On May 7, 2024, I along with Russ Diesinger attended the West Berks Mission District Spring Assembly as voting members from Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading. The event was hosted by Renewed Spirit Church in the City of Reading. After Opening Prayer, the Treasurer’s Report was received from Rev. Drew Neidig. Congregational giving was under budget by $15,767.49, which is the amount of missing funds that is currently being investigated by Berks County law enforcement. The Mission District has hired the services of a forensic accountant regarding this matter. Elections were held for the position of Dean, council members and the 2025 CWA clergy voting member. The WBMD voted to put forth a resolution at the NEPA Synod Assembly for a constitutional change for eligibility to serve as Dean of a Mission District. This resolution, if passed, would allow the entire body of rostered ministers, including those rostered ministers on the retired list, to serve in the capacity of Dean. Rev. Drew Neidig presented the Associate of the Bishop Report with recognition of rostered leader anniversaries. Trinity’s own Deaconess Deborah Matern Graf is celebrating 30 years; Pastor Fred S. Opalinski, 50 years and Pastor Thomas H. Reinsel, 60 years! My heartfelt gratitude and congratulations go to each for their service to our congregation and in reaching these milestones. A call was made for volunteers for Synod Assembly. If anyone is interested, please contact Pastor Hans Becklin or Vestry President, Amy Litvinov. The meeting ended with a closing prayer by Dean Rev. Colleen Cox.
On May 20, 2024, Vestry held its regular monthly meeting. The Vestry President opened the meeting with a moment of meditation on Isaiah 6:1-8 and a time of prayer. On top of the agenda was the appointment of Maggie Shelly to serve the remainder of Tom Hofmann’s term of service. Tom gave notice of resignation from his term to vestry due to plans to attend graduate school. Vestry unanimously approved Maggie’s appointment and we welcome Maggie aboard to serve Trinity in this capacity. Next, Vestry received the updated Investment Policy from the Finance Committee. The Policy was drafted very thoughtfully and is comprehensive. Vestry unanimously approved the new policy. This policy will allow the Finance Committee to have clear guidelines when sending out RFP (Request for Financial Proposal) from investment firms.
Vestry received updates from the Minister of Music Search Committee, Capital Campaign Committee, Auditorium/ HVAC Project Committees, Property Committee and Worship and Music Committee. Staff reports were also provided for the meeting. The Treasurer report overall shows stability. Member giving is on track for the year to date. Investment accounts fell in April. The investments YTD are in the positive, but the accounts fell significantly in April. It is believed that these accounts should recover based on current trends.
Also of note is that the property general repair funds have reached budget capacity within the initial 5 months of this year. Vestry is expecting to receive a budget variance request from the Property Committee. This occurrence is contributable to two things: 1) Trinity received two past due bills from previous years from Firestone Plumbing, which have been paid and 2) Trinity’s beloved buildings need attention and repair. Additionally, the parking lot arm at the Fifth Street Entrance is not operational due to improper use by neighborhood children. This will be replaced soon.
Please remember that the annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled on June 9, 2024, after service. Vestry’s next regular meeting is June 17 at 7pm.