So, again I ask, how will you spend 2012? What is your plan for the coming year? What will be your apple tree this year?

One of my goals, as pastor of Galilean, is to work with the council to reestablish our commissions and get them working the way they should. In order to do this we will need you to step up and be willing to give of your time and abilities to serve Christ through your church.

I was talking with Jerry Gunnerson the other day and came up with this little poem.

As another year comes to an end, it is a time to go back and reflect. This year has been filled with ups and downs, just like every year. It has been a challenging year for me as President. When I agreed to being President, we had a pastor and then all of a sudden, we didn’t. Boy, did that teach me a lot about the goings-on here at Galilean! I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and everyone is where they are for a reason. I believe mine was to learn more about the church that I have called my home for the past 22 years!

I don’t know about you, but when I do something the same thing continually, I find myself in an “auto-mode”. For instance, driving to work. Sometimes I get to work and don’t even remember driving there. It’s just so automatic! That’s what has been nice about being on church council for the past years. I have learned about many of the different commissions and what it takes to keep Galilean going! We have a lot of great people in the background that help that happen. If you have never been on the church council, I recommend that you do. It is a great experience to help you learn how Galilean runs and what it takes to do that! It is also a great chance to get to know your fellow Galileans!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President for the past year and to learn more about Galilean. I look forward to helping with various commissions during the next year!

Blessings, Leanne Hicks, President

Thank you for sharing His love in this every tangible way.

President Leanne Hicks called the meeting to order. Members presents: Louanne Bonin, Marilyn Chalgren, Bev Clapsaddle, Jerry Gunnerson, Bob Johnson, Sally Litterer, Pastor Scot McCluskey, Wayne & Amy Pralle, Jeff Stealy.

A motion was made to approve the agenda, seconded and motion carried. The November Council meeting minutes were approved.

Parish Office Report from Karen Holm was read by Leanne Hicks: Articles for the December Galilean LOG are due on Dec. 16, 2011. The church office will be closed on Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2. Jackie Swanson will be preaching on Sat. Dec. 31 and Sun. Jan. 1. Pastor Adam Starrett is baptizing Anna Starrett daughter of Clay & Susan Starrett on Jan. 1. The new Canon Copier has been received and is leased. We can now do 2 sided copies, scan and fax. The lease is with Advanced Systems for 5 years. Transferred out to St. Paul Lutheran in Thornton are Kerri, Luke, Jakob & Adam Gustin. The 2012 Budget, the Treasurer’s Report and the Agenda for the Annual meeting are due into the office by Jan 5 so church members can have a copy before the Annual Meeting on January 15. All other reports from commissions and executive council members will be due into the office by Mon. Jan. 9. Please email the reports to Karen instead of giving a hard copy. All the information from the 2012 Time & Talent forms are compiled and will be given to the new commission chairpersons at the first council meeting in February. A new address directory will all be completed for the council executives and commission chairpersons. Mail boxes will be put in alphabetical order once again in January. Karen will be out of the office the 4^th week in January, she will know specific dates soon.

Pastor Scot shared his Pastor Report. He participated in Operation Christmas Child and has been making communion visits.

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

The following commissions reported to the council:

Congregational Life: Bev Clapsaddle reported that on Dec. 11 about 55 people enjoyed a meal organized by the Congregational Life commission and other Galileans. The pork loin meal was organized by Janeil Olson. The presenters were a part of a group who recently returned from a mission trip to Haiti sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church. Joanne Stollenwerk and a small group of women are continuing to explore options for forming a women’s group at Galilean.

Evangelism: Bob Johnson reported that the commission met on Sun. Dec. 8 and discussed assignment of duties to transport members from Apple Valley to church. A new pamphlet welcoming visitors to Galilean is being designed. Kelsey Litterer and Kelly Gapinski are available to tape and deliver VHS tapes to shut ins. Taping will be done only by request. Nick Leasure will be assisting Jacob Welper on his Eagle Scout project. A visitor’s center is going to be added to the existing utility shed for the Labyrinth, a part of Jacob’s project. The commission is considering a new idea of a business card to be used for Evangelism.

Learning: Pastor Scot reported that the Sunday school program will be held on Dec. 18.

Property: Jeff Stealy reported that another circulating pump had to be replaced in the GEO heating system. When the pumps were installed they were wired with 110 instead of 220. There are 2 left to be replaced. Finished bookshelves will be built for the Pastor’s office for a future library. An estimate for materials will be gathered and volunteers asked to assist with the project. A stable/manger were constructed with materials that Jeff had on hand with no cost to the church. Chuck & Bev Clapsaddle, Gary & Sally Litterer and Dalton Brandt assisted with the setting up of the nativity scene outside.

Stewardship: Marilyn Chalgren reported that they were pleased with the results of the 2011 pledge drive. 37 units pledged $85,370. This is in an increase over 2010 when 30 units pledged $74,878.