INTERCHURCH MINISTRIES MINUTES
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Faith Luthern Church, Hoyt Lakes
The meeting was called to order at 2:00p.m. by Chairman, Lynn Voss
Everyone introduced themselves.
ATTENDANCE: 15
Hugh Wood – MEMA, Biwabik Covenant Alta Sprink – St. Mark’s Lutheran, Palo
Jim Flanagan – Lady of Hope Catholic Rita Flanagan – Lady of Hope Catholic
Carol Johnson – Faith Lutheran, HL Vicky Michels – Faith Lutheran, HL
Karen Baker – United Methodist, Aurora Beth Babcock – Palo Congregational
Pastor Charles Barnes – Faith Lutheran HL Jan Mikolich – UCC, Biwabik
Pastor John Szarke – UCC Biwabik Lynn Voss – Chairman
Janet Salo – Our Savior’s Lutheran Aurora Pam Peterson – Our Savior’s Lutheran Aurora
Stanley Bonneman – Trinity Methodist, HL
Devotions were given by Lynn Voss from ‘Everyday with Jesus’ on how we as people or a group influence others. Pastor Szarke led in prayer.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Alta read the minutes from the April 27th meeting held at the Food Shelf.
Jim made a motion to accept, second by Hugh. MC
TREASURER’S REPORT; Jan reported that all of the 10 churches have paid the $400 for the year. Thank you to all for doing that during these hard times. She has received several thank yous from the Food Shelf.
Previous month’s balance: $820.81 Receipts & Dues: $400.00 Disbursements: $400.00
Balance 6/23/21: $820.81 Savings acc’t: $517.44
Janet motioned to accept, second by Pastor Barnes. MC
MEMA REPORT: There have been no changes or calls. Churches might not be aware that we still have this fund and, also, there are new jobs opening up on the Range so their might not be quite the need for help.
FOOD SHELF REPORT: Clients coming to the food shelf have dropped off. The average now is about 25. A $10,000 grant was received from Essentia for up-grades, a $5,000 grant upped to $10,000 was received from MN Power so they will be purchasing a new door. A $91,000 grant is being applied for and will be coming later in the year. They have not heard back from the city about the signage bill which was paid. Need to inquire about allowing a big banner to fly outside.
Hugh noted that no one has to qualify now for the Food shelf as this has been done away with. Anyone can come.
A volunteer has come forward to mow the lawn. A thank you card was passed around for everyone to sign.
A motion was made by Jim, second by Karen for Lynn to put a large 1/6 page ad in the East Range Shopper with a list of our churches and their services offered and about MEMA and other events.
The Food Shelf has a new mailbox. The address is 301 S 2nd St E or Forestry Rd and 2nd St.
OLD BUSINESS: Discussed what individual churches could do for a fund raiser for the Food shelf like a special Sunday, a special week. Pastor Barnes made a motion, second by Vicky to make the whole month of November Food Shelf Month and leave it up to the churches on how they want to handle it.
Since the last meeting, Vicky had approached the city of Hoyt Lakes about helping out and supporting the Food Shelf. They would prefer to have a letter from Interchurch on the matter. Between Alta, Lynn, and Pastor Barb a letter was formed to be given to the three cities of Aurora, Hoyt Lakes and Biwabik. Vicky took the letter to Hoyt Lakes council and Jan M. took a letter to Biwabik city council and have not heard back. Hugh will be taking a letter to Aurora City.
NEW BUSINESS: Lynn will work on a draft for the next meeting for an insert for church newsletters and bulletins on what Interchurch involves.
PRAYER CONCERNS:
Gladys Anderson on her behalf
Sylvia on her behalf
Marge Jussila is home
Steven – progress in healing
Eric Butler – cancer single father of 2
Arlene Johnson whose son, David, has cancer
EVENTS;
Saturday, August 21, 9:00-12, St. Mark’s Rummage Sale at Loon Lake Community Center
Jan motioned to adjourn, second by Hugh.
NEXT MEETING: August 24, 2:00p..m. at Palo Congregational Church.
Respectfully submitted,
Alta Sprink, secretary
IINTERCHURCH MINISTRIES MINUTES
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Aurora Area Food Shelf
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lynn Voss at 2:00p.m.
Introductions were made around the table.
ATTENDANCE: 17 present
Stanley Bonnema – Trinity Methodist Karen Baker – Aurora United Methodist
Pastor Mary Lou Sixberry – Trinity Methodist Hugh Wood – MEMA
Janet Salo – Our Savior’s Lutheran Jan Mikolich – Biwabik UCC
Lynn Voss – Chairman Jim Flannagan – Our Lady of Hope
Rita Flannagan – Our Lady of Hope Pamela Peterson – Our Savior’s Lutheran
Clair Lundberg – St. Mark’s Lutheran, Palo Alta Sprink – St. Mark’s Lutheran, Palo
Pastor Barbara Hegfors – Aurora UMC Pastor John Szarke – UCC Biwabik
Pastor Isabelle Westman – Palo Congregational Pastor Chuck Barnes – Faith Lutheran, HL
Vicky Michels – Faith Lutheran, HL
Devotions were read by Lynn Voss entitled “Get in the Wheelbarrow” by Greg Laurin. James 2:14-17
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Alta read the minutes from the October 20, 2020 held at the Food Shelf.
Pastor Barnes made a motion to accept, second by Jan. MC.
(I sent a sympathy card to Bea Collins on the death of her husband from Interchurch).
TREASURER’S REPORT: Jan handed out copies of the treasurer’s report. Previous balance: $575.81
Income receipts & dues: $4,100.00; Disbursements: $3,855.00(food shelf & stamps)
Balance April 27: $820.81. Savings Balance: $517.44
The rent deposit for the Community Center was refunded in November.
Pastor Barnes motioned to accept, second by Pastor Barb. MC
MEMA: Hugh reported $563.71 in the account with no disbursements since the last meeting. Not having a full-time pastor in the area has made it difficult to handle this fund. Pastor Barnes volunteered and Hugh Wood agreed to stay on. Pastor Barnes: 218-742-6525 Hugh: 218-721-2368
Lynn made motion No. 1: New MEMA officers are Pastor Chuck Barnes and Hugh Wood. No discussion. Motion carried.
Motion No. 2: Pastor Barnes and Hugh Wood are the names to be on the bank account. The names Clyde Harvey and John Szarke are to be taken off. No discussion. Motion carried.
FOOD SHELF REPORT: The food shelf is doing well. They are waiting on the grant for the garage door. A new freezer was purchased with grant money. Trying to get data entered on the computer. Serve 150 households(500 people) each week. Usually have about 14 volunteers on Tuesdays.
It has been said that Aurora has the best model of a food shelf around.
New chairman of the board is Ron Feldt. The food shelf phone no. is 218-306-6116.
Vicky Michels and Jan Salo volunteered to speak to their city mayors / wives about getting help and support for our food shelf as there has been none.
Hugh also expressed how nice it is to see Pastors attending our meeting. Their input and support is much needed.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: Fund raisers for the Food Shelf was discussed. Suggested that churches could do their own individual appeal for funds suggesting having a small wheelbarrow for cash donations or similar gimmick. Checks should be made out to Interchurch which will be passed on to the food shelf. We should make it more known in our churches the importance of Interchurch and our support of the food shelf.
Still due to COVID uncertainty, the discussion of fund raisers will be tabled until the next meeting on June 22.
Northern Pines nursing home in Aurora is asking for worship services to return.
Mary Kurtz is coordinator for New Journey in Biwabik.
PRAYER CONCERNS TAKEN AND PRAYED FOR:
Gladys Anderson is home
Sylvia Maki – pacemaker
Steven, son of Pastor Isabelle – cancer
Lynn Voss’ grandsons – accidents
Marge Jussila – broken leg
EVENTS: Pastor John Szarke would like to have Lenten soup suppers again on Wednesdays in 2022.
NEXT MEETING: Lynn made a motion that we meet every other month, second by Jan Mikolich. MC
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, June 22, 2:00p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hoyt Lakes.
CLOSING PRAYER
Jim Flanagan motioned to adjourn at approximately 3:30p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alta Sprink, secretary
NTERCHURCH AND FOOD SHELF JOINT MEETING
AURORA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
JULY 14, 2020, 1:30P.M.
Chairperson, Lynn Voss, officially opened the meeting at 1:30p.m.
Pastor Barb led in opening prayer.
Lynn began by explaining what has been happening concerning the Aurora Food Shelf building that we rent. It has been for sale and there has been some interest in buying it, but nothing has been down in writing, so far. The food shelf needs a permanent home and it is better to be prepared. Therefore, we have looked at two buildings, Grace Church and Jehovah’s Witnesses. It was decided that Grace had too many issues that we didn’t want to deal with, but the Jehovah’s building would work well with a bit of upgrade. It’s 2,028 sq. ft. for $95,000. Of the two buildings AEOA recommended the Jehovah building over the Grace building. A proposal needs to be in this week to AEOA. We would offer $85,000. The $25,000 down payment would be our responsibility. We could possibly get a grant from IRRRB for the upgrades. We are under the umbrella of AEOA and they would be the ones doing the negotiating and signing. They would also help with any future fund raisers. Nothing would come out of the Interchurch treasury. No offers have been given or accepted yet from the Jehovah Witnesses.
Hugh Wood made a motion for Interchurch and Aurora Area Food Shelf to allow AEOA to be the negotiator and to make a proposal for the Jehovah building starting at $85,000. Upon the final price agreed on, the Aurora Area Food Shelf will be responsible for a down payment, which will be based on funds in the Aurora Area Food Shelf account and input from AEOA. Depending on the final agreement with financing through AEOA the monthly payment would be determined. Food Shelf guarantees $25,000 down payment. Jan Mikolich second the motion. MC
Lynn will bring the motion to the AEOA .
We will probably need to have a meeting in August. Look for further details.
Respectfully submitted,
Alta Sprink, secretary
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Faith Luthern Church, Hoyt Lakes
The meeting was called to order at 2:00p.m. by Chairman, Lynn Voss
Everyone introduced themselves.
ATTENDANCE: 15
Hugh Wood – MEMA, Biwabik Covenant Alta Sprink – St. Mark’s Lutheran, Palo
Jim Flanagan – Lady of Hope Catholic Rita Flanagan – Lady of Hope Catholic
Carol Johnson – Faith Lutheran, HL Vicky Michels – Faith Lutheran, HL
Karen Baker – United Methodist, Aurora Beth Babcock – Palo Congregational
Pastor Charles Barnes – Faith Lutheran HL Jan Mikolich – UCC, Biwabik
Pastor John Szarke – UCC Biwabik Lynn Voss – Chairman
Janet Salo – Our Savior’s Lutheran Aurora Pam Peterson – Our Savior’s Lutheran Aurora
Stanley Bonneman – Trinity Methodist, HL
Devotions were given by Lynn Voss from ‘Everyday with Jesus’ on how we as people or a group influence others. Pastor Szarke led in prayer.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Alta read the minutes from the April 27th meeting held at the Food Shelf.
Jim made a motion to accept, second by Hugh. MC
TREASURER’S REPORT; Jan reported that all of the 10 churches have paid the $400 for the year. Thank you to all for doing that during these hard times. She has received several thank yous from the Food Shelf.
Previous month’s balance: $820.81 Receipts & Dues: $400.00 Disbursements: $400.00
Balance 6/23/21: $820.81 Savings acc’t: $517.44
Janet motioned to accept, second by Pastor Barnes. MC
MEMA REPORT: There have been no changes or calls. Churches might not be aware that we still have this fund and, also, there are new jobs opening up on the Range so their might not be quite the need for help.
FOOD SHELF REPORT: Clients coming to the food shelf have dropped off. The average now is about 25. A $10,000 grant was received from Essentia for up-grades, a $5,000 grant upped to $10,000 was received from MN Power so they will be purchasing a new door. A $91,000 grant is being applied for and will be coming later in the year. They have not heard back from the city about the signage bill which was paid. Need to inquire about allowing a big banner to fly outside.
Hugh noted that no one has to qualify now for the Food shelf as this has been done away with. Anyone can come.
A volunteer has come forward to mow the lawn. A thank you card was passed around for everyone to sign.
A motion was made by Jim, second by Karen for Lynn to put a large 1/6 page ad in the East Range Shopper with a list of our churches and their services offered and about MEMA and other events.
The Food Shelf has a new mailbox. The address is 301 S 2nd St E or Forestry Rd and 2nd St.
OLD BUSINESS: Discussed what individual churches could do for a fund raiser for the Food shelf like a special Sunday, a special week. Pastor Barnes made a motion, second by Vicky to make the whole month of November Food Shelf Month and leave it up to the churches on how they want to handle it.
Since the last meeting, Vicky had approached the city of Hoyt Lakes about helping out and supporting the Food Shelf. They would prefer to have a letter from Interchurch on the matter. Between Alta, Lynn, and Pastor Barb a letter was formed to be given to the three cities of Aurora, Hoyt Lakes and Biwabik. Vicky took the letter to Hoyt Lakes council and Jan M. took a letter to Biwabik city council and have not heard back. Hugh will be taking a letter to Aurora City.
NEW BUSINESS: Lynn will work on a draft for the next meeting for an insert for church newsletters and bulletins on what Interchurch involves.
PRAYER CONCERNS:
Gladys Anderson on her behalf
Sylvia on her behalf
Marge Jussila is home
Steven – progress in healing
Eric Butler – cancer single father of 2
Arlene Johnson whose son, David, has cancer
EVENTS;
Saturday, August 21, 9:00-12, St. Mark’s Rummage Sale at Loon Lake Community Center
Jan motioned to adjourn, second by Hugh.
NEXT MEETING: August 24, 2:00p..m. at Palo Congregational Church.
Respectfully submitted,
Alta Sprink, secretary
IINTERCHURCH MINISTRIES MINUTES
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Aurora Area Food Shelf
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lynn Voss at 2:00p.m.
Introductions were made around the table.
ATTENDANCE: 17 present
Stanley Bonnema – Trinity Methodist Karen Baker – Aurora United Methodist
Pastor Mary Lou Sixberry – Trinity Methodist Hugh Wood – MEMA
Janet Salo – Our Savior’s Lutheran Jan Mikolich – Biwabik UCC
Lynn Voss – Chairman Jim Flannagan – Our Lady of Hope
Rita Flannagan – Our Lady of Hope Pamela Peterson – Our Savior’s Lutheran
Clair Lundberg – St. Mark’s Lutheran, Palo Alta Sprink – St. Mark’s Lutheran, Palo
Pastor Barbara Hegfors – Aurora UMC Pastor John Szarke – UCC Biwabik
Pastor Isabelle Westman – Palo Congregational Pastor Chuck Barnes – Faith Lutheran, HL
Vicky Michels – Faith Lutheran, HL
Devotions were read by Lynn Voss entitled “Get in the Wheelbarrow” by Greg Laurin. James 2:14-17
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Alta read the minutes from the October 20, 2020 held at the Food Shelf.
Pastor Barnes made a motion to accept, second by Jan. MC.
(I sent a sympathy card to Bea Collins on the death of her husband from Interchurch).
TREASURER’S REPORT: Jan handed out copies of the treasurer’s report. Previous balance: $575.81
Income receipts & dues: $4,100.00; Disbursements: $3,855.00(food shelf & stamps)
Balance April 27: $820.81. Savings Balance: $517.44
The rent deposit for the Community Center was refunded in November.
Pastor Barnes motioned to accept, second by Pastor Barb. MC
MEMA: Hugh reported $563.71 in the account with no disbursements since the last meeting. Not having a full-time pastor in the area has made it difficult to handle this fund. Pastor Barnes volunteered and Hugh Wood agreed to stay on. Pastor Barnes: 218-742-6525 Hugh: 218-721-2368
Lynn made motion No. 1: New MEMA officers are Pastor Chuck Barnes and Hugh Wood. No discussion. Motion carried.
Motion No. 2: Pastor Barnes and Hugh Wood are the names to be on the bank account. The names Clyde Harvey and John Szarke are to be taken off. No discussion. Motion carried.
FOOD SHELF REPORT: The food shelf is doing well. They are waiting on the grant for the garage door. A new freezer was purchased with grant money. Trying to get data entered on the computer. Serve 150 households(500 people) each week. Usually have about 14 volunteers on Tuesdays.
It has been said that Aurora has the best model of a food shelf around.
New chairman of the board is Ron Feldt. The food shelf phone no. is 218-306-6116.
Vicky Michels and Jan Salo volunteered to speak to their city mayors / wives about getting help and support for our food shelf as there has been none.
Hugh also expressed how nice it is to see Pastors attending our meeting. Their input and support is much needed.
OLD BUSINESS:
NEW BUSINESS: Fund raisers for the Food Shelf was discussed. Suggested that churches could do their own individual appeal for funds suggesting having a small wheelbarrow for cash donations or similar gimmick. Checks should be made out to Interchurch which will be passed on to the food shelf. We should make it more known in our churches the importance of Interchurch and our support of the food shelf.
Still due to COVID uncertainty, the discussion of fund raisers will be tabled until the next meeting on June 22.
Northern Pines nursing home in Aurora is asking for worship services to return.
Mary Kurtz is coordinator for New Journey in Biwabik.
PRAYER CONCERNS TAKEN AND PRAYED FOR:
Gladys Anderson is home
Sylvia Maki – pacemaker
Steven, son of Pastor Isabelle – cancer
Lynn Voss’ grandsons – accidents
Marge Jussila – broken leg
EVENTS: Pastor John Szarke would like to have Lenten soup suppers again on Wednesdays in 2022.
NEXT MEETING: Lynn made a motion that we meet every other month, second by Jan Mikolich. MC
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, June 22, 2:00p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Hoyt Lakes.
CLOSING PRAYER
Jim Flanagan motioned to adjourn at approximately 3:30p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alta Sprink, secretary
NTERCHURCH AND FOOD SHELF JOINT MEETING
AURORA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
JULY 14, 2020, 1:30P.M.
Chairperson, Lynn Voss, officially opened the meeting at 1:30p.m.
Pastor Barb led in opening prayer.
Lynn began by explaining what has been happening concerning the Aurora Food Shelf building that we rent. It has been for sale and there has been some interest in buying it, but nothing has been down in writing, so far. The food shelf needs a permanent home and it is better to be prepared. Therefore, we have looked at two buildings, Grace Church and Jehovah’s Witnesses. It was decided that Grace had too many issues that we didn’t want to deal with, but the Jehovah’s building would work well with a bit of upgrade. It’s 2,028 sq. ft. for $95,000. Of the two buildings AEOA recommended the Jehovah building over the Grace building. A proposal needs to be in this week to AEOA. We would offer $85,000. The $25,000 down payment would be our responsibility. We could possibly get a grant from IRRRB for the upgrades. We are under the umbrella of AEOA and they would be the ones doing the negotiating and signing. They would also help with any future fund raisers. Nothing would come out of the Interchurch treasury. No offers have been given or accepted yet from the Jehovah Witnesses.
Hugh Wood made a motion for Interchurch and Aurora Area Food Shelf to allow AEOA to be the negotiator and to make a proposal for the Jehovah building starting at $85,000. Upon the final price agreed on, the Aurora Area Food Shelf will be responsible for a down payment, which will be based on funds in the Aurora Area Food Shelf account and input from AEOA. Depending on the final agreement with financing through AEOA the monthly payment would be determined. Food Shelf guarantees $25,000 down payment. Jan Mikolich second the motion. MC
Lynn will bring the motion to the AEOA .
We will probably need to have a meeting in August. Look for further details.
Respectfully submitted,
Alta Sprink, secretary