The Galilean Log

July 2011

 

 

From Pastor Randy ~

It has been a privilege to serve along side you here at Galilean for the last 7 months. A lot has happened that has drawn us together. We celebrated the birth of Jesus together on Christmas Eve.

 

We ate and worshipped together on Wednesdays in Lent.

 

We meditated and pondered the most meaningful parts of our faith in Holy Week and Easter.

 

We mourned the loss of several loved ones even as we celebrated their eternal salvation with God.

 

We learned together, celebrated special occasions, and served together on different projects to help those in need.

 

Some of us went to conferences together.

 

Sometimes we cried together and we often prayed together.

 

We’ve played together and laughed together too. It’s been fun.

 

Through it all we’ve been partners in Christ.

 

Through it all we’ve drawn closer.

 

At the same time, I was especially busy with other things during this interim, and so I apologize for the times that I may have failed you. Times I didn’t make a visit or a phone call, or attend something that I should have or even remember your name.

 

I look forward to the next few weeks with you, and want to tell you thanks too. Thank-you for your patience with me. Thank-you for your support. Thank-you for your friendship. Thank-you for everything.

 

Pastor Randy

From the President’s Desk

 

CHANGE Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

As we go into July and halfway through the year, I contemplate change. There is change in the weather, change in the clothing worn, change in traffic, change in the colors outside and the looks of the fields, etc. Change is not always a bad thing, it can be quite good! We here at Galilean are no different. July brings us change also as we welcome Pastor Scot and his family. I am definitely looking forward to having more consistency amongst the church that has been missing since Pastor Jeff left. It has not been a bad thing without a pastor. I think we have all pulled together this past year and done an amazing job. At this time, I would like to thank the council for helping me along with my new tasks as President. Also, I would like to thank Bob Johnson, who has been my “go-to” man whenever I have questions. I would also like to thank the congregation for supporting me. I am proud to call myself a Galilean!

Leanne Hicks, President

New Members!

ON Sunday, June 12 we welcomed 2 new families to our Galilean Family! They are Mark & Twylah Kragel and Lauren & Kayla Simonson. Mark & Twylah own and run the Christmas Tree Farm near Fertile. And Twylah is the late Dorothy Thomsen’s daughter. Lauren & Kayla come from Newton, Ia. They are retired from the professions of being a School Counselor/At Risk Consultant and Title 1 Reading Teacher. Let’s get to know our new Galileans and help them to get to know us ~ WELCOME Mark & Twylah & Lauren & Kayla!!

Vacation Bible School!!

VBS is being held this year with the Clear Lake Christian Church @ the Clear Lake Christian Church, 302 hwy 18 W. It will be Monday, July 11 through Thursday, July 14 from 6 to 8 pm. At 5:30 pm each evening a Free Dinner will be given. This is for ages 5 to Grade 5. On Thursday evening “Coney Island” Carnival Nite will be held with Cotton Candy, Hot Dogs, Snacks, Prizes, Bounce House and Carnival Games. Please register by calling 641-357-4885. Hope to see YOU there!! Thanks!

Please Remember in your Prayers

Our Shut In

Dick Becker

Those who are ill

Barb Goettel

Ardee Ahrendt

Lorraine Hoffman

Recovering from Surgery

Kim Brastrom

Our Men in the Military

Cole Fatland

Andrew Branstad

Chris Sorensen

Mathias Morris

Council Minutes 5/10/2011

President Leanne Hicks called the meeting to order.Members present: Connie Bieber, Louanne Bonin, Sue Brandt, Marilyn Chalgren, CeCe Fuller, Kelli Gapinski, Jerry Gunnerson, Bob Johnson, Sally Litterer, Amy Pralle, and Jeff Stealy.

A motion was made to approve the agenda, seconded and motion carried.

April’s Council meeting minutes were read by Louanne Bonin with the following corrections. Under Property:Wayne Pralle said if the church members help tear off the old roof the bid would be cheaper.The church is responsible for the disposal of the material. Under parliamentary procedure Bob Johnson informed the council that the council minutes will not be published in the Galilean Log until they are approved by the council.  A motion was made to approve April’s council meeting minutes with the corrections and change of process of publication.  The motion was seconded, motion carried.

Leanne Hicks read the Parish office report. high school senior recognition Sunday is May 15.Our senior high school youth will be assisting as ushers, greeters and with communion.  Graduation cards will be on the information table for the congregation to sign. Linda and Dave Hopper will be giving each of the graduating seniors from Galilean a tree from Natural Plus.

Sally Litterer presented the treasurer’s report.  A revised budget with the new compensation package will be made and available soon.  A motion was made to approve the treasurer’s report, motion seconded, and motion carried.

Commission Reports:

Congregational Life: no report

Evangelism: Bob Johnson reported that a new evangelism committee is forming soon.

Learning Commission: Sue Brandt reported that vacation bible school with the Christian Church will be July 11-14. It will be held in the evening.  There is no charge for this. Camping scholarships will be made available for the youth of Galilean who want to attend a bible camp this summer.  They should submit a letter of application to the learning commission.

Property: Jeff Stealy reported that the mowing season has started. Because of the cost of gasoline the cost has increased $10.00 for each time. Jeff and Mary Stealy raised the cross flower bed out of the ground and planted it with stella de oro day lilies perennial flowers furnished by Dave and Linda Hopper. Accent stone will be placed soon. The labyrinth is now open. The parking lot had some maintenance work on it. On Saturday, June 4th we will have an indoor/outdoor clean up day @ Galilean.All Galileans are encouraged to come and help. Phone calls will be made by volunteers who do the church phone calling. Scott Sorenson will be working on replacing the vanity in the ladies restroom and replacing the window in the church office.

Social Concerns:  CeCe Fuller has set the date June 12 for the ditch cleaning. Elli Gapinski will be making a sign up sheet for this.

Stewardship:  Connie Bieber reported that the commission met twice this month to discuss the compensation package offered to Pastor McCloskey.  This package will require an increase in our financial giving. Gary Bonnstetter provided the latest numbers pertaining to giving units and contributions. Jan Fynskov, Jackie Swanson and Connie Bieber each prepared encouraging statements in case they were called upon at the special meeting to call the pastor.

Worship:  Marilyn Chalgren reported that Easter Service was well attended. Pastor Randy will be gone June 3-5 for the NE Iowa Synod conference. There will be no Saturday evening worship service on June 4.June 12 will be new member Sunday. There will be no Saturday evening worship service on July 2, 2011. On July 10, 2011 we will have our outdoor worship service.

Youth: Amy Pralle reported that the youth made $230.00 from the Easter Breakfast and $359.10 from the Lenten soup suppers. This money will go towards the high school youth’s New Orleans trip for July 2012.Registration is this October. On May 18, 2011 a family potluck for the youth and parents will be at State Park @ 5:30pm. A summer schedule will be planned at that time.

Continued on next page…...

Youth at Large: Kelli Gapinski reported that she will be attending the NE Iowa Synod conference.  The youth group is working on bringing more youth to their youth gatherings.

Old Business: a decision was made for cost containment to use Staples for all office supplies.  Leanne Hicks will inform Karen Holm to set up an account with them for Galilean Lutheran.

New Business: A new church directory is in the planning after Pastor McCloskey arrives.  Leanne Hicks will ask Bev Clapsaddle about this.    A motion was made, and seconded for the use of our church for a Women’s retreat for Faith Lutheran Church which will be held @ Galilean on July 23, 2011 from 10am-2pm.

Our next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday June 14, 2011 @ 7PM.In Leanne Hicks absence Jerry Gunnerson will be presiding.

Devotions will be led by Marilyn Chalgren.

The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Bonin Secretary

Here’s Who’s Doing What for Worship & Fellowship in July

Sunday, July 3

Accompanist: Linda Hopper

No Acolyte Today ~ Ushers please light candles before worship

Worship Assistant: Marilyn Chalgren

Reader: Leanne Hicks

No Communion today ~ it will be held on Sunday, July 10.

Coffee Host: Kelli Gapinski

Usher/Greeters: Clay & Susan Starrett

 

Sunday, July 10 ~ Outdoor Worship

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

No Acolyte needed today

Worship Assistant: Jim Latham

Reader: Bob Welper

Communion Prep: Wayne & Amy Pralle

Communion Servers: Susan Starrett,

Fred Petersburg, Lou Stealy

Communion will be held by Intinction

Coffee Hosts: Fred & Paula Petersburg ~

Picnic/Potluck lunch beginning at 11 am.

Usher/Greeters: Leanne Hicks, Susan Starrett

 

Sunday, July 17

Accompanist: Jane Taylor

Acolyte: Ben Litterer

Worship Assistant: Kayla Bonnstetter

Reader: Mike Eddy

Coffee Hosts: Chuck & Bev Clapsaddle

Farewell Reception being held for Pastor Randy Nielsen during Fellowship

Usher/Greeters: Wayne & Amy Pralle

Sunday, July 24

Accompanist: Jackie Swanson

Acolyte: Mary Andrews

Worship Assistant: Kelsey Litterer

Reader: Louanne Bonin

Communion Prep: Ron & Sonnee Steveson

Communion Servers: Dick Olson, Mike Eddy, Jerry Gunnerson

Coffee Hosts: Council members, catered brunch being served in honor of Pastor Scot McCluskey.

Usher/Greeters: Scott & Sue Brandt family

 

Sunday, July 31

Accompanist: Sonja Backer

Acolyte: Emma Whelan

Worship Assistant: Sonnee Steveson

Reader: Kelli Gapinski

Coffee Hosts: Larry & Sue Eichmeier

Usher/Greeters: Jack & Sandi Davis

 

Video Cam for the month of July: Kelli Gapinski

 

Clay & Susan Starrett are the leaders this month for the service group tasks (coffee hosting/usher/greeting). If you are unable to do a scheduled task on a given Sunday and would like to switch, please call them at 641-357-4123.

Thanks!!

Community Kitchen!!

We are scheduled to help serve at Community Kitchen on Monday, July 25, Wednesday, July 27 and Friday, July 29. The sign up sheet will be on the table in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday, July 10th.

Thanks!!

May 2011 Financial Statistics

Regular Giving: $10,784.96 Designated Giving: $00.00

Memorials Received: $160.00

Congregational Life: $123.10

Interest Income: $00.00 Total Incoming: $11,068.06

 

Operating Expense: $8,548.20

CLB&T Prin Loan Paymt: $375.43

Designated Giving Paid Out: $00.00

Memorial Funds Used: $00.00

Total Outgoing: $8,923.63

 

Memorial Giving Received in May:

$25.00 In Memory of Don Erickson Undesignated

$100.00 In Memory of Betty Wind Undesignated

$35.00 Jan Bauman Undesignated

Total Memorial Funds Received: $160.00

Average Attendance 2010: 115

Average Attendance 2011: 90

 

Respectfully Submitted ~ Sally Litterer, Treasurer

From the Worship Commission

July 10: Outdoor Worship/Picnic/Potluck! There is no rain date so it will be held rain or shine! We will need help setting up and taking down the chairs. You are welcome to bring your lawn chairs if you desire. Communion will be held by Intinction. After worship we will need to get tables set up and 2 people to get the grill going to grill hot dogs and brats. The church is providing the meat, buns, beverages and eating utensils. All Galileans are asked to bring a dish to share, from a casserole to dessert, your choice!

July 17: Farewell Reception for Pastor Randy. There will be cake, coffee & juice for Fellowship that day in Pastor Randy’s honor.

July 24: Installation Ceremony during Worship of our new Pastor, Scot McCluskey. To celebrate this day we are planning a catered brunch after worship. Postcards will be sent to all members in early July. It will begin around 11 am. The brunch will be an egg dish, cinnamon rolls, fresh fruit bowl, sausages and beverages. The church will provide the eating utensils. The church council members will be taking care of setting this up and serving.

 

The Worship Commission will be meeting the 3rd week in July with Pastor McCluskey taking care of the final details of the July 24 worship service and lining up the services and accompanists for August, September and October.

Thanks!! Worship Commission

 

Reminder to the Youth

July 9th and 10th we will have our Camp-over here at the church!! We will meet at 5:00 pm. Bring your tents, sleep gear, food if you want (or we will have food for supper and breakfast ) etc. We will have a campfire, great food, games and whatever else you desire! If you cannot come at 5:00pm because of work, etc., come when you can! We will conclude Sunday morning at the church service time. We will serve you breakfast!! Hopefully we will have a good turnout, and fun times will be had by all!!

Hope you are enjoying your summer!!

Pralle’s & Welper’s

 

GALILEANS

COMING THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 18-25, YOU WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET TOGETHER FOR IN-HOME MEETINGS TO WHICH ALL WILL BE INVITED. THIS WILL BE A SMALL GROUP SETTING AND TIME TO RENEW ACQAINTANCES AND FRIENDSHIPS, SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND DREAMS FOR OUR CHURCH, AND TO GET TO KNOW OUR NEW PASTOR SCOT MCCLUSKEY. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! MORE INFORMATION WILL BE IN THE AUGUST LOG!

 

Saturday, August 6

Ruth Topp will be holding her Needlework Class with emphasis “Beading”. This will be held from 10 a to 3 p.

Anyone can come!! You are welcome to join us!!

Please let Ruth know 1 week in advance if you plan to attend.

Thanks!!

 

 

 

Renew, Respond, Rejoice!

You are invited to

“A Time for Renewal”

The women of Faith Lutheran &

Galilean Lutheran are

holding a Women’s Retreat here at Galilean on Saturday, July 23 from 10 a to 3 p.

Agenda: 10 a ~ Registration/Coffee

10:15 a ~ Welcome, Rose Visser,

Faith Lutheran

10:30 a ~ Bible Study, Syd Brinkman, NE IA Synod WELCA President

11:30 a ~ Church Banner Presentation ~

Marilyn Chalgren, Galilean

12:00 ~ Luncheon, Experience

Banners/Labyrinth

1:00 ~ Take Me Away! (a spa experience) ~ Jill Mitchell, Faith

2:00 p ~ Pause, Relax, Breathe ~

Syd Brinkman

$8 covers the whole day! Including a catered luncheon!

Please sign up at the church by Sunday, July 10 if you plan on attending! Thanks!

Our Thanks go out to ~ and Thanks from...

To ~ Jeff & Mary Stealy and Dave & Linda Hopper for re-doing the cross with new rock and flowers! It is beautiful ~ thanks!

To ~ all who helped with cleaning the church on Saturday June 4th!!

To ~ All who helped line up the luncheon, serve the luncheon, baked cakes, etc. for the Lois Wangberg funeral/luncheon. Thanks!

To ~ Joyce Clayton for covering the office while I was out for 3 days in June! Thanks!! Karen Holm

To ~ Pastor Randy Nielsen for your dedication, commitment and caring to Galilean and its members these past 7 months and serving us well as our Interim Pastor. We appreciate everything you did for us and you will be missed. (and we appreciate your expertise on the softball field!!) Thank You!!!!

From ~ I would like to give a huge thanks to my Galilean family for all your prayers, cards and phone calls. Many prayers were answered. I feel so blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. God Bless ya’ll!  Ardee Ahrendt

From ~ Thank you for your generous donations to the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank. Your involvement makes all the difference! Al Bock, President

Click here for the July, 2011 Calendar