The Galilean Log

February 2013

From the Pastor’s Desk

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Ash Wednesday is February 13, 2012 and again we begin the season of Lent. Lent is a time that is often mis-understood, for some all they know is that you're supposed to give something up for Lent or have to eat fish on Fridays. The cartoon cat Garfield once gave up eating cooked spinach for Lent because he didn't like cooked spinach anyway so it would be easy to give up. But Lent is much more than just the following of traditional practices without knowing why.

The tradition of giving up something for Lent is meant to remind us of the sacrifice that Christ made for us on the cross. The act of giving up is meant to be a sacrifice that we make to give us insight into what it was like for Christ to give up his life for us. In the Garfield example, giving up cooked spinach was no sacrifice, giving up lasagna would be.

If the Lenten discipline of making that kind of sacrifice in solidarity with Christ is helpful to you, I encourage you to do so. However, in recent years one trend for Christians has been to make their Lenten discipline something that will become a permanent benefit for their lives. For instance, rather than giving up chocolate for the 6 weeks if Lent (only to eat the heads off a herd of bunnies on Easter Sunday), plan to give God 30 minutes each day to read the Bible and pray. Or maybe you workout each day, plan listen to an audio recording of the Bible while you do. The goal of the tradition of giving up and the new practices are meant to draw us closer to God on a daily basis. And that's something we can all benefit from.

This year our Wednesday evening Lenten series is titled “Beneath The Cross of Jesus.” We live our lives beneath the cross of Jesus, beneath God's manifold love and grace that reach to us even from Calvary. Based on the hymn "Beneath the cross of Jesus" (ELW 338), this series explores what it means for us to abide at the foot of the cross, to cling to the rock of our salvation, to dwell in the house of the Lord, and to confess our sins and receive God's forgiveness.

Starting Wednesday February 20^th we will again have soup suppers beginning at 6:00 pm with worship following at 7:00 pm. The themes we will explore for each week are:

February 20th: Beneath the cross of Jesus I long to take my stand As he faced death, Jesus proclaimed to the disciples and to us: "Take courage; I have conquered the world!"

February 27th: The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land God alone is our rock and our salvation.

March 6th: A home within a wilderness, a rest upon the way Wherever our earthly homes lay, our true dwelling place remains with God.

March 13th: From my contrite heart, with tears We are surrounded by grace, showered with the forgiveness and love of God shown to us on the cross.

March 20th: I take, O cross, your shadow for my abiding place Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him into a world desperately in need of a rock, a home, and forgiveness.

- PS

From the President’s Desk ~

I am writing this on the Monday after our annual meeting. I thought the meeting went well. There was a lot of good discussion. I believe a spending guide was presented that is achievable, especially if we remember the illustration about the Snickers bar.

I would like to thank the council members that are leaving the council for their service to Galilean. I would also like to welcome the new members to the council and look forward to working with them in the coming year. A big thank you goes out to the Galilean youth and their parents for the wonderful lunch that was provided after the annual meeting.

The council will face many challenges during the coming year, but I feel that we have a very capable group and we will rise to the occasion.

I would like to remind everyone that Galilean is hosting the 2013 Lakes Conference Assembly on February 17. The topic is The Changing Landscape of Church and Culture. It runs from 2 to 4:30 pm and the congregation is invited.

Yours in Christ, Jerry Gunnerson

Community Kitchen

Worship Commission Notes to Note:

Ash Wednesday is February 13 with the worship service beginning at 7:00 pm.

Holy Communion will be given by Intinction.

Lenten Soup Suppers will begin on Wednesday, February 20 and will continue on the following Wednesdays; February 27, March 6, March 13 and March 20. The Soup Suppers will begin at 6:00 pm with the Lenten Worship service beginning at 7:00 pm. The Sign Up Sheets to provide soups/muffins/butter/milk/crackers will be on the table in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday, February 10. We hope to see all of you take part.

Calling all Galilean Men!

BIG MAC invites you to a gathering February 3^rd at Pastor Scot's house

to watch THE GAME on the 96" HD "PastorTron".

Please bring refreshments to share.

The doors will be open at 5:30,

The game starts at 6:30.

Council Meeting Minutes January 8, 2013

President Jerry Gunnerson called the meeting to order. Members present: Louanne Bonin, Cece Fuller, Kelli Gapinski, Karen Holm, Kelsey Litterer, Sally Litterer, Pastor McCluskey, Fred Petersburg, Jeff Stealy and Lisa Welper. Devotions were given by Kelli Gapinski.

A motion was made to approve the agenda, motion seconded and approved. The December council meeting minutes were approved. Karen Holm read the Parish Report.  The mailboxes, Time & Talent Forms and the 2013 Church Address Directory will be updated this month. The Pastor’s report was given by Pastor McCluskey... “Con Fest” for the Lakes and Mason City Conferences is being coordinated by Pastor Scot and will be held on February 6, 2013 at St. James Lutheran church in Mason City. This is an event for students in confirmation classes in the ELCA congregations in the area. The Lake Conference Assembly will be on February 17, 2013. The day will include an afternoon workshop by Dr. Nathan Frahmback of Wartburg Seminary on the topic of the changing culture and what the church can do to address the decline we are seeing in congregations across the USA.  The Council Retreat will be held on Sunday, February 17 with lunch at 11:30 am, and retreat at 12:30 pm reviewing the constitution/council responsilibities and expectations. The “Living Nativity” at Larry & Lorraine Hoffman’s on December 16 was attended by 62 people. Christmas services went very well. Pastor Scot suggests that the Christmas Eve worship be held at 5:00 pm instead of 7:00 pm as attendance of families with children would be higher with the change.

The treasurer’s report was presented by Sally Litterer. A motion was made to approve the report, seconded and carried.

The following commissions reported to the church council:

Evangelism: Kelli Gapinski reported that our new Galilean Visitor Guide is now available on the information table. Usher/Greeters will be responsible for handing these out to our guests and visitors. Name Tags will be made for the U/G to wear soon.

Learning: Pastor Scot reported that a 7 session video series adult study class started on “How Lutherans interpret the Bible” on January 6 and that volunteer story tellers for our Sunday school are needed.

Social Concerns: Cece Fuller reported that the December Birthday Party for the Oakwood Nursing Home was cancelled.

Stewardship: Fred Petersburg reported that he will be meeting with Nancy Larson from the NE Iowa Synod in regard to stewardship at Galilean.

Worship: Thanks go out to everyone who took part in our special services held in December. The last Sunday of December was a wonderful worship with just the scriptures and a hymn sing. Hymns were chosen by those attending that were enjoyed by all. There was no power-point presentation or bulletin.  Thanks to Jerry Gunnerson & Jeff Stealy for reading the scriptures. The commission will be meeting in January. A Memorial Service was held on January 8 for Roger Gulick. A Memorial Worship for Cliff Stephenson will be held in the spring. Bring a friend Sunday is February 3^rd! All are encouraged to bring a friend/neighbor or relative to worship.

Congreational Life: Kelsey Litterer reported that a cookie exchange/baking day may be planned to reach out to our shut ins and for those in the community who are in need.

Youth: Lisa Welper stated the the Youth will now rotate Sundays of doing the Video/Power-point presentations (instead of a month at a time)  and Coffee Hosts will remain the first Sunday of the month. A youth lock in will be planned in the near future at Galilean and the youth will be holding the Galilean Gala again this year.

Youth at Large: Kelli Gapinski reported that the youth had their Christmas Party in December. The 2^nd Sunday of the month beginning in February will be a Youth worship service.

New Business: The Nominating Committee presented the Slate of Nominations for our Church Council of 2013 as follows: Jerry Gunnerson, President; Paula Petersburg, Vice President; Deb Fatland, Secretary; Sally Litterer, Treasurer, Kelsey Litterer, Congregational Life; Bob Johnson, Evangelism; Jackie Swanson, Learning; Mike Eddy, Property; Linda Hopper, Worship; Lisa Welper, Youth; Cece Fuller, Social Concerns; Kelli Gapinski/Jacob Welper, Youth at Large; Billy Olson, Parliamentarian.

A motion was made, seconded and approved to have the American Church Group as our new insurance provider with a savings of $673. A motion was made, seconded and approved to change the Pastor’s Compensation Proposal in regards to Auto Expense. A motion was made, seconded and approved to pay the annual dues in the amount of $175 to the Resource Center. Our Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 20. Discussion on cleaning and custodial services took place.

Respectfully Submitted, Louanne Bonin, Secretary

Remember these Groups to join!

Changes have occurred with these groups led by Laurie Kroon. The Weight Management support group which meets every Thursday, will now meet from 3:00 to 4:30 pm at Galilean. We will continue to the hold the Health Issuies group from 3:00 to 4:30 pm on the first and third Mondays of the month. Additionally, the Care Providers group will meet on the second Monday of the month from 3:00 to 4:30 pm.

Please check your February Calendar for the dates.

Old and New Testament  Bible Study of Women who have changed  lives

The third Tuesday of each month 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Galilean Lutheran Church. All are welcome to join in at any time. The next one is February 19, 2013.

Ladies of Galilean!!

We will be meeting for beverages and dinner at Bennigan’s in Clear Lake at

4:30 pm on Tuesday, February 12^th!!

YOU are welcome to join us for an early evening of good food and fellowship!

Youth Crusaders News!!

The youth will be going Skiing to Mt. Kato on Sunday, February 3. We will be leaving after the worship service, at 10:30 am.

Game Night for the youth is being held on Friday evening February 8, from 7 pm – Midnight. Bring games, friends and munchies!

And, mark your calendars!! The “Galilean Gala” Candlelight Dinner will be held on Saturday evening, February 23, with sitting times to eat of 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Choice of meats are chicken, beef or pork. The cost is $15 each. The youth will have tickets for sale. Get your spot reserved! Ticket sales end Sunday, February 17.

The second of the month (February 10) the 5 pm worship service will be a Youth service.

Thanks!!

Happy February Birthdays to: 

1^st: Anna McCluskey, Ben Welper, Cecilia Fuller; 2^nd: Rae Bieber; 3^rd: Pastor Scot McCluskey;

4th^th: Mary Ann Flaten; 5^th: Luke Brandt; 13^th: Ralph Schroeder; 14^th: Leanne Hicks; 16^th: Allen Holm; 17^th: Jim Davis; 18^th: Marilyn Chalgren; 20^th: Nea Lu; 23^rd: Helen Halsne; 25^th: Lorna Whelan, Brad Bonin; 28^th: Jacob Welper

 Blessed February Wedding Anniversary Wishes to:

Please Remember in your Prayers

Dick Becker    Dave Clayton     Mary Ann Flaten              Sonnee Steveson           

The Family of Roger Gulick

Our Men in the Military

Cole Fatland    Andrew Branstad        

Mathias Morris            Calvin Bast

December Financial Statistics

Regular Giving: $13,421.50              Memorials Received: $145.00                                      Congregational Life: $108.43                                    Designated Giving: $965.00  Interest Income: $6.59

Total Incoming: $13,421.50

Operating Expense: $11,030.84                  CLB& T Prin Loan Paymt: $423.42

            Memorial Funds used: $0             Designated Funds used: $755.00

              Total Outgoing: $12,209.26

Designated Giving Received:  $92.00 Advent Offerings World Hunger  $200.00 Heifer Project

$110 Mosquito Nets    $40.00 Sunday school    $523.00 to World Hunger   

Designated Giving Paid Out: $92.00 World Hunger  $110 Mosquito Nets  $30.00 Sunday school

$615 World Hunger

Checking Account Balance 12/31/12: $5,425.30

Memorial Account Balance 12/31/12: $8,927.61

LINE OF CREDIT LOAN USED: $8,508.34       

Average Attendance 2011: 85                      Average Attendance 2012: 84

Respectfully Submitted ~ Sally Litterer, Treasurer

Memorial Funds Facilitator’s Report

$8,927.61 Balance

December Memorial Funds Received: $145.00 Vivian Bonnstetter

Interest Income: $6.57

The following funds are available:

Joyce Clayton, Janeil Olson, Sally Litterer

Here’s Who’s Doing What for Worship and Fellowship February 2013

Sunday, February 3

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter 

Acolyte: Hannah Whelan

Worship Assistant: Larry Eichmeier

Reader: Bob Welper

Communion Prep: Ruth Topp

Communion Servers: Sharon Ryg, Kelli Gapinski, Louanne Bonin

Usher/Greeters: Clay & Susan Starrett 

Coffee Hosts: Davis Youth

Video/Power-point: Andrew Davis 

Sunday, February 10

Accompanist: Jackie Swanson

& the Praise Band

Acolyte: Vanessa Olson

Worship Assistant: Dick Olson

Reader: Janeil Olson

Usher/Greeters: Scott & Sue Brandt

Coffee Hosts: Nick Leasure, Leanne Hicks

Video/Power-point: Ian Davis

 Ash Wednesday February 13

Accompanist: Linda Hopper

Worship Assistant: Jim Latham

Reader: Dick Olson

Communion Prep: Karen Holm

Communion Servers: Jim Latham, Dick Olson

Sunday, February 17

Accompanist: Linda Hopper

Acolyte: Ethan Starrett 

Worship Assistant: Leanne Hicks

Reader: Mike Eddy

Communion Prep: Wayne & Amy Pralle

Communion Servers: Kelsey Litterer, Janeil Olson, Lou Stealy

Usher/Greeters: Wayne & Amy Pralle

Coffee Hosts: Larry & Sue Eichmeier

Video/Power-point: Alexis Wirtz

Sunday, February 24

Accompanist: To Be Determined

Acolyte:  Ben Litterer

Worship Assistant: Dan Gapinski

Reader: Paula Petersburg

Usher/Greeters: Shirley Peterson, Susan Starrett

Coffee Hosts: Fred & Paula Petersburg

Video/Power-point: Eric Hahn

Bread/Juice for the month:

Susan Starrett

 Our Thanks go out to:

To ~ our outgoing council members:  Billy Olson (Vice President), Louanne Bonin (Secretary), Jeff Stealy (Property), Marilyn Chalgren and Dan Gapinski (Worship), for your dedication, work and support of Galilean the past years. Thank you!!

To ~ our incoming council members: Deb Fatland (Secretary), Mike Eddy (Property), Linda Hopper (Worship), and Paula Petersburg (Vice President) for your willingness to share your time and talents on the 2013 council! Thank you!  

To ~ our council members who remain for 2013: Jerry Gunnerson (President), Sally Litterer (Treasurer), Kelsey Litterer (Cong. Life), Cece Fuller (Social Concerns), Bob Johnson (Evangelism), Fred Petersburg (Stewardship), Lisa Welper (Youth), Jackie Swanson (Learning), Kelli Gapinski (Youth at Large). We thank you for sharing your time, talents, and dedication! Thank you!! 

Click here for the February 2013 calendar