The Galilean Log
October 2011
From the Pastor
To Be the Church as God intends.
I
have been truly enjoying our “Meet and Greet” gatherings in people’s
homes. It has been good to get to know each of you better. Thank you so much for
making Galilean a priority in your life.
During our meetings we have been
talking about the presence of Spiritual Gifts in our lives. When each of us was
baptized the pastor laid hands on our heads and prayed for the Holy Spirit to
live and work in us. And when we do that, the Holy Spirit comes and blesses us
with gifts to be used for the glory of God and the building up of the community
of believers, the Body of Christ, the church.
One of my favorite chapters of the
Bible is Romans 12. It talks about spiritual gifts and why God chooses to give
each of us different gifts.
Romans 12:1-21 ~ I appeal to you
therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present you bodies as
a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and
acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among
you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think
with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has
assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members
have the same function, 5 so we,
who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members of one
another. 6 We have gifts that
differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; 7
ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; 8 the exhorter, in
exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the
compassionate, in cheerfulness. 9 let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold
fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one
another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the
Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13
Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. 14 Bless
those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who
rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not
be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.
17 Do not repay anyone for evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in
the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live
peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the
wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the
Lord.” 20 No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty,
give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on
their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Vs. 5 states, “so we, who are many,
are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” God created
the church on earth to be God’s hands, and feet, and eyes, and ears, and voice
proclaiming God’s love and making Christ known in the world. God created
Galilean Lutheran to be about that same ministry here in Clear Lake.
God has brought us together, sisters
and brothers, to use our gifts and talents for a holy purpose. God has blessed
us with each other and bound us together to be the church as God intends us to
be. You are not part of the Galilean family by accident, but by God’s call and
God’s design. Your gifts are essential to the ministry of the church, and I
thank God for you.
- Pastor Scot
From the President’s Desk
October, what a beautiful month! I feel so
blessed to have grown up in a place with 4 seasons. Fall is a beautiful season.
We have the leaves changing on the trees, nice fall breezes, and farm fields
being harvested. As I sat in church Sunday, I also realized that I am blessed to
a part of such a wonderful church. We have so many talented people in our church
that help us to praise God. I sat and listened to Brenda playing How Great Thou
Art and got goose-bumps! Listening to Dan and Pastor Scot play their wonderful
music was such a treat and Jackie’s sermon really made me stop and think.
As the day went on and I was at home, I
thought, we are also blessed to have so many people that are such an asset. We
have so many people that help make Galilean what it is without any recognition.
The ones that work with our youth, both in Sunday school and also with the Youth
group. They are molding our future and doing an excellent job!
The Stewardship committee has worked very hard to get everyone together
to help get to know each other. I think that is a wonderful idea. We see each
other every Sunday and some times more, but how well do we actually know each
other? I am very excited to hear how the Meet & Greet sessions go. I believe
that I could go through the directory and tell something wonderful about every
single person, but I’m not allowed that much room for my article. So let me
just say, every single member has a special talent to contribute. You may not be
the best singer or the best organizer, but God has given everyone a special
talent. When it comes time to fill out the Time & Talent Sheets, please mark
what is most important to you. I realize in the past that the Time and Talent
sheets have not been used to their fullest advantage, but this year they will.
Thank you for allowing me to be the President of such an awesome congregation!!
God
Bless You All, Leanne Hicks
President
Leanne Hicks called the meting to order. Members present: Louanne Bonin, Connie
Bieber, Bev Clapsaddle, CeCe Fuller, Jerry Gunnerson, Bob Johnson, Sally
Litterer, Wayne & Amy Pralle, Jeff Stealy, Pastor Scot McCluskey and Joyce
Clayton.
Devotions
were led by Leanne Hicks. A motion was made to approve the Agenda, seconded and
motion carried. July’s council meeting minutes were approved, seconded and
motion carried.
The
Parish Office Report was read by Leanne Hicks. Our individual family mailboxes
are now in alphabetical order. Log articles are due in the office to Karen
before August 22, 2011. Pastor Scot reported that he will continue to meet with
each commission for better understanding of what each commission does and to
meet with members on each commission. Sally Litterer presented the Treasurer’s
report. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s report, seconded and
motion carried.
The
following Commissions were present and reported:
Evangelism:
Bob Johnson reported that the
Evangelism commission met and that information sheets updating the commission
progress were distributed. Evangelism commission members will be welcoming and
greeting visitors to Galilean. An Eagle Scout project of extending a porch onto
the utility building to act as a welcoming center for visitors utilizing the
Labyrinth was discussed. Our church services will be made available on DVD or
VHS by members of this commission. Each member will be sharing a Log article in
the LOG regarding Evangelism at Galilean. The commission will be meeting again
to brainstorm for other ideas on Evangelism.
Property:
Jeff Stealy reported that the roofing
project was completed. A leaky valve was repaired in the kitchen and a new
outdoor faucet was installed near the back kitchen door.
Social
Concerns: CeCe Fuller reported that school supplies donated by Galileans were
delivered to the Salvation Army and they were much appreciated.
Stewardship:
Connie Bieber reported that the small
groups will be meeting in September with one member of the stewardship committee
present and Pastor Scot.
Youth:
Wayne Pralle reported that their will
be a pizza party on August 15 for the youth to come meet Pastor Scot. The youth
group will hold offices this year. A youth meeting with parents will be held in
September to discuss the Youth Gathering. Registration for the Youth Gathering
will start on October 9, 2011.
Other:
Leanne read from the ELCA thanking all
Galileans who supported the Malaria Net Campaign and for Mission Support. A
member of the ELCA will be visiting Galilean this fall to meet with the council.
An update to the Clear Lake Visitor Guide was presented. An updated photo will
be submitted to the Clear Lake 2012 Visitor Guide.
Old
Business: A Sound System Committee of
Pastor Scot, Gary Bonnstetter, Chuck Clapsaddle, Dan Gapinski and Jeff Stealy
met to discuss various options to improve our sound system. A personal sound
transmitter with ear buds is being looked into. The committee is still working
on looking at various options available. The copy machine committee has not met
yet.
New
Business: Pastor Scot is planning a
Memorial Service at 3:00 pm at the Band Shell in Clear Lake Park on Sunday,
September 11, 2011. Other congregations will be asked to participate for this
community event. New members will be joining Galilean Lutheran on Sunday,
September 25, 2011. They are: Mary Ann Flaten, Ralph Schroeder, Melinda &
Anna McCluskey, Linda Sorensen. Sally Litterer and Joyce Clayton presented
information on the Memorial Committee. A new Memorial information sheet has been
designed for tracking purposes of Memorials given to Galilean. Joyce reported
that a Thank You letter to the family will be sent in regards to memorial money
received and if they would want to designate the gift in some special way to
Galilean Lutheran.
Leanne
discussed the Service Groups and more information will be presented at our next
council meeting. Louanne Bonin reported that nearly 1,000 cans were collected in
July for “Cans for Cows” for Heifer International. A total of $60 will go
into our Heifer International Sunday school fund.
The
next council meeting will be Tues. Sept. 13, 2011. the meeting adjourned with
the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully
Submitted,
Louanne
Bonin, Secretary
Operation
Christmas Child Update:
The
return dates for filled shoeboxes are November 14-21. Shoeboxes will be
available here at the church in mid-October for you take and fill, as will the
information brochures accompany them.
Our
work day in the Minneapolis, MN. area is Wednesday, November 30, from 11:00 am
to 3:00 pm. If you would like to volunteer to go to the distribution center
please contact Marilyn Chalgren asap. We have several spaces reserved and
will carpool as needed. Anyone age 14 or older can serve!!
Thanks!
Marilyn ~ 641-923-2572
Please remember in your Prayers
Our
Shut In
Dick
Becker
Ill
Barb
Goettel
Recovering
from Illness
Joyce
Carew
Our
Men in the Military
Cole
Fatland
Andrew
Branstad
Chris
Sorensen
Mathias
Morris
Financial Statistics ~ August 2011
Regular
Giving: $9,452.00
Designated Giving: $128.00
Memorials
Received: $670.00
Congregational Life: $76.25
Total
Incoming: $10,326.25
Operating
Expense: $11,463.61
CLB&T Prin Loan Payment: $373.20
Designated
Giving Paid Out: $50.00
Memorial Funds used: $628.48
Total
Outgoing: $12,515.29
Designated
Received: $25.00 Disaster Relief $8.00
Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank
$70.00
Heifer Project
$25.00 World Hunger
Memorials
Received:
$395.00
in Memory of Jo Ann Shallberg $275.00
in Memory of Ilse Bruntjen
Memorial
Funds Used:
$133.75
Office Window Sign in Memory of Dorothy Thomsen
$469.73
4 Receivers, 1 Earphone .. In memory of Lois Wangberg and Undesignated
Average
Attendance 2010: 87
Average Attendance 2011: 87
Respectfully
Submitted, Sally Litterer ~ Treasurer
We give from our hearts filled with care for the
other, from our hope, with eyes wide open, because of the promise from God that
God will never falter, because the truth must be spoken and we offer back the
life that was given us.
However,
the Stewardship committee is concerned that our giving is based on an attitude
of obligation to our local congregation’s survival rather than a returning of
our blessings for the betterment of the Kingdom of God. We all have been
programmed to give from obligation, just as people at the time of Jesus and
Martin Luther were programmed. We must break this thought—we must give from our love of God and God’s people.
When
we as a congregation give from an attitude of obligation, we fall behind and
conversely, when we give from our hearts we stay fluid and help with mission.
Well, we have fallen
behind financially and
need to open our hearts to the true gospel message and give our monetary gifts
for the work of the mission of the church. Thank you.
Earlier this month the
youth have met and discussed the “elections” that were going to take place.
After group nominations and votes, we now have the following: President: Kelli
Gapinski; Vice President: Brock Brandt; Secretary: Jessica Fuller; Treasurer:
Jacob Welper. New business was discussed and we will help Jack & Sandi Davis
with wrapping plastic on their windows on a Sunday afternoon in October. The
exact date will be announced at a later time. October 14 &15 will be the
Middle School Lock-In from 8 pm to
7 am and they must be registered by the 5th of Oct. for $25 each. The youth will
do the Fish Pond on December 3 from 10 or 11 am until we are sold out at
Christmas by The Lake.
We continued discussing
about the ELCA gathering in New Orleans, and that is from July 17-23, 2012. We
have not yet decided on how to get there, but it will be about $545 for each
person going. The deadline for registrations is October 9.
Respectfully ~ Jessica Fuller, Secretary
The
air is turning crisp, football is in full swing and the fall harvest is
starting!! A new Sunday school year is also crisp, in full swing and
starting—so come join us as we explore new ideas, exciting activities and
great music. We have a new curriculum; “One Room Sunday School” that
provides a Bible study plan for ages 3 through 12!! Here’s how we will be
learning how God’s Family Grows!! October 2: We are God’s children
and God loves us!! October 9: Sneaky Jacob! October 16: Isaac’s
Blessing! October 23: Jacob’s Dream! October 30: Forgiveness!!
Kids ~ Do you know The Lord’s Prayer? The Sunday school kids will be
learning this and once memorized they will recite for Pastor Scot and receive a
prize!! WE can’t wait to see you at Sunday school!!
Memorial
Funds Facilitator’s Report ~ August 2011
The following are the
Memorial received to date in 2011
In Memory of
Amount Received
Designated to be used for
Karen Barrett
$50.00
Undesignated
Robert Ungs
$140.00
Music
Sandra Fischer
$340.00
$200 to Galilean Women & $140 to Landscaping
Myrt Hanson
$3,185.00
Youth
Dan Erickson
$25.00
Office Window
Betty Wind
$1,260.00
Plants/Landscaping/Patio Cement
Jan Bauman
$35.00
Undesignated
Lois Wangberg
$625.00
$208.00 Music, $417.00 to Sounds System
Ilse Bruntjen
$480.00
Undesignated
Jo Ann Shallberg
$395.00
Undesignated
Dorothy Thomsen
$1,344.53
$644.53 to Galilean Women, $500.00 for Office Window
$200.00
for Plants/Landscaping/Patio Cement
Total
Received: $7,789.53
The following funds
are available for use:
Undesignated to be used for
the Sound System
$5,634.35
Youth
$ 10.00
Galilean Women
$ 844.53
Music Stands/Bell Choir
Music
$ 348.00
Office Window
$ 391.25
Plants/Landscaping/Patio
Cement $1,600.00
Sound System
$3,100.00
Total Memorial Fund for
use: $11,928.13
At the September council
meeting, it was voted to approve purchasing a new Sound System for the church.
The cost will be $10,617.68. It was approved to use the undesignated memorial
funds of $5,634.35 towards the Sound System and an additional $3,100.00 has been
received for the Sound System.
The
Memorial Committee ~ Janeil Olson, Joyce Clayton & Sally Litterer
Notes
to Note!!
Just
Desserts Bible Study will
be held at Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson’s on Tuesday, October 18 beginning at
6:30 pm.
Community
Kitchen is
October. 3, 5 and 7… the sign up sheet is on the table in the back of the
Sanctuary…
Meals
On Wheels dates
are the weeks of October 3 and October 10. The Sign up Sheet is on
the table in the back of the Sanctuary!! You need to be at the Senior Citizens
Center by 10:45 am. Routes are set up and you will be given the sheets of
peoples on the route with addresses. It’s a good idea to stop into the Senior
Citizen’s Center before these dates so you can look at the
route/directions/peoples on the list. Thank you for your generosity and
willingness to help!!
The
High Way Ditch Clean Up is
scheduled for Sunday, October 16th immediately after Fellowship!! Please
contact CeCe Fuller and help!!
Sunday,
October 2
Accompanist:
Sonja Backer
Acolyte:
Mary Andrews
Worship
Assistant:
Marilyn Chalgren
Reader:
Bob Welper
Communion
Prep:
Allen & Karen Holm
Communion
Servers:
Wayne & Amy Pralle, Bob Johnson
Coffee
Hosts:
Ohrt Youth
Usher/Greeters:
Bob & Rosalie Olson
Sunday,
October 9
Accompanist:
Linda Hopper
Acolyte:
Vanessa Olson
Worship
Assistant:
Jim Latham
Reader:
Leanne Hicks
Coffee
Hosts:
Jim & Marcia Latham
Usher/Greeters:
Kim & Sue Dwyer
Sunday,
October 16
Accompanist:
Brenda Bonnstetter
Acolyte:
Emma Whelan
Worship
Assistant:
Sonnee Steveson
Reader:
Sandi Davis
Communion
Prep:
Ron & Sonnee Steveson
Communion
Servers:
Sonnee Steveson, Jan Fynskov, Lou Stealy
Coffee
Hosts:
Jerry & Sandy Gunnerson
Usher/Greeters:
Jim & Denise Davis
Sunday,
October 23
Accompanist:
Jackie Swanson
Acolyte:
Zach Suby
Worship
Assistant:
Karen Holm
Reader:
Dick Price
Coffee
Hosts:
Bob & Lisa Welper
Usher/Greeters:
Allen & Karen Holm
Sunday,
October 30
Accompanist:
Brenda Bonnstetter
Acolyte:
Ben Litterer
Worship
Assistant:
Leanne Hicks
Reader:
Jim Latham
Communion
Prep:
Confirmation/Youth
Communion
Servers:
Confirmands/Youth
Coffee
Hosts:
Marilyn Chalgren
Usher/Greeters:
Confirmands
Video
Cam for the month of October:
Jonathon
& Taylor Ohrt
Bread/Juice
for the Month of October:
Marilyn
Chalgren
Confirmands!!
Keely
Kuhlemeier, Brock & Dalton Brandt: you will be honoring us if you would
Usher/Greet & do communion prep and help serve communion on your special
day ~
October
30th!! Thanks!
First, I just want to say that I am so
excited to be able to keep up with the Evangelism commission. I was disappointed to realize that only after a month or so
after I joined, I would be off to college and would not be able to take a big
part of my commission. Fortunately, my plans changed, and going to NIACC gives
me the opportunity to get back to the Evangelism commission! Here’s my first
assignment!
You may be wondering what this
commission does. I believe that we really reach out to people, whether they are
in our congregation or not. At the church services, we greet visitors and
introduce them to the other members to help them feel comfortable. We are
responsible for making sure that all visitors receive a follow-up call or card
to thank them for visiting. There are also special events that we run such a
“Bring a Friend to Church Sunday”, although our guests are welcome anytime!
Outside of services, you may find us serving in the community and reaching out
to others that may not have been introduced to God. We try to find rides for
people that want to go to church but are not able to drive. For those that
cannot attend worship for health reasons, we make sure they receive a video of
the service and perhaps some extra chatting or bible study! Our goal is to help
people fulfill their need for God in their lives.
So, what can you do for Evangelism?
Each and every member of the congregation can practice evangelism. It’s very
easy. If there’s someone you haven’t seen before, go introduce yourself!
Invite friends and family to worship! That’s how I was brought to Galilean—I
still thank Kayla Bonnstetter for inviting me to Sunday school. Also, you can
volunteer to give folks a ride to church if they need one. If there’s someone
that cannot come to church for awhile, you might consider going to visit them.
There are a million ways to be an Evangelist-you just have to find your niche.
It doesn’t take a doctorate degree or a special talent to be part of
Evangelism. It’s something that anyone can do! Let your talents and tongues
employ! Kelsey Litterer
To ~ Jeff Stealy for being here helping as
Sign Pro put up the new Galilean Sign and the GLC Logo on the upper part of the
Office Window!! If you have YET to see this… please look UP at the office
window as you enter church! It is beautiful ~
To ~
Sharon
Ryg and any others who kept up and maintained our flower beds in front of the
church this summer!
To ~
Joyce
Clayton, Marilyn Chalgren and Joanne Stollenwerk for covering the office while
Karen was out on vacation in September!!
To ~
Bev
Clapsaddle, Marilyn Chalgren, Janeil Olson and Joanne Stollenwerk for getting
the New Member Dinner and New Member Brunch planned, decorated and served!!
To ~ Our Stewardship commission for
gathering Galileans together for Meet & Greets in September! And to the
Hosts who allowed us into their homes! :-)
Click here for the October 2011 Calendar