Meeting at 9:30 am Sunday, Jan. 29 in the fellowship hall. Here are worship themes and details:

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1 We meet Jan. 29 to celebrate our blessings in 2016 Members of Galilee will gather for our annual congregational meeting at 9:30 am Sunday, Jan. 29 in the fellowship hall. Besides the usual doughnuts and coffee, bagels and spreads will be provided by the Lay Ministry Team. THE MEETING will celebrate and thank God for the many ways in which He has blessed our congregation during the past year. The traditional meeting will be highlighted by distribution of the annual report, including reports from officers, ministry teams and auxiliary groups about their efforts in Finance officers will provide details about how we ended "in the black" financially for the first time in four years and are within several years of paying off our mortgage. Details about both developments are on Page 6. Meeting at 9:30 am Sunday, Jan. 29 in the fellowship hall 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany Jan. 21/22, 2017 Vol. 41 No. 1 Galilee Gazette Galilee Lutheran Church, 4652 Mountain Road, Pasadena, MD to focus on Jesus glory, God s caring as our Creator in upcoming weeks continues an Epiphany Season emphasis on Jesus showing His glory in teaching and healing, then resumes our Luther Year 2017 emphasis in worship during the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Here are worship themes and details: Sharing the Light is the theme for Jan. 21/22, based on Matthew 4: Jesus fulfills an Old Testament prophecy about the promised Savior coming with light for people who live in darkness. That impacts us because Jesus calls disciples to share His caring by their being fishers for people. We explore what that means for us in In This Together is the theme for Jan. 28/29, based on 1 Corinthians 10: We pause to focus on Holy Communion as part of our Luther Year 2017 observance. While receiving the Lord's Supper is very personal, what does it mean when we commune with other people? If Communion shows we are in this together, what does that imply for our life as sisters and brothers in Christ? Join us in thinking about it. Out of the Salt Shaker is the theme for Feb. 5/6, based on Matthew 5: Jesus uses something very common -- salt -- to help us think about what it means to follow Him. Being a salty Christian may not be what we think it is! Beginning is the theme for Feb. 12/13, based on Isaiah 40:28a, We launch a worship emphasis on the Apostles Creed, the statement of our faith used at Baptism. Our opening theme comes from God s words about what it means that He is our Creator. We explore how that gives us encouragement and strength for living. Protected is the theme for Feb. 19/20, based on Nahum 1:7-8. Part of our belief in God the Father as Creator is that He protects me from all evil, as Martin Luther explained it in the Small Catechism. But what about those times when God seems to ignore our request in the Lord s Prayer to deliver us from evil? We wrestle this weekend with how real life fits in with what we believe about a gracious God.

2 From Simon of Galilee Looking back... and ahead Christmas Eve is past... but it was a topic of recent conversation among our church leaders. They were happy to learn that 813 worshipers attended Christmas Eve worship at Galilee. That compares to our 2016 average weekend worship attendance of 228. So Galilee leaders were interested in knowing that we had so many people in church. Here are some possible answers: MANY GUEST HOUSEHOLDS. We host many of the same visitors each year at our Christmas Eve children s services. Sixtyeight children attended the 3 pm service! I'm glad we offer two worship services to serve young families, as well as worshipers who want an afternoon service. Other guests are regulars at 7 or 10 pm. GOOD WEATHER. Weather was perfect on Christmas Eve. Temperatures in the 50s, with no precipitation. Thank you, Lord! SATURDAY. Attendance is higher when Christmas Eve falls on a weekend. When Dec. 24 is a week day, people may have to work half the day. SPECIAL INVITATIONS. Outreach Ministry Team volunteers mailed more than 600 invitations to families without a local church home. I was thrilled when a household whom I've invited since 2008 came for the first time! SEARCHING FOR PEACE. One of our leaders wondered if people would stay home after the FBI warned that ISIL called for attacks on churches over Christmas. He was surprised at our crowds. But a desire for real peace may have been one reason why about 400 worshipers were our guests on Christmas Eve. They came to join us praise God for the birth of the Prince of Peace. Christmas Eve was an exciting time at Galilee. As our leaders looked back, they gave thanks for that blessing. As we look forward into 2017, we can build on the fact that the Baby of Bethlehem grew up to bring forgiveness and new life for all who will receive Him! See you in church, where we celebrate our Savior year round. In memory MARY MAE THOMPSON was born May 10, 1933 to William Noel Wheat and Virginia Wheat. She affirmed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord into which she was baptized when she became a member of Galilee Lutheran Church on Aug. 29, In her 34 years of membership at Galilee, Mary was active in teaching Sunday School. She volunteered at the Lutheran Mission Society resale shop in Baltimore. Mary was a regular worker at the bake table for Lutheran Women s Missionary League fundraisers and served as a greeter at the 4:30 pm Saturday service from its beginning almost 11 years ago. She was a faithful worshiper at that service until health prevented her from attending. During her time at Genesis Health Care Center, Severna Park, she appreciated regular visits by Visitation Associate Gene Sanders, as well as other Galileans and Pastor Simon. She died Dec. 31, Mary married William (Dewey) Thompson on May 22, He preceded Mary in death, as did her parents and a son, Dennis. She is survived by son William (Billy). Pastor Simon conducted her funeral on Friday, Jan. 7, followed by internment at Glen Haven Memorial Park Cemetery. There her body awaits the resurrection from the dead and the life everlasting. Galilee Lutheran Church 4652 Mountain Rd Pasadena, MD The Galilee Gazette is published monthly for members and friends of Galilee Lutheran Church, Pasadena, Md. Edited by Rev. Henry Simon and Emily Phoenix, produced by Betty Turley Strauss, proofread by Mary Poling; printed by Cheryl Blankinship; assembled and mailed by Pat Archibald, Carolyn Glass, Liz and Paul Hankle, and Dale Bennett Digital edition prepared by Jean Hase, webmaster. Rev. Henry A. Simon, pastor pastor@galileelutheranchurch.org Emily Phoenix, director of discipleship dodemilyy@galileelutheranchurch.org Betty Turley Strauss, church office secretary office@galileelutheranchurch.org Jennifer Farrelly, preschool director ( ) preschool@galileelutheranchurch.org Jeanne Garrett-Coward, director of music ministry* Wade Ritchie, organist* Judy Engelmeyer, handbell choir director* Gene Sanders, visitation associate * Eileen Sanders, administration associate* Penny Burke, cleaning service* * = Part-time 2

3 Why Do We Go to Church? BY EMILY PHOENIX Director of Discipleship It s a question children often ask very early on Sunday morning. It s a question we sometimes ask ourselves when we ve made Saturday evening plans or it s really cold outside on a Sunday morning and we don t want to get out of bed. Growing up in a faith-filled family, I learned that the church (a body of believers) was a community. A group of people I could talk to, and worship and study God s Word with, too. Everyone who came to church had one thing in common: A belief in Jesus Christ as their Savior. At Galilee, it is easy to identify why many people come to church: to worship and take Communion, to attend Sunday School and Bible class and to connect and build relationships with one another. While worship is of primary importance in our attendance, I would challenge and encourage you to try something new, in addition to what you are already doing. Here are a few opportunities for you: - CHECK OUT OUR FAITH5 large group gathering twice a month with your family. It s an opportunity to sit together, meet new people, and talk about your faith as a family. - ATTEND AN ADULT BIBLE CLASS. The back cover of the bulletin notes both weekday and weekend class options. - SERVE DURING THE WORSHIP SERVICE. We are always looking for new individuals and families to participate in various serving roles. We are especially looking for slide preparers, media operators for all services, lectors, greeters and nursery attendants. You can learn more about these opportunities by talking to me or Pastor Hank, who will guide you to the volunteers who coordinate these roles. Hopefully, as you consider your weekend options in the coming year, you will see coming to Galilee as an opportunity to worship, study and serve together with your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Opportunities to grow in God s Word Sunday, Jan. 22 Feb. 5 Faith5: Children will meet in the upstairs preschool classroom for opening at 9:15 am and introduction to the theme, before breaking up into age groups. Middle school and high school students meet their leaders in the narthex at 9:30am. 3 Sundays, Jan. 22 & Feb. 5 The Lord s Supper, one of our Lutheran sacraments, will be the topic of conversation for adult Bible study, led by David Schimmel, fellowship hall, 9:30 am. Sundays, Feb. 12 & 19 Faith5: Join us at 9:15 am in the fellowship hall for this educational experience for all ages. Children, families, adults are invited to join us as we grow as disciples of Jesus together! We launch into learning the Apostles Creed this month! Starting Sunday, Feb. 26 Life in Christ, a practical guide from St. Paul in Romans 6-8. Martin Luther was so moved by Romans that he wrote, This Epistle is worthy not only that every Christian should know it by heart, but that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul the more we read it, the more precious it becomes. Led by Janie Reville, through April 2. Tuesdays Living a Chocolate Life warmly invites all to savor God s rich and endless supply of grace in Christ. Tuesday Women s Study, 7:15 pm at Vicky Eden's house (419 Virginia Ave, Pasadena, ). Contact Mary Poling to join ( ). Wednesday, Feb. 1 The Great Divide: Mohammed and the Qur an. Session 3 in a class on Islam, looking at the Muslim holy book and its prophet, Mohammed. Monthly Brown Bag, Pastor Hank, fellowship hall, 12:05 pm (bring your lunch if you wish). Friday, Feb. 24 A Separate Country by Robert Hicks, based on the incredible life of John Bell Hood, a very controversial general of the Confederate Army and one of its most tragic figures. Dinner and Book Club, 6:30 pm, at the Reville home. For information, contact Janie or Marty Reville ( or mjrevillejr@gmail.com). Saturday, Jan. 28 A God to Talk To, continuing a brief study of Luke 18:1-8 and how we can grow in persistent prayer. Monthly men s Barnabas, Pastor Hank, Golden Corral restaurant on Ordnance Road, Glen Burnie, 7:30 am. Saturday, Feb.11 Called to be Courageous, verse-by-verse study of the Old Testament book named after Joshua, who led the Israelites during their entry and settling of the Promised Land. Continuing with the story of crossing the Jordan River at flood stage in chapter 2. Monthly Men s Bible Breakfast, Pastor Hank, fellowship hall, 8 am. Living a Chocolate Life continues for the monthly Saturday Women s Class, led by Mary Poling in the Galilee library, 8 am. Description of class above. Contact Mary for details ( ).

4 CHILDREN OF all ages joined to present the birth of Jesus in Galilee s FAITH5 Christmas presentation on Sunday, Dec. 18. Both students and adults chose which Nativity role they would play, as passages from Scripture were read along with responses to questions presented at the Advent stations earlier in the morning. The group also sang several songs. Photo by Alysen Regiec Galilee Lutheran Preschool registration open for next year BY JENNIFER FARRELLY Galilee Lutheran Preschool Director Registration for the Galilee Lutheran Preschool (GLP) school year began Jan. 10 All current GLP families, previous GLP families and Galilee Lutheran Church families are invited to register at this time. An open house from 5-7 pm Wednesday, Jan. 25 is open to all who are interested in our preschool. Staff will be available during this time to greet prospective families and answer questions. If you know a family with preschool age children please invite them to the open house event. Registration will open to the community on Feb.7. JUMP BUNCH will begin this month and be part of our monthly activities until March. Jump Bunch is a mobile physical education program that visits the preschool during the winter when we cannot get outside. The children enjoy this opportunity to run, jump and use their muscles. Study coming on The Shack The Shack, a Christian novel by William P. Young where a man meets God in person, has been turned into a movie. Check out to watch the trailer of the film which hits theaters March 3. Want to read the book for the first time or again? Galilee has a few copies available to borrow. Look for a Bible study discussion on the book and movie coming to Galilee soon! Youth sell Sooper Bowl subs By JEAN HASE Youth Counselor The Super Bowl is coming soon! That means Galilee youth are selling Sooper Bowl Subs for a very reasonable price. They are not only good to eat, but proceeds help cover the costs of youth ministry activities and conferences! Subs can be picked up after services Feb. 4 and 5. Galilee Youth: - We need everyone to help build the subs on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 am. So mark your calendars and show up to help! A sign-up link will be on the Youth Board and posted here soon! HIGH SCHOOL ZONE REGISTRATION due Jan. 29. If interested, talk to Ms. Jean as soon as possible! Zone will be held March 3-5 at Virginia Beach. Registration costs $115. After Jan. 30,, the cost goes up to $140! Youth Ministry is paying for the hotel room for the weekend, which is a separate cost. Let Ms. Jean know if you are going as soon as possible because after this date the price goes up substantially! Scholarships are available so don't let the cost stop you - we can work something out! We will leave Galilee at 11 am Friday, March 3 so you will miss some classes! 4 UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS JUNK FOOD BINGO: Sunday, Jan. 22, 6-8 pm (or whenever we run out of junk!). Admission is junk food. Bingo prizes, junk food. Bring your friends: plenty of room. College age youth, parents and siblings are invited to attend with youth. Siblings under fifth grade must be accompanied by a parent. Sign up on youth board if you are coming. HIGH SCHOOL ONLY: Sunday, Jan. 29. Ready for a movie matinee? Let's pick a good one and go! Meet at church after the 10:45 am service. BOWLING: Sunday, Feb. 26 (new date!) - Watch the bulletin for more information!

5 Food drive goal of 1,000 food items met! Thank you! Thank you, Galilee, for continuing to support North County Emergency Outreach Network (NEON) during 2016 and especially over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. We reached our goal of 1000 items for Thanksgiving and Christmas the week before Christmas. The need continues. As food is brought in, it goes out quickly. Items always needed are peanut butter and jelly, canned meats and fish, baked beans, pasta, rice, dry milk, spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, pancake mix and syrup, and coffee and tea. God continues to bless our mission. Up to 35 families are serviced each day, three times per week with food as well as financial help for utilities, prescriptions and evictions. I am continually amazed at the overwhelming support from the community, the 35 covenant churches (including Galilee) that are part of NEON, and the Maryland Food Bank. Without this support, NEON would not exist. Volunteer help is always needed at the center at 304 Fifth Ave., Glen Burnie. Volunteers pick up food from businesses that donate, pack bags in the pantry, stock shelves and help in the office. The center is open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Even a few hours a week a month are greatly appreciated. NEON s number is or call me at God bless you all for your support! - Helen Nilsen, NEON congregation liaison Thank you for adopting a family at Christmas! The Human Care Ministry Team thanks everyone who donated to the family which we adopted for Christmas. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of those who donated. There were gifts for everyone in the family. The Men's Group donated a food basket. While we had toys for the children, we were able to give warm clothing to everyone. On Dec. 21, Emily Phoenix, Kathy Bauer and myself took the things to a local elementary school; they were to be given to the family the next day. This is truly the real spirit of Christmas. We hope next year to provide for two families. Thank you one and all. - Jane Strong, Human Care Ministry Team coordinator Join us Jan. 21 for a benefit spaghetti dinner The Men's Group will hold a benefit spaghetti dinner on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 4-7 pm in the fellowship hall. The menu includes all you can eat spaghetti with meat or plain sauce, meatballs, salad, desserts, coffee or iced tea. Cost is $10. Proceeds will be used for projects by the Men's Group. Spread the word, wear Galilee apparel The Outreach Ministry Team has worked with Lands End Business Outfitters (LEBO) to create our own website of apparel and other items with Galilee s logo. The entire LEBO catalog of items is available to purchase online. Even sale items can be obtained with the Galilee logo. We make no profit on any of these products. This shopping opportunity for Galilee s members and friends is part of a wider effort to get our name before the public. YOU CAN DO this by wearing a jacket, fleece or T- shirt with a Galilee logo and not even say a word! Or you can provide a thoughtful gift to friends and family with a Galilee mug, flashlight or other promotional items. See what s available at Galilee s personal website, Promotions happen frequently, including sales, free shipping and free logo embroidery. Sign up with your to receive notification of these money saving opportunities, or just browse and purchase. MANY GALILEE members and friends can testify to the quality apparel and prompt, helpful service at Lands End. You can view a sample product on a mannequin in the narthex (lobby). A catalog is also available on the information table in the narthex (lobby). Bob Cosler, Outreach Ministry Team coordinator 5

6 Jan. 10 Council capsule Post filled, offerings celebrated Members of the Church Council celebrated naming a coordinator for the Lay Ministry Team and good news in the year-end finances at their first meeting in They appointed Debbie Bangert to a two-year term to lead the Lay Ministry Team, resulting in all Council slots being filled. Six new members attended their first Council meeting. The final financial report listed a $9,383 balance. This resulted from an increase of almost $10,000 in offerings and other income compared to 2016, as well as reduced costs for some utilities, various parts of the office operation and some ministry teams underspending their budgets. Council members also learned the mortgage has been reduced to $90,008. The yearly budget allocates $45,000 to pay mortgage principal and interest. In other news, the Council: APPROVED temporarily replacing several pews along the back walls of the sanctuary with movable chairs as an experiment in worship seating. MOVED its February meeting to the third Tuesday, Feb. 21. Outgoing leaders thanked Dec. 13 by Council Members of the Church Council thanked outgoing leaders at their final meeting in Recognized were Ann Sentinella, recording secretary; Cindy Ward, Education Ministry Team coordinator; Janice Thompson, Lay Ministry Team coordinator; and Pauline Lewis, Preschool Ministry Team coordinator. In other news, the Council: VOTED unanimously to recommend to the Jan. 29 congregational meeting that staff salaries and funding for the cleaning service be increased to three percent in the 2017 budget. Voters at the Dec. 4 congregational meeting had directed the Council to come to the January meeting with a recommendation on the matter. HEARD that the Preschool is receiving some requests for offering a full day (9 am-2 pm) option for Tuesday/Thursday students next school year. This summary of the Dec. 13 meeting is presented in this issue because of the early publishing date for the Dec. 17/18 issue and the late date of the December Church Council meeting, normally held on the second Tuesday of the month. Growing Together Some measure of how we have invested For our Lord through Dec Year-to-date average weekend attendance Offerings $427,360 $417,675 Expenses $417,977 $425,295 Balance $ 9,383 ($7,620) Mortgage $90,008 $134,099 Thanks to Galileans facilitating worship, fellowship at holidays A tip of the Galilee congregational hat to members who helped in a variety of ways during holiday worship at the end of 2016: Kay Klovstad and Reagan Somers, who shared why I am thankful at our Thanksgiving Eve service. Eileen and Gene Sanders, Mary and Jerry Poling, Pat Archibald, Peggy Gray, Paula Ellison, Diana Macfarlane and Linda and Richard Smith, for participating in the readers theater chancel dramas during Advent Noontime Prayer or Advent Evening Prayer. Liz Hankle and Carolyn Glass, the Church Council (coordinated by Janice Thompson), Doris Williams, Pat Archibald, Becky Bowman, Diana Macfarlane, Debbie Bangert, Janice Thompson and the Galilee Lutheran Women s Missionary League, for providing the Advent lunches or dinners either after Noontime Prayer or before Evening Prayer. Mary Manz Simon, for donating Christian children s books so we could give one to each child on Christmas Eve. Musicians from the Chancel Choir and Galilee Ringers and many other persons, noted in the worship folders, who served at one or more of the four Christmas Eve services. Thank you to the congregation Dear members and friends of Galilee: Thank you for the cards, Christmas gifts and other ways in which you remembered us at this past Christmas. It is a joy to continue to serve for and with you. Thank you for your thoughtfulness. God bless you and yours in 2017! ~ Your church staff 6

7 Galilee Lutheran Church C Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Abbreviations: HC = Holy Communion LWML = Lutheran Women s Missionary League LMS = Lutheran Mission Society Faith5 = New Educational Experience for All Generations 5 8:00 am Classic Praise HC 9:15 am Sunday School :30 pm, Mutual Care :00 pm Human :30 am Adult Classes 10:45 am Sunday Joy 12 8:00 am Classic Praise 9:15 am Faith5 Large Group 10:45 am Sunday Joy HC Noon Chancel Choir Rehearsal 6:00 pm Youth Confirmation Class HC 9:00 Chancel Choir Rehearsal 9:15am Faith5 Large Group 10:45 am Sunday Joy Noon LWML 9:15am Sunday School 9:30 am Adult Classes 10:45 am Sunday Joy HC Noon Chancel Choir Rehearsal 13 5:30 pm Preschool Ministry Team 6:30 pm Boy Scout Troop 000 7:15 pm Women s 14 6:30 pm Boy Scout Troop 000 7:00 pm Men s Group 7:15 pm Women s Ministry Team 6:30 pm Boy Scout Troop 000 6:30 pm Church Council 7 :15 pm Women s Care Ministry Team 4:30 pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 7:15 pm Women s 1 Noon Brown Bag 5:45 pm Galilee Ringers 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal 8 2:30 pm Glen Square 5:45 pm Galilee Ringers 15 8:30 am Newsletter Assembly 2:30 pm Glen Square 5:45 pm Galilee Ringers 22 2:30 pm Glen Square 5:45 pm Galilee Ringers :00 am Sit N Knit 23 8:30 am LMS Clothes Sorting 24 6:30 pm Dinner & Book Club 4:30 pm Living Water 8:00 am Men s Bible Breakfast 8:00 am Women s Bible Class 4:30 pm Living Water HC 4:30 pm Living Water 25 7:30 am Golden Corral 4:30 pm Living Water HC :00 am Classic Praise 26 8:00 am Classic Praise HC

8 GALILEE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4652 Mountain Road Pasadena, MD (410) NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 39 GLEN BURNIE, MD DATED MATERIAL; mailed Jan. 18 Please do not hold Return service requested Gracious God, give your blessings in 2017 to: Choose your option for worship: 4:30 p.m. Saturday Living Water come as you are informal 8 a.m. Sunday Classic Praise traditional sung liturgical worship 10:45 a.m. Sunday Joy liturgical worship with a variety of musical styles Need a plan for your money? FPU starts Jan. 22 As you begin 2017, do you feel you need at plan for your money? Our Stewardship Ministry Team offers an option starting Sunday, Feb. 22: the nationally-known Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University (FPU). Dave s class will show you how to get rid of debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely and much more! THE FIRST OF nine two-hour sessions start at 1 pm Jan. 22 in the fellowship hall by FPU teachers Mike and Patty Santos. Go to ( to register. Registration and course materials are $93.If you have questions, Mike would be happy to answer them ( ). Galilee makes no profit from hosting the course. In fact, we paid to be able to offer it to the congregation and community and are glad we can present it! -- Stewardship Ministry Team 8