Grace Notes Email Newsletter

Worship - Another Important Godly Habit
Just as we give our money to support the church, practicing that godly habit, so Christians are to give their time and presence in worship as another central godly habit. As has been the case the last couple of years, our worship attendance in the early fall has been light. With the nice fall weather, people going out of town and fall weekend sports, lots of Grace members have been gone. Worship attendance has started to pick up the last two weeks, but there is still plenty of room in worship for you.
 
Don't forget to practice the habit of worshiping your God. The Third Commandment calls us to "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." The best way to keep it holy is to make the time and practice the habit of worshiping our God - a God who definitely deserves our worship!
 
Your Grace Office Staff
Our Second Stewardship Message: "A Godly Habit"
Nearly 2,000 years ago the first Christians in Greece were taking up an offering to help people they didn't personally know, the Christians living in Jerusalem. There was a famine in Judea and the Apostle Paul was collecting money to take there to help feed the members of the church. He instructed the Christians in Corinth to learn the godly habit of stewardship by setting aside money each Sunday so it would be ready for Paul to collect when he arrived.
 
Stewardship is a godly habit. We all need to learn it and practice it regularly. As I said in last week's message, God doesn't deserve leftovers. God deserves our first-fruits. This week, as I talk about the collection in 1 Corinthians 16, and the delightful story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, I will also hold up for you where the gifts from your godly habit of generous giving go and what they will do.
 
Your faith commitment packets will be available for you after the worship service. Please read through the enclosed material and be generous in your gifts to the church in 2019.
 
Thank You,
 
Pastor Paul
Nominating Committee Suggestions?
We are beginning the process of finding new council members who will help lead our church in 2019. The Nominating Committee is asking for your suggestions for possible candidates to serve as President-Elect, to chair the Worship Committee and to serve as Council Secretary. We are also looking for someone who can fill in the final year of the unexpired term for Council Treasurer. If you know of someone who might be a good candidate for any of those positions, please talk to that person first, to get his or her permission, and then let the church office, or one of the pastors know.
October Education Newsletter Available
Find out what's happening in Sunday School by reading October's Education Newsletter!  You can find it on Grace's Education Page: http://www.gracegrafton.com/christian-education.html This month's issue includes information about upcoming events and pictures from September.
Bring a Friend to Sunday School
Friends and family are always welcome at Grace!  But on Sunday, October 28, we encourage all Grace families to reach out to a friend, family member or neighbor and invite them to Sunday School.  Our 3K-5th grade students, along with their friends, will be joining in on a fun, faith-filled game of Bible Olympics during Education Hour.  Students will participate in games such as Noah's Ark Animal Round Up, the Race to Bethlehem, Building Solomon's Temple and much more.  No need to RSVP...just extend an invitation to a friend and join us on October 28.  Since that's the same day as Trunk-or-Treat, students are welcome to wear their costumes to Sunday School as well.
 First Communion Classes Information
This year we are trying out a new curriculum, and also opening the classes up to children whose parents feel they are ready and able to learn about and receive communion.  At least one parent is required to come along with their child to every class.  There will be a $10 fee to cover the materials- Older children will receive a work book to use in the class and younger children will receive a board book.
 
We are doing this partly in response to more and more families inquiring about their child(ren) taking communion classes at earlier ages.  While some will still choose 5th Grade as the best age for their child, this opens the door for those who see their child as interested and able to understand what this meal is: The body and blood of Jesus, given for the forgiveness of sins for the whole world.  Jesus welcomed children and lifted them up as examples of faith.  When we welcome those children who are ready to receive this sacrament, we live more fully into this teaching, and we also offer God's grace and peace to them in the gift of Jesus' sacrifice for us all. 
 
Pastor Heidi will meet with each child and parent personally, as we always have done, to ensure that they understand the meaning behind Holy Communion and how to receive it. 
 
Classes for Children in 2nd Grade and above will be Sunday, November 4 & 11 from 12-2.  Pastor Heidi will provide a lunch for the group to eat after 2nd service. 
 
Classes for Kids 1st Grade and below will be on Saturday, November 3 from 9-11. 
 
There will be a couple of days offered to sign up for a time to meet with Pastor Heidi.  Those will be passed out at the first class.

We got some requests to have a bigger congregational celebration for the children, so as a congregation we will celebrate their First Communion on Sunday, December 2 at both services. 
 
Please sign up on the sheet on the Bulletin Board in the Gathering Area by October 28. We look forward to celebrating this important step in faith with our young Christians!
Thrivent Builds Mission Trip Update
Next February Grace is sending a mission team to Sebring, Florida to work with Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial to help rebuild a neighborhood that was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. We have eight people registered, which means the trip will happen. There is room for four more volunteers to join us. If you are interested in this mission trip, or know someone who might be, please talk to Pastor Paul. He can share more information with those who are considering being part of our group.
Can You Help A Thrivent Builds Volunteer
with the Cost of the Trip?
We have a member at Grace who wants to go on our Thrivent Builds mission trip, but the $650 cost is problem. If you want to support our trip, but can't go yourself, would you consider making a donation to enable someone else to go? Please talk to Pastor Paul if you would like to help. Thank You!
Thursday Evening Bible Study - "The Seven Seals"
Sealed scrolls and the number seven are very important in the Book of Revelation. Written in a cryptic apocalyptic style, the message of Revelation is hidden within all its symbolism. This week we are studying chapter six where the Lamb begins to remove the seven seals from the scroll, revealing the mysteries they contain. It is strange and interesting! Join us at 7:30 p.m. for our continuing examination of the last book of the Bible.
Grace Is Hiring!
Grace Lutheran Church is now accepting applications for a part time Administrative Treasurer position. Use this link for the job description and employment application http://www.gracegrafton.com/blog/were-hiring.
 
Please submit your resume and application by October 19th to the following email address: kfeutz@live.com. Come join the wonderful team here at Grace Lutheran!
Sunday Morning Bible Study Opportunity
Are you interested in a Bible study opportunity during Sunday school or adult forum time?  We will be offering Tim Keller's "The Prodigal God" starting on November 4 on the first and third Sundays of the month in the conference room.  The study is a fresh look on Jesus' parable of the prodigal son, and will meet for seven sessions.  There will be a small cost for books.  If you'd like to join us, please contact Zack or Eryn Durlam at durlams312@gmail.com or 262-415-5406.  We'd love to have you come!
Registrations are Open for the 2019
Boundary Waters Canoe Trip
We are set for our high school youth group trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota and are taking registrations for the July 6-13, 2019 adventure. You can pick up a registration form and fill it out to reserve your spot. We have reserved two groups, for a total of sixteen spots. If we have the interest, we can add a third group. See Pastor Paul or Erica Dimmett for more information.
Mark Your Calendars For Trunk or Treat
Trunk or Treat is on Sunday, October 28th and WE NEED MORE TRUNKS!!!!!  Please sign-up in the gathering space to help make this event a huge success!  Thank you!
Grace's Handmade Arts & Crafts Fair - November 10
Follow the footprints, and bring a friend, to Grace's Handmade Arts and Crafts Fair.  November 10th from 9am to 3pm.  Breakfast and Lunch available.  The nursery will be staffed.  I will be there, will you?
Upcoming Youth Events
#1: TRUNK OR TREAT @ Grace!!!  October 28 @ 12:00
The Youth and Family Ministry Team invites you to join us at Grace for a spooktacular Halloween Event.  We will be serving lunch, playing games, and Trunk or Treating.  New this year will be a "tattoo" parlor and a Halloween photo opp. 
Please sign up in the gathering space if you are attending.  You can also sign up to decorate a trunk. 
 
#2 Goodies Needed for the Craft Fair!
The Grace Youth groups (JYG and HYPE) will be having a bake sale during the Craft Fair on November 10th.  We are in need of baked goods!  Please sign up in the gathering space if you are able to donate some goodies.  We are asking that baked goods be delivered to Grace by Friday, November 9th @ 3:00.  Thank you for your help.
November RNT Outing
On November 7th, we will be traveling to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls to view their over 500 Nativity pieces.   Holy Cross's address is W156 N8131 Pilgrim Road. Starting at 12:30PM we will be having a short presentation about the pieces and then a chance to view them. We will then proceed to a late lunch at Brisco County, N96 W16865 Cumberland Ct, Menomonee Falls (Southwest corner of County Line Rd and Hwy 41). Reservations are for 2:45PM.
 
Please RSVP to Trudi Biefeld, jbiefeld@att.net by November 4th.   Interested in carpooling, let Trudi know also.
Save Your Pop Tabs!
Our Sunday School students voted to donate part of  their Sunday School offering for the 2018/19 school year to the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee.  In addition to donating the offering money to the organization, we will also be collecting soda pop tabs at Grace.  Last year, the Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Wisconsin raised over $48,000 from all of the saved soda pop tabs!  So start saving your pop tabs.  We'll have a collection bucket at church where you can drop them off throughout the summer and all of next year as well.  Thank you for helping our youth support others in need!  Questions? Contact Katie at Katie@GraceGrafton.com .
JYG & HYPE Information
#1:  JYG and HYPE Youth Groups are in need of adult volunteers to help at events and Lock-ins.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Erica by emailing erica@gracegrafton.com .  Thank you!
 
#2:  Parents of Grace Youth 3rd - 12th Graders!  Make sure you stop by the Youth Group table in the Gathering Space to pick up youth group schedules and complete permission and texting forms.  If you would like the paperwork emailed to you or if you have questions, please email erica@gracegrafton.com.

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
Ed Borkenhagen - 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 
Ed Borkenhagen: Tuesday-Friday 
Erica Dimmett:  Various Hours please call to check
Katie Eippert:  Monday & Wednesday (8-10) & Tuesday & Thursday (8-4)
 
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. 

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 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

Responsibilities for Sunday, October 21
At the 8:00 a.m. service: Linda Borkenhagen is the assisting minister, Christy Loeffler is the reader, Dan Ernst's team is ushering, Scott Nielsen the greeter, Sue Meinecke is in the nursery, John Bernd is in the multimedia room, Judy Steffen is the communion assistant, Lisa Bernd has communion by Intinction set up, Lisa & Catie Freymuth are hosting coffee hour & Jim & Kathy Kehoe are at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service: Darlyne Holle is the reader, Ethan Wise is the acolyte, Dan Mathias' team is ushering, Wendy Freeland is the greeter, A VOLUNTEER is NEEDED in the nursery, James Newell is in the multimedia room, Dana Moran & Wendy Freeland are the communion assistants, Pam & Ralph Jeletz have communion cleanup & Brooke Napiwocki is at the Welcome Desk.

Responsibilities for Sunday, October 28
At the 8:00 a.m. service: Howard Vrankin is the assisting minister, Judy Hahn is the reader, Adi Utecht is the acolyte, Jerry Plyer's team is ushering, Dawn & Larry Adler are the greeters, Carol & Paige Newby are in the nursery, Scott Steffen is in the multimedia room, Jan Ernst is the communion assistant, Linda Borkenhagen has communion by Intinction set up, Joan Tuttle & Jessica VanSluys are hosting coffee hour & Marcia Vrankin is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service: A Student is the reader, Luke Olson is the acolyte, Wendy Freeland's team is ushering, A VOLUNTEER is NEEDED to be the greeter, A VOLUNTEER is NEEDED in the nursery, Greg Schwartz is in the multimedia room, Darlyne Holle & a student are the communion assistants, Ann Wolfframm has communion cleanup & Laurie Gosselin is at the Welcome Desk.

Oct. 17,  2018
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