4:00 p.m. (Holy Communion and Candlelight Worship)

6:30 p.m. (Candlelight Worship)

10:30 p.m. (Holy Communion, Adult Choir;

Candlelight Worship)

Two Rivers Area Christmas Day Dinner Don’t spend Christmas Day alone!

A Community Dinner will be served on Christmas Day,

December 25, 2015 in the Fellowship Hall at Grace Congregational

United Church of Christ 2801 Garfield Street Two Rivers, Wisconsin

54241.

The event is sponsored by the members of St. Peter the Fisherman

Catholic Church, Calvary Lutheran Church, Grace Congregational United

Church of Christ, and Thrivent Financial.

Doors will open at 11:00 AM. The buffet meal will be served

from11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Guests are invited to partake in the meal at no

personal expense.

Guest Reservations are necessary. Transportation within the City of

Two Rivers is available. Meal delivery is available for Two Rivers residents

who are unable to travel to the site.

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP LED BY the CHILDREN

Please join us for worship on the Sunday after Christmas,

December 27th

, as we celebrate the birth of our Lord through the

gifts and leadership of our children. Any child or youth who wants

to participate as a non-speaking role in the Christmas story play is

welcome to come to the service 20 minutes earlier (7:40am or

10:10am) and receive a part.

Between services, the Board of Christian Education will host a

special reception time for children and adults to view and

appreciate the Christmas art work that our children will be

creating.

Parents, for more information, see the “Winter Sunday School

Newsletter,” copies available at the Information Center. CDs of

Christmas carols are available for all families to take at the

Information Center. See Pastor Colie if you would like to

participate or have any questions.

CHURCH CABINET Moderator, Don DeBruyn Treasurer, John Wallace Financial Sec, Chris Blimel Trustee Chair, Steve Smith Diaconate Chair, Diane Eggers/Pam Wargin BOCE Chair, Kelly Ruhbusch M & O Chair, Betty Becker Pastor Kim-Pastor/Parish Chair, Bill Heinsohn Pastor Colie-Pastor/Parish Chair, Paul Schmid

“The Heart of the Matter”

If a person watches a sunset and is not awed by its beauty, that person has a heart problem.

If a person holds a newborn and is not left speechless, that person has a heart problem.

If a person sees starving child and is not moved to respond, that person has a heart problem.

If a person hears the story of our Lord’s birth and feels no urge to worship, that person…….

Luke begins his story of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-4) by describing the political landscape. He begins by telling us of an

edict that was issued by Emperor Augustus: “all the world should be registered.” He tells us that Quirinius was governor

of Syria. And then he goes on to describe an ‘apple cart upset’ as everyone returns to their town of origin.

Clearly, the world of politics is about laws and edicts. The political world is clear about who is in charge. It is a

tough, no-nonsense world. Augustus decreed a census at the time of Jesus’ birth. He issued a mandate that people were

required to obey.

I find it interesting to compare the world of politics with the world of religion or faith. Politicians are influenced by

lobbyists and political action committees. The political world is about power and paying taxes and the flexing of muscles

and ‘carrying a big stick.’

Compare the world of politics with the world of religion. In the Beatitudes Jesus said, “blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.” Notice how Jesus draws attention to the human heart. Think about the Great Commandment:

‘you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart……’ One will never hear language like this coming from a

politician. In the life of the church we are ever drawing attention to the heart. The heart is the venue through which we

observe one’s relationship with God.

The question we ought always be asking of each other is, “how is your heart?” If one’s heart is out-of-sync, we have

a problem….. That’s the simple truth.

A person of faith is aware of the inner world of the Spirit. Paul once said to the church, “you are in the Spirit, since

the Spirit of god dwells in you.” Do you sense the presence of God inside you? Do you attend to the presence of God

inside you? How is your heart?

When Mary is told that she is to be the mother of Jesus, her heart surges with joy. She says, “My soul magnifies the

Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Do you feel her spirit? Her love? Her joy?

I love this season of Christmas. Last night about 50 of us went Christmas caroling. It is beyond language to describe

the ways in which the human heart is lifted by the music of our Lord’s birth. Even those with memory loss seem to be

aware of what we celebrate this time of year. This event is so awe-inspiring.

By nature, we are tight-fisted. Intrinsically, we are suspicious of strangers. Innately, we want the best for ourselves

even if that means stepping on a few others along the way.

The important Christmas question is: “So how is your heart?” Have you been inspired to sing with the angels? Have

you sensed that there’s a world grander than that of the political pundits? Have you felt the joy of God’s Holy Spirit? “O

come, let us adore him…. O come, let us adore him…… O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.”

Our senior pastor, Kim Henning, will be on a sabbatical from January 1 through March 31. During this time,

Pastor Colie Bettivia is the go-to person. We are bringing in some assistance during this time….. Diane Cayemberg will

assume some leadership for our educational classes on Sunday and Monday. In addition, she will be caring for a number

of our shut-ins. Additionally, the Rev. Kathryn Kuhn has agreed to preach frequently on Sunday morning during Kim’s

absence. Questions? Concerns? Our moderator is Dr. Don DeBruyn.

EPIPHANY

Every year, January 6th (12 days after Christmas) starts a

new season of the church year called Epiphany. Unlike many

other church words that can seem funny and archaic,

“epiphany” is actually a word that we might use in every day

conversation. We talk about “having an epiphany” as being

like an “A-HA! moment” of sudden realization. The word

epiphany means a manifestation or reveal, a moment of

insight. January 6th

, Epiphany Day, is traditionally celebrated

as the day when the Magi (sometimes called “the 3 Wise

Men/3 Kings”… but if you read closely to the story in the

Gospel of Matthew, you might notice that they were not

actually kings and it never even says how many of them there

were!) came to visit and honor the young Jesus. They followed

a star which led them to Jesus, the newborn king. This event was seen as God revealing or

manifesting Jesus’s birth to the world—hence the term “Epiphany”.

On Epiphany Day and throughout the weeks that follow, we remember that star that led

the way for the Magi, and we remember that Jesus is our light in the darkness. Not just his

birth, but his life too, shines light into a world full of shadows and brings illumination,

hope, warmth, love, and joy.

The thing about light is that once it gets started, it’s hard to stop. When I was in

college, my campus ministry group used to sing a song that went like this:

It only takes a spark to get a fire going / And soon all those around can warm up to its

glowing. / That’s how it is with God’s love: / Once you’ve experienced it, / You spread

God’s love / To everyone / You want to pass it on.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus says that he is the Light of the world. We, too, are called

to be lights of the world—to pass on God’s love, to shine bright in the darkness, to make the

world a better place.

LOCK-IN

There will be a Lock-in for all Confirmation youth here at the church on Friday, January 15th

- Saturday,

January 16th

. Come to the church at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night. Have supper before you come. Bring a snack to share

with the group later in the night! Parents should pick up youth at 8:00 am on Saturday. What to bring: Bible, pen,

notebook, pjs, sleeping bag, pillow, toothbrush, etc; snack to share.

Jan 6: Discipleship—Why should I pray when God doesn’t answer all my prayers? (Epiphany Day class gift

exchange—bring to class a “white elephant” type gift, value of about $5, that would be appropriate for any other

class member to receive)

Jan 13: Discipleship—Why should I pray the Lord’s Prayer when it feels like I’m just going through the

motions?

LOCK-IN at the church—Jan 15-16. Main topic of conversation: Jesus

Jan 20: Mentor night, “Tough Questions”

Jan 27: Discipleship—Why should I follow Jesus? Can’t I just say I believe in him?

*note—there is no Pilgrim Center retreat this winter. Just the lock in.

All church members are invited to our annual ski trip, Friday, January 22

nd to Norway Mountain. See inserted

slips to sign up or call the church office. Bus leaves Grace Congregational parking lot at 6AM Friday morning. We

expect to be home around 5:30. You may bring your own skis/snowboard or rent them. New this year—Tubing!

Great for all ages!

Youth 7th grade or older may come without parents. Younger than 7

th grade must have a parent or guardian along

as well.

Children’s Communion Education classes will begin on Tuesday, February 23

rd at 4:15-5pm and continue on

Tuesdays through March 15th. These classes are open to children of any age, and are a great opportunity for even

young children to learn more about our faith. To sign your child up for classes, if you need help deciding if this is the

right time, or if you have any other questions, please see Pastor Colie.

Our next Parents’ Support Group gathering will be Friday, February 19

th. More details to follow. If you have

questions or suggestions for conversation topics, see Pastor Colie or any member of the Board of Christian

Education.

It’s that time of year again—time to begin planning for Vacation Bible School! There will be an initial planning

meeting on Tuesday, January 19th

, at 6pm. Anyone who would like to be involved in this early planning is

welcome to attend. Vacation Bible School will be July 25th-28

th.

According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to the Temple to present him to the Lord.

While they were there they encountered Simeon. He had been waiting for the coming of the Messiah. He had been told

by the Holy Spirit that he was not to die until he saw the Messiah. When he saw Mary and Joseph with Jesus he utters the

famous words, “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen

your salvation, which you prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to

your people Israel.” (Luke 2: 29-32) We might say, ‘Now he could die a happy man.’

We often neglect the story of the other person the family encountered. Anna, a widow and a prophet, had spent her

life at the Temple in worship. “There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of

a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after their marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty- four.

She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began

to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.” Luke 2: 36-38

I can picture her- running from person to person telling them about this child. Just as Simeon had been waiting to see

the Messiah, Anna had been waiting for the Messiah to redeem Jerusalem. However, she did not consider this the end of

her life. I like to believe that seeing Jesus gave her new life. She was given new life because she could share the Good

News with others. She praised God and told others about the Christ. Can you picture the scene? This old woman

dancing and singing for joy. This old woman telling everyone she meets about the Christ Child.

Christmas is over. How are we going to react to hearing about the birth of the Messiah? Do I pack up my joy along

with the decorations? Or can we be like Anna, singing praises to God and sharing the Good News with others?

In this New Year I wish you the Joy of Anna, and the Peace of Simeon.

Adult Sunday School and Adult Study will continue in the New Year. During the winter Rev. Dr. Karl Kuhn will

be leading a four week study of Islam. The dates will be announced at a later date.

The books that we will be using are Learning to Walk in the Dark written by Barbara Brown Taylor and The Way

Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus written by Adam Hamilton.

Learning to Walk in the Dark “provides a way to find spirituality in those times when we don’t have all the answers.

… Through the darkness we find courage, we understand the world in new ways, and we feel God’s presence around us,

guiding us through things seen and unseen.” (Amazon Website)

The Way Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus is meant to be a forty day Bible Study. We will use the book during Lent.

It will also include a DVD to enhance our experience and discussions.

Two members of the Adult Study group have approached me about doing a presentation about other religions. I hope

that Dr. Kuhn’s study of Islam will help to fill that hunger. As the book studies go on we can decide if there is time to

hear about Trends in Global Christianity and Judaism.

Grace and peace to you, the beloved of Grace Congregational UCC, from our Creator God and Jesus Christ! It is a

joy to share a moment with you in this season of Thanksgiving and ushering in of the Advent Season.

A lot has happened since we last shared conversation and the time has flown by. After completing my second year of

seminary and an extended pastoral internship at Immanuel UCC in West Bend, I spent the summer in an urban immersion

setting serving Bethel-Bethany UCC in Milwaukee. I had an amazing experience of full pastoral ministry, with Rev. Dr.

Tim Perkins. This experience allowed me to fully learn the joys and challenges of urban ministry.

During the summer, I was connected with Rev. Dr. Michael Bausch who is serving an interim ministry at St. John’s

UCC in Hartford and Slinger, WI. These two small churches share a pastoral leader and have been in the search process

(for their next pastor) for over three years. The intersection of three different colleagues, who I met through internships,

led me to share in a transitional leadership opportunity in Hartford and Slinger. These churches are near my home town

and seem thrilled with my presence (hard to say in all humility). I am now serving as their part time licensed pastor and

will continue in that relationship through May, at which time the churches will have the option to call me as their settled

pastor.

In the meantime there is a lot of academic work and another semester to complete as well. Beverly and I are both

doing well and enjoying the blessings this journey has offered. Thank you all so very much for your support, your

prayers, your tuition assistance, and the great foundation of faith which I uncovered through Grace UCC.

We wish you all the most joyous of Advent and Christmas seasons and hope we can see you soon!

Blessings and peace, Jim Schleif

November 8 was Stewardship Sunday when we invited our members and friends to submit their commitment

cards for our church’s ministry in 2016. We did a follow-up announcement on November 15. We extend the depth

of our gratitude to those who have made a commitment to support our church and its ministry in Christ for 2016.

Stewardship Corner for Grace Congregational United Church of Christ:

Total 2015 Expected Expenses for Grace Congregational Church: $374,403 Amount of pledged income needed each month to balance our budget: $28,916 Pledged Income Received in November (five Sundays!!): $31,053

When you give your offering, you support more than a ministry at 2801 Garfield Street. As members of this church, we are

responsible to the wider church. Grace Congregational UCC is not a non-denominational church. A non-denominational

church exists alone, apart from other churches.

Grace Congregational UCC is connected with a wider church that aids congregations across Wisconsin as they search for

pastors. Our church supports six seminaries that train pastors. We support a denomination that advocates for the issues of

justice and mercy. We support two church camps; we support missionaries like Mark Behle; we give financial support to

Health and Human Service agencies; we are strong advocates for the Wisconsin Council of Churches, the National Council of

Churches and the World Council of Churches.

What does this cost? Well, I think this is a steal. Of our local budget at Grace Congregational Church, $109 per member is

given to support all these ministries beyond our local church. This number does not include special offerings that are received

throughout the year. $109 per member/per year is given to express our covenant with a wider church which is ever

promoting the work and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Please Note: Our constitution prohibits us from using any proceeds from our Endowment Fund to support our day to day ministry at Grace Congregational Church. Active members and friends are expected to support this ministry as an act of faithfulness to God.

PRAYER FOR YOUR PLEDGES

O Lord, giver of life and source of our freedom, we are reminded by the

Psalmist that Yours is "the earth and its fullness; the world and those who

dwell in it."

We know that it is from Your hand that we have received all we have, all we

are, and all we will be.

Gracious and loving God, we understand that You call us to be the stewards

of Your abundance, the caretakers of all You have entrusted to us.

Help us always to use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them

generously.

May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Christ in our lives.

We pray with grateful hearts, in Jesus' name.

Amen

Your Offering Envelopes for 2016 are available for pick up in the Gathering Area of church. If you do not see one

with your name on it, please contact the church office or Chris Blimel. Also remember, do not start using these

envelopes until January 1, 2016.

Meals in a can, Cereal, Chili beans, baked beans, chicken noodle soup, soda crackers, tuna, macaroni

and cheese, ramen noodles, jelly, peanut butter, flavored rice, hamburger helpers, tuna helpers, toilet

paper, tooth paste, shampoo, deodorant, bar soap, cleaning supplies and diapers.

November 14 November 15

People 1149 922

Families 389 352

Adults 759 597

Children 390 325

New Families 16 24

Uses twice 91 96

A NOTE FROM THE MODERATOR

The annual meeting of our congregation will be held between our worship services on January 24, 2016. We

will hear reports from our boards, our treasurer, our pastors, and review and approve a budget for 2016, as well as

elect nominees for church offices and boards. Thank you to all who have served the church faithfully during the past

year, and also to those who have said “yes” when asked to serve in the 2016 and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who has provided or pledged their financial support to the ministry of Grace Church. We

are especially grateful for the extra effort given to meet the challenge we accepted to support our church camps. You

will hear more about how we are doing toward this goal and our budget at the annual meeting.

At the annual meeting you will have an opportunity to learn more about the various ministries of Grace Church,

and how you can participate. Plan to attend on January 24. Please contact me or speak to Cabinet members-at large

Joe DeGroot or Gary Burnstad prior to our Cabinet meeting on January 12 if you have questions or concerns. Thank

you for your prayers and support for our leaders.

Don DeBruyn

Thanks to many faithful volunteers, the home renovation at 2625 S 21st Street in Manitowoc is nearing completion.

Work will continue Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through December 23, and then resume again on January 4.

We hope to announce an open house and dedication ceremony when the home is ready for occupancy. The roof will

be replaced in spring, underwritten by a generous gift from Grace’s Endowment Board. Once the Manitowoc project

is completed, Habitat will undertake a more limited interior renovation on a home in Two Rivers.

Please save your aluminum can tabs for Habitat and place them in the bin in Fellowship Hall. The funds generated

help pay for materials needed on renovation of homes for low-income partner families in need of decent housing.

Thanks for your support.

Looking for people to volunteer their time to paint the

food pantry floor, Supplies will be provided. Date has

not yet been determined. If interested please call Lynn

at the pantry at 793-5364 or call Jackie Ackerman at

793-1594 Thank you!

“Na Rive”

(We will arrive) [Support our Advent Offering for the What If? Foundation]

[I just finished a conversation with Suzanne, a representative for the What If? Foundation---a ministry that serves the poor in Port au Prince, Haiti. I would like to report my most recent findings…..]

On Friday, December 11, the construction of a new school was completed in Port au Prince. The neighborhood community if elated. The school building includes six classrooms, a cafeteria, and a kitchen. The cost for this building was underwritten by the What If? Foundation. It is entirely paid for.

Education is foundational for Haitians to become more self-sufficient and hopeful. For years the What If? Foundation has given scholarships to about 150 students. These students will now form the nucleus of a new school. According to the director, Lavarice Gaudin, the school will initially serve children in grades K through 3. The next step will be for the school to expand to be K-6 school, and then eventually K-12.

Larvarice Gaudin also oversees the food program. The food program operates Monday through Friday, serving between 1100 and 1300 meals daily. Of those, about 1000 are children, while the others are adults. The food is all purchased directly from Haitian farmers, and Haitians entirely prepare the food. Depending upon the menu, the cost is for each meal is between $.65 and $.70. In recent months and years, the meal program has been served outdoors, under tarps. With the completion of the school, the meal program will not be served in the cafeteria.

The name of the program that we are supporting is called, “Na Rive: Little by Little.” It is our hope ‘little by little’ that the needs of the community may be served and ‘little by little’ that the community may become more self-sufficient. For $25, you can purchase food for 38 individuals. For $100, you insure that 153 children and adults will have meal. $800 would pay for all the meals served on any given day at the Na Rive food program. As we think about the ways we celebrate our Lord’s birth, I hope you might discern that a gift to the What If? Foundation would bring a special sense of joy to you.

Senior Get-Togethers are continuing

and will be held in the Fellowship Hall

January 27

th between 1:30 – 3:00pm

RSVP: Call the Church Office: 553-1222 orSign up at

the Information Center

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE---

-THANK YOU, JEAN MACHUT

On Sunday, December 13, we acknowledged a rare

yet beautiful feat in the life of the church. About two

months ago, our historian (Lucy Zeldenrust) noted that

Jean Machut began playing guitar for our Sunday School

back in 1990. Imagine that! For twenty-five years, Jean

Machut has dependably come into our midst on Sunday

mornings as she accompanies our children as they sing

to the glory of God.

As the church, we express our gratitude for Jean’s

love and service! We are mindful of the many lives she

has touched. We are mindful that a Sunday morning

role like this requires a great deal of commitment. And

we are mindful that the church has been enormously

blessed because of Jean’s heart and talent. Thank you,

Jean! Thank you so very much.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

A heartfelt thank you to the Monday morning

and evening Adult Bible Studies for all of your

generous donations toward the children's Christmas

Eve treat bags. It's a little tradition that they will

remember forever. Thank you also to all of "Santa's

Elves" who did such a fabulous job on the assembly

line filling the bags. God Bless You All.

The next Grace UCC host week is January 24 –

January 31, Got time in your busy schedule to cover a

shift? Thank you

LADIES OF GRACE

Afternoon Circle will meet for lunch on Tuesday,

January 12th at 11:30am at Charcoal Grill in Manitowoc

Ladies of Grace are welcome to attend this monthly

luncheon. Bring a friend along too. Call Chris Blimel -

793-2204 or Sandy Monka- 553-2047 with your

reservation by January 11th.

Name Given in Honor or Memory

Pat and Bonnie Wichlacz Memory of Marty Kopetsky

Chris Blimel Memory of Shirley Anderson & George Anderson

Lloyd & Aleda Clarkesen Memory of Lois and Henry Freed, and

Lynne & Ron Krizek, Scott & Lana Linzmier Lowell & Lee Clarksen

Clare Schuette Memory of son Rob Schuette

Melissa Dupki, Jacque Jadin &Family Memory of Peggy & Arnold Jadin and Margaret Dupke

Nancy & Doug Charles Memory of father Del Piel

Bruce & Donna Fehrman Memory of Jack & Shirl Fehrman and

Ralph & Hilde Sieracki

John & Mary Wallace Memory of their parents

Jon, Kelly, Kathryn & Garrett Ruhbusch In Honor of our families

Sue & Bob Brull Memory of Marion Peters

Betty Becker Memory of Elaine Lintereur, Jeanette Becker

& Theresa Kapitz

Lynn Ashenbrenner Memory of Luci Raab

Gina Rohr Memory of Tom Rohr

Joyce Emond Memory of Rick & my family

Kay Fencl Family Memory of Ray Coenen & Jack Fencl

Chris & Mary Sayeski family Memory of Mark Michels

Lynn Hutterer Memory of Carl & Muriel Stoltzner

Becky & Mike Price Memory of Richard, Henry & Bernice Prausa

and Beck Smith

Casey & Becky O’Connor Memory of Donna Zipperer, Jeremiah Oestrich,

and Gordon Pautz

Marcia & Jim Donlon In Honor of Jeff Pries

Jeanne, Bill, Amanda & Donny Heinsohn Memory of Margaret & Wallace Heinsohn

And Jean & Ward Stoddard

Robin Mills Memory of Wilbert Roemer

Marlene Behrendt, Katina , Brian ,

Kacie & Kelcie Shallue Memory of Darryl Behrendt

Greg & Mary Moreau Memory of Leona & Jr. Moreau, George & Elaine Senovich

Gary & Patty Heise & family Memory of Ralph & Betty Ammerman

And Ralph & Betty Heise

Laura Jasper Memory of Daniel & Rose Meissner

Paul & Joan Schmid Memory of our parents

Frank & Chris Bauknecht Memory of our parents and sister

Rich & Linda Langman Memory of our family & loved ones past

Bill & Sandy Monka Memory of those who have gone before us

Laura Hayes-Stoeger Memory of Lin Lexow

Alex & Amy LeGreve Memory of Mindy Marie LeGreve

Nan Jagemann In Honor of Janet Bursek, Memory of Lloyd Bursek

Dick & Bev Peterson Memory of Bob & Helen Larson and

Walter & Mildred Peterson

Lucy Zeldenrust Memory of Jenny Van Bramer, and

Helen & Dick Krivacek

Pat & Pat Day Memory of Pat & Alice Day