Today, it seems as if everything is so commercialized. We have Christmas music playing in all the stores even before Thanksgiving; everyone is wondering what to get whom, and where they are going to spend Christmas? I try to instill the true meaning in my family and in the people I work with. Since I am in charge of the Christmas party at work, we do a gift exchange, dinner, then we also adopt a less fortunate family to buy gifts for, and also bring food for the food bank. I try every year to think of another way to help others. I have seen firsthand families who can’t even afford clothes or outerwear for their children, no less, any toys the children may want.

My hope this Christmas season is that you take a moment out of your life and help someone less fortunate. Buy a gift for Toys for Tots, bring an item for the Kids and Family Services at CLHS, bring an item for the food bank, invite a neighbor over for dinner that you know will be by themselves over the holidays. I know that it is a cliché, but I like it; Keep Christ in Christmas!!

God Bless everyone this Christmas season and all year! Leanne Hicks, President

Thanks!!

Council Meeting Minutes 11/8/2011

President Leanne Hicks called the meeting to order. Members present: Louanne Bonin, Bev Clapsaddle, CeCe Fuller, Jan Fynskov, Kelli Gapinski, Jerry Gunnerson, Dan Gapinski, Bob Johnson, Sally Litterer, Pastor Scot Mccluskey, Amy & Wayne Pralle and Jeff Stealy Devotions were given by Louanne Bonin.

A motion was made to approve the agenda, seconded and motion carried. The October council minutes were approved. The Parish Report was read by Leanne Hicks. Articles for the Galilean December LOG are due to Karen Holm in the church office by Friday, November 18 and January LOG articles by Wed. December 16. The Annual Report articles are due by Tues. January 3, 2012. Pastor Scot shared his Pastor’s report. He is now the chapter chaplain for the Order of St. Luke. He recently did 7 home communion shut in visits and 6 other visits. He took part in the middle school “Lock In” at UNI and met with the Youth at their monthly meeting and helped them pick apples. He confirmed 3 youth, Kelly Kuhlemeier, and Brock & Dalton Brandt. He has been participating in the Lake Coffee Bible Study and he attended the Fall Synod Theological Conference in Dubuque focused on “Forgiveness.”

Sally Litterer presented the Treasurer’s Report. A motion was made approve the report and seconded, motion carried.

The following Commissions were present and reported ~

Congregational Life: Bev Clapsaddle reported that 3 cakes had been ordered and served during our Fellowship hour for new members, a baptism and for Confirmation. An informational meeting was held with an interest in forming a new women’s group at Galilean. Joanne Stollenwerk will be gathering more information about this group. A group from Clear Lake recently left for Haiti for a wide variety of missionary services. An informational sharing dinner is planned when they return.

Youth at Large: Kelli Gapinski shared that the youth are selling Younkers Community Day booklets with coupons as a fund raiser. The youth enjoyed a fun Halloween hayride party at the Pralle’s. The

Youth: Wayne Pralle reported that the Youth will have a bake sale in the near future.

Worship: Dan Gapinski shared that the worship schedule has been completed and organized through January. They are currently planning the Advent services. Brenda Bonnstetter is still in need of 2 people for the Bell Choir.

Stewardship: Jan Fynskov reported that the financial commitment mailings have been sent out to all congregation members. The commission would like to thank Gary Bonnstetter and Pastor Scot for helping them compile information. Commitment Sunday is November 13; members have been asked to turn in their financial commitment forms and Time & Talent sheets provided them. All commission budgets are due to the stewardship commission for next year’s budget. The Stewardship Commission will be serving pie during

Fellowship hour on November 13.

Social Concerns: CeCe Fuller reported that the ditch clean-up was completed. She will be the new contact person for Community Kitchen replacing Sonnee Steveson.

Property: Jeff Stealy announced that the fall clean-up is scheduled for Sat. November 12 from 9 am till Noon. A sound system cabinet is being built to hold the new sound system equipment.

Evangelism: Bob Johnson presented a brochure “Your First Visit Here” that the evangelism commission will be developing as a guide unique for first time visitors to Galilean. Each commission member will be writing a LOG article for an assigned month to them. Community wide special programs, special music nights and program nights were discussed. A visitor’s Sunday will be scheduled. The commission will be tracking inactive members to determine who they are and follow up to them to see why they aren’t attending services. Kelli Gapinski will act as the Evangelism commission representative in Bob Johnson’s absence. Janeil Olson will be acting Parliamentarian pro tem for Bob Johnson at the annual meeting.

Memorial Fund Committee: Sally Litterer shared that information regarding memorial money, its usage and availability will be put in the Galilean LOG.

Leanne Hicks reminded the council that correspondence is being posted in the entry bulletin board about Jessie Bohn, who we are supporting for mission services in Turkey.

Old Business: Leanne Hicks shared that Sally Dusenberg was notified and gave us an update on kids and families who are in need in the Clear Lake community. A “Blessing Box” has been placed on the table for items to be dropped off.

The Mutual Ministry Team consisting of Lorraine Hoffman, Dan Gapinski, Jim Latham and Connie Bieber will have information in the Galilean LOG concerning their ministry. Dan Gapinski will be sharing more information about this in the near future to the congregation.

New Business: The Advance System copier contract is coming due. A committee consisting of Connie Bieber, Pastor Scot, Jeff Stealy and Sally Litterer will be meeting in the near future to discuss options.

Congregational Life will now be ordering kitchen and bathroom supplies.

Pastor Scot announced an advertisement of Galilean Lutheran will appear on the Clear Lake high school Basketball poster that is sent throughout the community.

Our next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 13 @ 7:00 pm. Devotions will be given by Amy Pralle.

The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully Submitted ~ Louanne Bonin, Secretary

October 2011 Financial Statistics

Regular Giving: $11,427.55 Designated Giving: $359.00

Memorial Received: $100 Congregational Life: $106.87

Operating Expense: $12,481.78 CLB& T Prin Loan Paymt: $384.26

Designated Giving Paid Out: $109.00 Memorial Funds used: $143.81

$250.00 Sound System

$100.00 Mosquito Nets

$109.00 Mosquito Nets/Malaria

$25.00 In Memory of Sandra Fischer undesignated $25.00 in Memory of Dorothy Thomsen undesignated

$25.00 in Memory of Clyde Hobbs undesignated $25.00 in Memory of Mid Paulson undesignated

$143.81 Juniper Bushes around the outside cross.

Ilse Bruntjen ~ $115.00 $100 for Sounds System/$15.00 Undesignated

Joanne Shallberg ~ $15.00 Undesignated

Myrt Hanson ~ $3,000.00 Sound System

$5,515.25 of Memorial Funs was paid towards the Sound System.

Sandra Fischer ~ $25.00 Undesignated Dorothy Thomsen ~ $25.00 Undesignated

Clyde Hobbs ~ $25.00 Undesignated Mid Paulson ~ $25.00 Undesignated

Undesignated: $115.00 Galilean Women: $844.53

Landscaping/Plants: $1,456.19 Music Stand/Bells/Music: $348.00

Office Window: $391.25 Sound System: $2,591.37

The Mutual Ministry Team is a group of 4 people who are mutually appointed by the Church Council and the Pastor. The purpose of the group is to provide support to, act as a sounding board for, and provide feedback to the Pastor. The current team consists of Lorraine Hoffman, Dan Gapinski, Jim Latham and Connie Bieber. The members serve a term of 4 years, with 2 people being replaced every 2 years. The team meets infrequently depending on the Pastor’s preference or if there are issues to discuss.

As mention above, the team provides support to the Pastor both spiritually in prayer for him and his family, as well as his ministry. We also provide confidential conversation on topics that the pastor may be concerned about and/or needs some feedback on.

Dan Gapinski ~ Mutual Ministry Team Member

The Worship Commission met on Wednesday, November 16 to plan the Advent Services, Sundays & Mid-week. We will be doing the Holden Evening Prayer during our mid-week services. It was also decided that we would like to ask the congregation to donate items to places in need in our community each Sunday during Advent, and donate all offerings at the Mid-week services to ELCA World Hunger. The First Sunday in Advent, Nov. 27 we are asking for donations to go the Trinity House of Hope in Mason City. This is a shelter for the homeless. Personal items will be welcomed ~ toothpaste/toothbrushes/shampoo/shaving lotion/razors/body lotion etc. On Sunday, December 4 items will be given the Crisis Intervention Center in Mason City. This is a home for abused women/children. Items needed are many, here is a few of the needs: Diapers (size 3 and up), socks for women, Gas cards, phone cards, Laundry soap/fabric softener, Batteries (all sizes), bedding, pillows. The entire list will be posted here at the church on Sun. Nov. 27. On Wed. Nov. 30 at our mid-week Advent Service, Casey from the Center will be here giving us a short information talk on what the Crisis Intervention Center does. On Sunday, December 11, we are donating items to the Humane Society. Items needed: newspapers, cotton balls/Q-tips, hand sanitizer, cat/dog toys, paper towels, cat litter (non-clumping), just to name a few of these. The entire list will be posted at the church on Sun. Nov. 27. On Sunday, December 18, we are donating food to the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank. And on Sunday, December 25, we ask that you use your “Christmas Offering” envelope and choose a charity of your choice to give to monetarily. Each Sunday during Advent the items we are donating will be placed by YOU who donate, into and around our Manger at the front of the church, during the Lighting of the Advent Candle/s. We are excited about sharing our gifts with those less fortunate during this Season of Giving!! We hope you will be too and take part! Thanks!!

Note! Our Christmas Eve Worship Service will begin at 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 24. And our Christmas Day worship at 9:15 am. Communion will be held at both of these services. Communion will not be held on Sunday, December 18 as originally planned ~ Our Sunday school will be giving their Christmas Program that day. Thanks!

Blessings, Marilyn Chalgren