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

From the pastor...
Grace and Peace to you all,
A new day has dawned. A new month has arrived. So many new and exciting things are before us. I’m thrilled to be called to Grace UCC and look forward to meeting each of you and getting to know you, as you also get to know me! I have found that one of the best ways to connect, is to share stories. As we learn and grow together in this dance called ministry, I look forward to hearing your stories – both those that are affirming, as well as challenging – for they help us to show one another who we are.
Summer is a busy time in Wisconsin, since the season always seems too short. The days are seemingly longer and our lives seem to be getting more and more busy. In the fullness of these days, I share with you this prayer by Marian Wright Edelman:

O God, help me to feel Your presence everywhere I go today.
To see You in everyone I meet today.
To sense You in all I hear today.
To reflect You in all I do today.
To pray to and trust You in all I experience today.
To struggle to be like You in all I am today.
To speak of and for You in all I say today.
To thank You for everything every day.

Whether traveling or at home, tending to the need for fresh air and warm sunshine or
appreciating the coolness of the lake breeze (or air conditioning), may you find God’s presence and give thanks.

In Christ’s perfect love and peace,
Pastor Beth
Please make note of Rev Beth Petzke's Installation service at Grace United Church of Christ on September 23rd at 2pm. Beth will begin her ministry at Grace on July 2nd. We look forward to welcoming her and her family into the church family at Grace.
Click the below links for opportunities to help through time, talent and treasure
Church School News!
Also on summer sabbatical, the kids enjoyed a great time of fun and games (special thank you to Kelly Kasten for organizing the scavenger hunt and prizes).   
The church school needs a few more volunteers to help teach in the fall. Ideally 2 teachers please (we have openings in the youngsters and the oldsters ).   One Sunday a month would be your commitment, please contact Sandy Rabe or Pastor Beth if you have questions.
 
A review of Grace’s  safe sanctuary policy  reminds us that we should have a helper in each classroom to help support the needs of the class and ensure appropriate oversight. It works great when these are confirmed or confirmation age students but adults will not be turned away! We have 2 classes each Sunday X 4 a month so that means 8 helpers. Your commitment is then to be there one Sunday a month to lend a hand. Other changes need to be made to again comply with the safe sanctuary policy as our first responsibility is to provide a safe sanctuary for all at Grace UCC. Classes resume on Sunday, September 9 when we will be presenting several 2 nd  graders with their very own bible.
The choir is taking a well-deserved respite for the summer but looks forward to joining in the service as we welcome Pastor Beth on July 8 th .   

We are still seeking persons interested in sharing their musical talents for the summer. We would love to see and hear from you when you are ready to share your musical talents with the people of Grace. 

Senior Choir resumes practices on Wednesday, August 29 and will be prepared to lift their voices in harmony at the September 9 at the 10am service. We always welcome new voices....
7/1/2018
Deb TerMaat
Larry TerMaat
Tiffany TerMaat
7/8/2018
Carol Schoneman
Richard Schoneman
Betty Musil
7/15/2018
Mike Rolloff
Lisa Rolloff
Judy Kummer
7/22/2018
Tom Teaters
Anneke Teaters
Aaron Radder
7/29/2018
One more usher needed!
Aaron Radder
Dan Montgomery
Review of the Constitution and Rules of Procedure are underway and I wanted to thank Marge Horneck and Jim and Margie Price for rounding out this committee if detailed minded folks.  A few small edits to the Constitution will be reviewed with the Council and with the Congregation for final approval in due course. Meanwhile, we continue to tackle updating the Rules of Procedure (bylaws some might call them) that including key committees and responsibilities of the committees. When I am working on this I am reminded of a few words of wisdom from our former Interim Pastor Jack and so I share with you. It keeps me focused UPWARD in ALL things Grace –
 
  1. Keep your Hands and Eyes Open
  2. Live and Model the Art Glass Windows
  3. Give Room and Give Air to Differences
“Grace Church is an accepting community of faith, committed to growth through change.”
The Missions Committee asks that you donate new/ gently used books suitable for elementary-aged ( K. - 5th grades) children as our mission for June & July. These books will be sorted and delivered to immigrant/needy children in the fall.
Thank you,
The Missions Committee
Sundays at 9am
Grace UCC Spring Candle Sale
Spring reminds us of God’s ability to make all things new. Please help us raise money to celebrate the many new things Grace has coming soon… like our newly restored windows and our new pastor. 100% of the proceeds of these candles will go to Grace UCC. We hope you will celebrate these milestones with us, too! There are three fragrances to choose from: lilac, peony, and stormy nights. These candles make great gifts and come wrapped in a box with a scripture card celebrating spring. All candles are $15 each.  Candles can be purchased following worship or by placing your order online on our fundraising website by following this link:
A message from our Council President...
Off To a New Start
On July 2, Rev Beth Petzke will officially begin her ministry with us. We have been looking forward to moving forward as a church with Beth leading us. I look forward to an interesting journey.
As we work together in the coming months let us pray for the church and be mindful of our core values statemen t: “Grace Church is an accepting community of faith, committed to growth through change.”
We will be dealing with two new learning curves. That of our congregation and that of our new pastor. There will undoubtedly be points of misunderstanding and friction as we grow together. Let us be open and honest with one another and remember that we are bound together in covenant as God's people. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate through this together.

Faithfully,
Chuck Ebert
Council President
A message from SCIO...

Hello Partnering Churches,
Please help us spread the word on a few volunteer opportunities coming up, you can find a full list of our opportunities at the volunteer center website:


Children's Day Volunteers: volunteers help children complete different crafts and projects at the market (2 volunteers needed per day)

Wednesday, July 18 th  9:40-1pm
Thursday, July 19th 12:50-3pm
Saturday July 21 st  9:40-1pm
Wednesday, August 15 th  9:40-1pm
Thursday, August 16 th  12:50-3pm
Saturday, August 18 th  9:40-1pm

Other One time opportunities:
July 11th 9am-12: Bridgeway Appeal Mailing- (10 volunteers needed)

August 18th: SCIO day at the Market & Brat Fry 7am-2:30pm (volunteers needed for multiple shifts)

Please help in any way you can! And thank you for your support of SCIO
Thank you to LaVerne Gier for sponsoring Grace Notes for the month of July. Sponsors for Bridgeway and the bulletin are still needed. Please signup if you can help.

Thank you to Glenn & Cathy Valenstein, Betty Jones, LaVerne Gier, Sandy Rabe, and Richard & Carol Schoneman for providing flowers for the altar in July.
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