October 2009
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
YOUTH GROUP CHICKEN BBQ
Proceeds to benefit
ELCA Youth
Sunday October 4, 2009
Grace Lutheran Church
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Eat In
●
Drive Thru
Carryout
●
Delivery
For Delivery Call: 748-5433
Phone orders accepted Saturday:
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Phone orders accepted Sunday:
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Tickets: $7.00 adv.
●
$8.00 at door
Luther, Reformation, and the Church Today
It
is also taught among us that one holy Christian church will be and
remain forever. This is the assembly of all believers among who the
Gospel is preached in its purity and the holy sacraments are
administered according to the Gospel. For it is sufficient for the
true unity of the Christian church that the Gospel be preached in
conformity with a pure understanding of it and that the sacraments
be administered in accordance with the divine Word. It is not
necessary for the true unity of the Christian church that
ceremonies, instituted by men, should be observed uniformly in all
places. It is as Paul says in Eph. 4:4, 5, “There is one body
and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs
to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
(Article VII of The Augsburg Confession)
If Martin Luther were alive today, what would he have to say about
the decisions made at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly? Would he
say that the church is straying from its Scriptural roots? Would he
say that the church is being faithful to the task of “semper
reformanda,”
always reforming, changing our thinking and acting in order to reach
out to others with the love of Christ
For good or ill, we don’t have brother Martin with us to share his
thoughts on these decisions. What we do have, however, are the words
of the Augsburg Confession that articulate what the church is, and
how we function together as the body of Christ. The Augsburg
Confession defined Luther’s positions against those of the Roman
Church in the 16th
century, and still serves as one of the defining documents for
Lutheranism today.
The Augsburg Confession states that “For
it is sufficient for the true unity of the Christian church that the
Gospel be preached in conformity with a pure understanding of it and
that the sacraments be administered in accordance with the divine
Word.”
So the things that are essential for our existence as “church” are
that we are busy proclaiming the gospel and that we are busy
administering the sacraments. That is, proclaiming that Jesus came
to rescue us from our lives of sin and desperation and that we
extend the baptismal welcome into the family of faith, and gather
for communion. These sacraments are visible signs of God’s love and
forgiveness.
So what is essential for unity, then, comes from Christ, and not
from us. When we agree on what God has done for us through the life,
death, and resurrection of Jesus, we can still be “church” together,
even though we may disagree.
Families often have disagreements, but they can still call one
another “family.” So, too, it is with the church. Luther argued that
Christians didn’t have to agree on “human instituted ceremonies,”
that is, the practices and mechanics of church, in order to be
acknowledged as Christians. Even where theological matters are
concerned, as long as Christ is in the center, and that we are saved
by his grace, & not our own works or merit, we can all be
Christians, even though we may not agree on all the particulars.
We do not all agree on the “rightness” of the decisions made at the
Churchwide assembly, but these differences do not need to divide us.
We can discuss the decisions, openly and with integrity, and not
need to resort to name calling and “separatist” behavior, since we
are one in Christ.
In Christ’s service,
Pastor
Maurice A Schaus
Let your Light Shine in 2009!
Stewardship is taking care of God’s gifts to us.
Taking care of:
Ourselves
Our Family
Our Church
Our Community
Our Environment
What do YOU like to do? What issues are important to you? Do you
have a concern for preserving the earth? Do you find it easy to
share your faith with others? All these questions and more help us
to understand what gifts God has given to each one of us, and how we
might use those gifts to further the work of Christ’s mission here
at Grace.
On Reformation Sunday, October 25th between services, we invite you
to the Fellowship Hall to learn about the gifts you have to offer
here at Grace and put them into action. Each committee/activity at
Grace will have a table set up and staffed so that you can talk with
people currently serving our congregation and decide if you can help
with their mission. You can sign up for a day, a week, a month, or a
year. It’s up to you to decide how to use the gifts God has blessed
you with here in our community. At this time, you will also be able
to fill out a time and talent sheet and pledge card if you have not
already done so.
-- Your Stewardship Team - Frank
McShane, Bill Reininger, Melanie Simpkins, Paul Veleke, Ian
Stepleton, Lisa Jorgenson, & Pastor Kelly Taylor-Schaus
SCRIP and Pick’ Save cards
Make holiday shopping easy for you....and help our congregation in
the process. Why not give gift cards this holiday instead of gifts?
Or use gift cards to do your Christmas shopping; they work just like
cash.
Check out the SCRIP website at http://www.glscrip.com. On the left
hand side of the webpage click on the Retailer list to see all of
the companies that are on the list either by category or
alphabetically.
2-17% of the face value of the gift cards you purchase actually
stays at Grace to help in our ministry here. The next SCRIP deadline
is October 4 (first Sunday of the month). Gas cards and Pick N Save
cards are available in the office weekdays while supplies last.
Questions? See Jessica or Melanie.
Names Needed for All Saint’s Celebration
As we prepare to celebrate All Saints’ Sunday on November 4, we need
your help. We will be compiling a list of names of people who have
passed away in the last year, people we would like to thank God for.
To ensure that we recognize people near and dear to our
congregation, please be sure to include those people who have
touched your life. There will be a name sheet in the office, so you
can stop in and add names, or you can call the office with names as
well. Help make our All Saints’ celebration fitting of the “Great
Cloud of Witnesses” who have inspired us, and are now at rest with
the Lord.
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Council Meeting Minutes for August 17, 2009
6:00 p.m.
Our Mission: To grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by President Herm
Leitz. Those in
attendance: Nelson Hinz, Andrea Mills, Amanda Preissner, Bob
Schwister, Heather Schuetz, Susan Sharkey, Melanie Simpkins, and
Terry Zimdars. Absent:
Betsy Rogalsky, Pastor Maurice and Pastor Kelly.
Guests: Jessica
Stollfuss, Office Manager.
M/S/A to approve the
agenda
with the addition of discussion about the Sharing From Our Hearts
for Joshua project (Nelson, Bob, unanimous).
July Secretary Minutes:
M/S/A to accept July Secretary Minutes with one
clarification, that Jane Redman will not be taking vacation time for
the Wednesday in August when she will be gone, because she is
volunteering her time during the Wednesday services this year due to
budget cuts (Terry, Heather, unanimous).
Treasurers Report:
(Betsy emailed report)
Expense Approvals
CET - $76.80 confirmation curriculum.
CET - $27.94 Sunday School curriculum.
Miscellaneous
As of July 31, 2009, there was a balance of $12,874 in the checking
account, after all of the bills for the month were paid.
Jessica transferred an additional $5K to the capital fund for
a total of $15K.
Average attendance 121 VS 130 in 2008 and an average of 149 for
2004-2008.
Budget VS Actual
We are doing well with total Income and Expense levels to date!
Challenges - we are at 58% of the year.
Fundraising - bulletins at 45%, Change for Grace at 28%
Loose offering at 49%
CET budget only 39% (this is good) but keep in mind VBS expenses are
not in yet – however, expenses should still be under for year to
date
Heat 81% - this may be fine due to where we are in the year and the
amount of heat we will use between now and the end of the year but I
wanted everyone to be aware of where we are.
Sewer 100%
Water 112%
Youth -5% - when will expenses from Youth Gathering be coming out?
2010 budget timeline recommendation
August – Pastors, staff, and committees plan their goals for 2010.
September – Pastors and committees budget plans presented to Council
for review. Following
the Council meeting budget recommendations should be sent to Finance
Committee.
October – Finance Committee presents budget recommendation to
Council. Council
recommends changes to Finance Committee.
November - Budget resubmitted to Council with recommended changes.
December – Final budget recommendation presented to Council.
January – Budget recommendation presented to congregation.
Budget vs. Actual as of July 30, 2009
also presented. M/S/A
to approve Treasurer’s report as presented (Nelson, Bob, unanimous).
Herm reminded us that we need to ask the ushers to put out
the change jar to promote the Change for Grace.
It was recommended that a sign be placed in the usher closet.
Melanie reports that gift cards for $100 BP and Kwik Trip
cards, as well as $50 and $100 Pick’n Save
cards are available in the office during the week.
After all cards are sold, the profit should be $1004.49 to
date from the gift card fundraiser.
Guest Address:
Jessica presented information on new office copier options.
She and Pastor Kelly recently met with a representative from
Modern Business Machines of Appleton. We currently have four office
machine/copiers that are becoming outdated and each have separate
contracts for repairs.
Though the current equipment is working the age of the 4 machines
and the improved technology and options for use of the new equipment
are appealing. Options to make large print documents without cutting
and pasting would save time. A handout outlined the expenses for
several leased options which include supplies and maintenance.
Training and onsite technical support are well respected by
other businesses that lease with them.
The Council has asked Jessica to obtain at least one more
estimate from a company in Oshkosh before we discuss it further.
Sharing from our Hearts for Joshua:
The congregation has donated $1552 to the $1000 approved by
Council at the last meeting for a total donation of $2552.00 to
date. Herm recommends
giving the check for the donated funds before the family leaves next
week for the surgery.
He will pick up the check from Jessica and present it to the family.
Correspondence:
Herm reminds Council to read Bishop Justman’s letter that we
received via email.
Other:
Herm has been talking with Pastor Kelly about considering a
Parish Nurse in our congregation.
Herm has been speaking with other churches, a Parish Nurse at
the BeFriender training and the Synod office to gather more
information. He also
expressed concern that Ripon College had football practice during
church on Sunday morning.
He plans to talk with Pastor Maurice about working with the
Clergy association to try to influence future practice times for
local sports to allow students to attend worship.
Word Alone:
Herm explained that this is a group within the Lutheran Church that
believes that we need to base our decisions on scripture.
They have expressed concern about the human sexuality
decisions and the ELCA decision about ordaining openly gay and
lesbian clergy. There
is great concern that the votes taken this week at the church wide
assembly will divide the church.
Electronic Giving (Simply Giving):
We have been notified that the church will be charged about
$8 per month ($96/yr) for this method.
Approximately $60,000 of pledged offering comes through
electronic transfers this year.
Stewardship would like to promote Simply Giving to improve
our giving and decrease paper use.
Some members note that electronic giving helps members stay
current with their pledges, which has been important this year.
Others expressed concern that people wouldn’t feel the need to
attend church if we promote this method.
Grace Notes:
To follow-up from last month’s discussion, Jessica explained that we
will not save money on postage by encouraging online viewing of
Grace Notes because as numbers decrease we lose the bulk postage
benefit. Grace Notes
are available each month on the church website.
Devotions:
Amanda called us to Christian exercise, based on Ephesians 4:20-32.
Prayer was offered.
Committee Reports
Christian Education: (Amanda and Sue) Confirmation curriculum is being restructured. Sunday School will now be part of the confirmation curriculum. A draft of the curriculum has been sent to the synod, and received positive feedback. VBS was a success with 137 kids, 76 adult and teen counselors, 4 churches hosting and kids from 12 different churches participating. Many more Sunday School teachers are needed for fall classes. Request approval for the following expenses: $310 for Confirmation Study materials, $200 Adult Forum materials, $500 for Akaloo, $150 for 3rd grade Bibles, and $150 for art supplies for Sunday School storeroom=$1310. M/S/A to approve all
items
(Sue, Andrea, unanimous).
Endowment:
(Sue) No report.
Evangelism:
(Terry) We still need more volunteers to help with food and serving
at the Ripon College Picnic.
Recently received a BeFriender update.
During CD/Bulletin delivery he has received good feedback on
Pastor Maurice’s visits to the homebound.
One mentioned how fun it was to have him join them for a
meal.
Fellowship:
(Nelson) October 3 will be the Farm outing at the Hinz farm.
Hayrides, pumpkins and a visit to the milking parlor are
planned.
Finance:
(Andrea) Looking for budgets for the next year by next month.
Herm reminded us that Bishop Justman said that it is typical
for churches of our size to spend 70-75% on salaries.
Personnel:
(Bob) No meeting.
Property:
(Nelson) No one has called us back despite several attempts to
obtain other estimates for the carpet cleaning of the Fellowship
hall. Now that VBS is
over, council encouraged Property to move forward with plans to have
Pioneer Cleaning clean the carpets.
Nelson will make the arrangements.
Garbage disposal has been fixed.
Social Concerns:
(Bob) No meeting.
Stewardship:
(Melanie) Frank McShane
has developed a new member Spiritual Gifts notebook to be used as an
ongoing resource for new members as outlined in our goals for this
next year. A copy of
the notebook was at the meeting for review.
Schedule for the Stewardship drive was reviewed.
The committee is actively seeking hosts.
Training and all supplies will be provided.
Temple talks will be done to explain the drive.
Sept 13 will be the orientation for hosts.
Events will be hosted Sept 13-Oct 4.
Oct 11 will be the After-Action meeting.
October 25 all committees are asked to showcase their
committee, inviting members to become involved in small and larger
volunteer opportunities.
Committees are asked to start planning their booth to show
what activities/responsibilities they do to serve our congregation,
and invite others to join them.
Worship: (Heather) Rally Day is scheduled for Sept. 13 with a potluck breakfast (bread, fruit, etc.) Women of Grace will be celebrating 40 years of Circles on September 20th at the 10:30 a.m. service. Committee is working
on
budget. They are
changing the Altar Guild schedule to do tables all the time except
at busy times like Christmas and Easter, so it is easier for the
Altar Guild to set-up, and requires less people.
Youth: (Amanda and Sue) The year’s schedule is planned. The Fiesta party with a taco bar and piñata went well yesterday. The New Orleans trip went well. Sue has the final numbers to submit for the budget. The cost for the trip was $16,828.00 just under the budgeted amount. She thanks the Council for regularly budgeting for the every three-year event to decrease the amount of fundraising that needs to occur the year of the trip. Oct 4 will be the next Chicken Barbeque. Youth came back from New Orleans challenged to do mission work. Sue said she and Pastor Maurice were very proud of our youth-they had a great trip. The youth should help to set up the plan for missions in the new year, even if they are not able to do the mission work. Mission is a focus of the new confirmation plan with 1st year service in the church, 2nd year service in the community and 3rd year mission work.
Pre-school: (Herm and Heather) Tonight-cleaning project in the preschool rooms, Aug 20th - Parent’s night,
, Aug 27th -Open House for kids to meet teachers, Aug 29th- Sale of Freeze Pops at Adventure Days at Badger
Mining 9-3p.m, Sept 1-School starts, Aug 20th-Brat Fry at Pick N Save, Sept 26th-Parade in Green Lake. 18%
of
budget is from fundraising.
Office:
(Andrea) Judy Dewar has offered Council a table at the Women of
Grace Flea Market.
Pastors reports:(submitted
by email prior to meeting)
Pastor Maurice:
Past
Visitation: 9
shut-in visits, 1 hospital visit, 4 phone visits, and many
meaningful conversations during VBS
Attended National Youth Gathering July 20-28
Went with Ian Stepleton, Jon Heatley, and Dave Schoff to picnic with
Bonnieview residents and staff August 6. DO NOT play ladderball with
Jon Heatley. You will lose!
Met with Personnel Committee Chair to research “Pastor’s sick day”
policy.
Continuing conversation with Sr. Pastor mentor, face-to-face visit
scheduled for Early September.
Present
Lunch & Learn Study resumes Sept. 21
Worked with members of the BeFrienders leadership team on “position
description” and details for the Calling forth and application
process, leading up to our October training session
Future
Next date for Nursing Home Worship – Sept. 3
Youth Chicken BBQ – tentative date of Oct. 4
CROP Walk – RACA (Oct. 11) – Looking for folks to hand out fliers at
Septemberfest (9/19) Any volunteers?
Pastor Kelly and I will be changing our office hour schedule.
Tentative new hours are:
Pastor Maurice: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 9-noon
Pastor Kelly: Tuesday 12:30-3:30 and Thursday 9-11 and 12:30-3:30
** Notice that this increases the number of hours that there is a Pastor in the office. Pastor Maurice’s Tuesday
hours may be occasionally shortened due to Conference gatherings (usually 3rd Tuesday) and for Shut-in visits. If
this
schedule works for us, we’ll post it in the Grace Notes in October
Synod
Theological conference October 12-14, need to approve expenses when
we get #’s
Pastor Kelly:
Mutual Ministry Team – Sue Mokler is our new member. Our next
meeting is Monday, September 14.
Recent projects:
Vacation Bible School – co-director with Mary Karsnia of middle
school program, Reel to REAL. Doubled participation from last year
(23 from 7 churches). Watched Scooby Doo, Holes, and Ice Age.
Discussed themes of working together, God’s support and presence,
the meaning of family, belonging to the family of God.
Confirmation Dream Team (Nelson Hinz, Mary Karsnia, Amanda
Preissner, Renée Schoff, Lisa Schwertfeger, Susan Sharkey, Joan
Wade, Pastor Maurice and Pastor Kelly) – retool progressing well.
Second tier of reviewers consulted on first draft of goals. Overall
positive feedback. Lessons are in place through December, 2009. One
significant addition: Sunday School time will be part of
Confirmation, called “Confirmation Breakout.” Part of the time will
be used to learn more through on site “field trips”, exploring
service through Grace. Team is very excited about work accomplished
thus far.
Akaloo (Sunday School) – teacher recruitment, planning and arranging
curriculum, checking supplies
Youth Ministry Team – planning for the year complete; kick off event
was a fiesta yesterday with taco bar, piñata and water games
Worship leadership while away:
Wednesday, August 19 –
Renee Schoff leader, Jolene Meyer music
Sunday, August 23 –
Joshua Stibb leader
Wednesday, August 26 –
Curt Belau leader, Jim Borell music
Sunday, August 30 –
Rev. Dave Redman leader
Emergency pastoral care will be provided by Pastor Kimberly Stowell
from the Rogersville congregation. In an emergency, please contact
Herm Leitz or Jessica Stollfuss.
The
meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer at 7:37 p.m.
Next meeting date: Sept
21, 2009
Respectfully submitted,
Melanie Simpkins,
Council Secretary
Approved 9/21/09
Grace Lutheran Church Council Special Meeting
September 8, 2009 7:15
p.m.
The
meeting was opened by President Herm Leitz.
Those in attendance included:
Nelson Hinz, Andrea Mills, Betsy Rogalsky, Pastor Maurice
Schaus, Bob Schwister, Melanie Simpkins, and Pastor Kelly
Taylor-Schaus. The
meeting was called to discuss the recent ELCA Church-wide Assembly
decisions that were made and how they will impact our congregation.
Of particular concern is the decision to ordain openly gay
and lesbian clergy.
Devotions were given by Pastor Kelly based on the remarks from
Bishop Mark Hansen to the Church-wide Assembly after the recent
vote. Following a
lengthy discussion all agreed that we need to have discussion about
these decisions in our church.
Concerns were raised that many have expressed concern
regarding the decision, and have questions about future support of
the Synod. It is still
not clear how these decisions will directly affect our congregation.
Council has asked the Pastors to address the congregation, so
that members have accurate information.
Many Council members have found inaccurate information in the
media compared to the documents from the Synod.
The Pastors will give 4-5 temple talks about the Assembly
decisions starting this next Sunday.
They both welcome anyone with questions to visit with them,
and will address concerns as they are brought forward.
We would also like to invite the Bishop to address the
congregation in the near future.
The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully,
Melanie Simpkins, Council Secretary
Approved 9/21/09
Dear Members and Friends of Grace Lutheran Church:
On behalf of Ripon College, I want to thank you for helping to
provide such a wonderful dinner for over 700+ of our faculty, staff,
and students at the annual Clergy Association potluck. We are indeed
very grateful to the ten churches and pastors that participated in
this year’s potluck.
For the fourteenth year in a row, our college family was able to
join hands with the community of Ripon and share a delicious meal
together. We certainly appreciate your generosity; the annual
potluck is an event all members of the Ripon College community look
forward to, and it is a warm welcome as we begin the new academic
year.
Soap Boxes Needed
Anyone wishing to make soap donations for the LWR shipment needs to
have them in soap containers and in the coatroom no later than
October 11th. Thank you for your contributions.
Christmas Shoe Boxes
There is a need to start thinking about The Christmas Shoe Boxes. We
would like members of the congregation to make up a box(es) or go
together with a friend to make up a box for Operation Christmas
Child! Also, we need approximately $7.00 per box to go toward
shipping costs. If anyone would like to make a contribution towards
this, it would be very helpful. Join in on a wonderful way to share
the good news and bring a smile to a forgotten child. Items needed
include: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons or markers, ink pad
sets, writing paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books,
small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, yo-yos,
harmonicas, jump ropes, toys that light up or make noise, toothbrush
and toothpaste, bar soap, comb, washcloth, hard candy, lollipops,
mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips,
jewelry, watches, flashlights, extra batteries, etc. We
recommend
you put hygiene items in each box. Please no used or damaged items,
military-related items, guns, chocolate or food, out-of-date candy,
liquids or lotions, medications, breakable items, or aerosol cans.
Keep it simple and beautiful! Donations are due by November 8th. Our
goal is to exceed 60 boxes.
RIPON CROP WALK 2009
The world is still hungry.
Last year at this time gas cost a dollar more, the value of
stocks was taking a dive, we were worried whether schools, factories
and business would still have jobs for us.
Corn prices were twice what they are now.
But the economy did not crash.
We can still afford our food.
However, many in Ripon and the world cannot.
Much of the world is still hungry.
Two thirds of the world still spends 90% of their income on food.
Many in the world can not buy the tortillas and meal made
from expensive grain.
War and disasters keep too many of God’s people hungry.
Ripon still has twice as many people as last year who need
the help of our food pantries.
So we will raise money again this fall in Ripon’s CROP Walk.
Join us
Sunday, October 11,
to walk to stop hunger. Registration is at 1 p.m. at First
Congregational Church on Ransom Street with the walk starting at
1:30 p.m. Walkers will choose from a 2 mile or 5 mile course.
If you are interested, please see a member of the Social Concerns
Committee - Marlene Buslaff, Bea Denzin, Bob Schwister, Shirley
Stewart, Charlotte Tabbert, or Shirley Vollbrecht
Grace Lutheran Church 2nd Annual Youth Group Chicken BBQ
Sunday, October 4, 2009
The Youth Group will again be sponsoring a Chicken BBQ with proceeds
toward youth events. The Chicken BBQ will be at Grace Lutheran
Church from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You will be able to eat in,
drive through, carryout, or get it delivered. Advance tickets are
available in the office for $7.00. Tickets will be $8.00 at the
door.
Grace Youth Group would appreciate assistance in the pre-sale of
tickets and/or help with the event. Please contact Lee Jess or
Pastor Kelly Taylor-Schaus at 920-748-5433.
Fall Gathering
Mark you calendars for the Grace Fall Gathering, Saturday, October 10th, at the Nelson and Shirley Hinz farm,
328 County Highway M, Pickett.
Fun and fellowship will begin at 3:00 p.m. with activities
and hay rides, a pot luck meal will be shared and a fire at dusk to
gather around for warmth and conversation.
Bring your lawn chairs, something warm and your good spirit.
A sign up sheet is posted in the church lobby.
Please contact Scott or Betsy Rogalsky with any questions at
920-748-5433 or
gracelc@centurytel.net.
See you there.
Thanksgiving Meal Mission
For the fifth year in a row, Grace will open its doors to the community to provide a Thanksgiving Day meal prepared with the love of Christ for those who cannot afford a meal, are unable to prepare one, or would otherwise be spending the holiday alone. The meal will be served on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th, from
11:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. The meal will be prepared and served through the labor and love of Grace volunteers. As a member of Grace please take this opportunity to help fulfill our missions of outreach and fellowship as we share the bounty of God’s love with our community. An organizational meeting will be held on Sunday, October 4th between services at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Sign up sheets for food and volunteers will be
posted later in the month. Please contact Scott or Betsy Rogalsky with any questions at 920-748-5433 or gracelc@centurytel.net
Grace Pre-School September News
What a great start to a new year at Grace Pre-school!! We have had a fantastic September! Our three year old class has 14 children and started the year with the themes “Back to School,” “Friends and Family,” “Five Senses,” “Apples,” and “Fall Leaves and Acorns”. They enjoyed making Friendship Fruit Salad and Apple Tur
novers for cooking days!
The four year old class has 17 children and started with the
themes “Routine & Friendship,” “I Am Special,” “Letter Aa & Apples,”
“Letter Bb,” and “Fall Fun”. They had fun making Ants on a Log and
Apple Muffins for cooking projects.
Our Bible truth for the month was “God Made Us.”
During
the month of October both classes will learn about Fire Safety and
Halloween. The three
year old class will also learn about Pumpkins and Community Helpers.
The four year old class will be continuing our alphabet theme
with the letters Cc and Dd.
Our Bible theme for October will be “God Heals Us”
The
preschool has several boxes of freeze pops left over from a
fundraiser. A box
contains 48 JUMBO freeze pops and will be sold for $12.00 a box.
Please sign up in the office if you are interested in
purchasing a box. Thank
you.
Pre-School Sponsorship Opportunity
The Pre-School has a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is looking
to make a financial donation that would positively impact our
children.
Once again, we are using classrooms magazines to enhance our
curriculum. The three year olds receive a
“Clifford”
magazine every other week and the four year olds receive a
“Weekly Reader”
each week. The cost of the 3 year old magazine is $59.85 and the
cost of the four year old magazine is $79.80. The children just love
being able to take their magazines home and share them with family
members when we are finished with them at school. If you would like
to sponsor a magazine, please contact one of the Pre-School
teachers, Heather Schuetz, or Jessica in the office. Your support is
greatly appreciated.
**Grace Readers - Book Club**
Upcoming Discussions
Thursday, October 15th, 2009 6:30pm
Grace Church Youth Room
We will discuss the book
The Shack
by William Paul Young.
This is a story about Mack, a man whose daughter is kidnapped and
brutally murdered. A few years after her murder, Mack receives an
invitation from God to meet Him at the shack where they found his
daughter's bloody clothes. Mack goes and works through the meaning
of suffering as he spends the weekend with the Trinity.
ALL
ARE WELCOME
Invite a friend or neighbor - anyone who may enjoy a good read,
thoughtful discussion and fellowship. Join in for just one book or
all books or anywhere in between. Future book suggestions are
encouraged – if you have read a great book, let us know!
Contact Mary Karsnia with questions or for more details - 748-5433 or e-mail at gracelc@centurytel.net
in Sunday School,
we are
DISCOVERING THE BIBLE
The
body of Christ is not a building. It is the people
The
Bible is every Christian disciple’s sacred document – a library of
books, authors and perspectives, all pointed toward God’s saving
work in the world. Over time, through a balance between active
experience and cognitive learning disciples grow into an enduring
relationship with God’s written word so they can effectively guide
others.
Life
goal in this unit:
Discover more fully what the bible says and
what it means for my life.
Here
are our classes, the foundation questions, and exploring the
answers:
|
3 year old class
Who is in the Bible?
Tell about 3 people in the Bible.
|
4 and 5 year old classes
What happens in the Bible?
Tell about 3 happenings in the Bible.
|
|
Grades 1 and 2
What does the Bible teach me?
Say the Lord’s Prayer.
|
Grades 3 and 4
What are the parts of the Bible?
Name the books of the Bible.
|
|
Grades 5 and 6
What’s so great about the Bible?
Describe three features of the Bible.
|
Grade 7
What does the Bible say about power?
Recite the Beattitudes.
|
COME JOIN US
Sunday Mornings at 9:15 am
ALL ARE WELCOME
Confirmation: Update
The Confirmation retool has been a time for us to dream about what
is Confirmation and what do we want it to be. The “Dream Team”
members have worked diligently through the summer to put to paper
their dreams as well as what Grace’s confirmation program already
does that works. Please find below some of the information that was
shared with the 20 youth and their families about the “whys and hows”
of confirmation instruction at Grace. Please address your questions
and feedback to our facilitator, Susan Sharkey, or Pastor Kelly.
Description
The confirmation experience is a time for 8th and 9th grade youth to reflect on your Lutheran Christian faith and their relationships with God as revealed in Jesus. At the end of the experience, 9th graders will have the opportunity to
confirm
the Baptismal vows their parents and sponsors made on their behalf
on the day they were baptized.
As part of the experience, these youth will have the opportunity to
■
Establish a relationship with God that will carry though a lifetime
■
Build a foundation of faith to carry from high school into adulthood
■
Grow in personal faith and love for God
■
Make faith relevant in everyday life
■
Connect the history of God as revealed in Christ to active, healthy
relationships with God, the people of God, and the world
A
youth is ready to be confirmed when
■
the individual expresses a desire to affirm his/her faith and the
Baptismal promises made for him/her
■
the individual successfully meets the confirmation competencies
■
the Church Council endorses your readiness to be confirmed (per the
congregation’s constitution)
|
Through Confirmation Instruction, each youth will have the
opportunity to |
|
|
1. |
Reflect on their personal relationship with God as revealed
in Jesus Christ |
|
2. |
Develop faith practices (worship, prayer, Bible study,
devotions) |
|
3. |
Explain how major tenets of faith can be applied to their
life experiences (Lord's Prayer, Apostles' Creed, Ten
Commandments, Bible) |
|
4. |
Point out a Christian's place in the Church and the world |
Confirmation Dream Team members:
Nelson Hinz, Mary Karsnia, Amanda Preissner, Pastor Maurice Schaus,
Renée Schoff, Lisa Schwertfeger, Susan Sharkey, Pastor Kelly Taylor
Schaus, and Joan Wade.
Please keep the pastors, these youth and their guides in your
prayers as they explore the intersection between faith and life:
9th Grade Guide: Lisa Schwertfeger
9th Graders: Alyssa Lind, Charlotte Marquart, Bryce Pischke, Nash
Reininger, Carmen Sauerbrei, Corey Schoff, Lydia Schwertfeger,
Ambrosia Stanbery, Mason Stangl, and Colin Weber.
8th grade guides: Mary Johnston and Linda Kinziger
8th graders: Libby Borgardt, Kayla Hetzel, Kali Kinziger, Joshua
Koentopp, Cody Johnston, Casie McDonald, Carter Meyer, Alexis
Mokler, Jennifer Oppor, Katelyn Ziesmer
2009-2010
Youth Events Schedule
Join us for Y.E.S!
Youth Energized Sundays
October 4
– Youth Chicken BBQ
Be a part of the fun: selling tickets, setting up the morning of
October 3 and morning to early afternoon on the 4th
October 10
– Power of One Concert (mini Lifest in Appleton)
More info: http://www.powerofoneonline.com/
October 18
– Y.E.S. Leaf Raking and Fall Party - pumpkin decorating and bobbing
for apples
November 13-15
– Synod High School Youth Gathering (Holiday Inn, Manitowoc)
Register by Oct. 1
More info:
http://www.ecsw.org
Go to ‘youth
November 15
- Y.E.S. Bowling
December 6
- Y.E.S. Cookie making/decorating/delivering
January 17
- Y.E.S. Swimming
February 20 – 21
– Synod Middle School Youth Gathering
February 21
- Y.E.S. Skiing
March 21
- Y.E.S. YMCA
April 18
- Y.E.S. youth choice
May 16
- Y.E.S. youth choice
June 20
- Y.E.S. youth choice
July 7-11
- Lifest in Oshkosh
Note:
Details for all events can be found in the Grace Notes and on
the Y.E.S. tab at the Grace website (http://gracelutheranripon.com)
ATTENTION ALL CURRENT 7-10th
graders:
Mark your calendars now!
July 2012
ELCA National Youth Gathering
(location yet to be announced)
The Central Lay School of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin
presents
“Listen to My Teaching”
A Day of Theological and Spiritual Refreshment
Saturday, October 24, 2009
8:30 am - 2:30 pm
St. Andrew Lutheran Church
3200 South Mountain Road
Wausau, WI
Come join us for a day of learning as we explore diverse topics in
spirituality, theology, Bible study, and more. There’s something for
everyone! Don’t miss it!!
More information and registration forms are available in the office.
Great Flea Market Results
Wow—we made $160 profit for the Women of Grace general fund on Saturday, September 5th for our Big Yard
Sale.
Special thank you to Jessica, Lisa and Moniqua for finding
vendors in advance.
Thank you to John, Herm, Bob, and Ken for setting up the tables and
taking them down. Thank
you to all the ladies who participated as we had a very good
fellowship. Enough so
that we want to do it again.
Details will be coming forth about a sale date in early
November.
Help Load the LWR Trailer
On Friday, October 16th at 5:30 PM we need some strong arms to load
up the quilts, health kits, school kits, layettes, etc. so that the
next morning they can be transported to the train box car in
Oshkosh. Groups please gather your items together, clearly mark on
them they are ready for shipment, and set them on the stage in the
Fellowship. Thank you in advance to Wayne Albright for this truck.
Any questions, please call Judy DeWar at
748-5433.
Round Table Discussion
On Saturday, October 3, 2009, we will be gathering at St. John’s in
Nekimi to brain-storm and talk about how we can get the younger
women of our congregation more involved. The theme is: “Gathering at
the Well of Living Water - Passing the Cup to Others.” We encourage
any younger members of this congregation to bring their ideas and
reasons as to why you are not being active to our attention. It is
important that we hear and know this information. If you have any
suggestions, please leave a note in Judy DeWar’s mailbox or see
Jessica in the office.
40th Birthday of Circles
The 40th birthday circle celebration was very nice. Thank you to Mrs. Loraine Behrs from Markesan who shared
her
trip to the Holy Land with us; thank you to the Y.E.S. group for
setting up the tables in advance; thank you to Moniqua for helping
with the decorating; thank you to Bob for taking photographs,
special thank you to Paul for helping with the computer part, and
thank you to Judy and Moniqua for cleaning up.
We all had a really good time plus the cake and ice cream
were yummy.
Special Congregational Meeting
October 11, 2009
in between services
Item on the agenda includes:
■ Voting on replacing the boiler valves and purchasing a new hot
water heater. Costs are expected to be between $3,000 and $4,000.
This was not a budgeted item for 2009.
Please come and let your voice be heard.
|
Austin Langeberg
10/01 Ernst
Ray Neuenfeldt
10/01
Steffen Peterson
10/01
Nelson Hinz
10/02
Sara Liptow
10/02
Steve Nielsen
10/02
Ruby Vollbrecht
10/03
Inez Bryden
10/04
Jeanette Kafer
10/04
Roger Langeberg
10/04
Noah Boe 10/05
Betty Lambert
10/05
Kylie Slark
10/05
Cindy Ebert
10/06
Tyler Pischke
10/06
Myron Gross
10/07
Cindy Shaffer
10/08
Bob DeWar 10/09
Norman Rudolph
10/09
|
Anja Slate 10/09
Rev. Sandi Krynik
10/10
Kevin Neuenfeldt
10/10
Warren Sherman
10/10
Mark Bradley
10/11
Nathan Johnston
10/11
Cassidy Mader
10/12
Gale Gabrielski
10/13
Kelly Langeberg
10/13
Timm Nelson
10/13
Mark Slate 10/15
Daniel Elliott
10/16
Joel Brockman
10/17
Colton Thiem
10/17
Bill Reininger
10/18
Cassidy Sauerbrei
10/19
Alton Meyer
10/20
Judy Stibb 10/20
Gabriell Schuetz
10/21 |
Shaylen Thiem
10/21
Pastor Maurice
10/22
Madyson Whalen
10/22
Julia Boe 10/23
Mason Luker
10/23
Bethany Whalen
10/23
Madison Huseboe
10/25
Audrey White
10/25
Ben Paulson
10/26
Jessica West
10/27
LuAnn Rosenau
10/29
Jon Heatley
10/30
Alexa Neuenfeldt
10/30
Morgan Pinnow
10/30
Mark Preissner
10/30
Ann Schultz
10/30
Renee Schoff
10/31
Lois Weiske
10/31
|
|
Pat & Traci Merrill
10/01
Marv & Barb Mlodzik
10/01
Paul & Lisa Schwertfeger
10/02
Brian & Annette Peppler
10/03
David & Peggy Beuthin
10/07
Doug & Dani Pinnow 10/08
Ernest Ray & Ida Neuenfeldt
10/09
|
Jeff & Lisa Hunger 10/12
Dave & Renee Schoff
10/13
Norman & Donna Rudolph
10/14
Marvin & Shirley Vollbrecht
10/14
Jesse & Kristin Washkoviak
10/14
Jon & Karen Hillier
10/16
Howard & Judy Stibb
10/24
|
Eugene & Marion Witthchow
10/25
Dean & Amy Slark 10/28
Bob & Bev Schwister
10/30
Bill & Jessica Stollfuss
10/30
Warren & Charlotte Sherman
10/31
|
Homebound Members
Evelyn Kohnke, Elmer & Louise Kuhs, Don & Joyce Lueck, Alton Meyer, Florian Laper, Irmgard Timm, Eugene Wittchow, Shirley Stewart
American House:
Mary Alice Linde, Kelly Kutzled
Markesan Residence Center:
Orin & Arla Galow
Fountain View Care Center:
Freda Falk, Elaine Heatley
Maple Crest:
Mel Sorensen,
Joan Kedrowski, Dolores Hunger
Barrett House:
Duane Wittchow
Michalene’s:
Aleen Briese, Elsie Clark
Altar Flowers for 2009
The 2009 Altar Flowers sign-up calendar is posted on the wall next
to the church office door in the entryway.
You may designate Altar Flowers in honor or memory of loved
ones or a special occasion. This information will be printed in the
bulletin for that Sunday. Sign up in advance by writing your name on
the chart or by calling the office. The cost for Altar Flowers is
$15.00
After the last service for that Sunday, you may pick up your
flowers. If you need to take the vase liners home, please return
them by the following Tuesday. If you do not want to take your
flowers home, please notify the church office. If no one signs up
for flowers for a given Sunday, there will be no flowers on the
altar that day. For more information, contact a member of the
Worship Committee.
Worship Leaders
The sign-up board will be left open until our newsletter, Grace
Notes, will be published (about the 22nd
of the
month). At that time, the Worship Committee will assign the open
slots with the names of those who indicated on their Time and Talent
Sheets that they’d like to participate.
IF YOU CANNOT HELP on the date(s) assigned, please find someone to
take your place. Please notify the office of the change.
| Date | Greeters | Lectors | Communion Assistants |
| October 4 8:00 am |
Inez Bryden, Vi Fude | Steven Hollenback | Bill & Faye Zacharias, 1 NEEDED |
| October 4 10:30 am |
Joel & Janie Brockman | Leesa McShane | Joel & Janie Brockman, Joslyn Anderson |
| October 11 8:00 am |
Marion Wittchow, Donna Broder | Renee Schoff | Paul & Judy Gustafson, Ruth Ann Smith |
| October 11 10:30 am |
Susan & Megan Sharkey | Lisa Schwertfeger | Lisa Schwertfeger, Susan Sharkey, 1 NEEDED |
| October 18 8:00 am |
Marge Guldan & Naomi Kelm-Carley | Penny Gillespie | none |
| October 18 10:30 am |
Youth | Youth | none |
| October 25 8:00 am |
Keith & Ann Schultz | Curt Belau | Paul & Mickey Veleke, Curt Belau |
| October 25 10:30 am |
Lee & Katie Baird | Terry Zimdars | Lyn & Terry Mathias, 1 NEEDED |
| Team 1 | Team 2 | Team 3 | Team 4 | Team 5 |
| October 11 - 8:00 am October 25 - 10:30 am |
October 11 - 10:30 am | October 18 - 8:00 am | October 4 - 8:00 am October 18 - 10:30 am |
October 4 - 10:30 am October 25 - 8:00 am |