The Grace Visitor JANUARY 2019

Saint Lucia Festival Continuing with our Swedish Tradition, many Swedish treats were served during Fellowship Time on December 9, with a visit from St. Lucia following each service. Thank you to Chloe Jessen and Jordan Kahl for bringing the light of St. Lucia. There were lovely Swedish centerpiec-es too. Thank you to the Grace Women and all who helped setup, decorated, baked, served, and cleaned up, for without you, this event would not happen.

80 Quilts made by Grace Willing Workers given to Lotus Project and Upper Des Moines Opportunity.

Lemke Grace Group Christmas Service Project. $90.62 in groceries was delivered to the D/SAOC house along with a card letting them know about what our Grace Group did. Members are Randy & Linda Birchall, Jean Dexter, Natalie Passow, Dave & Ellyn Lemke, Dick & Crystal Michael, and Leslie Reetz.

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An In The Pew note As a courtesy to those who have

sensitivity to fragrances, please use perfumes and colognes sparingly

when attending worship. Thank you for your consideration.

***NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING*** Grace Lutheran Church Annual Meeting is scheduled for

Sunday, January 27, at 12:30 pm. Please meet in the Lower Level Fellowship Hall.

ARiSE youth will serve a fundraising lunch at 11:45, in the Lower Level. Free-Will Donations will be accepted.

ANNUAL REPORTS DUE All Annual Reports are due in the

office by Tuesday, January 8, 2019. Please email your reports,

to gracefd@frontiernet.net Your cooperation is appreciated.

Thank you to all who have already submitted annual reports!

GUIDELINES FOR GRACE ACTIVITIES IN INCLEMENT WEATHER In case of threatening weather, especially if National Weather Service has issued a warning:

1. The Congregation Council President will consult with Pastor Dan and available Executive Team to determine with them whether to hold a scheduled worship service;

2. Watch TV (channels WHO 13 & KCCI 8) and listen to local radio stations (KWMT & WOI radio) for information about cancellations.

3. Attend worship or other activity only if you can do so safely. 4. If school is cancelled due to bad weather, Confirmation and Youth Group are

also cancelled that evening.

Tammy will be out of the office Dec 21—Jan 4.

The office will be open most week days with limited and varied hours as volunteers will be covering the office.

Office Schedule Dec 21—Jan 4:

*Fridays 9-noon

*Christmas & New Year’s Eves will be limited hours.

*Christmas & New Year’s Day office will be closed.

*Wednesdays & Thursdays 9-noon and 1-3.

President: Ilene Olson; Vice-President: Jim Blocker; Treasurer: Dave Lemke; Secretary: Crystal Michael; Randy Birchall; Roberta Bochtler; Cheryl Fleming; Mark Gustafson; Paulette Heddinger; & Cassie Jordison.

Pastor Dan will be away December 25, 2018 through January 4, 2019. If you have an emergency pastoral need during this time, please contact Pastor Jennifer Osheim-Owen

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Grace Foundation 2019-20 College Scholarship Application for 2019 graduating High School Seniors

It’s time again for high school seniors to start planning for the college scholarship application process for

the Grace Lutheran Foundation Scholarship. An application form and completion guidelines are in the office. This will allow students time to complete the application, get the needed reference letters, and return all re-

quired documents to the church office before the deadline on February 15, 2019.

Grace Lutheran Church Foundation Board members: Sandy Alne, Randy Birchall, Nic Huse, Billy Offerman,

Tim Olson, Natalie Passow, & Rod Poppinga

PLEASE KEEP IN PRAYER

Bereaved: The family of Sharla Baker. The family of Terry Dillon, stepson of Lola Dillon.

The family of Marilyn Anderson. The family of Stanley Usinger, friend of Mark

Gustafson. The family of Dr. Thomas Touney.

Those who are sick or dealing with chronic conditions: Mike Grove; Martha

Kersbergen; LaVonne Nelson; Kris Stein, daughter of Dee Fenchak; Leon Kurt, relative

of Pat & Judy Reed; Scott Hoffman, son of Bonnie Cramer; Sue Kelly, stepdaughter of Lola Dillon. Judy Stolenberger, friend of Nancy Schmidt.

Those is military service: Ben Bochtler, Army—deployed to Afghanistan, son of Ed & Beth Bochtler, grandson of

Roberta Bochtler. Zachary Napier, Army Special Forces: Alex Napier, Marines; Seth Napier, Marines. All three

are sons of Paul & Deb Napier of Salt Lake City, Utah and grandsons of Betty Evans.

So deeply do we care for you that we are determined

to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8

“Melts in your mouth, not in your hands.” "A Diamond Is Forever." “America runs on Dunkin.” "There are some things money can't buy. For everything else, there's MasterCard." "Tastes So Good, Cats Ask for It by Name" “The quicker picker upper.” “Know God’s grace, share God’s love.”

There are slogans and there are mottos. A “Motto” is a short sentence or phrase that reflects the beliefs or ideals of an individual, family, or institution. A “Slogan” is a brief attention-getting phrase used in advertising or promotion. So, hopefully above you can pick out the motto among the slogans. And then, to make it more confusing, there are “Mission Statements,” which are like mottos only usually longer. When I started here at Grace I considered changing the mission statement because frankly, it’s pretty long and I’d be willing to bet that only a small percentage of people know what our mission statement is. But then I realized it actually does describe who we are and what we do pretty well. A motto is similar to a mission statement, but shorter and less specific.

In other words, saying: “In celebration of God’s grace, given through Jesus Christ, we seek to grow through Worship, Teaching, Fellowship and Reaching out with our gifts to Share the Gospel and Serve the needs of all people” is not contrary to

saying, “Know God’s grace, share God’s love.” And quite frankly none of this matters at all if we’re not actually putting these words into action in our lives. Your core beliefs, what you believe at your core, aren’t meant to be hidden deep inside. They are meant to be lived out and put into action. I like this verse in Thessalonians because when they shared the Gospel, the good news, they shared themselves. It’s not just a slogan or a brand. It’s a motto. It’s how we live. It’s giving “our own selves” because the people we share it with are dear to God and should be dear to us as well. When we recognize God’s grace is not only for us, but for everyone and we generously share God’s love, we remain true to our motto, our mission. What is your personal motto? What is your family’s motto? These are good questions to think about as we begin 2019. I encourage you to jot down some of your values and some of your gifts and create a simple motto. This would be a great family project or it could be with a group of friends. Have at least 2 other people agree to hold the group accountable for what you come up with. Reconnect throughout the year and see how you’re doing. Most people don’t take New Year’s resolutions very seriously anymore, but I wonder if this might be a way to reclaim that practice. Anyway, I’m glad we as a congregation know God’s grace and share God’s love in the many different ministries that happen through its people. May God bless you with vision and determination to share the Gospel and your very selves as you do. God loves you and so do I, Pastor Dan

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Grace Lutheran Men in Mission meets at 8:00 am on the second Sat-

urday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church in the Fireside Room.

All men are welcome to attend. Breakfast and Bible study is lead by Pastor Carroll Lang. Questions, contact Rollin Swanson.

Knit & Purl will resume January 22, the fourth Tuesday at 1:00 pm in the Fireside room. We will only meet once

this month due to the New Years’ holiday. So ladies keep those needles clicking at home on the prayer shawls and

baby blankets.

Mission Haiti will resume after the holidays on the second and third Tuesdays in January at 1 pm in the upstairs sewing room. We took the month of December off and spent one of our Tuesdays in fun and fellowship at The Tea-pot Cafe for lunch in Laurens. It is our favorite place and had a memorable time. We will begin once again making

school bags for Haiti in January.

Connie Gustafson.

BINGO BASH Looking ahead to February...plan to attend the Bingo Bash with your family and friends. Free fun and fellowship for all ages. Sunday, February 10, from 2-3:30 pm in the lower

level Fellowship Hall. Snacks, beverages, and prizes provided.

This event is sponsored by the Fellowship Ministry Team.

Women of the ELCA Purpose Statement:

As a community of women created in the image of

God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and em-powered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to

grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in

our callings, engage in ministry and action, and pro-

mote healing and wholeness in the church, the socie-

ty and the world.

Circles usually meet on the following schedule: Mary Circle: Third Tuesday at 9:30 am Judy Reed,

Chair (usually in the Fireside Room)

Ruth Circle: Fourth Tuesday at 7:00 pm Trudy Kop-

pen, Chair (in Fireside Room)

Visitors are always welcome. If you are looking for a

great Bible Study and getting to know some of the

women of Grace better, visit a Circle that fits your

schedule.

January’s Gather Bible Study will begin a series entitled Meetings with Jesus. This is a study in

John’s Gospel. January’s session will be: Come and

See: Seeking and finding faith. Sure to be a thought-

ful study

Mary Circle will clean the kitchens in January or

February, with assistance from Ruth Circle.

Willing Workers will have a Tie Day January 28,

2019. Knit & Purl meets at 1:00 pm Tuesdays, January 22.

Mission Haiti meets at 1:00 pm on Tuesdays, Jan. 8

& 15.

January 2019

1 Angie Copper 1 Jackie Davis 2 Justin Baker 4 Leslie Reetz 4 Wolfie Dillingham

5 Dave Lemke 7 Jason Grove 8 Maddison Clarahan 10 Josh Seltz 13 Dianne Klasse 13 Matt Dencklau 15 Judy Duffield 15 Norma Erickson 16 Alison Chambers 16 Ainsley Seltz 18 Pat Parks

20 Betty Hartquist 21 Katelyn Hanson 23 Olivia Archibald 24 Mike Trenary 25 Allen Link 26 Deb Shupe 27 Don Mallinger 27 Jill Nelson 28 Shari Johnson 28 Addison Lentsch

5 Allen & Janice Link 25 Mark & Shelli Groat

Bridge-A-Rama (party Bridge)

Sunday, January 13 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, Smeltzer Room, Friendship Haven. Snacks served. Anyone welcome.

Questions; call Roy & Ann Chase.

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ARiSE—Always Rejoicing in the Savior's Embrace

Merry Christmas!

I can't believe how fast four weeks go by. It's seems like just yesterday I was writing my article for last month's newsletter. It has been another busy month. Some of the kids helped load and unload the groceries that were gathered for the Lord's Cupboard at Thanksgiving. Cooper and Claire volunteered to ring bells for Salvation Army.

We joined the Sunday School kids and wrote out Christmas cards for servicemen stationed overseas. I was able to put 140 Christmas cards in the mail to Military Missions the first week of December! I hope these will bring a smile to someone who is risking their life to preserve our freedoms!

We filled the 60 treat bags to be handed out to the little kids after the Christmas program in a matter of minutes! These kids are so good at listening and following directions. I had anticipated this project to take about 20-30 minutes and instead we were finished in about five!! We will be decorating Christmas cookies and preparing goodie plates to deliver during Grace's annual night of caroling.

We have been working on our next song, There's A New Star In The Sky, which includes ALL the Sunday School kids and will debut during the Christmas program. We have spent a lot of time planning our Christmas lock-in which will be held Friday December 21. We have to make sure we have enough food, drink, games, activities and other fun stuff planned to keep us busy until 6 am or whenever we decide to crash - whichever comes first!

We are planning to serve the meal for the Annual meeting in January and are trying to decide which meal to serve!

I have been attending a lot of fun "fine arts" functions that these busy kids are involved in: Rachel was a lead in the Humboldt musical; Tristan is a member of ICCC Concert Choir; Bo and Dennis were in Hawkeye Community Theater Christmas show; Bo, Ally and Sabryn were in Senior High Band Christmas concert, Cooper and Claire in St. Ed's Christmas choir concert; Dalton, Brandon, Bo, Jessica, Ally in Senior High choir concert; and Isaiah, Rachel and Claire in Humboldt Christmas concert. WHEW!! So much talent to enjoy!

As we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this busy holiday season, try to take a step back, take a big deep breath, relax, and remember the true meaning of Christmas . . . celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus!

Merry Christmas and God Bless! God is Good! Joan Meyer—Teen/Youth Coordinator

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January Service Assistants January 6—8:30 service

Ushers: Archie Peterson & Randy Will Greeter: Janet Carlon Acolyte: OPEN

Lay Reader: Judy Stilwell Communion Assistants: Linda Birchall, Helen Patterson, Marlys Taylor Refreshments: OPEN

Altar Care: Judy Stilwell First Caller: Connie Gustafson Council on Duty: OPEN

January 6—10:45 service

Ushers: Matt Fleming & Roger Harris Greeters: Claire & Cooper Fleming Acolyte: OPEN

Lay Reader: Dolores Goraczkowski Communion Assistants: Cheryl Fleming, Vicki Harris, & Ilene Olson Refreshments: OPEN

Altar Care: Ilene Olson First Caller: Connie Gustafson Council on Duty: OPEN

January 13—8:30 service

Ushers: Jeanette Holstein & Kim Motl Greeter: Darlene Rhodes Acolyte: OPEN

Lay Reader: Ann Powers Communion Assistants: Marty Bennett, Paulette Heddinger, & Monna Saboe Refreshments: OPEN

Altar Care: Jeanette Holstein First Caller: Ann Chase Council on Duty: OPEN

January 13—10:45 service

Ushers: Marty Alne & Don Jordison Greeter: Linda Poppinga Acolyte: OPEN

Lay Reader: Irene Pfannkuch Communion Assistants: Cassie Jordison, Crystal Michael, & Rod Poppinga Refreshments: OPEN

Altar Care: Judy Duffield First Caller: Ann Chase Council on Duty: OPEN

January 20—8:30 service

Ushers: Marty Bennett & Archie Peterson Greeter: Marilyn Bishop Acolyte: OPEN

Lay Reader: Paulette Heddinger Communion Assistants: Kim Motl, Helen Patterson, &

Marlys Taylor Refreshments: OPEN

Altar Care: Monna Saboe First Caller: Monna Saboe Council on Duty: OPEN

January 20—10:45 service

Ushers: ARiSE Greeters: ARiSE Acolyte: OPEN

Lay Reader: ARiSE

Communion Assistants: ARiSE Refreshments: OPEN

Altar Care: Trudy Koppen First Caller: Monna Saboe Council on Duty: OPEN

January 27—8:30 service

Ushers: Jeanette Holstein & Sheila Parks Greeters: Jim Blocker Acolyte: OPEN

Lay Reader: Marlys Taylor Communion Assistants: Mary Bennett, Ann Powers, & Buzz Powers Refreshments: OPEN

Altar Care: Kim Motl First Caller: Dave Lemke Council on Duty: OPEN

January 27—10:45 service

Ushers: Randy Birchall & Scott McColley Greeter: Roy Chase Acolyte: OPEN

Lay Reader: Pam Halvorson Communion Assistants: Connie Gustafson, Trudy Koppen, & Nancy Schmidt Refreshments: OPEN

Altar Care: Anita Lindquist First Caller: Dave Lemke Council on Duty: OPEN

Thank You Ministry Saying “Thank You” is so simple and means a lot to the person(s) on the receiv-ing end of a thank you note. Blank thank you notes & postage stamps are avail-able from church office. Notes do not need to be long & are merely intended to convey gratitude for a job well done no matter how large or small. Notes may be

mailed or delivered in person. If you’re unable to write notes during your month, please trade with someone. Thanks to the following volunteers who have agreed to be a part of this ministry. January – Sheila Parks February – Marty Bennett March –Ellyn Lemke April – Dick Michael May – Crystal Michael June – Leslie Reetz July – Sheila Parks August – Jeanette September – Ellyn Lemke October – Dick Michael November – Crystal Michael December – Leslie Reetz Stewardship Ministry Team: Linda Birchall, Sandy Alne, and Ilene Olson

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Oak Hill Historic District Christmas tour

Thanks to the Fellowship Ministry Team for

making the night special. The hot apple cider and treats were delicious around the

fireplace. ARiSE youth & Dave Lemke did a

great job around the table helping the

children make crafty Christmas ornaments.

There’s a new star in town

What a wonderful Children’s Christmas program to tell the story of

Jesus! The cast was many, from three to 91 years. Thanks to all involved! Special mention goes to Director; Joan Meyer, narrators;

Marilyn Kiliper & Olivia Wagner, Music; Leslie Reetz, Piano; Bruce

Perry, and Education & Fellowship Teams for serving treats.

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December issue of Living Lutheran Bishop of ELCA, Elizabeth Eaton

FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE

Christmas comes at a descending time. The old year is coming to an end, the new year is not yet here. It is too late to accomplish goals set on the previous New Year’s Day, and just enough time to realize that whatever shape or state you are in will be the shape or state in which you end the year. There is a hefty dose of “what might have been.”

In the Northern Hemisphere the trees are bare, fields are barren, birds have migrated, animals are hibernating, the days are short and the nights are long. The earth’s colors are muted, and when there is snow the world becomes silent. Sometimes during these short days and long nights I find myself thinking about the brevity of life. This conflicts with my tendency to believe that the possi-bility of self-improvement and renewal is limitless: there is always another day, more time, another chance.

I remember watching our first child as she slept in her cradle, thinking about the future before her and, at the same time, the reality that there would be an end. The Ash Wednesday declaration, “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return,” became more pointed and more poign-ant. The cradle-to-grave progression is our path; the inevitable and inexorable decline of our strength.

As for mortals, their days are like grass; they flourish like a flower of the field; for the wind passes

over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more (Psalm 103:15-16).

Maybe this is why the Christmas season can be so fraught. Of course, there is anticipation and celebration, but there is also pressure and stress. Perhaps we are trying to greet the Lord’s birth with our best efforts (when I was a girl, Christmas preparations were not complete until the silver was polished, and that job fell to me), but desperation can creep into the urgency to get Christmas right, to hold back the night. “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee to-

night” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 279). This is freight that Christmas can’t carry when Christ-mas depends on us.

Christmas comes at an opportune time. God did not come to us that first Christmas when we were at the top of our game or when the world was perfect. Even the circumstances of Jesus’ birth were a sharp reminder that all was not well—forced migration to Bethlehem, no room for the young fam-ily, born in a stall. Emmanuel—God with us—came to us and comes to us precisely at the time when our need is greatest.

Our attempts to bring about perfection actually get in the way of receiving the gift. When we try to fit into an unrealistic ideal of who we ought to be instead of welcoming God into our real self, no matter how messy, what then is left on the 13th day of Christmas? Fatigue, certainly, but also the dull acceptance that life moves from cradle to grave.

But on Christmas, God has reversed the cradle-to-grave progression. The angel announced to the shepherds: “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Mes-siah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).

Here is the new reality. Here is the truth. Our lives are not a meaningless trudge from cradle to grave, but a joyful journey—true and lasting joy—from grave to cradle. All our brokenness and death meet life and healing and hope in the child in the manger. His cradle defeats the grave. We are loved. We are alive. Now we are free to greet this holy season.

Merry Christmas, dear church.

A Message from Bishop of the ELCA, Elizabeth Eaton

10

Congregation Council Meeting November 20, 2018

(condensed version)

The meeting was called to order by President Ilene Olson at 6:32 pm.

Present: Randy Birchall, Jim Blocker, Roberta Bochtler, Cheryl Fleming, Paulette Heddinger, Pastor Dan Kahl, Dave Lemke, Crystal Michael, and Tammy Mickelson, financial secretary, Ilene Olson.

Absent: Mark Gustafson and Cassie Jordison

Pastor Dan lead us in a short devotion and prayer to open the meeting.

Celebrations:

Confirmands & Youth group gathered nonperishables for the Lord’s cupboard, Honey Do Dinner was a

great success with fun and entertainment, All Saints’ Sunday honored 27 Saints baptized and deceased, Children’s bell choir sharing on October 21, Baptism of Mya Archibald on October 18, Bake Sale did well

for Feed My Starving Children, Cross generational program went well

Monthly Reports Review:

Pastor’s Report, Financial Report, and Ministry Team Reports were discussed and accepted.

Old Business:

150th Anniversary update was presented by Ilene Olson. The 150th Anniversary team has not met recently due to conflicts in scheduling. The big celebration is scheduled for May 2020 with smaller celebrations to

start in June 2019. Details will follow. Team members are Ellyn Lemke, Marilyn Kiliper, Kim Motl, Ilene

Olson, Bruce Perry, and Leslie Reetz.

New Business

1. Paulette Heddinger reported on the Bake Sale sponsored by Service & Mission Ministry Team. The money raised will be added to the money donated as one of the Lenten Causes from 2018 for the Feed My Starving Children MobilePack event. There are, however, no more spots available at the local packing

event this year so money will be placed in a dedicated account to be held over until representatives from

Grace can attend the mobile pack event in 2019.

2. Pat Reed was appointed to a three-year term on the Audit Team.

3. The Council reviewed the 2019 ballot prepared by the Nominating Team. Dave Lemke moved to accept

the ballot, Crystal Michael 2nd, accepted. The Council thanks the Nominating Team for their service. 4. The Council reviewed the 2019 budget prepared by the Finance Ministry Team with input from all

Ministry Teams, Mutual Ministry and Personnel Ministry. Randy Birchall moved to accept the budget,

Dave Lemke 2nd, accepted.

5. Annual meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2019 with February 3, 2019 as a back-up date if needed.

6. Rummage Sale report was given by Jim Blocker. The sale will be held again in 2019 and he will head

the planning committee again. The meeting was adjourned with prayer at 8:14 pm.

Respectfully submitted by, Crystal Michael, Council Secretary

(If you wish to see the full version of the minutes please stop by the office for a copy)

A note from Mark Gustafson about Brothers in Blue

The Via de Christo program is designed to refresh the commitment of Christians who have are followers of

Christ. The name means, “the way of Christ”. Connie and I went through the two day program a few years

ago. I came away feeling refreshed in faith, strengthened in commitment to the life of Christ.

Brothers in Blue is a program patterned after Via de Christo and presented to men in prison with the inten-

tion to offer them a life devoted to living the Christian life. The most recent program brought 35 volunteer

leaders from all walks of life and from all over this state & another as well. Inmates are taught about salva-

tion, the meaning of grace, prayer, and forgiveness. Former inmates shared stories of their tragic lives. 80

inmates participated over the weekend long program. By the end of the weekend, 20 gave their lives to Christ

through baptism. 17 reaffirmed their baptisms. At the completion, every man involved received a cross to wear as a symbol of their commitment to the Christian life. Below are comments in response to positive

change within them through the work of the Holy Spirit…

“I thought I was beyond salvation, now I know the Lord sees me as His child”, I prayed for release from drugs

and alcohol, and the Lord has delivered me”, “I told you stuff that I have never shared with anyone, these

obstacles were keeping me from Jesus”, “I came for the necklace but left with Jesus”, “I am not a piece of

s**t but a child of God”, “I came for the cross and Jesus has spoken to me and told me to pick up my cross

and follow Him”, “Miracles occurred this weekend”, “I came here under the bribe of two coffees and got so

much more. I finally recognize God’s forgiveness and was finally able to forgive myself”, “I am filled with the Lord and for the first time I have hope.”

Volunteers leaders from our church were: Mark and Connie Gustafson, Nancy and Brian Schmidt, and Jim and Mindy McColley

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Friendship Senior Holiday Dinner—about 45 people enjoyed the Friendship Senior Meal. Food and Fellowship

were wonderful. Swedish meatballs, potatoes & gravy, rice pudding, bread, casseroles, salads, desserts... Thank

you to Monna Saboe for organizing this traditional event! Thank you to the ladies who cooked, set up, and cleaned up! Thanks to so many who brought all of the extras to share.