Grace Notes Email Newsletter


Keep Voting ALC!
The Adult Literacy Center, located right here at Grace, has the opportunity to win a $1,600 grant from First Bank Financial Centre.  We're up in the polls, but the vote runs all month, so we don't want to lose momentum!!  Make sure to Vote for the ALC every 24 hours on every device (computer, iPad, phone, etc).  Vote online at  https://www.fbfcwi.com/160 and scroll way down to the bottom.  Thank you for your support!  Keep it going!

Your Grace Office Staff
This Week's Sermon: "The All-Important Formula of Faith"
This week I am beginning a three-part sermon series on some of the key biblical passages from the letters of the Apostle Paul. We begin with Romans 5:1-5 where Paul, speaking of the power of faith through Jesus Christ, tells believers that when difficulties and suffering come upon us faith will help us through endurance, which then produces Christian character which creates hope. Hope never disappoints us, says Paul.
 
We all face difficulties and suffering in our lives. Paul knew all about this. His words in Romans 5 show us how faith makes us strong even in the weakest times of our lives.
Scrip Orders are Due This Sunday
If you want to order gift cards to use through the Grace Scrip program our next order date is this Sunday, June 16. You can order your cards online. Payment can either be made online or you can bring a check to church on Sunday and put it in the Director of Involvement's mail box (the top right one) in the staff and council mailboxes outside of the church office. Checks need to be turned in by noon on Sunday.
 
In May we made $138 for the church. We can do a lot more! It is easy to get involved with Scrip and it certainly helps out our church.
 
Follow this link to our church website to get the information you need.
 
If you're not familiar with the program and want to get started just go to www.shopwithscrip.com and sign up with our organization code (LECAL22F63645). Contact Chantal Murack, cmurack@uwalumni.com , with any questions.
Thursday Evening Bible Study - Revelation 21
"The New Jerusalem"
We will finish our study of Revelation in the next two weeks. Our topic tomorrow is John's vision of the beautiful "New Jerusalem" which comes down from heaven after God has won the final victory over the powers of sin and death. This magnificent vision depicts a city enlightened by the glory of God. It is a wonderful sight to behold. Join us at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow for our study.
7th Grade Confirmation Students Leave for Camp on Sunday!
Please send prayers to our 7th grade confirmation students as they leave for Confirmation Camp on Sunday.  We hope they have a great time and stay safe. 
Crossways Capital Campaign: Rooted in Faith, Growing to Serve
During the month of June, we will be learning more about the ministry of Crossways Camps and the capital campaign they are doing now to expand and support their ministries. 
 
Crossways is a group of three Lutheran Camps: Pine Lake (where Grace attends), Imago Dei Village, and Waypost.  They provide program and retreat experiences to a wide range of individuals of all ages.  We go there for confirmation camp, 8th and 9th grade retreats, Lydia Circle/Women's Retreats, and Family Camp. 
 
In 2017 nearly 4,000 people participated in Crossways experiences! 
 
Many Grace members have been blessed and strengthened in faith form their time at Crossways camps.  We look forward to sharing more about camp with you, and invite you to prayerfully consider making a gift to their capital campaign.  If you'd like to check out their website, it's www.crosswayscamps.org
 
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Heidi & Katie Eippert
Another Thrivent Action Team Grant Helps Grace
Thanks to our most recent $250 Action Team from Thrivent Financial, we were able to purchase 250 tempered glass plates and 60 bowls for our church kitchen. This means we won't need to use disposable plates any more for meals at church. This is good for the environment and will save us money. We also have nicer plates and bowls for serving meals for Family Promise, funerals and other gatherings. If you are a Thrivent member you are eligible to apply for two Action Team grants each year. Talk to the church staff if you would like to help out in some way.
Remember Your Summer Offerings!
Through the end of May our offerings have been strong and we are just about where we thought we would be for the year. However, offerings usually fall off during the summer months as people travel. Please make sure that you keep up-to-date on your giving to the church so that our offerings stay on-track. Thank you for your generosity to the Lord's work.
Volunteers Needed for "God's Work Our Hands" Day
It's still over three months until our annual day of congregational service in September, but now is the time to begin planning for "God's Work Our Hands" day on Sunday, September 15. Pastor Paul is looking for a group of people to work with him in organizing and planning for the day. If you would like to be part of this group, or if you have a good idea for a work project for that day, please let him know.
Register Now for VBS!
Now is the time to register for Vacation Bible School at Grace.  VBS runs August 5-9 from 9 to noon each.  Join us for a week of faith and fun as we explore where God's power can take us.  VBS is open to students entering 3K-6th grade in the fall.  Register online at  www.GraceGrafton.com .  Register your family and invite a friend!  Space is limited to the first 150 students, and we are already well over halfway there.
Pick Up a Planet and Donate to VBS
Want to help with food or supplies for VBS?  Pick up a planet hanging from the ceiling outside of the worship center.  Thank you in advance for your donations!
VBS Donations Needed 
As we gear up for VBS, we're also looking for several items that you may have around your house.  We're in need of the following items: flat sheets of cardboard, shoe boxes, small boxes, large boxes, coffee canisters, lava lamps, black lights, outer space theme décor, Styrofoam balls of all sizes and vinyl kick balls. If you are donating the items, please make sure to write your name on them!  Drop off your items in the office or the 3K Sunday School Room.
Make a Splash for Jesus-July 21
You and your family and friends are invited to join Grace for our annual Make a Splash for Jesus Pool Party on Sunday, July 21.  We'll meet outside of the Grafton Pool at 9:00am for a camp-style worship service.  Bring a chair or towel to sit on.  Then we'll enjoy open swim and unlimited snow cones from 9:30am-11:30am.  Please bring your own snacks and beverages, as the concession stand will not be open.  Sign up your family and invite a friend!  The signup sheet is posted in the gathering space.  This year, we received a Thrivent grant to help cover the cost of the pool rental, so donations from the event will go towards Crossways Camp's Capital Campaign.  
Lunch Bunch
Come join us on June 20th for lunch at the Prime Minister restaurant in Thiensville. They have a tremendous menu so you'll surely be able to make a selection. The restaurant is located at 525 N. Main Street, so join us at 11:30 AM.
 
If you join us you can help us select the restaurant for the next month. We always like to try new places. If you need transportation or have questions you can contact Lois Jeremiah, 262-894-5290. call/text.
Mark Your Calendars:  Grace Annual Outdoor Worship and
 Picnic on June 30th
We have a special day planed for Sunday, June 30. The outdoors worship service will be held on the north lawn at 10:00 a.m. Fun fellowship follows the service as we share a meal and have activities and games for the kids.  The sign-up sheet for the picnic is posted in the gathering area. Please let us know if you are going to attend so that we can plan accordingly for hamburgers, brats and hot dogs. 
 
This will be a pot luck lunch with side dishes and desserts, so please also sign up for that if you are able to bring something to share.  A free-will offering will be taken to help cover costs for the food.
We are Still Waiting for the Habitat Build to Start
I know many of you signed up to help with the new Habitat for Humanity build in Grafton. Work on the new project has still not begun as the Ozaukee chapter of Habitat continues to secure the final funding needed to start work and also to find qualified potential home owners. We will keep you informed on where things stand. Once work begins we will organize volunteer work and meal crews.
Outreach For Hope Bike Ride
Plan to join in the fellowship, family and faith of the Outreach for Hope Family Bike on Saturday Sept. 7, 2019. You will be in great company of bike riders & volunteers, moms & dads, kids & grown-ups and serious and casual bicyclists. Online registration at ofhbikeride.com is set to open on June 21. Three ride locations to choose from: Waukesha, Ozaukee, and - new this year - Racine/Kenosha Counties. Road and trail rides are available for both the experienced and family-friendly bike riders. Hit the pedals to have fun and raise funds for 20+ Outreach for Hope - funded ministries.
Choose Your Responsibility Dates for the Summer!
Visit our website to view the links to our Summer 2019 Sign Up Genius page for each area. Our winter session will run from May 26 - September 1. 
 
If you did not check off one of these responsibilities on your Time & Talents form, you are welcome to volunteer as well.  We will provide training for anyone who needs it.  Use the links on the website to access the sign up form (you will only need to enter your name and email address).  If you do not feel comfortable signing up on your own, you can call Lisa Bernd in the church office at 262.377.4770 and she can sign you up.
 
 
Areas:
  • Assisting Minister
  • Communion Assistant
  • Communion Set Up/Cleanup
  • Communion Linen Care
  • Readers
  • Greeters
  • Nursery 
  • Multi-Media Room
  • Welcome Desk
  • Usher
Thank you all for volunteering for the ministries at Grace.  Each of you plays an important role in helping to keep Grace running!
Volunteers Needed for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly!
Every three years, the ELCA has an assembly with voting members from each of the 52 synods.  They vote on policies, social statements, leaders, and other important issues.  This summer, Milwaukee is hosting the assembly at the Wisconsin Center from August 5-10! They are looking for volunteers to do a wide variety of tasks.  If you can help, check out this link and see if there is job you feel you can do!  Pastor Heidi is attending as a voting member for the synod this year, so she can tell you more about what is happening if you have questions. 

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:  Monday: 2-4,  Tuesday: 8-4,  Wednesday: 8-10,  Thursday: 8-4 
 
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, June 16
At the 9:00 a.m. service: Brooke Napiwocki is the reader, Mason Lempke is the acolyte, Mel Trapp's team is ushering, Jane Johnson is the greeter, A VOLUNTEER is in the multimedia room, Judy Steffen is the communion assistant, Sue Korinek has communion by Intinction set up & cleanup, Brooke Napiwocki is at the Welcome Desk & Joan Tuttle & Jessica VanSluys are hosting coffee hour.

Responsibilities for Sunday, June 23
At the 9:00 a.m. service: Marcia Vrankin is the assisting minister, A VOLUNTEER is needed to be the reader, Sarah Meinecke is the acolyte, Chris Utecht's team is ushering, Sandy Luettgen is the greeter, Scott Steffen is in the multimedia room, DeeAnn Fugate is the communion assistant, Dan & Jan Ernst has communion by Intinction set up & cleanup, Janet Sladky is at the Welcome Desk & A VOLUNTEER is needed to host coffee hour.

June 12 2019
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