The Galilean Log

March 2012

From the Pastor's Desk

Disaster Response Week

June 11-15, 2012

Have you ever sat watching news reports of the devastation caused by floods, tornadoes, or other natural disasters and thought to yourself, “I wish I could help.”

Have you ever felt that you could make a difference in the lives of people who are experiencing those natural disasters. Maybe all you could do is make someone a sandwich, or handle a shovel, or a hammer, or a broom, or a bucket, or a ….

Have you ever thought, “I want to help, but how? Where do I go, what can I do to make a difference? And what could I do all by myself?”

Those questions are the motivation for a bit of inspiration. Disaster Response Week. I plan to spend the week of June 11-15, 2012 helping people who have experience the devastation of a disaster. Maybe it will be the after effects of a flood, maybe it will be a tornado, or a house or business fire. I don't know what the need will be or where, but I know that every day in the world around me there are people who are dealing with the grief and loss of disasters in their lives and are praying that God will send someone to help.

The reason I am telling you about this now is this: In the past when disaster has struck I have talked to people about going and doing something to make a difference, and too often the reason they say “No” is because they are required by their employer to ask for time off a month or two or three in advance. By making plans now, those of you who couldn't go at the drop of a hat can ask for the time off and be ready when the time comes.

“But,” you may ask, “where will we be going?” Answer: We will be going where God and God's people need us. I can't remember a spring that has not included natural disasters that have produced a need for God's people to respond. The idea is similar to the Field of Dreams – “If you build it they will come.” If we are ready, God will show us where to go.

I presented the idea to the other pastors in our Lakes Conference and they thought it was a worthy vision and are inviting members from their congregations to set that week aside and plan to go where God leads us. I spoke with Pastor Mark Anderson, Staff liaison for Disaster Response for the Northeastern Iowa Synod, and he was excited about the idea and will help in any way he can.

So, how do you plan for a trip when you don't know where you will be going? Here is the advice I received when I asked Mark Anderson that question.

A) Plan on it costing you about $400.00 for the week to provide for your basic needs.

B) Don't expect to stay in a hotel. Any hotel space will be needed by those who may have lost their homes or may simply be non-existent. Bring a tent and sleeping bag, etc. or your own camper. This will not be a vacation.

Most important of all: PRAY. Even if you are not ready or able to go to the site of a disaster and help, those recovering need your prayers. Pray for those who have had their lives turned upside down by a disaster. Pray for those who are First-Responders and those whose profession it is to respond to disasters. Pray for those who coordinate the volunteers. Pray for those who have the financial resources to help victims of disaster. Pray for those who are called by the Holy Spirit to volunteer to help with disaster recovery.

Pastor Scot

From the President’s Desk ~

Sandy and I just returned from a trip to Tennessee and south Florida. Even though the weather was much warmer there most of the time, I still missed the Iowa weather and attending church services at Galilean. It is great to be back.

As I am writing this, I am also preparing for the first council meeting as your president. I am sure that your new council will be presented with many challenges and opportunities during the coming year. We pray that the Lord will help us and guide us to do what is best for Galilean to further their ministries.

It does not seem possible that Ash Wednesday is only two days away. We will again be having our Wednesday night services and soup suppers. I am looking forward to them and the fellowship that we have there.

I would like to close with something I recently read.

Do not forget to meet all your difficulties with love and laughter. Be assured that I am with you. Remember, remember, it is the last few yards that tell. Do not fail Me. I cannot fail you. Rest in My Love.

How many of the world’s prayers have gone unanswered because My children who prayed did not endure to the end. They thought it was too late, and that they must act for themselves, that I was not going to act for them. Remember My words: “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.”

Can you endure to the end? If so, you shall be saved. But endure with courage, with Love and laughter. Oh! My children, is My training too hard?

For you, My children, I will unlock the secret treasures hidden from so many. Not one of your cries is unheard. I am with you indeed to aid you. Go through all I have said to you, and live in every detail as I have enjoined you. As you follow implicitly all I say, success-spiritual, mental, and physical-shall be yours. Wait in silence a while, conscious of My presence, in which you must live to have rest unto your souls, and Power and Joy and Peace.

Yours in Christ ~  Jerry Gunnerson  President

Happy Anniversary to: 

Glenn & Maxine Shropshire ~ March 4^th

Roger & Lois Gulick ~ March 18^th

Please Remember in your Prayers

Dick Becker                Barb Goettel                        Jill Starrett                Dave Clayton

Our Men in the Military

Cole Fatland    Andrew Branstad            Chris Sorensen

Mathias Morris            Calvin Bast

For Women of Galilean

On February 11 the women of Galilean were invited to share their ideas of what they would like to be involved in as part of the church.  The main objective is to offer opportunities for women to connect and bond with other women…….  “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them”.

Four areas of interest were created from this gathering.  “Committees” were formed around these four areas of interest.  Each group was charged with developing a plan for their area of interest. 

All of these activities are open to any women of Galilean at any time.  (You can come without signing up.)

A contact person is listed here for you to find out information about each area of interest or to let them know you are interested in being part of the activities of their group.

STUDY GROUP:  each Sunday morning that is NOT Communion Sunday, this group will have a book study following fellowship.  CONTACT PERSON:  Joanne Stollenwerk

            Tuesday morning Bible Study, 9:00 am at the church ~ the 3^rd Tuesday of each month. Jackie Swanson will lead this group in a study of the Women of the Bible.

PRAYER GROUP:  Each Wednesday at 5:00 P.M., Starting Ash Wednesday, a meditation group will gather at the church.  CONTACT PERSON:  Janeil Olson

            A prayer basket is being placed on the table at the back of the church.  This is for prayer requests that might be of a personal nature which an individual might want to keep more private than the prayer chain or church service prayers.  (This is for women, men, youth and children to place prayer requests.)

SOCIAL GATHERINGS GROUP:  This group will plan a variety of events throughout the year.  The first planning session and gathering is scheduled for Mary Stealy’s home on March 17 at 6:00.  This will be a potluck.  CONTACT PERSONS for this group are Mary Stealy and Lou Stealy. 

Can you help?  Do Day Ladies at Zion could use some help in tying quilts.  We have the material for the quilts, but we need more people to tie the quilts for the needy around the world.  Yes, MEN can come also!  If you can help, please show up at 8:30 on Wednesday mornings in the Fellowship Hall and we will show you what to do  -  Thanks!  Questions?  Call Elise Meier 357-5456.

January 2012 Financial Statistics

              Regular Giving: $11,396.11                         Memorials Received: $125.00                                    Congregational Life: $76.60

Total Incoming: $11, 597.71

Operating Expense: $14,807.76                  CLB& T Prin Loan Paymt: $389.72

            Memorial Funds used: $2,212.36

              Total Outgoing: $17,409.84

Checking Account Balance 1/31/12: $4,827.62

Memorial Account Balance 1/31/12: $3,814.97       

Average Attendance 2011: 82                      Average Attendance 2012: 94

Memorial Funds Facilitator’s Report January 2012

Memorials Received in December:

Alan Oines ~ $25.00    Undesignated

Leta Davis ~ $100   Youth

 Total received: $125.00

Memorial Funds Used

$2,012.46~ Property ~ Sound System

Memorial Funds available for use:

$3,814.97

Janeil Olson, Joyce Clayton, Sally Litterer

Memorial Committee

Worship Notes to Note!!!

We will once again be giving/donating items to places in need during the Lenten Season!! This Sunday, February 26, is to the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank. Sunday, March 4: North Iowa Transition Center; Sunday, March 11: Northern Lights Shelter; Sunday, March 18: Trinity House of Hope; Sunday, March 25: Women’s Crisis Intervention Center. A list of these items needed for each of these places will be on the table in the back of the sanctuary the Sunday/week before we are to donate (if not sooner).

Soup Suppers & Lenten evening Worships begin Wednesday, February 29 ~ 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm respectively. The Galilean Choir is singing on Sunday, March 18, practice will be at 8:00 am that morning. The Praise Band will accompany worship on Sunday, March 25, practice will be at 8:00 am that morning.

The Galilean Bi-annual Seder Meal will be given this year on Thursday, April 5, we hope you will mark this on your calendar and plan to attend! More information will be in your upcoming bulletins for this important event!!    

Youth Notes!

The youth hosted the Galilean Gala on sat. Feb. 18^th. We served 68 people tomato and parmesan  brushetttes, salad, baked potatoes, baked boston butt (pork), chicken cordon bleu and black cherry parfaits. Everyone enjoyed themselves and we Thank all of those who attended and helped in any way. Special Thank You to Nathan Pralle (Wayne’s son) for preparing, cooking and serving the meat.

The Youth have planned a Family game night for March 16^th at 7:00 p.m. The congregation is invited to come and have fun. Different games will be available to play along with a movie shown that is for the whole family. Munchies and drinks will also be available.

The Youth continue to finalize their plans for the gathering this summer. We will be staying at a church on the way down in Missouri plus on the way back. We have been notified of our hotel that we will be staying at while in New Orleans and will make our room reservations in March. We will also begin bible studies to prepare us for the gathering.

We are once again designing a new T-shirt for the congregation and for us to wear in New Orleans. Stay tune for the design.

Thank You to everyone for supporting us in everything we do. We really do appreciate it.

Galilean Crusaders