The Galilean Log

September 2010

Thoughts from the President’s Desk

 

Before Pastor Jeff left to answer another call, he quoted Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. When you have time I would like you to read that chapter carefully and reflect on everything that chapter says. “There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.” When you get to verse 3 a, “A time to tear down and a time to rebuild”. Please stop there and reflect on what Galilean is faced with at this moment in “time.”

 

Galilean Lutheran has so much to offer our fellow Christians. Those looking for a home church. There is always room for another row or two of seats in our “sanctuary”. That represents a lot of new people who are hungry for the word but just need a helping hand to get them through our welcoming doors.

 

Your Worship Commission is busy with the day to day routine of church affairs. They have arranged for supply ministry through the month of September and will continue to line up supply ministry as needed.

At the August council meeting, the Call Committee was elected. The members of that committee are: Dan Gapinski, Jackie Swanson, Kelsey Litterer, Karen Hernes, Susan Starrett, Fred Petersburg and Jerry Gunnerson. All are well qualified to carry out the duties of the call committee. A time line has been established and we are on schedule according to the guide lines set forth by the synod office.

 

Pastor Darrel Gerrietts, Assistant to the Bishop, called me on Wednesday, the 17th of August. He is ready to meet with the Church Council and the Call Committee to discuss the possibility of an Interim Pastor. That meeting will hopefully take place soon after Labor Day.

 

The call committee chairman, Dan Gapinski has assured me that he will make ever effort to keep the congregation informed concerning the call process. He will be giving a Temple Talk on Sunday, September 19 before the Worship services begin and every Sunday thereafter will be giving updates if any. Dan will also be putting the Call Process news in the October LOG, etc.  

 

“A Season for every

activity under Heaven.”

Please remember this

 and be prayerful.

In Christ’s Love Everyone

 is Someone,

Bob Johnson, Council President 

Council Minutes ~ August 10, 2010

The meeting was called to order by President Bob Johnson. Devotions were given by Janeil Olson. Roll Call: Present ~ Bob Johnson, Sue Brandt, CeCe Fuller, Jeff Stealy, Dana Sorensen, Marilyn Chalgren, Connie Bieber, Janeil Olson, Leanne Hicks, Sally Litterer, Kelsey Litterer, Wayne Pralle, Amy Pralle, Dan Gapinski, Susan Starrett, Jo Ann Shallberg. Absent: No one. 

A guest speaker, Marge Underwood, from the RAGBRAI Committee was introduced and thanked all the people who helped with the recycling cans during RAGBRAI. Galileans were responsible for 20,690 cans and 140 lbs. of redeemable plastic being kept out of the waste facility. Suggestions were given on what could be done to improve the situation during future events.

Sally Litterer moved the minutes of the last meeting be approved without reading with one correction, Dan Gapinski’s name had been omitted as attending. Leanne Hicks seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: without a Pastor’s salary and expenses, there is a possibility of budget surplus. Discussion was tabled for another month in case of unexpected expenses. Marilyn Chalgren  moved and Connie Bieber seconded that guest pastors be paid mileage. Motion carried.

Congregational Life: There were four baptisms in July. They were: Sophia Rose Sorensen, Brooklyn Nichole Andersen, Norah Lynn Smith and Kale Allen James Mostrom.  Two new members transferred in: David Clayton & Billy Olson.

Evangelism: There should be a list of people to contact for temporary pastoral duties. Coverage of Galilean’s obligations to Apple Valley and Oakwood were discussed. Attendance: way to track members who may not come when we are without a pastor were discussed. Connie Bieber made a motion that we try attendance sheets, but explain to the congregation by bulletin, LOG, and temple talks that this would be temporary and for the purpose of trying to help any person in the hospital or shut-ins. Jeff Stealy seconded, motion carried.

Youth: Rally Sunday and “Bring a Friend” Sunday are September 12th. Further discussion was tabled until after the Youth meeting on Aug. 22 at Wayne & Amy Pralle’s. Bob & Lisa Welper have agreed to help with Youth after Dana Sorensen steps down.

Learning: VBS was a huge success again. Marilyn Chalgren moved that three counselors from EWALU will be each given $50. Sally seconded, motion carried. Theme for this year’s Sunday school will be “All God’s Treasures.”

Property: Jeff Stealy reported that the three new siding panels were blown off during a storm.

Stewardship: the committee was pleased that the Squirrel was able to climb higher on the tree. Matt Hernes will help with a mission’s video. Jackie Swanson will the Stewardship representative on the call committee.

Worship: Marilyn Chalgren reported on the pastoral coverage for September. Looking for a home for the remainder of the Green LBW hymnals. The sound system needs to be adjusted prior to services.

Social Concerns: CeCe Fuller is collecting school supplies for the Salvation Army. Some problem areas in the serving at Community Kitchen need to be addressed.

Youth-at-Large: Kelsey Litterer suggested resuming Youth Bible Studies this year.

Correspondence: There will be a meeting in Belmond on September 7th regarding mission undertakings. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Old Business: Marilyn Chalgren reported that Patti Meyer still needed support to attend the seminary at Wartburg. Connie Bieber moved that Galilean send her $500, Leanne Hicks seconded, motion carried.

New Business: Way to accommodate the 7th graders who should be staring Confirmation classes were discussed, possibly with an interim pastor.

The call committee was elected and they are: Jackie Swanson, Dan Gapinski, Kelsey Litterer, Susan Starrett, Karen Hernes, Jerry Gunnerson and Fred Petersburg. They will meet with the Executive committee on Sun. Aug. 15 after services.

Wayne Pralle moved the meeting be adjourned, Sally Litterer seconded. Meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

The next meeting is Tues. Sept. 14, devotions will be given by Jo Ann Shallberg.  

Respectively submitted, Jo Ann Shallberg, Secretary  

 

Treasurer’s Report, July 2010

July Regular Giving: $11,837.55                  July Designated Giving: $33.00

July Memorials Received: $20.00             July Income Congregational Life: $39.86

Total Incoming: $11,930.41

July Operating Expense: $11,780.28                  July CLB & T Principle Loan Payment: $333.34

July Designated Giving Paid Out: $15.00                  July Memorial Funds Used: $0

Total Outgoing: $12,128.62

Checking Account Balance 7/31/10: $6,996.65                    Memorial Savings Account 7/31/10: $5,440.81

Loan Balance 7/31/10: $49,666.66

Designated Giving Received in July

Youth Group T Shirt Sale: $15            Vacation Bible School: $18

Total Designated Received: $33

Average Attendance 2009: 83                                  Average Attendance 2010: 133

Respectively Submitted ~ Sally Litterer, Treasurer

Attention all Sunday School Students!!

Do you want to join in on a really fun time? Come to Rally Sunday September 12th from 10:30 to 11:30 am with a Hot Dog Cookout after that!!

Are you one of God’s Treasures?

Here is the schedule for the month of September, we hop all of you can come and join in on the fun!

Sept. 5: Labor Day

Sept. 12: Rally Sunday 10:30 to 11:30 am Hot Dog Cookout immediately following..come in on the Fun and Food. Bring a friend!

Sept. 19: Children God’s Little Treasures

Sept. 26: Sharing & Caring Sunday

We are very excited to start our new year of Sunday school! We have many fun things planned!!

 

Sue Brandt & Vicki Whelan 


Please Remember in your Prayers


Our Shut Ins

Dick Becker

Sandra Fischer

Those who are Ill

Karen Barrett

Betty Wind

Barb Goettel

In Mourning

The Family of

Renelda Petersen:

Allen & Karen Holm

Duane & Joye Petersen

Larry & Nina Petersen

 

Our Men in the Military

Cole Fatland

Andrew Branstad

Chris Sorensen

 

Attention Youth & Parents! 

 

Mark your Calendars! September 12 is Rally Sunday!! The YOUTH will be doing the whole worship service, even a Skit for the sermon; as well the Readers, and a Worship Assistant. Usher/Greeting and Coffee Hosting will also be done by the Youth. The Youth may also be asked to help with Rally Sunday activities after the service. We will be contacting you to help in some way, this is a great way to serve our church and to serve God.

There are 26 Youth this year, this is very exciting!  Sun. Sept 12 is ALSO our first Youth Meeting….it will be held at 5:00 pm here at the church, come for food, fellowship and fun! It will be a great year!

Wayne & Amy Pralle and Bob & Lisa Welper will be working with the youth group this year.

Rejoice in the Lord always ~

Dana Sorensen 

The Order of St. Luke ~ Name that Chapter!!! What Chapter????

Galilean’s very own St. Luke’s Prayer Team!! When our summer visitor Babette Brenton suggested that Galilean should have a Prayer Team (these people give prayers for any of your needs following communion), five of us stepped forward to be a part of the ‘Team’. Pastor Jeff  & Kelli Ungs, Joyce Carew & Jack & Sandi Davis.

We agreed to do the necessary studies to be on the Prayer Team. We studied, we showed up at the appointed times to discuss what we studied. Each time we came together, Babette reminded us we were going to be a Chapter and we needed a Chapter Name. Well, with all our studying and discussing, we never thought about a Chapter Name.

We would like to turn this into a church-wide contest to come up with a Chapter name. Since we are a Prayer Team (try to be respectful), try to be clever. During the announcements on September 12th (Grandparents Day!), we will have an impromptu vote for a Chapter Name. Come one, come all, let's make this into something fun (but be prayerful about becoming part of the Prayer Team). We will

be talking about the Prayer Team a lot. We want Galileans to learn how special having a Prayer Team really is!! AND: the winner of the chosen NAME of the Prayer Team... will receive a prize!!  Now that there are only three of us remaining on the Prayer Team, (the Ungs bailed out on us you know!), we are becoming more aware of our responsibilities as a Chapter. We are seeking out those who would be interested in joining this Prayer Team, if you are interested, please contact Joyce Carew, or Jack & Sandi Davis. Thanks!! Sandi Davis

Angelfood Ministries


In Person ordering on Saturday, September 11 from 9 am – 12 pm. Forms of payment accepted in person: Credit/Debit Cards, Cash, Check, EBT & Money Orders. Order on line with a credit/debit card at www.clafm.com until 10:59 pm Tues. September 14. There is a processing fee from Angelfood Ministries for transactions. Mail-in Orders: mail the completed form (on the table in the back of the sanctuary) with a check payable to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church by Sept. 13. Distribution day is September 18, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.    


Teach Me, O God ~……

To use all the circumstances of my life today to bring forth fruits of holiness. Let me use disappointments as material for patience. Let me use success as material for thankfulness. Let me use stress as material for perseverance. Let me use danger as material for courage. Let me use reproach as material for long-suffering. Let me use praise as material for humility.  Let me use pleasure as material for temperance. Let me use pain as material for endurance.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Here’s Who’s Doing What for Worship and Fellowship in September

Sunday, September 5

Supply Pastor: Clarence Baalson

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

Acolyte: Keegan Clark

Worship Assistant: Dick Olson

Reader:  Marilyn Chalgren 

Communion Prep: Marilyn Chalgren

Communion Servers: Sonnee Steveson,

Dan Gapinski, Kelsey Litterer

Usher/Greeters: Brad & Louanne Bonin

Coffee Hosts: Lu Youth

Communion Bread: Darold & Joanne Mahlstedt

 

Sunday, September 12

YOUTH Sunday!!

Accompanists: Karen Hernes, Kelli Gapinski

Acolyte: Krystle Lu

ALL the Youth are doing the tasks for this day

of worship!

If you were scheduled for a task today..

You get the day off!! :-)

 

Sunday, September 19

Supply Pastor: Clarence Baalson

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

Acolyte: Hannah Whelan

Worship Assistant: Sonnee Steveson

Reader: Jerry Gunnerson

Communion Prep: Janeil Olson

Communion Servers: Bob Johnson, Jerry Gunnerson, Sharon Ryg

Usher/Greeters: Nea Lu, Alan Oines

Coffee Hosts: Mike & Deb Fatland, Ruth Topp

Communion Bread: Jane Taylor

Sunday, September 26

Accompanist: Jane Taylor

Acolyte: Jade Hanson

Worship Assistant: Leanne Hicks

Reader: Marilyn Chalgren

Usher/Greeters: Vonnie Morris, Julie Rickard

Coffee Hosts: Gary & Janet Hahn 

 

Video Cam: Karlan Lu

 

Notes to Note:

Worship Assistants ~ please be here no later than 8:45 am on the Sunday you are scheduled and if you can, stay until everyone has left, OR find someone else with a key to lock up the church. Thanks!!

 

A New Member Sunday will be held one Sunday in October. This date is being determined by the Worship Commission and the Council. Official Installation will be held, as well a reception during fellowship to welcome these new members. Please check the upcoming Bulletin announcements for the date!!

Thanks! 

 

A “Music Note”

The Bell Choir will be starting practices on

Wed. September 15 beginning at 7:00 pm.

Stewardship Commission News!! 

Hi! I’m Nibbles the Steward, ( the squirrel climbing up the tree on the wall at Galilean). and I  have great news!!! AS of July 31st, 2010 I have taken a BIG CLIMB up the Generosity Tree. I am now at the $2,700 mark, for our average weekly giving! I am very happy with Galileans and I have awarded you 4 out of 5 acorns for this achievement! We are getting very close to our goal of $3,200 for an average weekly giving. 


Please continue to pray about your stewardship to the church and continue your support of our mission!

Thanks!! The Stewardship Commission

A Note from the Financial Secretary


In your mailboxes are your financial statements of giving from January 1 through June 31, 2010. Please, be sure to pick these up as soon as possible.

Remember: Please write your name and the $ amount, on the outside of your Offering Envelope. This makes it much easier for me to keep track of your giving.

Thanks!! Gary Bonnstetter, Financial Secretary 


Special Thanks go out to ~

To ~ All who provided salads for the Farewell Potluck on Sun. July 25 for Pastor Jeff, Kelli & family. And to those who gave the program! Marilyn Chalgren & Janeil Olson

To ~ Lou Stealy, Bob Johnson, Joanne Stallenwerk, & Sonnee Steveson for providing Brownies for the IFCA Ice Cream Social on Sun. August 1st.

To ~ the Galilean church members for your hospitality the week we were there for VBS. We had a TON of fun! It was great to work with such a respectful, organized group and a pleasure being in your community as well. The EWALU Counselors, Summer 2010. 

To ~ Everyone who helped make VBS a success again this year.  Thanks to the kitchen helpers, foo/drink/dessert suppliers, people who supplied noon meals for the counselors, youth that pitched in and helped the kids and a HUGE thank you to Kim & Sue Dwyer for allowing us the use of their RV to house the EWALU counselors!!  Sue Brandt & Vicki Whelan

 

To ~ Bev Clapsaddle, Marilyn Chalgren, Janeil Olson, Janet Hahn, Sue Brandt & sons, Scot Sorensen and Gary Bonnstetter for all your hard work getting the education wing, the hallways and the office painted and rearranged!!  It looks fresh and new once again...  thank you!!!

 

To ~ Kelsey Litterer, Jerry Gunnerson, Karen Hernes, Jackie Swanson, Dan Gapinski, Susan Starrett & Fred Petersburg for you willingness to do the work of being on the Call Committee.

Thanks from ~

A heartfelt thank you to all the Galileans who so graciously supplied the refreshments for us at the funeral home during our mom's Visitation; and to all who came to the visitation, funeral, sent cards, gave memorials, called, gave hugs, caring and love to us on the los of our mom, Renelda Petersen.  We appreciate everything so much...  With our deepest gratitude, Larry & Nina Petersen, Duane & Joyce Petersen, All & Karen Holm and all of their families.

 

"A mom holds her children's hands for just a little while -- her children hold their mom in their hearts, forever"

 

Click here for the September 2010 Log