 that is raised for this relief effort. Ed told the group about damage to churches, homes, schools, etc., in Joplin, MO. Ed will send a message to the CA’s requesting ideas regarding how congregations could raise funds so that we can take advantage of the available Thrivent funds. It was suggested that a collection be taken at the upcoming Antique Show in Walnut the weekend of June 18. Our Savior – Walnut will consider doing this. It was suggested that all churches look into taking offerings at local events for Natural Disaster Relief Funds.

Mark Pithan has been providing representation in Iowa the past several months, and now the Iowa and Nebraska offices are merged into one regional office. What this does for members is pool the resources to better serve members in this area. Mark asked that everyone present let people know that he is available and willing to support them. An official announcement of this merger has not yet been made.

The Chapter News mentioned an Associate Membership Flyer and Application that’s available to assist in growing membership. Chuck will ask Henry to order copies of this flyer/application.

Leadership elections are coming up soon, so begin to think about how you want this chapter to run and by whom.

We may contact Mark Pithan with requests for Baptismal medallions and graduation crosses.

There are new members since the last meeting. Richard moved that they be approved; seconded by Ed; all in favor.

At 7:30 Ed moved that the meeting be adjourned; seconded by Al; all in favor. The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Glenrose Meier, Records Director

Present:
Chuck Bichel, President
Ed Termuende, Congregational Advocate
Richard Reed, Habitat Build Specialist
Ann Vorthmann, Vice President
Diane Welch, Guest
Al Welch, Communications Director
Glenrose Meier, Records Director
Shirley Johnson, Congregational Advocate
Henry Gerhardt, Financial Director

After a dinner served by ladies of Our Savior Lutheran was enjoyed, the meeting was called to order at 6:45 pm. There is no formal agenda this evening.

Chuck began the meeting with devotions from the book, Death is a Fraud.

Minutes of the April 2011 meeting were read. Richard moved they be approved; seconded by Ann; all in favor.

Next Meeting: Future meetings will be held the first Monday of the month at 6:00 pm. We will meet again June 6. Chuck will contact churches and let us know where we will meet.

Chuck has talked to CA’s from St. Paul – Treynor about helping with the annual picnic. Ed advised the board that Dr. C will provide the entertainment for the picnic. Chuck mentioned that a group at St. Paul – Treynor is considering hosting the More Than Money Matter series.

Chuck welcomed Henry Gerhardt to the group as the new Financial Director. Henry was given applications and checks as well as other paperwork for him to process. Henry will issue checks for past meals. No applications have been received since the April meeting.

Mark Pithan and Sean Peterson, Thrivent Financial Reps, are available to Thrivent members.

We have six new members as of April. Ann motioned that they be approved; seconded by Richard; all in favor.

Chuck would like to acknowledge new members somehow, possibly by an email, note, etc. We would want to advise them of the upcoming annual picnic and meeting.

Ed will give devotions at the June 6 meeting.

Al moved that we adjourn, seconded by Ed; all in favor.

The meeting closed at 7:15 pm with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Glenrose Meier

Present:
Chuck Bichel, President
Ed Termuende, Congregational Advocate
Richard Reed, Habitat Build Specialist
Mark Pithan, Financial Rep
Al Welch, Communications Director
Glenrose Meier, Records Director

Chuck began the meeting with devotions from the book, A Lifetime to Serve.

Agenda Approval: Richard motioned that the proposed agenda be approved; seconded by Ed; all in favor.

Records Director’s Report: It was noted that in future meeting minutes, it should be noted when motions are passed. Richard motion to accept the minutes as corrected; seconded by Ed; approved by all.

Financial Report: No financial report today. Chuck received word from Annette Bracker that she would like to be relieved of the responsibility of Financial Director due to personal issues. Chuck has talked to former Financial Director Henry Gerhart and asked him to consider taking on this responsibility. Chuck is expecting a call from him today in response to his request. If anyone has someone they would like to recommend, Chuck will make contact with them.

Next Meeting Date, Time, & Location: PLEASE WATCH FOR EMAIL FROM PRESIDENT BICHEL.

Old Business
Picnic: Arrowhead Park, Neola, IA – August 21. Chuck suggested that CA’s from St. Paul, Treynor and Oakland be contacted to see if they would organize the August 21 annual picnic. Mark Pithan can contact people who do face painting. He can also get a bouncy house if we want.

Annual Meeting: McClelland Community Hall – October 23. Marilee Patterson will be our humorous speaker. The fee of $150 was approved by the attendees. Ed said he would get people from St. Paul Evangelical Church to organize the October 23 annual meeting.

Richard motioned that a $1,000 budget for each event be approved; seconded by Ed; all in favor. CA’s will be emailed and asked to try to find out how many will be coming from their congregations for these events.

Chuck wants to change the atmosphere of the upcoming events to encourage people to mingle more.

Congregational Advocates: Congregations that do not have CA’s are Faith, St. Paul – Oakland, and Underwood. Walnut has CA’s, but they do not have email addresses so the Thrivent website won’t let Ed enter them as CA’s. Ed will contact the Walnut pastor and see if we can use his email address for their CA’s.

Thank You from OSL Scout Troop: Chuck received a thank you from this scout troop. He also reported that the St. Paul youth garage sale raised $2,800.

New Business:
Newsletter Items:
Do One Thing Differently: Chuck wants this chapter to become a Chapter of Excellence. The Thrivent presentation, Interpreting Your Social Security Report, a 30-minute presentation, could be provided during adult Sunday School time. Ed is working with Pastor Sherrill to get some Thrivent Presentations included in the Christ Academy schedule beginning this fall. Glenrose suggested that we consider an event for people struggling financially to include break-out sessions where they can learn to can food, budget, garden, live within their means; include a lunch, and possibly hand out gently used, clean clothing, coats, etc. Ed mentioned that the Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has a store where used items are sold and seminary students could work a couple hours a week and as payment could have whatever they wanted from the store. This was a way to help students get through school with less debt. Chuck will check to see if the seminaries in this area do something like this.

National Board Nominees: Chuck recommended that if anyone wants to nominate someone, there is a process to follow. This must be done by May 31.

Associate Member Program: The annual fee to become an Associate Member is $19.95. For this fee, the entire family becomes Thrivent members.

Camera/Bible/Calendar: If CA’s want do enter pictures, they may do so with the possibility of their photo being included in the Thrivent Calendar!!

Applications: The Treynor CA submitted an application to assist the family of Ryan Lucy. Friends of Ryan are holding an event June 3 at Queen of Apostles in Council Bluffs, at 6 p.m. The funds raised will be used to help with medical bills. Richard motioned that we give $1,500 ; seconded by Ed; approved by all. Richard motioned that new members be approved; seconded by Ed; approved by all.

Richard reported that a Lutheran work week will take place July or August.

Mark Pithan is available to CA’s and Thrivent members in Pottawattamie County.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m. A delicious lunch was served by a gracious group at St. Paul Evangelical.

Respectfully submitted,

Present:
Chuck Bichel, President
Mark Pitham, Financial Rep
Al Welch, Communications Director
Ed Termuende, Congregational Advocate
Ann Vorthmann, Vice President

A delicious lunch provided by St. Paul Women was served.

Charles led us in devotions of Psalm 46. Minutes from the February meeting were approved by Al, seconded by Ed.

No Financial report; contact will be made with Annette before next meeting: April 11, at 11 a.m., St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Council Bluffs. Ed will be in charge.

Picnic is set for August 21, at Arrowhead Park. Glenrose has contacted the speaker, Marilee Patterson, who will do a humorous talk on “Toilet Paper”.

Annual Meeting will be held in McClelland Sunday, October 23, and we will have local musical groups.

Ed discussed the upcoming meeting on Tuesday evening, March 15, at The Rose restaurant in Treynor for congregational advocates. Pott Co has 1,869 members as of 1/7/11. This is a dinner meeting also with Thrivent representatives, Shawn and Mark. Al made a motion to pay for the dinner for those attending and seconded by Ann. Working to get all 13 congregations in Pott Co to attend. This event will qualify as a dinner/social for The Chapter of Excellence award we are working for in 2011.

Applications brought to the board were:
Bethany Auxiliary (Salad Luncheon) $1,500. Motion by Al, seconded by Ed.
Bethany Auxiliary (Bake Sale) $300. Motion by Ed, seconded by Al.
Bethany Auxiliary (Ice Cream Social) $500. Motion by Ed, seconded by Al.
St. Paul Garage Sale; (Youth) $500. Motion by Al, seconded by Ed.

Mark discussed several of the free workshops we can schedule for our congregations in the coming months. These are NO SALES workshops; information only.