The Galilean Log

January 2013

From the Pastor’s Desk

Happy New Year!

I want to begin by saying thank you to all who gave money for my Christmas gift. I am extremely grateful for your generosity. God has been duly glorified through the ministry of Galilean in this holiday season. The Living Nativity was a wonderful success, thank you to everyone who made it possible. I have no doubt God was pleased.

Beginning Sunday January 6^th we will be having a special adult education series titled:

“How Lutherans Interpret the Bible”

In this video series, Mark Allen Powell invites viewers to explore seven important questions about Lutherans and the Bible. He artfully presents a varied range of interpretive tools that will help participants learn to interpret scripture from a uniquely Lutheran perspective, helping them to understand the contribution Lutherans can make to biblical interpretation. With content that encourages rich discussion, participants will discover answers to questions they have always had about the Bible. The DVD includes seven sessions titled:

January 6: Session 1: The Word of God
January 13: Session 2: What Lutherans Say About the Bible
January 20: No Class Annual Meeting

January 27: Session 3: Where the Bible comes From
February 3: Session 4: Interpreting the Bible in Context
February 10: Session 5: Determining Right from Wrong
February 17: Session 6: The Many Meanings of the Bible
February 24: Session 7: Devotional Bible Reading

And we have a special opportunity to be part of a workshop sponsored by the Lakes Conference of our Synod. Galilean will be hosting:

The Emergence Has Arrived:

The Changing Landscape of Church and Culture

Lead by

Rev. Dr. Nathan Frambach

Associate Professor of Youth, Culture, and Mission

and Director of the Center for Youth Ministries

Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA

Sunday, February 17, 2013

2:00 to 4:30 pm

If you have ever wondered “What happened to the church? Why can't we go back to the way it was years ago?” Dr. Frambach will address these and other questions about the changes in the church and culture we live in that profoundly affect the ministry we are called to do in our community.

Please plan to attend. It is free.

- PS

From the President’s Desk ~

It does not seem possible that the Advent season is already past and we are starting a new year, 2013. We have celebrated the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and are looking forward to the coming year.

A big thank you to Larry and Loraine Hoffman for the use of their facilities for the live Nativity, Troy Wirtz and family for the use of their animals, and to all that helped to make the event a great success. It seemed as though we were in a stable and witnessed the event that took place more than 2000 years ago. I hope that this is an event that continues for Galilean in the future, as it was enjoyed by many in the community.

Be sure to mark January 20 on your calendar and plan to attend the annual meeting of the congregation.

May you have the gift of faith, the blessings of hope, and the peace of Jesus’ love in the new year and always.

Yours in Christ  Jerry Gunnerson

Thank You (to) are many from this past month, and here they are:

To: Pastor Scot McCluskey, Marcia Latham, Leanne Hicks, Nick Leasure, Dan, Kim & Kelly Gapinski, Cece, Jennifer & Jessica Fuller, Erin Gates, Amie Adams, and Joe & Shelly Turner for going up to the twin cities and helping at the Operation Christmas Child Work Day on November 26^th!!

To: Belated thanks to Rae & Connie Bieber, Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson, Sharon Ryg & Joyce Price for helping with the fall cleaning of our church!!

To: Bob Johnson & Leanne Hicks for supplying pies for the IFCA Thanksgiving Dinner!

To:  Lou Stealy, Louanne Bonin, Sue Brandt, Rakel Smith, Sally Litterer, Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson, Dana Sorensen, Amy Pralle, Cece Fuller and all of our YOUTH who provided soups, etc. for our Advent mid-week Soup Suppers!!

To: Everyone who helped decorate our sanctuary and tree for Christmas!!

Council Meeting Minutes December 12, 2012

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

A motion was made to approve the agenda, motion seconded and approved. The November council meeting minutes were approved. Karen Holm read the Parish Report.  Annual Reports from the Commissions, Executive Council members and the pastor are due into the office by Thursday, January 7 in preparation for the Annual Meeting on January 20, 2013. There were 38 total Time & Talent forms turned in for the year 2013. Files have been moved to the fire safe from the filing cabinets. Transfers out: Maggie, Blair & Norah Smith to St. James Lutheran in Mason City. Transfer in: Pat Anderson from Zion Lutheran in Clerqa Lake. Karen will be putting the mail boxes in alphabetical order once again in January. 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. 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. Pastor will be on vacation Tuesday, December 25 – Tuesday, January 1.

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: Bob Johnson presented a flyer that he created for our Living Nativity December 16 @ 5:00 pm. A DVD was mailed to “Everblest” that was made of their presentation in the park this past summer. 10 members helped serve hot chocolate for the IFCA at Christmas by the Lake. Over 500 were served. Bob also presented a new brochure that the commission has created as a visitor’s Welcome Guide about Galilean. The Usher/Greeters will be handing these out to our visitors.

Learning: Pastor Scot reported that the Sunday school Christmas program will be during the worship service on Sunday, December 16.

Social Concerns: Cece Fuller reported that Galilean will be helping with the Oakwood Birthday Party on Thursday, December 27. If anyone is available please contact her.

Property: Jeff Stealy reported that the nativity was set up outside on the hill by Brock Brandt & Ben Litterer. Some of the pieces were touched up by Lou Stealy. Our repairs on the geothermal system will be completed soon.

Stewardship: Fred Petersburg reported that the committiee will be meeitng with Nancy Larson from the NE Iowa Synod in January regarding our Stewardship at Galilean. Fred presented the 2013 spending guide. A motion was made to approve the 2013 spending guide, motion seconded and carried.

Worship: There will be a hymn sing for our worship service on Sunday, December 30. There will be no 5:00 pm worship that day. The commission will be having their quarterly meeting in mid-January to plan services for February, March & April, and for the season of Lent & Easter.

Correspondence: Jerry Gunnerson shared the news letter from Jesse Bohn who is mission services in Turkey.

Old Business: Changes in the Memorial Committee bylaws were posted in the November LOG. Discussion on this will occur at our Annual Meeting in January.

New Business: The Nominating Committee met with the following changes: Jerry Gunnerson will continue to be President, Paula Petersburg as Secretary, and Mike Eddy as Property Chairperson. Discussion and suggestions about the opening of Vice President took place. Sally & Fred met with the Clear Lake Bank & Trust regarding our loan at the bank.

Our next council meeting will be on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 @ 7:00 pm. Devotions will be given by Kelli Gapinski.  The meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer. 

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 January Calendar for the dates.

Thanks!!! Laurie Kroon

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 January 15, 2013.

2012 Annual Report!

Dear Friends: We wanted to update you on our mom (Dee Canady) this holiday season. She is still at Marquis Place in Elkhorn, NE. but has moved from the Assisted Living side to the Memory Care Unit. She is doing pretty well all things considered. She is missing her beloved Jack and is very much thinking she should be having lunch with her mom most days. She is still overwhelmingly concerned for everyone and would give you her last breath if you would let her. She loves getting cards, and pictures are a special treat. She keeps each and every one and looks at them often. We are lucky that she was able to locate close to us, and that Jackie & Sandy can visit often. Nothing makes her happier than having her girls with her…even if she might think she is way too young to have such old daughters! She was delighted this year with a “cousins” reunion here so that she was able to hang out with her sister and all her nieces. Her sister visits often and it is so heartwarming to see them together. Please keep her in your hearts, you are in hers. Love, Sally

Happy January Birthday to: 

1st: Dan Gapinski; 7^th: Jessica Fuller; 10^h: Deb Kuhlemeier; 14th^th: Larry Eichmeier; 16^th: Megan Gapinski; 18^th: Mac Clark, Shirley Peterson; 21st: Nathan Branstad; 27^th: Louanne Bonin; 29^th: Dave Olson; 31^st: Lois Gulick

 Blessed January Wedding Anniversary Wishes to:

5^th: Pastor Scot & Melinda McCluskey

Please Remember in your Prayers

Dick Becker    Dave Clayton     Marilyn Chalgren      Jackie Swanson        

Mary Ann Flaten              Sonnee Steveson            Roger Gulick

The Family of Cliff Stephenson

Our Men in the Military

Cole Fatland    Andrew Branstad        

Mathias Morris            Calvin Bast

November Financial Statistics

Regular Giving: $11,235.69                                     Memorials Received: $0           

Congregational Life: $73.75                                    Designated Giving: $00.00

Total Incoming: $11,357.44

Operating Expense: $14,494.26                  CLB& T Prin Loan Paymt: $375.52

              Total Outgoing: $14,914.78 

Designated Giving Received:  $0.00    Designated Giving Paid Out: $45.00 World Hunger

Checking Account Balance 11/30/12: $2,945.97

Memorial Account Balance 11/30/12: $8,776.02     

LINE OF CREDIT LOAN USED: $8,508.34     

Average Attendance 2011: 95                      Average Attendance 2012: 77

Memorial Funds Facilitator’s Report

The following funds are available:

Landscaping                 $1,847.44

Property                       $2,432.11

Undesignated            $3,188.48

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

Sunday, January 6

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter & the Praise Band 

Acolyte: Dick Olson

Worship Assistant: Brad Bonin

Reader: Louanne Bonin

Communion Prep: Al & Karen Holm

Communion Servers: Leanne Hicks, Mike Fatland, (need another, please call Karen if you would like to help)

Usher/Greeters: Rae & Connie Bieber

Coffee Hosts: Youth  

Sunday, January 13

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

Acolyte: Lauren Wirtz

Worship Assistant: Melinda McCluskey

Reader: Kelli Gapinski

Usher/Greeters: Dennis & Barb Rinnels

Sunday, January 20

Accompanist: Linda Hopper

Acolyte: Anna McCluskey

Worship Assistant: Kelsey Litterer

Reader: Jan Fynskov

Communion Prep: Sharon Ryg

Communion Servers: Jerry Gunnerson,

Wayne & Amy Pralle

Usher/Greeters: Troy & Stacey Wirtz

Coffee Hosts: (Need)

Sunday, January 27

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

Acolyte:  Hanna Whelan

Worship Assistant: Dale Kroon

Reader: Jerry Gunnerson

Usher/Greeters: Dick Olson,

            Kim & Deb Brastrom

Coffee Hosts: Greg & Deb Hanson

Video Cam & Power Point

For January: Youth

Bread/Juice for January:

Kathy Newman

For all the blessings of the year,

For all the friends we hold so dear,

For peace on earth, both far and near,

We thank you, Lord.

For life and health, those common things,

Which every day and hour brings,

For home, where our affection clings,

We thank you, Lord.

For love of Thine which never tires,

Which all our better thought inspires,

And warms our lives with heavenly fires,

We thank you, Lord. 

Wishing you a Blessed 2013

Click here for the January 2013 Calendar