Grace Lutheran Church108 W. SOMO AVENUE TOMAHAWK, WISCONSIN 54487715 4534066www.gracelutherantomahawk.orgFebruary 2018 Praising God + Serving Others + Building FriendshipsShared Lenten Evening Services With St. Mary’s Grace Lutheran and St. Mary’s will worship together for Lenten evening services. This is a continuation of the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation using the Study Guide from the international Lutheran/Catholic document and prayer service: “From Conflict to Communion.” Many Catholic and Lutheran communities around the world are using Lent as a time to worship, fellowship and explore together where the Holy Spirit is stirring and leading us. These shared services are for the evening service only . Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday services will be at Grace Lutheran. See the schedule below.From Conflict to Communion with St. Mary Catholic ChurchThe Prayer Service of St. Mary and Grace last November was a great beginning. Now may we seize where the Spir- it is stirring and leading and seek to listen and follow. The plan for this discernment during the Lenten Season is:5:156:30Meal: eating together6:30Fellowship: small group discussion and activity 7:00Worship: using Holden Evening PrayerThe Study Guide was developed by the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and the ELCA Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod. Jan Huseby and Deacon Dave Bablick at St. Mary and Pastor Mark have learned a lot from this document and the simple, effective way it explains the Reformation, CatholicLutheran Dialogs, Vatican II, the 9 th Theses, the International Ecumenical Imperatives, and concrete steps we can take and do together. February 14Ash WednesdayGrace Lutheran1:00 & 5:15 pm Soup Meals7:00 pm WORSHIPFebruary 21 & 28St. Mary’s 5:15 pm Soup Meals 6:30 pmActivity/WORSHIPIntroduction to “From Conflict to Communion” (2/21)The Five Ecumenical Imperatives (2/28) March 7, 14 & 21Grace Lutheran5:15 Soup Meals 6:30 pmActivity/WORSHIPNext steps for today’s ecumenical, global, and secular world (3/7)US Catholic/Lutheran Dialogsrediscovering the gospel (3/14)International Catholic/Lutheran Dialogs our common witness (3/21)March 29 & 30 Maundy Thursday & Good FridayGrace Lutheran 1:00 & 7:00 pm WORSHIPAll 1:00 pm Worship services and soup luncheons will be at Grace.More information on 1:00 pm services on page 3.
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Grace Lutheran Church�108 W. SOMO AVENUE �
TOMAHAWK, WISCONSIN 54487�
715 453�4066��
www.gracelutherantomahawk.org�
February 2018
Praising God + Serving Others + Building Friendships�
Shared Lenten Evening Services With St. Mary’s �Grace Lutheran and St. Mary’s will worship together for Lenten evening services. This is a continuation of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation using the Study Guide from the international Lutheran/Catholic document and prayer service: “From Conflict to Communion.” Many Catholic and Lutheran communities around the world are using Lent as a time to worship, fellowship and explore together where the Holy Spirit is stirring and leading us. These shared services are for the evening service only. Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday services will be at Grace Lutheran. See the schedule below.��
From Conflict to Communion with St. Mary Catholic Church�The Prayer Service of St. Mary and Grace last November was a great beginning. Now may we seize where the Spir-it is stirring and leading � and seek to listen and follow. The plan for this discernment during the Lenten Season is:�
5:15�6:30�Meal: eating together�6:30� Fellowship: small group discussion and activity �7:00�Worship: using Holden Evening Prayer�
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The Study Guide was developed by the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and the ELCA Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod. Jan Huseby and Deacon Dave Bablick at St. Mary and Pastor Mark have learned a lot from this document and the simple, effective way it explains the Reformation, Catholic�Lutheran Dialogs, Vatican II, the 9th Theses, the International Ecumenical Imperatives, and concrete steps we can take and do together. ��
�� Next steps for today’s ecumenical, global, and secular world (3/7)��� US Catholic/Lutheran Dialogs�rediscovering the gospel (3/14)��� International Catholic/Lutheran Dialogs �our common witness (3/21)�
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March 29 & 30 Maundy Thursday & Good Friday�Grace Lutheran ��� 1:00 & 7:00 pm WORSHIP�
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All 1:00 pm Worship services and soup luncheons will be at Grace.�More information on 1:00 pm services on page 3.�
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60 years or more Russell & Kathy Jenks * Bruce & Marleen Oradei
Harold & Audrey Pedersen Ed & Darleen Winkler Robert & Carol White Jim & Mary Ann Clark
Pastor Don & Ramona Cannady Don & Jeanne Rae Paulson Wayne & Marge Breitbarth
Everett & Helen Lange 60th
50 years or more Robert & Beth Lekfield-50th Joe & Gerri Story -50th
Margaret & Earl Thomas -50th
Linda & Lornie Haugen -50th Dale & Nancy Braatz -50th Eugene & Lennie Calhoun George & Sandy Catencamp Roger & Mary Schlegel Gary & Judi Calhoun
Florian & Barb Ringwelski Larry & Jan Hagen Dale & Nona Arthur Edwin & Karen Becker Jerry & Judy Crass
DeWayne & Carmen Bellile Dick & Ruth Ann Richardson Don & Carolyn Halverson
Bill & Arlene Strand Ben & Ida Brown Richard & Lynn Brown Gilbert & Mary Wessel
Pastor Gerald & Joan Check Gene & Roselie Wiedow James & Janis Nelson
James & Janet VanNorman Ken & Pat Tjugum
Duane & Irene Strauss
50 years or more cont. Terry & Judy Schlinkmann
Art & Jeannie Osero LeRoy & Lucille Charles Oscar & Diane Popp Dave & Sara Reiff Dan & Kay Salewske Stan & Karen Torkelson John & Janet Walbeck Darlene & Paul Wechsler
45 years Bruce & Karen Wiedeman Lowell & Rita Meidam
40 years Forrest & Wendy Black Don & Debi Tinker Keith & Kay Jensen Dan & Jane Schuller Mark & Marilyn Smith
35 years Michael & Kathleen Johnson Robert E. & Patricia LaNou Grant & Judith Peterson
30 years Bob & Jackie Leonhard Andy & Luann Kiander
25 years Ron & Sara Volz Kris & Russ Berg
Gary & Corie Baacke
20 years David & Joy Verfuerth
20 years cont.
Thomas & Donna Stone John & Brenda Marcks Paul & Barb Zastrow David & Heather Jones Rick & Dani Miles Don & Brita Leibelt Mike & Sandy Wick
Chuck & Cindy Medinger Curt & Cari Strebig
15 years Jack & Sandy Sonnentag Ken & Deb Kincaid
Todd & Tracy Halverson Greg & Marissa Scott
10 years Corey & Amber Chonsky Jessica & Nathan Dahl Karen & Chad Gauerke
5 years Daniel & Peggy Winter
Shawna & Jeremy Wyland Mindy & James Sowatzke Zach & Ashely Boyd
1 year James & Donna Olson Jill & Matt Sykes Tim & Sara Hinke
Sarah & Alexander DevVillers Amanda & Jake Wedeberg Alicia & Tadd Wegener Eric & Katya Hesse
* Longest Married Sweethearts Russell & Kathy Jenks
Sweethearts of Grace Lutheran We rejoice in all couples who celebrate wedding anniversaries in 2018.
Special congratulations to all who celebrate Milestone anniversaries!
On February 17and 18 Grace Lutheran will recognize couples
celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2018.
S���� (715 area codes)���
Pastor……….……….………Rev. Mark Ziemer� 453�4066 or (home) 453�0612�
2018 LENT Worship�Lent is the season of connecting our life more directly into Jesus. We do this in four ways during this time.�
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. It is always the fortieth day before Easter (not counting Sundays), and Easter is always on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. Ash Wednesday begins a time of repentance and vari-
ous practices that center our life on all that matters most . We get too busy, preoccupied, depressed, self�focused, and lost so that we need a time and practices to re�center ourselves... “Ashes” are an ancient sym-bol used to remind us of what happens if we don’t get centered, i.e. death, and ashes were also a cleansing ingredient. Forty days is the length of time Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for his ministry. �
Sundays in Lent are not included in the forty days of Lent. Sundays for Christians has forever been transformed by Jesus’ resur-rection. Every Sunday is a reminder of God’s ultimate goal for us. In the Sunday gospel readings Jesus teaches that he has come to die for us and the Old Testament readings emphasize all God’s “covenanted” promises.�
The five Wednesdays betw een Ash W ednesday and Holy Week follow a theme each year. This is a unique time to center our-selves more clearly on Jesus through specific activities. These are activ-ities that take us outside of ourselves or our immediate community to center on God’s mission and world or Christ’s passion and death or the Holy Spirit’s work in us. �
Holy Week is the m ost im portant tim e for Christians: Palm Sunday with the Passion Story. Maundy Thursday from the Latin word “maundatum” meaning “commandment” when we receive Jesus’ very body and blood empowering us to live out his new commandment of loving others as Jesus loves us. Good Friday celebrates Jesus’ death because this is God’s plan and God’s action for our salvation. The East-er Vigil on Saturday brings the week to a powerful conclusion as we act out God’s promises which culminate in Jesus’ resurrection. ��
Wednesday 1:00 Lenten Worship ��
Five Stories in the Passion of Christ as told in �Mark’s Gospel�
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� Feb. 21 � The woman anointing Jesus’ feet�� Feb. 28� Judas’ betrayal�� March 7� Peter’s confidence�� March 14� A young man’s fleeing�� March 21� Pilate’s pleasing the people�
Christmas With Friends Report�Romans 1:8 ... I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you ... (NLT)�The Christmas With Friends Community Dinner experienced great success again this year due to the wonderful hearts of all of you in the congregation and community. Fifty�five people came together to help in so many ways to reach out to those people who would have otherwise been alone. We were able to serve about 114 people at church and delivered about 135 dinners out into the community. Thank you to all who prayed for this ministry, donated money, or volunteered time out of your Christmas Day to cook, serve, clean, or deliver. We appreciate
all that you did to make this day special and meaningful to so many!�4�
Cookie Report!�The 2017 Cookie Walk, Lefse & Craft Sale was a suc-cess!!! The goal was to raise $4000 and we made a net profit of $4400. WOW! Thank you to the many peo-ple who contributed their time, efforts, talents, sweat, donations, and other contributions. A simple thank you just seems so inadequate for all the work involved with this annual event. From using a new system of counting funds this year we are able to report the fol-lowing areas brought in these amounts: Lefse $1500, Crafts $1400 (this includes $250 from the silent auc-tion Christmas quilt), and Cookie Walk $1800. This shows each component of this event is equally im-portant. Funds will be shared through out the church in the following ways: Debt Reduction $1000, Kitchen Renovation $1000, Confirmation Hallway $1200, Church Security System $200, Sunday School Area $500, and the 125th Celebration $300. Hope you are looking forward to this time of fellowship, laughter, and fun again. Mark your calendars now for Sat., Dec. 8, 2018! See you there! Julie Dentler�
Endowment News�The Grace Endowment Committee has selected the following as recipients for income earned in 2017:��� EYG Youth Gathering � Houston 2018 � $500�
�� Camp Scholarship Fund � $500�
�� Our Sister’s House � $400�
�� Gathering Space � $350�
�� Young Adults Global Mission � $350�
Lenten Soup Meals��
Come and join us for a warm bowl of soup, the best in town. Soup mea ls w ill begin on Ash Wednesday, February 14 and continue through March 21. Sign�up sheets are posted in the Gathering Area. Please prayerfully consider providing the needed supplies, soup, or joining the kitchen crew. Soup chefs, if you sign up for meatless soup, please be
sure to bring a soup without meat. Thank you.��
Lunch will start being served at 11:30. If this tim e is too ea r ly for y our schedule, plea se com e a s soon as possible before noon. This will allow time for the kitchen crew to clean up before the start of the church service. Kitchen workers should plan on staying until the cleanup is completed so that all helpers can attend the church service. ��
Sign�up sheets for both lunch and supper meals will be on the same table. Your generous support is greatly ap-preciated. Please come and enjoy a delicious meal along with fellowship prior to Lenten worship services. The Fellowship Committee�
First Communion 2018 �
We had 10 children, along with their
parents, who received communion in-
struction in preparation for their First
Communion. Congratulations to the fol-lowing who received their First Communion on Febru-
ary 11. It was a special day to their receiving Jesus:��
� Jack Derleth� � Blake Hafeman�
� Lauren Hansmann� Jax Loka �
� Kiannah Mullen� Mya Pankow�
� Tyler Sundquist� Madilynn Tobias�
� Sean Towne� � Aaron Wanta�
Did you know?��� When you see “Child of God” on the worship
schedule it means OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE! We need you!�
�� Baptisms in 2017 at Grace Lutheran totaled 26!!!��� Grace week at Waypost set a record number of
campers in 2017. There 30!!! ��� In 2017, VBS welcomed 86 children.��� We connected 97 children/youth with adult pray-
er partners.�
Save these Dates!!!��
�� February 16�17�Congregational Retreat at Trinity Lutheran in Rhinelander � (Details on page 8)��� July 8�13�Grace Week at Waypost for Grades 1�8��� July 30�August 3�VBS for pre�school to grade 5��� August 3�5�Greater Galilee visit�
The Stewardship Committee has established the follow-ing special offerings for 2018. Please prayerfully consider giving to those that speak to your heart. For those months that have multiple choices, please designate on your offering envelope if there is one in particular you wish to donate. If there is no designation on the enve-lope, the monies collected that month will be split equally between the designations. Thank you for your continued support of these organizations that help Grace, the Toma-hawk Community, the Nation, and the World.��
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January� Damascus Road/Human Trafficking�
February� ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission�
March� Tomahawk Area Interfaith Volunteers (TAIV)�
2017 Reg. Principal Payments� �$������������������������ 35,142.90�2017 Extra Principal Payments� �$������������������������ 13,965.19�2017 Total Principal Payments� �$������������������������ 49,108.09�2017 Total Interest Payments� �$������������������������ 25,766.70�Loan Balance as of DECEMBER 2017� �$���������������������� 595,244.74�DECEMBER Special Offering � GIFT GIVING (SUNDAY SCHOOL �� $3,076 + ELCA GOOD GIFTS � $200)�
�$������������������������� 3,276.00�
Building Utilization Committee��
The Building Utilization Committee is reviewing the results of surveys that were recently completed by the various ministries of Grace regarding their meeting and storage needs. During this survey pro-cess, ministries were asked to review the items they have in storage and identify things they don’t need to keep. Those items will be placed on display for two weeks in February. All Grace ministries will be offered an opportunity to see if they can use any of the items. The remaining items will be offered in a two�week congregational rummage sale. Anything left over will be disposed. ��
The Building Utilization Committee is comprised of these representatives from the following areas:� Corky Burcalow…………...Fellowship� Patti Gaedtke……………….Sunday School� Sherry Clements…………..Worship� Margie Welke………………Youth� John Pashek………Building/Grounds Chairman��
The committee will be meeting to discuss the survey results and communicate to the congregation any suggested actions. Members of the congregation are encouraged to provide input to members of the committee if they have concerns or recommenda-tions.�
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February Special Offering�Young Adults in Global Mission�This is a fitting special offering in light of our synod’s trip to South Africa. Lekubu Parish, Grace Lutheran’s com-panion parish in South Africa, has hosted two YAGMs. They do not have one currently but most years there is at least one placed in the Western Diocese which is the companion Diocese to our synod. ��
The ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program invites ELCA young adults ages 21�29 into a transformative, year�long journey in international service. As they offer themselves in service, it also provides a journey of self�reflection, providing space to consider their sense of identity, God’s work in the world, and their place within it all. Candidates for Young Adults in Global Mission apply to the program at�large rather than to a specific coun-try. Applicant preferences are taken into account but the final decision about where volunteers serve is made by Global Mission staff and YAGM country coordinators in mid�April. Current YAGM country programs in-clude:�Argentina/Uruguay,�Australia,�Cambodia,�Central Europe,�Jerusalem/West Bank,�Madagascar,�Mexico,�Rwanda,�Senegal,�Southern Africa and�United Kingdom�
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Evan, a YAGM participant in South Africa was asked at a retreat if YAGM should be called a year of service. Here is a portion of his response:��
YAGMs are considered missionaries, and with that title comes a heavy weight, especially here in Africa. Mission-aries have, in the past, come to Africa and told people that they need to change in order to be accepted. The YAGM model attempts to change that idea of what we are as missionaries. We aren’t here to change people; we are here to understand people, to learn more about what is happening in these different corners of the world, and to see new ways in which God is working around the globe. In this way, our communities are serving us, because they are helping to teach us how to better serve our world.��
So then, we are back to the original question, should YAGM be called a year of service? Yes, I think it should, but not because we are here to serve the people in our communities, but rather because we are learning how to serve our world through the love and the accompaniment of the people within our communities. Coming in and listen-ing to these people and hearing the stories and hearing what these people actually need has taught me how to better serve the world.��
So, yes, YAGM should be called a year of service, but only because a year of “experience, learning, sharing, story�telling, getting your butt kicked every day, being, realizing you might have some things wrong, living, seeing the world, experiencing God in new ways, and loving” is a little too long to fit onto one small pamphlet. “YAGM: A Year of Service,” only gives a small taste of what the year actually has in store.�To learn more about YAGM go to the ELCA website at www.elca.org �Enter “YAGM Southern Africa” in the search box on FaceBook and you can follow the YAGMs placed in South Africa �
From the Stewardship Committee�
Are You a Giver or a Taker?��
Even though we know that God wants us to give generously and, when we do, we derive great joy from our giv-ing, oddly enough, we still often hold back in our giving. Perhaps some of our reluctance to give stems from a fear that something will happen, and we will need that money we’ve given away. This is simply lack of faith, isn’t it? God promises to provide for our needs, but we’re just not sure He means it.��
A second reason for not giving is that, through most of our lives, we’ve gotten into the habit of taking rather than giving. We have become more comfortable in acquiring things not giving things away. We are taught how to get friends, how to influence people, how to make money, how to invest so that we make more money, and how to hold on to things. Yes, it is natural that many of us are more skilled in getting and keeping than in giv-ing.��
By God’s grace, we don’t have to remain selfish hoarders of God’s gifts to us. As we read and study God’s Word, we must be struck by His giving nature, starting with His very Son! “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Through His perfect life, death, resurrection, and ascension, He has given us all we need. “He Who did spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Through His Word, we are given confidence that He will provide for all our needs (Matthew 6:25�34); we’re promised that He will always be with us (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20). He has promised to give us joy in our giving (2 Corinthians 8:1�5).��
God frees us from the selfishness and fear that keep our hands clenching our wallets and opens our hearts to give as we’ve received: “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8 NIV). Prompted by the Holy Spirit to give generously and cheerfully, we begin to understand why Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).�
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Via De Cristo weekend�March 15�18, 2018�
Forest Springs Camp�Westboro �
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WHO SHOULD ATTEND:�Men or women 21 and over, baptized Christians who want to strengthen their faith and come to a closer walk with Christ in their lay ministries and everyday lives.�
VIA DE CRISTO OFFERS:��� A potential for personal growth��� A tool for renewal for the church��� An opportunity to deepen your faith��� A launching pad to encourage action in the church
in the world��� A focus of responsibility and mission beyond the
Via de Cristo weekend��� A personal experience with God� alone and in
Christian community��
The weekend starts Thursday evening and concludes by 4:00 Sunday evening. The cost per person is $75 and covers all food and lodging in comfortable heated cabins. Transportation is provided too! Married cou-ples are encouraged to attend together. Brochures and applications can be found in the special display in the gathering space. Please contact Pastor Mark for more information or go to our website: www.northernlightvdc.com. The deadline is March 1. Scholarships are available.�If you have questions or would like more information, please call Gail Wilson, (715) 453�5787��
Thank you to everyone who purchased lights and ornaments for our Memory Tree. The money raised will go toward service trips for the youth. We really appreciate the support from the congregation in all we do. May God Bless everyone in the New Year. Grace Lutheran Youth Group.��
Thank You for all your support from the Youth and Adult planning on attending� EYG in Houston, Texas this summer. We are very blessed by all your generous support. Thank you again and blessings in the New Year. We really enjoyed hosting the compan-ion breakfast and the coffee hour and bake sale. 2018 EYG Group�
This event will serve as Grace’s Annual Congregational Retreat!�
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We encourage all congregational leaders, teachers, mentors, and anyone interested in growing your faith.
There is no cost for Grace members. Please sign up in the church office by Monday, Feb. 12.
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Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 235 N � Stevens St, Rhinelander, WI�2�Day Event: February 16�17, 2018�Presenter: Tom Schwolert � Coach & Trainer � with Vibrant Faith��
Schedule and Content:�Day 1 � Friday, February 16 �
�� 3:00pm � 8:00pm (dinner included)��� A Vision for Vibrant Faith in Context��� 21st Century Faith Formation��� Transforming Relationships ��� Intergenerational Relationships�
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Day 2 � Saturday, February 17��� 9:00am � 3:00pm (lunch included)��� A New Approach for Faith Formation��� Four Locations for New Possibilities��� Innovations in Faith Formation��� Developing a Ministry Plan that Matters�
Calvary, Rothschild + Prince of Peace, Eagle River + Trinity, Rhinelander + the Northern Great Lakes
Synod�
Vibrant Faith for All
Ages & Stages February 16 & 17, 2018
2018 Synod Trip to South Africa �July 4�18�Registration deadline was January 31 but at this writing there may still be room. Talk with Pastor Mark if you wonder about God’s call to this experience.�
2018 Wilderness Trip � July 21�29 to Southern Montana�Nearly all ages are welcome to join in traveling out together. We have a group of college�age young adults consid-ering doing their own hike. Christikon Bible Camp has four rooms reserved in Grace’s name in their Living Center � you can see it at www.christikon.com�
Grace Lutheran Council January Minutes�Date: January 8, 2018�
�Council in attendance:�Sandy Wick, Mary Wessel, Brandon Hafeman, Keri Kelley, Bill Zorr, Don Narloch, Luann Kiander, Mark Gaedtke�Missing: Ken Kincaid �Other Attendees: Shirley Derleth, Pastor Mark, Wendy Black�Meeting called to order at 6:05 pm. ��
Devotions: ��� Mark led council in prayer on discussion of prayer, in Jesus name. ��Where have we seen God at work?��� Bill talked about his national gas business and how he buys low and tries to sell high and with the gas economy how often he
prayed and in the end, God took care of him. First Wednesday of January Prayer Partner event and bringing in the different generations.�
�Approve Agenda��� Sandy moved to amend the agenda by adding the following items under Old Business: Congregation Annual Meeting Draft
Policy, Pastor Mark Job Description and under New Business: 2017 Staff Reviews, Annual Audit Review, Lenten Worship Service Times, and Temporary Custodian Replacement. Mary seconded. Motion passed. �
�� Mark moved to approve the amended agenda. Brandon seconded. Motion passed. ��Consent Agenda��� Motion made by Sandy to approve the consent agenda and seconded by Brandon. Consent agenda consisted of � December council minutes, November Worship Report, and December Group Fundraiser/Event Report. Consent �� agenda approved.��
Treasurer's Report (Shirley) ��� Shirley highlighted the following items in her report: �
�� We have 6% ($24,867) of the budget remaining at end of December. However, offerings are $26,304.57 short of budget. �
�� Overall expenses for the year were $1437.57 greater than offerings. Our checkbook had a large enough balance to cover the expenses.�
�� Prior to this month, expenses year to date were $16,408.61 greater than offerings, but December had a tremendous giving number which helped make up most of this deficit. �
�� Shirley walked through the proposed 2018 budget and compared the end of year results of 2017 to see if there were any changes that council wanted to make to proposed budget. Council indicated it appeared they had already accounted for the adjustments in the proposed budget. �
�� Mark moved to accept the treasurer report. Mary seconded. Motion passed.� ��
Committee and staff reports ��� Wendy reported: �
��Vibrant Faith for All Ages and Stages. See #6 under New business. �
��The Worship Music Committee will be purchasing additional books for the organ and alter �amounting to $205.00. �
��Margie Welke and 11 youth who signed up will be attending the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston this summer�
��First Aid Kits � asked our Parish Nurses to take stock and to update these and make them more visible as there was a recent need for these and they were found sparse. �
�� Pastor Mark reviewed his report. Items highlighted include: �
�� Pastor Job Description�see #2 under Old Business�
�� 1st Wednesday at Grace� Prayer Partner � over 70 of all generations attended. Well done! �
�� Faith Formation in the 21st Century� Sept�Dec focused on “Faith Formation in the Life�Cycle”. There is now a separate website: www.grow�grace.com representing this. �
�� Upcoming Vibrant events: 2018 Congregation Retreat�Vibrant Faith for All Ages�Feb 16�17 and 2018 Synod Assem-bly�May 17�19. �
�� 125th Anniversary�will be honored at Synod Assembly Banquet on Friday, May 18, 2018 at Oshkosh. It is recommend-ed that we get a larger group to attend and receive this recognition�
�� 2018 Lent Worship � waiting a reply on Fr. Louis to see about anything joint �
(Continued on page 10)� 9�
�� Multiple 2018 events and preparation�
�� St. Barnabas�their Bishop is pursuing a plan and is not interested in connections with Grace at this time�
�� Staff Reviews�see #8 under New Business ��
Old Business��
1.�Grace House Update�
�� There was a sewer backup which resulted with the basement of the Grace House being flooded�with sewer. John Pashek called Service Masters and they professionally cleaned this �
�� The backup resulted in some damage to items stored in the basement. Owners were notified of any damages they had. �
�� Plumbing was fixed to prevent this issue from occurring again. �
�� Brandon will check to see if he can find the cost to get a professional to investigate whether the Grace House is fun-damentally solid to see if it can be remodeled or if we need to look into other alternatives for the building as more things will continue needing fixes due to its age. �
�� It was noted that the Grace House is considered to be a major community asset and is highly valued. In addition to it being used by AAA, Salvation Army, the upstairs is also being used by 3 homeless individuals as part of the Warm-ing Center. Insurance forms are being updated for Church Mutual for the Warming Center. �
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2.�Pastor Mark Job Description�
�� Pastor Mark shared what he thought his job description was and asked council to review and make any additional comments. This has changed over the years with now his top priorities being 1) creating events, activities and expe-riences 2) personal conversations with people and 3) milestone activities and teaching �
�� The draft copy was updated after the December council meeting and sent out for review and was then reviewed in this meeting �
�� Sandy made a motion that we implement the Congregation Annual Meeting Policy this year which helps provide di-rection and establish guidelines to those writing and/or presenting reports at the congregation annual meeting. Brandon seconded. Motion passed. Council will incorporate the policy this year. �
�4.�Church use policy� Pastor and staff are working on outlining a policy regarding use of church properties � In progress ��
5.� SMART goals for 2017 Update. � Goal 1: Increase the diversity of our membership in our ministries�
�� Sandy/Luann � the last item that we worked on was helping to write up the insert for the prayer ministries in the bul-letin and monthly newsletter. �
Goal 2: Spread the Grace of God through communication and covert good deeds. ��� Mark/Don �no action�
Goal 3: Enhance the worship service experience at Grace Lutheran Church.��� Mary/Brandon �There was a meeting January 7th with the worship committee �
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�New Business�
�1.� Annual Meeting Preparation�Pastor Mark�
�� Reports are due in the office January 12th. A planning meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 15th at 6 pm for the executive council to review the policies and establish the agenda. �
�� Sandy should inform Debbie and Shirley. ��
2.� Nominating Committee Update � Mark �
�� Nominations were filled for the 5 open positions: Steve Garrison, Lori Schmidt, Paul Kurth, Christi Lobermeier and youth Jackie Wick/Abby Norman (1 position split).�
�� Mary has also announced that due to her major milestone birthday it is time for her to slow down and she will be stepping down after this year which opens up 1 additional 2�year position that the nominating committee is now looking to fill. �
�� Council thanked her for her many years of contributions. She provided insight and topics of concern from the con-gregation many times and the council really appreciated that input. �
�3.� Transition of Council Members�
�� Sandy will contact the nominees and walk them through some of the expectations before the February meeting. This will help bring them up to speed for their first February meeting.�
�� We discussed that 2017 years are over and we should now be focusing on 2018 Goals. We have gotten a later start on the 2018 goals. This year’s SMART goals will focus on the second part of our mission statement “Serving Oth-ers” �
�� It was discussed setting SMART goals will be part of the February meeting with the new council members to they could contribute their ideas for 2018. �
�� Sandy will send Mark last year’s notes which introduced what a SMART goal was and he will bring this forward at the February meeting. �
�
5.� Rental Value on Pastor Ziemer’s Home�Pastor Mark �
�� Pastor Mark made council aware that for tax purposes he needs to evaluate what the Fair Housing Allowance is on his taxes. He indicated it will continue to be 20K. �
�
6.� Vibrant Faith for All Ages and Stages (Congregation Retreat)�February 16�17, 2018 � Wendy �
�� Held at Trinity Lutheran in Rhinelander. Grace paid money up front for this so it will be a free event for any Grace member who wishes to attend. Attendees can attend one or all the different presentations/topics so if you miss one session you can still partake. �
�� Council is encouraged to help promote the activity �
�� Friday 3pm�8pm with dinner included�
�� Saturday, February 17 from 9am � 3pm with lunch included��
7.� Annual Audit Review � Shirley�
�� Shirley indicated this will be conducted on Thursday January 11th. Pam Kopp, Joan Hilgendorf, and Sarah Mann will do the review. This will be Pam’s last year.�
�� Results will be shared with council at the February meeting. ��
8.� Staff Reviews for 2017 and Goals for 2018� Pastor Mark�
�� Pastor Mark has started to review the job descriptions, goals, and job satisfaction with the staff as part of their 2017 review and 2018 goals. �
�� Wendy’s description has been revised to include a new title of Minister of Lifelong Faith which will represent more of her role this year. �
�
9.� Mid�week Lenten services � Wendy�
�� Grace has tried switching times for the mid�week Lenten services to try and improve attendance, but there has been no change in attendance whether it has started at 6:30 or 7. �
�� Recommendation from worship committee that this year the mid�week Lenten services be at 6:30. �
�� No objections from anyone on this and all agreed with the recommendation. ��
10.� Temporary Custodian Replacement�
�� Colleen needs 2 weeks off due to doctor’s orders to rest as she has symptoms of carpal tunnel. �
�� This means Grace will be without a custodian for the next 2 weeks while she rests�
�� Sandy will check to see if either of her kids can pick up any time as they have been a backup in the past�
�� If not, council is open to other suggestions on how to fill this temporary spot. �Public Comments: None �
Future Meetings, Events and Dates to Remember: �
�� Monday, January 6 pm at 6 pm�Executive Committee Congregation Annual Prep Meeting �
�� Sunday, January 28 � Annual Congregation Meeting at 10:00 am �
�� Monday, February 12�Council Meeting at 6:00 pm�
�� Friday/Saturday, February 16�17�Vibrant Faith for all Ages & Stages (Congregational Retreat)��
Adjourn meeting �Mark moved we adjourn. Sandy second. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:50pm.��
Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Minutes by Sandy Wick, Secretary�
L&�#+M&%�' R"'(,�
February 3 & 4� �
Acolytes� 5:00 pm �Mason Peck�� 8:30 am �Cayden Johnson��10:45 am �Ayla McCormick�Greeters�� 5:00 pm �Bernice Mitchell�� � Sherry Thompson�� 8:30 am �Pete/Lynn Wurl�� � Tom/Donna Stone��10:45 am �Andy/Luann Kiander��
Readers�� 5:00 pm �Nona Arthur �� 8:30 am �Sandy Wick ��10:45 am �Gail Wilson��
Ushers�� 5:00 pm �Dave Dettmering�� � Child of God�� 8:30 am �Megan/Kirsten Marcks � Jack Lauder, Jerry Jagmin��10:45 am �Mary Hoglund�� � Child of God��
Nursery�� 8:30 am �Child of God��10:45 am �Child of God��
Assisting Minister�� 5:00 pm �Karen Olson�� 8:30 am �Corey Colburn��10:45 am �Gail Wilson ��
Communion Assistants�� 8:30 am �Margie Welke�� � Whitney Osero��
Running Projection�� 5:00 pm �Don Tinker�� 8:30 am� James Zastrow�
�10:45 am� Betty Hudson��
Projection Set up�Jackie Leonhard��
Altar Guild�Sue Mielke, Donna Olson�Karen Torkelson��
February 10 & 11�Acolytes� 5:00 pm �Eli Mullen�� 8:30 am �Caley Scholz��10:45 am �Halle Derleth�Greeters�� 5:00 pm �Karen Olson�� � Peggy Price�� 8:30 am �Zastrow Family�� � Marcie Schmit��10:45 am �Jody/Emily Decker��
Readers�� 5:00 pm �Darlene Wurl�� 8:30 am �Chris Raasch��10:45 am �Jeannie Gudgeon��
Ushers�� 5:00 pm �Jeanette Lovsletten�� � Ron Lueneberg�� 8:30 am �Dar Clements�� � Marie Knipfer�� � Ed/Chris Raasch��10:45 am �Dawn LaFevre�� � Marilyn Smith��
Nursery�� 8:30 am �Child of God��10:45 am �Child of God��
Assisting Minister�� 5:00 pm �Gail Wilson�� 8:30 am �Al Overhaug��10:45 am �Nancy Herbison��
Communion Assistants�� 8:30 am �Megan Marcks�� � Lynn Brown��
Acolytes� 5:00 pm �Sadie Leibelt�� 8:30 am �MartinSchmidt��10:45 am �Halle Derleth�Greeters�� 5:00 pm �Dan/Kay Salewske�� 8:30 am �Tobias Family�� � Al Tesch��10:45 am �Jim/Donna Olson��
Ushers�� 5:00 pm �Dar Clements�� � Jeanette Lovsletten�� 8:30 am �Don/Carolyn Halverson�� � Marie Knipfer�� `� Child of God��10:45 am �Dan Schuller�� � Mary Hoglund��
Nursery�� 8:30 am� Child of God� �
�10:45 am � Child of God��
Assisting Minister�� 5:00 pm �Karen Olson�� 8:30 am �Corey Colburn��10:45 am �Gail Wilson��
Communion Assistants�� 8:30 am �Megan Marcks�� � Margie Welke��
