Trinity Lutheran Church
Frankfort, MI

For a list of Church Council Members and their descriptions please see below the contact form.
The Church Council has “general oversight of the life and activities of the congregation, and in particular, it’s worship life – to the end that everything be done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the ELCA.”
The Church Council wishes to hear your thoughts. Please use the contact form below to send any ideas to the Church Council.
President – Bill Crawford
The President of the congregation presides over Council meetings, and along with the pastors, sets the agenda for each gathering. He/she also encourages the proper functioning of each standing committee.
Vice-President – James Rich
The VP, presides at Council meetings when the President is absent – and is the one who convenes and oversees the Nominating Committee (along with the pastors) each year as it seeks new Council members.
Secretary – Marla Dykstra
The Council Secretary take the Minutes at each meeting, and distribute them to other members prior to the next scheduled meeting. The Secretary is also free to participate in other leadership roles and assist where needed.
Treasurers – Amy and Doug Plumstead
The Treasuresr of the congregation has a big job – they are responsible for all the bills, the reporting of info regarding finances, and they also work closely with the Bookkeeper (Becky Noffsinger). Much of this work has been computerized with the help of Troy Terwilliger, and Amy Plumstead in prior years.
Financial Secretary – Anne Rodey
The Financial Secretary is responsible for recording, and keeping track of the various financial gifts given to Trinity – and for the quarterly reporting of these gifts to members of the congregation. These gifts include gifts made to the Memorial Fund, Endowment, Capital Campaign and other ministries – as well as gifts-in-kind.
Capital Campaign Treasurer – Rich Scott
Not a member of Council, officially – none-the-less, the Capital Campaign Treasurer is responsible for the collection, reporting and leadership of the gifts that come in specifically to the Capital Campaign Fund. They also pay the monthly mortgage payments and makes suggestions regarding the amount of funds kept for “Rainy Day” times.
Finance Committee – Paul Luedtke
The Finance Chairperson is responsible for the overseeing of the entire financial picture at Trinity – as well as to help develop and present a budget to the congregation at the Annual Meeting in late June.
Education – Greta Zwinck
The Education Committee oversees the learning ministries at Trinity, but primarily the Sunday School program, and Vacation Bible School in the summer. Trinity has a very active ministry to the youngest members, as well as toward the older members.
Worship – Andrew Clark
The Worship Committee experienced a lot of wonderful improvements and updates from Stephanie Johnson over the past two years – and is now searching for a new leader. Andrew Clark has volunteered to assist both pastors in tackling the issues and decisions that need to be made – along with the organists, choir director and the congregation.
Fellowship – Caroline Yaste
Fellowship and gathering with others from the congregation.
Youth – Barb Rich
Trinity has about 125 young people that are connected to the congregation, in one way or another. These connections have included things like trips to summer camp, Sunday School classes, the Confirmation program for 7th and 8th-graders, Cherub Choir, acolyting and worship participation, the Christmas Program, Monday Night Football and pizza for High School Youth, trips to water parks and amusement parks – as well as opportunities to serve others in our community. The Youth chairpersons encourage and inspire this ministry to stay strong and diverse!
Property – Rich Yaste
The Property committee chair oversees the entire “physical structure” of Trinity – both inside and out. Leadership and suggestions concerning a wide variety of issues are sought from this person.
Evangelism – Fred Guetschow
Almost everything we do at Trinity, is related to Evangelism. Technically, it is the outreach into the community through ministry that is the focus on the committee – as we strive to reach out to those in need with the Word of God given to us.
Social Ministry – Marilyn Argue
Trinity has a wide range of ways in which we serve those who need us most in our community. Some include out support for: Love, Inc., Benzie Area Christian Neighbors, Benzie Home Health Care, Habitat for Humanity, Benzie Food Partners, World Hunger and Disaster Relief through the ELCA, the collection of food, and our Wednesday Night Dinners that reach out to the needy.
Pastor & Youth Minister – Rick Stieve & Lisa Packard
Pastors and leaders in ELCA churches are members of Church Council, with full voice and vote. They are expected to assist in the overseeing of the congregation, and to provide leadership and spiritual direction where needed.

