Zoar ChurchTofte, MN

Table of Contents

Officers, Staff and Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2016 Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2016 Semi-Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Pastor Daren’s Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

President’s Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Deacons’ Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Caring Hearts & Hands Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Trustees’ Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Treasurer’s Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Proposed Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Audit Committee Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Worship Attendance Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Membership List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Officers, Staff and Volunteers

Pastor Daren Blanck

Leadership Team

President: Judy Gregg (second term ending December 2019) Treasurer: Tina McKeever (third term ending January 2018) Deacons: Polly Erickson (third term ending January 2019)

Carol Markwell (second term ending December 2017) Priscella Revier (second term ending December 2017)

Trustees: Spencer Motschenbacher (first term ending December 2017) Skip Lamb (third term ended December 2016)

Secretary: Elizabeth Peterson (resigning from position as of January 2017)

Musicians

Pianists: Judy Gregg, Joyce Krueger, Marsha Hansen, Lavona Czaplicki Other Musicians: Carol Markwell, John Markwell, Tom Perusse, Dave Gustafson, Elijah Blanck

Worship and Praise Band: Generations for Christ

Bass Guitar: Misty Schliep Keyboard: Joyce Krueger Violin: Chip Sisson Vocalists: Misty Schliep, Elizabeth Peterson, Judy Gregg, Sophia Blanck, Liz Wagner

Staff

Administrative Assistant: Emily VanDoren Financial Secretary and Custodian: Elizabeth Peterson

Committees and Coordinators

Audit Committee: Linda Lamb, Greg Fangel Nominating Committee: Skip Lamb, Eric Iversen Historian: Lucille Nelson Bereavement Committee: Judy Gregg, Linda Lamb, Joyce Krueger Bell Tower: Tina McKeever, Judy Gregg, Michelle Blanck, Randy Nelson, Tim Norman Worship Committee: Lavona Czaplicki, Greg Fangel, Carla Mennsen, Linda Lamb

Agenda

Call to Order Opening Prayer Secretary’s Report

Minutes from our last Annual Meeting, Minutes from our Semi-­Annual Meeting,

Pastor’s Report President’s Report Deacons’ Report Caring Hearts and Hands’ Report Trustees’ Report Treasurer’s Report

Financial Examiners’ Report Proposed Budget

Elections Deacon

Trustee Secretary Appointment

Appointment of Committee Members Examiners of Financial Records

Nominating Committee Worship Committee Constitution Committee

Unfinished Business Bell Tower Project

Basement Renovations Picture Directory

New Business Zoar/Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ Visioning

Adjourn with The Lord’s Prayer

Annual Meeting February 28, 2016

Attendance: Pastor Daren Blanck, Michelle Blanck, Judy Gregg, Gary Hansen, Bev Johnson, Harry Johnson, Joyce Kruger, Linda Lamb, Skip Lamb, Tina McKeever, Judy Motschenbacher, Spener Motschenbacher, Lucille Nelson, Elizabeth Peterson, Priscilla Revier President Judy Gregg declared a quorum. Opening with scripture: Ephesians 4:22 and prayer Review Reports · Secretary’s Report (January minutes approved at August meeting) · Pastor’s Report: Pastor Daren summarized written report – spoke on how “We” serve – what he sees here at Zoar already. · President’s Report – summarized by Judy Gregg · Treasurer’s Report presented by Tina McKeever along with proposed 2016 Budget · Trustee’s Report – Many major projects needing to be done (planned during the next couple of years). o 2016 projects needing Congregational approval: Bell Tower (Nelson family wishes to have memorial money applied to this project) o Thrivent members encouraged to apply for Thrivent Action Team dollars to give financial and publicity assistance for the project. (When you sign up for an Action Team you receive a Thrivent Financial banner, $250 seed money and up to 25 free t-­shirts to help promote your cause).

Motion to accept reports made by Spencer Motschenbacher, second by Joyce Krueger. No further discussion. All ayes, motion carried. Elections: · Treasurer Tina McKeever -­ nominee · Deacon Polly Erickson – nominee · Trustee Spencer Motschenbacher – nominee Linda Lamb motioned to close nomination, Lucille Nelson second. No further discussion. All ayes, motion to close nominations carried. Linda Lamb motioned to accept nominees in each office, Judy Motschenbacher second. No further discussion. All ayes, motion to accept nominees carried. Appointments: · Audit Committee: Greg Fangel Linda Lamb · Nominating Committee: None made at this time · Bereavement Committee: Joyce Krueger Linda Lamb Judy Gregg · Bell Tower Committee: Tina McKeever Judy Gregg Michelle Blanck · Constitution Committee: Judy Gregg Judy Motschenbacher · Worship Committee: None made at this time · Outreach Committee: Lucille Nelson Judy Motschenbacher New Business: Notification that Michaelson family is petitioning to re-­zone property next to Church and Parsonage property from Commercial to Residential Motion to adjourn. Close with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Peterson, Secretary

Semi-Annual Meeting Sunday, September 11, 2016

Meeting opened with prayer A quorum is declared by President Judy Gregg

1. Pastor’s Report A thank you to the congregation -­ excited with what is happening here and how this

congregation is working together. Personal goals:

a) Congregations help in what you would like to hear b) Focus on outreach -­ especially people on our member list that he hasn’t met yet. c) And to reach out to others not on the list d) Would like to work with volunteers for the youth programs -­ caring members of

the congregation that are not “Mom and Dad” e) Would like to get a bible study for those who are working

Some of the things we are doing here a) Good News Club for the kids b) Confirmation c) Work with the Trustees on needs for the building

Education is progressing -­ hope to be done by the end of next summer (2017) 2. Secretary’s Minutes from Annual Meeting Motion to approve to accept the minutes as written mady by Gary Hansen and second by Carol Markwell. All ayes, motion carried. 3. Budget Update -­ Tina McKeever, Treasurer

Income and expenses are both up over last year at this same time. Income up $12,356.20 Expenses up $14,697.12

Lucille Nelson and Skip Lamb motioned to accept the Budget Update as presented. No further discussion. All ayes, motion carried. 4. Elections:

Nominations for President Judy Gregg agreed to serve a second two year term as President

A motion was made by Lucille Nelson and second by Skip Lamb to elect Judy Gregg as President of Zoar for a second two year term. No further discussion. All ayes, motion carried.

Nominations for Deacon No nominee at this time Nominations for Trustee No nominee at this time Leadership team will look at making appointments for the open offices of Deacon and Trustee

5. Building Repair Update

a) Roof shingles are becoming an issue -­ one estimate of $30,000 to replace b) Siding and trim is getting painted and trim boards have been replaced. c) Suggestion of getting a loan to cover the expense of all the projects and just get them done. Something

for the congregation to think about. A $50,000 loan would potentially be a $700/month payment. Skip Lamb made a motion to look at a plan on what projects need to be done and costs accomplish them. Motion was seconded by Kate Griffith. No further discussion. All ayes, motion carried.

6. Other Business

Looking at 3% increase in Pastor’s salary and benefit package. This would be about $100 a month.

This is up for discussion -­ a discussion on the floor of putting that percentage to a possible 10%. Motion to approve a 10% increase to the Pastor’s Salary package made by Gary Hansen and seconded by Linda Lamb. After some discussion a vote was called. A Majority in favor of the motion declared. Motion carried.

Motion to adjourn by Polly Erickson and second by Linda Lamb. All ayes, meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth Peterson, Leadership Team Secretary

Pastor’s Report 2016 Dear Members and Friends of Zoar Church:

Grace to you and peace in our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. 2016 was an exciting year for me as your pastor. I'd just like to take a moment to identify some of the things that God has allowed me to do this year and some of those challenges that I see ahead.

In 2016 we explored together Jesus' final words from the cross, a Christian response to Islam, the parables of Jesus in Luke, and “Fish Tales” from the Gospels. We looked deeply into Paul's letter to the Galatians and we thought about what Christian worship and community are all about. More recently we've sought to understand the Reformation more clearly and this advent season we've learned new things from old carols. I've been enriched by each of these sermon series and I pray you have as well.

In 2016 I completed three courses in my pastoral ministry training program – Early Church History and Lutheran History and Doctrine, both via distance learning through Beyond the River Academy, and Paul's Letter to the Galatians, an intensive on-­site class at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA. In addition, congregational representative Chip Sisson and I enjoyed a great weekend of worship, learning, and fellowship at the LCMC annual gathering in October.

In 2016 the Birch Grove Good News Club involved 8 -­12 children in learning about faith through crafts, games, and Bible stories. We even put on a “Resurrection Play” at Easter and held a five day summer Good News Club here at Zoar. Its been fun to get to know these community kids through this program. I know the Holy Spirit is always at work when we share God's word!

In 2016 we reached out to the community through game nights, movie nights, and soup suppers. Our newsletter, The Beacon , goes out to 500 households every month and our web presence includes electronic versions of The Beacon, information about our church, and an audio archive of Sunday sermons. Through all of this we've welcomed young couples, renewed some ties with some older members, and build some bridges that I hope to shore up over the course of the next year.

In 2016 we spruced up the Gathering Room, pulled together a good crew of volunteers for the exterior paint job, got started with the Bell Tower project, andmade plans for future building improvements. The church isn't the building – its the people, but maintaining and improving our space is one way we welcome newcomers and support the body of Christ in worship, learning, and fellowship.

In 2016 I conducted two formal funerals for Tofte residents and led an informal remembrance for another community member. I was saddened by these losses but encouraged once again by the hope that we share in Christ Jesus our Lord. These experiences allowed me to interact with community members in new and meaningful ways.

In 2016 and early in 2017 I conducted two baptisms. Both of these infants were children, grandchildren, and great-­grandchildren of long time members. I also confirmed two baptizedmembers of the congregation whose roots run deep in the community. As we tell and retell our children and our grandchildren the “old old story of Jesus and His blood” we are sharing more than a tradition, we are sharing the grace of God and the life-­giving hope of His kingdom.

And speaking of hope, there is much to hope for in 2017!

In 2017 I hope to improve both my outreach and help empower others to reach out with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our soup suppers have been a great start! I've also visited several church and community members and plan to do more in 2017. Of special focus for me will be those members of Zoar who haven't worshipped with us for quite some time.

In 2017 I hope to dig more deeply into God's word and tackle current issues in our Sunday messages. During lent I'm excited to look more closely at the words between Jesus and Pilate an I'm exploring topics like half-­truths, God's will for our lives, and caring for creation. I'm open to more ideas from you as well. Our worship time together should be a time of uplifting each other while we worship the King of Kings.

In 2017 I hope to successfully complete the Beyond the River Academy Pastoral Care class and become your ordained pastor by the end of June. My course of study will continue in August with an intensive class in Biblical hermeneutics at Kingswood University.

In 2017 I hope to see a cleaner, repainted andmore efficient church office space for our new secretary Emily to work in. Along with this project I hope to see great progress in those projects that have already been started or authorized and continue planning for others.

I look forward to working with the Leadership Team again this year. We have some great meetings with laughter, smiles, and building each other up.When Jesus sent out his disciples to preach the Good News of the Kingdom, they came back amazed at the work the Holy Spirit was doing amongst them. Peter says to be ready to defend the hope that is within you. Like the disciples I am amazed at the work the Holy Spirit is doing here at Zoar and my hope in the Lord is bolstered by your generosity in time and talent, resources and spirit. Thank you for your support of my family and my ministry here in the Tofte/Schroeder North Shore community.

In His Service -­

Pastor Daren Blanck

January 2017

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same

function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If aman’s gift is prophesying, let him use it

in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve;; if it is teaching, let him teach;; if it is

encouraging, let him encourage;; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;;

if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

~ Romans 12:4-­8

President’s Report 2016 Looking Back, and Looking Forward

I must begin by thanking Pastor Daren Blanck and his family for the energy, ideas, and leadership they have brought to our congregation. They are such a blessing to our church and community. We continue to be filled with the Good News of God’s Grace, and reminded to go and serve and tell others. Our church attendance is growing and the growth has also impacted our financial giving. Your generosity helps us to fulfill our mission.

Building: As you will hear in the Trustee’s Report, we have completed some projects, and some are still underway. As our building ages, there are some fundamental things that need attention, as well as some cosmetic updating. We appreciate all who have pitched in to help with projects. We also value your input as we plan ahead.

Missions: We have stretched our efforts towards outreach. Thanks to the members of theMission Outreach Team, we have divided our special offering efforts to local, national and international projects. We are still striving to be a congregation that tithes our money to others. We have increased the giving this past year, but still are not at 10 percent of our total income.

After several years of talking about outreach to the internationals in our community, we helped to host a dinner at the Birch Grove Center. We hope to do it again in 2017, but focus primarily on those in the Tofte/Schroeder area, and expand our involvement beyond the dinner to have more contact with the internationals. The Wednesday community suppers have also been a success. Thank you for providing soup and desserts! Invite your friends and neighbors, for soup, church services, or to participate in other events or activities.

Service Projects: The church women known as Caring Hands and Hearts have again created many pillowcases for children in hospitals, started a project crocheting plastic mats for homeless, continued prayer shawls and prayer squares, and sent over 50 Christmas Shoeboxes. Individuals have created projects on their own such as hats for preemies, and scarves and hats for Seafarers. Next year, it has been recommended that we create Health Kits in lieu of the shoeboxes.

Children and Youth: Pastor Daren andMichelle are again leading the Good News Club at Birch Grove after school on Wednesdays. We appreciate those who provide treats and craft ideas. We really need additional people to come and be a part of this important activity. This is the best opportunity we have to reach the children in our communities. Thanks to donations by members, we have the opportunity to provide resources for the young people to attend the LCMC Youth gathering in Wisconsin. We need your help in recruiting and encouraging the young people in grades 7-­12 to take part in this weekend.

Our stewardship efforts, Blessed to be a Blessing, is being revised, and we encourage everyone to respond. Remember that we only ask for Estimates of Serving and Giving and understand that circumstances may change and impact your decisions. However, it does help us to determine what activities we can successfully accomplish, and how to set our budget. Please prayerfully consider your responses.

Once again, I ask that you consider the opportunity of being a part of the Leadership Team. Many of our current members are serving their second or third term of office. While we appreciate their commitment, we also know that change and new ideas are healthy. You don’t need to wait to be asked. If you feel called to serve in this way, we would love to hear from you.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in

its various forms.” -­ I Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Judy Gregg, President

Deacon’s Report 2016 The Deacon's are responsible, under the leadership of the pastor, for the spiritual life, education, and mission of the congregation.

Communion is served twice per month on the first and fourth Sundays. Deacon Priscilla Revier oversaw the Altar Guild and scheduling of the communion servers. Usually on the first and third Sundays of the month, music was provided by the worship band, Generations for Christ. On most other Sundays Lavonna Czaplicki played the organ;; however, when she was unable to play, Judy Gregg provided pianomusic. Deacons Priscilla Revier and Bev Johnson made and handed-­out 75 Welcome Bags to Sunday morning worship visitors. The bags contained a small tablet, pen, honey, candle, prayer square and a New Testament.

During the summer from July through August an early morning service was once again held outdoors on the rocks at Father Baraga’s Cross at the mouth of the Cross River. John and Carol Markwell, Tom Perusse, and Dave Gustafson providedmusic. Zoar Church is responsible for the Sunday service at the Care Center in Grand Marais five times per year. The pastor and volunteers provide not only the service, but also music, refreshments, and friendship for the residents.

Most weeks during the school year Good News Club met in the Birch Grove Library at 3:00 at the end of the school day. 8 students from preschool through 5th grade attended the lessons taught by Pastor Daren and Michelle Blanck. They were assisted by Judy Gregg and other members of the congregation who also served a snack to the children. Each Thursday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 a group of adults meet in the beautifully redecorated Gathering Room for Bible Study of the previous Sunday's text led by Pastor Daren. On Sunday morning before worship Pastor Daren leads a Confirmation Class open to everyone called “Sola.”

The Bloodmobile was at Zoar inMarch, July and November. CarlaMennsen headed the blood drive forMarch, Polly Erickson for July and a new volunteer, Jane Johnson, in November. Goals set byMemorial Blood Centers were met.

At Christmas the deacons oversaw the making of many hats, mittens, and scarves for the Mitten Tree which were delivered to the Salvation Army. Seafarers Mission and St. Luke's Neonatal Department for distribution. The deacons were also responsible for the scheduling of bell ringers from Lutsen and Zoar Churches for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive. 15 members of Zoar rang bells the Saturdays of December 10th and 17th at the Tofte General Store. $744.21 was raised by both churches over 4 Saturdays. Names and addresses of 8 West End families were given to the Salvation Army for delivery of gift certificates for local grocery stores and Ruby's Pantry.

$4,585 was raised for the monthly missions in 2016. The Missions Committee met in November and recommended the following mission schedule for 2017: January -­ Eastern European Network, February -­ Lutheran Indian Ministry, March -­ Cook County Foodshelf, April -­ Teen and Adult Challenge, May -­ NakNek, Alaska, June -­ Starfish Fund (Angela Cook), July -­ The Seed Company, August -­ Cook County Foodshelf, September -­ Back Pack Program, October -­ Military Bible Sticks, November -­ CHUM, December -­ Health Kits.

Fundraising for the Zoar Church fuel fund, included July 4th Brat and Fishcake sales, spaghetti dinner, and bingo game. These events raised $2,801. The Lutefisk Supper in November brought in $1,913. Deacon Priscilla Revier held a No-­Bake Sale which raised $1,065 and she found contributors of many prizes for a raffle at the Lutefisk Supper which raised another $512. Contributions to the fuel fund ensures our local ministry continues through the winter!

Respectfully submitted,

Deacons Polly Erickson, Priscilla Revier, and Beverly Johnson

Caring Hearts & Hands

We have a new name for the Zoar’s sewing, knitting, and crocheting group...“Caring Hearts & Hands”. Anyone, female or male, can join us as we work on various projects. We know there are men who do some of the same crafty items we put together. COME ALONG WHEN WE MEET!!! Originally this group was made up of quilters during these past years this group has expanded into many projects:

GRADUATION BLANKETS: Every year we honor the high school graduates in our communities of Schroeder and Tofte. Group members tie polar-­tec fabric together to make a soft blanket. In the month of May we have a special worship service for the graduates and present them with a blanket. This past summer we cleaned out our project closet and found that we had two very large bags of polar fleece scraps remaining from years of blanket making. We decided to pass love on to some of God’s “Creatures” by donating the fleece to Animal Allies in Duluth. The fleece scraps will be braided into toys for cats and dogs at the shelter. Any pieces large enough to cover the bottom of a small or medium kennel are tied together much like we do the big graduation blankets. These little blankets go home with newly adopted cats or dogs.

PRAYER SHAWLS: Usually when this group meets, there are several projects in progress. Some of us knit prayer shawls. As the stitches are knit or crocheted together, we are praying for the individual that may receive the shawl. These shawls eventually are given to those who may be suffering an illness, recovering from an injury or surgery, someone who is grieving a death, or someone suffering from hardship. We do not have a count, but throughout the past 10 years, hundreds of prayer shawls have been given to those in need of love, comfort, and prayer.

After our closet cleaning, we also donated yarn that we were unable to use to the Dilly Dally Thrift Shop of Finland. A few weeks after we made this donation, this email came to us from Pam Iversen:

If I remember correctly, we donated our scrap balls of yarn to Dilly Dally. I took a big bag

there when Carol cleaned the closet out this summer. Well I was at Finland Tuesday Crafters

this AM. One of the ladies was knitting this beautiful afghan and said, "I'm so excited because I

bought all this beautiful yarn at D/Dally and then I went out and I bought a couple skeins to go

with it." I looked over and laughed. I couldn't believe my eyes!!! I told her it was from our

church... Left over from prayer shawls. I recognized the colors!! I just thought to myself, here

is an example of God winking at us!!

RYAN’S CASE FOR SMILES is another project of the Caring Hearts and Hands. The group calls upon all pinners, ironers, and sewers to be present during the days devoted to sew pillowcases. In July of 2016, 546 pillow cases have been delivered to St Mary's Children's Hospital in Duluth. Leanne Williams made 65 pillowcases over the winter months during her months being a snowbird in Florida. Our appreciation and gratitude goes to Leanne and to the many ladies (community members included) who so generously worked on Ryan’s Case for Smiles project.

SLEEPING MATS FOR THE HOMELESS: Have you heard about the project of crocheting plastic bags into sleeping mats for the homeless? The Caring Hearts and Hands have recently been introduced to this humanitarian project. We hope to work hard on this effort in 2017.

Also noteworthy… In August, 26 baby bibs were mailed to Bethany Crisis Nursery in Duluth. It is run by Lutheran Social Services and provides emergency day or night care for children 0-­12 years old.

BIRTHDAY CLUB: The money at the beginning of the year was sent to the Cook County Food Shelf. Submitted by Carol Markwell

Trustee Report 2016 These projects were undertaken and completed during the 2016 calendar year. Many thanks to volunteers from the congregation and community for your hard work and willingness to lend a hand.

Upgraded our water system: -­ Capped the well behind the garage -­ Replaced microfiltration system with a newer filter -­ Our water is compliant with MN Dept. of Health standards

Repainted and replaced carpeting in the gathering room Replaced several lighting fixtures and bulbs in the sanctuary, gathering room, and basement Repaired and replaced fascia and trim on building exterior Painted the building exterior as a community event, some painting still needs to be done Construction of improved storage in the basement Sandblasted and repainted both historic church bells

These projects have been approved by the leadership team and the congregation when necessary, but have not yet been completed. The trustees plan to have these projects completed in 2017. Most funding is in place but Thrivent action team grants and specific contributions are helpful.

Repair and paint fascia and trim in the area around the front cross and repaint the large cross Make necessary roofing repairs. The flat roof over the entry area and gathering room will be replaced

ASAP. The steeper roof will be repaired as replacement is not immediately required. Plans should be made, however, for replacement within 5 years.

Repair the concrete and stone retaining wall in front of the church Replace the bell tower with a new functional bell tower Paint and replace carpeting in the church office Upgrade the men’s toilet Replace the double glazed picture window in the parsonage “TV” room Paint, repair, and replace as needed exterior siding on the parsonage and garage

The Trustees are reviewing the following projects for 2018. A special funding campaign and congregational approval are required for these projects to go forward.

A comprehensive kitchen upgrade including possible structural repairs to the north block wall in the kitchen.

New paint and other upgrades to the fellowship hall in the church basement Replacement of basement windows New wooden signs (We will continue to experiment with banners until then) Making updates to the lighting and appearance of the loft area in the sanctuary

Trustees -­ Skip Lamb Spencer Motschenbacher

Audit Committee Report January 8, 2017

This year the Audit Committee consisted of Linda Lamb and Greg Fangel. However, Greg was out of town and the audit needed to be completed for the annual meeting on January 15. Therefore, Judy Gregg Church President conducted the audit with Linda Lamb. Judy and Linda examined the 2016 financial records and inquired as to the accounting procedures of Zoar Church with Treasurer Tina McKeever. There have been no changes in bookkeeping procedures or book keeping policy during 2016. The examination included the following:

We inquired as to the monthly bookkeeping and reconciliation procedures performed during the year. These are the same as in previous years using Quick Books software.

The church has 4 bank accounts. There are 3 accounts at the Grand Marais State Bank (Saving, CD#2, and Checking). There is one savings account at North Shore Federal Credit Union. We reviewed the accounts as of December 31, 2016 and found them to agree with the year-­end balance sheet.

We reviewed the insurance premium notices and determined that insurance for church building and contents, liability and workers compensation were current and adequate at this time

We reviewed Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet and Income Statement as of December 31, 2016. We found no discrepancies between reports and actual conditions.

We inquired as to accounting procedures and controls for cash. In general, the church receives very little cash in the collection plate on Sunday. When greater than usual cash is received i.e. as with a fund raiser, or at large service such as Christmas Eve, or Easter services, two people count the cash receipts.

Currently Zoar has 3 employees. Pastor, Secretary and Bookkeeper/Custodian (which is one employee.) The church has one credit card issued by the Grand Marais Bank. It has a $3000.00 limit. Currently the card is used for internet purchases of supplies and other items needing advance payment. As documented August 10, 2008 at the semi annual congregational meeting, unless previously budgeted, purchases over $1000.00 require a congregational vote. Two signatures are required on each check written. Our insurance provider is Brotherhood Mutual. We have a 2 year contract and payments are made quarterly and subject to audit adjustments. This policy also provides liability insurance for the pastor. Our workmen’s compensation policy, also held by Brotherhood Mutual, is paid quarterly. The accounts of Zoar Church are well organized and in good order. It is easy to access account information. On behalf of Zoar Lutheran Church, we would like to thank our Bookkeeper Elizabeth Peterson and Treasurer Tina McKeever for their conscientious work in keeping the financial records of the Church. Linda Lamb and Judy Gregg

Worship Attendance Report

January 2016 3 -­ 26 10 -­ 34 17 -­ 19 24 -­ 40 31 -­ 28

May 2016 1 -­ 28 8 -­ 42 15 -­ 25 22 -­ 39 29 -­ 57

September 2016 4 -­ 8:00-­20 , 9:30-­49 11-­ 44 18 -­ 25 25 -­ 53

February 2016 7 -­ 26 14 -­ 23 21 -­ 22 28 -­ 30

June 2016 5 -­ 39 12 -­ 46 19 -­ 35 26 -­ 8:00-­ 19, 9:30-­ 30

October 2016 2 -­ 34 9 -­ 35 16 -­ 35 23 -­ 30 30 -­ 40

March 2016 6 -­ 34 13 -­ 30 20 -­ 31 27 -­ 75 (Easter)

July 2016 3 -­ 8:00-­72 , 9:30-­53 10 -­ 8:00-­26 , 9:30-­46 17 -­ 8:00-­22 , 9:30-­36 24 -­ 8:00-­23 , 9:30-­41 31 -­ 8:00-­25 , 9:30-­47

November 2016 6 -­ 38 13 -­ 43 20 -­ 32 27 -­ 32

April 2016 3 -­ 24 10 -­ 32 17 -­ 21 24 -­ 35

August 2016 7 -­ 8:00-­16 , 9:30-­34 14 -­ 8:00-­21 , 9:30-­66 21 -­ 8:00-­25 , 9:30-­31 28 -­ 8:00-­15, 9:30-­48

December 2016 4 -­ 23 11 -­ 37 18 -­ 34

Additional ServicesAttendance Lenten Soup Supper Average: 25 Advent Soup Supper Average: 28Good Friday: 25Christmas Eve: 96

Average Sunday Attendance January-­April: 31 May-­September: 51October-­December: 35 8:00 Cross: 26

Ministry Statistics Baptisms: 2 Confirmations: 2 Weddings: 0 Funerals: 2

Membership List

Active Members-­72 Blanck, Daren Blanck, Michelle Bierbaum, Shirley Borson, Hanna Borson, Nicole Buckman, Kathy Buckman, Robert Cicak, Deonn Clyde, Courtney Cook, Angela Donek, Julia Erickson, Polly Gregg, Judith Griffith, Katherine Hall, Eileen Hansen, Danielle Hansen, Gary Iversen, Eric Iversen, Pam Johnson, Beverly Johnson, Deb Johnson, Harry Johnson, Kasey Krueger, Joyce Lamb, Linda Lamb, Skip Markwell, Carol Markwell, John McKeever, Donald McKeever, Madysen McKeever, Masen McKeever, Tina Monson, David Motschenbacher, Judith Motschenbacher, Spencer Muntean, Jeanne Nelson, Charles Nelson, Deric Nelson, Dustin Nelson, Felicia Nelson, Janet Nelson, Kathy Nelson, Lisa Nelson, Lucille Nelson, Randy Nelson, Richard Netland, James Norman, James Norman, Tim Olson, Allan Perusse, Susan Perusse, Thomas Peterson, Elizabeth

Revier, Ken Revier, Priscilla Revier, Robert Schliep, James Schliep, Mary Schliep, Mikala Schliep, Misty Schliep, Tim Thoreson, Koertland Thoreson, Rose Thoreson, Tim VanDoren, Charles VanDoren, Mary VanDoren, Steven VanDoren, Bradley VanDoren, Bryan Williams, Jerry Williams, Leanne Young, Rodney

Baptized, not confirmed-­10 Blanck, Elijah Blanck, Sophia James, Joseph Motschenbacher, Lelliai Peck, Jack Henry Peck, Kate Scherer, Nolan VanDoren, Cooper VanDoren, Nora VanDoren, Sonya

Associate Members-­19 Czaplicki, Lavona Hatanpaa, Barb Hatanpaa, Jacob Hemp, Lisa Huggins, Bill Huggins, Mary Jane Krantz, Katie Krantz, Tom Luenzmann, David Luenzmann, Nancy Mennsen, Carla Meyer, Susie Quarles, Lynsey Seidel, Shirley Sisson, Chip Sisson, Jamie Sloan, Betty VanDoren, Emily Wagner, Liz Inactive Confirmed-­53