Grace United Church of Christ
500 School Street • Kohler, Wisconsin 53044
Rev Beth Petzke, Pastor
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Pastor's Note:
Grace and Peace to you all!
Not normally known for its celebrations, September was a month of many things to celebrate here at Grace Church. We celebrated:
·Rally Sunday (the return to two worship services) and the first day of Sunday School followed by a luncheon. Thanks to Sandy Rabe for coordinating Sunday School teachers and the meal, as well as thanks to the Sunday School teachers who share their time with the youngest among us to teach them the stories and share their faith, as well as helped with the luncheon (Heidi Becker, Tahna Jensen, Caitlin McNitt, Becky Payne, Sandy Rabe) and Curt Joa, as he leads the young ones in music and song.
·Third graders received their very own Bibles:
Jordyn Payne and Casey Jo TerMaat
·The 2018-2019 Confirmation Class of 7
th
and 8
th
graders, offering a blessing of them in worship. Please keep them in your prayers as they learn and grow, and have the courage to ask the hard questions of their faith: Allie Finney, Sarah Horth, Matthew Leonhard, Ava Priebe, Brooklyn TerMaat, Benjamin Widder, Braeden Ziegelbauer.
·A new Bible study for women on the 2
nd
and 3
rd
Mondays of the month at 8:15 a.m.
·A service of farewell as we said goodbye to the McKnight family as they moved to Milwaukee.
·My installation as your pastor and teacher. We shared in communion together for the first time and celebrated our covenant. We had an amazing time of worship and fellowship together.
·Disbanding the search committee in worship and thanking them for their service. It is a commitment to the life and future of this church. Please take a moment to thank them: Caitlin Brotz-McNitt, Janet Carter, Paul Green, Hank Horneck, Allie Lindow, Kelly Kasten, Mike Rolloff.
So many things to be thankful for in our lives and in this congregation! As we move into the Fall season, we pray: Maker of the seasons, thank you for all that autumn teaches us. Change our focus so that we see not only what we are leaving behind, but also the harvest and plenty that our lives hold. May our heart grow freer and our lives more peaceful as we resonate with, and respond to, the many teachings this season offers each of us.
Blessings,
Pastor Beth
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Click the below links for opportunities to help through time, talent and treasure
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Thank you to Wayne & Rosemary Lohse for sponsoring the bulletins and Grace Notes for the month of October.
Thank you to Betty Jones and Ronda Hendricks for sponsoring altar flowers this month.
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.
On the occasion of my installation at Grace, there are so many of you to thank. I don’t want to leave anyone out, so I say thank you to all for your love and support, for your presence that day, for your prayers, for the meal prepared, for joining in the celebration. I look forward to the ministry we will build together.
-Pastor Beth
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Volunteers Needed
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.
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.
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Watch for upcoming details – we will be having a Fall cleanup day. It’s a great opportunity to prepare for the winter season inside and outside the church.
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Window Project Celebration
All are invited (church members, guests and community members) to attend the event on Sunday, October 14 at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate the completion of the window project.
Refreshments to follow the program. Please plan to join us for the celebration.
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.
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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
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We began the 2018-2019 year with an exciting Rally Day where the kids enjoyed time getting to know Pastor Beth as the Sr. Choir looks on.
We greeted over 10 kids between two groups and introduced them to HOLY MOLY and PICTURE THE BIBLE materials.
YOU should come and just sit in and see Sunday School in action.
We concluded the day with a favorite kids meal that the adults enjoyed too from hotdogs to cupcakes.
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In October we will be planning a UNICEF party to raise awareness and funds for children across the world. Start saving your pennies because the kids will be looking to collect them during worship in late October 😊.
We need to have more adult participation – consider becoming a teacher or a member of Christian Education. Or maybe you are the planning/organizing kind and could take on the Christmas Program.
Opportunities are plentiful. Talk to Pastor Beth or Sandy Rabe if you have interest in being part of our growing ministry for the children – the future of Grace UCC.
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The Annual United Church Men & Women Scholarship Banquet will be held on Thursday, October 25th at 6:30pm and Lakeland University.
University President, David Black will be the guest speaker. The purpose of the United Church Men and Women (UCMW) annual banquet is to provide the men and women of our congregations a time of fellowship, good food, and to present the scholarships to the recipients one of which is Pastor Beth. Three Scholarships are given: a Lakeland University pre-seminary student, a current seminary student, and a post-seminary student (clergy person).
Tickets to attend the event are $16 each and are available for purchase in the church office until October 14. Please see Pastor Beth or contact the church office if you have questions.
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The songs of our faith are such an important part of worship. Hymns of comfort and assurance of God's presence, hymns of joy and celebration of all that it is to be the community of God. Throughout all seasons of life, the songs of our faith are present offering melody and sentiment when words are not enough. Please call, email or drop a note to Pastor Beth of the church office. What is your favorite hymn?
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Candles with new fall scents are available in the lounge $15 each Scents available: Spiced Apple, Vanilla Chai, and Pumpkin Spice. There are also gift sets for $12 including soap and lip balms. It’s a great way to bring the scents of fall into your home, or give a thoughtful gift.
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A Congregational Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 7 following 10am worship.
The purpose of this meeting is to vote to fill the unexpired council term that has been vacated by Brandon McKnight. Lisa Rolloff has been approved by the council and is willing to finish the remainder of Brandon’s term. A congregational vote is needed to comply with our Constitution. Please plan to attend.
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Neighbors in Need Offering
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the
Council for American Indian Ministry
(CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to UCC churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. This year, special consideration will be given to projects focusing on serving our immigrant neighbors and communities.
Most UCC congregations will receive the NIN offering on October 7, 2018 as part of their World Communion Sunday observance. however, some local churches select another date. NIN contributions can be made on-line at any time
here.
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World Communion Sunday
On October 7th we celebrate Worldwide Communion Sunday when we will remember our Christian brothers and sisters around the world who will also celebrate this feast. In addition to having gluten-free bread on this day, we will also be offering other breads that remind us of other places in the world.
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There are always room for more voices in the choir! The Choir usually sings twice per month in worship and we rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 7:15-8:15. Please contact our director Audrey Braatz for more information. Or contact any member of the music and arts committee.
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New Member Class Rescheduled
The new member class will take place on Thursday, October 4
th at 6 p.m. in the conference room. It was rescheduled due to Pastor Beth being sick. Please be sure to pass the word. All are welcome!
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Women's Bible Study will meet on the 2nd and 3rd Mondays 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. We plan to gather on Oct 8 & 15. All are welcome. Bring a friend!
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Our October Mission of the Month is the Emmaus Meal.
We plan to serve at the Salvation Army on October 13th. Help is still needed! Please signup on the sheets in the foyer to help with food donations as well as opportunities to volunteer to help cook, setup, serve and clean up. Monetary donations are also welcome to help defray the cost of the meal. Thank you for your support of this ministry!
Thank you,
The Missions Committee
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Grace Church is an accepting community of faith, committed to growth through change.
-Core values statement written on Saturday, May 13, 2017
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Grace United Church of Christ
(920)371-8018
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