May 2010

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! I am still walking around on a spiritual high as we experienced the grand finale of our Lenten journey, and moved right into the resurrection and Easter! I was so pleased to have a record crowd for our Christian Seder meal on Maundy Thursday. It really set the tone for what was about to happen. Good Friday services were very well attended, and Saturday's Easter vigil was marvelous. But then the Holy Spirit moved and the Church was filled on Easter Sunday with a record attendance for worship. I was ready for “the week after” blues that usually come following Easter when the church is nearly empty---like the tomb on Easter. But I was pleasantly surprised to see the church filled with people for Easter two! Adam Starrett preached a marvelous sermon on Jesus as our wounded healer. I began to think maybe the church had so many there because we had a guest preacher. But then week three of Easter was also well attended! I remain on a spiritual high because I know how life draining it can feel to go to church the week after Easter and see it nearly empty. When that happens, I often ask myself the question, “Where did all those people go who were here on Easter Sunday? Did they not hear the good news of the resurrection to new life? Did they miss the point of the Easter message of hope and the joy that even death has no power over us? Did they miss the point that all things are possible with God? Why did a church filled with people hearing the story of the empty tomb turn into an empty church? Perhaps it is because at Easter, you do not hear or see much conflict in the church. What you do see is people rejoicing in the resurrection. I recently heard a story that may help explain why churches are often so empty after Easter. It is about a specific conflict, but it represents a reality in many empty churches.

A small ELCA congregation gathered together to discuss the recent churchwide decisions about the human sexuality statement and the policy regarding ordaining homosexual pastors. They were gathered to discuss the possibility of leaving the ELCA for denominations and associations that are “more faithful to the authority of scripture.” The discussion became rather heated and at one point, someone from the group stood up and said, “It is a good thing that Jesus is not here to hear this discussion! If he knew what we are talking about in his church, he would roll over in his grave!”... A sad but true story. I would even say that it is a tragedy. What happened on Easter has not sunk in for some folk and perhaps more tragically has little to do with the mission and purpose of their church. These folks are apparently thinking that Jesus was a great prophet who preached about love, but who died tragically at the hands of the enemy. And it is our calling to carry the message of Christ's truth forward. While all this is true, there is more to it than that. Death was not the end for Jesus. God took an instrument of death, and used it to give us life. The cross and Jesus death was not the end of his teaching, but the beginning of something new: The resurrection from death to new life for all those who believe that Jesus is not in the tomb. The resurrected Christ then sent the disciples out to proclaim the good news, to invite others to Christ and make disciples, to Baptize and to teach as Jesus taught.

I would challenge anyone whose goal is to be faithful to the authority of the scripture find anywhere in the bible that Jesus commanded his followers to become the judge of others. Jesus taught us to love one another and to pray for our enemies. Jesus taught us not to judge the speck in our neighbors eye when we have a log in our own. Jesus taught us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Jesus taught us to stay away from temptation and remember, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever.” The temptation is often too easy to think, “mine is the power and glory.” The real struggle many congregations in the ELCA face today is a struggle for earthly power rather than relying on the power of the resurrection to new life. Jesus will not be rolling over in his grave when the Holy Spirit moves the church in a new direction, because Jesus is not in his grave. Christ is risen! Galileans have been celebrating this fact with joy as we worship the risen Christ. God is a God of multiplication, not division. May the Christian Church everywhere be a place that is filled with persons wanting to become disciples of Jesus-not just on Easter, but every Sabbath. Let the church proclaim not only in word but also in deed, 1 Cor. 13:13. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

From the President’s Desk

Last month I wrote about the first part of our mission statement, “Growing In” the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord. I hope that the thoughts that I shared with you were meaningful.

This month I would like to examine the second part of our mission statement, “Living Out” the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord.

The ways that we can “Live Out” Grace and Love are so numerous that it is hard to know where to begin. I once read that we are to be very careful how we conduct ourselves as we may be the only Bible, some people read. I guess a good place to start is by examining ourselves and asking the question “How am I doing? Am I setting a good example for others to follow? How do I feel toward my fellow man? Is there some way that I can become more involved?” Begin to “Live Out” that Grace and Love by reading Matthew 25, vs. 32-40. Jesus said, “When I was hungry, you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me into hour home. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Then those around him asked, “When did we do these things?” And the King will answer, “I assure you, as often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.”

We truly want to live as Jesus lived. We are called on to assist in many community functions such as Community Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Community Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners and a variety of other functions where we serve our fellow man. We should never hesitate to volunteer for these ministries.

Being generous in our weekly offering, is another way that we “Live Out” the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord. We must first meet our own needs if we are to continue to function as a church. The Tree located in the Sanctuary is what I like to call the “Tree of Life”. The Roots represent the church and WE are the branches. We must bear fruit to do our part. The weekly offering goal seems like a lofty one but is up to all of us to reach that goal. Then, and only then, will we be able to fulfill our responsibilities here at Galilean Lutheran and to continue on with the various ministries we support.

At this point, I will let you think about the many ways that we “Live Out” the Grace and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Please Remember in your Prayers

President Bob Johnson called the meeting to order. Devotions were given by Bob Johnson.

Roll Call: Present: Sue Brandt, CeCe Fuller, Susan Starrett, Dana Sorensen, Karen Hernes, Connie Bieber, Leanne Hicks, Sally Litterer, Jeff Stealy, Wayne Pralle, Bob Johnson, Janeil Olson, Pastor Ungs. Absent: Amy Pralle, Jo Ann Shallberg, Kelsey Litterer.

Treasurer’s report: Geo-thermal system came out of designated giving, giving is getting better, catching up on bills, but still some overdue. Discussed ways to reduce costs, ie ~ cleaning supplies that were purchased at Kramer could possibly be donations from congregation, same with kitchen supplies. Possibility of a "shopping list" for kitchen and office supplies. Will check on a larger line of credit to finish getting caught up on bills. Motion by Wayne Pralle and seconded by Connie Bieber for treasurer’s report.

Learning: Continuing with Spark Bible, will be cleaning windows April 18^th after service, commission meeting on April 21^st at 6:00 to discuss VBS, which will run July 25^th through 29^th.

Property:Re-evaluated church insurance, starting siding project, mowing has begun again for $50 a time and first time he did A LOT of extra work for same price. Bigger project is the parking lot which estimated cost could be $3,500!

Social Concerns: May 22^nd will have Opportunity Village retreat again here entitled "Going Deeper with God" with prayer labyrinth, volunteers needed! Highway clean-up set for Sunday, May 16^th after church, volunteers needed! Rummage sale set for Sept 10^th 12-4 and Sept. 11^th 8-2. Coffee and rolls will be for sale. There will also be a bake sale. Proceeds from bake sale will again go to World Hunger. Rummage proceeds will go to the "Hole Project" (also known as our parking lot!)

Stewardship: Squirrel was named "Nibbles the Steward" from two entries submitted by Kim and Kelli Gapinski. Stewardship commission will be attending stewardship conference this weekend with Pastor Jeff. Stewardship would like each commission to come up with goal for birds in tree. Bob Johnson will do temple talk for Stewardship.

Youth: Easter breakfast netted $250, which will go to World Hunger and Harvest Food Bank. They will be meeting Sunday, went bowling last Sunday. Dana also talked about 1-on-mentoring program. Will possibly have someone come to church to do a temple talk.

RAGBRAI-Vendors need to pay $250 and applications need to be in by May 24^th; discussion on this. Motion to table until next meeting by Connie, seconded by Sally. Motion carried.

Karen Hernes talked about Equal Exchange Coffee program. She would like to do a temple talk, furnish coffee, and she and Matt will order coffee if anyone wants and the congregation can pay in advance. She would like to put an insert in bulletin. Leanne made a motion to allow this and Dana seconded. Motion carried.

Karen Holm will be on vacation May 17^th to June 1^st. Motion made by Sue to put LOG together after her vacation and place in mailboxes on June 6^th for this month only (instead of the last weekend of month like usual), Leanne seconded. Motion carried.

Leanne discussed the changing of service groups from 7 to 6 groups and will have Karen put in the May LOG.

Attention All Sunday School Students!!

The month of May is already here!! WOW how time flies when you are having fun learning about our AWESOME GOD!!

Here is the schedule for the month of May ~ we hope you can come and join in on the fun!!

Come learn about the power in Jesus’ name. Sunday, May 9: Mother’s Day Craft and we will learn about Lydia. Sunday, May 16: Plant the flowers in the Cross and it is the LAST day of Sunday School. There will be a picnic… wear your old clothes to help do the planting of the flowers and enjoy the picnic!!

Sunday, May 23: Clear Lake’s Graduation Day Sunday, May 30: Memorial Day Weekend… have a GREAT Summer!!

Vacation Bible School with the EWALU Staff here will be held Sunday, July 25 through Thursday, July 29. BE watching for Registration Information to be passed out soon!! Thanks!!

Lutheran World Relief Fair Trade Coffee

Galilean is now participating in the Lutheran World Relief Fair Trade Coffee Project!! Micah 6:8 calls us, as Christians, to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. The LWR Project helps Lutherans answer that call by improving the lives of small-scale farmers around the world. This project helps close the gap between your church and the communities in which LWR works. By using Fair Trade Coffee & Tea in your church and home, you guarantee farmers earn enough income to feed their families, educate their children, seek medical care and improve their communities.

Here’s how it works: This project offers Lutheran congregations & individuals the wholesale prices on not only the coffee & tea, but also cocoa, sugar and snacks. Congregations and individuals buy the products to use during their Fellowship hour, sell in their congregations and use in homes and offices. This creates a market that allows a fair price to small-scale farmers to earn a fair price and improve their communities & access affordable credit. LWR receives a 20 cent/per lb. donation for all products sold.

Contact Karen Hernes at karenhernes@gmail.com or 641-585-1451 if you are interested in supporting by ordering for yourself, or for gifts, or to donate to Galilean’s Fellowship time. We are hoping to place orders several times a year. Prices vary & range from around $5.50—$7.50 for a 12-16 oz. bag of coffee or tea. Those placing orders ahead of time will be charged this wholesale price. The cost for the extra bags sold at church will be rounded up, with the extra $ being donated back to the Congregational Life Commission Coffee Fund. Shipping is free if 4 or more cases are ordered, so we will try to get enough orders to do this. Check out http://www.lwrcoffee.com/ for a full list of products & details about the program.

Our next order will be MAY 10th.

Dollars and Sense (Cents) ~ March 2010

There were $1,613.34 of bills that were unpaid as of March 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2010 $6,000 has been borrowed from our line of credit. Checking Account balance on March 31 was $938.88

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

Service Group Leaders for May are Gary & Sally Litterer, please contact them @ 641-923-9996 if you have any questions or scheduling concerns with Usher/Greeting or Coffee Hosting.

Congratulations to Kim & Kelli Gapinski, winners in the Name the Squirrel Contest!! Kelli submitted the name Nibbles and Kim submitted the name Steward. We liked them both and decided to combine the names. The squirrel on the Generosity Tree is now named Nibbles the Steward. Being a generous squirrel, Nibbles the Steward shared one of his favorite things with Kelli & Kim, a bag of peanuts for each!! Thank you to everyone who contributed a name! There were many great choices for us to consider!! Stewardship Commission

Galileans! Service Groups have changed once again

Hello fellow Galileans! I am writing to let you know the service groups are finalized! We have switched from having 7 groups to having 6 groups. The reason for this is because the groups were too small and some people were asked to perform a couple different services in their month. I believe the new service groups will also be listed here in the LOG. The months listed under the name is the months that group has either served in the past or will be serving this year yet.

am planning to get everything set up for the rest of this year with the new groups beginning in July. Then, in January of next year, I will move everyone down one month and redo. This is so the same groups is not doing every July or holiday month. For instance, Bethany will be in January and July of 2011. In 2012, they will go to February and August. Also, I am planning on leaving everyone on their specific details for the months. This is due to the fact that I have received word from specific members that they cannot coffee host or that they would like to be in charge of bringing bread and juice. I am also no longer having leaders. If you would like to switch it up some month and usher and greet instead of bringing bread and juice, feel free to call someone in your group and change.

am hoping that this new way will be good for everyone. Everyone will know exactly what is expected and when they are expected to be stewards of the church with these fun services! Please, as always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I do have PLENTY of notes written to myself on this huge project! As soon as I get the year finished, I will post a copy at the church. Thank you all for your patience while we are trying to make this easier for everyone!! God Bless, Leanne Hicks

Nazareth: (March 2009, October 2009, April 2010, October 2010) Note, October 2010 is the new grouping.

Bob & Donna Buol, Joyce Carew, Sandra Fischer, Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson, Eric & Kerri Gustin, Larry & Lorraine Hoffman, Allen & Karen Holm, Dick Olson, Monique Pinheiro, George & Miriam Simpson, James & Maggie Smith, Rakel Smith, Scot & Dana Sorensen, Cliff Stephenson, Pastor Jeff & Kelli Ungs, Bob & Lisa Welper.

Ardee Ahrendt, Gary & Brenda Bonnstetter, Ilse Bruntjen, Dee Canady, Roger & Lois Gulick, Helen Halsne, Jim & Marcia Latham, Gary & Sally Litterer, Randy & Lezlee Ohrt, Kevin & Vicky Olson, Dick & Joyce Price, Jeff & Mary Stealy, Ron & Sonnee Steveson, Rich & Jackie Swanson.

Bethany: (May 2009, December 2009, June 2010, December 2010) Note: December is the new grouping:

David Bauer, Katie Nash, Carolyn Borger, Marilyn Chalgren, Tim & Rhonda Clark, Joyce Clayton, Mike Eddy, Jan Fynskov, Dan & Kim Gapinski, Gene & Myrt Hanson, Bob Johnson, Dale Kroon, Deb Kuhlemeier, Sharon Ryg, Jo Ann Shallberg, John Sorensen, Day Stealy, Lou Stealy

Jerusalem (June 2009, January 2010, July 2010) Note: July is the new grouping.

Scott & Sue Brandt, Shawn & Kristi Clark, Jack & Sandi Davis, Larry & Sue Eichmeier, Dorothy & Judith Frenz, Ray & Judy Guscette, Matt & Karen Hernes, Paula Hicks, La Roy & Michelle McFerran, Shirley Peterson, Fred & Paula Petersburg, Wayne & Amy Pralle, Dorothy Thomsen.

Rae & Connie Bieber, Kim & Deb Brastrom, Jim & Denise Davis, Barb Goettel, Greg & Deb Hanson, Kevin & Mary Hanson, Leanne Hicks, Judy Hiveley, Dave & Linda Hopper, Kathy Newman, Bill & Janeil Olson, Robert & Rosalie Olson, Duane & Joye Petersen, Dennis & Barb Rinnels, Glen & Maxine Shropshire, Susan Starrett, Clay & Susan Starrett.

Brad & Louanne Bonin, Kim & Sue Dwyer, Mike & Deb Fatland, Rod & Cecilia Fuller, Gary & Janet Hahn, Keith & Pam Jaben, Nea Lu, Darold & Jo Ann Mahlstedt, Vonnie Morris, Alan Oines, Julie Rickard, Jane Taylor, Ruth Topp, Tim & Vicky Whelan

These are the updated Service Groups. We went from 7 groups to 6 groups to aid in the number of people available. The group Samaria has been added to the other groups. Be sure to check and see ‘where’ you are at on this list. Thank You so much for your willingness to participate in Usher/Greeting, Coffee Hosting and providing Bread & Juice to help Galileans enjoy even more, our Sundays at worship and fellowship!!

To ~ Bev Clapsaddle for decorating the Bulletin Board to the ‘month/season’ in the hall between the restrooms… SO nice to have a fresh, new and neat look! Thank you!

To ~ our Youth, their parents and to Dana & Wayne for the scrumptious breakfast on Easter morning!! Also big thanks for helping putting up the banners for Easter in the sanctuary!!

To ~ Bob Welper and … ???? For putting the cloths on the outside cross for Good Friday & Easter!

To ~ Jeff Stealy, Jim Latham, Dan Stealy and Chuck Clapsaddle for tearing off the old and putting on the new siding on the upper south side of the church. Also to Mary Stealy & Lou Stealy for providing lunch to the hard working crew those 2 days!!

From ~ We give our heartfelt thanks for all the kindness shown to us in the sudden death and loss of Allen’s brother, Dale. The beautiful cards, words of comfort, hugs, and phone calls helped us through this difficult time. Thank You!!

Graduation Announcements and a note to NOTE!!

You’re Invited!! Stephanie Fatland’s Graduation Reception is being held on Saturday, May 22 at the Gazebo in East Park in Mason City from 2 to 5 pm.

Elijah Ung’s Graduation Reception is being held on Sunday, May 16 here at Galilean from 4 to 7 pm.