The Galilean Log

September 2011

From the Pastor’s Desk

To Robe or Not to Robe

Following is a True/False quiz. See how many you get right.

1. The white robe some pastors wear is called an “Alb.”

2. The robe is a modern version of a Roman toga.

3. The robe is meant to cover any ornamentation and make the priest appear plain and ordinary.

4. The Alb serves the same purpose as the white base make-up a clown wears.

5.  The white robe is a symbol of baptism.

6. The Alb is a symbol of servanthood.

Some have asked why I am wearing my normal street clothes and not wearing the traditional white robe when I lead worship at Galilean. There are multiple answers to that question. The easiest is that I was told it was too hot to wear the robes and it was okay for me to not wear them here at Galilean. Plus, a few people have commented to me that they like the fact that I don’t wear an Alb for worship. So that would be the practical answer: The robe is uncomfortable and people asked me to continue the practice of not wearing it.

One criticism of the “Church” is that we are becoming increasingly irrelevant. Younger people often see the traditionalism of the church as a sign that the “Church” is antiquated and has nothing to say to them. Many view things like the wearing of robes as evidence that the church is not for them. Some see the robes as a symbol of authority which too often has been abused by pastors and priests. Also, the robes can act as a barrier between pastor and people setting the pastor apart and above the rest of the congregation.

I believe that I, as a pastor, am called to the specific ministry of Word and Sacrament at Galilean; but I am in no way better than or more important than anyone else in the congregation. God has blessed me with the Holy Spirit in baptism, and given me specific gifts and talents to use for God’s glory. And the same is true of every one of you as well. Too often the gifts of preaching and teaching are elevated to a higher status than other gifts. This is the opposite of what the Bible teaches us about our Spiritual Gifts. Every gift is of equal importance and so is each baptized and gifted child of God. My intent, in not wearing the white robe, is to lift up the Spiritual Gifts of the whole congregation of Galilean and avoid the trap of elevating the pastor to a status of being more important than everyone else. Additionally, Galilean is a casual, comfortable place to worship and robes seem out of place in our context.                                                                Pastor Scot

Galilean is hosting a

10^th Anniversary

Memorial Observance

September 11, 2011

3:00 p.m. at the

Bandshell in Clear Lake

All are invited to attend this occasion of remembrance ~

From the President’s Desk

Well, the summer has been here and is almost gone now. I am hoping you all had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to the fall. I like fall because of the nice cool temperatures and the beautiful colors. As much as I enjoy summer, the change is good. Wouldn’t it be boring if everything was the same all the time?

As we here at Galilean grow and change remember Malachi 6: “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob have not perished.”

The Galilean Youth Crusaders met on Mon. August 15th to visit with Pastor Scot and to discuss the coming year.

            We will meet the 2nd Sunday of each month from 5 to 7 pm here at the church. Instead of assigning families to provide supper, we are going to have a potluck with everyone bringing a dish to pass. Discussion was had about electing officers (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary) and the duties these positions will perform. Elections will be held in September and the youth is asked to look over the duties to see if they are interested in any of them.

            We talked about the Youth Gathering in New Orleans, July 18-22, 2012. We will be registering our group on October 9, 2011. We will need strong commitments from youth wanting to attend before October 9. Families please check your calendars. More info will be shared at the September meeting which is the 11th at 5:00 pm. We will have a breakout session regarding the Youth Gathering so this meeting is MANDATORY for any youth 8th grade & up.. And a PARENT that plans on attending as well.  Our meal is potluck so please bring a dish to pass for about 8 to 12 people. Hope to see you there!! 

Wayne & Amy Pralle, Bob & Lisa Welper         

Bell Choir is beginning practices on Wednesday September 14th @ 7:30 pm!!! 

Choir Practices are held @7:45 am the Sunday they sing! September 11th,

October 16th and 30th, December 11th and 18th! 

YOU are welcome to join in one or both of these! Thanks!

Council Minutes July 12, 2011

President Leanne Hicks called the meeting to order. Members present: Louanne Bonin, Marilyn Chalgren, Bev Clapsaddle, CeCe Fuller, Jan Fynskov, Kelli Gapinski, Jerry Gunnerson, Bob Johnson, Sally Litterer, Wayne & Amy Pralle, Jeff Stealy and Lisa Welper.

Devotions were given by Marilyn Chalgren. A motion was made to approve the agenda, seconded and motion carried.

Pastor Scot McCluskey was introduced to the church council.

June’s council meeting minutes were approved, seconded and motion carried.

The Parish Office report was read by Leanne Hicks.

Sally Litterer presented the Treasurer’s Report. A motion was made to approve the Treasurer’s Report, seconded and motion carried.

The following commission were present and reported:

Evangelism: Bob Johnson reported that the commission now has the following members: Dick Olson, Jim Latham, Janeil Olson, Sharon Ryg, Kelsey Litterer, and Kelli Gapinski. Members will be greeting visitors at Galilean and following up with them. the committee will also be promoting our Labyrinth.

Property: Jeff Stealy reported that our roofing project at Galilean will start on July 15 weather permitting. People have reported that they are having trouble hearing the church services. A new sound system that would accommodate those members who are hard of hearing will be checked into. A request was made to install an outdoor water faucet on the front of the church. Jeff thanked Bev Clapsaddle for painting our new signs for Galilean Lutheran. Members are to let Jeff know of anything that needs attention.

Social Concerns: CeCe Fuller reported that 8 volunteers helpd with the ditch clean up. There is a sign up sheet for Community Kitchen on the information table. We will start collecting school supplies for the Salvation Army and Sally Dusenberg’s community project in Clear Lake. A box will be made available to put the supplies in.

Worship: Marilyn Chalgren reported that the outdoor worship service was an indoor worship service due to the rain. About 45 members attended the picnic potluck after the service. July 17 will be the farewell service for Pastor Randy Nielsen. Bob Johnson and Jerry Gunnerson will speak. The installation of our new pastor Scot McCluskey will be on July 24 with Pastor Gerritts, from the Synod Office presiding with the installation. Special music will be led by Jackie Swanson and a womens’ choir. There will be no evening worship service on Sat. July 23. A catered brunch by a local business owned by Kim Moran will follow the service.

Youth: Wayne Pralle reported that the youth had a campfire outing on July 9. A future youth gathering will be planned for the youth to meet Pastor Scot.

Youth at Large: Kelli Gapinski shared her experience at a camp at the Lutheran Academy of the Rocky’s.

Leanne Hicks shared correspondence from Jessie Bohn who is doing missionary service in Turkey.

New Business: Leanne Hicks will be checking with Connie Bieber in regards to a copying machine that may be available for Galilean and the cost of the maintenance contract.

We will ask Pastor Scot, Dan Gapinski, Gary Bonnstetter and Chuck Clapsaddle to form a committee in regards to purchasing a better sound system.

A motion was made to accept Linda Sorensen’s transfer to Galilean. The motion seconded and was approved.

Lisa Welper reported that the new youth group ReMix which held every Sunday at 3 pm is going well. 2 youth members from ReMix would to speak at Galilean sharing about this ministry. With the council’s approval a freewill offering will take place.

A moving expense bill for Pastor Scot McCluskey was presented. A motion was made to approve paying this bill, the motion was seconded and approved.

The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer. 

Respectfully submitted,

Louanne Bonin, Secretary

Financial Statistics ~ July 2011

Regular Giving: $11,705.96                Designated Giving: $343.89

Memorials Received: $105.00                                  Congregational Life: $2.43

Total Incoming: $12,157.28

Operating Expense: $19,160.01                CLB&T Prin. Loan Payment: 363.75

Designated Giving Paid Out: $200.00              Memorial Funds uses: $50.00

Total Outgoing: $19,773.76

Designated Giving Received:

$93.89 Heifer Project Sunday school             $50.00 Sunday school             $200.00 Roofing

Memorial Giving Received:

$55.00 In Memory of Ilse Bruntjen Undesignated

$50.00 In Memory of Ilse Bruntjen World Hunger

Designated Giving Paid out:         $200.00 Roofing Project

Memorial Funds used:               $50.00 World Hunger in memory of Ilse Bruntjen

Average Attendance 2010: 133                  Average Attendance 2011: 86

Respectfully Submitted ~ Sally Litterer, Treasurer

News to Note!!

Have you noticed? The Green LBW Hymnals are now gone? 

Thanks to the Resource Center having been searching for a congregation in need of newer LBW (Lutheran Book of Worship) Hymnals, they found someone this past month. There were 59 hymnals plus 2 accompanist books given to The Ascension Lutheran Church (AALC, Association of American Lutheran) in Ames, Iowa.  It’s nice to know that these hymnals are now being used and no longer collecting ‘dust’ on our shelves here.  

Sunday school Time!!

Softball, Baseball, Swimming and summer vacation are quickly coming to a close. God has blessed us with a beautiful summer.

Our weather is turning to fall and we are ready to jump into an exciting Sunday school adventure with Rally Sunday scheduled for

Sunday, September 11th. We have new activities, lessons and music along with lots of exciting and fun ways to serve and praise our Lord.

Hope to see you all there!!!

Vickie Whelan, Learning

You are all Invited to “Meet and Greet”

Small Group Meetings sponsored by the Stewardship Commission during the week of September 18-25 will be held!! YOU can choose the date and time most convenient for you to attend one of these gatherings. The meetings are set up as such: Sunday, September 18; Monday, September 19; Tuesday, September 20; Thursday, September 22; Friday September 23 beginning at 7:00 pm. Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 the meetings will be begin at 2:00 pm. 

After you sign up on the date you choose, you will be informed where the meeting is going to be held. The sign up sheets are on the table in the back of the sanctuary.

This will be YOUR opportunity to get better acquainted with fellow members, to meet Pastor Scot and to share dreams and goals for Galilean!! Come and share because you care!!

We urge all adults to attend one of these meetings. Even though sponsored by the Stewardship Commission there will be no talk of money.

We plan to call those who don’t sign up so PLEASE save us a phone call. Thank you!

            Stewardship Commision

The American population is so much into sports. By the time we are able to understand the meaning of the words we are bombarded with Sports. We are usually not very old when we know the number of players on any sports team. 11—Football, 9-Baseball, 6—Ice Hockey, 5– Basketball. These sports teams are limited to the number of players they are allowed to have on the roster. The great thing about the Evangelism Team is that there are no limitations on the number of players on the field or floor at one time and no limit on the numbers on the roster. Good news isn’t it! We are called to Evangelism by the words of Jesus Christ. Matthew 4:19 ~ “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” That too is our call to Evangelism….

Our Shut Ins

Dick Becker

Barb Goettel

Those headed off to

College

Kelsey Litterer

Kayla Bonnstetter

Drew Sorensen

For all teachers as they begin a new year

Our Men in the Military

Cole Fatland

Andrew Branstad

Chris Sorensen

Mathias Morris

New Member Sunday!

We will be welcoming new members at the service on

 September 25, 2011.

During fellowship there will be a light brunch for the congregation honoring the new members.

As part of the welcoming a

dinner is planned for Saturday, September 24th, for new members and their mentors, to be held at 6:00 PM at the church.

Here’s Who’s Doing What for Worship and Fellowship ~ September 2011

Sunday, September 4

Accompanist: Linda Hopper

Acolyte: Krystle Lu

Worship Assistant: Janeil Olson

Reader: Jan Fynskov

Communion Prep: Marilyn Chalgren

Communion Servers: Jan Fynskov, Billy Olson, Joann Stollenwerk

Usher/Greeters: Gary & Brenda Bonnstetter

Coffee Hosts: Welper Youth

Sunday, September 11

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

Acolyte: Ben Litterer

Worship Assistant: Sonnee Steveson

Reader: Jeff Stealy

Usher/Greeters: Mike & Deb Fatland

Coffee Hosts: Louanne Bonin & Julie Rickard

Sunday, September 18

Accompanist: Brenda Bonnstetter

Acolyte: Luke Brandt

Worship Assistant: Dan Gapinski

Reader: Kim Gapinski

Communion Prep: Janeil Olson

Communion Servers: Ian Davis, Jim Latham, Bob Johnson

Usher/Greeters: Nea Lu Family

Coffee Hosts: Gary & Janet Hahn

Sunday, September 25

Accompanist: Jackie Swanson

Acolyte: Lorna Whelan

Worship Assistant: Marilyn Chalgren

Reader: Paula Petersburg

Usher/Greeters: Roc & Cecilia Fuller Family

Coffee Hosts: Ruth Topp & Joanne Stollenwerk

Video Camera for September: Welper Youth

From Congregational Life

  The commission is interested in having four task groups to carry out its ministry. If you feel called to develop and/or serve in one of these areas please contact Bev Clapsaddle.

There will be opportunities to be a part of one of the task groups or support a task group occasionally on a specific project. Proposed Task groups: Caring for sick, homebound, nursing home and assisted living residents. New Member welcoming and assimilation. “At Risk” members. Deepen relationship among members: (Social events or small groups with specific interests).

Bev Clapsaddle

Our Thanks goes out to ~ And Thanks from ~ 

To ~ Bev Clapsaddle for re-doing our church sign getting  our new pastor’s name on it! Thank you!

To ~ All who helped in any way for the funerals of Ilse Bruntjen and Jo Ann Shallberg. Thank you!

To ~ The ladies who so willingly come out and help fold the LOG’s and put them in the mail boxes each month!! Thank you!

From ~ Thank you for contributing supplies to our “Back To School” program. Your generosity helps us touch souls in a tangible way and extend the love of Jesus Christ to those in our area.

            We expect that there will be a larger number of families needing help this year due to the economy, and families having to spend more than ever just for necessities due to price increases. Thanks to your generosity children in our area will have the things they need to start the school year on the right foot. It also helps to give parents some relief to know that there will be one less need they have to try to stretch their already thin budget to meet.

            Thank you for making this possible—without you we would not be able to reach as many souls as we do. May God richly bless you!

                Tracy Hedegard, of the Salvation Army, Mason City, Iowa    

Click here for the September 2011 Calendar