December 2019

Volume 62 Issue 12 Messenger EVENTS Grace Lutheran Church 920-848-2177 501 S. Main St. Oconto Falls, WI 54154

December 1 Now in the sixth month the Angel 6:00pm by was sent from God to a Candlelight city in Galilee called Nazareth Matthew 1:26 December 13 Bell Ringing at the Pig Greetings Grace Family, As we begin this season of Advent, we find ourselves at the beginning of the December 24 Church year. The Church calendar begins where it should and as it should – 4:00pm - Service 6:00pm - Service with the birth of our Savior! Advent is my favorite time of the year for many reasons. Maybe because and cyber Monday are finally over. Maybe it’s because we’ve all fully recovered from all that turkey and that December 25 deer hunting season 2019 is a thing of the past. 9:00am - Service But the main reason I like Advent is because it looks forward to things to December 29 come. The word Advent means “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or 9:30am - Service event.” The Church usually recognizes first coming when He was born Fellowship Sunday in , but Advent should also point us to His second coming. His (One service w/ arrival in Bethlehem was a long-awaited event in History. The Old fellowship to follow) Testament writers foretold the events that would take place and the cast of characters is extensive and significant. The story really begins in the Old Testament with those prophets of old. They foretold the promise that God had in store for His entire creation. And then when the time was right, God sent His messenger to three different COMING UP people that He had uniquely prepared for His purpose. Gabriel first visited a man named Zacharias and told him that his son would play a significant role January 1 in the story. (I have yet to see someone play the role of Zacharias Happy New Year in a Christmas pageant!) Then Gabriel pays a visit to Mary and then to Office Closed Joseph and explains their roles as well.

There are many aspects we could focus on during these next 24 days. Our January 26 focus this year will be on using this season to build our relationship with our First Holy Communion creator. I’d like us to think of Advent similar to our approach to Lent. With the focus on God and our response to His greatest gift to us – the birth of His Son. With that being our focus and purpose, we’ll challenge, support, and partner with each other to grow closer to God as individuals, as a Church, and as a community.

In His powerful grip!

Pastor Gary

OFFICIAL ACTS— 2019

Date Service Attendance Offerings Received (includes designated giving) November 3 8:30am 100 $9,073.34 10:45am 94 Online Giving $ 350.00 ______November 10 8:30am 96 $5,792.81 10:45am 95 Online Giving $ 573.00 ______November 17 8:30am 69 $2,893.32 10:45am 202 Online Giving $ 463.00 ______November 24 8:30am 48 $5,746.88 10:45am 86 Online Giving $ 573.00

Financial Report

Operations Checkbook (GENERAL OFFERING) - Month of November Beginning Balance 10/28/2019……………………………………… +$ 4,619.84 Deposits Operating Fund ………………………………………… + $ 21,915.80 Disbursements Operating Fund…………………………………… - $ 18,400.11 Ending Balance 11/30/2019………………………………………… + $ 8,135.53

Loan Balance 10/07/2019….…………………….…………………... $144,556.62 Monthly payment of principal……………………………………..… $ 1,423.91 Monthly payment of interest………………………………………… $ 542.09 Additional principal………………………………………………….. $ 795.00

Christmas Eve Services Tuesday, December 24 - 4PM Tuesday, December 24 - 6PM

Christmas Day Service Wednesday, December 25 - 9AM November 18, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by President, Pam Langlay

PRESENT: Pam Langlay, Pastor Gary Olson, Jenny Mercier, Jennifer Lyng, Jared Alfson, Adam Fischer, Aiden Spillane, Julie Spillane, Holli Kussow, Kathy Borisch, Jean Zielinski, via Speakerphone-Jerry Riste

ABSENT: Brooke Siolka

GUESTS: No guests

Prayer by Pam Langlay Devotion by Pastor Gary

COUNCIL PRESIDENT- (Pam Langlay)- Discussed November 17th Semi-Annual Meeting and Taste of Grace: Both, of which, were well attended and went smoothly.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: MSC Jared Alfson, Adam Fischer

TREASURER’S REPORT: (Kathy Borisch) MSC Jared Alfson, Jennifer Lyng

EVANGELISM: (Jenny Mercier) a.) Thanked everyone who helped with the Trunk or Treat event. It was very well attended. Also thanked Pam and Brad Langlay for offering hot chocolate to children and their parents. b.) Main Street Open House: Mouse in the House- December 5 from 4-7:00 GLC will have a booth set up next to The Flower Shoppe, 224 N. Main St. c.) GLC Magnets and cheese will be given out. d.) Working on getting the church logo finalized. e.) Working on Welcome Folders/Visitor Packets, and/or postcards to send out to visitors.

PARISH EDUCATION: (Brooke Siolka) Absent a.) Brooke is still asking for more Sunday School teachers. We desperately need another teacher for the 3 & 4 grade, and the 5 & 6 grade. Please consider helping out.

PARISH FELLOWSHIP: (Jennifer Lyng) a.) Will help out with the Eve Service the Youth is putting on.

PROPERTY & MAINTENANCE: (Jean Zielinski) a.) Small projects still going on in and outside of the building. b.) Fellowship Hall will be painted within the next 6-8 weeks or so. The colors have been selected. c.) The railing outside has been redone and looks great! d.) Will mark all tables and chairs with GLC, for future lending out of tables and/or chairs. (See Old Busi- ness)

PUBLIC RELATIONS: (Jared Alfson) No report STEWARDSHIP: (Adam Fischer) No report

YOUTH MINISTRY: (Aidan Spillane-absent) a.) The “Taste of Grace” youth event went very well! b.) Aidan is working to fit all youth members into a position for the Thanksgiving Eve service. c.) Silver Birch Ranch is set for January 31 - February 2!

(Continued on next page) November 18, 2019 Council Meeting Minutes (continued)

WORSHIP & MUSIC: (Holli Kussow) a.) Someone has offered to take care of the church paraments. b.) Bags will be given out to the Sunday School children on December 15, after the program. c.) GLC Choir will be going back to meeting on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. d.) The December 29 (5th Sunday service) will be a Contemporary Service e.) The order forms will be given out in the bulletins this Sunday, November 24. ($15 ea.) f.) Help will be needed to put up the main , after the 2nd service, on Nov. 24. g.) FYI- The Candelabras are filled weekly. Candles need to be lit before the 1st service and extinguished after the service (before the education hour). They are to be relit again just before the 2nd service and extinguished at the end of the service. This will keep the candles in good working order, and there will be less of a chance for the candles to be dim or burn out before the second service has ended.

ENDOWMENT: (Julie Spillane) No Report at this time.

LONG RANGE PLANNING: (Jerry Riste) a.) The main floor numbers are put up on walls and doors. b.) Updating Usher Duties. c.) 3rd Annual Safety Conference, March 9-10th, for those interested. More information to come.

PASTOR REPORT: (Pastor Gary) a.) Discussion of streamlining Monthly meetings, and continuing to minister to others. b.) Updating our website in the future.

OLD BUSINESS: a.) Borrowing Policy - A policy was written and approved by the council. (This policy will be placed in the Policy and Procedures Handbook). Holli Kussow will have a form for church members to fill out before borrowing items from Grace. Members will also receive a policy to read over before borrowing items. b.) The Boy Scouts will continue to use the building for den meetings.

NEW BUSINESS: a.) Discussion regarding the use of GLC tables for the OF Ambulance. Aiden will borrow the tables for the upcoming event. The Borrowing Policy will be followed.

Meeting was adjourned: MSC Adam Fischer, Jean Zielinski Closed with the Lord’s Prayer

Respectfully submitted, Angie Magnin Council Secretary

Women of Grace Meeting Minutes– November 12, 2019

Devotion/Snack: The ladies enjoyed a delicious snack as Barbara Olson provided a devotion. Treasurer’s Report: The previous balance was $3,494.05. No new report given.

OLD BUSINESS: Samaritan’s Purse-Operation Christmas Child: The shoebox packing party was very successful. Thank you to eve- ryone that came. The shoebox collection week is November 18th through the 25th. There is a sign-up sheet for vol- unteer times for collection week by the display in the Narthex. Grad Care Packages: The care packages were assembled and most of the packages have been delivered. About $200 was spent to put together all the care packages and to ship the ones for those not nearby. Thanksgiving Baskets: About 6 families were identified to be in need. The project will move forward this year and it was voted that up to $300 can be spent.

NEW BUSINESS: S.O.U.L. Sewing Group: There won’t be meetings during Winter (no December, January, or February). Advent by Candlelight: Advent by Candlelight will be on Sunday, December 1st with Fellowship at 6:00pm and program beginning at 6:30pm. Sign-up sheets were sent out and are available in the Narthex. Please RSVP by Monday, November 25th.

UPCOMING EVENTS: November 17, 2019 – Taste of Grace and Semi-Annual Meeting November 27, 2019 – Thanksgiving Eve Service December 1, 2019 – Advent by Candlelight

Next Meeting: December 10, 2019 at 6:30pm at the Church *** The next meeting will be our Christmas Party! – There will be an optional $15 Gift Exchange

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA ORDER FORM Orders due by December 9

6 ½ inch plant: $15 X quantity____ =

Total

Select Color Choice: Red ______White______Pink ______Please note: The Flower Shoppe reserves the right to substitute colors if they feel the quality is poor on a particular color.

In MEMORY or in HONOR of (CIRCLE ONE)

Orders may be placed by completing & returning this form to the church office Please make checks payable to Grace Lutheran Church and write “poinsettia” in the memo line. DecemBER SERVICE SCHEDULE 8:30 am 10:45 am December 1—Communion December 1—Communion Greeters: Rosemary Lyng & Nancy Kuckenbecker Greeters: Kurt & Laura Delzer Ushers: Pam & Brad Langley, Kent Lyng, Ushers: Nathan & Teresa Raddatz Jennifer Lyng Erin & Maggie Buhrandt Lay Reader: Pam Langley Lay Reader: Nathan Raddatz Comm Assist: Langleys & Lyngs Comm Assist: Isaac & Kati Raddatz Money Count: Kent Lyng, Kriss & Mike Krause Comm clean-up: Andy & Jenny Mercier Communion set up/ clean-up: Rosemary & Jennifer Lyng December 8 December 8 Greeters: Faith & Grace Shamburek Greeters: Bernice Stuckey & Joan Anderson Ushers: Al Mogged, Andy Shamburek, Andy George & Bernice Stuckey, Ushers: Mercier, Cheryl Mogged Stu Anderson, Art Paulson Lay Reader: Grace Shamburek Lay Reader: Bernice Stuckey

Money Count: Paulson/Anderson Team December 15—Children’s Christmas Program December 15—Communion (No Communion) Greeters: Pat & Aidan Spillane Greeters: Laurie Fries & Carol Marquardt Ushers: Mark & Nancy Brye/Bob & Vicky Thomson Lay Reader: Randy Nelson Ushers: Jerry & Donna Heim, Scott & Angie Magnin Comm Assist: Aidan Spillane Money Count: Brye/Thomson Team Lay Reader: Donna Heim (if needed) Communion set up/ clean-up: Judy Kostreva & Kris Seidel December 22

December 22 Greeters: Derouin Family Greeters: Shelby & Tony Neta Ushers: Todd & Bev Schwantes, Jay Conley, Ushers: Travis Schindel, Chad Markiewicz, Mark Stuckey, Kim Pritzlaff Jerry & Leanne Riste Lay Reader: Jay Conley Lay Reader: Leanne Riste Money Count: Travis Schindel, Shelby & Tony Neta, Colleen Lietzke

SPECIAL DECEMBER SERVICES CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY FELLOWSHIP SUNDAY December 24 (4pm) December 24 (6pm) December 25 (9am) December 29 (9:30am) Greeters: Holly Konitzer Greeters: Christy Garbrecht Greeters: Al Mogged Greeters: Colin & Kayla Sharon VanArk Chance Garbrecht Cheryl Mogged Fischer Ushers: Paul & Sue Mogged Ushers: Paul & Sue Mogged Ushers: Paul & Sue Mogged Ushers: Fischer Family Al & Cheryl Mogged Kris Garbrecht Al & Cheryl Mogged Lay Reader: Kayla Fischer Lay Reader: Cheryl Mogged Lay Reader: Sue Mogged Lay Reader: Sue Mogged Comm Asst: Pritzlaffs Money Count: Paul & Sue Comm Set Up/Clean Up: Mogged Kandice Bero/Kris Communion Krause Set up/Clean up: Sue Mogged Money Count: Travis Cheryl Mogged Schindel/Carolyn Kramer **If you are unable to fulfill your duties on the day you are scheduled, please find someone to take your place**

1— Samantha Grell 19— Jim Wolford DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 2— Travis Zielinski Ava Waschbisch 4— Paul Mogged Brooklyn Waschbisch 1— Mitchell & Cheryl Ellwanger 5— Al Mogged 21— Caitrin Lonzo — 6— Kristy Gorman Barbara Olson 2 Kane & Holly Konitzer 7— Michele Kozak 22— Ally Magnin 11— Kevin & Corina Heimke 9— Ali Kramer Jenny Derouin 29— Bob & Laurie Maloney Jessica Wolford 24— Daniella Paluda 30— Tom & Diane Malcomson Marilyn Hennig Anna Remic Nick & Cathy Wold 12— Nick Borisch 25— Adam Fischer Mike Marquardt Rachel Reed 13— Bill Fry, Jr 26— Bryce Hosking Barb Merwin 27— Crystal Beaman Kristen Patenaude 28— Sara Rajkovich 15— Sawyer Frederick Bailey Wolf 16— Kelly Dirks Frederick 29— Ken Fischer Susan Krumrei Kullen Fischer 30— Holly Konitzer Clarence Werner 18— Makenna Kussow 31— Sally Holtz If we have left out any names, please contact the church office: Cindy Lefevre Janet Van De Hei Haley Schwantes If we have left out any names, please contact the church office: Samantha Biese & Joseph Grell 920-848-2177 November 15 ,2019

If you or anyone you know is in need of a home WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A WEEKLY visit, please call the office. We are happy to set FELLOWSHIP AFTER WORSHIP SERVICES something up. ON SUNDAY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BRING SOME GOODIES TO SHARE!

THANK YOU! LET US PRAY FOR YOU

Please call the office if you or someone you know is in need of prayer. December Meetings, Events & Schedules

COMMUNION DUTIES

Women of Grace Meeting Tuesday, December 10 December 1 at 6:30PM 8:30 Rosemary & Jennifer Lyng 10:45 Andy & Jenny Mercier

December 15 8:30 Judy Kostreva & Kris Seidel December 15 10:45 No Communion 2nd Service Children’s Program 10:45AM December 25 9:00 Sue Mogged & Cheryl Mogged

“Jesus-The December 29 (Fellowship Sunday) 9:30am Kandice Bero & Kris Krause Greatest Gift”

Communion Bread Schedule

December 1: Rosemary Lyng December 15: Susan Krumrei December 25: Sue Mogged December 29: Pam Langley JOIN US!!! MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 TABS Meetings Saturday, December 21 7:00pm December 8:00-10:00am Church 5th & 19th Council 1:00PM Meeting

Choir is back to S.O.U.L. Stitches Of Unconditional Love Wednesdays at Our friendly sewing group will 7pm. Kingdom Come Food Pantry is in need of be meeting the 2nd Friday of any and all food donations. The pantry also each month from 10am-2pm. Join us! No accepts monetary donations to offset their Join us on December 13, 2019 No experience necessary!!! Experience expenses. The pantry is made up of 100% Donations appreciated. necessary. volunteers so your money goes directly to those in need. Thank you for your support! Grace News & Events

Another Successful New Manger!

Taste of Grace Thank you to Candis On November 17th, the EPIC and Brady Holtz for Youth Group hosted their donating the wood for annual Taste of Grace fundraiser. 59 baskets were our new manger. auctioned off in our silent raffle. Families came and Thank you to our own tasted awesome food prepared Art Paulson, Randy by our youth. Proceeds from Nelson and Kim this fundraiser help offset costs Pritzlaff for the hard for youth events including group outings, camp, and work involved in summer trips. constructing it.

This year, due to the amazing outpouring of generosity from our members and guests, the youth raised $3,479.50!

Thank you to our youth and their families, our Grace family and friends of Grace.

319 Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes Packed! All thanks and praise to God for moving through our church family to provide and pack our goal of 300 shoeboxes. Each shoebox represents a young child and an opportunity to share the love of Christ throughout the world, just as He would have us do. The final count including the area churches totaled an amazing 1,011 boxes! God is GREAT!

With the help of Laura Zielinski, Lisa Olson, and Nancy Weiss at United True Value Hardware, most of the items were ordered at cost. Bob Maloney also acquired school supplies at no cost. Together with your kind donations throughout the year, and love of cupcakes as our fundraisers, 319 shoeboxes were packed in less than two hours at the packing party. Thank you to all the willing helpers who came to help with the task!

What remains now to do is pray the shoeboxes out into the world, along with prayers for Samaritan's Purse's Operation Christmas Child, a tremendous Christ centered organization spreading God's love into all the world. Father, thank you for blessing us through our participation in Operation Christmas Child! Volunteers pack boxes for children around the world. If you would like to be added to the email list for youth group events, please email [email protected]

EPIC Youth Rakes It In…… The youth group spent a few hours together raking leaves for some of our Grace family members. The weather was great and everyone had a great time!

Thank you to all those that came to eat, fellowship, and worship at the Thanksgiving Eve service.

God blessed us with almost 50 youth hosting this service. Students served as greeters, ushers, Wednesdays communion assistants, prayer leaders, readers, Doors Open 5:30PM sound booth techs, performers in a skit, band Confirmation 6:00PM members and officiants. Youth Group 6:30PM

A special thank you to senior, Trinady Vorpahl, for her special message and to Jennifer Lyng and Cheryl Mogged for heading up the meal. 5th & 6th Graders December 18 3:30 - 4:45PM