Grace Notes Email Newsletter
     
Grace Work Day February 25th
Grace church is in need of some TLC. We will be having a work day on February 25th at 9:00.  We have a variety of projects to be done in the building.  Projects include cleaning tables and chairs, cleaning toys, painting chalk a board wall in the HYPE room, and touch up painting.  We will have projects for every ability and age. If you have a vacuum with an edging wand, please bring it.  We hope you can join us.  Doughnuts and coffee will be available.   If you have any questions, please contact Lisa ( di@gracegrafton.com ) or Erica (erica@gracegrafton.com). 

Your Grace Lutheran Church Staff
This Week's Message: "Who Is This Guy?"
The mysterious story of Jesus' Transfiguration is our gospel story for this week.  Shortly before Jesus headed to Jerusalem, where he would die, he took three of his disciples with him up a mountain.  There his followers experienced an amazing vision, a vision which revealed a glimpse of Jesus' true identity.  During his ministry people asked a lot of questions about who Jesus was.  The Transfiguration gives a bit of a look at the answer to those questions.  My message this week deals with the question, "Who is this guy?" and what that answer means for our faith and lives.
 
Pastor Paul
5K Students to Lead Lord's Prayer on February 26
All Kindergarten students and their families are encouraged to attend worship on Sunday, February 26 as our 5K students will lead the congregation in the Lord's Prayer.  We met on February 5 to learn about the Lord's Prayer.  If you weren't able to attend, please pick up a copy of the Lord's Prayer from your child's 5K teacher.  On February 26, students can attend either the 8:00 or 10:30 service, and will be called forward as a group to lead the congregation in the Lord's Prayer.  Please have your child wear their Keeping the Promise cross pendant on that day.  If you have any questions, please contact Katie Eippert at Katie@GraceGrafton.com.
Sunday School Pick Up Reminder
Just a friendly reminder that Sunday School drop off time is 9:15 and pick up time is 10:15. Many teachers attend 8:00 worship and aren't able to be in their room until 9:15.  Please do not drop your children off in an un-supervised room.  Likewise, others attend the 10:30 service and do not have a lot of time to wait for parents to pick up their children.  Our teachers thank you for your understanding! 
Church Council Mini-Retreat
The leaders of our church council are sticking around after worship on Sunday for their annual mini-retreat.  Besides conducting the regular business of the church, they will spend the afternoon looking ahead and talking about our congregational challenges, goals and objectives for the coming year.  Please keep your council leaders in your prayers as they give of their time to work on your behalf.
Play Practice on Sunday
The next rehearsal for our church play, "Choices" will be held this Sunday, February 26 at 3:30 p.m.  
Ash Wednesday Worship
The church season of Lent begins next Wednesday, March 1 with our Ash Wednesday worship at 7:00 p.m.  Ash Wednesday begins the forty-day period of Lent, the time when Christians remember Jesus' forty days in the wilderness during his temptation as he prepared for his ministry.  Believers are invited to come forward during the service for the imposition of ashes, this ancient ritual that reminds us of both our own mortality and the gift of forgiveness and salvation won for us by our Lord Jesus.  Begin your Lenten journey the right way by worshiping God on Ash Wednesday.
Wednesday Lenten Worship 
 "Small Catechism, Big Lessons"
During our Wednesday Lenten worship services this year we will hold up our "Luther 500" theme as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.  Each week our Lenten worship will focus on a different part of Luther's Small Catechism.  Luther wrote this little book so that parents could teach their children the basic beliefs we hold as Christians: The Ten Commandments, Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer and our understanding of the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.  For students these services will help emphasize what they are studying in Sunday School and Confirmation.  For adults they will be a good refresher on what we studied during our own confirmation years.
  Lenten Meals Start Soon!
Ash Wednesday, March 1st, marks the beginning of Lent.  Join together for food and Fellowship at 6PM Wednesdays before each Lenten Service.
 
Grace groups host by cooking and serving the meals. Menus are different each week with peanut butter and jelly also available.
The groups use the meals as a fund raising opportunity to support their organizations activities and other causes.
 
Watch for the donation cans and please give what you are able for their work.
 
Ash Wednesday March 1st: Hosted by 7th Grade Confirmation Serving Potato Soup and Ham Sandwiches.   Free will offering will be used to help cover costs for Confirmation Camp.
Wednesday March 8th: Hosted by HYPE- High School Youth Serving Pasta Bake.  Free will offering will be used to help cover costs for the Boundary Waters trip.
Wednesday March 15th: Hosted by Handbell Choir Serving Chili
Free will offering will be used to purchase the next octave of bells.
Wednesday March 22nd: Hosted by Lydia Circle serving Baked Potato Bar.  Free will offering is TBA.
Wednesday March 29th: Hosted by family Promise Serving Soup Buffet.  Free will offering to Family Promise.
Wednesday April 5th: Hosted by Outreach Serving Sloppy Joes.   Free will offering to All People's Church.
 
Look for the sign-up sheets to donate beverages and desserts.
 
Any questions or want to help? Contact Laurie Gosselin (262)365-9355
Multi-Media Room Volunteers Needed Especially 
at 8:00 am Worship
We have a small group of dedicated volunteers who run the PowerPoint presentations shown on the screens during our worship services.  However, a number of those who have been doing this are now off at college or have stepped down from this and we need to replace them.  This is a great service opportunity for teens and for those who like computers and technology.  Volunteers usually serve at one worship service per month.  We do offer training for those who are interested in this.  Please call the church office (377-4770) or talk to one of the pastors if you'd like to help.
Sign Up to Help with Lenten Meals
Each Wednesday during Lent we gather for a meal at 6:00 p.m.  On Ash Wednesday this meal is being prepared and served by our seventh grade confirmation students and their parents.  During the following weeks different groups at church will host the meals.  We do need food donations for our weekly meals.  If you can help with this there are sign-up sheets posted on the bulletin board in the gathering area.  Just list your name and indicate what you can bring.  Thank you for helping. 
Personal Care Kits: Grace's Lenten Offering
Project Promise Personal Care Kits are shared with people who have lost everything from a natural disaster or life-threatening violence. Give hope through a bar of soap!
 
Each week during Lent we will invite you to bring in a different item.  

Week 1, March 5: Bath-sized bars of soap (8-9 oz), any brand, in original wrapping
Week 2, March 12: Adult-size toothbrushes
Week 3, March 19: Sturdy Comb , remove packaging
Week 4, March 26: Light-weight bath-size towel (between 20" x 40" and 52" x 27"), dark color recommended
Week 5, April 2: Metal Nail Clippers (attached file optional), remove packaging
 
We'll assemble the kits the week of April 2 (volunteers needed- details on day/time will be coming soon), bless them on Palm Sunday, and then send them on to those in need. 
 
If you prefer to donate money, we will also collect that and use it towards buying any extras we need to balance out the kits and shipping costs.  

Some important guidelines to remember:
  • Be sure to shop for light- or medium-weight towels, which are easier for Kit recipients to hand wash and air dry, take up less storage space and are considerably less expensive than the fluffier towels we may prefer to use.
  • Bath towels vary in size. The 52 inch X 27 inch size listed in the guidelines is the maximum size. 20 inch x 40 inch is a good guideline for a minimum size. Smaller bath towels are acceptable as long as they are not hand towels.
  • Please give new items only, except where otherwise noted.
  • Please do not donate items with any religious symbols, messages or your group's name.
  • Please do not donate any items decorated with a U.S. flag, patriotic or military symbols, or references to the armed forces, including camouflage.
  • Do not add other items or leave out any of the items listed.
  • All items should be new and in good condition.
  • Do not enclose the Kit or any of its contents in plastic bags.
Women's Retreat at Grace on April 1 
We all love going out for a warm cup of coffee or tea with friends. And most of us long to extend those short visits and take time to slow down and really enjoy time together. 
 
That's exactly what we'll do at Sweet Life Café. Join us at this retreat, where we'll savor time with God and friends. Together we'll experience meaningful Bible studies, flavor-filled activities, and scrumptiously delicious fun!
 
We'll begin with coffee, tea, and light breakfast at 8:30 am April 1 and will finish by mid-afternoon. Our Sweet Life Café retreat will be held at Grace in the Gathering Space.  Final times and cost will be coming soon, but should be no more than $40 for your breakfast, lunch, and materials. 
 
Sign up on the bulletin board in the gathering space to reserve your spot. Call Pastor Heidi at 377-4770 for more information, or email her at pastorheidi@gracegrafton.com.
 
Take time to relax, to make new friends, to worship God, and to savor your relationship with Jesus. We hope you'll join us at Sweet Life Café!
 
Warmly,
Pastor Heidi Borkenhagen
Who Can You Invite to See "Choices"?
The date for the performances of our 2017 Grace play, "Choices" is Sunday, March 19.  I encourage Grace members to start thinking about people you could invite to come and see our play.  Our cast has been hard at work on rehearsals since early January.  Now it's your turn to do your part to make our play a success by inviting people you know; family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, you name it, to come and see the play.  This invitation is an easy way for you to do some evangelism on your own.  On March 5 we will have invitations available for you to give to someone.  Please consider doing this.  Outside of Easter Sunday, our play Sunday has the largest worship attendance of any Sunday during the year.  Let's make sure we all help out by inviting some to come to Grace to see "Choices".
 
Pastor Paul
KFC is going to see Willy Wonka!
The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl's fantastical tale.
 
On Sunday, March 5th KFC will be having lunch at church and then going to play at Concordia University.  We will return around 3:00.  Grace will be providing tickets for the KFC youth.
Parents and siblings are welcome to attend also but will have to pay ticket price.  
 
Please sign-up on the sheet at church or let Erica (erica@gracegrafton.com) know if you are planning to attend. 
Grace Education Hour Shoe Drive
Many of us are unaware that millions of people across our globe live barefoot lives. It is estimated that over one billion pairs of unworn shoes are taking up space in U.S. basements and closets. Some are outdated or outgrown, but many of them are in good condition and considered a treasure in a developing country.

We are inviting our Education hour youth and families to participate in a Shoe Drive to benefit Soles for Jesus during the month of March. The mission of Soles for Jesus is to "provide new and gently used shoes to the people of Africa who need them."
Please bring new or gently used shoes of all sizes and types to church during the month of March.  Bins will be available near the education rooms.
 
If you have any questions, please ask Erica (erica@gracegrafton.com) or Katie (katie@gracegrafton.com).
JYG Movie Night
March 12th from 4:30 - 7:00.  We will be watching a movie, enjoying some pizza and popcorn and participating in a discussion about the movie.  We will also be working on a quick art project for one of the walls in the building.  Friends are welcome to attend.  Please sign up on the sheets at church.  

Craft Fair Chairperson Needed
Craft Fair Committee is looking for people to help plan and run the craft fair in November.  This is a great way to show off our church.  We need people to help with everything from brainstorming how to change things to advertising to setting up tables and chairs.  Please contact Pat Murack if you are interested at patrick.murack@gmail.com.
Upcoming Fellowship Events
Dare to Be Women's Conference River Glen Christian Church Waukesha Friday March 3rd 7PM-10PM.   Experience a night of encouragement, Bible teaching and inspiration with Natalie Grant and Charlotte Gambill.  Tickets are $20.
 
Inspire Women's Conference Elmbrook Church Brookfield Saturday March 4th 7AM-4PM.   Inspiring women to make an impact on their World. Find faith, fun and friendships.  Ticket are $50.
 
Worship Night in America UWM Panther Arena MKE Sunday April 9th 7PM
Chris Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Phil Wickham, Mosaic MSC and Jason Barton.  Tickets start at $15.
 
If you're interested in any of these events, please Contact Laurie Gosselin (262)365-9355.
Next RNT Event Is March 15th
Our next event is a tour of the historic Cedar Creek Winery, on March 15th, at 11:30 a.m. We will tour the winery followed by wine tasting and lunch at the Anvil Restaurant. Cost of the tour is $5 per person. RSVP by March 7th to Barb Wrolstad at  brwrolstad@sbcglobal.net.

COE Mission Trip Informational Meeting
The Circle of Empowerment (formerly Meg's Mission), would like to plan a trip to visit Meg in Nicaragua in Spring of 2018 & work on some projects.  Meg has a great Rancho for us to stay in which is also her home.  The property is on the Pacific Ocean.  An informational meeting will be held on March 19 during the Adult Forum.  Please join us to find out more about this wonderful mission.  If you have any questions, please contact Joan Tuttle at joantuttle3@gmail.com or 414-587-9505 or Jeanne Dries at jeannedries@gmail.com or 262-377-0997 or 262-707-7721.
More Boundary Waters Spots Available
Because of the number of people who have expressed an interest in going on this summer's Boundary Waters canoe trip we have decided to add a third group.  This means we have an additional eight spots available for Grace teens and their friends.  Please talk to Pastor Paul if you are interested in joining our wilderness adventure this July.
Adult Mission Trip Possibilities
I have received information from Thrivent Financial about the adult mission trip opportunities which they sponsor.  Thrivent runs a number of mission trip sites where they work with Habitat For Humanity.  These include projects in Montana, Louisiana, North Carolina and coastal South Carolina.  Those thinking about participating will meet soon to discuss which, if any, of these projects interests us for a mission trip this summer. You can pick up a packet that has some basic information on possible trips from the table in the gathering area.
 
Pastor Paul  
Missing Anything?
 Are you missing a hat, sweatshirt, sparkly headband, reading glasses or a pair of pants?  We might have what you're looking for!  Check out our new Lost & Found bin in the coat room next to the conference room.  In the future, any lost items can be placed in there for their owner to re-discover.

Save the Date for Vacation Bible School

If the cold is causing you to start planning your summer vacation, make sure to save the date of this year's Vacation Bible School.  We'll be Discovering our Strength in God at VBS Hero Central August 7-11.  Registration and volunteer information will be available in May, but mark your calendars now.  It's sure to be a super time!
Join us for Pine Lake Family Camp
Experience camp as a family for faith development that builds an excitement for God, creates meaningful faith practices you can continue at home, and invites you to play in God's amazing creation. All ages welcome! Spend time in morning worship followed by Bible studies designed for age specific groups (allowing parents some adult-only time while the kids participate in fun activities with their camp counselors). Afternoons are filled with family activities of your choice! Close every night with a campfire. Come to camp to reconnect with God and each other!  Family Camp is open to families of all ages, sizes and make-ups (kids, adults, grandparents, friends-who ever makes up your family). Pine Lake Family camp is all-inclusive: meals, lodging (each family gets their own room/cabin) and quality, Christ-centered activities.  Enjoy their theme dinners, beautiful lake, explore nature and create life-long family memories.  The 4-day Family Camp runs June 25-28.  Early registration is currently underway.  Register by March 15 to receive the early bird discount.  Find out more information online at http://www.crosswayscamps.org/family-camp--grandparentkid-camp.html or email Katie at Katie@GraceGrafton.com for more information.  We hope you can join us!
Staff Schedules
With the new staff now set in place, it's a good time to let everyone know our normal schedules.  Of course things can change, so it's always a good idea to make an appointment or call ahead, but these are generally when we are in the office with the exception of visits or other outside work duties.  

The office is open Monday thru Friday from 9-12 and 1-4. 
 
Pastor Paul: Tuesday-Friday
Pastor Heidi: Tuesday-Thursday
Lisa Bernd: Monday-Wednesday
Ed Borkenhagen: Tuesday-Friday
Erica Dimmett: Tuesday, Wednesday from 3-Confirmation, Friday morning
Katie Eippert: Tuesday & Thursday (8-5)
 
A pastor is always available in emergencies.  Our cell phone numbers are always on the church voicemail recording- 377-4770.  Please don't hesitate to call us if you need us.  That is what we're here for. 

Mt. Meru Coffee is now available for purchase in the Gathering Space
Several varieties of coffee are now available for immediate purchase.  Please complete the order form, include cash or check made payable to the Mt. Meru Coffee Project and deposit in the box provided.  If you do not find the type of coffee you need, please complete an order form as the coffee will be restocked monthly.  Regular, decaf, or flavored coffee sells for $10.00/12 oz. bag. Drip and perk grinds as well as whole bean and single-serve cups are available. 
 
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE COFFEE!
It is important that we remember the Mt. Meru Coffee Project is not just about the coffee, but also about our relationship with the farm families of the Meru Diocese. Every time we purchase a package of Mt. Meru Coffee we help to bring economic and social justice to the people of the Meru Diocese in Tanzania.
 
WHAT IS THE MT. MERU COFFEE PROJECT?
The Coffee Project is one element of the ministry partnership between the Greater Milwaukee Synod ELCA and the Diocese of Meru ELCT. Growing out of this partnership which was formed in 1996, the Coffee Project was initiated in 2000 and imported its first coffee in 2002. The Project creates a direct justice-based link between the coffee farmers of Northern Tanzania and the coffee consumers of the USA, building on fair trade practices.
 
For more information, check the website: http://www.mtmerucoffee.org or contact Coffee Ambassadors Jeanne and Bob Dries at 375-0997.
Check out AmazonSmile to Support
Grace While  Shopping!
If you're buying gifts through Amazon's website, please consider doing it through AmazonSmile.  AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at http://smile.amazon.com , you'll find the exact same prices, selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support- please consider supporting Grace Lutheran!  

Don't forget...One Can Plan

Our ongoing mission is collecting nonperishable goods for Ozaukee Family Sharing and All People's Church in Milwaukee.  Please bring one nonperishable food item when you come to worship and place it in the yellow barrel. The yellow barrel is located in the corner of the Gathering Area under the Outreach Opportunity Bulletin Board. 

The Good News is on the Website

There is a lot going on at Grace this month.  You can read all about it in this months Good News.  Follow the link:
http://www.gracegrafton.com/uploads/2/6/4/1/26411638/goodnews_currentmonth.pdf
Responsibility List
 
Responsibility for Thursday, February 23
At the 6:30 p.m. service:  Lowell & Arlene Liebenstein are greeting at the front doors.

Responsibilities for Sunday, February 26
At the 8:00 a.m. service: Joan Tuttle is the assisting minister, Judy Hahn is the reader, Zachary Klug is the acolyte, Dan Ernst's team is ushering, Mark & Lori Ebbert are the greeters, Alison DeVillers is in the nursery, John Bernd is in the multimedia room, Kelly Klug has coffee hour & Melissa Schmidt is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service:  Katy Koppa is the reader,Jordan Walton is the acolyte, Dan Mathias' team is ushering, Ellie Gosselin & Sheridan Gosselin are the greeters, Greg & Mara Schwartz with Ellie Salzman are in the nursery, Kevin Wise is in the multimedia room & Brooke Napiwocki is at the Welcome Desk.

Responsibilities for Wednesday, March 1
At the 7:00 p.m. service:  Howard Vrankin is the assisting minister, Carson Bernd is the reader, Emily Ruger is the acolyte, Wendy Freeland's team is ushering, Joby Whitemarsh is the greeter, Lisa Bernd & Linda Scott are the split chalice communion assistants & Jane Johnson & Joby Whitemarsh are the common cup communion assistants.
 
Responsibility for Thursday, March 2
At the 6:30 p.m. service:   Terry Mullens is greeting at the front doors.
 
Responsibilities for Sunday, March 5
At the 8:00 a.m. service: Diane Singeris the assisting minister, Kathy Kehoe is the reader, Blake Peltonen & Catie Freymuth are the acolytes, Jerry Plyer's team is ushering, Julie Bednarczyk & Anita Bednarczyk are the greeters, A VOLUNTEER is NEEDED in the nursery, Carson Bernd is in the multimedia room, Jan Ernst is the communion assistant, Lisa Bernd has communion set up, Deb Donovan has coffee hour & Janet Sladky  is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service:  Kelsey Mantel is the reader,Thomas Eifert & Aidan Wallschlaeger are the acolytes, Jon Aspenson's team is ushering, Ken & Sue Steinhoff are the greeters, Donna Stauske with Karsen Wise are in the nursery, Owen Wolff is in the multimedia room, Laurie Gosselin & Darlyne Holle are the communion assistants, Rachel & Brandon Langer have communion cleanup & Jeff & Kelly Olson are at the Welcome Desk.

February 22, 2017
Quick Links