Grace Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 February 2014 Grace Lutheran Church 108 W. SOMO AVENUE TOMAHAWK, WISCONSIN The Fair Trade Ministry Team is proud to announce the sale of Equal Exchange products including coffees, teas, and chocolates. On the weekend of January 12 th we kicked off the Fair Trade Ministry here at Grace and were blessed by an outpouring of support from our members. We sold virtually everything we had to sell the first weekend! Our plan is to order products regularly to keep our cabinet well stocked. We invite feedback from you so we know what products you like to buy. It is important for you to understand that this is NOT a fundraiser for anyone. This is about the fair trade of goods. Be watching the monthly newsletters for a Fair Trade Newsletter Nugget each month to keep you informed about this ministry. Neighbors In Need Ministry (715) If you have an item to give away, please call the number above and leave a message with your name, phone number, and a description of the item. When your item is needed, someone will contact you. The procedure is the same if you are in need of an item. Group Events/Fundraisers Guidelines Form If you are planning an event or fundraiser, please pick up (at the office) one of the Group Events & Fundraisers Guidelines forms. This document has been created to benefit everyone. It will help the office to clarify dates as well as contact people and their phone numbers. The name of your event or fundraiser is very important. We will refer to that name in any bulletin or newsletter announcements. This form will also tell you how you can depend on the church office to help you with your events and fundraisers, how to handle the proceeds, and will ask you to fill out a very short summary at its conclusion. If you are in doubt about whether or not you need to fill out a form, please call the office. - If your group is planning multiple fundraisers, the summary portion should be filled out for every event, such as car wash,, brat sale, etc. - If your group is planning a trip that does not involve fundraising, you still need to complete this form. It will help us to understand more about your trip, such as date(s), who is in charge, what your requirements and goals are, e.g., registration money, deadlines, etc. When this completed form is returned to the office, your event or fundraiser will officially begin. If you have further questions, please call the office at (715) Sponsors of the Month These sponsors make our newsletter printing possible. See the complete list on the back page.

2 Food Pantry Thank You Thank you Grace Lutheran members and friends, for your generosity in giving towards the Tomahawk Food Pantry. Your donations have been much needed and appreciated. Our drop off box for the pantry is located in the Gathering Area. Recent requested items are canned meats and paper products. Thank you. Bill & Carol Sparr, Food Pantry Volunteers Bulletin Board Need Companion Breakfast Hosts Is your committee or group interested in sponsoring a Companion Breakfast? See the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the Copy Room. You will also find envelopes with instructions on how to handle the proceeds from your breakfast. Grades 6 and 7 After School Group Grace members ask, What have these kids been up to lately? Pastor Mark Ziemer s Wednesday After School group serves as part of the weekly acolyte group. Director of Children s Ministries Patti Gaedtke and volunteer Jen Beaumier assist in the teaching. Our 2013 activity schedule has been busy. In October, the 6 th and 7 th graders were at Golden Age Nursing Home for the USA s Make a Difference Day. They played games, enjoyed snacks, and visited with the residents. With the help of Grace Lutheran and American Legion member Joe Story, Care packages were sent to our soldiers. It was a very enjoyable November activity. In addition, Christmas cards were sent to students in Lekubu. Students and staff were scheduled to ring bells for the Salvation Army in December. Our scheduled day to participate with Don and Carolyn Halverson and Fritz Jach was canceled due to the extreme cold. Instead, Cathy Meyer and Binder Kind spoke to the class about the Salvation Army s Backpack program and how it provides needed food for school children. Our young people will help fill the backpacks in March. The January special was a visit to the Tomahawk Food Pantry, learning its history, stocking shelves, and role playing a typical day of volunteers. The Methodist youth group joined us and later we sat in their sanctuary with Pastor Debbie Hastings. We learned about their church, its activities, and shared what we do at Grace. Bill Sparr, Grades 6 and 7 Activity Director Lenten Soup Meals Beginning March 5 Soup meals will begin on Ash Wednesday, March 5. Sign-up sheets are posted in the Gathering Area. Many volunteers are needed for supplies and for many gallons of soup as well. Soup chefs, if you sign up for meatless soup, please be sure to bring a soup without meat! Thank you. Lunch will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. If this time is too early for your schedule, please come as soon as possible before noon. This will allow time for the kitchen crew to clean up before the beginning of the church service. Kitchen workers should plan to stay until the clean-up is completed so that all helpers can attend the church service. Dinner will be served only as volunteers sign up to serve as coordinators for specific evenings. A coordinator or coordinators can be an individual, a committee or group, or a family. The responsibilities include making sure that the sign-up sheet is completed for supplies, soup, and kitchen workers for the assigned week. This person/group/family will oversee the entire meal, including set-up and clean-up. Soup will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sign-up sheets for both lunch and dinner meals will be on the same table. Your generous support is greatly appreciated. Please come and enjoy a delicious meal and conversation prior to Lenten worship services. 2

3 Top Ten Reasons to consider Crossways Camps Crossways Camping Ministries are easy to explore and learn about at: 9. All ages are camping. People are loving the retreats of all sorts, and perhaps the fastest growing of all - Family Camps. 8. All Crossways sites are winterized for year-round retreats and with facilities that can be rented. The quilting, scrapbooking, crafting and youth group building retreats are very popular. 7. The opportunities explode in summer: Crossways has three sites - Waypost (southeast of Wausau), Imago Dei Village (south of Shawano), and Pine Lake (south of Waupaca). There are several programs each week on each site. Or, try any of the other 135 ELCA-affiliated camp, retreat, and conference center sites in the United States and Puerto Rico. - See more at: Outdoor-Ministry 5. Catch the Ziemer family s love for camp! Join them for Family Camp at Imago Dei August 3-8, or at Grandparent/KIDS at Waypost August Families camp in many ways: a weekend, 4-day, week-long, or for specialized adult camps; Grandparent/KIDS, Preschool Parent & Me, Piece Together for children on the autism spectrum to enjoy with their parents and siblings. 3. Grace has reserved the week of July 6-11 at Waypost for all grades 1-12 at a reduced cost and added help from Grace - if you register through Grace before March 15: Pioneers for grades 1-3 ($150); Pathfinders for grades 3-5 ($300); Confirmation Camp for grades 6-8 ($235); and Faith Ventures for grades 9-12 ($320). PZ and Wendy Black will also attend. The 2014 on-line registration at is very convenient and if have a question or problem call Liz at (920) for immediate assistance. Many people, including Grace, declare their week at Bible Camp one of the greatest influences for faith, involvement in church, and best times in life. STAFF (715 area codes) Pastor.Rev. Mark Ziemer or (home) pastorziemer@gracetomahawk.org Visitation Pastor Rev. Don Cannady Youth Facilitator.... Wendy Black wblack@gracetomahawk.org Secretary....Debbie Hetzel or (home) dhetzel@gracetomahawk.org Secretary Support.. Sarah Mann smann@gracetomahawk.org Treasurer Sarah Mann smann@gracetomahawk.org Wedding Coordinator Kay Jensen Custodian Dar Anderson COUNCIL MEMBERS President Heather Engel Mindy Gabrich Forrest Gibeault Judy Juedes Brian Schmidt Brian Storm Marilyn Smith Bill Zorr Mark Schlegel Youth Representatives Autumn Frederick Nathon Tobias Church Office Hours Mon. Fri. 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (closed for lunch noon to 1:00 pm) Staff Meetings (Office closed) Thursday 9:00 am to 10:00 am Deadlines Bulletin deadline: Wednesday Newsletter deadline: Third Monday of every month. 3

4 G r a c e L u t h e r a n C h u r c h Youth Ministry & Faith Formation February 2014 Wendy Black Youth Ministry Facilitator Patti Gaedtke Director of Children s Ministries Mindy Gabrich Director of Confirmation & Technology Margie Welke Director of High School & Young Adult Ministries Upcoming Events Feb. 5 Captive Free at First Wednesday worship Feb Trip to Greater Galilee, Milwaukee March Minneapolis Quake Zone, grades 6-12 A Word from Wendy: How many of you are dreaming about summer in the middle of this over-abundant winter we re having? I hope some of those dreams include Summer Camp at Crossways/Waypost! Bible camp is a great way for young people to experience God s creation, meet new friends, and learn new things! Camp is experiential, which means you don t just learn about stuff, you do it! Things like: - swimming - canoeing - worship - sailing - biking - fishing - arts & crafts - campfires - prayers - service - pontoon rides - hiking - archery - challenge course - basketball - river trips - volleyball - nature - ga-ga ball - Bible study - overnights - kayaking - cook-outs - rock climbing July 6-11 is Grace s official week at Waypost near Hatley, WI. Grace will pay a certain portion of the fee. There are opportunities during that week for those who have completed grades 1-3 (total cost with discounts $150), grades 3-5 (total cost with discounts $300), grades 6-8 (total cost with discounts $235), and 9-12 (total cost with discounts $320). In order to qualify for the discounts, you must register before March 15. There are also specialty camps, including YET (Youth Enrichment Training) and weeks for families & grandparents. Grace is able to offer these scholarships due to your generosity. The special collection for the month of February goes toward this investment of sending our young people to camp. So please be generous! Thanks in advance for your gifts! For more information about Bible camp at Crossways/Waypost, watch for brochures available soon. Or check out their website at 4

5 FEBRUARY 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 VDC Training 9:00 AM AA/Alanon 10:00 AM Grief Support in AF Lounge 5:00 PM Worship HC 2 4th Sunday after Epiphany 8:30 AM Worship HC 9:30 AM Grad Milestone 9:30 AM Sunday School/Coffee Hour 10:45 AM Worship HC w/p & W Band 9 5th Sunday after Epiphany 8:30 AM Contemp. Worship HC 9:30 AM Sunday School/Coffee Hour 9:40 AM First Communion Class 16 6th Sunday after Epiphany 8:30 AM Worship HC 9:30 AM Companion Breakfast 9:30 AM Sunday School/Coffee Hour 9:40 AM First Communion Class 10:45 AM Worship HC w/p & W Band 23 7th Sunday after Epiphany Greater Galilee Weekend 8:30 AM Contemp. Worship HC 9:30 AM Sunday School/Coffee Hour 9:40 AM First Communion Class 4:00 PM First Communion Retreat 3 9:00 AM Quilters 10 9:00 AM Quilters 17 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 9:00 AM Quilters 24 9:00 AM Quilters 4 RED CROSS 9:00 AM LWR Quilters 9:30 AM Bible Study 7:00 PM Bible Study 11 9:00 AM LWR Quilters 9:30 AM Bible Study 11:30 AM Joyful Tomahawk Family Rest. 6:00 PM Womens Bible Study 7:00 PM Bible Study 18 9:00 AM LWR Quilters 9:30 AM Bible Study 7:00 PM Bible Study 25 9:00 AM LWR Quilters 9:30 AM Bible Study 1:00 PM Prayer Shawl Meeting 6:00 PM Womens Bible Study 7:00 PM Bible Study 5 Bulletin Deadline Captive Free 4:00 PM Gr. 6 & 7 After School 5:30 PM Wilderness Meeting 6:30 PM Gr. 8 & 9 Conf. 6:30 PM Handbell Choir 7:00 PM First Weds. Worship 12 Bulletin Deadline 9:00 AM 4 Rivers Q- Guild 4:00 PM Gr. 6 & 7 After School 6:30 PM Gr. 8 & 9 Conf. 6:30 PM Handbell Choir 19 Bulletin Deadline 4:00 PM Gr. 6 & 7 After School 6:30 PM Gr. 8 & 9 Conf. 6:30 PM Handbell Choir 26 Bulletin Deadline 9:00 AM 4 Rivers Q- Guild 4:00 PM Gr. 6 & 7 After School 6:30 PM Gr. 8 & 9 Conf. 6:30 PM Handbell Choir 6 9:00 AM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM LRPC 6:30 PM Contemporary Choir 13 9:00 AM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM Council Meeting 20 9:00 AM Staff Meeting 6:30 PM Contemporary Choir 27 9:00 AM Staff Meeting 9:30 AM ruth Carolyn Halverson's 1:15 PM Alice Henke Communion 6:00 PM Meeting Night - Worship, Fellowship, & Stewardship 7 7:30 AM Men's Breakfast at Family Restaurant 14 7:30 AM Men's Breakfast at Family Restaurant 21 Greater Galilee Weekend 7:30 AM Men's Breakfast at Family Restaurant 28 7:30 AM Men's Breakfast at Family Restaurant 8 9:00 AM AA/Alanon 10:00 AM Grief Support in AF Lounge 5:00 PM Worship HC 15 VDC Training 9:00 AM AA/Alanon 10:00 AM Grief Support in AF Lounge 5:00 PM Worship HC 22 Greater Galilee Weekend 9:00 AM AA/Alanon 5:00 PM Worship HC Please note that Joyful Noise luncheon on February 10th has been moved to the Tomahawk Family Restaurant. (The Pine Tree will be closed)

6 FIRST COMMUNION Children Welcome Which children/youth? Fifth grade is recognized as a natural time for preparing for Holy Communion. Children begin thinking about sin and death at this age and are able to understand concepts and actions taught in this preparation. Younger children showing desire to receive Communion are welcome to come to this preparation! God s grace and children are indefinable mysteries. Anyone baptized is welcome at the Lord s Table. All we ask is to have this preparatory conversation before their First Communion. Older children and youth or adults who have not received this preparatory teaching are urged to come! God s grace is too amazing to miss. Please contact the pastors or the Church Office if you think this may not be appropriate you or if you have questions Must parents come along? It is crucial for parents to attend with all children and youth up to age 16. Godparents and grandparents may also attend and/or substitute when parents have work conflicts. Incorporating forgiveness and rituals of forgiveness is a key part of this preparatory conversation. Two Options A. Three sessions on Sunday mornings, from 9:40-10:40 am in the youth room: Feb. 9, Feb. 16, and Feb. 23. Each session is necessary and unique as they will cover respectively: background, meaning, and gifts of Holy Communion. B. One time retreat format on Sunday, February 23, from 4:00-7:30 pm, same three emphases on back ground, meaning, and gifts of Holy Communion will be explored. Celebration Sunday, March 2, at 8:30 am Worship is the scheduled time to receive First Communion for all who attend either of the preparatory events. Sunday, April 13, at 5:00 pm there will be a potluck supper Seder Meal follow-up celebration for all 5 th graders and for all who receive their First Communion in Greetings from South Africa! Within the last couple of months the congregations you are a part of have joined an important network of people supporting the ongoing work and relationships we're a part of in South Africa. Thank you very much! We're excited to get to know you and for you to know us. As you probably know, I (Tessa) am the Country Coordinator for the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Southern Africa. That work is done in partnership with the ELCA's companion church here, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa (ELCSA). Jon works as the Associate Country Coordinator and also has some other engagements in the area. We'll share with you more about his work in upcoming newsletters and such. Beyond the YAGM work, we are missionaries here and seek connections, especially with our companion church, whenever possible. We also have two children, Isaac (about to turn 11) and Sophia (8 and a half). They go to school here in South Africa and are enjoying their life here. We will occasionally send you updates via this address. More frequently, you can "catch the story" via a couple of blogs: (our family / personal blog) (a blog for the YAGM program in Southern Africa) Grace Lutheran s November Special Offering went to supporting Pastor Tessa and Jon Leiseth in South Africa. The above letter is their thank you and introduction to their continuing communication that they will be sending to Grace. Keenan Weatherford s monthly newsletters and his blog at kwexperience.blogspot.com are other ways to learn of the importance of the Leiseths work in South Africa. Keenan is the young man spending the year in Lekubu Parish, and Pastor Leiseth is his Country Coordinator in South Africa overseeing his placement and care. 6

7 From the Stewardship Committee A Drop in the Bucket Jesus once remarked, You will always have the poor among you (John 12:8). Those words, taken out of context, may lead us to think that our efforts to alleviate the problems the needy face are fruitless. The task, after all, is endless. Jesus also commented, The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37). The work is overwhelming! How can so few of us reach so many lost? And how can one congregation meet the needs and temperaments of such diverse people? The prospect is so daunting; it s enough to make us give up altogether. And where s the money supposed to come from for all these ministries? My small offering is only a drop in the bucket. The same can be said for my abilities. The gifts I have to offer are only a drop in the bucket compared to what is needed. And my time is already stretched as far as it can go. The hour or two I can spare each week for the work of the church is only a drop in the bucket in light of the time needed to fulfill our goals. God would not want us to be discouraged. He would not want us to give up and quit. He knows the enormity of the task He s given us, but He also sees that what He has give us collectively as members of the Body of Christ is sufficient for the undertaking. He asks only that we cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7) and regularly return to Him a sum of money in keeping with [our] income (1 Corinthians 16:2). He promises, You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11). Speaking of workers, Jesus returned to Heaven leaving the entire work of evangelizing in the hands of eleven disciples. Was He worried? I think not! For He did not leave them alone. Nor are we! Now I am going, He said, but It is for your good [because] unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you (John 16:5, 7). The Holy Spirit is doing the work after all. He s the One instilling faith in hearers of the Word. He s the One encouraging us not to become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9). Do not be deterred by the erroneous belief that your efforts are not significant. Remember that a raging flood is nothing but the collection of many raindrops. No single drop of water is less important than another. God takes all our hours, all our gifts, and all our offerings, both small and large, and uses them and blesses them to fill that bucket, perhaps even to create a flood! February Special Offering Camp Scholarships The special offering for February is for the campership fund so that ALL Grace youth get the chance to experience Crossways Waypost Camp this summer! Again this year we are especially encouraging confirmation youth to attend, but are also opening this opportunity to EVERYONE in grades 1-12 (including adults during Family Week) to experience the joys and blessings that Crossways Camp has to offer! Bible Camp is often cited as the best week of summer and has been one of the greatest faith experiences for many. Prayer partners, you are reminded to think of your young prayer partners. Adults, please think of the future generation of the church and support the youth who will experience what you loved so much as a child! I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 FINANCIAL NEWS: DECEMBER 2013 General Offerings Budgeted Expenses per month...$34, Offerings Received last month... $45, Actual Budget Expenditures... $36, Surplus (Deficit)... $8, Budgeted Expenses YTD (12/31/13)... $414, Offerings Received YTD... $388, Actual Budget Expenses YTD... $371, Surplus (Deficit)... $17, Cash Balances (12/31/13) General Fund... $31, All Other Funds... $56, Total... $88, Regular Principal Payments... $35, Extra Principal Payments.. $19, Total 2013 Principal Payments..$54, Interest Payments..$42, Loan Balance 12/31/ $782, Special Offering December Lutheran Social Services... $

8 A WORD FROM PASTOR MARK Staff at Grace The 2014 Annual Meeting approved the budget for 2014 which includes financing for the following positions: Visitation Pastor Pastor Don Cannady ~10 hours/week Supply Pastor Pastor Gerald Check ~preaching one weekend/month Lay Staff - Pastoral Assistant Wendy Black ~30 hours/week Director of Children s Ministries Patti Gaedtke ~16 hours/week Director of Confirmation & Technology Mindy Gabrich ~8 hours/week Director of H.S. Youth & Young Adults Margie Welke ~5+ hours/week Though a new style of staffing for Grace, this is a style that many congregations are embracing. The advantages, as pointed out by Pastor Joy Mortensen-Wiebe, our Synod s Director of Evangelical Mission, are that it models lay involvement, provides more ideas and contact people, and encourages focused concentration and go-to people in some of the most needed areas of congregational life today. It also frees up money from staffing for other areas (total of the above salaries for 2014 is $10,000 less than the combined total from five years ago for the pastors and youth coordinator). Additionally, if one staff person leaves, the transition time will not be as overwhelming as there are others who can cover. What will they do? Why? How? When? The above staff met on Thursday, January 23 to make plans for First plan was to have quarterly All Staff meetings - May 1, July 31, and October 30 are the next scheduled meetings of all the above along with Debbie Hetzel, Sarah Mann and Pastor Mark. The staff chose a theme for 2014 in order to have a clear focus for this year and to minimize our attempt to promise or do too much - Deepening the understanding and importance of faith practices in daily life. Four specific ways of doing this are: 1. Providing opportunities for the congregation to hear, learn, and discuss what is meant by faith practices and why faith is especially important today; 2. Teaching faith practices ; 3. Improving and enlarging participation in the Milestones we do at Grace; 4. Encouraging and supporting relevant, relational and life-impacting events and experiences. The following are specific times, places, and means to accomplish the above: Importance of Faith Sundays in Lent, between worship Spiritual Awakening series: Waking Up, Believing, Behaving, Belonging, Awakening Rootbeer & Theology Consider doing this summer series again as in 2012 Faith Practices Lenten Midweek Theme Invite, worship, study, serve, give, pray, encourage Milestones Baptism, First Communion, Baccalaureate, Entering Kindergarten, Bible Presentation same as previous years Entering Middle School a major emphasis will be put into this Confirmation Mindy will concentrate on the 8th and 9th years and Margie will oversee summer experiences, Faith Statements, and Confirmation Rite Events & experiences Greater Galilee weekend Feb any age Via de Cristo weekend March and older Crossways camps June 8-Aug 15 every age - ten week-long, half-week and weekend programs Service Trip to Appalachia June youth and any age above Waypost Week July 6-11 all grades 1-12 Wilderness Trip July th grade and older - PZ & Pastor Check involved Porkies Hike Sept anyone able to hike Christmas Concerts Dec. 6-7 anyone who enjoys and sits well through concerts 8

9 We rejoice in all couples who will celebrate wedding anniversaries in Special congratulations to all who celebrate milestone anniversaries this year. At all three worship services on February 15 and 16 Grace Lutheran will recognize couples celebrating milestone anniversaries in We will emphasize the importance, value, and gift of marriage. 60 years or more Russell & Kathy Jenks Harold & Audrey Pedersen Henry & Beatrice Wiedeman Eugene & Dorothy Kind Ed & Darleen Winkler Gerald & Phyllis Klopp Wallace & Darlene Wurl Scott & Pat Stevenson Richard & Terry Fuchs Robert & Carol White Richard & Jean Huntoon Jim & Nancy Bronsted Mary Ann & Jim Clark 50 years or more Dale & Karen Arnott Jerry & Judy Crass Len & Karen Olson DuWayne & Carmen Bellile Bruce & Marleen Oradei Bennet & Leah Benson Don & Pat Habeck Don & Jeanne Rae Paulson Frank & Jackie Benoy Larry & Jan Hagen Dick & Ruth Ann Richardson Wayne & Marge Breitbarth Don & Carolyn Halverson Bill & Arlene Strand Herb & Ruth Heyne Ben & Ida Brown Richard & Lynn Brown Gilbert & Mary Wessel Pastor Don & Ramona Cannady Lonn & Sharon Lamer Pastor Gerald & Joan Check Everett & Helen Lange Edwin & Karen Becker Charles & Alice Douglas 50 years or more cont. Gene & Roselie Wiedow J. DuWayne & Mary Wilke James & Janis Nelson James & Janet VanNorman Ken & Pat Tjugum Terry & Judy Schlinkmann Art & Jeannie Osero 45 years Carl & Linda Halverson Jim & Stephanie Pellitteri 40 years Randy & Cindy Blair Gary & Joan Hilgendorf Steve & Karen Watzlawick 35 years Jim & Julie Dentler Dave & Dixie Erickson James & Janis Leppi Kevin & Deb Wickstrom 30 years Sarah & Tom Galloy Mike & Sue Gerber Russ & Amy Sudbury Jerry & Kelly VanStrydonk Tim & Margie Welke 25 years Dr. Paul & Therese Hesse Gary & Dana Zehner 20 Years Jane & Ken Brokaw Jody & Devin Decker Kim & Shad Harper 20 Years cont. Don & Tammy Hupf Robert & Wendy Lekfield Jon & Tracy Skubal Mark & Mindy Von Schrader 15 Years John & Pat Anderson Bill & Pam Dallmann Sandra & Bryan Hoban Terry & Sarah Mann Jay & Lori Mott Kerri & Michael Svacina Bill & Leitta Turgeon 10 years Tim & Renee Dassow Roman & Shirley Derleth Adam & Renee Loka Siri & Chuck Pankow Dewey & Karina Reilly Gary Hibbard & Judy Rusch 5years Mindy & Rich Gabrich Greg & Amanda Hilgendorf Keri & Brent Kelley Heather & Jesse Tobias Please note that we have listed all anniversaries for couples celebrating 50 years or more. We have listed milestone anniversaries for couples married less than 50 years. (For example, if you have been married 21 years your anniversary will be published when you have reached the 25 year milestone.) 9

10 COUNCIL MINUTES GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL Thursday, January 9, 2014 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mindy Gabrich, Judy Juedes, John Kromm, Margie Welke, Autumn Frederick and Nathon Tobias, Forrest Gibeault and Brian Schmidt Absent: Heather Engel, Brian Storm, Autumn Frederick ALSO PRESENT: Pastor Mark Ziemer, Sherry Clements The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by John Kromm Council members recognized the presence of God at work through the Praise & Worship band, the Christmas Eve services, the previous Sundays where former members of Grace, Rev. Dr. Clayton Schmit, Nicole Welke, and Pastor Melissa (Moyle) Pohlman people who grew up at Grace led inspiring worship with us, and joy that the changes in the heating system have allowed the temperature in the building to be manageable. Reviewed consent agenda which included approval of December Council Meeting Minutes. Motion was made by Mindy to accept the consent agenda, second by Margie. Motion carried. Pastor Mark s Report: PZ highlighted the status of the church debt milestone of reaching the ¾ million balance in 2014, having paid off nearly ½ million dollars, stating that in 2015 we should reach the half-way point in paying off our new addition. PZ briefly presented the staff covenants that he created. Council tabled until later in the meeting. Pastor also lifted up the fact that there are currently 27 9 th graders and parents planning to attend this year s wilderness trip, with others possibly attending. Old Business: Budget PZ suggested the following changes: 1- Wendy s position be under pastor compensation and 2- Youth team members be placed in Other Staff-Compensation section. This will help to clarify the new role of Wendy and to focus on youth as a key vision. Discussion on the budget continued with conversation focusing on the pledge total and current account totals. Items discussed in some detail: The changes outlined above were noted by Sherry and updated in the budget. With proposed budget changes, many believe that spending will be quite close to the budgeted amounts. Members noted the need to keep ministries aware of budget amounts, as we progress throughout the year. Council is also responsible to monitor the budget as well. Brian Schmidt made a motion to approve the 2014 proposed budget, including the adjustments discussed, at a total of $414,168.92, second by Forrest. Motion to accept the proposed 2014 budget was accepted by the council. Although the Treasurer typically presents the financial report at the annual meeting, due to Sherry s involvement as Financial Reporter and work on the budget, it was decided to have Sherry present at the annual meeting. New Business: Council reviewed the candidates for next year s council. Looking to the nominating committee to handle details. 10 (Continued on page 11)

11 (Continued from page 10) PZ presented the ministry covenants developed for Pastors Cannady and Check, Pastoral Assistant Wendy Black, and the youth ministry team members; Patti Gaedtke, Mindy Gabrich, and Margie Welke. Brian Schmidt made a motion to approve all covenants, second by Nathon. Motion passed. Mindy began discussion regarding the acceptability of church staff serving on council. Brian thought that looking forward that employees not be considered for council. Further discussion focused on language that could be amended in the constitution as a Continuing Resolution. Some members recommended that employees not be nominated onto council, effective for all members being considered in the future. A motion to change the constitution language was presented as such; Laity serving as staff at Grace shall not be nominated to council, change to be made to C13.02.A14. Since our Constitution states that a Continuing Resolution requires approval of ½ the members in attendance at a congregational meeting or 2/3 of the Church Council, no vote could be taken on this item since 2/3 of the Council were not available to vote, due to Mindy and Margie s abstention. Motion by Mindy to adjourn. Council closed with The Lord s Prayer. Respectfully, Forrest Gibeault VERY IMPORTANT! Attention Committees & Groups! PLEASE let the office know the names of your committee and group members as they change. You may , call, or leave the information in the Secretary s mail box. Thank you! NEWS FROM THE SYNOD OFFICE: Dear Friends in Christ-We are pleased to report that Bishop Gerald Mansholt, former Bishop of Central States Synod, has accepted a call as Interim Bishop of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin. Bishop Mansholt, ordained in 1974, served two six-year terms with the Central States Synod, after having served congregations in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas before serving for 12 years as Bishop. HIs wife is a middle school math teacher, and they have two adult daughters and three grandchildren. Bishop Mansholt s first week will be Jan His term will end when the newly elected bishop assumes office. A special synod council meeting has been called for February 4 at which time the date for the election will be determined and further election details will be shared at upcoming conference annual meetings. The Executive Committee of the Synod Council, ECSW Without Fair Trade, a typical coffee farmer is paid between $.30 and $.50 per pound for their coffee. That is less than the cost of production, creating an endless cycle of debt and poverty. Fair Trade is committed to supporting farmers and craftsmen in rural villages that may not otherwise have access to fair compensation for their products. There are no middlemen and no companies making money at the expense of the farmers and craftsmen. The church mouse... 11

12 February 1 & 2 Acolytes 5:00 pm Child of God 8:30 am Katy Volz 10:45 am Brynn Beaumier Greeters 5:00 pm Bernice Mitchell Peggy Price 8:30 am Gary & Judi Calhoun Ken & Pat Tjugum 10:45 am Andy & Luann Kiander Readers 5:00 pm Jim Nelson 8:30 am Shirley Derleth 10:45 am Sue horn Ushers 5:00 pm Dave Dettmering Dar Clements 8:30 am Mike & Josh Wick Randy & Cindy Blair 10:45 am Betty Hudson Sue Horn Nursery 8:30 am Maggee Renn 10:45 am Dew VonSchrader Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Al Overhaug 8:30 am Corey Colburn 10:45 am Dave Reiff Communion Assistants 8:30 am Joe Story Loir Winch Running Projection 5:00 pm Don Tinker 8:30 am Paula Norman 10:45 am Dravin Schmit Projection Set up Bill Zorr, Lisa Eliott PW Altar Guild Cindy Blair, Sue Mielke, Karen Torkelson Counters Ida Brown & Kathy David Video Delivery Harold & Audrey Pedersen LITURGICAL ROLES February 8 & 9 Acolytes 5:00 pm Kamron Olson 8:30 am Kaylie Svacina 10:45 am Shane Halverson Greeters 5:00 pm Deb Tinker Sherry Thompson 8:30 am Frances Anderson Dar Clements Roger & Kathy Cook 10:45 am Lois Langlois Marilyn Smith Readers 5:00 pm Nancy Kind 8:30 am Karen Olson 10:45 am Mary Wessel Ushers 5:00 pm Jim & Audrey Charles 8:30 am Jack Lauder Jim Van Norman Bill Erickson, John Krueger 10:45 am Greg & Steve Heikkinen Nursery 8:30 am Shirley Derleth 10:45 am Gay Christensen Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Nancy Kind 8:30 am Dave Schmit 10:45 am Mary Wessel Communion Assistants 8:30 am Dale & Nona Arthur Running Projection 5:00 pm Kirk Kind 8:30 am Destiny Hanke 10:45 am Phyllis Marquardt Projection Set up Karen Torkelson, Lisa Elliott C Altar Guild Cindy Blair, Sue Mielke, Karen Torkelson Counters Ida Brown & Kathy David Video Delivery Roger & Kathy Cook February 15 & 16 Acolytes 5:00 pm Brandon Biever 8:30 am Matt Strebig 10:45 am Emily Zastrow Greeters 5:00 pm Children of God 8:30 am Bill & Leitta Turgeon Tom & Donna Stone 10:45 am Mary Hoglund Sue horn Readers 5:00 pm Al Overhaug 8:30 am Tami Olson 10:45 am Sue Horn Ushers 5:00 pm Ed & Darleen Winkler 8:30 am Sherry & Dar Clements Cathy & Marcie Schmit 10:45 am Dawn & Craig LaFevre Nursery 8:30 am Abrina Leonhard 10:45 am Karen Gauerke Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Al Overhaug 8:30 am Mark Gaedtke 10:45 am Nancy Herbison Communion Assistants 8:30 am Mindy Gabrich Karen Olson Running Projection 5:00 pm Alexis Szarkowitz 8:30 am Kyle Olson 10:45 am Jaren Kiander Projection Set up Jackie Leonhard Lisa Elliott PW Altar Guild Cindy Blair, Sue Mielke, Karen Torkelson Counters Ida Brown & Kathy David Video Delivery Jim & Nancy Bronsted 12

13 February 22 & 23 Acolytes 5:00 pm Child of God 8:30 am Abby Norman 10:45 am Zach Volz Greeters 5:00 pm Lynn Brown Mary Ingman 8:30 am Jim & Jan VanNorman Terry & Jean Zoellner 10:45 am Harold & Audrey Pedersen Readers 5:00 pm Darlene Wurl 8:30 am Chris Raasch 10:45 am Jean Huntoon Ushers 5:00 pm Jeannette Lovsletten Peggy Price 8:30 am Ed & Chris Raasch Steve Kahle Child of God 10:45 am Sue Horn, Betty Hudson Nursery 8:30 am Renee Raasch 10:45 am Jody Decker Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Dave Reiff 8:30 am Al Overhaug 10:45 am Autumn Frederick Communion Assistants 8:30 am Dave & Cathy Schmit Running Projection 5:00 pm Jason Mielke 8:30 am Steven Renn 10:45 am Phyllis Marquardt Projection Set up Chris Raasch, Lisa Elliott C Altar Guild Cindy Blair, Sue Mielke, Karen Torkelson Counters Ida Brown & Kathy David Video Delivery Stan Torkelson LITURGICAL ROLES March 1 & 2 Acolytes 5:00 pm Child of God 8:30 am Child of God 10:45 am Child of God Greeters 5:00 pm Rose Hoff, Sue Horn 8:30 am Paul & Barb Zastrow Family 10:45 am Stephanie Pellitteri Lois Langlois Readers 5:00 pm Darleen Winkler 8:30 am Deb Overhaug 10:45 am Nancy Herbison Ushers 5:00 pm Darwin Kluball Ron Lueneberg 8:30 am Tom & Donna Stone Margie Welke, Marie Knipfer 10:45 am Michele Schlegel Betty Hudson Nursery 8:30 am Marlee Schlegel 10:45 am Michael Svacina Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Joe Story 8:30 am Corey Colburn 10:45 am Nancy Herbison Communion Assistants 8:30 am Al & Deb Overhaug Running Projection 5:00 pm Lane Beaumier 8:30 am Margie Welke 10:45 am Jared Kiander Projection Set up Bill & Jen Zorr, Lisa Elliott PW Altar Guild Georgeanne Crass, Sue Mielke Karen Torkelson Counters Julie Dentler, Linda Pashek Bob LaNou Video Delivery Harold & Audrey Pedersen March 8 & 9 Acolytes 5:00 pm Child of God 8:30 am Child of God 10:45 am Child of God Greeters 5:00 pm Al & Deb Overhaug 8:30 am Len & Karen Olson Ron Cisewski Don & Jeanne Rae Paulson 10:45 am Andy & Luann Kiander Readers 5:00 pm Nancy Kind 8:30 am Renee Raasch 10:45 am Carol White Ushers 5:00 pm Peggy Price, Deb Tinker 8:30 am Mike & Josh Wick Randy & Cindy Blair 10:45 am Craig & Dawn LaFevre Nursery 8:30 am Alexis Szarkowitz 10:45 am Gay Christensen Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Nancy Kind 8:30 am Dave Schmit 10:45 am Kyle Olson Communion Assistants 8:30 am Brian & Cindy Storm Running Projection 5:00 pm Kirk Kind 8:30 am Paula Norman 10:45 am Betty Hudson Projection Set up Jackie Leonhard Lisa Elliott C Altar Guild Georgeanne Crass, Sue Mielke Karen Torkelson Counters Julie Dentler, Linda Pashek Bob LaNou Video Delivery Roger & Kathy Cook 13

14 1. Judy Lake Anthony Derleth Katie Hilgendorf 2. Bea Lundberg Chris Copiskey Robert S. Lekfield Jamison Thorson Jessica Johnson Helen Lange Carol Sparr 3. Wendy Lekfield Linda Haugen 4. Eugene Calhoun Dana Baalke Beth Baus Frederick Krueger Shane Halverson 6. Cayden Johnson David Schmit Ashley Weizenicker Eric Ingman Zachary Lekfield Walter Woiten 7. Emily Brown Gina Erickson 8. John Shelley Tina Weizenicker Austin Weyers Jade Wanta 9. Kaylyn Olson BIRTHDAYS 10. Kathy Glaeser Rita Renn Michelle Haring Jeff Kinnally Karen Becker 11. Steven Watzlawick Brayden Jones Terry Halbman Neal Gebauer 12. Gay Christensen Carol Ann Pedersen Julie Jensen 13. Thomas Mathwich Jacquelyn Beiler Nicole Greil Jim Ingman Dawson Jones 14. Rose Niemec Dana Thompson Amanda Charles Mike Svacina Scott Story 16. Lil Lee Gary Zehner Thomas Halbman Hunter Hilgendorf 17. Phyllis Klopp Karen Olson Charles Oelig Eric Strauss Rachel Sudbury Anna Sudbury Tyler Strassman 18. Gary Calhoun John Pashek Trina Kall-Gosling Rachel Delcour Amanda Ziemer Cayley Scholz Justice Stadler 19. Sarah Galloy Justin Cerny Scott Halbman Nicholas Madaj 21. Eric Greil Michael Beiler Mark VonSchrader 23. Jeremy Baalke Kiannah Mullen 24. Tammy Stiteley Bill Smith 25. Jackie Bremer Caitlyn Schmit Emmet Lekfield Corie Baacke 26. Joelle Tormohlen Cindi Kluck 27. Abrina Leonhard Paul Scheffler 28. Lynn Jaecks Wisconsin River Valley Conference Annual Meeting Saturday, February 8, at Mt. Calvary, 503 Schmidt Avenue in Rothschild. 9:45 am Registration and fellowship gathering; 10:15 am Worship (Interim Bishop Gerald Mansholt has been asked to preach); 11:00 am Conference Meeting. Agenda for the meeting is the 2014 Proposed Budget; election of conference leaders (Dean, VP, Secretary-treasurer) and 2015 Synod Nominating Committee; and discussion of the Election of Bishop for the East Central Synod including when the election will be held, process for election, and how the election will affect the current synod staff. If the election is to be at the assembly in May, this Conference assembly will nominate up to three ELCA pastors as candidates for the office of Bishop. If the election is to be at an assembly in the fall, then this conference assembly will focus on the nature of the office and the process of election. 14

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16 GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 108 W. SOMO AVENUE TOMAHAWK, WI Change service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #37 Tomahawk, WI REGULAR WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICES Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 8:30 and 10:45 am Sunday School 9:40 am Contemporary Worship at 8:30 am 2nd and 4th Sundays Praise & Worship Band at 8:30 am 1st & 3rd Sundays Via de Cristo (Way of Christ) weekend: A Christian Renewal Experience Spend 3 days at Camp Forest Springs (near Woodboro) with other Christians: March 13 (Thursday evening) through March 16 (Sunday afternoon), Live, study, worship, and commune together daily. Camp accommodations are warm and comfortable and food is good and plentiful! Married couples are encouraged to attend the same weekend, although men s and women s programs are separate for most of the weekend. Fourteen talks are given: nine by laypeople and five by clergy. The talks present the Christian life, based on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. Via de Cristo gives those attending a living understanding of basic Christian truths and is designed to encourage them to share the love of Christ with others. There is music and singing, great food and fellowship, laughter and prayer. Over thirty people from Grace-Tomahawk have attended. Cost of the entire weekend is $75- scholarships are available if needed. Transportation will be provided. If you are interested in attending or have questions, please contact Nancy Kind, VDC parish rep for Grace, at , or talk to Pastor Mark. Brochures and applications are available on the wall rack next to the welcome center. Don t delay- the weekend will fill up fast. Deadline for applications is February 15, 2014!