September 2018
Grace United Church of Christ
visit our website at graceucckohler.org
920.452.6795 • graceucckohler@gmail.com
500 School Street • Kohler, Wisconsin 53044
Rev Beth Petzke, Pastor
Cell: 920-371-8018 • rev.beth.petzke@gmail.com

Grace and Peace to you all!

There are many changes happening in our lives. Our children are returning to school (or going for the first time), our young adults are spreading their wings and going off to work, trade schools, and colleges/universities. Even our worship time is changing back to our ‘regular’ schedule of two services (8 a.m. & 10 a.m.). We are moving to a new “normal” as we take the next steps in our life’s journey.
I’m getting to know you (and I hope you’re getting to know me as well). I thank you for the ways in which you have made yourself known to me. In attending drop-in time – asking me questions and allowing me to ask you questions. The ways in which you wear your name tags or remind me of your names – I’m still working on that. The ways in which you already have invited and included me in your lives. And how you invite me to share in the joyous occasions that fill you up. I’ve been invited to your most challenging days as well, allowing me to sit with you and even grieve with you and for you. I give thanks to God for the ways in which God has so graciously brought us together. For all of these relationships, I am thankful.
As we learn and grow together to figure out “our new normal,” let us be open the trying new things, but also willing to graciously agree to leave things behind that no longer serve us faithfully. Let us keep those things that are meaningful, also be willing to adjust them if necessary. It is my desire to know you better, so I graciously ask you to keep telling me the stories. The stories of your life, your faith, the history of Grace Church, as well as the dreams you have for yourself and this congregation.
I look forward to this new program year in the life of the church. I’m excited to work together to see where God is leading us, and to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit who dares us to dream bigger than we ever thought possible. Thanks be to God!

Blessings,
Pastor Beth
Click the below links for opportunities to help through time, talent and treasure
Thank you to the Eberts for sponsoring the bulletins for the month of September.

Thank you to Marilyn Hanson, Mike & Lisa Rolloff, Tom & Anneke Teaters, and Gloria & Orville Valenstein for sponsoring altar flowers this month.

Thank you to the Charbonneau Family for leading music for worship on August 19th.

Thank you to Sandy Rabe for arranging the choir robes to get their annual cleaning.
Thank you to all that brought in school supplies for Helping Kids. And to Laurie Joa for coordinating with Helping Kids so that we can support their ministry. They were blessed in worship and are on their way to students that need them. Thank you!
Thank you to Betty Fischer, Marge & Hank Horneck, and Wendy Opitz for pruning the hedges at church. They have new life! Thank you!
Thank you to Mary Risseeuw for coordinating the children's book collection, and to all that contributed to make this important reading ministry possible.

There are a number of things that just 'happen' here at Grace. For those who give of their time and talent to make things happen-whether anonymously or whether they have been accidentally not included, please know that we are thankful for your generosity! Please let Pastor Beth know if there are errors or omissions.
If you have some time to share, there are a few needs here at Grace:

We are in need of someone to assist the music ministry to convert the choir learning tape recordings into CDs for the choir to rehearse at home.

We are in need of a referral or volunteer to have some plaster work done at church. Please contact Marge Horneck if you have someone in mind.

There are a few older members who may appreciate a ride to church. Please contact the church office if you're willing to help by picking folks up for church.
Window Project Celebration

The window project is nearly complete. Have you noticed the difference in the brightness of the light shining through the windows in worship? A celebration from the project will be held on Sunday, October 14 at 2pm. Mark your calendar and come to hear the stories behind our church's beautiful stained glass windows. Refreshments to follow. Thank you to all who made this project possible.
As we settle into a new routine, please know that the church office will generally be staffed on Tuesdays from 9am-2pm.

If you need to reach the secretary, please email the church office at graceucckohler@gmail.com or leave a message at 452.6795.

Pastor Beth is generally in the office Monday-Thursday. However, visitations, meetings, and hospital calls make that schedule somewhat unpredictable. If you need to meet with Pastor, please contact her to set up an appointment to be sure she is available when you need to see her. rev.beth.petzke@gmail.com
(920)371-8018

I Love to Tell the Story….
On Sunday, September 9 we begin the new Sunday School year a fresh approach to learning. We plan to begin each week at 8:45 and conclude the Sunday School hour at 9:45. Volunteers are always needed, please contact Sandy Rabe if you are willing to be a part of this new era of Sunday School at Grace.
Thanks to a memorial gift that has allowed us to invest in materials that will help us tell the stories from Creation to Pentecost to grades 3+.  Picture the Bible is designed to engage in discussion where kids learn; adults learn. This is material not just for Sunday School but for the greater church – to be used in worship, bible study, everyone learning from one another. We are SO excited! The essence is best described in this clip below:
This artwork is meant to be used, to be touched, to be referenced again and again. Over and over. They beautifully depict 36 individual Bible Stories. Feel free to join us as we “…tell the old, old, stories; that I have loved so long.” We look forward to sharing the stories with generations to come.   
For our younger, more energetic kids (PK – 2 nd Grade) we have chosen HOLY MOLY. They will enjoy bible stories presented in a way that captures the moment and wonder and amazement as the Bible is brought back to life! We chose Holy Moly because it engages kids through imagination, hands-on learning, is easy to teach and tells the stories.

Thank you to those that shared their special musical gifts through the summer months. Senior Choir is getting geared up and will begin practice Wednesdays at 6:30pm starting the 29 th of August. 

The kids of Grace will be lead once again by Curt Joa who shares his joy of musical ministry. 

In all things – we look forward to sharing our talents with you making a joyful noise before the Lord.

The Arts – that includes the beautification of the sanctuary for the seasons that is lovingly tended to by the “Mueller girls” as Rev. Tom Schroeder used to affectionately refer to them. These lovely ladies are going to be reaching out to encourage others to join the “family” ---- aka recruit some helping hands as the labor is getting to be a bit much for them to manage.  Watch for opportunities as we approach the fall and then advent season. Changing of the altar cloths and such is managed by Rosemary Lohse and we recognize her many years of service in ensuring the graceful transformation as the seasons of the church change – she brings about this subtle change as well to our sanctuary.
Sharing time and talents. We are grateful for you all!
Summer Candles Still Available
Candles with new summer scents are available in the lounge (at the rear of the sanctuary)for $15 each. Scents available are Green Tea, Peony, Polynesian Hibiscus, and Ocean Water. It's a great way to keep summer alive! Checks can be made out to Grace Church.
Mark your calendars to join Grace church on Sunday, September 23rd at 2pm for the Service of Installation of Rev Beth Petzke. It will be followed by a time of food and fellowship. All are welcome! Click here for more details.
Visitors and friends of the church that are interested in taking the next step towards membership at Grace are invited to join Pastor Beth for a new member information session on September 25th at 6pm. New members will be received on Sunday, October 7th. If you would like more information, but are unable to meet on September 25th, please contact Pastor Beth and another opportunity to meet can be arranged. Please RSVP to the church office or to Pastor Beth.
We Extend our Christian Sympathies
to the families of
Harold Kammerer
(July 29, 2018)
and
Karen Kampmann
 (August 6, 2018)
Women's Bible Study will begin on Monday, September 10th (2nd Sunday of the Month) at 8:15am in the lounge (at the rear of the sanctuary). There are postcards in the narthex to remind you or to share with others. All are welcome. Bring a friend!
Join as we kick of the school year with Rally Day
Sunday, September 9 we will be kicking off our Christian Education year with Rally Day! Join us for worship (back to the 8am and 10am schedule), Sunday School begins at 8:45. During 10am worship Bibles will be distributed, our Sunday School teachers will be installed and our Confirmation students will be blessed as well. We'll close our Rally Day celebration with a hot dog luncheon following 10am worship hosted by our Sunday School teachers. We look forward to seeing you there! All are welcome!
As we move into September the Mission Committee will continue to accept gently used books (suitable for children kindergarten through 5th grade). Thank you for your continued support.

We also look ahead to the Emmaus Meal we plan to serve on Saturday, October 13th. Signup sheets for food donations as well as opportunities to volunteer to help cook, setup, serve and clean up will be posted in the foyer soon. Monetary donations are also welcome to help defray the cost of the meal.
Thank you,
The Missions Committee
Many members and friends of Grace graciously shared their time on Wednesday mornings to join Pastor Beth to share stories and get to know one another better. There are two evening opportunities for drop in time with Pastor Beth. Tuesday, September 18 from 6-7pm & Thursday, September 27 from 6-7pm. Light refreshments will be available. All are welcome!
Grace Church is an accepting community of faith, committed to growth through change.
-Core values statement written on Saturday, May 13, 2017
Grace United Church of Christ
Office: (920)452-6795 graceucckohler@gmail.com
Rev Beth Petzke, pastor rev.beth.petzke@gmail.com
(920)371-8018
Grace UCC 1998