Grace Notes Email Newsletter

Lenten Meal Tonight
Tonight's 6:00pm Lenten meal is sponsored by Grace's Sunday School families and teachers in support of the Foster Closet of Kenosha.  Sunday School selected the Foster Closet of Kenosha in honor of 9-year-old Xander Davis, a family friend of Grace member's, The Albiero Family.  Xander unexpectantly passed away while the Albiero family was on vacation with Xander's family earlier this year.  We hope you can join us this evening as we lift up the Albiero and Davis Families while honoring Xander.
 
Tonight's menu includes all of Xander's favorites: mac n cheese, hot dogs, red grapes and rice krispie treats.  Sandwiches and other items will also be available.

Your Grace Office Staff
The Week's Sermon: "Choosing the Better Part"
In our church play, "General Hospital-ity", our time-traveling heroes, Derek and Tiffany, travel back to visit Mary and Martha, friends of Jesus, seeking the DNA sample for empathy and caring for others. This week's sermon is based upon that story in Luke 10. In our crazy, fast-paced lives, too many people feel worn out and overwhelmed. Many of them are forgetting the better part: taking time to learn Christ's ways by listening to him, being with him and then caring for others. I will explore a life-style people know all-too-well, unfortunately, and talk about the alternative Christ offers us. It is practical advice for living well.
Choose the "Better Part" this Week 
Make Time for Worship
One of the best, and wisest, things we can do as Christians is to actually make the time to worship our Lord. Worship is where we gather in God's presence with God's people. It is where we hear God's Word (and many people don't hear it anywhere else but in worship), are refreshed at the Lord's Table and offer our thanks and praise to God. Take a break from everything else and choose the "better part" - being with God. We look forward to seeing you in worship! It's a good place to be.
 Join Us on Wednesday's During Lent for Dinner
Food and Fellowship at 6pm before each Lenten service.  Grace groups host by preparing and serving the meals. The menu is different each week. Peanut butter and jelly will be served each week also.
 
The groups use this meal as an opportunity to support their organizations activities and charitable causes.   Watch for the donation baskets and what the donations will be used for. Please give what your able for their work.
 
Wednesday, March 20: hosted by Sunday School for Foster Closet of Kenosha. We will be having a Mac and Cheese bar and hot dogs.
Wednesday, March 27: Hosted by Lydia Circle. They are hosting a Baked Potato Bar.
Wednesday, April 3: Hosted by Outreach. We will be eating Sloppy Joe's.
Wednesday, April 10: Hosted by Adult Literacy. That evening they will be having a pasta bar.
 
Look for the sign-up sheets to donate beverages, chips and desserts.
 
Any questions or want to help? Wendy Freeland at 262.707.9266.
Women's Wellness Retreat at Pine Lake Camp May 3-5
Join Pastor Heidi and other sisters in Christ for a weekend getaway at Pine Lake: no meal prep, no cleaning, no work, limited distractions! Instead, enjoy plenty of restorative time, connection with others, and opportunities to reflect with God. More info will be coming soon, but past activities have included nature hikes, guided meditations, massage, yoga, paint-on-canvas, decorative sign painting, a video discussion series, guest Bible study leaders, and more! The cost is $145 (housing in beautiful Evergreen Lodge: Semi-private rooms with bedding/linens provided). Let Pastor Heidi know if you're interested- pastorheidi@gracegrafton.com.
Attention Thrivent Members!
If you are a Thrivent Financial member you have several ways in which you can help Grace. You can allocate your remaining 2018 Thrivent Choice dollars to our church. You can also apply for two $250 Thrivent Action Team project grant during the year to help support programs and activities at church.
 
Chris Beloin, our Thrivent representative at Grace, will be in the gathering area this Sunday, March 24 to talk with you and check to see if you have Thrivent Choice dollars available. This is a simple way to financially help your home church. Several Thrivent members stopped by to talk with Chris last Sunday and we hope more will do so this week.
Thursday Evening Bible Study
Finishing Revelation 17 - "The Woman in Purple"
John's mysterious visions continue in chapter 17 as he sees a woman, clothed in purple, riding one of the horrible beasts battling against the Lord. This woman represents the evil powers of the world who stand against Christ. But her doom, and their doom, is certain. This week we will finish our study of chapter 17 and then move on to the continuing poetic fall of Babylon in Revelation 18.
Adult Literacy Center Looking for New Tutors
The Adult Literacy Center of Ozaukee County (located inside of Grace by the high school youth room) is looking for new volunteers!  ALC tutors work one-on-one with adult students who are learning English as a second language, studying for the GED or applying for citizenship.  Students and tutors set their own schedule of when they want to meet (days, evenings, weekends).  No specific educational background is required, just a willingness to learn and help out another person learn English or improve their own education.  The ALC's next New Tutor Training Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, March 30 from 9-noon at Grace.  Email Katie at Katie@AdultLiteracyOZ.org for more information or to sign up to attend.
All People's Joins Us for Worship on April 3
We are pleased to welcome members of All Peoples Church, our sister congregation in Milwaukee, to the Lenten meal and worship service on Wednesday, April 3. Let's make sure we given them a warm welcome to Grace.
Save the Date for Make a Splash for Jesus
Mark your calendars for this year's Make a Splash for Jesus event at the Grafton Pool-Sunday, July 21 from 9:30-11:30am.  Friends and families are welcome to come as well.  More details will follow this summer.
April Grace Youth Events
April 14:  Palm Sunday Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt
April 26:  JYG Lock-in
April 27:  HYPE Event:  Volunteering at Riveredge
April 28:  KFC Meeting
Sunday School Parents-Upcoming Music Dates in Worship
Sunday School Parents, mark your calendars for these spring dates when the kids will share their music during worship:
--Sunday, March 31: 3K, 4K & 5K Play Bells
--Sunday, April 7: 1st-5th Grade Sing
--Sunday, May 5: 3K, 4K & 5K Sing
We request that kids participate in both services, but they play/sing at the very end of first service and the very beginning of second service.  So you do not need to stay for both full services.  Questions?  Contact Katie at Katie@GraceGrafton.com.
Sheets for Quilting
We know it is hard to think about spring cleaning with all the snow on the ground, but it just might help to get a head start so, when and if spring does come, we can get out and enjoy the nice weather. With that in mind, the quilters are ready to take some of those usable sheets you want to recycle off your hands. Just to refresh your memory we use twin flat, full flat, queen flat and fitted, king flat and fitted, in plain or pattern colors. Cotton blend is preferred as opposed to polyester or microfiber. If you happen to see a good deal on any of the above while shopping at Goodwill, Family Sharing or other secondhand stores, or maybe at some of those rummage sales you come across, we would be most happy to accept those also. We thank you for your past donations and hope you keep thinking of us. Ask your friends who may also be in the spring-cleaning mode. It might help to take their mind off all that white stuff outside!

RNT Event on April 17
The RNT tour of the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, Wednesday, April 17, is proving to be a popular excursion. Over 20 people have signed up so far and others have until April 10 to do so. The $8.00 per person for the museum will be collected prior to the tour. Those who would still like to sign up can contact Jim & Linda Scott at jls3580@att.net, or call 262-284-3085.
 
Lunch will follow at the Mine Shaft in Hartford.
DVD Players Needed
If anyone has a DVD player that they are no longer using & would like to donate it to Grace. Please contact Pastor Heidi at  pastorheidi@gracegrafton.com. Thank you!
Sign Up to Help Habitat for Humanity!
Starting this week, you will have the opportunity to sign up to help with the Grafton Habitat for Humanity build that will begin in the vacant lot behind Sendik's this spring. We are looking for Grace member who would like to be part of the construction crews and the meal crews who will provide lunch for the workers. We don't have specific dates yet but want to see who is interested in helping with our local Habitat for Humanity work.
 
We are also looking for Thrivent Financial members who would be willing to work with us to write a Thrivent Action Team Plan to help with the cost of food for the meals we will serve.
 
The sign-up sheets will be in the gathering area. You can sign up to help and we will announce the dates when we will work when they have been assigned to us.
 
Pastor Paul's sermon on March 28 and 31 will touch on the important work done by Habitat for Humanity.
March Lunch Bunch
We are trying to keep it local because we never know how our weather will be. Therefore the location for our Lunch Bunch group on March 21st will be PJ Piper restaurant at W61 N514 Washington Ave, in Cedarburg. 11:30 AM is the time, so come and join us.
 
For more information or if you need transportation contact Lois Jeremiah 262-894-5290 (Call or text)
Save the Date! 2019 Alzheimer's Walk
2019's walk will be on October 5th. It may be far away, but our next Ozaukee County Alzheimer's walk is in the planning stages. I am happy to report that in 2018 Grace had 12 members and we collected $2005.00! That is awesome. I have started a team already, so save the date and become part of our team!

Trudi Biefeld
Register Now for Summer Camp! 
Ever thought about checking out Pine Lake Camp for your child or family? This is the year to make it happen! Pine Lake offers camps for children, youth and families. Camps range in length from one weekend to a week. It's a fun, faith-filled way to spend your summer! For more information, check out the display board in the gathering area or visit https://www.crosswayscamps.org/summer.html  Register by March 15 for early bird pricing.
Soda Pop Tab Collection Update
Thank you to everyone for saving their soda pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House!  We just found out that in addition to soda pop tabs, they also accept soup can tabs, cat food tabs, etc.  So please continue to save your tabs of all kinds through May.

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.
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:  Tuesday & Thursday (8-3)
 
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, March 24
At the 8:00 a.m. service: Marcia Vrankin is the assisting minister, Howard Vrankin is the reader, Piper Flaig is the acolyte, Linda Scott's team is ushering, Justin & Carol Newby are the greeters, Christy Loeffler is in the nursery, Steve Buchman is in the multimedia room, Judy Steffen is the communion assistant, Linda Scott has communion by Intinction set up, Linda Borkenhagen has coffee hour & Carlee Brooks is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service: Laurie Ziegler is the reader, Mel Trapp's team is ushering, A VOLUNTEER is needed to be the greeter, Sarah Newell is in the nursery, Greg Schwartz is in the multimedia room, Dana Moran & Darlyne Holle are the communion assistants, Ann Wolffmann has communion cleanup & A VOLUNTEER is needed at the Welcome Desk.
   
Responsibilities for Sunday, March 31
At the 8:00 a.m. service: Linda Borkenhagen is the assisting minister, Kathy Kehoe is the reader, Jerry Plyer's team is ushering, Justin & Carol Newby are the greeters, A VOLUNTEER is in the nursery, John Bernd is in the multimedia room with Tom Fugate, Jan Ernst is the communion assistant, Dan & Jan Ernst have communion by Intinction set up, Dan & Jan Ernst have coffee hour & Chris Vollmer is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service: Brooke Napiwocki is the reader, Claire Aspenson is the acolyte, Jon Aspenson's team is ushering, The Aspenson's are the greeters, Melinda Beloin is in the nursery, Owen Wolff is in the multimedia room, Wendy Freeland & Sherry Bublitz are the communion assistants, Ann Wolfframm has communion cleanup & Judy Kloehn is at the Welcome Desk.

Mar. 20, 2019
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