Grace Notes Email Newsletter


A Graceful Christmas
We know Christmas is about receiving Christ, born as our Lord and Savior! But in thanks for that gift, we share our blessings in so many ways this season. If you are moved to remember your church home in this season, here are some of the needs we will have at Grace: Kitchen items, Games for the HYPE & JYG groups, building items, gift cards & much more. Please check the Graceful Christmas Tree in the Gathering Area starting this Sunday for more ideas. Thank you for your generosity.
 
Your Grace Office Staff
Thanksgiving Eve Service and Pie Social
Grace's annual Thanksgiving Eve service will be on Wednesday, November 27th at 7pm.  This is a service full of joy and music.  Come be with your church family and give thanks to the Lord for our abundant blessings!   
 
Please bring along a non-perishable food item for your offering.  These will go to support Grace's One Can Plan, which supplies food to the pantries at Family Sharing and All People's Church in Milwaukee.  Our offering that evening will also go towards the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. 
 
Stay after worship for the Pie Social! There will be a sign up sheet soon for pie- or just bring one of your favorites to share. 
 
Thanks be to God for pie, and for Jesus Christ!
This Sunday's Advent Message:
"The Proper Dress Code for the Times"
Advent begins the time of waiting for the Savior's birth. As Christians, we look backwards to that time when God sent Jesus to the earth. The story of Advent begins with John the Baptist. John, whose strange dress, a camel-hair robe and leather belt, imitated the Old Testament prophet Elijah, came to call people to prepare their lives for the coming on the Messiah. In Romans 13, the Apostle Paul calls all Christians to prepare themselves for the coming of God's Kingdom by, as he wrote, putting on the "armor of light". Advent calls for a proper, holy dress code. This idea is at the heart of our sermon on the First Sunday in Advent.
Donations needed for the Lasata Shopping Trip!
JYG will be going shopping on Sunday (Dec. 1) for the residents at Lasata. This is an annual event that gives Grace Youth the opportunity to give back to our community during the Christmas season.
 
Last year our youth was able to spend or $1000.00 to purchase gifts for the residents.
 
Please consider making a monetary donation to help the youth buy presents. JYG youth will be collecting money after each of the services on Sunday, December 1st.
Thank you for your help and generosity.
We Celebrate with All of the Children Who will be Receiving their First Communion this Month!
Harlow Albiero, Reeve Albiero, Bridget Bryan, Lucas Cassel, Samantha Eichelkraut, Kayla Eichen, Aliza Emanuele, Sienna Emanuele, Taryn Flaig, Molly Kate Gannaway, Ryan Gartman, Ella Hagermann, Holly Kamenick, Mackenzie Klug-Steffen, Bobby Koppa, Hannah Langer, Ellie Napiwocki, Ian Napiwocki, Lucas Peterman, Helen Utecht, Ava VanSluys & Kaylie VanSluys.
Poinsettia Plants Are Available to Order!
You may order a poinsettia plant which will be placed in the worship center for the Christmas season.  If you desire to give a plant in memory or honor of a loved one, the name of those loved ones will be shown on the screen at our Christmas services.  The sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the gathering space.  The cost of each plant is $10.00.  Payment envelopes are provided.  Make checks payable to Grace Lutheran Church.  The last day to order is December 8th.
New Members Class on Sunday
The first of two sessions for those interested in joining our Grace Lutheran family will be held at 9:15 a.m. this Sunday, December 1, in the southeast conference room. Our second session will be held on December 8 and we will receive new members on Sunday, December 22. If you are interested in becoming a Grace member, please join us for these sessions.
No Adult Forum on Sunday
Pastor Paul will be leading the new members' class on Sunday, so there will be no adult forum. We will meet on Sunday, December 8, when we will talk about the life, ministry and importance of John the Baptist.
Advent Devotionals Available
Advent is the time we take before Christmas to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Jesus' birth.  Advent begins on Sunday, December 1.  Please stop by the table next to the welcome desk to pick up a devotional book for yourself or an advent calendar for your family.  These devotionals provide us with a great daily reminder of what we are looking forward to this Christmas season.
RNT Christmas Decorating Day
RNT will once again be decorating our church home for the holidays on Wednesday, December 4th. We will start with a brunch at 9 a.m. A short meeting will follow the brunch and then on to decorating. There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the gathering space. Please indicate what you would like to provide for the brunch or you may let Barb Wrolstad know when you RSVP to brwrolstad@sbcglobal.net by December 1st.
Is Your Commitment Card Still Out?
We still have about fifty members who have not yet returned their faith commitment cards for 2020. If you are one of them, please return it as soon as you can. 

Thank You.
"Reconciling in Christ" Update
We finished our first round of sessions discussing "Reconciling in Christ". We will not have any additional ones during December but will continue in January. You'll receive a special "Grace Notes" next week detailing what will be coming next. Please note that there will not be a vote on a "Reconciling in Christ" statement in January. We will continue our congregational conversation on this then, but not vote.
November Worship Thoughts Winners
Congratulations to the following kids for being picked in November's random worship thoughts drawing: Hazel Utecht, Anna Borkenhagen, Adalyn Dzikowski, Sophie Newell, and Will Eippert.  Your child can stop by the welcome desk and pick up their prize.  We will continue to select winners each month, so keep sharing your worship thoughts with us.
December Parenting in the Pews Tip
December starts the season of Advent, as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.  If you haven't picked up an Advent calendar or devotional book, please do so.  They will give you talking points each day on a Bible story or Advent related activity.  In addition, point out the different things we do in church during Advent-light the Advent candle each week, hang different decorations, have special services.  It's easy for all of us to get caught up in the fun and excitement of the Christmas season, so pointing out Advent related activities and objects in church is a great way to help kids refocus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Special Advent Service on Thursday, December 12
Advent is a season to reflect and to deeply ponder what it means to welcome Christ into our world and our own hearts.  On Thursday, December 12, we are planning a worship service that will encourage reflection and prayer.  Before our service, we will gather for a delicious "Pasta Bar" meal at 5:30. There will be choices of sauce and toppings for your pasta.
At 6:30, we will gather around the fireplace to sing the beautiful "Holden Evening Prayer" service. Pastor Heidi will share Bible verses and a meditative reading. This is a reflective time to be with our Lord and prepare our hearts again for the miracle of Christ's birth. 
If you are planning to come for the meal, please sign up on the poster on the bulletin board so we know how much food to prepare.  Come and join us for this special time in this Advent Season!
Grace's Annual Christmas Sing-a-long
Wednesday, December 18 at the Water Street Brewery, Grafton
5pm: Food and Drink orders begin, 6pm: Singing starts
Come and get in the Christmas Spirit with your Grace Family!
Invite your friends- this is a great event to bring new people.
NEW THIS YEAR!
  • Collection for Family Promise: As we gather to eat, sing, and be merry, we are mindful of those who struggle in this season. We will be taking a collection of needed items for Family Promise, the traveling homeless shelter program that Grace participates in. Items on their wish list include: Bath towels, Gas cards, Walmart gift cards, Paper towels, Kleenex, Hand Santizer pumps, & Vinyl Storage totes/bins (18 gallon size is ideal, but any size is fine).
  • Christmas Cheer Gear Contest: Don't just "Deck the Halls"- "Deck yourself"! Come in some fun Christmas clothing and accessories. The person with the most spirit will win a fun prize!
Sunday, December 29: Lessons and Carols Service at 9am
Come and sing some of the beautiful Christmas hymns and hear readings of hope and Good News. We have one service the Sunday after Christmas at 9am. Our Praise Team leads the service this year. Come, worship and adore our Savior as the Christmas season continues!
News from the Literacy Center
Did you know the Adult Literacy Center of Ozaukee County is located right here inside of Grace!  This year, the ALC has welcomed a record number of students who are working on their basic reading skilling, earning their GED or learning English.  But they couldn't do it without your support!  Thanks to three generous donors (including Grace's Endowment Fund), the ALC has received a $6,000 challenge grant.  So, for every dollar you donate now through Dec. 31, it will be doubled up to $6,000!  Now is the perfect time to support the ALC's mission of helping adults improve their lives so they can improve the lives of those around them.  Donations can be made online at www.AdultLiteracyOZ.org or dropped off in the ALC mailbox.
 
The ALC also has a great fundraising opportunity going on with First Bank Financial Centre in Grafton.  Now through December 20, you can bring your unwrapped Christmas gifts to the Grafton FBFC location and for a $1 per gift donation, they will wrap them for you!  All the proceeds will go to the Adult Literacy Center.  Save time and donate to the ALC...a great present for everyone!
 
Finally, if you've ever considered tutoring at the ALC, now is a great time to start!  All of our tutors meet one-on-one with students on days and times that are convenient for both of you.  We need tutors to help students with reading skills, math skills and those who are learning English.  No teaching experience is required...just a willingness to help someone else learn something new.  We will be holding New Tutor Training Sessions in January and February.  You can find out more information about tutoring at the ALC or register for a training session at  https://www.adultliteracyoz.org/tutors-volunteers .
Youth Education Christmas Program-December 15
Join us for a special youth education Christmas Program on Sunday, December 15 at the 8:30 (note the time change) or 10:30 services.  This year's program is "A Star Is Born," and features fun family skits that remind of us the true meaning of Christmas, music from our Sunday School kids and more.  The entire service is led by our Grace students and youth.  Since the kids hang out in Fellowship Hall when they aren't singing, there is plenty of room for everyone to join us!
Birthday Party for Jesus-December 15
Everyone is welcome to join us for a Birthday Party for Jesus between services on Sunday, December 15.  There will be games, crafts and snacks!  We will also be collecting "birthday presents" for Jesus that will be given to All People's Church.  They are in need of the following new or gently used cold-weather clothes: scarves, baby/toddler sized snowsuits and jackets, size 14-16 or 18-20 boys and girls jackets and women's small and medium sized jackets (for their older girls).  They are also in need of new or gently used Christmas books and/or DVDs. Bring your birthday gifts to Grace on December 15.
Grace Movie Night-December 6
Join us on Friday, December 6 for Grace's annual showing of "The Star."  This heartwarming movie follows a small, but brave, donkey and his animal friends as they become the unsung heroes of the first Christmas.  Make "The Star" part of your annual Christmas movie lineup!  The movie is perfect for all ages--children and adults alike.  Whether you've seen it before, or this is the first time, invite a friend and join us for dinner and a movie.  Pizza will be served at 6:00 in Fellowship Hall, with the movie beginning at 6:30 in the worship center.   Please RSVP on the sign-up sheet in the gathering area if you plan to join us for dinner.  Kids are welcome to come in their PJs, and everyone can bring a blanket or pillow to snuggle with.  

Thanks to a Thrivent grant, there is no cost for the pizza or movie!  We will be collecting donations for Family Promise.  They are in need of laundry detergent pods, dryer sheets, deodorant, body wash, women's shaving cream, new bath towels, paper towels and gas cards.
Family Promise at Grace
As we near the new year it's time to thank our 2019 Ministry Hosts and to look towards 2020 and our opportunities for ministry with Family Promise of Ozaukee County.
  
Volunteers from Grace and Pilgrim UCC support this wonderful ministry. More than 60 ministry partners from both congregations helped transform Grace into a home for over 30 guests in 2019.  From being an overnight host to donating needed items, making meals to doing laundry, setting up cots to playing games with guests, every volunteer plays an integral role in allowing this ministry to operate smoothly.
 
Grace will be hosting Family Promise the following weeks in 2020 :   January 26th - February 2nd, March 29th - April 5th, August 23rd - 30th, & November 15th - 22nd.  Registration for 2020 ministry opportunities can be found on the Grace website under Ministries.
 
In preparation for the new year, it's time to restock  some of our shelves.  We have need for travel sized shampoo, conditioner, shower gel & toothpaste.  Donations of these items as well as wish list items posted on the Family Promise Board can be dropped into the FP donation box at Grace.
 
Please consider where you can connect with Family Promise in 2020 and contact Aaron Anding, 608-239-3423 or aaroneanding@gmail.com,  with any questions you may have about ministry opportunities.
Support Grace with Your Christmas Shopping
Planning to do any shopping this Christmas season?  There are several ways to support Grace while you shop, without spending any extra money!  If you shop online, instead of going to Amazon, check out https://smile.amazon.com/  It's the same Amazon site, with the same prices, but 0.5% of your sales go to a non-profit of your choice (make sure to select Grace).  In addition, if you're purchasing gift cards, make sure to buy them through the Scrip Program.  Up to 20% of your gift card purchases goes directly to Grace, with no additional cost to you!  Find out how to sign up for Scrip online at http://www.gracegrafton.com/blog/scrip-a-new-fundraising-opportunity-at-grace  If you have any questions about Amazon Smile or the Scrip Program, contact the office for help.
Free Piano!
The piano that used to be in the choir room is now waiting for it's new owner in the coat closet. It's free to anyone who can move it out! It's very heavy so you may need a cart/piano mover.  Let us know by next Wednesday, November 6 if you would like to have it.
Lunch Bunch Christmas Party
Our lunch Bunch group is having a Christmas party. It will be on Thursday, December 19th at Chancery Restaurant in Mequon, Wi. (In the Pavilion Shopping Ctr). There is a slight time change from the usual to 12 noon.   There will be an optional "white elephant" gift exchange and are requesting that you do not spend any money, but find a unique gift that is already in your home (just waiting to be shared with someone new).
 
If you haven't joined us before, now is a good time.   Everyone loves a party. If you have any questions or would need help with transportation, call/text Lois Jeremiah at 262-894-5290.
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 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.

Mt. Meru Premium Coffee Holiday Sampler $18.00
This decorative Holiday Sampler includes six packages of coffee including peaberry, chocolate raspberry, hazelnut, butter pecan, French vanilla, and regular premium coffee. Each package makes 1-2 pots of coffee. A sample package is on display in the Gathering Space and is included on the order/purchase forms. Please consider this sampler for your gift-giving needs. The Tanzanian farmers thank you for improving their standard of living.
 
Several varieties of Mt. Meru Coffee are available for purchase in the Gathering Space. 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.
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: 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. 

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 Wednesday, November 27
At the 7:00 p.m. service: VOLUNTEER is the Assisting Minister, Courtney Bernd is the reader, Evan Bernd & Carson Bernd are the ushers, Courtney Bernd & Lisa Bernd are the communion assistants & Linda Borkenhagen has communion by Intinction set up/clean up.

Responsibilities for Sunday, December 1
At the 8:00 a.m. service:  Ed Borkenhagen is the assistant minister, Linda Scott is the reader, Piper Flaig & Sarah Meinecke are the acolytes, Chris Utecht's team is ushering, Jane Johnson & VOLUNTEER are needed to be the greeters, A VOLUNTEER is in the nursery, Noah Durlam is in the multimedia room, Linda Borkenhagen is the communion assistant, Lisa Bernd has communion by Individual cup set up, Deb Donovan is hosting coffee hour & Diane Kiesow is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service: Karen Johnson is the reader, Charlie Eckert & VOLUNTEER are the acolytes, Jon Aspenson's team is ushering, Sandy Luettgen & VOLUNTEER are the greeters, A VOLUNTEER is in the nursery, A VOLUNTEER is in the multimedia room, Darlyne Holle, Laurie Gosselin & VOLUNTEER are the communion assistants, A VOLUNTEER is needed for communion cleanup & Pam Mueller is at the Welcome Desk.
 
Responsibilities for Sunday, December 8
At the 8:00 a.m. service:  Jerry Plyer's team is ushering, Jane Johnson & Jim & Kathy Kehoe & Ed & Sandy Schlicht are the greeters, A VOLUNTEER is in the nursery, Scott Steffen is in the multimedia room, A VOLUNTEER is NEEDED to be the communion assistant, A VOLUNTEER is NEEDED for communion by Individual cup set up, The Freymuth Family is hosting coffee hour & Diane Kiesow is at the Welcome Desk.
At the 10:30 a.m. service: Jason Traxel's team is ushering, James & Sarah Newell are the greeters, Sarah Newell is in the nursery, Darlyne Holle is in the multimedia room, Chris Beloin & Sherry Bublitz are the communion assistants, A VOLUNTEER is needed for communion cleanup & Judy Kloehn is at the Welcome Desk.

Nov. 26, 2019
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