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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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