Grace United Church of Christ
500 School Street • Kohler, Wisconsin 53044
Rev Beth Petzke, Pastor
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Grace and Peace to you all!
In anticipating of Thanksgiving, I share with you a poem by Joyce Rupp:
Gratitude
To be grateful for what is
instead of underscoring what is not.
To find good amid the unwanted aspects of life,
without denying the presence of the unwanted.
To focus on beauty in the little things of life,
as well as being deliberate about the great beauties of art, literature, music, and nature.
To be present to one’s own small space of life,
while stretching to the wide world beyond it.
To find something to laugh about in every day,
even when there seems nothing to laugh about.
To search for and to see the good in others,
rather than remembering their faults and weaknesses.
To be thankful for each loving deed done by another,
no matter how insignificant it might appear.
To taste life to the fullest,
and not take any part of it for granted.
To seek to forgive others for their wrongdoings,
even immense ones, and to put the past behind.
To find ways to reach out and help the disenfranchised,
while also preserving their dignity and self-worth.
To be as loving and caring as possible,
in a culture that consistently challenges their virtues.
To remember to say or send “thank you”
for whatever comes as a gift from another.
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In celebration of Thanksgiving, use your creativity to write a poem, create a piece of art, or express yourself for all that God has given you. What are you thankful for at this season in your life?
As God has blessed you, may you be a blessing to everyone you meet.
Peace,
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 Margaret Widder for sponsoring the Bridgeway, the bulletins and Grace Notes for the month of November.
Thank you to Betty Jones and Margie & Jim Price for sponsoring altar flowers this month.
Thank you to the choir for the beautiful music they create to enhance worship. And to Audrey Braatz for her leadership she is an inspiration to all.
A heartfelt thanks from the Missions Committee to all who helped make Saturday's Emmaus meal a success. The serving team was terrific and worked together so very well, serving 125 first plates and 62 second plates. We had delicious cookies and bars, fruit, tomatoes and of course, sloppy joes and chips provided by you, the congregation through your generous donations of food and money. We are grateful for the support given in preparing and serving this meal. Thank you!
-The Missions Committee
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Thank you to the Missions Committee for coordinating another successful Emmaus meal. Thanks also to all those that supported this ministry with prayers, as well as donations of food and time to serve the meals.
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On October 14, we gathered to celebrate and rededicate the stain glass/art glass windows following the update of the window coverings. Church historians Marilyn Hanson and Mary Risseeuw shared the history of the windows, details about the artist, and stories of the visuals represented in the windows. Thanks to all who made this improvement possible through generous financial support.
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Thank you to the “Mueller sisters” for your decorating expertise and dedication to make our sanctuary beautiful each and every season.
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Sue & John Fenger, their daughter Janna has joined the Confirmation class
The Fengers were drawn to Grace because of they found the people to be friendly.
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Michael Finney
Michael is married to Christy Hitchcock. He was drawn to Grace because of the small, close community.
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Jean Leftwich
Jean was drawn to Grace because of the peace, and sense of family she finds here. Jean is in a relationship with Jim Limberg.
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Lin Van Kovering & Will Hollingsworth
Lin & Will were drawn to Grace by the small, friendly congregation, the great choir, and God's love.
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Dan & Beth Petzke
Beth & Dan were drawn to Grace when Beth was called to be our pastor.
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Let the saints be joyful in glory.
-from Psalm 149
On Sunday, November 4
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, we will be celebrating All Saints’ Day. On this day, we remember those in the Christian faith who have died at both worship services. We will be remembering those members who have died since All Saints’ Day 2017.
This is an important part of our congregational life. We invite you and your family and friends to join us for worship as we honor the memory of your loved one.
We hope that you will be able to be with us on November 4. Please invite other members of your family or friends to this special day. All are welcome! If you have a loved one who you would like to be named and honored in prayer, please let Pastor Beth or the church office know by Friday, November 2 via phone or E-mail.
If you have any questions, please call the church 920-452-6795.
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Join us on Nov 3 at 9am and Nov
4 at 11am as we work together to tend to building and landscaping needs at the church and parsonage. There is a signup sheet and chore list in the foyer, add your name!
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On Wednesday, November 21
at 7 p.m.,
we will join in worship to share in a Service of Thanksgiving. Communion will be served and the choir will be singing.
All are welcome!
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We Extend our Christian Sympathy to the family of Robert J Kummer. Robert entered life eternal on October 20, 2018. Services were held on October 26 at Zimmer Westview. Here is a link to
Robert's obituary
. Please keep Judy and the rest of their family in your thoughts and prayers.
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Just a few highlights to bring to your mind as we begin the closing process of the year. By the time you read this, the Council will have met to review the preliminary budget for the coming year. You can look for a congregational meeting soon for the purpose of approving the budget.
The Council is finding many committees of the Church are not functioning – some just barely getting by and others not getting by at all.
Soon you will receive information to consider your Time and Talent to benefit Grace Church in and of itself and our greater mission work. We will be holding listening sessions in the new year so that together we might re-evaluate the function of the inner workings of Grace Church and take a second look at current practices and procedures.
As the Church Council begins the work of securing nominations for the upcoming council, we may enlist a short-term committee to help with soliciting members in good standing and secure nominations for the upcoming council.
Both Chuck (Ebert) and Margy (Horneck) will be stepping off the Council. Two new Council members are need for the new term.
Sandy Rabe, Interim President
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Please welcome new council member Lisa Rolloff. She was voted in following the congregational meeting on October 7, 2018 to fulfill an unexpired term.
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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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Poinsettias for the Christmas season can be purchased in honor or in memory of loved ones.
Poinsettias will be used to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day worship and can be picked up and taken home following Christmas Day worship. Order envelopes are available in the foyer area. Please return order envelopes to the church office by Nov 12
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We continue to be blessed with many talented musicians that fill the sanctuary with beautiful music on a regular basis and many talented hands that provide the seasonal changes that round out a meaningful and inspiring worship experience.
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The KIDS OF GRACE will be pleased to collect monies to raise funds to help the mission work of UNICEF, a seasoned organization that works to help children across the world. Look for pictures on Grace’s Facebook page soon from the UNICEF party and see all the fun you can having raising awareness for others less fortunate.
New Materials! Wow – it is really going great. Stand in a class any Sunday and see the Holy Moly and the Picture the Bible materials at work. The kids are retaining and enjoying the new stuff – the teachers and I are very pleased with it!
Speaking of teachers --- we are still lacking a teacher for the younger and the older classroom. Why don’t you come and see how easy teaching these materials can be. You are really missing something special by not being a part of the youth at Grace UCC.
The kids will sing in worship on November 18 and four weeks (yikes!) after that will be the Christmas Program.
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Did you know that Texas Roadhouse offers a Sunday bulletin program to support local churches
. On Sundays between 11am and 9:30pm, 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. So if you go out for lunch or dinner on Sundays, consider patronizing Texas Roadhouse.
Lakeland University Mission House Lecture: So Many Ways of Saying God
This program will explore the ways in which faith is being remade for the modern age through a dialogue between two acclaimed authors: Christian Wiman, a professor in religion and literature at Yale Divinity School, published poet and former editor of Poetry magazine; and Barton Sutter, retired faculty member of University of Wisconsin in Superior, winner of the Minnesota Book Award and author of the newly published book of poems,
Nordic Accordion
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Thurs., Nov. 1 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Free
Younger Family Campus Center, second floor
Lakeland University for REAL (Religious Education, Awareness and Literacy) Program: Understanding Buddhism
Join us for an evening of enriching learning and discussion on Buddhism, a form of religious observance with steadily increasing numbers of adherents in the United States. Dr. Paul Norton, a practicing Mahayana Buddhist in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh and President of the Mindfulness Community of Milwaukee, will be our guide for the evening. Dr. Norton will provide an overview of Buddhist tradition and practice, and respond to questions from participants.
Mon., Nov. 12, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Free
Younger Family Campus Center, second floor
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Tai Chi Classes coming to Grace
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. This gentle form of exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life. Tai Chi is often described as "meditation in motion."
We will meet weekly in the sanctuary. All are welcome no matter if you've practiced Tai Chi or not. You are invited to wear comfortable, loose clothing. The time is free but donations are welcome. Michael Finney will lead classes on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. beginning November 5, 2018. All are welcome. Bring a friend!
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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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The 'church mice' would appreciate help decorating for the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons. Please contact Linda Billmann or the church office if you're willing to help or sign up in the foyer and you'll be kept in the loop.
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In an effort to celebrate and record our history, please forward any photos of Grace church events to the church office.
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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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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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