Grace Notes Email Newsletter


Donations Needed for All People's Church
The staff at the Food Pantry at our partner congregation is looking for donations of dish soap and laundry detergent.  THIS SUNDAY ONLY, bring your donations, and Pastor Heidi will bring them down next week.  They want them there by Wednesday.  Thank you!

Your Grace Office Staff
This Week's Message - "Honesty Really is the Best Policy"
This week's message is about as plain and simple as they get. Stealing and dishonesty are bad. Helping others and being honest is good. You'd think I could sum up that one in about two sentences. The problem is, we humans are so good as justifying and plotting dishonest actions. This is as old as the passage we will hear from the Prophet Amos, words proclaimed over 2,700 years ago. We all need refresher courses on these basic aspects of life, faith and relationships. That's what I'm sharing in my sermon this week.
Thursday Evening Bible Study -
"The Parables of Jesus" Begins Tomorrow
I think that Jesus was the greatest teacher the world has seen. At the heart of his wisdom were his parables. These short stories helped Jesus get across eternal truths. This fall I am going to take our Thursday class through many of Jesus' parables. We're going to start with the "Parable of the Good Samaritan" (Luke 10) tomorrow night, Thursday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. Join us as we open the Scriptures to explore Jesus' parables.
 
Pastor Paul 
Family Promise Needs Help This Week
This week Grace is hosting seven people as part of the Family Promise Program.  Many volunteers are needed to ensure the program is able to assist these families!  Family Promise has been able to fill most of the volunteer positions, but they are looking for a couple more people to help out in a few key roles.
 
Here is what they need this week:
--Two overnight hosts for this Friday, September 20th.  Overnight hosts are on duty from 9:00pm Friday to 8:00am Saturday.  Aaron would provide you with a brief training.
--Three volunteers are needed to help take down the Family Promise rooms on Sunday, September 22 from 6:00-7:00am.  Volunteers will pack all of the bed frames and mattresses into the Family Promise trailer prior to 7:00am and then prepare the rooms for Sunday School.

Please call Aaron Anding at (608) 239-3423 or email him at aaroneanding@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering.
Thank you for supporting this important ministry!
Sunday School Moms and Dads - Stick Around for Worship
We have a significant number of parents who bring their children to Sunday School - which is great - but then, after Sunday School, they pick up their kids and head home. They are missing out on being part of our worship services at Grace.
 
Moms and Dads, we'd love to have you stick around and worship with your children on Sunday mornings. Family worship is one of the great gifts you can give your children. It also helps you to keep that promise you made to your child, or children, at baptism, when you said you would faithfully bring them to the services of God's house.
 
Sunday School is great for kids. Worship is great for parents and kids. Our new "Parenting in the Pew" program gives our children at Grace more fun opportunities to be involved in the service.
 
So, before or after Sunday School is over, come on into the worship center. It's a good thing to do.
Thanks for Supporting Our Keyboard Fundraiser!
Thanks to the generosity of many Grace members, we raised enough money to purchase the new electronic keyboard for the worship center and replace the one that was twenty-five years old. The new keyboard was delivered and set up last Sunday. It will help us sing and give praise to God for many years to come.
"God's Work Our Hands" - What a Day!
Even though the heavy rains the week before washed out our planned clean-up of the Milwaukee River, our September 15 "God's Work Our Hands" day of service saw about 80 Grace members get involved to help others.
 
Our biggest event was the "Rise Against Hunger" food packaging. Forty volunteers packaged 10,160 meals; meals which will go to help those in need in our country and around the world. The fellowship hall was as messy as it's ever been, but it was messy for a very good cause.
 
Other volunteers provided the meal for our workers, weeded at Portal Industries and entertained the residents at the Hamburg House in Grafton with fun and music.
 
Everyone's time and energy, donated to help others, was greatly appreciated.
Women's Fall Casserole Supper
The fall casserole supper is fast approaching so please save the date Monday, October 14, 5:30 on your calendars.   More information to follow.
There is an Easy Way to Help Grace Earn Extra Money! Have You Signed Up for the Scrip Program?
There is an easy way to help Grace earn money - please tell me more!! Grace has recently joined the Scrip program. The Script program? What is that? And how will it help Grace?
 
When you sign up for the Scrip program and shop as you normally shop at participating stores, you can help give hundreds of dollars each year to Grace. It is that simple!
 
How do you sign up? Well it is easy, just go to www.shopwithscrip.com and sign up. You will need to use our organization code (LECAL22F63645). You can also do it on the Scrip app on your phone.
 
How does it work?
  • After you sign up, you go onto the Scrip app on your phone or log into your scrip account on your computer, look at the ALL of the stores that participate.
  • Once you find the stores you shop at you can order a gift card.
  • Gift cards come in two forms: Physical gift card or E-gift card. Choose what kind you would like to have & place your order.
  • If you choose an physical gift card, you need to place your order (on your scrip site) by the 3rd Sunday of the month at 12:00 p.m.
  • They will be delivered to church & can be picked up later that week. E-gift cards will come directly to your Scrip wallet on your app & usually are available to use that same day.
How do you pay? There are two ways to pay for your Scrip orders. You can write a check to Grace Lutheran Church (put your check in Chantal Murack's church mailbox) or you can sign up to use PrestoPay (Scrip's online payment). You just choose your payment type when you check out.
 
How does it help Grace? Every time you purchase a gift card or e-gift card a percentage of the purchase goes to Grace. So if you shop at Pickn' Save buy a Roundy's gift card. Roundy's has a 4% donation. So if you buy a $100 gift card that means Grace earns $4.00! Can you imagine if everyone at church joined how much money we could earn just by shopping!!
 
If you have any questions or need help signing up please contact Chantal Murack, cmurack@uwalumni.com.
Looking for A Way to Share Your Gifts at Grace. Choose Your Responsibility  Dates for the Fall!
Are you looking for a new & exciting way to share your gifts at Grace.  Now is the time!  Visit our website to view the links to our Fall 2019 Sign Up Genius page for each area. Our fall session will run from September 8 - January 5.  If you want to continue to have the ability to pick your dates, you need to sign up now. Otherwise we will go back to assigning dates in January.
 
If you did not check off one of these responsibilities on your Time & Talents form but would be interested in trying something new, you are welcome to volunteer as well.  We will provide training for anyone who needs it.  Use the links on the website to access the sign up form (you will only need to enter your name and email address).  If you do not feel comfortable signing up on your own, you can call Lisa Bernd in the church office at 262.377.4770 and she can sign you up.
 
 
Areas:
  • Assisting Minister
  • Communion Assistant
  • Communion Set Up/Cleanup
  • Communion Linen Care
  • Readers
  • Greeters
  • Nursery 
  • Multi-Media Room
  • Welcome Desk
  • Usher
Thank you all for volunteering for the ministries at Grace.  Each of you plays an important role in helping to keep Grace running!
First Communion Classes Coming in November
Holy Communion is a gift from Christ, and one of the most important aspects of our faith life.  We are so excited to help your child/ren learn more about this sacrament as a part of their continued spiritual growth!
 
At Grace, Holy Communion Preparation is open to your child at your discretion.  If you as a parent can see that your child is ready and wanting to understand what this meal is, then you can sign up.  If you ask them about it, you might be surprised what they already know about what communion is and why we do it. 
 
Kids 2nd Grade & up will meet on Sunday, November 3 and Sunday, November 10 after the second service.  One parent should attend with their child/ren. We will have lunch for you and your child. If you aren't joining us for lunch, classes will start at 12:30 and they will go until 2:30.
 
If we have kids that are 1st Grade and younger that want to do the class, I will set up the class that is age appropriate for them according to everyone's schedules. 
 
The dates they would be ready for First Communion would be at the Thanksgiving Eve Service, November 27, or Sunday, December 1.
 
Let Pastor Heidi know if your child will be in the class by October 20. 
September Sunday School Newsletter
Check out all of the important information on what we'll be doing in Sunday School this year!  Read the September Education newsletter online at http://www.gracegrafton.com/christian-education.html  In it you'll find all the important dates for the year, information about the Christmas program, how to sign up for first communion classes and more!
Register Now for Sunday School!
Registration for Sunday School (students in 3K-5th grade) will take place during Rally Sunday.  If you are not able to attend on Sunday, you can find the registration form online at http://www.gracegrafton.com/christian-education.html  You can email the form to Katie or drop it off in the church office.
Continue Saving Your Pop Tops
This year our Sunday School kids will be collecting their offering to support our two sponsorship students in Nicaragua and the Crossways Camping Ministries Capital Campaign.  Even though we aren't donating the offering to Ronald McDonald House, we will continue to collect the soda pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House.  Last year we filled the 17 gallon blue bin!  Save your pop tabs and let's see if we can fill the bin again this year.
Come Join the Lydia Circle Bible Study!
Lydia Circle is a group of women who meet monthly to do a Bible study and eat dessert. New members are always welcome! We usually meet the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the conference room at Grace.  We are continuing our study of the book "Twelve More Women of the Bible." We have a discussion on a different Biblical woman, hear from an expert in a DVD clip, have a brief meeting and then eat dessert.  Our first meeting this Fall is September 24. If you'd like to join, please talk to Pastor Heidi and she can order a book for you. 
"You Are Not Alone" Documentary Viewing
"You Are Not Alone" is a PBS documentary which follows the stories of four Wisconsin teens struggling with mental health challenges. Community United Methodist Church in Cedarburg will be showing this film on Wednesday, September 25th from 6:30-8:00pm.  There will also be an open discussion after the film showing with several producers and students from the film.  The event is FREE and all are welcome!  To find out more information about the event or to register visit their website at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/youre-not-alone-pbs-documentary-tickets-69933373603
Parents-Join Us Oct 20 for a Money Matters Workshop
On Sunday, October 20, our Sunday School students will be learning all about stewardship and using their money to help others through an interactive workshop entitled "Parents, Kids and Money Matters." During Education Hour, parents are encouraged to meet in the gathering space for their own session.  This session helps parents identify the values they want to teach their children about money. It explains how the concept of stewardship can help parents teach kids how to take care of the resources God has entrusted to them. Parents are introduced to the Money Matters share, save and spend piggy bank. They also learn about tools and techniques they can use to teach kids how to share, save and spend their money.
We're Holding Another "Cork Pull" Fund-Raiser
At last November's Craft Fair, we held a "cork pull" to raise money for the Thrivent Builds mission trip this past February. It was a big success. We're going to have another on at the fair this November 9. The money from it will go toward our 2021 adult mission trip. If you are interested in donating some bottles of wine for the "cork pull", just drop them off in the church office or see Pastor Paul. Thank You!
Lunch Bunch
Join us on September 19 at 11:30 am at the beach themed "Highland House" featuring Mexican, Caribbean, & Californian cuisine is our next location.   Located on Port Washington Rd & Highland Rd in Mequon. Come join us for great food and lively conversation.
 
Contact Lois Jeremiah if you need transportation or have any questions 262-894-5290 call/text.
Missionary Meg Preaches on September 26 and 29
We are happy to have Meg Boren share God's Word with us when she preaches at the worship services on Thursday, September 26 and Sunday, September 29. Meg's sermon theme is, "The Faithfulness of God". Come and hear Meg as she also talks about the important work done by the Circle of Empowerment in Nicaragua.
Mark your calendars for the October RNT Hotdog & Marshmallow Roast         
The Annual Hotdog/Marshmallow roast will be held on Wednesday, Oct 9th, starting at 4:30 at the Biefeld's House (2003 Wildwood Dr, Cedarburg).
 
Hotdogs, buns, condiments, S'more fixings, wine, water, beer and paper products will be provided. Please bring along any hotdog roasting forks and outside chairs if you have them.   Please bring a dish to pass and $6 per couple.
Event will be held rain or shine. (We will just have to improvise).
 
RSVP to the Biefeld's at jbiefeld@att.net or 262-375-0958 by Oct, 7.
Join Grace Lutheran's Walk to End Alzheimer's
The Walk is just weeks away! I am so proud to announce that at this point, our Grace Team has 10 members and has raised over $1000.00!!!!!   That is super!
 
So let's make our team one of the best.   Please consider joining our team on the Walk To End Alzheimer's on Oct 5, 2019 at the Veteran's Park in Port Washington.   Registration opens at 8:30am and the walk starts at 10am.   If you can't walk, consider sponsoring one of our team members with a donation.

In the past, they have also had information regarding Alzheimer's and other dementia, care giving tips, other booths pertaining to Alzheimer's and FOOD!

I have put a poster on the Community Bulletin Board with more details about registering.   You can register by mail, phone, online, or on the day of the walk.   Donations can also be done by mail, phone, online or given directly to the team member.
 
Questions, please contact Trudi Biefeld at jbiefeld@att.net or 262-375-0958.

Mt. Meru Coffee Project is celebrating 20 years! 
Your efforts have been helping to improve the standard of living for the coffee farmers of the Meru Diocese in Tanzania for 20 years. The increased income to these farm families is being used to educate their children, to access needed health care, and to support their congregations. Stay up to date on the Facebook page and learn more about its history on the web site: www.mtmerucoffee.org.
 
Mt. Meru Coffee is 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 slotted lock 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.
 
For more information, check the website: http://www.mtmerucoffee.org or contact Coffee Ambassadors Jeanne and Bob Dries at (262)375-0997.
Do You Like Pizza?
Grace has signed up for an amazing fundraising opportunity at Papa Murphy's in Grafton.  If a Grace member takes a bulletin to Papa Murphy's in Grafton on Sundays, Grace will get back 20% of the cost of the purchase as a donation from Papa Murphy's.  This is an easy and delicious way to support Grace Programs. 
Here are the steps:
1.  Take a bulletin with you when you leave church on Sunday
2.  Order pizza over the phone, online (do not pay online) or in person
3.  Go to Papa Murphy's in Grafton 1965 Wisconsin Ave Suite 102, Grafton
4.  Show them your bulletin
5.  Pay for your pizza
6.  Enjoy your pizza!
This offer is available any Sunday throughout the year.   Please let Erica know if you have any questions.
   
Thanks for your support!
Missing Anything?
 Are you missing a hat, sweatshirt, books, a necklace, reading glasses or coffee mug or two?  We might have what you're looking for!  Check out our 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.
Who to Call in the Grace Office
As a general outline - Here are the general areas of coverage for each office support person.   Please direct your communication to the correct person when possible to minimize duplication of efforts.
 
Office - Main #262-377-4770
 
Lisa Bernd - Office Manager/Director of Involvement
  • Building Cleaning
  • Issues with Property Repair/Maintenance Needs
  • Grace Notes & weekly bulletin insert
  • Electronic Offerings & contributions
  • Volunteer Coordination/New Member Orientation
Arcelia Magana - Administrative Treasurer & Office Assistant
  • Expense Check Processing
  • Payroll/Grace Financials
  • Service Bulletins
  • Service PowerPoint Presentations 
Erica Dimmett - Youth and Family Ministries Coordinator
  • Teen and High School Groups
    • 4th Grade - 5th Grade (KFC)
    • 6th Grade - 8th Grade (JYG)
    • High School (HYPE)
  • Confirmation Activities
  • Parent Fellowship Group 
Katie Eippert - Youth Education Coordinator
  • Children Birth to 5th Grade
  • Children's Message and Grace Quiet Sacks
  • Sunday School
  • Vacation Bible School (VBS)
 Staff Schedules
The office is open Monday & Friday from 9:00 -12 & Tuesday thru Thursday from 9-12 and 1-4. 
 
Pastor Paul: Tuesday - Friday
Pastor Heidi: Tuesday-Thursday
Lisa Bernd: Monday-Wednesday 
Arcelia Managa: Tuesday-Friday 
Erica Dimmett:  Various Hours please call to check
Katie Eippert:  Monday: 12:30-3,  Tuesday: 8-12 & 12:30-3, 
Wednesday: 8-10:30,  Thursday: 8-12 
 
Pastor Heidi & Pastor Paul are always available in emergencies.  Their phone numbers are 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. 

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

Responsibilities for Sunday, September 22
At the 8:00 a.m. service:  Ed Borkenhagen is the assistant minister, Rhonda Kamenick is the reader, Mark Koehler's team is ushering, Jane Johnson & Jim & Kathy Kehoe are the greeters, Christy Loeffler is in nursery, Alex Kamenick is in the multimedia room, Katie Eippert is the bread assistant, Judy Steffen is the communion assistant, Lisa Bernd has communion set up, Kelly Klug is hosting coffee hour & Carlee Brooks is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service: Diana Koppa is the reader, Wendy Freeland's team is ushering, James & Sarah Newell are the greeters, A VOLUNTEER is in the nursery, Darlyne Holle is in the multimedia room, Katie Eippert is the bread assistant, DeeAnn Fugate & VOLUNTEER are the communion assistants, Katie Eippert has communion cleanup & A VOLUNTEER is at the Welcome Desk.
 
Responsibilities for Sunday, September 29
At the 8:00 a.m. service:  Marcia Vrankin is the assistant minister, Howard Vrankin is the reader, Del Schuler is the acolyte, Dan Ernst's team is ushering, Joan Tuttle is the greeter, Erica Dimmett is in nursery, Michael Schmidt is in the multimedia room, John & Cindy Payne are hosting coffee hour & Judy Steffen is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service: Darlyn Holle is the reader, Megan Witt is the acolyte, Mel Trapp's team is ushering, Wendy Freeland is the greeter, A VOLUNTEER is in the nursery, Steven Beloin is in the multimedia room & A VOLUNTEER is at the Welcome Desk.

Sept.
 18, 2019
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