Fellow Galileans;

This is a call for Galileans to fulfill our goal of raising $6,000 this year for the

ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) World Hunger Appeal.

As of Thanksgiving, we are only about $870 short of our goal. Here's what you

can do:

World Hunger Appeal and drop it in the offering plate along with your

regular giving

IIse or any of the Just Desserts members for help obtaining them. They

would make great stocking stuffers or Christmas card inserts!

honor of a friend or relative and send them an acknowledgement card. Talk

to IIse or Marilyn to get your package today

the money in an envelope designated for ELCA World Hunger Appeal

The Just Desserts Bible study group is thrilled with Galilean's commitment and

generosity so far this year; thank you all!

We have enjoyed an interesting and rewarding year. A year ago this fall we

decided to launch our study based on the book "Ending World Hunger Now"

collaboratively written by Senators Robert Dole and George McGovern along with

Donald Messer. After getting over the initial perception that it would be politically

centered and motivated, we were quickly shocked and captivated by the statistics

and the negative correlations about hunger in the world, HIV/Aids, political will of

nations, poverty within this country, and the relative ignorance and/or apathy of

those who have enough to eat, drink; I know that applies to me if not most of us

at Galilean.

inspired to do at least some of what the authors say must happen to end world

hunger, what the Northeast Iowa Synod and the national ELCA assembly have

embraced. Galileans have become active participants in this new ministry of our

congregation. We've purchased pins, saved pennies, contributed to youth events

that shared their funds with the hunger drive. Survivors have even designated

memorial funds to help raise money that Galilean contributes to the ELCA World

we've raised awareness of the needs of many, locally and worldwide, realizing

that it is in deed God's design for his people everywhere to help the needy.

As of this reading, Galileans' efforts have raised about $5,130 for the ELCA World

Hunger Appeal and our Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank contributions have seen a

generous increase this year. We completed our ambitious 40-Day Hunger

Calendar campaign through which all Galileans were urged to learn more about

the plight of the world's hungry and respond by example and giving. Culminating

in our special Hunger Service on November 4th,we brought the fruits of this labor

to worship for prayer and dedication in hopes that we are all transformed by the

experience to reach out to the needy, and to help reach our higher $6,000 ELCA

World Hunger Appeal goal.

But what shall we do with our new-found awareness and momentum to help

others? Just Desserts set out two goals for our group in 2007. Through your

involvement and generosity, we have exceeded our expectations of the first goal,

to raise money and awareness in relief of world hunger. The second goal

remains a challenge:

Just Desserts has completed its study based on the book about world hunger,

and will be going a new direction with our studies. We have been blessed to be

the champions of the effort this year and believe that ending world hunger should

continue to be a priority mission for our congregation. But questions about how

it will happen remain unanswered: Who will be the next champion of this cause?

Should this outreach be made an official organizational unit at Galilean? If so,

what commission or commissions should take responsibility for it and what

would be its voice within the congregation? Should we recognize our efforts by

congregational vote? Is our effort to end world hunger as important as educating

our youth and adults, bible studies, worship, prayer and fasting?

Galileans have a history of weaving valuable efforts into the fabric of the

congregation. Along with the revival of Just Desserts, great efforts and events

such as giving bibles to 3rdgraders, our annual rummage sale, Meals-On-Wheels,

Community Kitchen, and various bible studies are all as second nature to us. Yet

these are not "required" functions of the congregation; rather they are the result

of efforts by inspired Galileans working through committees and commissions to

fulfill a need and respond to God's Grace and Calling.

Ending domestic and world hunger should continue to be priority for our

congregation. It must be a living, breathing, effort led by God-inspired

individuals and/or groups. It may be that some of the Just Desserts team will

continue to work on this effort. But even so, they cannot do it alone. It is not

reasonable to think that the effort will continue without these champions. Nor

can efforts continue without recognized and accepted organization.

How will you respond to this message? What shall we do to ensure our

continued efforts? All of this Just Desserts may yet be tackling this year as we

transition to another area of study. Remember, we didn't plan to do all of this, we

were led and inspired! Look into your own hearts and what you see as the heart

and soul of our Galilean congregation. Voice your opinions; make your

suggestions. Help us answer our questions and formulate Galilean's ongoing

role in ending world hunger.

Galilean Lutheran Church.

Sunday Services: Worship, 9:15 a.m. -- Sunday School, 10:30 a.m.

Saturday Worship,  5:00 p.m.

Church phone 641-357-2296

Church Email

Ministers:  All Members

Parish Administrator: Karen Holm  

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America  http//www.elca.org/

Mail: Galilean Lutheran Church, 4454 255th St., Clear Lake, Iowa  50428

On the web since 1998