Grace Notes August 2019

August 2019

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!

“You created my inmost being: you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)

We are each made in God’s image and by God. Have you ever stopped and taken the time to truly marvel at the amazing works God has created? Perhaps it is the way God has created our miraculous bodies in a rhythm that is often beyond anything we can imagine. Have you even taken the time to consider how our body is created to heal itself? From cuts and scrapes, to healing after surgery. Even down to the detail of eyebrows and eyelashes to protect our eyes. Take some time to consider all the ways in which God has made you so wonderful and give God thanks!

In this season of summer, we tend to follow a different rhythm of life – enjoying the sunshine, warmer temperatures, more opportunities to be outside and marvel at God’s handiwork. Like so many others, I am taking some time to renew myself in the summer season. To breathe in the smells of summer and be refreshed and reconnected with my family, friends, and loved ones.

On our second day of vacation we made a last-minute decision to stop at Niagara Falls. Initially we stopped because it was just so close, we figured it would be a good idea. Upon experiencing the falls for ourselves, it was so much more than that. It reminded me of how much more is outside myself and the community. I could not help but be marveled once again of the beauty in God’s creation. The force of the water, the rainbow promise so majestic it was overwhelming. “God saw everything that God had made, and indeed, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31a). In these last weeks of summer, may you marvel at the amazing you, that God has created and give thanks. May you also look outside yourself and experience the goodness of God in people, animals, and creation and give thanks!

Many of you are enjoying the summer at home and on vacation. I encourage you to stay engaged with us by sharing a word, phrase, or picture on our facebook page . I look forward to reading and seeing your posts.

Blessings,

Pastor Beth

Thanks for those supporting Grace Notes: Marilyn Hanson (July) Deb & Larry Ter Maat (August). Altar Flowers: Richard & Carol Schoneman, Lois Ann Meyer, and Deb & Larry Ter Maat. And to Deb & Larry Ter Maat for sponsoring the August bulletins as well.

Thank you to:

-The property committee for all their hard work to get this carpeting project to successful completion.

-To all who contributed to make this project possible.

-To all the staff and volunteers who helped clear out the sanctuary, as well as reassemble it for worship.

-Molly Montgomery who served as our song leader for Service Sunday.

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 I may have accidentally not included, please know that we are thankful for your generosity! Please let Pastor Beth know if there are any errors or omissions.

Do you have a prayer request that you would like to share with Pastor Beth? Please reach out at any time rev.beth.petzke@gmail.com or

920-371-8018. All prayer requests will be kept confidential unless permission to share with the congregation is given.

Please remember that if you admitted to the hospital and would like a visit from Pastor Beth, please contact her directly (cell 920-371-8018). Between HIPPA and the busyness of the hospital staff, oftentimes the hospital doesn’t call, therefore Pastor Beth would appreciate a direct call from you or your family to ensure timely visitation and pastoral care.

Shop with SCRIP!

Kwik Trip cards are available in the church office. With scrip, you’re paying face value and you’re getting face value. Make your giving go farther! Pick up SCRIP the next time you're at church.

Did you know that Texas Roadhouse offers a Sunday bulletin program to support local churches . On Sundays, guests that come into the Sheboygan Texas Roadhouse location can have 10% of their total food purchases back to the church! Simply present a current copy of your church’s bulletin to your server.

August 1st

August 8th

August 15th

August 22nd

Sundaes on Thursdays @6:30pm

August 25th

Blessing of the Backpacks in worship

August 28th

Sr Choir begins rehearsals for the program year

Sept 8th

Worship at 8am & 10am

First Day of Sunday School

Presentation of Bibles & Teacher Blesing at 10am

It's that time of year... They're going BACK! Back to school, that is.

Whether they are carrying their first box of crayons to preschool, lugging a locker-full of textbooks from class to class, or gathering their supplies as they are home schooled, a backpack is the symbol of the student’s call to grow in wisdom. We’re sending our students and school staff back to school with our prayers and blessings.

All students, teachers, and school staff are invited to bring their backpacks, tote bags, briefcases, or the like for the “Blessing of the backpacks.” As we celebrate God’s gift of learning, we will pray for God’s blessing on students, staff, and schools in the coming year.

Join us on Sunday, August 25th during 9 a.m. worship. Following the children’s message, teachers and school staff will also be invited to come forward as we bless them.

Invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome!

Sundaes on Thursdays!

Sundaes on Thursdays! Beginning on Thursday, August 1st, Pastor Beth will be offering contemporary worship at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately 30 minutes. Following worship, we will have a time of fellowship to include sundaes. Dates: Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22. All are welcome!

We will collect the following during the month of August to benefit local children:

-Financial support designated in the mission of the month envelopes available in the pews.

-A designated basket in the narthex to receive school supplies.

There are still scented candles available for purchase in the lounge at church. They make great gifts! Proceeds from the sale go directly to Grace Church. Stop by and take a look at the selection!

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?

Ushers are on the front lines of welcoming and hospitality in the life of the church. Larry Ter Maat has been working on recruiting volunteers and updating the usher responsibilities. If you're curious about what is requested of you should you volunteer, click here for more information.

Refugee Support Opportunity

A couple of weeks when I was in Milwaukee for the biannual meeting of the United Church of Christ, I received an E-mail from our local refugee support committee in Sheboygan County, asking if we could help. The following is their request:

“Our Syrian brother and son, Ashraf, has been instrumental in getting several cargo containers of goods shipped to Syria. Facilitated by the Salvatorian Mission Warehouse, shipments of rice, blankets, medical equipment, Lands End coats, new clothing etc., have filled four containers so far. One is in route with more Lands End coats right now.

Ashraf's dream has been to get toys shipped some day, as he worked with a sponsorship program for the thousands of Syrian children now grouped along the northern border who are left fatherless.

He is a member of the Hanan Refugee Relief Group that has provided many of the goods shipped so far. They are preparing another container with 3,000 pair of donated new shoes and he would like to fill it with toys for the children there.”

They asked if we would be willing to serve as a drop-off site from July 1st to August 2 ^nd . They will get the container boxes to us and pick them up at the end of the drive. I said yes.

I do not want to impose on the missions committee and all the good work they are doing, therefore I will be coordinating this event. They are requesting new or "like new" toys and I will have a box in the rear of the sanctuary in the lounge to collect any toys you might want to contribute. Thank you in advance for all the ways you each support the ministry and mission of Grace United Church of Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Beth

Sponsorship is another way to support the ministries and outreach of the church. Through sponsorship of Grace Notes, worship bulletins, altar flowers, or Bridgeway meals you help the church fulfill its mission. Donations made to sponsorship can be sent to the church office or placed in the offering plate with a notation of what you're sponsoring. Thank you for your generosity. We couldn't do it without you!

Altar flowers can be sponsored to mark a special occasion in your life or 'just because'. Flowers can be sponsored for a Sunday for $37.50 or you can bring your own flowers. Click the button below to claim a week and specify any colors and kinds of flowers you prefer. Following 10am worship you are welcome to take the flowers home to enjoy throughout the week.

Sponsor altar flowers here

By sponsoring Grace Notes you ensure that important information gets out to our church family, strengthening communication and fostering a sense of belonging. You can sponsor the Grace Notes newsletter for a month for $40. To signup to sponsor Grace Notes click the button below.

Click Here to sponsor Grace Notes Newsletter

As a church, we support the ministry of Sheboygan County Interfaith Organization (SCIO) One of the ways we partner with them in ministry is by sponsoring a meal once a month to cover the costs of feeding the families staying at Bridgeway House. A donation of $40 provides the groceries needed to provide a nutritious meal for the women and children living there.

Sponsor Bridgeway here

A month's worth of worship bulletins can be sponsored for $40. Click the button below to be a sponsor.

Click here to sponsor worship bulletins

There are a number of opportunities to share your time and talent, please consider one (or more) of the following opportunities:

Liturgist/Lay Reader: If you are interested in reading scripture in worship (one time or on a regular basis), please contact the church office or Pastor Beth.

Host a coffee hour/fellowship time. It’s as simple as signing up in the narthex and bringing some “goodies.” What is important – that we get together. Less important – what we eat or drink. Goodies can be homemade or store bought. Get together with a couple of friends or invite someone you would like to get to know better and host a coffee hour. Perhaps you like to bake but not host? Connect with someone to share the love! If you have any questions, please call the church office or Pastor Beth.

Ushering: There is a signup sheet in the foyer. Or signup by clicking the button below. You are welcome to sign up for one (or more) Sundays. Consider ushering with a friend or invite someone you don’t know as well to serve with you. If you have questions, see Pastor Beth. It is quick and easy training!

Click here to sign up to usher

Our Carpet Project is complete! Our project goal of $15,086.53 has been exceeded! As of this date, $15,166.17 has been received. Special thanks to Property Committee and Church Council for seeing the project to completion. Most of all, thanks to the Congregation for your support.

As always, if you have any Property concerns or feedback please contact us.

We would welcome anyone who has the interest or time to join us as we care for the Property concerns of our Church home.

Property Committee—Lisa Rolloff, Chuck Ebert, Larry TeMaat and Marge Horneck

The Council meeting in July was missing a review of financials with computer connections disabled due to the carpeting project underway. I’m pleased to announce that John Fenger has been accepted as the Council’s newest member, filling the term vacated by Aaron Radder. Thank you John and welcome! Business conducted included a review of Property Committee actions and quotes for addressing the ash trees being destroyed by the emerald ash bore. Carpeting project and chancel platform is well underway. Due diligence was conducted about the potential of selling the parsonage after the current renters expressed interest in purchasing the property. After a thorough review of pros and cons and processes and procedures, the Council decided that retaining the parsonage with the church in one parcel was in the best interested of Grace Church for now and the foreseeable future. The Council thanks Sheri Jensen, member of Grace with special expertise as long time respected Realtor for her time and efforts on this subject. Several new Mission projects are being considered e.g. Raffle Calendar for fundraising and Feed My Starving Children for serving others are being pursued. Rules of Procedure continue to be refined and contributions for Our Church’s Wider Mission this month were approved.

Submitted by Council President, Sandy Rabe

Thanks to those that have come forward in providing special music for the summer months. We have Sundays available so please let the church office know when you might want to reserve your date. Senior Choir will resume practice the last Wednesday of August.

We want to know your favorite hymns to include in worship this summer. Requests can be made to the church office or by contacting Pastor Beth.

June Mission of the Month:

Laundry Love

Laundry Love is a local mission that helps do laundry for people who are struggling financially, those living below the poverty line, those in shelters, and the homeless. One night a month, a team of volunteers meets at a laundry to sign-in guests, help as people load laundry into washers/dryers, add detergent/dryer sheets, and feed lots of quarters into the machines.

Referral partners include the Department of Health and Human Services, the Salvation Army, Sheboygan Area School District, and Safe Harbor. Other faith communities have joined this effort, so opportunities for clean laundry are offered each week during the month. Laundry Love is a great way to begin friendships while providing a real service to those in need.

We will collect the following during August:

-Financial support designated in the mission of the month envelopes available in the pews.

-An empty detergent bottle is located in the narthex to receive donations of paper money and coins.

-A designated basket in the narthex to receive donations of detergent and dryer sheets.

-The Missions Committee

Christian Education – Getting our engines ready for the onset of another Sunday School year coming up in September, all parents of incoming 3 ^rd graders at Grace UCC are reminded to contact Sandy Rabe so that a personalized bible can be ordered for presentation Sunday.

Thank you to Sara Hapemann for agreeing to give some ideas for décor in the “older kids” room so that we might have it ready for our young teens. Can you help get things ready? Email or text Sandy at 920.917.8317.