The Galilean Log

April 2010

The time of Lent is now over, and the celebration of Easter is ready to begin! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! The gates of the grave no longer lead us to death, but to eternal life. Easter is the reason that we Worship on Sunday instead of the traditional Sabbath, which is Saturday. Jesus was raised from the dead on Sunday morning, three days after his crucifixion and death, just the way scripture promised. Read about Jesus birth foretold in Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2, Jeremiah 23:5, Prophesies about Jesus life and his work in Isaiah 35:4-6, Isaiah 40:3-5. Read about Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a donkey Zechariah 9:9, Read prophesies about the way Jesus would die in Isaiah 53, Zechariah 12:10, His betrayal in Psalm 41:9=Matthew 26:47-50. His burial in a rich man's tomb in Isaiah 53:9, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven on the third day is found in Matthew 12:40 where Jesus says, “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Jesus also explained to the disciples that he would  rise on the third day to new life (Mark 10:34) It was God's plan from the beginning of time that God would become human and live among us. And God would suffer death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. God did this because God loves us and wants to spend eternity with us. God's love for us is even more powerful than death! Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord! So it is time to celebrate! Thanks be to God in Jesus Christ, we shall not die but live forever! Indeed, we have a generous God. And we are called by our generous God to be a generous people.

            Last month, I reminded you that Galilean's mission statement is “Growing in, Living out, and Celebrating the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ.” I have written about Galileans growing in our financial stewardship and growing in our relationship with Christ through the many bible studies offered at Galilean. (See President's article this month) I also have been amazed and blessed by the fact that the mid-week Lenten services had an average attendance of around 70 people! It is marvelous to see so many folks living out their faith by attending the mid-week service. Some have suggested that so many came because they were groupies of Dan Gapinski and his groovy new gig of “That's What Generous People Do.” Thanks to Dan being so generous with his gifts, we are growing in attendance for mid week services and living out our faith! There are so many ways that Galileans live out their faith. Watch for more exciting ways to learn about Galileans walking the walk of faith AND talking the talk of faith.

We are a church that is growing in and living out the Grace and Love of Christ. But since it is the season of Easter, I want to focus on one of the ways we celebrate the Grace and love of Jesus Christ at Galilean. Every week as we gather together as the people of God to worship, we are Celebrating the Grace and Love of Christ.

and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Come join in the celebration of God's kingdom breaking into ours, and bring a friend.

 Easter celebration blessings to you – Pastor Jeff

From the President’s Desk

In my last communication to you, I asked all of you to think Spring. You did and here we are! What marvels await us….

so?

Then I understood. All three of these parts of our mission statement would be meaningless if we excluded the last part of the statement “The Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord”. Those three statements must always be linked with the final part of the statement “The Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord.” How do we at Galilean Lutheran experience this “Growing In?” (Don’t forget the last portion of our mission statement, “The Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord.”). I am impressed with the number of different Bible groups active at Galilean. Starting with the Wednesday morning Bible Study and Prayer Breakfast, Tuesday morning Ladies Adult Bible Study, Tuesday evening Women in the ELCA Bible group, Sunday’s Adult Bible Study, Just Desserts Bible Study and I for-see other study groups in the future.

Certainly worth mentioning are the many Youth programs we are blessed with here at Galilean and also a very active and progressive Sunday school program. Not to mention many books and pamphlets available for individual study and reflection. How better to grow in our faith than to not only hear the Word of our Lord, but to study and discuss what the Word is saying to us? A must in all spiritual growth. From Sunday school through Confirmation and into adulthood of worship practices.

Next month “Living Out” the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord. Stay tuned and remember, “In God’s Love, Everyone is Someone.”

Yours in Christ, Bob 

Community Kitchen

Hey Galileans ~ Community Kitchen is once again ours to serve in April.

The dates are Monday, the 19th, Wednesday, the 21st, Friday the 23rd, Monday, the 26th, Wednesday, the 28th and Friday, the 30th.

Struggling with Illness

Dick Becker

Sandra Fischer

Karen Barrett

Bruce Evans

Betty Wind

In Mourning

Allen & Karen Holm and family

Pastor Jeff & Kelli Ungs and family

Our Men in the Military

Cole Fatland

Andrew Branstad

Chris Sorensen

Council Minutes 3.9.2010

Vice President Leanne Hicks called the meeting to order. Devotions were given by Leanne Hicks. Roll Call: Present: Pastor Jeff Ungs, Leanne Hicks, Sally Litterer, Marilyn Chalgren, Wayne Pralle, Amy Pralle, Jeff Stealy, Vicki Whelan, Susan Starrett, Sue Brandt, Connie Bieber, Kelsey Litterer and Jo Ann Shallberg. Absent: Bob Johnson, Cecilia Fuller.

Agenda: Motion to approve by Sally Litterer and seconded by Marilyn Chalgren, motion carried.

Minutes of last meeting: Motion to approve by Marilyn Chalgren, seconded by Sally Litterer, motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: At the end of February there was $5,700 in unpaid bills. Giving has increased but we are still behind. $6,000 has been borrowed from our line of credit and interest on the loan is approximately $20.00 per month. Motion carried by Connie Bieber and seconded by Jeff Stealy, motion carried.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Jeff reported on February’s activities. He presided at a funeral for a non-member.

Evangelism: Amy Pralle reported that she is continuing to make personal visits with gifts to recent visitors. We will be hosting the Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp Board of Directors annual meeting here at the church on Saturday, April 24. We will be providing refreshments and lunch.

Learning: Sue Brandt reported that the S.S. are still using the Spark Bibles. March 14 there will be a pizza party. The children are encouraged to bring loose change for the Heifer Project. March 21 the S.S. will decorate the windows for Easter. There will be no S.S. on Easter, April 4. Sue is working with the EWALU on dates for Vacation Bible School.

Property: Jeff Stealy reported that the furnaces have been repaired, total cost was about $1,600 and insurance paid all except the $500 deductible. Spring Clean Up will hopefully be scheduled for next month. The outdoor manger scene has been put away with the exception of one lost sheep which is probably still buried under the snow.

Worship: Seder Meal is scheduled for Maundy Thursday, April 1. Persons attending are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. There are still some communion cloths missing, if anyone has these, please return them. Bell Choir practices will resume after Easter. A new white cloth has been purchased for draping the Cross outside.

Stewardship: Committee meets weekly. They have set a $3,200 weekly giving goal. The beautiful tree will be a visual help in reaching this amount. More secrets about the tree will be revealed from time to time. A special Thanks To Bev Clapsaddle for all of her work on this project. A monthly Temple Talk will be given by the different committees was suggested.

Correspondence: Daylight Donuts will deliver free to the church with a minimum order of 4 dozen.

New Business: Seder Meal. Pastor Jeff explained the Passover Meal tradition. Discussion was conducted on what needs to be done.

Rummage Sale: Date needs to be set. A 2 day sale was suggested for Friday and Saturday. Possible dates are Sept. 11& 12 or Aug. 13 & 14. Suggested having cinnamon rolls and coffee available along with the Bake Sale. Funds raised will be designated for charity, possibly World Hunger or Homeless shelters. Council is to bring ideas to the next meeting.

A spread sheet program for Finances will be set up to facilitate recording the offerings on Sunday mornings.

RAGBRAI: after exact route is published a location will be chosen for a pie and ice cream stand.

The next council meeting will Tuesday, April 13 at 7:00 pm.

The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted by

Dollars and Sense (Cents) ~ February 2010

Regular Giving:    $11,878.85                  Designated Giving: $392.00                       Memorials: $25.00

Total Income: $12,295.85

Operating Expense: $11,025.39            Designated Giving paid out: $0            Memorial Funds used: $1,164.16

There were $5,741.21 of unpaid bills that were due by Feb. 28 and have not been paid. As of Feb. 28 $6,000 has been borrowed from our Line of Credit. Memorial Funds were used for the Sound System Upgrade.

Designated Giving Received is for Vacation Bible School Scholarships.

Average Attendance 2009: 106                    Average Attendance 2010: 98

From the Stewardship Commission

Our

“Generosity Tree”

depicts our Galilean Lutheran mission statement: “Growing in, Living out, and Celebrating the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord.

The trunk is symbolic of how we will grow in our tithes and offerings. (Watch the squirrel move up the trunk to illustrate that growth.)

The branches represent how we live out our mission in various ministries which are led by our commissions on evangelism, learning, youth, and social concerns.

The leafy part of the tree represents the gathering together in worship, fellowship, and service as part of our congregational life and worship commissions. The Property commission maintains the grounds into which the tree is rooted. “Birds of Accomplishment” carrying banners listing various accomplishments of each commission will be flying up and away from the tree. Generous stewardship is the rain and sunshine that nourishes all of these ministries and enables us to share with others our faith in and love for God. One cannot exist without the other and everyone is encouraged to join in this mission.

Notes to note from the Youth

The Galilean Youth Crusaders will be serving it’s Annual Easter Breakfast on Easter Sunday April 4th beginning approximately at 7:45 am. They will be serving Pancakes, Lil’ Smokies, Fresh Fruit, Juice and Coffee. There is a sign up sheet on the table in the back of the Sanctuary if you plan on attending, please write you name/s down on the sheet of paper w/ the # in your party.

A Free Will donation will go to: The Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank and World Hunger.         

Thanks!!

Dana Sorensen & Wayne Pralle

Prayer Shawl Ministry Group will meet on Monday, April 12 at 3:00 at the church. 

Diner’s Club will be gathering on Friday, April 9 at  6:30 pm at the Italian Garden  Restaurant (between Hobby Lobby & Hy-Vee in Mason City)

Just Desserts Bible Study group will be meeting on Tuesday, April 20 at the home of Rae & Connie Bieber at 6:30 pm.

Here’s Who’s Doing What for Worship & Fellowship in April

 Maundy Thursday, April 1

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

Good Friday, April 2

Accompanist: Linda Hopper

Special Music: Brenda Bonnstetter

Easter Sunday, April 4

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

Acolyte: Taylor Ohrt

Worship Assistant: Jim Latham

Reader: Kelsey Litterer

Communion Prep: Janet Hahn

Communion Servers: K C Lu, Isaac Ungs, Deb Brastrom

Usher/Greeters: Eric & Kerri Gustin, Cliff

Stephenson

No Fellowship or Sunday school

Sunday, April 11

Accompanist: Karen Hernes

Acolyte: Jade Hanson

Worship Assistant: Larry Eichmeier

Reader: Kassidy Hanson

Usher/Greeters: Bob & Donna Buol, James & Maggie Smith

Coffee Hosts: Scot & Dana Sorensen,

Monique Pinheiro

Sunday, April 18

Accompanist: Sandy Gunnerson

Acolyte: Jennifer Fuller

Worship Assistant: Deb Brastrom

Reader: Alisha Ungs

Communion Prep: Wayne & Amy Pralle

Communion Servers: Marilyn Chalgren,

Jan Fynskov, Louanne Bonin

Usher/Greeters: Joyce Carew, Dick Olson,

Rakel Smith

Coffee Hosts: Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson

Sunday, April 25

Accompanist: Linda Hopper

Acolyte: Hanna Davis

Worship Assistant: Marilyn Chalgren

Reader: Bob Welper

Usher/Greeters: Larry & Lorraine Hoffman,

George & Miriam Simpson

Coffee Hosts: Pastor Jeff & Kelli Ungs,

Bob & Lisa Welper

Video Cam for the month of April:

Luke Gustin & Jonathon Ohrt

Service Group Leaders for the month of April:

Pastor Jeff & Kelli Ungs

Please call Kelli @ 829-3135 if you cannot do a scheduled task of Usher/Greet or Coffee Host.

ELCA World Hunger Update

Dear Partners in Ministry,

Please join with us in rejoicing at this good news!

During the 2008 Fiscal Year total gifts credited to congregations and individuals in the Northeastern Iowa Synod to ELCA World Hunger totaled $321,768.90.

During the 2009 Fiscal Year that total rose $74,991.96 to $396,760.86 for an average gift of $4.49 per baptized member of the Synod.

In our fight against hunger we do not spend resources on TV commercials, child sponsorship programs, or slick advertising

. We depend entirely upon the leadership of this church to teach and model Christian Stewardship and to communicate the need for generous giving to fight hunger.

for the sake of those in deepest need.

Pastor Mark A. Anderson

Assistant to the Bishop

Northeastern Iowa Synod

319-352-1414, fax 319-352-1416

The month of April is upon us!! Come and join in on all the fun games, crafts,

bible stories, and many other fun things to “Spark” your faith and learn about

God’s love for all people.

Here is the schedule for the month of April:

April 4th ~ Easter Sunday ~ NO Sunday school!!

HAPPY EASTER!!

April 11th ~ The Road to Emmaus,

Jesus walks with us

April 18th ~ Come help clean the Easter paintings off of the church windows

The Holy Spirit Gives us Power

April 25th ~ Early Believers,

God’s people are dependable

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WITH THE EWALU STAFF WILL BE

SUNDAY, JULY 25TH THROUGH THURSDAY, JULY 29TH. MORE INFORMATION WILL BE AVAILABLE LATER!!  

Our Thanks go out to ~ And Thanks from

To ~ Jan Fynskov, Kelli Ungs, Rakel Smith, Chuck & Bev Clapsaddle, Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson, Karen Hernes, Jo Ann Shallberg, Connie Bieber, Ardee Ahrendt, Sally Litterer, Jessica Fuller, Kelli Gapinski, Amy Pralle, Kayla & Leah Bonnstetter, Ian Davis, Kim & Sue Dwyer, Joyce Price, Louanne Bonin, Lou Stealy, Jim Latham, Sue Brandt, and Bob Johnson for providing soups, muffins, etc. for our Lenten Soup Suppers!! Thank You!

To ~ Bev Clapsaddle for her hard work and talent given to the church in making the “Generosity Tree”, keeping our outside entrance into the church to the ‘season’s of the church with the decor and for all the other things she does for us here at Galilean! Thank You! 

To ~ Brenda Bonnstetter and the Bell Choir for giving us their special music to our ears this month. Thank You!

To ~ Joyce Carew, Jo Ann Shallberg & Janeil Olson for covering the office while I was out on vacation in February, Thank You! Karen Holm

From ~ Thank you to our Galilean family for the get well cards, thoughts, prayers and the beautiful prayer shawls for Jacob and myself as Jacob went through eye and heart surgery, it was all very comforting. Also, a special thank you to Pastor Jeff for his visits, prayers and phone calls while Jacob was in the Hospital. God bless you all ~ Julie Rickard 

Click here to listen to Dan Gapinski and his groovy new gig of “That's What Generous People Do.”

Click here to open and print the April 2010 Calendar

Thursday Evening Worship,  6:30 p.m.  

Church phone 641-357-2296

Pastor Scot McCluskey

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