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2 Corinthians 9:7
The education I received at Eden Seminary did not include a course in stewardship. I have learned a
little about giving by attending workshops. I learned a little more from Havey and Associates when they
led that effort to help us pay for this church building. But far and away, my two most powerful learning
experiences about stewardship are 1) you, and 2) scripture.
You. I testify that I live in the midst of generous people. Most of you are not financially wealthy, but
almost to a person all of you support a host of causes within and beyond the church. Six or more social
organizations in this county were created by Christians who simply believe that we must care for
vulnerable people. These----you support above what you already give to our church. I am inspired.
Scripture. Every story in the Bible has to do with stewardship. The Bible always asks us to make life-
style choices. The bible nudges and pushes us beyond ourselves. Last week, my morning devotion
included 2 Corinthians 9:7. I love this text. Notice that Paul did not use guilt as a motivation for giving.
Paul just said very simply: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Enclosed with this newsletter is a brochure from Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center regarding the
CAMPITAL Campaign. The leaders of your church have taken a unique approach to this campaign. Our
church has been asked to contribute $300,000. This is not a mandate. It is a request. No one has signed a
contract. We simply appeal to your heart and your regard for Outdoor ministry.
Why might you be interested in giving to this? On Sunday mornings year-round you have heard
testimonies from people you trust. Youth have told about faith decisions they’ve made at Pilgrim Center.
Families have spoken about the spiritual renewal experienced at Moon Beach. Individuals have
deepened their commitment to this community because of a weekend of rest and worship.
We have purposefully kept this low-key. Why? Well, in part because you already give to lots of
causes that are really important. Why? Because most of you know the value of outdoor ministry. Why
else? Because of 2 Corinthians 9:6: “each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not
reluctantly or under compulsion…..” The only gentle nudge you have received is an envelope (in your
packet of envelopes). In 22 months over $50,000 has been contributed. Can you believe that?! Thank
you……
Of course, we have a ways to go. But already $50,000 from our midst has been given to two camps
that need our help. They are not purchasing new property---that would be nearly impossible. We are
simply being asked to support the remodeling and building of structures that are need attention if Moon
Beach and Pilgrim Center are to serve people who need a place away from home to enjoy each other and
God. Thank you……
Reflecting Together Kim M. Henning
EMAILS HAVE CHANGED!
Due to a change in our telephone/internet provider, the following emails have been changed.
Kim Henning: [email protected], Pastor Colie: [email protected] Kim
Steckmesser: [email protected], and Jean Schwalbe: [email protected].
Our Grace Congregational Church email has also been changed to:
NOVEMBER
2017
A
8:00 & 10:30 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:15 AM. ADULT STUDY 9:30AM.
PASTOR COLIE’S CORNER
Dear Congregation,
I write this having just returned from a week at Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Most
of you have probably already heard that this fall I am starting a program to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree. I will spend
one week on campus every semester—one week in October, one in May. I am taking two classes this semester: Listening
is an Act of Love (required course for all incoming DMin students) and Forming Faith in an Internet World (my elective
for the semester).
Listening is an Act of Love is about practicing and sharpening my skills as an “interviewer” to listen to the stories
of the people of this church, to hear about who they are and where they come from and what they value and work to put
those individual stories together to have a better understanding of our church’s life and culture as a whole.
Forming Faith in an Internet World is about learning about today’s culture—especially TV, internet, and social
media—how people are using these as tools of connection to one another in society, and how as churches/church leaders
we might better understand and harness these tools to help foster connections among church members and actually use
them to grow people’s faith.
Want to hear more about either of these classes? Please let me know! I’d love to talk with you more about it. In
future months, I will continue to share experiences of what I am learning. The work that I am doing in my “Listening is an
Act of Love” class is already helping to form my pastoral conversations with you all. And, I am planning to lead
education sessions on today’s world of social media. I will be looking for other opportunities to share more in other ways.
One of most valuable aspects of my time on campus was being able to meet my classmates in person and spend
time with them. My “cohort” of students includes myself and 10 others. 6 of us are pastors of churches, 3 are hospice
chaplains, 2 work with homeless women in inner-city environments, 1 is a Spiritual Director. We come from different
denominations: 1 United Methodist, 2 Baptist, 2 Catholic, 1 Lutheran, 1 Presbyterian, 5 United Church of Christ. There is
a range of diversity among us as we come from different places and different perspectives. And yet, we are all working
toward the same goals: doing our best to do God’s work in the world, and earning our Doctor of Ministry degree to
deepen and further that work.
I want to say a big thank you to you, the congregation, for supporting and encouraging us as pastors to continue
with our education. The budget that you vote on and approve annually includes funds that I can spend on my education,
and I am given time each year for this as well. I know that I am able to be a better pastor to you all because of this further
education and time away, so thank you!
My Doctor of Ministry cohort classmates. Back row, L to R: Linda, Celeste, Carol Lytch (president of the seminary), Faith, Kim, Patty, Karin.
Front row: Mark, me, Brian, Will, Anita.
CONFIRMATION UPDATES:
Classes continue on Wednesday nights with two class times: 4pm-5:10, 6:20pm-7:30. Youth, please be working
on you “Compassion Hours”!
November 1: Creed—Is the Holy Spirit a person or wind or fire or what? Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness
November 8: Creed—Can it be proven that God exists? You are Mine
November 15: Mentor Night. Tough Questions Hymn—Youth/Mentor Choice
November 22: Thanksgiving break—NO CLASS
November 29: Other Beliefs—If there is only one God, why are there so many different religions? Oh God, Our
Help In Ages Past
Upcoming field trip: **December 8-9: Overnight field trip—Milwaukee Urban Immersion
CONFIRMATION FUNDRAISER
The youth are selling “stock” in our Confirmation Class. Each share costs $20 and can be purchased in one or multiples.
The benefits of becoming a Confirmation Shareholder include: Shareholder’s certificate, monthly newsletter highlighting
our class youth and activities, and an invitation to the shareholders’ dinner this summer where youth will present on their
experience on the St. Louis trip and throughout the year.
Stocks can be purchased from any of the confirmation youth or by contacting the church office.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
Our children will be leading the worship service for the church on Sunday, Dec 24 at 9:30am (please note: There will be
only one worship service that morning to start at 9:30am). Children and youth will present a Christmas pageant and lead
other parts of the worship service. More information will be available soon from the Board of Christian Education
KID’S UCC
The Board of Christian Education is starting a new Sunday School worship experience called “Kid’s UCC”. During the
Sunday School time on November 26, we will have a worship service especially for our children led by our children.
Parents and others are welcome as well. We have asked children, youth, and families to participate in the service as
readers, ushers, greeters, and acolytes. If your child has not yet received a role but would be interested, please see Pastor
Colie or any member of the CE Board.
MUSIC MINISTRY
CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Sunday, December 17 is the date for the Christmas Cantata. We will be seeking extra singers and instrumentalist to
help tell the story of our Saviors birth. The choir will be rehearsing for the cantata starting in October. Please see Andrea
Allington if you are willing to give your time and talent to this event.
Anyone interested in sharing their time and talent for Christmas Eve should see Andrea Allington or sign up outside
the music room.All ages and abilities are welcome to help us celebrate the birth of our Savior!
Stewardship Corner for Grace Congregational United Church of Christ:
Total 2017 Expected Expenses for Grace Congregational UCC: $409,385 Amount of pledged income needed each month to balance our budget: $30,750 Pledged Income Received in July: $33,088 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. Members are expected to support this ministry as an act of faithfulness to God.
Expenses Approved at our October Trustee meeting: Sauves Computer and Supply (computer upgrades): $817 Curriculum $817 Music $193 Maintenance on boilers $280 Your Giving Above and Beyond our Budget: Food Bank in Houston, Texas $2402 United Church of Christ Disaster Relief $1781 Hope House $185 Habitat for Humanity $583 Neighbors In Need $449
United Church Camps, Incorporated CAMPital Campaign
Grace Congregational Church has been invited to contribute $300,000 towards a major capital fund campaign for the
upkeep and improvement of our two church camps in Wisconsin, Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center. Thank you for those
second mile contributions that you make to this effort.
Update:
Donations through 2016: $39,438
Donations received in September $2105
Donations, January--September: $12,898.87
On October 22, an envelope, “CAMPital Campaign” is provided for you in your packet of stewardship envelopes. We
are one-sixth of the way to our goal. Your gifts to the capital improvements at Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center are
appreciated.
CHURCH CABINET Moderator, Don DeBruyn Treasurer, Linda Justema
Financial Sec, Chris Blimel Trustee Chair, Dave Loomis/ Mickey Velecke
Diaconate Chair, Hope Boudnik Board of Christian Ed Chair, Kelly Ruhbusch
Mission & Outreach Chair, Joe DeGroot Pastor Kim-Pastor/Parish Chair, Bill Heinsohn
Pastor Colie-Pastor/Parish Chair, Paul Schmid
MISSION HOUSE LECTURE
(at Lakeland University)
Monday, November 13, 2017----7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Featuring the Honorable Reverend Everett Mitchel
In his 1963 “letter from a Birmingham Jail,” Mark Luther King Jr. sounds a warning to the good folk of mainline
churches: those who align themselves with unjust forms of power disregard the vision and sacrifice that is required to
stand on the side of justice.”
The Honorable Reverend Everett Mitchel will help community members and students see the relevance of King’s warning
for good folk today. His lecture explores how student organizations and churches can become more than social clubs, and
instead be living, sacrificing witnesses to the dignity and worthy of all persons.
(The Honorable Reverend Everett Mitchell is the Senior Pastor of Christ the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Madison and a
circuit Court Judge in Dane County. Mitchell received his Masters of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological
Seminary, and he earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.)
CABINET REPORT—NEW CLERK, “CREATION JUSTICE”
At the October 10 Cabinet meeting, Mr. Rein Elias was elected as Clerk to fill the remainder of the term of Kaye
Katke, who has resigned this position. Rein was nominated by our Nominating committee, which is charged with
selecting candidates for vacancies, who are then approved by the Cabinet. We are grateful to Rein for accepting and
getting right to work, by recording the minutes of the meeting.
After reports from our Boards and our pastors, the Cabinet also heard a presentation from the Earth Care Ministry
about becoming a “Creation Justice Church”. They had recently learned of this option from the United Church of Christ
website, which offers resources and support to churches wishing to expand their awareness of how to care for the earth
connects with caring for others.
What is “Creation Justice”? It means being aware that decisions about use (or abuse) of creation affect not just
ourselves, our family or our congregation, but also our larger community, nation and world. We are called by our Creator
God to be good stewards of the gifts God has given for all God’s creatures. We can do this in part by “greening” our
homes and church buildings to use energy efficiently, reusing and recycling, driving fuel-efficient vehicles, carpooling or
using public transportation, walking or bicycling where possible. But we also need to look at the bigger picture, how our
society’s choices about resources affect the poor and those with fewer options. Some folks do not have the means to
rebuild after flooding, hurricanes or wildfires, or to relocate in the face of rising sea levels. They also often suffer the
worst effects from pollution of the air or water. We also should be concerned about the future world that our children and
theirs will inherit. If we care about creation, do we also care about our neighbors near and far, and children? And how do
we advocate for them to ensure that they are treated justly?
Our Earth Care Ministry will be exploring resources to learn more about these issues and share that information with
all our members. To learn more about “Creation Justice”, visit www.ucc.org/cjchurch. And if you want to help, attend
the next meeting of the Earth Care Ministry on November 21, at 6 pm in the Adult Study. After more education and
discernment over the coming year, we hope our church can decide whether or not “Creation Justice Church” is a label that
fits our mission and ministry. Don DeBruyn, Moderator
GENERATION G UPDATE
Generation G continues to meet from 7-8pm in the high school youth room as we have been studying Moses
together with a few exceptions. November 8th we will be leaving church at 5:30-8:30 to go shopping for gifts to
send our college and military people. Parents of said college and military— if you haven’t already please get us
names with addresses so that we can include your child. There is NO Generation G November 22 due to
Thanksgiving the next day. November 26 at 1pm you are invited to join us in going to see the movie WONDER at the Carmike Cinema in
Manitowoc. You will be able to preorder tickets Sunday November 12 or November 19th after both services at the church
information center for $6.50/person. (After that you will need to purchase tickets at the theater for regular
price). Intro of: WONDER tells the inspiring and heart warming story of August Pullman. Born with facial
differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most
unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade. As his family, his new classmates, and the larger
community all struggle to find their compassion and acceptance, Auggie’s extraordinary journey will unite
them all and prove you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.
Looking into December— you will notice an invitation going up on facebook for December 20th’s Mystery
Christmas Dinner. This is an event high school/college youth who are home will need to sign up for in advance
— and we will need adult/parent volunteers to help us so please RSVP when you get the message so we can
make this event go off without a hitch! Thank you to our youth and your families for being a part of our youth
group! We are so grateful for you. Please email Nicole Herda at [email protected] any names and addresses
we need to include for college and military youth.
WOMEN OF GRACE HIGHLIGHTS
Next meeting: Saturday, November 4th, 2017 @ 9am Our Applefest cookie sale was a huge success! Thank you, Grace Church for making that possible! You are
awesome! This summer you provided 62 buckets of cookies for our ASP group and last Saturday, you provided over 400
dozen cookies for our sale! The Women Of Grace are so blessed to have such a wonderful congregation who support us
immensely! Also, a great big THANK YOU to Kay Olker and Mickey Veleke who led this event with their wonderful
leadership and dedication!
Our next major fundraiser is our annual Chili Dinner/Raffle/Bazaar which will be held on Saturday, November
11th from 11am - 5:30pm. Tickets are on sale now. A ticket will get you a bowl of chili or a hamburger, dessert, and a
beverage.
Adult ticket - $6; Child ticket - $3; Extra ticket - $3. An extra ticket can be bought for an extra bowl of chili,
hamburger or a dessert. We will also have raffle items, crafts, a bake and homemade candy sale, and we're bringing back
the children's Fish Pond this year! Fun for all!
In order to have a great bazaar, we are asking the congregation to help provide us with the following
donations: Theme-filled baskets, Raffle items, Crafts, Bake and Candy sale items, small toys/snacks/candy bars,
etc. for our Fish Pond and Desserts for our dinner. There will be two shifts, 10am - 2pm and 2pm -6pm for people to work at the Chili Dinner/Bazaar. Men and children
you are welcome to help us out, too!
All sign up sheets are on the Information desk. Please sign up! We are selling tickets after each church service on
Nov.5th or you can also buy tickets at the event. The chili is delicious, the raffles/bazaar/fish pond are fun, and it's a
wonderful way to spend time with friends! Hope to see you there!!
Peace and Blessings, Amy LeGreve
MISSION AND OUTREACH
DISASTER RELIEF
News outlets are no longer reporting 24/7 about the recent hurricanes, but that doesn’t mean the need has faded. The
need for help is still very real and will be for a long time. Grace Congregational Church of Christ has always
responded when others are in need and we know that not every person can always respond to every need but there are
several opportunities for you to help. Donations and help will be coordinated through UCC Disaster Ministries.
1. Envelopes labeled Hurricane (Disaster) relief can be found on the information desk. You may designate your
donation to go to either a food bank, or for the reconstruction effort (construction materials, tools, housing, clean-up
buckets, etc.)
2. Also on the envelopes is a place for your name if you would consider being part of a future work team in one of the
disaster areas.
3. Prayer. Many of us know people who live in the area and we can pray for them as well as anyone affected by these
devastating storms and for those helping with the recovery effort. Prayer is something everyone can participate in. Pray
that God will guide you to doing the best you can to help those who need it.
Please don’t let your enthusiasm for wanting to help die down. For more information contact those on Mission &
Outreach. Those names and contact info can be found in the Grace Leadership Directory.
GRACE UCC Art, Craft and Bake Sale to Benefit Disaster Victims A Fun Way to Help with Disaster Relief
Sunday, December 17, Women of Grace are sponsoring an Art, Craft and Bake Sale. Put your talents to work making
something to donate. We are looking for a wide range of items including woodworking and metal art, textile (needlework,
quilting, hand-sewn items), photography, paintings, jewelry, ornaments, theme baskets, etc. 100% of sales will be sent to
disaster relief through UCC Disaster Coordinators. If your talent leans more towards baking, we need those items also.
Everyone can contribute by purchasing lovingly, made-from-the-heart products to help those affected by recent
disasters that have impacted so many people. This sale will also be a great place to do your Christmas shopping too!
For more information contact or to offer help, contact Annie Kleman at [email protected] or 323-5667.
Thank-you Gifts for your Thanksgiving Hostess Show your appreciation for those who prepared your Thanksgiving meal with a gift from Equal Exchange. You know
they would love a bag of coffee, jar of olive oil, or a chocolate candy bar or two from you. Equal Exchange products will
be sold on Sunday, November 12.
Christmas Gift Baskets Mission and Outreach will again be selling Equal Exchange Christmas Gift Baskets on Sundays in December up until
Christmas. You may choose baskets already made up or fill out a form, found on the information desk.
Early pre-orders are highly encouraged to be sure you get the items requested.
WEEKEND MISSION OPPORTUNITY CLOSE TO HOME
Pilgrim Center, less than a 2 hour drive from Two Rivers, on beautiful Green Lake is looking for volunteers for the
weekend of November 3-5 to help with the next phase of our Campital Campaign projects! This involves a complete
remodel of Faville Hall which has not seen significant improvements for decades. The first step of this project will be a
complete gutting of the interior of the building. In essence if it is not holding up the roof or keeping out the weather it
needs to be removed. The demolition for Faville Hall doesn’t need people with building experience, but anyone willing to
help take things apart which is actually more fun. Most of the work will be inside so weather won’t be a factor.
Participants can come for 1 day, or the whole weekend. Can we get at least 10 people?
For a weekend long to be remembered,
•Bring your work gloves
•Bring your dust masks
•Bring your safety glasses
For more information contact Annie Kleman at 323-5667 or [email protected]
Mike Klemp-North, director of Pilgrim Center Outdoor Ministry, has departed for his next adventure and the board of
directors has now begun the process of finding his replacement.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 – Gesine McVey
Michael Hillmer
Marie Hurda
Nick Mueller
2 - Aubrie Reif
3 - Lucy Zeldenrust
4 - Ann Suettinger
Ginny Matthews
5 - Bruce Fehrman
6 - Chris Blimel
Rita Lambries
7 - Patty Komoroski
Shawn Sayeski
8 - Tobin Bettivia
9 - Laura Hayes-Stoeger
Linda Langman
10 - Lisa Taylor
Mark Behle
Lori Brandt
Hannah Bauknecht
Danielle Gulseth
Beth Gauthier
11 - Colleen Stein
Cindy Schindl
Adrianne Ewald
12 - Donna Weier
Cameron Bruckschen
Colton Wernecke
Kendra Wernecke
13 - Jim Lester
Heidi Claudel
14 - Lynn Rennert
15 - Troy Zich
16 - Mary Jean Erickson
James Taddy
Doris Mattie
18 - Quintin Edinger
19 - Wade Juza
Jeannine Powalisz
21 - Mindy Bauknecht
Kathy Kozlowski
22 - Jeff Harding
23 - Brandon Marx
24 - Megan Sosnosky
25 - Anita Rappe
26 - Trudy LeClair
Jennisa Novitski
27 - Maren Slickman
Lynn Ashenbrenner
28 - Kay Fencl
Barbara Baeckman
Colton Sayeski
29 - Jacob Hearley
Tony Reinke
30 - Dean Stoeger
NOVEMBER
ANNIVERSARIES
8 - Scott and Lana
Linzmeier
12 - George and Genevieve
Taylor
Keith and Susan Diedrich
19 – Roger and Marie Hurda
25 - Paul and Joan Schmid
27 - Dennis and Marilyn
McCullough
28 - Stephen and Connie
Bruse
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – NOVEMBER 5, 2017 On Sunday, November 5
TH at our 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. worship services, Grace Congregational Church will have a roll call of
people who have died during the past twelve months. We call this Sunday, “Remembrance Sunday” or “Totenfeste”. Christians
celebrate our Lord’s victory over death and the power of his resurrection.
We would like to know the name(s) of any of your close relatives or friends who have died in the past 12 months. Please return the
form below to the church office by TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31ST
to have your beloved included in our roll call.
Name Date of Death
Name Date of Death
GRACE CONGREGATIONAL FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS
HOSPITALIZED Robert Henrickson was a patient at Aurora Medical
Center.
Marilyn Henrickson was a patient at Aurora Medical
Center.
Bob Henrickson has been released from the care of
Aurora Medical Center and is now in rehab at Atrium
Acute Care.
Todd Moolenaar had surgery at Aurora Bay Care in
Green Bay.
Doug Haag was a patient at Aurora Bay Care, he
continues his recovery at home.
Lynn Ashenbrenner has been released from Aurora
Bay Care and is now at Rennes Nursing Home & Rehab
Center, 200 S. 9th St. De Pere, WI 54115.
Jean Sutter has been released from Aurora Medical
Center, and is now at the Rehabilitation at St. Mary’s
Home.
Anton Pietenpol has been released from Aurora Bay
Care.
Joan Dewey was a patient at Aurora Medical Center.
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM The son of Nicole Yanda and Guy Loucks, Lincoln
Louis Loucks, was baptized October 8th. Joining in the
celebration were his brother, Eli Loucks, grandmother,
Lisa Yanda and his godparents, Kevin and Danielle
Gulseth.
Averick Thomas Peterson, the son of Zachary Peterson
and Minda Kohlbeck, was baptized October 15th. Averick
has two brothers, Auden and Ashton Peterson. His
grandparents are Larry and Kathy Peterson and David and
Penny Kohlbeck; and great grandparents are Ray and
Pauline Tyson, and Sonny Kohlbeck. Chosen as
godparents for Averick were Jacob Ditter and Brittany
Mangin.
MARRIAGE TO CELEBRATE Craig and Rebecca (Holzer) Naidl exchanged their
marriage vows in our sanctuary at Grace Congregational
United Church of Christ September 30th. We offer our
love and blessings are they begin their life together as
husband and wife.
OUR SYMPATHY
We extend our prayers of sympathy to Keith and
Pamela VanEss as they grieve the death of Pamela’s
father, Joseph Jasmer. Joseph died on October 15th, and a
funeral service was held on Thursday at St. Peter, the
Fisherman.
Grace Congregational’s
HOST WEEK is October 29th
–November 4th
Thank you for all your volunteer support and also
for your monetary support. We deeply appreciate these
contributions, Sincerely Hope House Director Erin N.
Schultz.
Senior get-together Bingo & Luncheon Where: Grace Church Fellowship Hall
When: Tuesday, December 5 Lunch: 12:30 Bingo 1:30-3:00pm
Need Transportation?
Call 553-4051(Marsha Heuer) or 645-3676 (Diane Eggers)
RSVP:
Call the Church Office: 553-1222 or Sign up at the
Information Center
WOMEN’S LUNCHEON GROUP We would like to invite ALL women of the
church to our Women’s Luncheon Group.
Announcements are usually in the bulletin and in
the newsletter. If you need a ride we can usually
provide it. November 14th we are going to be at
Charcoal Grille in Manitowoc at 11:30 a.m. Contact
Chris Blimel at 793-2204 or Sandy Monka at 553-2047
if you will be going.
OUR SYMPATHIES CONTINUED We extend our sympathy also to Jeff and Kim Buck
as they grieve the death of Jeff’s mother, Donna Jean
Buck. Donna Jean died on October 14th, and her
funeral service was held at Grace Evangelical Lutheran
Church.
Marianne Smith’s father died week of October 15th.
Condolences to Steve and Marianne may be sent to:
1215 46th Ave. W, West Fargo, North Dakota 58078
THE LAKESHORE MEMORY CAFÉ
WILL MEET November 1, 2017
Let’s feast on a good game of Thanksgiving Bingo
and share a snack and refreshment. We’ll gather
Wednesday, November 1, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the
Manitowoc Public Library’s Balkansky Room (707
Quay St). There is no charge and all are welcome
GRACE CONGREGATIONAL’S NEWEST MEMBERS
Introducing Kevin & Danielle, Shelby, Saleena, & Maddix Gulseth by
their Sponsors Stephanie & Karl Kahlenberg
Karl, Shane and I have the pleasure to introduce my brother and his
family: Kevin and Danielle Gulseth and their children Saleena, Shelby
and Maddix. They started lookig for a new church when they realized that
their spiritual needs weren't being met. Kevin and Danielle have attended
several worship services here in the past because they are Shane's God-
parents.
The family lives here in Two Rivers. Kevin is an electrician at
BelGioioso Cheese Factory and he owns Gulseth Electric. Danielle is a
RN at Aurora Hospital. Saleena is a freshman at T.R.H.S. and is in her
second year of confirmation. Shelby is a 7th grader at L.B.Clarke and is
in her first year of confirmation. Maddix is a 3rd grader at Magee.
When Kevin and Danielle aren't at work you will find them attending
the events that their children are participating in, Which is MANY.
Intoducing Megan & Tom, Jennifer, & Jessica Christensen by their Sponsors
Bruce & Donna Fehrman
Bruce & I would like to introduce Megan Christensen. I had the pleasure of
meeting Megan 5 years ago when she & Tom were married here at Grace Church.
Megan is a teacher and spent 6 weeks in Mexico teaching 2nd
graders English a
few years ago.
Tom is a firefighter and they are owners of Sauve’s Auto Service.
Megan is presently a stay at home Mom to their 2 beautiful daughters, Jennifer 2
years old and Jessica 3 months who will be baptized in our sanctuary next month.
Tom & Megan enjoy most outdoor activities, spending time with their girls and
when they are able to get away to Bailleys Harbor to enjoy time with family there.
Please join us in welcoming Megan and her family to our Grace Congregational
family.
Introduction of Jennifer Kolarik and daughter Grace by their sponsor Chris Blimel
I am pleased to introduce you to Jennifer Kolarik and her daughter Grace Alice. Grace is 9
years old and in 4th grade at Franklin Elementary School. Jennifer is a single mother. She was
born in Two Rivers and then as a child her family moved to Manitowoc where she presently
resides. She is the youngest of 4 sisters. She has traveled many places but has never lived
anywhere else. Jennifer is a stay at home mother who does babysitting out of her home. In
the past she has done waitressing, likes to do body work and painting on cars and motorcycles,
has done decorative work making cabinets, woodworking, and shelves, and is very interested
in doing pyrotechnical shows. She has done a small fireworks show and wants to get more
training in this area. She has also done crafty things that her sister has sold at Farmer’s
Markets and other venues. Jennifer’s mother died 4 years ago and that was a hard time for her.
She was not brought up in a church but she started searching for a church. Her friend Ben Handl introduced her to Grace
and she loved it right away. She said the people and ministers are so friendly and welcoming. She and Grace went to the
Moon Beach Retreat and loved that too. Next Sunday Grace will be baptized here. I would like you all to welcome
Jennifer and Grace to our church family.
Introducing Gary and Jennisa, Alaina and Logan Novitski by their sponsors Derek and Maren Slickman
I’d like to introduce Gary and Jennisa Novitski and their children Alaina and Logan. Jennisa and I work together at
TRHS. Last year I got to know Jennisa better as we were involved in a book study together about Universal Design for
Learning. Jennisa is a talented natural teacher. I have visited her classroom and it is evident that she cares about students
and their learning. She tries to meet the needs of all of her students. She also is an advisor for student senate which is
involved in such things as homecoming and blood drives.
Jennisa and Gary were raised Catholic but no longer feel like their values and those of the Catholic church align.
Their kids, especially Alaina, are at the age where they feel it’s important for them
to be taking Sunday School classes and learning more about their faith. They have
tried out a few churches over the past year or so and Grace has been incredibly
kind, welcoming, and helpful. It felt like the perfect fit from the first Sunday they
walked in.
Jennisa is from Two Rivers and works as a history teacher at the high school.
Gary is from Mishicot and drives dump truck at Bielinski Excavating out of
Denmark. They live in the town of Mishicot and their kids attend O.H. elementary
School in Mishicot.
Alaina is 5 and loves dolls, babies, and stuffed animals. Logan is 3 and loves
anything involving cars, trucks, or dinosaurs. Both of them enjoy crafting and
playing outdoors.
Jennisa and her children spend a lot of their free time at the beach, it’s their favorite place. As a family they like to go
up north to their family cottage or for walks and bike rides around their neighborhood. Jennisa’s personal hobbies include
traveling, reading, and photography. She has a photography business called Oh! Photography. Gary enjoys hunting,
fishing, and anything outdoors.
Jennisa is hoping to get more involved at church with anything related to the youth members.
Introducing Lisa Yanda, her sponsors are Jeanne & Bill Heinsohn
Bill and I are happy to introduce to you Lisa Yanda . Lisa was born
in Green Bay and grew up in Denmark. She works at Belgioioso Cheese
Company and also Beverly Gardens Supper Club and Wedding Banquet
Hall near Denmark. Lisa has 4 wonderful children : Danielle Gulseth who
joined last week, Matt, Nathan , and Nicole who will be joining Grace
later. Lisa also has 4 beautiful grandchildren Saleena, Shelby , and
Maddix who joined last week and Lincoln who was baptized at the 10:30
service 2 weeks ago. Lisa says she enjoys the very loving and friendly
atmosphere here at Grace. Please help us welcome Lisa into our Grace
Church family.
We will be introducing Beth Gauthier and Kayla Johnson in our
December Newsletter.
