Grace Notes Email Newsletter


Welcome Back from the Boundary Waters
On Saturday night our group from the boundary waters returns to Grafton.  Keep all of the travelers in your prayers as the make their way home.  We look forward to hearing all about their exciting adventure.

Your Grace Office Staff
This Week's Message: "What Do You Choose to Remember?"
This week we hear from the familiar story of the Good Samaritan, who helped a man who had been robbed, beaten & left for dead.  This time, we will consider the story from the point of view of the man who was hurt.  How did he remember what happened to him?  How do our experiences & our memories shape our lives & where is God in the parts of life that beat us down?
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.  
Try Jubilation Choir this Summer!
Have you ever wanted to try the choir?  The Jubilation Choir would like to invite you to come try us out for a rehearsal and service this summer.  No experience is necessary, just a love for singing to our God!  We will rehearse on Thursday, July 25 from 7:20-8:30 pm in the music room (across from the coat room) and sing during the 9:00 service on Sunday, July 28.  If you're interested, please contact Eryn Durlam for more details or to sign up.
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 (LECAL22F63645). 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.
  • 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 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. 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.
Thank You to All Who Voted for 
The Adult Literacy Center!
On behalf of all our tutors & students, thank you for your support & votes! The Adult Literacy Center was the recipient of the First Bank Financial Centre $1600 charitable donation for the month of June!
Japanese Delegation Visit--July 18
Join the Adult Literacy Center on Thursday, July 18 from 10:00am to noon at Grace for a visit from a group of Japanese travelers from the Friendship Force.  The visitors and their guides will be meeting at Grace for some round table discussions about a variety of topics from cars to celebrities to ordering off a menu and everything in between.  We'll begin with a coffee social and then break out into smaller groups to practice their English and learn something about their culture as well. You don't need to prepare anything, just come and visit with the delegation. It's a great way for you to meet other people from around the world and learn about new cultures. If you are interested in attending email Katie at Katie@GraceGrafton.com.
Sunday School Staff Meeting-August 21
Sunday School Teachers, mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 21 from 7-8pm for a Sunday School Staff Meeting.  Questions?  Contact Katie.
VBS Work Night: July 25
Join us on Thursday, July 25 from 6:30-8:00pm for a VBS Work Night.  We'll be working on creating the décor used around church during Vacation Bible School.  Stop by for the entire evening or just a few minutes.  Projects for all creativity and age levels will be available!  We appreciate your help in turning Grace into Mars and beyond!  Questions?  Email Katie at Katie@GraceGrafton.com.
Thank You for Your VBS Donations!
Thank you to everyone who picked up a VBS planet.  Thanks to you all, over $600 in supplies and materials will be donated to VBS!  If your item is non-perishable, you may drop it off anytime before July 28.  Thank you again for supporting this important ministry at Grace!
Looking for Sunday School Teachers
Several of our long-time Sunday School teachers will be "retiring" this year due to children aging out of the program.  If you have ever considered volunteering in our Sunday School program, now is the time to help!  You can volunteer every week or be on a rotation schedule.  We need station leaders (where you plan the lessons) and classroom leaders (where you stick with the same group of kids and just make sure things are going as planned).  If you are interested, please contact Katie at Katie@GraceGrafton.com.
God's Work Our Hands - Food Packing Program
We are starting to plan for "God's Work Our Hands" day of service on Sunday, September 15. This year we are going to "up our game" and want to have our big project for the day be packing meals for "Rise Against Hunger", an international aid organization. Our goal will be to get forty volunteers to package 10,000 meals that day. This will be a great activity. You'll receive a lot more information about this and the other projects for "God's Work Our Hands" day of service starting in mid-July.
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.
JYG Lock-In on July 16-17
JYG Youth (incoming 6th to outgoing 8th) are invited to the JYG summer Lock-in on July 16th.  We will be having pizza and snacks, playing games, watching movies and more. 
Drop off @ 7:00 / Pick-up at 8:00. Friends are welcome. Please bring $5.00 for Pizza. Q uestions, please contact Erica at  erica@gracegrafton.com.
Looking for Sunday School Teachers
Several of our long-time Sunday School teachers will be "retiring" this year due to children aging out of the program.  If you have ever considered volunteering in our Sunday School program, now is the time to help!  You can volunteer every week or be on a rotation schedule.  We need station leaders (where you plan the lessons) and classroom leaders (where you stick with the same group of kids and just make sure things are going as planned).  If you are interested, please contact Katie at Katie@GraceGrafton.com.
An Evening with Meg
Come for an evening of Fellowship and good food.  July 27th starting at 5:30.  Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for children. Order tickets online https://coenicaragua.weebly.com/events.html or talk to Joan Tuttle, Karen Walton or Chantal Murack to order them.
Grace Lutheran Church hosts Handmade Arts and Crafts Fair 
The craft fair will be November 9th from 9am to 3pm.  We are looking for vendors selling handmade items.  Booths are available.  10 foot by 10 foot size for $35.  Contact Pat Murack or fill out a form located in the gathering area and drop if off in the office.
Volunteers Needed for "God's Work Our Hands" Day
It's still about 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.
Lunch Bunch - July 18th. 11:30 am
We all know that summer is a busy time, but don't forget to do something fun like joining us for lunch at Chuck's Place in Thiensville. The restaurant is located at 406 N Main Street.   Remember if you join us you get to help decide where we'll go the next month.
 
If you need a ride or have questions call Lois Jeremiah, call/text 262-894-5290.
RNT Event on August 8th
Our August event will be music in "Grafton's Veteran Park" on Thursday August 8th. We will be enjoying music by the "Loving Kind" a '60s' & '70s' classic rock group. The band begins playing around 6:30pm so you might want to be there by 6:00pm.There is food and beverages for sale or you can bring your own. If you have any questions, please contact Scott & Debbie Schloerke at 262-375-2286 or sdschloerke@att.net.
Circle of Empowerment Student Sponsor Information
If you sponsored a student through Circle of Empowerment you have a picture of your student and letter from them in your church mailbox.
Delegation to Nicaragua / Circle of Empowerment
I would like to plan another Delegation to Meg's in Nicaragua for the Circle of Empowerment.  Dates are open for when we can go but I was thinking about February of 2020 or 2021.  We will be having a meeting at Grace on Sunday, July 28 right after service for anyone possibly interested.  This is not a commitment but just an informational meeting and Meg will be attending.  Come and find out about the wonderful people of Nicaragua and empowering them to help themselves!!!  Please email me if you are interested at joantuttle3@gmail.com  or phone me at 414 587-9505.  See you soon! Joan Tuttle 
Road Trip to All Peoples on Sunday, August 25
Join your fellow Grace members as we travel to All Peoples Church in Milwaukee to worship with our brothers and sisters there at the 9:00 a.m. worship service on Sunday, August 25. We are going to cancel our regular service at Grace that day to show our friendship with, and support for, our sister congregation in Milwaukee. You will receive a lot more information about this special event. If you want to go, but need a ride, we will have drivers sign up who can take others with them.
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 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.
 
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.
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, July 14
At the 9:00 a.m. service:  Valerie Buchman is the reader, A VOLUNTEER is NEEDED to acolyte, Linda Scott's team is ushering, Ed & Sandy Schlicht & Joan Tuttle are the greeters, Stephen Buchman is in the multimedia room, Howard Vrankin, Katie Eippert & Lisa Bernd are the communion assistants, Linda Scott has communion by Intinction set up & cleanup, Kim Beloin has coffee hour & A VOLUNTEER is needed at the Welcome Desk.
 
Responsibilities for Sunday, July 21
At the 9:00 a.m. service:  Joan Tuttle is the assisting minister, Scott Steffen is the reader, Shannon Holle is the acolyte, Mel Trapp's team is ushering, Jane Johnson is the greeter, Greg Schwartz is in the multimedia room, Dana Moran is the communion assistant, Ann Wolfframm has communion by Intinction set up & cleanup, Linda Borkenhagen has coffee hour & A VOLUNTEER is needed at the Welcome Desk.

July 10  2019
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