| Grace Notes Email Newsletter |
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Easter Lily & Plant Sale
Easter lilies, tulips, daffodils & daisy mum are available to purchase for our Easter Sunday services. Order forms are available in the gathering space. Last day to purchase is Sunday, March 26.
Your Grace Lutheran Church Staff
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Small Catechism, Big Lessons: The Ten Commandments
God gave Moses the 10 Commandments- rules to follow in our relationship with God and others. But, as Martin Luther asked in the Small Catechism, what does this mean? The sermon tonight will follow Luther's explanations of the commandments, and take a deeper look at what this means for our lives.
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Lenten Worship Tonight
Small Catechism, Big Lessons: The Lord's Prayer
Lent & Lenten worship call us to repent, to make a new beginning. One of the best ways to begin again with God is through conversation, also known as prayer. And what better prayer than the one that Jesus taught us?
Worship tonight is at 7:00 p.m.
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This Week's Message: "Learning to Choose"
Last Sunday was our Grace play, "Choices". For the next two weeks our sermons will focus on helping us to make good and godly choices in our lives. This week's message, "Learning to Choose" is based upon the famous words of Joshua to the people of Israel in Joshua 24, "Choose this day whom you will serve". In my sermon I am going to take apart that sentence to show what it says to us about learning to make the right choices in our lives.
Pastor Paul
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Thanks for Your Invitations
We had nearly 400 people attend our play last Sunday. That's 100 more in worship than on a typical Sunday at Grace. Thanks to everyone who did a little inviting and evangelism and asked someone to come and see the play. Such invitations are something we can do all the time! Invite someone to worship with you. It's a good habit to develop.
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Max LaMaster's Court of Honor
There is a special celebration at Grace at 2:00 p.m. this Sunday as Max LaMaster receives his Eagle Scout award. This is scouting's highest award. Max grew up at Grace. For his Eagle Scout project he provided the beautiful fish-shaped bike stand that is outside of the church doors. We celebrate with Max and his family on this special day.
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Grace Is Going To See The Shack!
Join other Grace members for a viewing of the movie "The Shack". If you haven't read the book, it's about a man grieving the loss of his daughter. He receives a mysterious, personal invitation to meet with God at a place called "The Shack."
We are planning to go to on Saturday, April 8 to an afternoon show. Details will be firmed up closer to the time when we confirm that it's still playing. We'll grab dinner at a restaurant afterwards to discuss the movie. If you're planning to attend, let Pastor Heidi know.
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Lenten Meals
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.
Wednesday March 22nd:
Hosted by Lydia Circle serving Baked Potato Bar. Free will offering is for Crossways Camp.
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
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Be Our Guest at the Palm Sunday Brunch
You are invited to have brunch at Grace on Palm Sunday, April 9 after the 10:30 am service. The brunch is free. It's a "Thank You" gift from the high school HYPE youth group to the members of Grace for their support for our teens. So, sign up on the bulletin board to attend and then have a nice meal, "on the house", courtesy of our teenagers.
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All Family Keeping the Promise Event - April 2
All 1st-5th Graders AND their families should plan to attend the second part of our Keeping the Promise: The Ten Commandments event on Sunday, April 2 during Education Hour. We'll meet as a group in Fellowship Hall and take a look at the second half of The Ten Commandments through a few fun activities and projects. Please remember to wear your cross pendant that day so you can add a Keeping the Promise bead to it. If you have any questions, contact Katie at
Katie@GraceGrafton.com.
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Multi-Media Room Training Session
We will be having another multimedia room training session on Sunday, March 26 at 9:15 am in the multimedia room. If you are interested in running our multimedia system during worship & are high school age or older, please join us for this session.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Bernd at di@gracegrafton.com.
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Calling All Thrivent Financial Members!
Are you a Thrivent Financial Member? Did you know that Thrivent Members have the opportunity to sponsor up to two Thrivent Action Teams per year that provide the team with $250 in seed money from Thrivent? At Grace, we've used Thrivent Action Team grants to sponsor events such as the Youth Group food stand at the Craft Fair, the Youth Group Lent Meal and more. If you're a Thrivent Member and would be willing to sponsor an action team (it's a quick and easy process and we can walk you through it), please let the office know (office@gracegrafton.com). We'll add you to the Thrivent Member list and contact you if we are looking for a Thrivent Action Team grant to support a project or event. Thank you in advance for your support!
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No Adult Mission Trip this Summer
I have decided to not move forward with plans for an adult mission trip this summer. There does not seem to be a lot of enthusiasm for this. I do encourage people to consider being part of the mission trip to Nicaragua we are planning for early 2018. This will be a great way to support Meg Boren and the Circle of Empowerment in the important work that they do there.
Pastor Paul
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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 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.
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Lunch Bunch
Please join us on Thursday, March 16th, 11:30 a.m., at Mother's Day Restaurant, 501 Wildwood Road, West Bend.
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It Has Returned!!! Handstamped Card Sale
It has been a couple of years since the last sale but this year there will be a Handstamped Card Sale again but this time to benefit Family Promise.
Get your list ready for cards that you send out throughout the year and come and stock up. There may not be as many as before but as a new twist, there will be some cards that you can order just in case I haven't made enough! Prices will be $4.00 each or three for $10.00. Cash preferred but checks made out to Grace Lutheran, memo Family Promise are accepted. The variety of cards includes: sympathy, wedding, baby, graduation, Mother's and
Father's Day cards as well as birthday, confirmation and thank you. Also blank cards used for any occasion. Come support this worthy cause!!!
The sales will be on Thursday, April 27 & Sunday, April 30 before & after the services.
Questions can be directed to Kathy Kehoe at 262-227-0239.
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Family History Talk - Cedarburg Library
Weds, April 5th from 2:00PM-3:00PM
This family history discussion includes using on-line sources, finding plat maps, interviewing family members, doing on-site research, applying for SAR and DAR organizations to have your work verified, preserving records for future generations, family tree designs, photography, and presentation tips. Both beginning and advance family researchers are invited. RSVP to: Chris.beloin@att.net.
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Time For Spring Housecleaning
The Quilters are in desperate need of sheets for backing and yard goods for those beautiful quilts some of you purchased last October. It is because of your generous contributions of those items we are able to continue making quilts for Lutheran World Relief and for your enjoyment and purchase.
Look in those linen closets and elsewhere to see where you might find some of the items we need. Remember we use twin flat, double flat, queen and king fitted and flat for backing. We can always use any yard goods in a variety colors. The only material we cannot use is some that depict holidays, religious or military symbols on them.
Remember to save any coupons you might collect from Family Sharing and give them to Donna Harms. She is so thankful for all the coupons you have sent her way. She has saved the quilters a good deal of money by using the coupons.
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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.
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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
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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).
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Upcoming Fellowship Events
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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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| 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 |
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Responsibility List
Responsibilities for Wednesday, March 22
At the 7:00 p.m. service:
John Walch is the Holden Evening Prayer Cantor, Ashley Acevedo is the reader, Madison Grabow is the acolyte, John Eifert is the student usher leader & Jeff Olson is in the multimedia room.
Responsibility for Thursday, March 23
At the 6:30 p.m. service:
Ann Turney is greeting at the front doors.
Responsibilities for Sunday, March 26
At the 8:00 a.m. service:
Linda Borkenhagen is the assisting minister, Kathy Kehoe is the reader, Sidney Buchman is the acolyte, Dan Ernst's team is ushering, Pam & Mike Mueller & Steve Korinek are the greeters, Jean Fugate is in the nursery, John Bernd is in the multimedia room, Linda Scott is the communion assistant, Sue Korinek has communion by Intinction set up, Jan & Dan Ernst have coffee hour & Melissa Schmidt is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service:
Dana Moran is the reader, Jordan Walton is the acolyte, The Steinhoff Family team is ushering, Rob & Judy Kloehn are the greeters, Diana Koppa & Sheridan Gosselin are in the nursery, DeeAnn Fugate is in the multimedia room, Brynn McCarthy & Katie Eippert are the communion assistants, Laura Reisinger is the bread assistant, Michelle Acevedo has communion cleanup & Tina Arnold is at the Welcome Desk.
Responsibilities for Wednesday, March 29
At the 7:00 p.m. service:
Kathy Brown is the Holden Evening Prayer Cantor, Ashley Acevedo is the reader, Aaron Goethel is the acolyte, A VOLUNTEER is needed to be the student usher leader & John Bernd is in the multimedia room.
Responsibility for Thursday, March 30
At the 6:30 p.m. service:
Sue Carlson is greeting at the front doors.
Responsibilities for Sunday, April 2
At the 8:00 a.m. service:
Howard Vrankin is the assisting minister, Linda Scott is the reader, Abbey Fick & Alex Kamenick are the acolytes, Scott Schloerke's team is ushering, Jessica Van Sluys & Joan Tuttle are the greeters, Kelly Klug is in the nursery, Carson Bernd is in the multimedia room, Christ Loeffler is the communion assistant, Linda Borkenhagen has communion set up, The Wolff Family has coffee hour & Chris Vollmer is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service:
A VOLUNTEER is needed to be the reader, Jordan Walton & Caleb Tarnowski are the acolytes, Mel Trapp's team is ushering, Tom Bremer & Sheridan Gosselin are the greeters, Shelby Struck & Paige Arnold are in the nursery, Jeff Olson is in the multimedia room, Dana Moran & Kelly Olson are the communion assistants, Marla Aspenson has communion cleanup & Ken Steinhoff is at the Welcome Desk.
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