May 2013

The Galilean Log

May 2013

From the Pastor’s Desk

May Emphasis

God's Mission: Possible

Years ago I loved watching the TV show “Mission: Impossible,” in every episode a mysterious voice on a tape recorder would spell out a mission for the team that seemed impossible. But every time they accomplished it, usually with creativity and cunning, and a surprise at the end.

Well, God has a mission for Galilean, and though at times it may be daunting and seem impossible the Bible tells us plainly, “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.’” Matthew 19:26 And the mission God has given us is this:

Galilean Lutheran Church

Growing In, Living Out, and Celebrating the Grace and Love of Christ Jesus our Lord.

251658240

The center of our mission is Christ Jesus Our Lord. It's all about him, not about us. Our mission is to proclaim Christ crucified and raised from death to conquer the powers of sin in this world that keep us from being the children of God we were created to be. This is the heart of who we are.

May 5^th our worship and Adult Sunday School Forum will explore what it means to be a church that has Grace and Love as the motivation behind all we do, say, and are. The scripture we will focus on will be the Great Commandment – Matthew 22:34-40, and Ephesians 2:1-10.

May 12^th our worship and Adult Sunday School Forum will look at how God is calling us to Grow In the Grace and Love of Christ. Scripture – John 15:1-8 and Ephesians 4:11-16.

May 19^th our worship and Adult Sunday School Forum will focus on our call to Live Out the Grace and Love of Christ, both as individuals in our daily lives, and as a congregation whose mission is to proclaim Christ to the world. Scripture – Matthew 25:31-40 and James 1:17-27. Continued on next page~

May 26^th our worship and Adult Sunday School Forum will focus on what it means to be a church that Celebrates the Grace and Love of Christ. Scripture – Luke 15:11-32 and Philippians 4:4-9.

Let us grow together in wisdom and understanding of the mission to which God is calling us, that we may live in and celebrate the Grace and Love of Christ.

- P.S.

May 26^th our worship and Adult Sunday School Forum will focus on what it means to be a church that Celebrates the Grace and Love of Christ. Scripture – Luke 15:11-32 and Philippians 4:4-9.

Let us grow together in wisdom and understanding of the mission to which God is calling us, that we may live in and celebrate the Grace and Love of Christ.

- P.S.

From the Youth Commission:

It has been and awesome busy year for youth and the some more activities are coming up in May and for the summer. On May 1^st (or rain date May 8^th) they will have their annual potluck at State Park. There will be games, food, and the popular famous kids vs. parents’ softball tournament! A camping trip and a weekend mission trip are also in the works for June, more details to come. The final few months of me being actively involved in Galilean Youth Crusaders are sadly and quickly coming to a close, as the next chapter of graduation and college are now approaching. From the awkward middle school years to now fast-pace senior year, being part of this amazing youth group has been some of the happiest times in my life. It never ceased to amaze me how the young people in Galilean always had an extreme passion to serve, to live, to laugh, and to love all for the glory for God! They prove that no matter how young or small you are; anyone can make a difference! It truly humbles me to be a part of this youth group. I am so happy that I grew up in such a strong faith-based community of friends. As I head off to my next adventure next year, leaving my beloved youth group behind will severely tug the strings of my heart. Galilean is so lucky to have so many young people in their congregation that have a crazy passion to serve Jesus! Do you realize that? I pray that you do.

Galilean Youth Crusdaers, you are amazing and I am soo proud of you!! Thanks for the memories and laughs, I love all of you. Keep showing God’s Love, I know that you will. Remember: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Timothy 4:12

Your Sister in Christ, -Kelli Gapinski

Happy May Birthday to:

1^st ~ Pat Anderson; 4^th ~ Ethan Starrett; 13^th ~ Paula Hicks, Troy Wirtz; 14^th ~ Deb Fatland, Cole Fatland; 15^th ~ Robert Olson; 18^th ~ Angela Hanson; 20^th ~ Gary Bonnstetter; 24^th ~ Barb Rinnels;

28^th ~ Tim Whelan; 31^st ~ Kim Gapinski

Blessed Wedding Anniversaries to:

4^th ~ Dave & Joyce Clayton; 6^th ~ Andrew & Amanda Branstad; 9^th ~ Lauren & Kayla Simonson;

14^th ~ Bob & Donna Buol; 16^th ~ Dennis & Barb Rinnels; 24^th ~ Gary & Brenda Bonnstetter;

25^th ~ Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson; 26^th ~ Gary & Sally Litterer

More Notes from the Youth

At the end of February, the Youth held their annual Galilean Gala! The guests had their choice of Chicken Bouchee, Spinach & Cheese stuffed Pork Tenderloin, or Rosemary Beef Filet. The kids had fun serving, the food was delicious and we had a nice turn out! The end of March the youth served the breakfast with pancakes, sausage and fresh fruit. A meeting was held in April at last, with Feb & March’s meetings being cancelled due to snow/ice storms. Pastor Scot led a youth service played guitar and Jacob Welper on the bass guitar. We had tortilla pizzas, talked about the upcoming months of events and played a challenging game with toothpicks and crackers. Our monthly meeting in May is the 12^th @ 5:00 pm. Bring your calendar, a date needs to be set for a visit to the Grotto! Note: June 1^st & 2^nd: Wayne & Amy Pralle will be camping at State Park, youth & families are welcome to camp also, or come and hang out for the evening with a campfire and Wayne’s famous potatoes! This will also be a farewell and THANK YOU to Wayne & Amy as they are stepping down as youth leaders. They will be missed as youth leaders!! Lisa Welper ~ Youth Commission

March 2013 Financial Statistics

Regular Giving: $11,421.25 Memorials Received: $135.00 Congregational Life: $309.23 Designated Giving: $655.50

Interest Income: $0

Total Incoming: $12,520.98

Operating Expense: $11,278.22 CLB& T Prin Loan Paymt: $359.94

Memorial Funds used: $334.48 Designated Funds used: $0

Total Outgoing: $11,972.64

Designated Giving Received: $655.50 Lenten Service Offerings

Designated Funds Used: $0

Checking Account Balance 3/31/2013: $10,327.53

Memorial Account Balance 2/28/2013: $9,945.28

$5,220.00 was advanced from our Loan to the checking account to pay for the electrical work that needs to be completed

Average Attendance 2012: 89 Average Attendance 2013: 89

Respectfully Submitted ~ Sally Litterer, Treasurer

Memorial Funds Facilitator’s Report March 2013

$9,945.28 Balance

March Memorial Funds Received: $50 Roger Gulick $85 Della Grieme

Memorial Funds used in March:

Music Stands & Lights ~ $299.48

World Hunger ~ $35

The following funds are available:

Galilean Women $1,281.37 Landscaping $1,847.44

Property $2,432.11 Undesignated $3,484.00

Janeil Olson, Sally Litterer

For all that wanted the recipe from the Galilean Gala, here it is ~ enjoy!

Pioneer Apple Dumplings

2 lg. Granny apples, peeled and cored. 2- 10 oz. cans refrigerated crescent rolls. 1 cup of butter.

1 ½ cups of sugar. 1 tsp. cinnamon. 1- 12 oz. can of Mountain Dew

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 13 pan. Cut apples into 8 wedges. Separate crescent rolls into triangles. Roll each apple into the dough. Pinch and seal and place in pan. Melt butter in a sauce pan and stir in sugar and cinnamon. Pour over the rolls. Then pour Mountain Dew over the rolls. Bake 35-45 minutes until golden brown.

Wayne Pralle

Here’s Who’s Doing What for Worship and Fellowship May 2013

Sunday, May 5

Accompanist: Shelley Turner

Acolyte: Dick Olson

Worship Assistant: Karen Holm

Reader: Jeff Stealy

Communion Prep: Al & Karen Holm

Communion Servers: Jim Latham, Linda Hopper, Sharon Ryg

Usher/Greeters: John & Linda Sorensen

Coffee Hosts: Gapinski Youth

Power Point: Kelli Gapinski

Sound System: Gary Bonnstetter

Sunday, May 12

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

Acolyte: Lauren Wirtz

Worship Assistant: Leanne Hicks

Reader: Louanne Bonin

Usher/Greeters: Gene Hanson & Dale Kroon

Coffee Hosts: Bob Johnson & Mike Eddy

Power Point: Olivia Carew

Sound System: Jacob Welper

Sunday, May 19

Accompanist: Linda Hopper

Acolyte: Anna McCluskey

Worship Assistant: Dan Gapinski

Reader: Mike Eddy

Communion Prep: Mike Fatland

Communion Servers: Janeil Olson, Dick Olson, Jan Fynskov

Usher/Greeters: Tim & Rhonda Clark

Coffee Hosts: Sharon Ryg & Lou Stealy

Power Point: Emma Whelan

Sound System: Clay Starrett

Sunday, May 26

Accompanist: To be determined

Acolyte: Lorna Whelan

Worship Assistant: Marilyn Chalgren

Reader: Jim Latham

Usher/Greeters: Dan & Kim Gapinski

Coffee Hosts: Jan Fynskov & Pat Anderson

Power Point: Mason Wirtz

Sound System: Mike Fatland

Bread/Juice for the month:

Jan Fynskov

Please Note:

The people scheduled to do Power Point and Sound System are now on this list. A reminder will be sent out each week as your turn comes up. Thanks!

From the Worship Commission ~ Upcoming Events!

May 5: We are hosting “Quality Church Service Conferences” from 2 – 4:30 pm.

All members are encouraged to attend!

May 19: Honoring our Graduates and Teachers during the service.

June 2: Galilean’s 35^th Anniversary Celebration

June 9: Youth giving our worship service!

July 14: All Commission Sunday

Outdoor Worship Services with Potluck Dinner: Saturday June 29; Saturday July 27

and Saturday August 24. These begin at 5:00 pm and will be held at State Park.

Council Meeting Minutes April 9, 2013

Those in attendance ~ Kelsey Litterer, Cece Fuller, Paula Petersburg, Bob Johnson, Fred Petersburg, Sally Litterer, Mike Eddy & Pastor Scot McCluskey. One Guest ~ Jacob Welper.

Agenda was approved as written.

Old Business: Jacob Welper presented plans for a Labyrinth Welcome Center to be built onto the shed his brother built. It has two parts, an enclosed 3 season porch and a deck, all of which will be handicap accessible. Motion was made & seconded to approve Jacob’s plans and authorize him to do fund-raising for the project. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Fred Petersburg made a motion to approve the report and Bob Johnson seconded. Motion carried.

A Thank You was read from Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson for the plant received from the council for Sandy’s mom’s (Della Grieme) funeral.

Parish Office Report Highlights: A Thank You was read from Karen Holm to the council for the support and prayers given to her since her injury and recuperation at home. She worked a few days the week of April 1 and 8 and will be back to normal hours the week of April 15. Power-point will be up and running once again on Sunday, April 21. May LOG articles are due into the office no later than Monday, April 22. Transfers Out: Kevin, Mary, Jade, Jenna & Juel Hanson to St. Paul Lutheran, Garner. Dave Barrett to Trinity Lutheran, Mason City.

Pastor’s Report Highlights: Pastor continues weekly worships at Apple Valley, Bible study Wednesday mornings, monthly communion visits, noon Lions, and Board of Directors for the N. Iowa Transition Center. He led a Good Friday service at Apple Valley with Deacon Darrell Currier from St. Pat’s. Those present truly appreciated it and expressed interest in doing more. Confirmation classes will conclude on April 24 and resume again in the fall. Mission Trip planned for June 11-15, destination TBA. Pastor will be on vacation June 16 – July 1. 2 Weddings are being planned for February 2014.

Commission Reports:

Congregational Life ~ No Report

Evangelism ~ Invitations were sent to 130 churches in our area to come and use the Labyrinth. Jacob Welper is working on the new Welcome Center this spring at the Labyrinth.

Learning ~ Vacation Bible School is tentatively set for June 2-6.

Property ~ Furnace repair and line of credit will be on the agenda for the May meeting.

Church cleaning day will be Saturday, May 4 from 9 am until Noon.

Social Concerns ~ Community Kitchen is our responsibility to serve for April 8 – 12. Highway Ditch Clean Up will be Sunday, April 28 (Rain date May 26).

Stewardship ~ “Ventures in Growing Stewards” was attended by Fred Petersburg & Pastor Scot McCluskey on Saturday April 6. Good information was received.

Worship ~ Jackie Swanson is no longer serving as an accompanist. Megan Gapinski & Shelley Turner have offered to help with our accompanist schedule and play when they can. April 28 we will be doing a “Blue Sunday Day of Prayer” during worship for Blue Sunday Child Abuse Prevention Initiative.

Youth ~ Easter breakfast was well attended. They will meet on Sunday, April 12.

Deb Fatland has resigned as church council secretary. Karen Holm will attend the meetings and take the council minutes until fall, or until such time we have a member come forward to take on the position of Secretary of the church council.

Louanne Bonin has been asked to join the Memorial Committee.

Motion was made to adjourn the meeting, seconded and approved. The next council meeting is Tuesday, May 14. Bob Johnson will give the Devotions.

Respectfully submitted ~ Karen Holm

Old and New Testament Bible Study of Women who have changed lives

The third Tuesday of each month

9:00-10:00 a.m. at Galilean Lutheran. All are welcome to join in at any time. The next study is May 21.

IFCA Sponsored Baccalaureate Services

On Sunday, May 12 the Interfaith Fellowship for Community Action will sponsor their Annual Clear Lake Baccalaureate Services at the E.B. Stillman Auditorium beginning at 7:00 pm. E-Free Church of Clear Lake will provide refreshments following the service. The Public is invited to attend and we encourage all high school graduates and their parents to attend these special services.

Please remember in your Prayers

Teri Austin, Dick Becker, Dave Clayton, Sandi Davis, Pam Foss, Dale Kroon, Marlys McCluskey, and the family of Maxine Shropshire

Our Men in the Military

Cole Fatland Andrew Branstad Mathias Morris Calvin Bast

Benefit for Teri Austin

A benefit will be held at the Garner United Methodist Church, 884 Maben Ave. on Saturday, May 4 from 11 am until 3 pm. There will be a free will donation lunch of pork loin, potato salad, chips, pork & beans and Jell-o. Drinks will be served. There is also a bake sale, silent auction and a drawing will be held for larger items. Teri has two grown children Danny (Jennifer) and Lance Austin. She was diagnosed in February with Lymphoma and travels to Rochester for her treatments. Teri has worked at Iowa Mold & Tool for 18 years. Proceeds will be used to help defray medical, lodging and transportation expenses. They have applied for Thrivent Financial Funding. Anyone wishing to make a monetary donation may contact Janet Hahn (Teri’s sister) at 641-357-8283 or Reliance State Bank in Garner 641-923-2801.

Thank You!

To the Youth kids and to the parents of the youth that helped me move from Garner to my new home here in Clear Lake. We appreciate it so much! GREAT JOB everyone!!

Blessings ~

Lois Gulick, and Brenda & Gary Bonnstetter

Ladies of Galilean!!

Our next dinner gathering is Tuesday, May 21^st at 5:00 pm at the Boathouse in Clear Lake!

Everyone is invited ~ bring a guest, that would be grrrreat!!

Hope to see YOU there!! J

Galilean Lutheran Church will be celebrating their 35^th Anniversary!

Sunday, June 2, 2013.

Galilean had their first worship service on January 22, 1978. In June of 1979, Galilean had their groundbreaking ceremony after purchasing ground by Highway 18 West. In June of 1980 Galilean Lutheran was dedicated. The Galilean namesake was chosen, as the community of Clear Lake was grown around a lake.

During the past 35 years, Galileans have performed many hours of community service including Community Kitchen, Meals on Wheels, Highway Ditch Clean Up, transportation to worship, spiritual caregivers at Mercy Medical Center, IFCA, Operation Christmas Child, and community IFCA holiday dinners just to name a few!

Galilean’s Youth Group, “The Galilean Youth Crusaders” have become independent. They have their own financial account, do their own fundraising, and make their own donations to the members of the congregation in helping with needed things from moving members to new homes, raking lawns and even putting storm windows on; and as well to the community with purchasing Christmas gifts for needy children each year, bell ringing for the Salvation Army and raise their own funds to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering every 3 years.

Galileans!! This date is fast approaching! While more details are soon to be provided, we wanted to give you a “heads up” regarding the food that will be needed for our Noon meal that day.

The meal will be “Picnic Fare” including, pork loin, pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, chips, chocolate chip cookies and brownies. The meal will be served promptly at Noon following the church service and a program celebrating the journey of Galilean. There will be a sign-up sheet for your contributions and recipes will also be available on the table in the back of the sanctuary on Sunday, May 5. These food items are necessary to make our celebration a success!

Sincerely, the 35^th Anniversary Committee

P.S. We will also need some physically fit and strong individuals to help set up tables on Saturday, June 1 in the parking lot after the tents are set up.

Coming Soon!! Vacation Bible School

Come and join us as we travel to Athens and join Paul on his dangerous journey to share the truth. VBS this year will be a joint activity between First Congregational Church and Galilean Lutheran. The dates are Sunday, June 2 through Thursday June 6. We plan to begin at 5:30 pm with a meal and conclude at 8:00 pm.

We will have sign-up sheets for helpers and materials needed to make this a fantastic journey with Paul to learn about God’s love for us all.

Please include our upcoming VBS program in your daily prayers.

For more information, contact Heather Ravera at the First Congregational Church or

Melinda McCluskey at Galilean Lutheran. Thanks!!

Our Thanks go out to:

Ruth Topp! For donating 2 vacuum cleaners to the church!! Thank you Ruth!

Congratulations!!

To Scot & Dana Sorensen on the birth of their second grandson, Theodore Scot Chipman on March 17^th. Baby weighed in at 7 lbs., 19 oz. and was 19” long. Parents are Andrew & Jamie (Sorensen) Chipman and he is welcomed home by big brother, Jasper, 2. Other proud grandparents are Tim & Becky Chipman of Clear Lake.

Class of 2013!!

Hello everyone! It is hard to believe I am graduating! I am having a graduation reception at Galilean Lutheran on Saturday morning May 18 from 9 to 11:30 am. It would be a true honor for me for my Galilean family to help me celebrate this milestone! Hope to see you there! J ~ Kelli Gapinski

Click here for the May 2013 Calendar