Council Updates - May 2025

The LIFT program for youth concluded on May 21st. To celebrate the ending of our first year together with Our Saviors and Messiah, we had an evening of miniature golf and a picnic meal.

Thank you to Rick Kinnunen for repairing our food pantry door which had been broken. We are once again able to help out our neighbors in need.

Bennet reported that Andrew Meinzer will do our lawn mowing again this year and the Calgaro Tree Service company trimmed our trees at a cost

Council Highlights - April 2025

Our Lenten services focused on different methods of prayer and how to incorporate it into our daily lives. We want to thank Gail Wieman and Dawn Matschiner for their assisting Pastor Marion. Palm Sunday was very special with our Sunday School kids singing for us, they did a great job. Our church looked beautiful Easter Sunday. A very special thank you to Mary Jo Ralston who once again decorated the large wooden cross with white flowers, it was gorgeous. Thank you to those

Council Highlights - March 2025

Plans are being formulated for our joint Sunday worship service Memorial Day weekend and our “Summer Fun Nights” with Messiah and Our Saviors. More information will be coming closer to that time

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Sheila reported the new Favor of the month in April will be in conjunction with the St. Louis County Hybird Court and the Mental Health Court.

Pam and Donna volunteered to organize and oversee a First Communion class for all those interested (please check out their article in this

Council Highlights - February 2025

At our February meeting we were happy to welcome new Council members Pam Fields and Sam Michaels, we look forward to working with them. Deb Poderzay volunteered to move into the Vice President position. I want to thank all three of them for their commitment, and to all of our councilors who work hard and are very committed to our Church.

We are still gathering information about a possible buzzer security system for our back door. Anyone spending time alone in our church, e

Council Highlights - January 2025

During our last meeting, plans were being finalized for our Annual Congregational meeting which will have already taken place (January 26th) by the time you read this. We reviewed what has taken place in the social hall and nursery and they are now completed. A lot of hard work went into it, but it turned out beautifully. Again, thank you to all who had a hand in it from cleanup to completion.

We are also reviewing plans to replace the carpet on the back stairway and floor

Council Highlights - December 2024

2024 was quite a year for Gethsemane with a number of changes and challenges.



It began with Pastor Amy leaving in January. It was also determined we should not wait any longer to replace our leaky roof. And …. then the rain came and flooded the basement. What really stands out through the year is our Congregation coming together and doing whatever it took to keep us, not just functioning, but functioning stronger than ever. So many, many willing hands and generous giving

Council Highlights - November 2024

Hello Gethsemane! Awhile back I offered to fill in as Council President because of being familiar with the call process. Since then the duties have become more than expected and was having an effect on me. I realized I was burned out and needed to step aside, and this is what I have done.

Mary Horan has agreed to step in for me and I know she will do an outstanding job. I will stay on the council and will continue to work with the committees I am involved with. I would

Council Highlights - October 2024

Hello Gethsemane,

This past month at Council we heard reports from various ministry teams, Pastors reports and financial reports. We also had updates on progress of repairs to the fellowship hall, a future family fun night, new member Sunday, Confirmation Sunday, Reformation Sunday and possible security updates at church. A new church directory is in the works, please keep an eye out on how to join in on it! Sam Teff, chair of the Call Committee, gave us an update on thei

Council Highlights - September 2024

September is always busy, but so good to reconnect after summer.

September 8th, our New Orleans Youth Gathering Team hosted our worship service. Each one shared their personal experience, plus we were treated to highlights of their trip on a slide show at coffee. Thank you to all that contributed to make this trip a reality.

September 15th, Welcome Back Sunday. Sunday School registration took place, we also celebrated the completion of our “Raise the Roof” campaign. Again,

Council Highlights - August 2024

Hello everyone!

A busy council meeting this month along with the usual reports and business; there were several other things to discuss and plan. Plans were made for Summer Fun Night (already been held by the time you read this) and for Welcome Back/Rally Sunday which will be held on Sunday, September 15th.

Changes in programming in Youth and Confirmation areas were discussed so look for information regarding these areas to be out soon. 

The roof project is nearing an end a

Council Highlights - July 2024

Happy Summer!

Your church council was busy this month with business of Gethsemane. At our meeting we heard financial reports, reports from various ministry teams and discussed old and new business. Lots of things are happening at Gethsemane! 

In August alone we are having Vacation Bible School (held at Our Saviors this year), the Rock the Block picnic and Family Fun night. I hope you and your family can join in with these activities. 

Progress continues with the roo

Council Highlights - June 2024

Hello Gethsemane! 

Reporting on this month’s council meeting seems pretty mundane after the past couple of weeks. I hope that all of you who had water in your basement are progressing with your clean-up. Our church, too, received water. Through the amazing efforts of a number of people, the Fellowship Hall carpet has been removed along with ruined carpets throughout the basement and all other damaged property. Bruce is in contact with our insurance carrier regarding our cl

Council Highlights - May 2024

Hello all!

Your council has been hard at work during this time of transition. Meetings have been held with two Interim Pastors and they will begin work at Gethsemane on June 10th, with installation on June 16th. We look forward to the leadership and guidance of Pastor Mark Holman and Pastor Marion Rova. We are lucky and blessed to have them here. 

I attended the first meeting of the Call Committee as their work begins in the search for a called Pastor. Thank you to the mem

Council Highlights - April 2024

Greetings everyone! A change has occurred in the church council. Due to the time involved with her job and the time involved in a search for a new Pastor, Molly has resigned as council president. Thanks to her for serving as president and her leadership.

The church constitution instructs the council to elect a new president from its ranks. Having been a part of this process before, I have accepted that role. As most of you know, this can be quite a challenging time and

Council Highlights - March 2024

We are truly blessed to have a mild winter. Feels like spring is here in March! I should not speak too soon.

Everyone should be aware that significant work has been accomplished by your council members for excellent pulpit coverage for March through April and likely into May as we continue to work with the Synod in calling for an interim pastor and exploring options for a permanent pastor down the road. Our congregation will need to open our minds to options and be flexib