Grace Notes
Email Newsletter
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This weeks sermon Title:
“The Truth that Sets Us Free.”
Sermon Brief Description:
There is no such thing as fate or being assigned to suffer because of the sins of our parents, only that in spite of our challenges the glory of God is revealed.
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For those who cannot worship with us in person access our live stream and recorded worship in its entirety here
Recorded sermons each Sunday can be accessed online here
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Come enjoy Grace Famous Potato Soup and Sandwiches!!!!
The meal is hosted by
7th Grade Confirmation.
Hope to see you there!
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Announcement from Personnel
The personnel committee has been meeting and is hard at work posting and searching to fill our open roles in partnership with the church council. This includes a positive initial interview with a Children's Ministry Director. The team is working on scheduling a second interview and a church tour for this candidate in the next few weeks.
We also would like to announce that our office administrator Arcelia Schweisthal has informed us that her husband’s new job opportunity in Illinois will require her family to relocate after the school semester in June. Although this is not something we wanted to hear, it is wonderful when good things happen to good families. Her along with Erica are the backbone of the office and their work is what keeps us strong in doing God’s work and serving the community.
The personnel committee with Council guidance is beginning a search for a new staff person. Arcelia is SO grateful for her ministry at Grace and will support us through this transition.
The good news is that she will continue to serve beyond the transition as our Assistant for Accounting. We have been very blessed by her ministry at Grace.
If you know of anyone who is interested in becoming part of the Grace staff, please let us know.
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Listening Session
We want your feedback on
Sunday March 26 at 9:15AM.
Please attend!
Following our January 15 Listening Session, our “Welcoming and including LGBTQIA+ persons by consensus," committee has developed the following Draft proposal re: Grace Lutheran Church Core Values. Please consider these core values prayerfully and offer feedback at our Sunday March 26, 9:15AM listening session.
We are GRACE, where;
God’s unconditional love is our center.
Relationships nurture spiritual growth with God and others.
All are welcomed and included regardless of race, age, social class, sexual orientation, gender identity and ability.
Children, youth, and family discipleship is a primary focus.
Engaging humanity worldwide through generosity, outreach, and service is essential.
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We look forward to our Lent season together. Dinner is at 6:00pm each evening. Pastor Paul Bulgerin has written all new skits! Here is the worship schedule:
Holden Evening Prayer with youth skits and sermon reflections
March 22: Awareness of Treating Our Bodies as Tools of God
Corinthians 6:19-20 and Romans 12:1-2
March 29: Awareness of the Presence of the Risen Christ
Luke 24:13-33
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ADVOCATES of OZAUKEE NEEDS OUR HELP |
Help Support Survivors During Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
Get involved and make an impact this April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month by considering a donation to our self care kits!
Advocates is currently collecting self care items for clients and residents to help them feel their strongest and most valued inside and out. In addition to the suggested items, they welcome any general appropriate self care products as well. Deadline for drop off is April 1st. Questions? Ask Erica.
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TODAY Lenten Meal will be
Potato Soup and Sandwiches
Hosted by 7th Grade Confirmation
March 29th
Pizza Night
Hosted by Church Council
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The Great GatsBee
ALC’s Annual Spelling Bee Fundraiser
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Ozaukee Nonprofit Center,
2360 Dakota Drive, Grafton
6-7 PM - Hors d’oeuvres, raffle, wine pull
7-9 PM - Cheer on the spelling competitors (and test your skill at your table!)
There are several ways you can participate!
2. Volunteer – setup, serve beverages, work registration, cleanup (see/contact Ed or Linda Borkenhagen borksel@gmail.com)
3. Become a sponsor at one of several levels
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GREAT NEWS FOR THE GRACE NURSERY ROOM
SERVICES CAN NOW BE LIVESTREAMED!
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Great news for parents with young children who wish to/have need for the nursery during services – the TV in the Nursery room can now livestream services! This means should you choose to take your young child out to the nursery, you can still see and hear the service on any Sunday. Thanks to Dustin Lobner and his technology assistants for making this possible.
In addition there is a family bathroom, changing room and nursing room are all attached to the nursery.
We love seeing all of our Grace families on sundays!
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We will continue to have a variety of worship styles at the Sunday morning services, but due to our staffing needs, the Worship Team is on a break at this time. Our Director of Music will continue to provide different styles of music whenever possible for our worship during this time. Thank you for your understanding! |
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SIGN UP GENIUS AVAILABLE THROUGH EASTER FOR BOTH WORSHIP SERVICES
Sunday worship volunteer positions are now available for both services in Sign Up Genius through Easter. You will also note that there is a spot for Wednesday Lenten services for an Usher Supervisor. This is an easy job for any parent to help direct our Confirmation students.
Please take a moment and sign up for at least one volunteer spot. Your help is greatly appreciated. You can use the following link:
If you have any questions on the volunteer positions needed for either worship service, you can contact Lori Mathias at 262-825-6632, or by email at: lmathias31@outlook.com
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Call Committee Weekly Update (03/20/23)
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This week the Synod presented us with another candidate. We are excited to pick back up the process and will be meeting with them right after Easter as we navigate spring breaks and holy week. We have also asked that they screen clergy couples, with the understanding a couple would need assume some of the open staff position and responsibilities we have at the church.
Call Committee Members: Katie Eippert, Steve Buchman, Tina Arnold, Avery Newell, Pat Murack and Scot Donovan
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Grace Lutheran Church Financial Summary |
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We as a Church Council have decided in the spirit of continuous improvement and transparency to the congregation to begin publishing a summary of the church's financials on a monthly basis. We feel this is in everyone's best interest to be transparent and aligned upon the financial health of the church.
In these monthly reports, we will include:
- Income & Expense Results from the Most Recent Month
- Income & Expense Results on a Year-To-Date basis
- A Summary of Cash Balances
- A Summary of Debt Balances
- A Summary of Year-To-Date Giving vs. Prior Periods
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We welcome any feedback or suggestions as we continue to find the best ways to engage with the congregation.
Thank you Thrivent Members!
Below are links to most current financial documents that will tell you how you have impacted Grace Lutheran Church!
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Check your Email for more details. |
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Hey Sunday School Families!
Make sure to check out the Winter Education Newsletter. It includes important information such as the dates the kids will be singing in church this spring.
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Congratulations
Monroe Albiero!!
Please find Jen Jacobson or Katie Eippert to claim your prize.
Next drawing will be at the end of month.
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April RNT Event
Our April RNT group event will be lunch at Fox Brewery at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday April 12. Their address is 6411 W. Mequon Rd. Mequon WI.
Please RSVP to Sandy Schlicht by April 4th either call me at 262-377-5607 and leave a message or E-mail at seschlicht@att.net. Hope to see you there.
We're on the Road Again
On Friday, May 5 RNT will be traveling to The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Ft. Atkinson. We will be having a delicious meal around 11:15 am and see the entertaining show “Grumpy Old Men” at 1:15 pm. The cost for meal, show and gratuity is $83.33 per person. There are a few shops to browse in between meal and show if you like.
Your meal consists of chopped salad, fresh baked breads from their bakery, entrée, Oreo delight for dessert, coffee, tea and milk The entrees to choose from are Pretzel Crusted Stuffed Chicken, Grilled Pork Ribeye, or Rainbow Trout. Wine, beer, and mixed drink are available but at your cost, plus gratuity. More details of menu are on church bulletin board.
In order to get the price listed above for meal, show and gratuity we need a minimum of 13 people. Otherwise, the price will go up about $16. I’m confident we can get 13 people who would like to enjoy this day out. Please sign up on the church bulletin board or send me an email, djefam10@gmail.com, that you are able to come and let me know what entrée you would like by March 24th.
I do need payment in advance since The Fireside requires this. Please put payment in my church mailbox or give to Trudi Biefeld NO LATER than March 27th. Checks should be made payable to Jan Ernst.
As far as transportation to Ft. Atkinson, we can car pool. This information will be sent to those who have signed up a week or so before May 5.
Click the link for Our Featured Menu For Grumpy Old Men
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“Footsteps of the Apostle Paul”
Information Meeting on April 3
We are having a meeting for anyone interested in joining us on our faith pilgrimage “In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul” in July. Our trip will take us to Greece, the ancient city of Ephesus, islands in the Mediterranean Sea and to Rome. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 3, at St. John’s Lutheran Church (20275 Davidson Road in Brookfield). This is for information purposes only. If you want more information, but can’t make the meeting in person, you can attend via ZOOM -
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Paul. His home email is: bulgerin@sbcglobal.net.
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Grace Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Grafton, Wisconsin is looking for a dynamic Children’s Ministry Coordinator to join our staff in a part-time capacity. For details on position click HERE.
If interested, please submit a letter of application and resume to Erica Dimmett, Youth & Family Ministries, at: erica@gracegrafton.com, ph: 262-377-4770
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NEW! Programs for Adults & Youth at Crossways Camps
Pine Lake Camp (Waupaca, WI) is inviting all adults, wherever you are on your journey of faith, to attend Rooted: An adult faith enrichment experience retreat. Rooted is a New two day retreat on May 30-31, 2023 at Pine Lake Camp. While guest speakers, pastors and faith leaders are brought to camp to lead and train the summer camp staff, they will lead and present an additional session for you, in the Rooted cohort group. The retreat is $98/participant, which covers four meals and 1 night of lodging in the beautiful Evergreen Retreat Center. Scholarships are available. For additional information or answers to your questions, contact Robyn Koehler, Co-Camp Director at Pine Lake Camp (715- 258-3813 or by e-mail at: Robyn@crosswayscamps.org). Register on-line at: crosswayscamps.org/rooted.
Also New at Pine Lake Camp is a summer camp program for Adults with Disabilities. Self-Determination Camp is a unique opportunity for young adults (ages 18-40) with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Participants will gather in an authentic, faith-filled environmment while growing in their connection to each other, focusing on their ministry arts & advocacy interests, and then return home with renewed enthusiasm and new skills to share their personal faith with others. Camp staff will guide participants through a three night summer program (August 13-16) where campers will fully engage in the joy of ourdoor ministry. This program is $450/participant. Individual's long-term care budgets (e.g., IRIS, Family Care, etc.) may be used to financially support this camp experience. For questions, contact: Robyn Koehler (715-258-3813 or by e-mail at: Robyn@crosswayscamps.org. Register on-line at: crosswayscamps.org/selfdetermination.
Waypost Camp on Mission Lake (30 miles southeast of Wausau) is inviting Junior & High School Campers (6th - 12th Graders) to trek through the Porcupine Mountains on a wilderness backpacking trip. This group will deploy from Waypost on July 16th and return on July 21st. For more information or questions, contact the Waypost Camp Director: Andrew Templeman (715-454-6487 or by e-mail at Andrew@crosswayscamps.org). Register on-line at: crosswayscamps.org.
Also, Remember to allocate your Thrivent Choice Dollars by March 31, 2023. Thrivent Members can always allocate their Thrivent Choice Dollars directly to Pine Lake Camp or to the larger Crossways Camping Ministries.
If you have any questions or would like more information on Crossways Camping Ministries, please contact Kim or Chris Beloin at Beloin@att.net or by phone at: 262-376-0259 (Congregational delegates to Crossways)
or contact Chris Eippert (Member of the Crossways Board of Directors)
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Quilters Always Need Sheets Including Flannel |
The word is out about the wonderful quilts we make. More and more organizations locally need our quilts, not just Lutheran World Relief. So please think of us as you attend rummage sales or mention to your friends when they are getting rid of sheets in useable condition. You all know the sizes – twin flat, full flat and fitted, queen flat and fitted, king flat and fitted in cotton or cotton blend and flannel. Please no microfiber or polyester.
Again, thank you for always responding to our requests. Remember the Grace Quilters when donating for memorials. We could not continue without your help, monetary or otherwise.
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Schedule an Appointment with Pastor Greg! |
Schedule an appointment to allow our interim Pastor to meet you. Plan to share your hopes and dreams for Grace in this time of transition. Typically these will be about 30-minute conversations held at church. If meeting off-site would be better, just let Greg know. If those date or times do not work, please contact Pastor Greg at pastor@gracegrafton.com to set up another time. Sign up HERE
If you have an questions or need help signing up, contact Arcelia at arcelia@gracegrafton.com or call 262.377.4770.
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Your purchases of Mt Meru Premium Coffee continue to improve the standard of living in the Meru Diocese in Tanzania where farm families live on 3 – 5 acre sustenance farms and have an average annual income of $400 - $500, primarily from their coffee crop.
By supporting the Mt Meru Coffee Project you are helping to give these hard working farm families a hand up rather than a hand out and if they were here with us now they would say Asante sana (thank you very much).
Several varieties of coffee are available in the Gathering Space 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.
Premium Peaberry is also available.This special premium coffee is richer and less acidic than normal coffee and is created when a single oval coffee bean is grown within each coffee fruit instead of the normal double coffee beans. Only 5% of coffee grown is peaberry. Drip Grind or Whole Bean $15.00/12 oz. bag
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Premium SAMPLER
For anyone that would like to sample Fair Trade Premium coffee imported by a volunteer organization that is improving the standard of living for the peasant farm families on Mt Meru in Tanzania.
6 Sample packages: Regular Drip – Peaberry - Hazelnut – Butter Pecan – French Vanilla – Chocolate Raspberry $18.00
************************************************************************************Any questions? Contact Bob and Jeanne Dries at 262.375.0997 or email rdries@wi.rr.com.
Thank you for your support of this worthwhile project!
You can stay up to date at the Facebook page
Facebook.com/MtMeruCoffeeProject
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Please be aware that The new "bivalent" COVID vaccine that protects against the various Omicron strains are now available. For more information consult your physician and this website - Covid19 Vaccine — Oasis Healthcare
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Pray for our members in nursing care, home bound & assisted living: Janet Trapp & Phyliss Barber
Pray for: Master Sgt. Matthew Wilkerson (son-in-law of Cindy Silverbrandt), Seaman Matthew Kulczyski (grandson of Grace Smaxwill) & Chief Jennifer Kurneta (daughter of Richard & Charleen Breest) who are serving our country in the U.S. Military.
Ron Simon (Friend of Katy Peterman) USAF in the middle east
Bill and Kathy Bahrke - Health & healing
Jim - Health & healing
Hannah Bulgerin – Health & healing
Alex Koenitzer – Health & healing
Gerry and Shelley Zvara – Health & healing
Pastor Dale Erickson – Health & healing (Dale has often been our guest pastor)
Stephen Peltonen – Encouragement
Jim Scott – Health & healing
Cindy Silverbrandt – Health & healing
Laurie Gosselin and Family – Comfort & strength
Jane Johnson – Health & healing
Gloria Cmeyla (friend of Janet Sladky) - Cancer
Trudy Hannum (mother of Judy Kloehn) - Health & healing
Len Lapacz (friend of Bob & Jeanne Dries) - Cancer
Sharon Larson (friend of Joan Tuttle) - Health & healing
Barbara Papamarcos (friend of Sarah Newell) - Health & healing
Chris Robinson (friend of Kathy Kehoe) – Health & healing
Kim Saffran (friend of Christy Loeffler) - Cancer
George Zajicek (brother of Kathy Braun) - Comfort & strength
Mike Winter (brother to Cheryl Herboek and Sue Carlson) - Cancer
Debbie Cappelli (daughter of Arlene Liebenstein) - Cancer
Nancy Klaas (mother of Brandon Langer) - Cancer
Nadene Kramer (friend of Kate Peterman) – Health & healing
Rob Pasbrig (friend of Kate Peterman) – Cancer
Joan Eippert (mother of Chris Eippert and Heidi Martinez) - Heath & healing
Liam Rice (Friend of Jim and Trudi Biefeld) - Childhood Cancer
Thomas Eifert (Father of Jon Eifert) - Health & Healing
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Please call prior or check Grace Calendar to make sure someone will be in office. Thank you! |
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