June 2010

There is an old Christian hymn with the lyrics, “I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together. All who follow Jesus, all around the world, Yes, we’re the church together.” As Summer approaches, I have a couple of thoughts about the church that I would like to share with you.

I will begin with a reminder that you and I are only a part of the church. The church is the people of God. The church cannot be confined to a building or a theology or any one ideology. That can be very difficult to accept at times. When the first Christians gathered together to create a statement of faith about the Holy Trinity, there were many different faith statements that were being considered. Not everyone agreed on the documents that were created that we so easily recite today- the Nicene and Apostles Creeds. So how did these statements become the official creeds of the church? First of all, it is important to know that the creeds were not written out of an emotional need of the people, it was written to bring structure and unity in what Christians believed. It is also important to note that the creeds – or beliefs - were written based on the teachings of the first apostles and the scriptures available in that time. History shows that churches in many different regions were involved in the development of the Apostles' Creed. As churches in one part of the empire communicated with others, their short list of doctrines became standardized. The Creed ends with a few brief statements.

We can easily agree to a belief in the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection and eternal life. (Some may question "resurrection of the body." First Corinthians 15 says that our body will be transformed to be spiritual rather than fleshly, but it will still be our body.) Some people are also put off by the words "holy catholic church." The word catholic comes from the Greek words kat' holos, literally meaning "according to the whole," or in actual use, worldwide or universal. The word catholic became part of the Creed before "catholic" became associated with the Roman church, and many Protestant churches use the Creed with the word catholic. In the Creed, we do not express faith in a specific denomination, but in the church worldwide -- that is, that there is one body, united by God's Spirit. The phrase "communion of saints" implies the same thing -- that as we all commune or have unity with Christ through the Holy Spirit, we also commune with each other. We will be united to one another forever. So as we gather together for worship this Summer, we are joining with millions of others in praising our Lord. It is easy to go to worship wherever we may vacation or go during the summer, because the church is much larger than Galilean. We are a part of something very large, and we are welcome to participate in any worshipping community of faith when we are away from home. Don’t take a vacation from your faith. God is and will be where you will go.

Secondly, I wanted to point out that this month, the Northeastern Iowa Synod assembly will be taking place in Waverly, Iowa. Two members of Galilean and myself will be attending a gathering of ELCA congregations and leaders from our area to vote on important matters. And like the first Christians, we must not make decisions about the policies and statements of the Church (ELCA) from an emotional standpoint, but from a biblical and community view. Delegates must acknowledge that the church is much larger than the personal beliefs of any one person, the beliefs of the congregation they belong to, or even the policies and beliefs of the Synod to which they belong. At the assembly, voting delegates are asked to prayerfully consider the resolutions before them and let the Holy Spirit guide them the same way the Spirit has led the Christian Church throughout the ages. I ask that you pray for Bishop Ullestad, the Synod staff, the speakers, our voting delegates, and for the Synod assembly as a whole this year. Pray that our Synod assembly be a place where the mission and ministry of Christ is made known through the Power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you and have a blessed Summer.

In my Log Article for the past two months I have focused on our Mission Statement and what it means to me. This month I would like to examine the final part of our mission statement, “Celebrating the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord”.

We start the church calendar with the Christmas cycle when we enter into the Advent Season followed by the Christmas Season, perhaps the most celebrated and joyous time in our life. The Nativity and the Birth of Jesus Christ. There always seems to be a big let down among most of us when there should be continuous celebrating. We have been given the most precious gift of all when God sent His Son to provide for our salvation.

The Easter Cycle is next as we begin the Lenten Season on Ash Wednesday. Then into Holy Week starting with Palm Sunday. On Maundy Thursday we are reminded of the Last Supper as we will continue to celebrate this event for the rest of our Christian lives by receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Holy Week will end with the crucifixion and death of our Lord on Good Friday and we will continue into the Easter Season which will be a celebration with the resurrection and the Ascension of Christ our Lord.

We are not through celebrating yet. The Church Calendar continues with Pentecost, a Christian Festival celebration on the Seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.

If you have not had enough celebrating yet, come to church every Sunday and join us as we “Celebrate the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Peace be with you. And remember “In Christ’s Love, Everyone, is Someone”!

The meeting was called to order by President Bob Johnson. Devotions were given by Jeff Stealy.

Roll Call: Present ~ Bob Johnson, Sue Brandt, Ce Ce Fuller, Jeff Stealy, Marilyn Chalgren, Connie Bieber, Janeil Olson, Leanne Hicks, Pastor Jeff Ungs, Sally Litterer, Kelsey Litterer, Wayne Pralle and Jo Ann Shallberg.

A guest speaker, Chyrl Bergvig, was introduced and addressed the council regarding a possible fund raiser during Ragbrai. The church would be responsible for recycling and redeeming drink containers at the park on July 27th. This matter will be brought before the congregation for consideration. Connie Bieber made a motion which states that the council endorses this recycling fund raiser but it would not be possible without the participation of the congregation. Sue Brandt seconded. Motion carried. Leanne Hicks volunteered to chair this project if the congregation approves it.

Wayne Pralle moved the minutes of the last meeting be approved without reading and Jeff Stealy seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: A letter will be sent by the executive committee to congregation members regarding upcoming meeting to address financial concerns. Leanne Hicks so moved and Connie Bieber seconded. Motion carried.

Pastor’s Report: Four new members were accepted and four persons were baptized.

Evangelism: Twelve directors from Okoboji Bible Camp were here for a meeting which was hosted by Amy Pralle, donations from the group were returned to them to be used for scholarship funds.

Learning: Vacation Bible School will be held from Sunday, July 25th through Thursday, July 29th, again with the help of EWALU.

Property: Parking lot repairs are finished. Geothermal had a leak. Labyrinth committee will be formed to spruce up furniture and surrounding area including planting flowers. Need volunteers to help scrape and paint windows. There is a need for an emergency fund for future problems such as the parking lot repairs.

Stewardship: Committee sent representatives to Stewardship Conference in April. Also reported on the growing success of the giving tree and Nibbles.

Worship: July 4th has been set for the outdoor Worship Service. Committee would like to purchase new Holden Evening Prayer books to replace some of the ones that are worn.

Social Concerns: May 16 will be ditch clean-up, weather permitting. May 22nd Galilean will host the Opportunity Village Retreat.

Young Adult at Large: There is a cook-out May 19 at 6 PM. Discussion is still taking place for other summer activities.

Correspondence: Letter from Patti Meyer seeking financial help for Master’s Degree.

Old Business: Rummage Sale: Leanne Hicks moved to cancel the rummage sale with the option to seed other fund raisers. Marilyn Chalgren seconded. Motion carried.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, June 8. Devotions will be given by Sue Brandt.

$20 deposited in church account by error, it was instead for the Youth account and was corrected.

Reminder!! Reminder!!

Vacation Bible School will be held Sunday, July 25 through Thursday, July 29! We will once again ask members of the congregation to help each evening or donate cookies/bars. We will also NEED help with Noon lunches for our EWALU Counselors. We will be placing Sign Up Sheets on the back table in the sanctuary around the first week of July.

Thanks to everyone who helped plant the flowers in the cross ~ truly a blessing to see again the beauty of the blooming flowers in the cross for the summer.

In Person Ordering: Saturday, June 12 from 9 am to 12 pm. Order On-line: with a credit or debit card at www.clafm.com until 10:59 pm Tues. June 15. there is a processing fee from Angelfood Ministries for Credit & Debit card transactions. Mail-in Orders: Mail the form completed along with a check payable to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, designate Angel Food in the Memo line. Order form and payment must be to the host site by Mon. June 14. Distribution day is June 19 from 11:30 am—12:30 pm. Any Questions please contact Joyce Clayton @ 357-8955. Thanks!!

When you sign onto your computer from now on… from Google type in goodsearch.com!! Then type in Galilean Lutheran Church…. After that, every time you do a ‘search’, a PENNY will be donated to Galilean!!

~ if you are unable to do a scheduled task and would like to switch it, please call Lou at 357-5718.

If you are unsure about an assigned task, please call the church office at 357-2296 and ask for a

All Galileans are invited to attend the Eagle Scout Ceremony for Elijah Ungs. The Ceremony will take place on Sunday, June 13th at the United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave. N., Clear Lake, Iowa. This event will begin at 2:30 pm. A reception will follow the ceremony.

The Eagle Scout Award is the highest rank in Boy Scouts. It would be an honor to have your presence with us for this special occasion.

The Just Desserts Bible Study Group wishes Keith & Pam Jaben peace and happiness as they move from Mason City to the Iowa City area this month. We honored them with a special offering to World Hunger, a cause they strongly support on Sunday, May 23. $240 was given in honor of them to World Hunger!

Thank you for your generous gift of $125 to the Ingham & Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp. Thank you!!! You are helping others be blessed by Christ!! It was great to be with you! Your hospitality was tremendous!! Thanks especially to Pastor Jeff and Amy Pralle for they way extended the Lord’s love and care to us!! Indeed a wonderful day for our Director’s Meeting in April at your church. May God bless your giving hearts!

I am back from vacation! Thanks ever so much to everyone for getting in their June articles and calendar events in the time as I requested. It was a wonderful time with my children and grandsons in San Antonio, Tx. ~ Special Thanks to Joyce Carew, Paula Hicks, Jo Ann Shallberg, Janeil Olson & Marilyn Chalgren for covering the office while I was down south ~ I really appreciate all of the help given to me and to the church.

To ~ Marilyn Chalgren, Rae & Connie Bieber, Jackie Swanson, Pastor Jeff, Confirmation Youth, Jo Ann Stallenwerk, Dick & Joyce Price, and Bob Johnson for serving at Community Kitchen in April!!

From ~ Thank you to everyone for your prayers, emails, cards, and phone calls concerning my surgery. I’m doing great and the prognosis is excellent. Blessings and Love to all ~

If I have wounded any soul today,
If I have caused one foot to go astray,
If I have walked in my own willful way,
Dear Lord, forgive!

If I have uttered idle words or vain,
If I have turned aside from want or pain,
Lest I myself shall suffer through the strain,
Dear Lord, forgive!

If I have been perverse or hard, or cold,
If I have longed for shelter in Thy fold,
When Thou hast given me some fort to hold,
Dear Lord, forgive!

Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee;
Forgive the secret sins I do not see;
O guide me, love me and my keeper be,
Dear Lord, Amen.

Reminder!! Reminder!!

Farewell Wishes!!