Grace Notes Notes/Jan2012.pdf-The Newsletter Newsletter Offering Envelopes Offering envelopes for...

Epiphany 2

Service of Healing 2

Offering Envelopes 2

Senior Gift Bags 2

Thank you 3

Photo Directories 3

Grace Women News 3

Inside this issue:

Lutheran Services in Iowa 4

Nordic Choir 4

Habitat for Humanity 4

Birthdays & Anniversaries 5

Church Council Minutes 5-6

Treasurer’s Report 7-9

January Calendar 10

Worship Assistants 11

Annual Congregational

Meeting

Sunday, January 22

following the 10:45 service

Worship services and Sunday School will be held at the regular times, with the meeting following the second service.

We encourage all voting members to come support the foundation of our church at the annual meeting.

January, 2012

A monthly publication of Grace Lutheran Church

Grace Notes

Senior Gift Bags

PAGE 2 JANUARY, 2012 GRACE NOTES

Special thanks to our Delivery Driv-ers: Jill Moravec, Cindy Hermann, Carlin Lawhead, Austin Smith, Steve & Cindy Rusch and Kelsey Busch

God Bless you all! Thank you to the members that donated money and supplies for our bags, you were a special part of our day as well. To all members, we hope you can join us next year and share some time with

Wonderful Ministry and Event for Youth & Seniors of Grace!

On December 4th we filled 17 gift bags and delivered them to our Homebound members. Twenty-five members of Grace enjoyed lunch together then shared a devotional time, made an Angel ornament and filled the Christmas bags with good-ies. We then made our deliveries to our 17 members to share some Christmas joy. We currently have 11 members in the nursing homes and 6 members in private homes.

Thank you to our Youth that at-tended: Abby & Kaylea Rusch, Keegan, Molli and Gavin Lippelgoes, Julia Moravec, Marcus Lofgren, Con-nor Lawhead, Bennett Luedtke, Kel-sey Busch, Taegan Christensen, Austin Smith and Erica Bermel.

both the youth and members in their homes, it truly is a wonderful ministry to pass onto all.

Tibe Vander Linden, Mary Hovick and Paula Lofgren

Service of

Healing

On Feb. 12th, the theme of the scrip-ture is healing. To keep with that theme, a laying on of hands and healing prayer will be available at the communion rail at both services to receive if you so choose. This was done a year ago and many thought it was meaningful. Those who desire physical, emotional, or spiritual heal-ing are encouraged to participate.

-The Worship & Music Board

Many Christian denominations celebrate Epiphany each year on or near January 6. “Epiphany,” which means “showing forth,” celebrates the visit of the magi, or wise men, to the baby Jesus. These men, also known as kings, saw the star that led them to Bethlehem. The fact that these wise men were Gentiles, not Jews, teaches us an important theological lesson: Their search for the Savior shows that Jesus came for all people. In 1875, Philip Bliss wrote the hymn “The Light of the World Is Je-

Get ready for Epiphany sus.” The first stanza captures the meaning of Epiphany, a season of light: The whole world was lost In the darkness of sin, The Light of the world is Jesus! Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in. The Light of the world is Jesus!

-The Newsletter Newsletter

Offering Envelopes

Offering envelopes for 2012 are in and can be picked up at the church.

JANUARY, 2012 GRACE NOTES

Thank You! Thank you to Ardy Stein, Wannabelle Mosier, Judy Schaapveld, Karen Hes-sel, Beth Lemkau, and Rosie Dietrich for assembling last month’s Grace Notes. Also, thank you to everyone who helps with bulletin folding and pencil sharpening, and to Lauren Smith and JoAnne Fisher for filling-in in the office for me.

-Kristy

An Invitation – All women of Grace are invited to join us on Tuesday, January 10th – 9:30 a.m. at Grace Church. Our 2011-2012 Bible Study challenges us-it’s an invitation to discipleship in the 21st century. Please join us while we continue our study on the Gospel of Mark. This gospel was written so Jesus Christ could speak to us as the living, life defining Word of God. Our spiritual life is a journey. We may not always recognize the path,

but as we study together we have companions who go with us and bless our way.

Coffee – Look for the “Coffee Cart” on Sunday mornings, and purchase your Equal Exchange favorite blend. Feel free to purchase coffee anytime the church office is open. You may also put your money in the envelope provided and put it under the office door or in the offering plate. You

will be helping farmers overseas earn a fair share of the income from the crops they grow.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

January 5th – 9:00 a.m. Take down Christmas Decorations

THE BOARD WILL NOT MEET IN JANUARY

Grace Women News, By Mary Hovick & Karen Hessel

Thank you

Thank you so much to the Grace members for all the food, paper products and money given to help fill a pick-up truck for the food pantry. We collected 17 bags and 20 flats of food and paper products.

Also, thank you to everyone who donated to the mit-ten tree—31 hats, 2 scarves, 45 mittens, 14 sets of hats/scarves/mittens, and 9 pairs of socks were given to the Salvation Army.

-Joanna Wilts

THEY ARE HERE! If you had a pic-ture taken for the Church Directory, they are available in the Church Li-brary. They are set up alphabetically in two categories: the larger cate-gory is for those that sat for photos; the smaller is for these individuals who provided pictures for inclusion.

Photo Directories As a reminder for the latter group, there was a $10 per photo submit-ted. The committee covered the cost so, if you feel moved -- an extra do-nation to the Church would be appre-ciated. -Bill Penix

Look for GLC on Facebook! A link can be found on the church website, www.gracemuscatine.com

JANUARY, 2012 GRACE NOTES

Thank you Dear Grace Lutheran Church family,

On behalf of Lutheran Services in Iowa, we wish to thank you for coordinating your efforts with Zion Lutheran to host the recent Christ-mas party for our HOPES partici-pants. The families really look for-ward to this event and were again treated to a wonderful evening that included delicious food, thoughtful gifts and warm hospitality. A special thanks to the kitchen committee who graciously prepared a traditional Christmas meal. We know it was more work, but we had many fami-

Lutheran Services in Iowa Poverty too often a reality for many Iowa families There are people in poverty across Iowa. These people are in your community struggling to get by day-to-day. You may not know who they are, but they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Nearly 12 per-cent of Iowans are living in poverty, and as the economic downturn and job growth struggles continue, this will undoubtedly continue to rise. January is National Poverty Awareness Month: a time to remem-ber families and children affected by poverty. Throughout Iowa communi-ties, Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) assists people through services that provide education and set goals that can lead to a more self-sufficient life. By bringing hope to families, LSI can help break the cycle of poverty, lead-ing to healthier, happier families and stronger communities.

For more information on LSI, visit www.LSIowa.org. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LSI.iowa. “We came a long way. A very long way.” A single mother, Roycene jug-gles parenting, work and night classes so that someday she can help women and children affected by substance abuse issues. “If there hadn’t been people helping me along the way, I would-n’t be where I am today,” she said. Sober for over two years now, Roycene recalls when her then five-year-old son Lucas finally returned home after being placed in foster care. “Lucas came home with a lot of behaviors,” she said. “It was almost unmanageable. I went from not having a child with me for a year

and half to this. It was a transition for him and for me.” For two years through LSI’s be-havioral health intervention services, LSI caseworker Heidi has helped Lu-cas learn anger management, com-munication skills and coping skills. Heidi is also helping Lucas improve his social skills to make friends at school and helping Roycene find ways to talk to Lucas about his fa-ther’s incarceration. “She has helped me through that,” Roycene said. “It’s hard to know how to explain that his father isn’t in the picture and what to tell him. It’s not like he’s going to be in his life.” They still have tough days, but ask Roycene if she’s proud of how far they’ve come and she grows quiet. “Yes, I am,” she said softly. “We came a long way. A very long way.”

Nordic Choir to Perform in Iowa City Luther College Nordic Choir, one of the top college choirs in the nation, will present a concert at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church, 310 N. Johnson Street, Iowa City, Iowa. Conducted by Dr. Allen Hightower, the choir will perform sacred choral works. $20 adults, $10 stu-dents; for tickets visit www.luthertickets.com or call 1-800-4-LUTHER.

Habitat for

Humanity The Muscatine County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity is sponsoring their annual soup and sandwich lunch on Sunday, January 22, 2011 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church. The cost is a minimum donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children. Your donation will help to secure a home for a Muscatine county family who is living in inadequate housing and who is unable to secure ade-quate housing by conventional means. For more information, please contact Judy Brotherton at 563-264-5372.

lies tell us how much they enjoyed it. To those who provided gifts for the children, thank you for sharing with the young families in your commu-nity. Families were delighted with such nice gifts. This Christmas sea-son, you have helped LSI fulfill their mission: to respond to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. From everyone at LSI, we wish you a most blessed holiday season.

Jill Hoben Service Coordinator

JANUARY, 2012 PAGE 5 GRACE NOTES

January Birthdays

3. Pamela Cantrell

4. Sally Miller

6. Brady Franklin

7. Markus Lofgren

8. Cindy Lane

9. Dennis Figg

Aaron Morgan

10. Quinn Chalupa

12. Ruth Allinger

Brendyn Little

13. David Freers

Ryan Henning

Tamara Stein

14. Michael Hartsock

Jay Logel

Jim Townsend

Lafe Westerfelt

15. Brenda Hidlebaugh

16. Owen Gabriel

17. Karen Laursen

18. Robin Fields

Bret Green

Roland Paulsen

Laura Peate

Aaron Sparks

19. Millie Lothringer

Barbara Sander

20. Richard Boyer

21. Geraldine Dunker

23. Pamela Houseman

Jennifer Staack

24. Marjorie Westerfelt

25. Richard Alexander

Jeanette Billingsley

Stephanie Nowysz-Ward

Jordan Woods

27. Emily Lofgren

28. Kayla Gaunt

29. Mathew McCleary

January Anniversaries

5. David & Stephanie Olson

6. LeRoy & Dixie Brookhart

Tim & Kathryn Byrnes

12. Judith & David Nealson

17. Zacharie & Sarah Eagle

If we have missed a birthday or anniversary, please call the church office at 263-5680. Thanks for helping us keep our records accurate!

Please save this page to use for your prayer list. Pray for each person on their birthday. By the end of the year, you would have prayed for everyone in the congregation.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Church Council Minutes, November 21, 2011 Members Present: Sue Bengtson, Jodi Heth, Carlin Lawhead, Pastor MacManus, Michelle Hampton, Jim Edg-mond

Members Absent: Shirlee Staley, Dawn Pence

Devotions led by Carlin Lawhead

MOTION made by Michelle Hampton to approve the agenda, seconded by Sue Bengtson, motion carried.

1. Short Term Goals

A. Discussion was held on Christmas time at Grace and what parts people get excited about.

B. Discussion was held on the proposed budget, including adding line items for renovation and VGA maintenance.

MOTION made by Jim Edgmond to move $1600 from new equipment to a new line item for VGA service, sec-onded by Carlin Lawhead, motion carried. MOTION made by Sue Bengtson to add renovation as a line item under Finance & Conservation, seconded by Jim Edg-mond, motion carried. Sue Bengtson will add the changes and present a revised budget proposal to be voted on at the next meeting.

C. The Stewardship program is underway; the council will receive an update at the next meeting.

2. Long Term Goals

A. The council reviewed the executive summary of the task force on congregational assessment, written in

Continued on page 6

GRACE NOTES JANUARY, 2012

June, 1995. It was noted that there are similarities be-tween issues in the church in 1995 and now. Discussion included volunteer recruitment and the need for volun-teers to know specifically what is being asked of them.

B. Memorial Gifts – Carlin Lawhead reported that the Altar Guild has expressed a need for a new challis. MO-TION made by Carlin Lawhead to direct the memorial committee to add a new challis to the memorial gift list, seconded by Sue Bengtson, motion carried.

3. Executive Committee Reports

A. Weather policy & holiday schedule – MOTION made by Sue Bengtson to accept the weather policy and holi-day schedule for 2012, seconded by Jim Edgmond, mo-tion carried.

B. Council Minutes – motion made by Sue Bengtson to approve the minutes from last month’s council meeting, seconded by Carlin Lawhead, motion carried. Michelle Hampton noted that in last month’s meeting, the council did not vote on the new members of the nominating com-mittee. MOTION made by Michelle Hampton to approve Chris Leech and Tracy McGinnis as members of the nominating committee, seconded by Jim Edgmond, mo-tion carried.

C. The Executive Committee gave a recap of their meet-ing with the Happy Time Preschool Board. The pre-school board will be communicating with the council president. Regarding changes to the rental agreement, the preschool will need to submit the required paperwork as stated in the contract. The relationship between Happy Time and Grace will be viewed as a partnership rather than an outreach ministry. Discussion was held on changing the wording of the property board SR to show that contract negotiations with Happy Time would go through the executive committee rather than the prop-erty board. MOTION made by Jim Edgmond to change SR 1.06H to “all negotiations for contractual, long-term renters of the church (not including one-time facility use) will be communicated through the executive committee.” Motion tabled until next meeting. ACTION ITEM: add VGA maintenance to the property board SR.

D. Treasurer’s report – MOTION made by Michelle Hampton to approve the treasurer’s report, seconded by Carlin Lawhead, motion carried.

E. Council Committees: Michelle Hampton will talk to the memorial committee about sending thank you notes. The nominating committee has reported they have se-cured two candidates for 2012 for the congregational life and worship & music board chair positions. The nomi-nating committee also has strong leads for the property and social ministry board chair positions.

4. Board Reports

A. The Education Board received letters from a family of congregation members expressing concern with the changes in the affirmation program. The board sent a response to the family.

B. The Hospitality Board had their “Thankful for You” brunch; some visitors have expressed interest in becom-ing members.

C. Property Board – Revisions to the property use agree-ment were discussed, with a proposed new use agree-ment form. The discussion included the $50/hour fee for a trained sound system operator. It was reported that during the meeting between the executive committee and the Happy Time Board, the preschool expressed interest in being trained on using the sound system to avoid the extra fee for their Christmas program.

Motion: All operators of the VGA and/or sound system are members and/or employees of the church that have been trained on the VGA and/or sound system.

Motion by Jim Edgmond, seconded by Carlin Lawhead. Motion carried.

Motion: To approve the Congregation Property Use Re-sources with the corrected changes. Line 6 of the Utiliza-tion of Grace Lutheran Church Facilities and Property Agreement-The responsible individual is expected to leave the facility in a clean condition as it was found, specifically the tables and chairs. Line 7 of the Utiliza-tion of Grace Lutheran Church Facilities and Property Agreement- The one exception to item #6 is that all members, and non members, are required to pay a $50 fee for custodial clean up for any activities held. If it is a church program, the sexton will be paid by property board.

Motion by Jim Edgmond, seconded by Sue Bengtson. Motion carried.

D. Worship & Music Board

Motion: To approve Kristen Tecca as nursery attendant.

Motion by Carlin Lawhead, seconded by Jim Edgmond. Discussion held. Motion carried.

Tasks:

Budget numbers and any changes need to be submitted by Dec. 14.

Property Board S.R.s need to reflect changes to the VGA projector and negotiations with long term contracts.

Job descriptions need to be revised for the Sexton, Direc-tor of Music, and Nursery Attendant.

Motion: To adjourn the meeting.

Motion by Michelle Hampton, seconded by Carlin Lawhead. Motion carried.

Council Minutes, Continued from page 5


Continued on page 8


Continued from page 7

Continued on page 9


Continued from page 8

GRACE NOTES JANUARY, 2012 January

2012

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRID

AY

SATURDAY

1

10:00 W

orship

2

Office closed

8-9:25 Jazzercise

5:15-6:30 Jazzercise

6:30 Board Chairs

Meeting

7:00 Board Meetings

3

8-9:25 Jazzercise


6:45 Boyscouts

4

Bulletin notes due

8-9:25 Jazzercise


6:30 Choir practice

5

9:00 Quilters


6

8-9:25 Jazzercise

7

8-9:25 Jazzercise

8

8:15 W

orship

9:30 Sunday School

(Affirmation – APC 3)

9:30 Coffee Fellowship

10:45 W

orship

Fellowship hall reserved

2:30-5:30 (Ash)

9

8-9:25 Jazzercise


7:00 W

orship & Music

Board

10

8-9:25 Jazzercise

9:30 Grace W

omen


6:45 Boyscouts

11

Bulletin notes due

8-9:25 Jazzercise


6:30 Choir practice

12


13

8-9:25 Jazzercise

14

8-9:25 Jazzercise

15

8:15 W

orship

9:30 Sunday School

(Affirmation – LP 1)


10:45 W

orship

16

8-9:25 Jazzercise


6:30 Council Meeting

17

8-9:25 Jazzercise

1:30 Grief Group


6:00 Mutual Ministry

6:45 Boyscouts

18

Bulletin notes due

8-9:25 Jazzercise


6:30 Choir practice

19

9:00 Quilters


20

Grace Notes articles

due

8-9:25 Jazzercise

21

8-9:25 Jazzercise

22

8:15 W

orship

9:30 Sunday School



10:45 W

orship

Annual Meeting following

second service

23

8-9:25 Jazzercise


24

8-9:25 Jazzercise


6:45 Boyscouts

25

Bulletin notes due

8-9:25 Jazzercise


6:30 Choir practice

26


27

8-9:25 Jazzercise

28

Boyscouts First Aid

(fellowship hall &

classrooms)

8-9:25 Jazzercise

29

8:15 W

orship

9:30 Sunday School



10:45 W

orship

30

8-9:25 Jazzercise


31

8-9:25 Jazzercise


6:45 Boyscouts

GRACE NOTES JANUARY, 2012 W

ORSHIP

ASSIS

TANTS - January

2012

Coord

inato

rs:

Ushers, Lectors, Communion Assistants: Mary Chalupa—263-0805 Greeters/ Hospitality: Shirlee Staley—263-7345

Altar Guild: Pam Houseman—264-5623 Worship Assistants: Tibe Vander Linden— 607-3728

Flower Delivery: Connie Fuller—

299-6824 Coffee Hours: Beth Lemkau—264-0381

January

1

January

8

January

15

January

22

January

29

10:0

0

8:1

5

10:4

5

8:1

5

10:4

5

8:1

5

10:4

5

8:1

5

10:4

5

Ushers

Phil & Mary Cha-

lupa, Rod Drake,

Beth Lemkau

Judy &

Dan

Schaap-

veld, Allen

& Judy

Pameticky

Tim & Lau-

ren Smith,

Jeanette

Billingsley,

Connie

Fuller

Mike &

Cindy Manri-

quez, Don &

Lynn Kelly

Rich & Cindy

Alexander,

Jeff W

hite,

Jerry Lange

Doug & Tibe

Vander Lin-

den, Dennis

& Lynn

Schuur

Marvin

Krieger,

Jerry Lange,

Ruthann

Hoffman,

Cindy Lane

Ken &

JoAnne

Fisher,

Betty Hall,

Margaret

Stych

Rich &

Cindy

Alexander,

Vinton &

Nancy

Cromer

Greeters

Betty Hall, Vir-

ginia Lippelgoes

Sharon

McCleary

Tracy

Schroeder

Dixie Brook-

hart

Ron & Jane

Gear

Sue W

ilder

Peg &

Melissa

Paulsen

Don &

Janet Dun-

can

Tracy

McG

innis

Lectors

Paula Lofgren

Allen

Pameticky

Lauren

Smith

Don Kelly

Lauren

Smith

Tibe Vander

Linden

Michelle

Hampton

Margaret

Stych

Sharon

McCleary

Worship Assis-

tants

Allen & Judy

Pameticky,

Theresa & David

Busch

Terry &

Theresa

Hogenson,

Maggie

Lofgren

Traci, Molli

& Keegan

Lippelgoes,

Isaac Heth

Dale & Sue

Wilder, Evan

Kelly, Con-

nor Lawhead

Tim & Lau-

ren Smith,

Julia Mo-

ravec

Pam & Ben

Houseman,

Emily Clem-

ens, Kaylie

Miller

Al & Sue

Bengtson,

Clara &

Clayton

Goddard

Phil Cha-

lupa, Jane

Theobald,

Erin Kelly

Sharon

McCleary,

Chris

Leech,

Aaron Mo-

ravec

Hospitality

Contact

Tjode Nus

Susan

Freers

Katie Green

Pam House-

man

Jeff W

hite

Phil Chalupa

Barb Han-

sen, Tracy

Schroeder

Karen

Hessel

Sue W

ilder

Altar Guild

Nancy Cromer

Nancy Cromer

Nancy Cromer

Nancy Cromer

Nancy Cromer

Coffee Time

Helpers

No coffee hour

Tibe VanderLinden

Peg & Melissa Paulsen

Lynn Schuur

Beth Lemkau

Flower Deliv-

ery

Virginia Lippel-

goes

Connie Fuller

Betty Hoffman

Sally Miller

Connie Fuller

Bulletin Fold-

ing

Dixie Brookhart,

Rosie Dietrich,

Ardy Stein

Mary Chalupa, Beth Lem-

kau

Sue Bengtson, Virginia Lip-

pelgoes, Peg Paulsen

Dixie Brookhart, Rosie

Dietrich, Ardy Stein

Mary Chalupa, Beth Lem-

kau

Pencil Sharp-

ening

Al Bengtson

Ray & Rosie Dietrich

Betty Hoffman

Beth Lemkau

Brad Simmons

Non-Profit Organization

U. S. Postage Paid

Muscatine, Iowa 52761

Permit No. 56

Grace Lutheran Church

Worship Services

Sunday @ 8:15 a.m. & 10:45

2107 Cedar Street, Muscatine, Iowa 52761

(563) 263-5680 & (563) 263-5685

Website www.gracemuscatine.com

Office Hours: 8:30-4:00 Monday—Friday

Return Service Requested

Grace Notes Notes/Jan2012.pdf-The Newsletter Newsletter Offering Envelopes Offering envelopes for...

Documents

Transcript of Grace Notes Notes/Jan2012.pdf-The Newsletter Newsletter Offering Envelopes Offering envelopes for...