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Grace E
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Grace Lutheran Church
Monroe, Wisconsin
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Jim R
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Marci H
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JULY 2015
ACOLYTES
Sat., July 4……………….Clayton Howard
Sun., July 5………………....Hayley Rielly
Sat., July 11………………..Quinn Schultz
Sun., July 12……………....Linnea Tabaka
Sat., July 18……………...Emily Wardlow
Sat., July 19……………...…..Alexa Bader
Sat., July 25…………....Ethan Christensen
Sun., July 26……………....Dylan Fahrney
LITURGISTS
Sat., July 4……………..….Alyssa Sinkule
Sun., July 5……………....Ellen Mathiason
Sat., July 11………...……..Linnea Tabaka
Sun., July 12………...….Cindy McKeown
Sat., July 18………………...Hayley Rielly
Sat., July 19…………………..Jim Ranney
Sat., July 25…………….….Quinn Schultz
Sun., July 26………………..….Beth Faith
ALTAR GUILD
Stitchery Committee
Serving in July Birthdays in July
MISSIONARY SPONSORS
July 4 & 5………..Bob & Gaida Vickerman
July 11 & 12…………….……...Jim Munro
July 18 & 19………………….….Available
July 25 & 26…………...………...Available
ORGANISTS
Sat., July 4…………….……..Penny Jahnke
Sat., July 11……………....Carolyn Rohloff
Sat., July 18……..….Vincent Wartenweiler
Sat., July 25……………....Carolyn Rohloff
Sundays in July……….....……...Ann Uresk
USHERS
Sat. in July…………………Pat & Kris Parr
Sun. in July………...Jerry Schwaiger, Larry
Grossen (need two more volunteers)
—————————————————
Carol Gohlke 7/1
Barb Sathoff
Adam Scherer
Kyle Grossen 7/3
Leanne Larson
Logan Huber 7/4
Colleen Pederson
Dale Peterson
Ruth Zentner 7/6
Bobbie Thomas 7/7
Jason Leistiko 7/8
Dick Yaun
Donald Brown 7/9
Ken Chapin
Courtney Pinnow 7/10
Trent Weber 7/11
Brian Bahler
Geri Olson
Derek Wahler
Doug Bahler 7/12
Mitch Kubly
Jim Munro 7/14
Roy Zentner
Jordan Kamholz 7/16
Angie Wardlow 7/17
Ken Blumer 7/18
Jean Sinkule
Marty Balsiger 7/19
Eileen Kubly
Ben LaVoie
Ethan Mueller
Gloria Scherer
David Ault 7/21
Russell Hillary 7/22
Linda Budsberg 7/23
Remington Hillary 7/24
Sherry Powers
Teresa Saugstad
Emma Berndt 7/25
Madalin Zentner 7/26
Lynda Fernstaedt 7/27
Clara Ackerman 7/28
Megan DeNure
Don Milz
Paul Moser
Lenny Potts
Derek Christiansen 7/29
Dawn Stamm
Caitlyn Jackson 7/30
Gail LaVoie
LaVerne Robieson 7/31
A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR
When God called Abraham and Sarah, it was into a relationship established through a
covenant. It was a relationship in which they would be blessed with offspring and land.
They were to be a blessing to all of creation. Abraham and Sarah were called from
their home and routines into a new life. They walked by faith.
Moses was tending sheep when God intervened in his life. He had a family and re-
sponsibilities, but God used him. Moses was a reluctant prophet, he used various ex-
cuses to avoid this call. Yet, God would have none of it and Moses went to Egypt and
then through the Red Sea. He walked by faith.
David too was a shepherd when Samuel anointed him as king. He was not the likely
choice, but David was God’s choice. Years of hardship and uncertainty were endured
before he was able to unify the Israelites. David did not always make good choices, but
he walked by faith.
James and John were mending nets when Jesus said, “follow me.” They followed Jesus
throughout Galilee. They heard his teaching and witnessed the miracles. They, and the
other disciples, did not fully understand all they experienced. On Jesus’ final night,
they broke bread and drank wine, they prayed until they napped and they ran when
Jesus was arrested. After the crucifixion, they huddled together in fear. And then
James and John and the others were filled with the Holy Spirit and sent into the world
to proclaim Christ is risen. They walked by faith.
Scripture and history is filled with men and women living ordinary lives and called by
God to be extraordinary people. They lived in various places and experienced different
events, but were held together by God’s love and promise. They walked by faith.
We are invited each and every day to take that same walk. The rigor of the walk, the
scenery and companions may change, but the journey is ever before us and God is ever
with us. None of the followers above knew exactly how they would reach fulfillment
of the call, yet they trusted the one who called. Abraham and Sarah would parent a
nation. Moses would confront the greatest military power of the time and lead the
Israelites to the Promised Land. David expanded and secured the nation. James and
John proclaimed God’s Word until their deaths.
You are invited to walk by faith.
Pastor John
FINANCES AT A GLANCE 2015
Estimated Income Needed Each Month to Meet Budget………………….………...…$35,281
Total May Contributions Received……………………………………..….…….…….$17,112
Total May Expenses Paid………………………………………………….....……..….$30,480
June Contributions Received-to-Date………………………………………...….….…$31,703
June Expenses Paid………………………………..……………………………......….$25,369
Unpaid Bills to date…………………………….……………………………...............$19,260
Current Mortgage Balance……………………………………………………..…...….$20,576
Current Bank Balance…………………………………...…..………………………..…$5,461
Total Borrowing-to-Date (from internal accounts)…………………………………....$12,000
Total Borrowing-to-Date (from Bank)……………………………………………….….$9,000
—————————————————————————–————————————
SAVE THE DATE! The National Youth Gather ing Group will
be having another fundraiser in July. Purchase a pizza at Papa
Murphy’s on Monday, July 6th, mention Grace Lutheran Church,
and a donation will be made to the Youth Group from each sale.
Money earned will help fund their tip to Detroit this summer.
Thank you!
IF YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER ARE HOSPITALIZED please remember
that the hospital or chaplain no longer contacts the churches to let them know of hos-
pitalizations. Please give the church office or Pastor John a call so that we can pray
for you, support you, and call on you and your family in this time of need. Thank you!
LOOKING FOR LOST DVD “COURAGEOUS” which was donated to church
by a Grace family. They have been looking for it to share, and it has not been returned
to church for several months. If you borrowed this movie, can you please check to be
sure it has been returned to the library? Thanks so much!
MANY THANKS, FOR MANY THINGS We would like to thank Jan & Jackie
Erlandson, longtime members of Grace, for sharing their many gifts and talents with
Grace Lutheran over the years. Jan & Jackie are beginning a new chapter in their
lives, having moved to Madison, WI recently. Their personal ministries have been a
tremendous asset to our congregation and our community. The impact of their service
within our congregation will be felt for many years to come. We thank them for their
dedication, leadership and loyalty, and for many hours of service here at Grace and in
our community. May God richly bless them in all that lies ahead.
LOAVES & FISHES FREE COMMUNITY MEAL is shared
the 4th Sunday of every month at Grace Lutheran Church from
4:00—6:00 PM. Everyone is invited to attend. There is no cost
for this meal; it is an opportunity to share fellowship and break
bread together. Please come and join the Loaves & Fishes commu-
nity!
USHERS NEEDED on Saturdays and Sundays. If you can
serve, please contact Terry Haines at 608-201-1997 or sign up
on the office door. Thank you for serving in this way!
LOOKING FOR MEMORABELIA We are looking for old photos, memora-
bilia, and memories from the following former pastors to time create a display in the
narthex during the weekend they join us for worship: Pastor Al Schoonover, Pastor
Mark Behrendt (1992-1997), and Pastor Gail Heidtke (1994-2001).
Additionally, we would like to make a display board for Pastor Bill Shepard (1983-
1987), Pastor David Drewes (1988-1991), Pastor Bob Kirchman (1999-2002), and
Pastor Keith Anderson (2003-2006). Please bring all photos to the church office as
soon as you are able, as we plan to have all boards completed by July 15th so they
can be displayed during our Congregation Picnic and Pig Roast on August 1st.
WISCONSIN BANK & TRUST 6TH ANNUAL BRAT SALE will be held on Friday, July 24th from 11am—2pm in the lobby.
All proceeds benefit Family Promise of Green County. WBT is
located at 1717 10th Street. Stop by and support Family Promise
of Green County, and enjoy a Brat!
SENIOR MEMBERS/HOMEBOUND MEMBER DINNER will be held on
Wednesday, July 22nd at 11:00 a.m. for members of Grace who are 75 or old-
er. If you would like to help, please sign up on the office door. Food items, servers,
etc. are needed. If you are 75 or older and have not received an invitation, please
contact the church office. We would love to have you there!
JULY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Don & Ruth Fimreite
Patrick & Kristine Parr
Steve & Wendy Trost
John & Deb Dieckhoff
Fritz & Bev Graber
Louis & Gloria Scherer
Gary & Joann Corbin
Gary & Linda Anderson
Brian & Anne Carmody
Jim & Sue Fillhouer
Kayla & Adam Rodebaugh
We are sorry if we missed your July anniversary. Please call the office to let us
know of your anniversary date so that we may include your name next year!
JULY BAPTISMS Shenelle Coplien Don Fimreite
Milee Heilman Karen Homerding
Anita Huffman Hans Kneubuler
Regina Meighan Brian Lancaster
Nancy Larson Janice Breisath
Amy Jacobson Kory Blumer
Justin Goebel Maryskah Rath
Morgan Kamholz Charlotte Cassidy
Kelly Robertson Kimberly Robertson
Ella Runden Kaylee Craigo
Dylan Fahrney Logan Witt
Herb Kraus Jaron Kuester
Trent Weber Huxley Wiegel
Rory Wurm Donald Brown
Kiara Miller Eli Gotlieb
Sam Gotlieb Donna Johnson
Alicia Kuester David Pinnow
Darci Boll Bailey Covey
Leanne Larson We are sorry if we missed your July baptism. Please contact the church office to let
us know of your baptismal date so that we can include it next year. Thank you!
FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF FAMILY & PARISH ED. MINISTRIES
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one
another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal,
but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Romans 12: 9-12
These are powerful words from the New Testament in the book of Romans! Although it
was written down a long time ago, we can be reminded that God has a plan for our lives
and how to live that life with one another. When we do it well, we may see many blessings
in our lives and the lives of others we know, in our families, Church and the community we
live in. One thing for sure, God is there for us, each and every day on the journey! He loves
us all as his children and wants to guide us and bless us on this life journey.
Our 2015 ELCA National Youth Gathering “RISE UP” is just around the corner! Our
youth and adults (Emily Wardlow, Linnea Tabaka, Alicia Kuester, Allyce Fahrney, Alyssa
Sinkule, Drew Wyss, Nicole Wyss, and Jim Ranney) from Grace Lutheran Church will be departing for Detroit, Michigan on Tuesday, July 14th at 9:45 am and will return the
evening of Sunday, July 19th. Please keep our group in your thoughts and prayers as we
lead up to this trip, and during our time away at the 2015 ELCA National Youth Gathering
“RISE UP”. Also, anyone is welcome to come say hello and see the group off at Grace
on Tuesday, July 14th as we are picked up by the South Central Synod tour bus at 9:45 am
in the church parking lot at Grace.
We want to say a special thanks to all of our church family at Grace Lutheran Church for
your prayers, financial support and encouragement!!!
As I take a moment to reflect, I am coming up to one year this July serving at Grace
Lutheran Church as your Director of Family & Parish Ed. Ministries. I have felt truly
called and blessed by God to meet all the great youth, adults and families at Grace and to
serve and walk along side of you in life and ministry! In such a short time, I have been
blessed by a multitude of conversations, serving together opportunities, and ministries at
Grace! As a family, Maria, Andrew, Matthew and I have really been enjoying making new
friends at Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe! Thank you for your prayers, support and en-
couragement as together we continue our journey in ministry as the Holy Spirit guides and
directs us all! Wishing you all many safe and blessed summer days!
Peace, Love and Joy in Christ,
Jim Ranney ><>
PARISH ACTIONS IN JUNE 2015
NEW MEMBERS Charles & Cindy Nipple, Anthony Reynolds,
Stephanie & Robert Derindinger, Jr., Logan
& Brooklyn
BAPTISMS Veronica Kay Cheatham, granddaughter of
Charles & Cindy Nipple
June 20, 2015
William Issac Cheatham, grandson of
Charles & Cindy Nipple
June 20, 2015
FUNERALS Judith L. Durgin, wife of Hugh Durgin
June 12, 2015
—-—————————————————————————————————–
GENEROSITY MADE EASY The Simply Giving® Program is an automat-
ed stewardship program that helps members live generously. It's a convenient,
safe and simple way for individuals to make automatic payments to Grace Lu-
theran Church through electronic funds transfer (EFT) directly from checking
or savings a accounts. Please contact the church office to enroll.
RIDES TO CHURCH BEING SOUGHT for two members. We are look-
ing for additional volunteers to help get two of our members to church on
Sundays. One resides at Aster, and the other at Rachael’s Choice near the
Moose Lodge. If you would be available and willing to help us out, please call
the church office to volunteer. Once and a while, or more frequently, any help
would be appreciated. Thank you!
125 YEARS OF GRACE
1890-2015
DID YOU KNOW THAT??? Finally, the congregation in 1919 decided to build a
new church building and the “old white church” was torn down.
The problem of where to hold services arose. They found space to rent from the Modern
Woodmen of America, a Fraternal Insurance organization who had a hall on the south-side
of the square. This area is now above the dress shop called Lillian’s.
Rev. Gunderman again printed up a small tract entitled THE LAST TIME. June 29, 1919
was the last time for services in the old church. They had a Communion Service at 10:30;
Bible School w/Rally Day at 9:30; Christian Endeavor Meeting (a young people’s society)
at 6:30 p.m., and Children’s Day exercises at 8:00 p.m.
The new church was dedicated on September 26, 1920. The cost of building was nearly
$30,000.
Special services were held in the morning with music by the choirs and organ. At 2:30
p.m. a Community Service was held with the Mayor, District Attorney and Assemblyman
giving short talks. A Vesper Service was at 7:30 p.m. with the President of Carthage Col-
lege speaking.
Also planned during the week were special services on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
nights with area ministers preaching.
Rev. Gunderman had 3x5 cards printed for the Dedication Day where members could
“promise to pay to the Building Fund” a sum of _________________dollars to be paid in 3
payments for a period of 3 years, each due on December 1st.
Grace Lutheran Church
Celebrating 125 years
Congregation Picnic & Pig Roast
Come and spend the day with us!
Saturday, August 1, 2015
1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Church – Monroe, WI
Come rain (inside) or shine (outside)!
Menu:
Serving from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
We will have pork sandwiches, con-diments, table service, and bever-ages (lemonade, water, coffee, and root beer). Please bring a side dish or dessert!
Bring your whole family!
Plan to meet up with your fellow
confirmands!
Featuring:
Del Heins—Accordion music
Trent Weber—Magic Show
Jane Swiggum—Dotty Twister
Bounce House
Supervised quiet room for naps
Stay for worship!
5:00 p.m. Service – Pastor Mark
Behrendt (1992-1997) will
provide the message.
Bishop Mary Froiland’s message as taken from “Walking Together” a quarterly publica-
tion of the ELCA South Central Synod of Wi.
Just What I’ve Been Thinking’ About . . .
As I travel around the Synod, I find myself repeating the phrase, “We are called to be the
heart and the hands of Jesus in this place at this time.” I suppose it’s an expansion of the
ELCA “Gods Work, Our Hands!” theme, but maybe it goes a little farther. It seems to me
that being the “heart and hands of Jesus”, invites us to ask, how would Jesus feel about
these people? What might Jesus do in this situation?” Do my thoughts, words, and actions
reflect that?
Vicki-editor of “Walking Together” has focused this issue Of Walking Together on
“reflections of Jesus” or “being a mirror for Christ.” At our baptism, a lighted candle is giv-
en with the instruction, “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father in heaven.” We understand that as Christians, our words and
actions reflect the one whose name we carry. We reflect God’s love and grace to the world
by being the heart and hands of Jesus.
There’s a flip side of that, as well. I guess it’s kind of a two way mirror. In Matthew 25,
Jesus tells that whole parable about those who did or did not feed him when he was hungry,
give him something to drink when he was thirsty, welcome him when he was a stranger,
clothe him when he was naked, and visit him when he was sick or in prison. Both groups,
the ones who did and the ones who did not, are confused. “When did we see you? We nev-
er noticed!” Jesus answers that whatever was done or not done to the littlest, most insignifi-
cant person, was done or not done to him.
On the one hand, we are the reflection of God’s love in the world. We are also, however,
called to recognize the face of Jesus in those we encounter around us very day, particularly
the “little ones” it is so easy to overlook. I remember reading that Mother Teresa, in her
work among the sick and dying in Kolkata, understood herself to be “ministering to Christ
in all his distressing disguises.”
So may we see it both ways as we do this kingdom work. May our eyes be open to see the
face of Jesus in the people we encounter, whoever they may be, and may our hearts and
hands be true reflections of Jesus’ love and presence in the world.
God’s Peace,
Bishop Mary Froiland
125th Anniversary Celebration
1890-2015
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever:
His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5
125th Anniversary Celebration Events
August 1-2
Pastor Mark Behrendt will be joining us for worship.
Join us in celebrating his years of service from 1992-1997.
Saturday, August 1st
Congregation Picnic & Pig Roast
1:00-5:00 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Church
September 26-27
Pastor Gail Heidtke will be joining us for worship.
Join us in celebrating her years of service from 1994-2001.
Saturday, November 14th
125th Anniversary Celebration Banquet
6:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Mansion
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS SET FOR GRACE!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS TODAY!
THEME: Camp Discovery ~ “Jesus at Work Through Us”
WHEN: August 2nd – August 5th (Sunday – Wednesday)
WHERE: Grace Lutheran Church
This summer’s theme will take kids on a high adventure to discover 5 Bible truths that ex-
cite and challenge them. Campers of all ages will learn that God gives them the wisdom
and the courage to step out in faith as Jesus works through them—whether they’re at
school, playing with friends, or helping out at home. Get excited for a CAMPING AD-
VENTURE that makes a lasting impact on kids as they sing songs around the campfire,
act out Bible stories, make crafts, perform science experiments and eat tasty treats.
The first and major area of help is always Volunteers that would like to teach, help deco-
rate, take pictures, provide snack or even be an assistant for one of the VBS stations. Peo-
ple are our biggest need and we are hoping we have volunteers jump at this great oppor-
tunity to show what God is all about! Training is provided for teachers and assistants and it
really is easy and a whole lot of fun!
The second major area is funding and/or donating of supplies for our snacks, crafts, deco-
rating, and VBS teaching tools. If you would like to donate money towards VBS, please
put “VBS” in the memo line of your check during offering or bring cash donations to the
church office directing it for VBS. We would like to raise $1000.00 if possible. More infor-
mation will be shared in the coming months! To volunteer, contact Greta Rath
at [email protected] or 608-201-9309 or Regina Weber (329-6339)! Thanks for your support!
VBS is designed for children who are 3 years old and have attended Preschool through
those entering sixth grade in the Fall of September 2015. Friends and family are welcome
to attend VBS. It does not matter if you are a member of Grace Lutheran or not. So, invite
your friends at school, in your neighborhood, or call them on the phone.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Director of Youth Ministry: Mr. Jim Ranney
Email: [email protected]
VBS Director(s): Greta Rath / Regina Weber
Greta's Email: [email protected]
Regina's Email: [email protected]
Article published in “Walking Together” a quarterly publication of the ELCA South
Central Synod of WI
MIROR OF CHRIST
The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
Matthew 25:40 NIV
Our quilting ministries are among some of the most visible expressions of serving our
brothers and sisters, most of whom we will never meet or never know. But sometimes,
God’s love takes us full circle.
LWR boxcar loading worker, Craig Collins, shared an amazing story of how our hands
completed a circle of God’s love. Craig shared, “One of our newer congregants at St.
John’s, David Wolbah and his family, won the green card lottery and came over to
America from Liberia. David had witnessed the good work of Lutherans in Liberia so
when they came to America, he wanted to find a Lutheran church. He found St. John’s
in Madison. David had been on the receiving end of the work of ELCA Lutherans and
now that he was seeing how the kits are made and how the quilts are lovingly packaged
and shipped from Madison to other parts of the world, the story for him was complete.”
Craig explained “David spoke of making those connections because he was given the
rare opportunity to travel across an ocean to the place where it all begins. That realiza-
tion was a powerful and emotional moment for him.”
Most of us will never experience that grace in seeing the face of Christ mirrored in both
those who make these gifts and those who receive them. And although we cannot all
travel to Palestine or Peru, our hands can be the start of a great and wonderful journey.
Instead, our quilts and kits make the pilgrimage and are shepherded by our ministry
partners like Lutheran World Relief and the many organizations that we partner with at
our destinations. Together, we are all using our hands to make sure that our “precious
cargo” blesses the suffering body of Christ in the world today.
The “Precious Cargo Box Car” carrying quilts and kits to people in
need will be loaded in October. Please keep this ministry in mind as
October will be here before you know it.
Adult Education at Grace:
This past year Jim Ranney led a fall and spring Adult Education time (6 weeks) on
Sunday mornings from 10:15 -11:15 am using the Nooma Videos by Pastor Rob Bell. We
had an excellent turn out at both fall and spring sessions!
As a group we decided to continue the Nooma Series and we will plan to begin our Adult
Education this fall for a (6 week session) beginning Sunday, September 20th through
Sunday, October 25th.
We will also have a Spring 2016 Adult Education time for another (6 week session). Each
Nooma Video is a new topic and any High school youth or adult is welcome to attend.
During our time together we open and close with prayer, we watch a 10-15 minute
Nooma Video, and have an open discussion time together. We will plan to have coffee/
lemonade and treats, so bring a friend and join the fun as we gather in our church library
at Grace!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS
A reminder to save the date for our Camp Discovery- VBS at Grace Lutheran Church
on Sunday, August, 2nd through Wednesday, August 5th. Please contact Greta, Regina, Jim
or the church office if you would like to volunteer or make a donation. We are going to
have an “AWESOME TIME AT GRACE WITH CAMP DISCOVERY!!!”
Youth Fundraiser: Our Grace Lutheran Youth that are attending the 2015 ELCA
National Youth Gathering “RISE UP” have one last scheduled fundraiser . There is
another opportunity to support our group by buying a meal at Papa Murphy’s in Monroe on
Monday, July 6th. Please mention Grace Lutheran Church youth fundraiser when buying
your meal. Thank You for your support and enjoy some great pizza!!!
2015 ELCA National Youth Gathering “RISE UP” Meeting:
We have a final planning meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 8th at Grace Lutheran
Church in the church library at 5:15 pm.
7-UP Youth Group: “Grace Scavenger Hunt”:
Our next 7-Up Youth Group meeting at Grace will be Sunday, July 26th at 6:00- 7:30
pm. Plan to meet at Grace and we are planning to have pizza/lemonade and Jim will be
leading a Youth Scavenger Hunt!!! This is going to be an “AWESOME TIME” and you do
not want to miss this fun opportunity! All youth entering 7th Grade are encouraged to at-
tend and friends are always welcome. Plan to bring a treat (cookies/bars) or a bag of chips
to share with our meal.
A Little Church Humor:
A Sunday school teacher asked her little students, as they were on the way to the church
service, “And why should we be quiet in church?” A little girl replied, “Because people
are sleeping.”
A child was watching his mother delete e-mail messages from her in-box. “This reminds
me of the Lord’s Prayer,” the child said. “What do you mean?” asked the mother. “Oh,
you know. That part that says, Deliver us from e-mail.”
A minister got up on Sunday morning and announced to his congregation, “I have good
news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new build-
ing program. The bad news is, it’s still out there in your pockets.”
CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES
May 18, 2015
Members Present: Bruce Bahler , Darci Boll, Ryan Ackerman, Ranee Ellefson-Jones,
Ellen Mathiason, Jennifer Chapman, Ariel Thomas, and Pastor John Tabaka.
Member(s) Absent: Lance Sathoff, J im Fillhouer , & Shane Olson
Also Present: J im Ranney and Marcia Crawford
Marcia Crawford was present to discuss the mural of Christ that Gloria & Louis Scherer,
Jim Riese, and she would like to see restored. It is an oil painting on canvas and measures
8’ X 13’ and was taken down in 1983. It was made by a man from Freeport and we re-
ceived it in 1931. It is in bad condition. There are lines where the oil has cracked and
ripped. Chuck Radke was contacted regarding the painting and he contacted a conservator
from Madison. The cost to restore the painting would be $4,950. The conservator would
need a $1,750 down payment before he would begin restoration.
Marcia would like to see the painting hung in the nave. The conservator would stretch the
painting onto a frame and the outside frame could possibly be made from items that we
have in storage. We will need to measure the east and west side of the nave. We are not
able to place the painting up in the front where it was hung before. We can trim the bot-
tom if needed since the bottom is in bad shape as well. Marcia does not know how long it
will take to restore. Since the cost is over $2,000, it may need a congregational vote.
Council tabled until their next meeting.
Secretary’s Report – Motion by Ellen Mathiason and seconded by Ryan Ackerman to
approve the April 27, 2015 minutes. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – No Finance Committee meeting took place. Undesignated funds
are up 4% and current offering is up 4.8% compared to last year at this time. Designated
funds are down 56.8%. Net income is down $25,553.54 compared to last year at this time.
An amount of $10,000 will be needed this month for the canopy and $10,200 will be
needed for payroll & utilities at the end of the month.
Discussion took place at this time on what can be done to encourage members to increase
their giving. Temple talks will take place in June during worship.
Motion by Ellen Mathiason and seconded by Ariel Thomas to approve the Treasurer’s Re-
port. Motion carried.
Committee Reports
Finance Committee – Did not meet.
Memorial Committee – The balance as of May 12th was $13,096.86. Memorials have
been received to help pay for the picture of Christ restoration and also for handicap related
projects within the Church. Still working with Altar Guild regarding the Christ candle.
Worship & Music – Did not meet.
Staff Support – Did not meet.
Building Committee – Grace Lutheran Church is in a historical grid and there is a Histori-
cal Society meeting tomorrow night to approve putting the canopy up. Paul Moser and Jim
Fillhouer will be attending the meeting. Would like to start construction on the canopy May
20th. Would like the canopy done before the pig roast in August. There is $12,000 in the
budget in case some hidden things come up.
Women of Grace – The Ice Cream Social will take place on Sunday, June 14th from 11
a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mutual Ministry – Did not meet.
Stewardship Committee – Nothing to repor t.
125th Anniversary Committee – Pastor Schoonover will be here to preach on Sunday,
June 14th. Gearing up for the pig roast that will take place on Saturday, August 1st. A more
formal meal is being planned for November 14th or 15th. Discussed the possibility of having
a special fund for confirmands that are not in this area to contribute to.
Property Committee – Nothing to repor t.
Parish Education Committee – Nothing to repor t.
Pastor’s Thoughts – Pastor Todd Hackman from St. John’s United Church of Chr ist
has contacted Pastor John regarding a Crop Walk. Church World Services sponsors this and
it is in the fall sometime. You ask for donations and walk through town. Half of the funds
raised go to Church World Services and the other half has gone to the Green County Food
Pantry in the past.
Jim’s Thoughts – The high school graduates were recognized at worship and the last
day of Sunday School also took place on Sunday, May 17th. A Vacation Bible School kick
off also took place during Sunday School and approximately 20 children were there. Many
families have signed up for the vintage portrait fundraiser. We will also be attending the
Farmer’s Market to promote this fundraiser as well. A Papa Murphy’s fundraiser will also
be taking place on Monday, July 6th. These fundraisers are all taking place to raise money
for the youth gathering in July in Detroit, Michigan.
Old Business – The high school graduates brunch went well. Pastor John and Jer i
Johnson will be attending the Synod Assembly May 30th and 31st.
New Business – Twenty-five families are currently making contributions through the
Simply Giving program. The next Church Council meeting will take place on Monday, June
22nd at 7:00 p.m. Motion to adjourn by Ariel Thomas and seconded by Ellen Mathiason.
Respectfully Submitted,
Darci Boll, Secretary
