| Grace Notes Email Newsletter |
Next RIC Adult Forum on January 19
Please join the Adult Forum between services on the 19th as we take a look at the proposed welcome statement for Grace. To become a Reconciling in Christ congregation, the only requirements are to write a welcome statement that names LGBTQ people in it and adopt it as a congregation. We look forward to sharing the statement with you and continuing our discussion.
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This Week's Sermon: "Speaking the Truth in Love"
Both Pastors will preach together on Matthew 18 & Ephesians 4 these texts are central to how we communicate as Christians. The church is not a place free from conflict or disagreement but we strive to handle these things in a loving & honest manner. As God's people, we are called to work through our conflicts, not run from them. The way we practice handling conflict & offering forgiveness here on earth helps us to prepare for life in heaven.
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5K Lord's Prayer Event-Jan 19
On Sunday, January 19 during Education Hour, our 5K students and their parent/s will be gathering for a special Lord's Prayer event. During the event, we will take a deeper look at the prayer Jesus taught us. Please plan to attend Education Hour with your child on this date! In addition, the 5K kids will be leading The Lord's Prayer as a group in worship on Sunday, February 9.
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Thursday Evening Bible Study
The Parables of Jesus
Matthew 25 - "The Parable of the Talents"
This week we are studying the "Parable of the Talents", which stresses the importance of living to serve God and also to be prepared for the unexpected. Jesus told this parable to stress to his followers how they always needed to be doing godly work; ready for the coming of the "Kingdom of Heaven". Join us at 7:30 p.m. for our study.
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JYG Lock-In on Friday Night
We have a big group of middle school students attending our Junior Youth Group Lock-In on Friday night. The kids will play games, eat . . . a lot, do a group service project to help others, have a devotion and faith discussion and maybe even get a little sleep.
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Our Nicaragua Mission Trip
On Monday, February 3, our group flies to Nicaragua to spend time working with Missionary Meg Boren, the members of the Circle of Empowerment and the people of Nicaragua. The members of our group are Joan Tuttle, Janet Sladky, Bob Crevensten, Susan Straus, Judy Spencer, Samantha Bulgerin, Karen Bulgerin and Pastor Paul.
When the group is there, they will do some work projects, but Meg really wants them to meet the people, so they will be involved in a session promoting the new renal health program and an event for youth leaders in the local communities. Please keep our mission group in your prayers for safe travels and a meaningful experience bringing the people of Grace closer to the people of Nicaragua. The group will return on February 12.
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Family Promise Week Begins January 26th
Grace is hosting its first Family Promise week of 2020 beginning January 26th and it needs Grace participants to ensure it runs smoothly for our guests!
Signups are available now and we have a huge need for volunteers to help with Setup on Sunday, January 26th from 11 am - 1 pm, Take down on Sunday February 2nd from 6:30 am-8 am as well as Overnight hosts, Meal Preppers and Evening Hosts.
Grace partners with Pilgrim UCC to staff the Family Promise program but it takes a lot of volunteers committing to short stints throughout the hosting weeks to make the program flow smoothly. Prayerfully consider where you can add to this ministry and use the Signup Genius link on the Grace website, under the Ministry Tab, to schedule yourself.
Training is available! Contact Aaron, at 608-239-3423, for more information.
We are looking forward to another year of partnership with Pilgrim, Family Promise and our wonderful Grace volunteers. Please join us!
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Script Orders Due Sunday!
Scrip Orders are due THIS SUNDAY (1/19). Current bonuses include Buffalo Wild Wings at 10% and Dominos at 11%. Starting on Saturday Home Depot will be on 7% bonus rebate. To place your order visit shopwithscrip.com. Paper order forms are available on the Grace website or in the church office. If you need to make an account use the enrollment code B7BAC4F663645. Contact Chantal Murack at cmurack@uwalumni.com with any questions. Checks should be made payable to Grace.
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You Can Donate Items for the Nicaragua Mission Trip
Yesterday, you received a special "Grace Notes" email asking for donations which can be delivered by our Grace Nicaragua mission trip group going there next month. These are items Missionary Meg says are especially needed right now.
We are collecting prenatal and chewable children's vitamins. There is also a need for new children's flip flops and underwear and clothing for boys and girls, sizes 2-6. There is a collection spot in the gathering area where you can drop off your donations. Please have them here by January 26.
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Annual Meeting is on January 26
Our Grace Lutheran annual meeting will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 26. At the meeting we will elect those who will serve in various ways this year: on our church council, as voting members at the synod assembly in May and on our Nominating Committee this fall. We will also hear details of our congregational ministry plans for 2020, learn about the process of revising our church constitution and then discuss and vote on our proposed 2020 church budget. Please take the time to be part of this important work we do as a congregation.
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Help Our Teens
Come to the Chili Lunch on January 26
Our HYPE high school youth group is sponsoring its annual chili lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 26. This is just before the annual meeting. Free-will donations will be accepted to help our teens raise money for their mission trip to North Carolina in July. Our young people will spend time there helping families recover from the hurricanes which hit their area these past two years.
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Sunday School All-Family Event: February 16
All Sunday School students in 3K-5th grade AND their parents should plan to join us for an All-Family event during Education Hour on Sunday, February 16. We'll be taking a closer look at Communion. Whether your child is already receiving communion, or they are looking forward to taking their first communion down the road, this will be a fun and exciting way for us all to learn more about this gift God gives us. No need to RSVP, just join us in Fellowship Hall during Education Hour.
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New Women's Bible Study
Women, join together in learning and discovering more in the gospel of Matthew. We will use a study guide to take us from the birth of Christ to his death on the cross. Meetings will take place on the first and third Sundays of the month,
February 16 - June 7, at Grace from 6-7pm. Cost is $14 for the book.
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Pine Lake Camp Registration Now Open!
Grace youth and families have been spending time at Pine Lake Camp in Waupaca for several generations. Whether you're interested in "traditional" camp for 1st-12th graders, family camp, grandparent/grandkid camp or Piece Together Camp (for families with members on the Autism Spectrum), Pine Lake has something for everyone! Find out more information about all of the different camps online: https://www.crosswayscamps.org/summer.html. Registrations received before March 15 will receive an early bird discount. Check out some Grace camp photos on the poster board in the gathering area.
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Crossways Couples Retreat at Pine Lake Camp
Couples Retreat at Pine Lake Camp on February 7th (7pm) - February 9th (Noon).
Enjoy Pine Lake Camp for a weekend away as an investment in your relationship February 7th-9th.
Take time for the two of you and share in the company of other couples as well. Evergreen Lodge
includes private rooms and semi-private baths with linens provided. Visit
www.crosswayscamps.org/adult-retreats
for more information and registration.
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Lunch Bunch
January's get together will be local because you never know what the weather might be.
So January 16th is the date and we're back to our regular time of 11:30 am. The restaurant of choice is Atlas Barbecue in downtown Grafton.
Come join us for good food and lively conversation.
If you need transportation or have questions call/text 262-894-5290. We hope to see you there.
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RNT Event on February 12
Next RNT Event is lunch on Wednesday, February 12that Atlas BBQ in Grafton,11:30 am. Please RSVP to Barb Wrolstad by Friday, February 7th at brwrolstad@sbcglobal.com or text her at 414-412-8330.
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Save the Date for Vacation Bible School
If you're an early summer vacation planner, save the date for VBS: August 3-7. This summer we'll be venturing to the Knights of the North Castle, where we'll undertake a quest for the king's armor! Registration will begin in May.
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There is an Easy Way to Help Grace Earn Extra Money! Have You Signed Up for the Scrip Program?
There is an easy way to help Grace earn money - please tell me more!! Grace has recently joined the Scrip program. The Script program? What is that? And how will it help Grace?
When you sign up for the Scrip program and shop as you normally shop at participating stores, you can help give hundreds of dollars each year to Grace. It is that simple!
How do you sign up?
Well it is easy, just go to www.shopwithscrip.com and sign up. You will need to use our organization code (B7BAC4F663645). You can also do it on the Scrip app on your phone.
How does it work?
- After you sign up, you go onto the Scrip app on your phone or log into your scrip account on your computer, look at the ALL of the stores that participate.
- Once you find the stores you shop at you can order a gift card.
- Gift cards come in two forms: Physical gift card or E-gift card. Choose what kind you would like to have & place your order.
- If you choose an physical gift card, you need to place your order (on your scrip site) by the 3rd Sunday of the month at 12:00 p.m.
- They will be delivered to church & can be picked up later that week. E-gift cards will come directly to your Scrip wallet on your app & usually are available to use that same day.
How do you pay?
There are two ways to pay for your Scrip orders. You can write a check to Grace Lutheran Church (put your check in Chantal Murack's church mailbox) or you can sign up to use PrestoPay (Scrip's online payment). You just choose your payment type when you check out.
How does it help Grace?
Every time you purchase a gift card or e-gift card a percentage of the purchase goes to Grace. So if you shop at Pickn' Save buy a Roundy's gift card. Roundy's has a 4% donation. So if you buy a $100 gift card that means Grace earns $4.00! Can you imagine if everyone at church joined how much money we could earn just by shopping!!
If you have any questions or need help signing up please contact Chantal Murack, cmurack@uwalumni.com.
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Mt. Meru Coffee Project is Celebrating 20 years!
Your efforts have been helping to improve the standard of living for the coffee farmers of the Meru Diocese in Tanzania for 20 years. The increased income to these farm families is being used to educate their children, to access needed health care, and to support their congregations. Stay up to date on the Facebook page and learn more about its history on the web site:
www.mtmerucoffee.org
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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 (262)375-0997.
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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:
Monday: 12:30-3,
Tuesday: 8-12 & 12:30-3,
Wednesday: 8-10:30,
Thursday: 8-12
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.
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| 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 |
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Responsibility List
Responsibilities for Sunday, January 19
At the 8:00 a.m. service:
Ed Borkenhagen is the assisting minister, Jodi Doro is the reader, Gavin Lempke is the acolyte, Dan Ernst's team is ushering, Jim & Kathy Kehoe are the greeters, A VOLUNTEER is in the nursery, Scott Steffen is in the multimedia room, Christy Loeffler is the communion assistant, Dan & Jan Ernst has communion by Intinction set up, Kim Beloin is hosting coffee hour & Diane Kiesow is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service:
Karen Johnson is
the reader, Makenzie Herther is the acolyte, Jason Traxel's team are the ushers, Julia Wolff is the greeter, A VOLUNTEER is in the nursery, Steven Beloin is in the multimedia room, Sarah Brogni & VOLUNTEER are the communion assistants, Sarah Brogni has communion cleanup & Brooke Napiwocki is at the Welcome Desk.
Responsibilities for Sunday, January 26
At the 8:00 a.m. service:
Marcia Vrankin is the assisting minister, Scott Nielsen is the reader, Emily Freymuth is the acolyte, Mark Koehler's team is ushering, Ed & Sandy Schlicht are the greeters, A VOLUNTEER is in the nursery, Steve Buchman is in the multimedia room, Linda Borkenhagen is hosting coffee hour & Judy Steffen is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service:
VOLUNTEER is needed to be
the reader, Joshua Stauske is the acolyte, Chris Eippert's team are the ushers, VOLUNTEER is the greeter, A VOLUNTEER is in the nursery, Darlyne Holle is in the multimedia room & Laurie Gosselin is at the Welcome Desk.
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