The Galilean Log
May 2011
From the Pastor
There is such great joy in our hearts as we celebrate Easter, for the resurrection of our Lord contains such wonderful news for us. “He is not here,” the angel announces. “He is risen.” It’s the great story ever told. Here is the mightiest of all God’s miracles. Jesus dead; then risen again. He has conquered sin and death. He has declared victory. There is a lot for us to celebrate!
At a pier overlooking the ocean in Spain, a small boy sat gazing out at the horizon. A fisherman watched the child, and then after awhile asked, “What do you think is out there, son?” “America,” the boy responded.
Somewhat taken aback by this matter-of-fact reply, the fisherman shielded his eyes and studied the horizon. Then teasing, he countered, “How do you know that? I don’t see anything.” “Oh, I know,” the little boy went on, “My Father’s been there. He came back and told me.”
The boy’s trust in Jesus Christ and His resurrection lead us to see beyond death. He goes past “the point of no return,” but then returns with good news. He brings back the promise of a resurrection for us too. And we hear the great news, we can say like the boy, “You may not see much out there, but I know. Yes I know, for my Lord, Jesus Christ has been there. He came back and told me.”
We celebrate Easter (Jesus’ resurrection) and we celebrate that His resurrection means a life everlasting for us too.
Enjoy the season. Relish His glorious victory. Praise God for His loving kindness.
Pastor Randy Nielsen
“….as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life.” Romans 6:4
From the President’s Desk
He
is risen indeed! As we have taken the journey though Lenten season, it has been a time of contemplation and reflection. As I sat and listened to Pastor Randy read the Gospel, it made me stop and think. Jesus said to Peter, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.” Have you denied Him? This could be taken many different ways. How do you follow? How do you deny?Life is a gift from God. He put us here on Earth to live in His name. With all the bad things going on in the world today, it is very easy for us to sit back and stay in the safety of our homes and not do a thing. My belief is that we should “follow”. When we have a friend with cancer, we pray. When the tornadoes hit the Midwest, we pray. When things do not go exactly the way we think they should go, we pray. When fighting erupts in a foreign country, we pray. But what do we do daily?
Can
we do any more for sick friends? Perhaps send a card? Make a meal and take it over to the family? Do we send money to the devastated areas? Do we go and help clean up? Do we come up with a solution to make things go smoother? Is there anymore that we could be doing?Prayer is an awesome thing, but we also need to “follow.” Remember the next time something is tough in your life, pray, but also, “follow”. Pray for guidance on how else you can help.
Blessings to all,
Leanne Hicks
“Celebrating Friendships ~ Celebrating Life”
A Spring Luncheon for Galilean Women and Guests will be held on Saturday, May 21st beginning at 12:30 pm.
A special presentation by Mary Porter and little Suzie Q, a warm and entertaining Ventriloquist will be given.
We will have delicious food! Renew old friendships, create new friendships!
Cost is $7.00 (Advanced Reservations requested by May 16. Advanced tickets will be sold at the church by Bev Clapsaddle and Janeil Olson, OR you can contact the church office to purchase your tickets.
641-357-2296
Please invite any guests you would like to have come.
Interested in being involved in the planning of the luncheon? You can join us Thursday, April 28 at 7:15 pm or let Bev or Janeil know of your interest. Thanks!
Spring Cleaning Day
Mark your calendars and come help clean the church inside and outside!!
The date is Saturday, June 4 from 9 am to 1 pm
Please if you can we’d like you to donate 2 hours of your time for this important function of our church to keep all neat and tidy!!
A sign up sheet will be on the table in the back of the sanctuary soon!
You will save us a phone call by signing up.
Cleaning supplies will be provided. Bring your own bucket, rags and gloves.
Thanks!!!
Please Remember in your Prayers
Our Shut In
Dick Becker
Those who are Ill
Barb Goettel
Paula Hicks
Ardee Ahrendt
Sandi Davis
Our Graduating Seniors
Kayla Bonnstetter
Drew Sorensen
Samantha Guscette
Kelsey Litterer
Our Men in the Military
Cole Fatland
Andrew Branstad
Chris Sorensen
Mathias Morris
Council Minutes 4.12.2011
President Leanne Hicks called the meeting to order. Members present:Connie Bieber, Louanne Bonin, Marilyn Chalgren, Bev Clapsaddle, CeCe Fuller, Jerry Gunnerson, Sally Litterer, Wayne and Amy Pralle, and Jeff Stealy.
Devotions were given by Leanne Hicks.
Sally Litterer made a motion to approve the agenda with additions as necessary.Marilyn Chalgren seconded the motion, motion carried..
Jeff Stealy made a motion to waive reading the March council meeting minutes, Gunnerson seconded motion, motion carried.
Leanne Hicks shared the Parish office report.All Galilean Log articles are due on April 18.A new guest book and parish records book have been received with memorial money given by Renelda Petersen’s family.
Leanne Hicks read the Pastor’s report.New members wishing to join Galilean will be on Pentecost Sunday June 12, 2011.
Sally Litterer presented the treasurer’s report.Marilyn Chalgren made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report and Jeff Stealy seconded the motion, motion carried.
Commission Reports:
Congregational Life: Bev Clapsaddle reported that the Meditation Moments will continue after Lenten services at 6:30 PM every Thursday.A Progressive Dinner will be held on Saturday April 30.A sign up sheet is on the information table.On May 21 all Galilean Gals are invited to attend the Spring Luncheon with the cost of$7.00.Everyone is welcome to attend both events.
Evangelism: no report.
Learning Commission: Leanne Hicks read a written report from Sue Brandt. The last day of Sunday school is May 22.Galilean will continue to work with the Christian Church in Clear Lake in regards to vacation bible school.The Sunday school was asked by an interested group if they could plant the “cross “ flower garden on the hill.The garden will be receiving a new look with perennial flowers.
Property:
Jeff Stealy reported that the geothermal units have been repaired. There is a need for an electrical surge protector unit and outside electrical bids are being collected.The roof of the church is in need of repair.A quote was received from Wayne Pralle to replace the roof for $5700.00.Two other individuals were also asked to bid and did not return a quote.Wayne Pralle said if the church members would help tear off the old roof and dispose of the material the bid would be cheaper.Jeff Stealy made a motion to approve Wayne Pralle’s quote.Sally Litterer seconded the motion.Motion carried. Galilean Spring Clean up Day inside and outside the church will be on Saturday, June 4.Scott Sorenson will begin working replacing the vanity in the women’s restroom.Social Concerns: CeCe Fuller reported that Galilean Lutheran will be serving the community kitchen the week of April 18.There is a sign up sheet on the information table.
Stewardship: Connie Bieber reported that the Stewardship Commission will be having in home gatherings for the entire congregation starting in September.The emphasis will be on stewardship and giving of our time and talents.This will be a time for all Galileans to share in small groups of no more than 10 people in private homes.A prepared list of questions and facts will be used to facilitate the conversation.Hosts are needed for this.
Sally Litterer, Gary Bonnstetter, Fred and Paula Petersburg are taking a look at the form used for our monetary offerings.Jan Fynskov will do a temple talk in June on stewardship.
Worship: Marilyn Chalgren reported that Palm Sunday will start with a processional beginning at the labyrinth. Holy Week services are the following:Maundy Thursday service is on Thursday April 21, 2011 @ 7:00PM., with a foot washing.Anyone that would like to assist with the foot washing please let the church office know.Good Friday service is on Friday April 22, @ 7:00 PM.Easter Sunrise Service will be @6:45 AM at the cross outside and Easter breakfast to follow after that service.Easter Service will be @ 9:15 with communion.Our 4 senior high school students will be honored on May 15.
Youth: Wayne Pralle reported that the youth made a profit of $783.00 from the “Galilean Gala”.4 youth/leaders attended the NE Iowa Synod Leadership Conference.Galilean youth donated $100.00 to help with the Clear Lake community school project that Sally Dusenberg recently shared with the congregation helping families and children in need in the community .
Youth at Large: no report.
Correspondence: Leanne Hicks and Sally Litterer shared information and a flyer about
Jesse Bonn a Ventura High School grad who is working in the mission field . She will be leaving for Turkey and is in need of donations to help her carry on her service.
Old Business:Leanne Hicks shared the Karen Holm will update our cleaning lady, Kathy, and will call her with updates.
New Business: Wayne Pralle asked if the money made at the Lenten soup suppers could be designated for our Galilean Youth.Sally Litterer made a motion to approve this.Connie Bieber seconded the motion.Motion carried.Leanne Hicks discussed the expense of the yellow page ad for Galilean Lutheran church.This was tabled for further discussion after Leanne Hicks collects more information about this.A motion was made by Connie Bieber to deny paying a secretarial luncheon expense with the understanding that the quests understood it was a gift fromKaren Holm. The motion was seconded by Jerry Gunnerson.Motion carried.
Our next council meeting will be May 10, 2011 @ 7:00 PM.Leanne Hicks will contact Kelli Gapinski to lead devotions for the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Louanne Bonin
Secretary
March Financial Report
Regular Giving: $10,068.00 Designated Giving (Lenten Services): $140.00
Memorials Received: $1,280.00 ($200 Galilean Women - Sandra Fischer; $110 Bob Ungs,
$120 Sandra Fischer, $100 Betty Wind; $50 Karen Barrett; $700 Dorothy Thomsen)
Congregational Life: $72.71
Interest Income: $0 Total Incoming: $12,840.71
Operating Expense: $8,417.03 CLB& T Prin Loan Paymt: $379.77
Designated Giving Paid Out: $250.00 (Youth With a Mission Orlando, Jessie Bohn)
Memorial Funds Used: $0
Total Outgoing: $9,046.80
Average Attendance 2010: 101 Average Attendance 2011: 78
Sincerely, Sally Litterer, Treasurer
Meditation Moments
We will resume the quiet meditation on
Thursdays starting April 28 here at the church at 6:30 pm. This is a time for silent reflection and lasts about a half hour.
Anyone is welcome to come.
Galilean Youth Crusaders Notes to Note
The youth have been very busy this past month. After having sold the Younkers Community Books and Butter Braids, they set their sights on putting on the first ever ! Galilean Gala Candlelight Supper. They served 68 people to a delicious 4-course meal. From the feedback, it was a hit and plans for next year have already begun. The youth made a profit of $783 and will be putting this toward the 2012 Youth Gathering in New Orleans. We continue to meet on Sunday a month for food, fun and interesting discussion.
The youth decided to give $100 t to the Student & Family Services for the Clear Lake Schools.
We will be serving Easter breakfast after the sunrise service on Sunday, April 24.
On May 15th the church will be holding a special Graduation Recognition of our 4 graduating Seniors. We will miss Kelsey, Drew, Kayla & Sammy and as we wish them well, we want to say THANK YOU for all the you have done for the youth group over the years!!
The May Youth Meeting is going to be a potluck/grilling event for the WHOLE family out at State Park in Clear Lake. The date will be discussed as we decorate the church for Easter on Saturday, April 23.
Thanks for all the help we receive from everyone!!
Wayne & Amy Pralle
Bob & Lisa Welper
Galilean’s Second ‘Progressive Dinner’
of the year is being held next Saturday, April 30th.
This begins at 5:00 pm and you will travel for a Progressive Dinner to 3 or 4 homes. Please sign up on the invitation form on the table in the back of the sanctuary!
All are welcome! Thanks!
From Learning
Events this for May!
May 1st: Mother’s Day Craft
May 8th: No Sunday school (Mother’s Day)
May 15th: Graduation Sunday, Movie & Popcorn
May 22nd: Last Day of Sunday school, party and games!
Information is still be received from the Christian Church about their Vacation Bible School.
We have been asked by a group if they could take over the cross flower bed, it is being passed on to this group.
The Just Desserts Bible Study Group
will be meeting here at the church on
Tuesday, May 3 @ 6:30 pm.
Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson will be presenting pictures and sharing about their recent trip to Israel! ALL are invited to come!!
Graduation Invitations!!
A reception and open house in honor of Andrew Sorensen, son of Scot & Dana Sorensen will be held on Saturday, May 14 from 3 to 6 pm at their home, 301 N. 3rd. St., Clear Lake.
A reception for Kayla Bonnstetter, daughter of Gary & Brenda Bonnstetter will be held here at Galilean on Sunday, May 15 from 5 to 7 pm.
All Galileans are invited to attend these celebrations!!
A Blessed May Wedding Anniversary to:
May 4 David & Joyce Clayton
May 6 Andrew & Amanda Branstad
May 14 Bob & Donna Buol
May 16 Dennis & Barb Rinnels
May 24 Gary & Brenda Bonnstetter
May 25 Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson
Our Thanks go out to ~
To ~
Jackie Swanson, Janeil Olson, Marilyn Chalgren & Jan Fynskov for helping to set up the tables and dishes, etc. for our Lenten Soup Suppers!!To ~
Dan Gapinski, Kelsey Litterer, Brenda, Kayla & Leah Bonnstetter for the wonderful music as you sang and accompanied for our Mountain Vespers!To ~
Those who provided soups, muffins, etc. for our Lenten Soup suppers: Joanne Stollenwerk, Bev Clapsaddle, Marilyn Chalgren, Mike & Deb Fatland, CeCe Fuller, Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson, Rae & Connie Bieber, Stephanie Fatland, Al & Karen Holm, Janeil Olson, Joyce Price, Rakel Smith and to all the YOUTH and their parents!!....To ~
Dan Gapinski, Jeff Stealy, Kayla & Leah Bonnstetter, Jacob Welper, and Kelsey Litterer for our worship message at the Evening Mid-week Lenten service!To ~
Marilyn Chalgren, Rae & Connie Bieber, CeCe, Jennifer & Jessica Fuller and Brad Bonin for serving at Community Kitchen in April!!Click here for the May 2011 Calendar