The Galilean Log

August 2013

From the Pastor

Remembering the Good Old Days

I have many fond memories of Sunday School. My first memory was of opening each week. We gathered in the basement of the parsonage and Mrs. Rockne taught us the standard songs: “Jesus Loves Me,” “The B I B L E,” etc. A volunteer would read the Bible verse for the day and we would clap when they were done. But this was no ordinary clapping, you see you couldn't make noise so we were taught to clap with only the index finger on each hand. It's impossible to make much noise banging 2 fingers together, but we made as much noise as was humanly possible.

I remember being in the Christmas programs, singing in the Cherub Choir, etc. I also remember my Sunday School teachers and they remember me, because I was a very unforgettable Sunday School student. Mrs. Humble (yes that was her real name) told about the time she asked our 6^th grade class what an “Epistle” is (the letters in the New Testament written by Paul and others are called epistles, a word that means “letter”). I raised my hand quickly. Mrs. Humble prayed that someone else would raise their hand but no one did. So she called on me and I answered, “An Epistle is an Apostle's wife.” Mrs. Humble recalls that she had to turn around and write something on the chalk board because she didn't want me to see her laughing.

I also remember Mr. Bunke who taught the 9-12 grade class. He wrote his own material, complete with handouts for us to read from and discuss in class. These people had a tremendous influence on me as a child. I remember them decades later because of their willingness to commit to teaching Sunday School. Together with my parents they helped build a strong foundation of faith in my life and without them I don't know where I would be, or who I would be, or what I would be doing today.

Think about the children of Galilean. Think about those who have been part of our family, and our Sunday School and confirmation classes. Think about the many ways in which Galilean has helped to build a strong foundation of faith for them as they grow up and become husbands and wives, parents, etc.

Think about the children who are part of our family now. Who will they be when they grow up? What will they do? Where will they go? How can we help build a strong foundation of faith for them to develop into adults, good parents, husbands and wives, faithful Christian people in the world.

Sunday School begins with Rally Day on September 8^th. We are in need of volunteers to help. The materials have already been chosen and the program has been determined. Brenda will be doing the opening music for the children.

First: We need one person to coordinate the volunteers who will have 2 specific tasks, 1) make sure someone will be at Galilean to read the Bible story with the children each Sunday, 2) get the materials to the volunteer each week. This coordinator will not be expected to teach Sunday School, simply coordinate the volunteers who will.

Second: We need volunteers to read the Bible story to the children each week. You can sign up to do it once, or as many times as you wish. This is a very easy job because we have some students who have been volunteering to read the story themselves. They just need an adult to help guide them and lead the story time.

From the Desk of our Vice President

The Gospel lesson for Sunday, July 21 was the familiar story of Mary and Martha. Jesus was visiting in their home (with his entourage, no doubt) and Martha was perturbed that her sister, Mary, wasn’t helping with the preparations. Some New Testament commentators think that the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus was a regular stop on Jesus’ travels. The family gave Him a place to stay, meet followers and get refreshed for the next leg of the journey, sort of a church/house. In that way, Martha was one of the first church "administrators" (ad-minister is taken to mean "in the service of ministry").

Members of Galilean Lutheran support our church’s mission by serving in elected roles as officers, council members and on commissions. Our congregation’s constitution spells out the purposes for which we come together and the faith that unites us as well as some basics of church structure. Chapter 12 says the membership of the Council “shall consist of the officers of the congregation, one elected representative for each standing commission of the congregation and other representatives as specified in the bylaws.” (The Bylaws is the nuts and bolts document which governs the administration of our congregation.)

Here are the 8 Standing Commissions listed in our Bylaws: Congregational Life, Evangelism, Learning, Property, Social Concerns, Stewardship & Resources, Worship and Youth.

Right now, we are short a couple of people at the Council table because some commissions have no chairman or aren’t active all year long. I wonder if some members of the congregation are reluctant to head up a commission because that automatically adds a monthly Council meeting to their schedule. Others may be willing to serve on the Council, but prefer not to be the chairman of a standing commission.

The Galilean Council has begun to discuss how to reform our administrative structure to more effectively support our congregation’s mission. We feel the need to reduce the number of Council members because a smaller number would be a quorum at monthly meetings and that would allow us to be more effective. Since our Council membership is defined from the Commission level up, we have no mechanism to fill an empty spot on the Council if the commission is inactive or if the head of the commission moves away.

Since this is a complex issue with many moving parts, the Council is asking for input from everyone. Perhaps you serve on a board whose structure helps it be effective or maybe you have experience with other congregations. Please call or send an e-mail with ideas and comments to Pastor Scot, to the church office or to me (Paula Petersburg fnp@netins.net.)

Yours in Christ,  Martha    Paula Petersburg

Happy August Birthday to: 

7th – Denise Davis, 10^th – Susan J. Starrett, 11th – Anna Starrett,  13^th – Larry Hoffman, 14^th – Esther Peterson  15^th – Sandi Davis, George Simpson, 17th – Rosalie Olson,  21st – Rakel Smith,

24^th – Jack Davis, Deb Hanson, 28^th – Kelsey Litterer

Blessed Wedding Anniversaries to:

June 2013 Financial Statistics

Regular Giving: $13,643.30                                     Memorials Received: $125.00                                      Congregational Life: $82.45                                    Designated Giving: $641.93

Total Incoming: $14,472.96

Operating Expense: $11,656.79                  CLB& T Prin Loan Paymt: $301.79

            Memorial Funds used: $496.17             Designated Funds used: $21.81

              Total Outgoing: $12,476.56

Designated Giving Received:  $514.93 IRS-Small Business Health Insurance Credit

$100.00 Eagle Scout Project

Designated Funds Used:  $21.81 Vacation Bible School

Checking Account Balance 6/30/2013: $7,715.95

Memorial Account Balance 5/31/2013: $9,626.24

Average Attendance 2012: 72      Average Attendance 2013: 92

Memorial Funds Facilitator’s Report     June 2013

$9,626.24 Balance

June Memorial Funds Received:  $100 Maxine Shropshire, $25 Karen Barrett

Interest Earned: $7.28

Memorial Funds used in June: $496.17 for Vacation Bible School

The following funds are available:

Galilean Women   $1,546.37          Landscaping  $1,847.44     

Property   $2,432.11                 Undesignated  $3,800.32   

 Janeil Olson, Sally Litterer, Louanne Bonin

 Please remember in your Prayers

Dick Becker Family, Dee Canady Family, 

Paula Hicks, Ardee Ahrendt, Pam Foss

Our Men in the Military  

Cole Fatland         Andrew Branstad

Mathias Morris          Calvin Bast

Galilean Gals!!

Before the rush of the fall season & school starts we will be having another fun time together! Mark your Calendar!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

4:00 pm

On the Lady of the Lake!

Bring a sack lunch if you desire.

Cost is $12 per person.

And bring a jacket/shawl/sweater for your comfort as we cruise the lake and enjoy our fellowship together!!

Here’s Who’s Doing What for Worship and Fellowship~ August 2013 ~

Sunday, August 4

Accompanist: Megan Gapinski

Acolyte: Anna McCluskey

Worship Assistant: Leanne Hicks

Reader: Bob Welper

Communion Prep: Marilyn Chalgren

Communion Servers: Kelsey Litterer, Ron & Sonnee Steveson

Usher/Greeters: Rae & Connie Bieber

Coffee Hosts:  Youth

Power Point: to be determined

Sound System: Gary Bonnstetter

 Sunday, August 11

Accompanist: Praise Band

Acolyte: Vanessa Olson

Worship Assistant: Marilyn Chalgren

Reader: Larry Eichmeier

Usher/Greeters: Bill & Janeil Olson

Coffee Hosts: Dave & Linda Hopper

Power Point: Zach Welper

Sound System: Mike Fatland

Bread/Juice for the month:

Janeil Olson

Sunday, August 18

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

Acolyte: Ethan Starrett

Worship Assistant: Dan Gapinski

Reader: Kim Gapinski

Communion Prep: Ruth Topp

Communion Servers: Dick Olson, Brad & Louanne Bonin

Usher/Greeters: Dick Olson & Pat Anderson

Coffee Hosts: Dennis & Barb Rinnels

Power Point: Bryce Olson

Sound System: Jacob Welper

Sunday, August 25

Accompanist: To be determined

Acolyte: Ben Litterer

Worship Assistant: Jim Latham

Reader: Paula Petersburg

Usher/Greeters: Greg & Deb Hanson

Coffee Hosts: Troy & Stacey Wirtz

Power Point: Jacob Welper

Sound System: Dan Gapinski

Council Meeting Minutes July 9, 2013

These minutes need to be read and approved at the August Meeting.

The meeting was called to order by President Jerry Gunnerson. Members present included Pastor Scot McCluskey, Jerry Gunnerson, Fred Petersburg, Bob Johnson, Sally Litterer, Lisa Welper & Linda Hopper. Jacob Welper attended as a guest. Absent members were Mike Eddy, Kelsey Litterer, Cece Fuller and Karen Holm. Devotions were given by Jerry Gunnerson. The minutes of the June Council meeting were read and approved.

Parish Office – Karen hopes to be back at work on Monday, July 15. Several people have filled in during Karen’s absence. Special Thanks to Marilyn Chalgren, Janeil Olson, Melinda McCluskey, Mary Ann Flaten and to Shelley Turner for filling in with the office duties.

Pastor’s Report – Pastor Scot is working on a power point presentation on his mission trip to Oklahoma. It was a very emotional service. Stacey & Alexis Wirtz also made the trip with Pastor Scot. “Lutheran Disaster Response” will be going in and will be there until clean-up is complete, and then will be supporting the rebuilding. Pastor hopes to go back in the fall. Also Pastor presented a correction of previous action. The Youth donated $300 to the Labyrinth (not $600 as had been reported).

Treasurer’s Report was presented by Sally Litterer. Financials were presented. Memorial money was used for VBS. Complete report will be in the August LOG.

Worship – Linda Hopper reported that accompanists are set for July. Jacob Welper is now a member of a Praise Band. They will play at an upcoming worship service. Outdoor services are scheduled for July 27 and August 24. Thanks go out to Fred Petersburg, Paula Petersburg and Kelsey Litterer for leading the worship services while Pastor Scot was gone to Oklahoma and on vacation.

Evangelism – No Report

Stewardship – Fred Petersburg reported that Dick Price, Janeil Olson and he went to the 2^nd program on “Ventures in Growing Stewards.” This program will be used for Stewardship. Their next meeting is August 15.

Youth – Lisa Welper reported that they helped with a project at Jack & Sandi Davis’s. They will soon be reorganizing with the upcoming fall activities. The Youth will also be looking for a new set of parent reps.

Old Business – A sub-committee will look into sharing a pastor with another congregation. Council members Kelsey Litterer and Kelli Gapinski will soon be leaving for College/s. We will ask the Youth to elect a new chairperson to be the new Youth Council Rep. Still need Council Learning Rep and Learning Commission Members. Melinda McCluskey has the curriculum in place for the upcoming 2013/2014 Sunday school year. A need also is for a Congregational Life council rep. The group discussed potential people. Pastor will discuss with them. Paula Petersburg and Linda Hopper will work on a committee to downsize the council members.  Jacob Welper plans to pour cement and start building the Welcome Center for the Labyrinth next week. Fred Petersburg will call a Thrivent rep to do a presentation.

New Business – Fred Petersburg has an idea for revenue to go on a list through Verizon to offer use of property to put up a tower. Pastor Scot will be on vacation Aug. 5-12. Saturday night services were discussed. This was trialed for 6 months with poor attendance. A service is held every Wednesday at Apple Valley Assisted Living with Communion. We will not resume Saturday services. People are more than welcome to attend the once a month, (2^nd Sunday – 5:00 pm) Youth Services.

The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer. The next meeting is Tuesday, August 13.

Respectfully Submitted, Linda Hopper, acting secretary          

Operation Christmas Child boxes.

Here are some reminders

of gift ideas:

Something to love: teddy bears, doll, stuffed toys

Something for school: pencils, sharpener, erasers

notebooks, pens, markers, gluesticks, calculators,

crayons, etc.

Something to wear: t-shirt, underwear, caps, flipflops, socks

Something to play with: balls, slinky, puppets, yo-yo,

magnifying glass, cars, jump rope, etc.(no guns/war toys)

Something for hygiene: soap, washcloth, toothbrush(no paste)

brush, comb, hair ties, hair clips

Something special: sunglasses, stickers, color books, bangles,

craft kits, a personal note/photo from you

We will begin collecting boxes in November. Thanks! Marilyn Chalgren

It’s not too early to begin collecting items for your

School Items are needed for the Salvation Army!!

Help us help others go back to school with the supplies every child needs by picking an item on the list and bring it to church August 4 and August 11^th. 

Here is the list of supplies needed:

Notebooks (wide ruled), Folders, Notebook paper (wide ruled), School Box (pencil box), Glue/Glue Sticks

Pencils, Pens… red, black, blue, Erasers (large and pencil toppers), Colors, Markers, Colored Pencils

Scissors, Rulers, Kleenex

The Box to drop your items in is next to the coat closets in the sanctuary.

New Bible Study to Begin!!

“The Gathering”

We will begin meeting the last Thursday of each month beginning on

Thursday, September 26 at 5:00 pm.

And Company’s coming! Over the next few months will invite several Old Testament women into our study and hearts to learn more about them and more about ourselves. Their stories will draw us in, we will worship with the Psalms, and have opportunities to tell our own stories. If we listen to God’s word carefully over this 9 month study, we can learn how to stay strong in our own faith, taking lessons from stalwart, steadfast, and even unlikely believers.

The study books will be ordered by Janeil Olson so please contact her or the church office if you are going to attend. Discussion is also taking place on bringing a sack lunch to the study ~ a way of sharing a meal together and fellowship! The study group will last an hour/hour and a half.

JOIN US as we meet new and interesting women of the Bible. All women are welcome to attend!!

“I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.” Psalm 16:8-9

Note to Note!! Vocal Choir Practices will begin and be given the 1^st Wednesday of each month beginning October 2nd, from 7 to 8 pm. Bell Choir begins practices on Wednesday, September 18  from 7 to 8 pm. Please, contact Brenda Bonnstetter if you are interested in taking part in one or both of these choirs ~ thanks!  

Thank you to all who brought flowers for the altar to celebrate worship in July. We still have openings for August if you would like to bring flowers for the altar! Also ~ we will be putting out a new sheet for September – November soon if you have a special date then you’d like to share flowers with/for! We also would love to have your special music given during worship ~ that sheet will be updated as well for those interested to sign up and share their talent and joy of music! Thanks!

Thanks go out to all who served at Community Kitchen for 2 weeks in July!! THANK YOU!!

My Special Thank You ~ to the ladies who covered the church office hours while I was out ill, I cannot thank you enough. My hugs & love to all of you for stepping up to the plate and overseeing the church office and its members. To everyone who sent cards and called and just plain prayed for me ~ THANK YOU! To Melinda McCluskey for coming up to the hospital to give me ‘what I needed’…. Thank You! With a forever gratefulness I can never repay…. Karen Holm

Click here for the August 2013 calendar