Grace and Peace to you all in this new year!
You may notice that in the advertisements following Christmas and into the new year, there always seems to be plenty of items highlighted and on sale to improve your life – exercise equipment, organizational items, health products, self-help items, etc. It’s as if the turning of the calendar should automatically make us driven to be healthier, more organized, and improved.
Do you make resolutions for the new year? It’s not something we often focus on in the church, at its most basic level, the everyday practice of being with others is the practice of loving our neighbors as ourselves. This spiritual practice doesn’t require any special equipment, location, products or books. It can be done anywhere by any one.
The prophet Isaiah (43:19) tells us, “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” So as you consider your resolutions for the year, or perhaps the things you want to improve, give up, or try new, consider the ways in which God is calling you to do a new thing. Let us be open to the possibilities.
Blessings,
Pastor Beth
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Dear Church Council & Members of Grace Church,
Thank you very much for the generous Christmas gift. It has been a pleasure for me to work with the council and use my talents for Grace Church.
Merry Christmas,
Dan Montgomery
Dear Grace Church,
I would like to wish everyone at Grace UCC a very Merry Christmas, and I would like to thank you all for the support and prayers you have given Helping Kids throughout 2019. I’d like to thank Pastor Petzke, and Laurie Joa for all their help and support throughout the year. With all your generous donations, financial support, and prayers
we all
have made a difference in the lives of many kids and their families. So far this school year we have helped 4 families with food during the summer, 93 kids received backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene products, 99 articles of clothing and or winter apparel has been given out, 10 kids received shoes or winter boots, 36 hygiene bags given out, and 2 families received a food box every month plus they received Thanksgiving & Christmas food boxes. Together with God’s helping hand we all made this possible. God has truly blessed your church and members with so many special gifts – His gift of kindness, His gift of compassion, and His gift of love for others. May our Lord and Savior richly bless everyone with good health, happiness, and lots of love in 2020. From the bottom of my heart I thank you all.
God’s richest blessings,
Kathy Rowe – Helping Kids
Dear Grace Church,
Thank you for the generous Christmas gift. I appreciate all of the kind words and appreciation that you have all extended to me throughout the year. I look forward to working with you again in the new year.
Peace & Love,
Marsha
Thank you to Jan & Vern Nigh for sponsoring the January bulletins as well as the Bridgeway Meal.
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.
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A member submitted this photo illustrating the generosity and concern for those who are in need this holiday season. We are blessed people and we share what we have with those who need it. Thank you for generously and faithfully supporting the Giving Tree.
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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.
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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.
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Thank you for the gifts that Grace Church has received this year. With 2019 coming to a close, please keep in mind that our church office is only staffed for limited hours. Offerings received on or before worship on Sunday, December 29th will be included on the 2019 contribution statements. Gifts received after December 29th will be recorded on 2020 giving statements.
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Friends and visitors of Grace that are interested learning more about joining the membership of Grace Church should contact the church office or speak directly with Pastor Beth so that you are included when details about a new member class is available.
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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.
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Sunday, December 29th
9am Worship
Sunday, January 26th
9am Worship
Congregation Annual Meeting
at 10am
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Grace needs a new meal coordinator for Emmaus Meals at the Salvation Army
Ann Ebert has faithfully served as the meal coordinator for our Emmaus Meals for many years as a part of her involvement in the Missions Committee (Many thanks Ann!) The Emmaus Meals have been one of Grace’s most successful community outreach programs. Please contact the church office or Pastor Beth if you’d like to volunteer to coordinate the Emmaus Meals for Grace church in 2020. Ann is willing to meet with any interested volunteers to ‘pass the torch’.
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December Worship Participants
Ushers
12/24 4pm Mike Rolloff and Paul Green
6:30pm Deb & Larry Ter Maat
12/25 10am Marge & Henry Horneck and Deb & Larry Ter Maat
12/29 9am Deb, Larry & Tiffany Ter Maat
1/5 8am Rick Weeden
10am Larry & Deb Ter Maat and Dennis Kampmann
1/12 8am Mike Wandschneider
10am Richard & Carol Schoneman and Betty Musil
1/19 8am Cathy & Glenn Valenstein
10am Mike & Lisa Rolloff and Aaron Radder
1/26 9am Tom & Anneke Teaters and Karen Groth
Acolytes
12/29 (9am) Janna Fenger
1/5 (10am) Brooklyn Ter Maat
1/12 (10am) Allie Finney
1/19 (10am) Anna Becker
1/26 (9am) Matthew Leonhard
Liturgists
12/24 (6:30pm) Marge Horneck
12/25 (10am) David Rabe
12/29 (9am) Molly Montgomery
1/5 (10am) Marge Horneck
1/12 (10am) Phylis Preder
1/19(10am) Pat Forkner
1/26 (9am) David Rabe
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Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
There are many lessons from having a yoga practice. Moving through the poses we learn about frustration, persistence, and overcoming challenges. We also learn that success often doesn't occur immediately, but through effort over time. Words can't explain the feeling of finally moving into a pose that has been a challenge for so long. Not much beats it.
But one of the greatest lessons of a yoga practice is the lesson of starting over and beginning things anew. Each time we step onto our mat, it's an opportunity to begin again. No matter what has occurred in the past, this is a new practice and a new opportunity to grow. This applies to life as well. The past has occurred and is done. The future is unknown. Today is what we have to live our practice.
The second is the importance of having a community. While yoga is a solo practice on some ways, having a group to share the practice is pivotal. I remember going through my yoga teacher training (it wasn't that long ago). The group was your support through challenges and celebrated the successes with you. It truly made a difference.
As we begin a new year, consider how this applies to your life. Perhaps it's a new adventure, breaking an old habit, or making some other life change. Each day brings new opportunity and a time to begin again. Have a community you feel supports you and you can support them. This can be your family, your friends, your church, or one that challenges you to grow and understand who you are.
Much like our yoga practice, each time we come to the mat it's a fresh start. This year will be your year for success. It just begins with one pose, then two, then on from there until your sequence is created.
Join us for Yin Yoga on Monday evenings at 5:30pm at Grace.
All are welcome!
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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. Each sponsorship is $40.
Thank you for your generosity. We couldn't do it without you!
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As 2019 comes to a close it is important to note that we are running at a $14,358 deficit in the general fund. Please review your giving to Grace Church for the 2019 calendar year and consider making a gift to the church to support our ongoing ministries.
Submitted by: Dan Montgomery
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Our closets are in need of attention. Some of the storage areas of the church are overflowing! As we begin a fresh start with a new year, it is a great time for us to inventory, organize, donate, sell, and/or throw out what is no longer used or needed. Join us at 9am on Jan 11th.
Submitted by: Marge Horneck
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The January Mission of the Month will be the Mitten Tree. Donations of Hats, Scarves & Mittens will be received throughout the month. Take advantage of the holiday sales and start hanging your donations on the tree in the back room! The children of Sheboygan Falls Elementary will appreciate your generosity.
Submitted by: Ann Ebert- The Missions Committee
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The Annual Congregational Meeting is planned for January 26 at 10am. All members of the church are invited and encouraged to attend.
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