1. education
2. school

GRACE GLEANINGS
Grace Lutheran Newsletter, October 2014 Edition
Volume 14, Issue 10
202 2nd St. SE, Watertown, SD 57201
Phone (605) 886-5737
Office Hours 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday Web site: www.glcwtn.org e-mail: gracelc@midconetwork.com
2015 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING
July 15-19
Detroit Michigan
Please contact the church office
if you are interested in attending.
Or check out www.ELCA.org/gathering
BLESSING OF QUILTS
The Grace Lutheran Dorcas Quilters have been
working hard on their quilts. The group meets every
Monday at 1:00 p.m. in the basement of the church.
They will be loading their quilts on a truck on
October 13th. The group has put together
over 200 quilts that will be sent to Lutheran World
Relief. These quilts will be blessed on Sunday,
October 5th at both services. A big thank you to all
of them for the continuous and faithful work they do.
Nordefest Plus Festival
Saturday, October 25,
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Here are ways to get involved:
1. Contribute items for the bakery booth: breads, jellies, bars, cakes, cookies
2. Contribute to the Ethnic Delicacies booth: Scandinavian foods (such as Krumkake, Fattigmand), German
foods, Asian foods, or any other nationality food.
3. Contribute to Grandma’s Attic: once-loved, gently-used items others can enjoy. Please, no clothing. You
may drop off items beginning October 20th.
4. Contribute to the Craft booth: Moderately priced and useful items, embroidered or hanging dishtowels;
crocheted dishcloths and nylon scrubbers, Hardanger items, assembled gift baskets, etc.
5. Pies for the lunch counter will be needed. The Circles will be providing 20 pies, so more will be needed
for dessert. Leave them in the conference room on October 24th or 25th.
6. Contribute cash: Place your contribution in an envelope visibly marked Nordefest Plus and drop off at the
church office. Please put your name on the envelope.
Everyone is welcome to help in any way they can.
WELCOME PASTOR JANET MILLER
We are pleased to welcome
Pastor Janet Miller
and her husband Michael
to our church family.
If you have a loved one that would like
to have Pastor Janet visit, please call
the office at 886-5737.
The 3 yr. old - 6th
graders
who
attend
Sunday and Wednesday
School will sing on
October 26 at the 11 a.m.
worship service. Becky
Sprouse works with these children
each week, and we appreciate them
sharing their music with us.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I drove to Denver to see my grandson last week. The drive gave me time to look around at the landscape
and realize all the changes I saw happening. Fall is setting in. Giant hay bales are sitting in every hay
field. Crops are turning colors and readying themselves for the harvest. Our long days of summer are
beginning to shorten. The change of the season is a natural progression in the world around us. We
can’t stop it. We can’t control it. We accept it and ready ourselves for the changes.
As I begin my call for service as your pastor, my world is full of changes. Some of them are exciting. I
get to move into a new office and meet a new staff. Some of the changes are scary. What if they don’t
like me? What if I make mistakes? Some of them are just silly. Where do I park? How do I operate the
microphone? Where is the light switch? None of the changes are controllable- and none of them are
bad. They are just different.
Changes will happen in your congregation as well. Some changes will be on purpose to set your new
pastor at ease. Some changes will be by accident because I just don’t know “how things are done here”
yet. Some changes will just happen because the Holy Spirit is always active and working in a
congregation where two or more are gathered. Everything that is alive changes. Grace Lutheran is
definitely an alive congregation! As I come to you, I see how much potential for great things you have
here.
Don’t panic! I have no urge to jump in and change everything. I hope to be conscious of the places
where change causes anxiety and alleviate it as much as possible. But, I want to help you to grow into all
that potential you hold… and growth causes change. Let’s work to embrace the changes God has in
store for us together!
“The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you; and you will be
changed into a different person.” - 1 Samuel 10:6a
Blessings to you as we change together!,
Pastor Janet Miller
BRIGHT IDEAS!!!
MISSION OF THE MONTH
What does your church do? It seems like an odd question. For some people churches
are just there. They are buildings we gather at and if you care to come join us, we get
together and worship God. But, churches are much more than beautiful buildings.
Missions are the actions and activities that we, the people of God do together.
We are beginning a new section in our newsletters called “Mission of the Month”. Each
month we will highlight some of the mission the church does for God’s world. Sometimes
the missions will be local needs. Sometimes they will be worldwide. Our October Mission
of the Month will be the local food pantry. We have received reports that the need in Watertown for
suplimental food is great. 40 to 50 families are helped by the pantry each week. Families can receive food
help once every 31 days. The food pantry finds itself very low at this time.
If you would like to help us with this mission, you may bring food to the church and a box will be set up or
you may bring donations to the office. The pantry says the following items would be particularly welcome;
hamburger helper meals, boxed scalloped potatoes, pasta like egg noodles or spaghetti in smaller boxes or
sacks, Spaghetti sauces or tomatoes sauces to make meals, beans, soups, macaroni and cheese meals,
canned tuna, chicken, ham or spam, smaller boxes of cereals, bags of noodle meals, peanut butter and
vegetables.
Please help us in making a difference for God’s people in our community.
COUNCIL MINUTES
The Grace Lutheran Church Council met on Thursday, September 11, 2014 at 6 p.m. with President Roberta
Cossette presiding. Also present were Jackie Abel, Darlene Bresson, LeRoy Bullis, Rich Dunn, James
Goble, Art Jelsma, Darcy Raethz, Rick Reis, Julie Stock, Mike Stusiak, Pastor Dennis Hansen and Cindy
Vander Leest. Absent were Lil Jutting, Frank Krause, Vonnie Rinnerson, and Darlene Young.
Financial Report – Cindy Vander Leest reported the monthly income to the general fund for July was
$43,344, the weekly average giving was $8,669 and the average weekly worship attendance was
148.
Pastor Dennis Report - Pastor Hansen also reported he had attended the Watertown Ministerial Assoc. where the Salvation Army reported their “One Roof Program” has helped at least 432 people
with gifts of just a little over $23,000 for utility assistance, rent, gas, bus rides and many other incidentals. He also reported the Salvation Army stated their food pantry was low and could use help
to restock the shelves. Julie Stock along with other council members suggested that in Oct. the
Sun/Wed School should hold a competition between classes “Food Drive” for the
Salvation
Army.
Old Business:
Christmas Supper: Darcy Raethz and Julie Stock have graciously volunteered to take on the huge
responsibility to organize the Christmas Supper for this year.
“Welcome” for Pastor Janet Miller": Julie Stock, Vonnie Rinnerson and LeRoy Bullis will be
organizing the potluck for Sunday, Sept. 21st.
“Farewell” for Pastor Dennis Hansen:" Rich Dunn reported he has ordered the meat for the “Grill
Out”. James Goble, Rick Reis and Rich Dunn will be grilling after the first service. Other council
members will be helping set up and clean up. Designated gifts to the farewell for Pastor Hansen
plus a free will donation bucket will help pay for the event.
New Business:
Fall Project (Cameroon Roof Project): Pastor reported there is still a need for roofs in Cameroon.
The council decided to put the collection hut out next Sunday, September 21st to raise funds for
the Cameroon Roof project.
Suggest names for Nominating Committee: Jackie Abel, Roberta Cossette, and Julie Stock will
contact the people on last years Nominating Committee to see if they would do it again this year.
Committee Reports:
Education – Darcy Raethz reported the committee, especially Julie Roe along with the church office people
have been working very hard to get things decorated and organized for this years Sun/Wed school. The
committee took class pictures (take a look, they are displayed in the school hallway) and served popcorn and
root beer floats for Rally Day.
Foundation – Rich Dunn reported the Foundation met last week and agreed to give funds from the Clara
Mathison fund to the Sun/Wed school to purchase some white boards and craft supplies.
Finances and Stewardship – Darlene Bresson reported she had attended a Stewardship meeting in
Aberdeen and Our Redeemer will be holding a meeting in Jan.
Property –LeRoy Bullis has continued to work on the roof to resolve the leaks above the narthex and office
areas.
Youth and Family – Julie Stock reported they are going to organize some type of pizza party for the youth.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Vander Leest
A 10 year old little girl was asked by another classmate, “What is it like to be a
Christian?” The 10 year old little girl replied, “it’s like being a pumpkin. God picks
you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then he cuts
open the top and scoops out all of the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt,
hate, greed, etc., and then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside
of you to shine for all the world to see.”
PRAY FOR THE MEMBERS AND FAMILIES OF OUR MILITARY
If you have a loved one in the military service and you would like to have prayers for them, call
the church office and we will add their names to this list. Let us know if this list is accurate!
Military Overseas
Adam Borstad, Matthew Graf, and Aaron Johnson
Military USA
Matthew Aspelund, Daniel Bendel, Justin Benthin, John Brenden, Beau Briggs, Katie Briggs, Ryan Briggs, Sean Evans,
Angie Everson, Tina Houston, Brad Johnson, James Knox, Dennis Martin, Clinton Mors,
Dustin Pletten, Remy Ramos, Riley Schaefer, Shane Sokolosky, Chad Steiner, Ryan Walsh, Edward Ward, Sam West, Edwin L. Williams, Jr.
GIFTS TO DEBT RETIREMENT, since the last Gleanings
was printed, were given by by LeRoy Bullis, Art and Marcia
Jelsma, Gary and Sherry Jongeling, Harold Kirchgasler,
Doug and Ann Murfield, Michael and Bonnie Oletzke, and
Fred and Gwen Peshman for a total of $1,230.00.
A gift was also given in loving memory of Stan Strohfus from
Karyl Strohfus.
RADIO FUND
Donations from Conda Williams
A donation from Lois Cotton
In memory of Hazel Peterson
from Phyllis Jongeling
FLOWER FUND
A donation from Conda Williams
CIRCLES SCHEDULE FOR OCTOBER
ELIZABETH: October 16, 9:30 a.m./Conf. Rm.
LYDIA: October 20, 5:30 p.m./Wheel Inn
MIRIAM: October 20, 7:00 p.m./Jenkins
Townview Meeting Room
BELL CHOIR
In memory of Stan Strohfus
from Richard and Judy Everson
FOUNDATION
In memory of Arvilla Schaefer
from Marv & A.J. Sherrill
BOY SCOUT PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Troop 8 will be having their pancake breakfast
at Grace Lutheran Church from 9:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19th. There
will be a free will offering. Come join us and
support the Boy Scouts.
Thank you for all of the
cards and calls I received
while I was hospitalized
and at home recovering. Your thoughtfulness is
much appreciated. Sincerely, Darlene Olson
A PRAYER FOR EVERY DAY
Dear God, so far today, I’ve done alright. I haven’t
gossiped; I haven’t lied or cheated. I
haven’t been greedy, grumpy, selfish,
overindulgent or spoke ill of anyone. I’m
grateful for that. But in a few minutes,
God, I’m going to get out of bed; and from
then on, I’m probably going to need a lot of
help. Amen.
Anyone wishing to help deliver meals on
wheels, please call Darlene Olson at
886-5221 or Larry Picht at 886-6789. We
will be delivering meals again the week of
October 27th.
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
Council meets the 2nd Thursday
of the month at 6:00
Roberta Cossette, President 354-0134
James Goble, Vice President 886-3571
Vonnie Rinerson, Secretary/Treasurer 886-5465
Jackie Abel 886-8768
Darlene Bresson 886-0785
LeRoy Bullis 886-7353
Rich Dunn 956-0017
Arthur Jelsma 882-1185
Lil Jutting 886-9708
Frank Krause 886-0669
Darcy Raethz 882-2069
Rick Reis 520-0670
Julie Stock 882-7038
Mike Stusiak 882-5764
Darlene Young 886-4949
The Grace Lutheran Church Women have been collecting items for school kits,
personal care kits and layettes for Lutheran World Relief. The women will be
sending off all of these items on Monday, October 13th. The last day they will
be accepting these donations will be on Friday, October 10th. Thank you for all
of your donations to help with this very special ministry.
Nordefest Plus Leadership
Co-Chairs:
JoAnn DeBerg
Dee Haugan
Denise Johnson
JoAnn DeBerg
Dee Haugan
Sherry Starr
Dee Haugan
Sharon Goble
Melody Hansen
JoAnn DeBerg
Tanner Starr
Sherry Starr
Darlene Bresson
Carol Wagner
Jeanette Swanson
Darlene Olson
Sherry Jongeling
Judy Everson
Dee Haugan
Joyce Ruesink
Publicity
Lefse Workshops
Lefse Sales
Lefse on Site
Donut Workshops
Ethnic Delicacies
Bakery
Fruit Soup & Rice Pudding
Rommegrot
Gift Shop
Jewelry Anew
Grandma’s Attic
Kitchen
Dining Room
Coffee Bar
Treasurer
Music
886-6612
886-3646
377-5106
886-6612
886-3646
886-7838
886-3646
886-3571
520-0475
886-6612
886-7838
886-7838
886-0785
886-4053
886-6920
886-5221
886-7219
886-5737
886-3646
October Nordefest Plus Workshops
Lefse
Flatbröd
Donuts
Rosettes
October 6 & 7, 8:00 a.m.
October 9, 8:00 a.m.
October 14 & 21, 6:00 p.m.
October 21, 8:00 a.m.
JEWELRY for NORDEFEST PLUS
Jewelry donations are needed for the booth at Nordefest Plus. This includes watches, necklaces, bracelets,
rings, broaches, earrings, etc. — old, new, and in-between! Thank you for your help!
As you are cleaning out your closets and attics this fall, please consider
donating gently-used, but still useful, items to the Nordefest Plus for Grandma’s
Attic. No clothes, please. Call the church office and we will be happy to pick up any
GRANDMA’S ATTIC items you have, or you may drop them off at the church.
Pastor Dennis,
Thank you for taking care of our needs! Your friends at the Hi Rise.
Income
Budget
YTD
Offerings
Designated Gifts
$ 183,276.10
$
3,505.00
Misc
$
1,035.00
Bldg project
$
1,000.00
Lenten Suppers
$
501.00
Scrip Proceeds
$
564.57
Thrivent Choice $$
$
2,035.00
Transfer from Maint acct
$
33,632.70
insurance check - basement
Total Income for General
Fund
$
11,362.66
Debts:
Original amt
Balance
Term Debt
Line of Credit
$ 50,000
$ 70,000
$ 7,640.47
$
0.00
$ 242,456.91
Expenses
ELCA & SD Synod Projects
$
2,050.00
Staff
Senior Pastor - Salary &
Benefits
$
84,858.00
Mileage Reimbursement
$
4,500.00
Youth Ministry Director
Business Adm Salary &
benefits
$
14,000.00
$
Parish Education Associate
$
1,325.00
$ 56,572.16
$
2,875.09
46,185.50
$
32,085.50
$
21,688.00
$
12,078.40
Office Asst & Custodians
$
50,930.10
$
31,188.36
Payroll taxes
$
9,200.00
$
6,302.21
Pastoral Materials
Total Staff
$
150.00
$ 231,511.60
$
76.47
$ 141,178.19
Program Expenses
Other Outlays
Office Expenses
$
15,100.00
$
10,002.58
Designated Gifts
$
2,155.00
Worship & Music
$
20,100.00
$
8,993.08
Basement Repair
$
16,609.99
Altar Guild
$
1,000.00
$
89.23
AC Repair
$
1,148.47
Education/Ministry
$
5,100.00
$
651.33
Fellowship Lighting
$
10,197.00
Youth/Mission Ministry
$
1,725.00
$
160.50
Debt payments
$
7,121.83
Family Fellowship events
$
100.00
JF Nordlie - Organ Repair
$
5,244.88
Outreach & Care Ministry
$
3,650.00
$
2,377.50
ProTech Roof (Narthex)
$
16,420.82
Stewardship Ministry
$
2,200.00
$
923.95
Total Other Outlays
$
58,897.99
Debt Service
$
12,000.00
$
7,764.26
Total Expenses & Outlays
$ 268,670.54
Insurance
$
11,000.00
$
5,619.42
Net Revenue (Loss)
$ (26,213.63)
Utilities
$
33,000.00
$ 22,953.48
650.00
General Fund - 1/1/2014
$
Synod Assembly
$
7,860.63
PC Conference Dues
$
350.00
$
305.80
Plus Income
$ 242,456.91
Contingency
$
500.00
$
1,205.48
Less Expenses & Outlays
$ 268,670.54
Property Ministry
$
8,500.00
$
5,572.75
Loan Advances
$
Program Expenses
$ 114,325.00
$ 67,269.36
General Fund - 8/31/14
$ (10,353.00)
Total Expenses
$ 347,886.60
$ 209,772.55
HAPPY FALL TO ALL
8,000.00
October BIRTHDAYS 2014
Blessings to you on your special day!
ENGEBRETSON, ISABELL
CLAUSEN, CHARLIZE
FEUERHELM, BARBARA
HANSON, MALEA
SCHMELING, DIANNE
UREVIG, CHARLES
CARTER, KEEGAN
LANDON, BEVERLY
LUDWIG, ANN
RANDALL, TROY
FIEBELKORN, DEBRA
BOARD, VIOLA
REID, MICHAEL
VOLZKE, JASON
ENGER, MATTIE
OLETZKE, BONNIE
PAVLACKY, DORIS
WALRAVEN, VIRGINIA
BRIGGS, RYAN
LANDON, BRANDY
MARTIN, BRUCE
STIMSON, JOEL
SWANSON, DAVID
HOIUM, HANNA
RINERSON, LAVONNE
SCHLOSSER, MISTY
SCHLUETER, MARTHA
EIDE, JEANINE
HAGEN, BRYCE
LINDNER, HEIDI
BULLIS, LEROY
FOSTER, JEFF
EBSEN, GRACIE
SCHULTZ, DIANE
SWANSON, KRISTINE
TAECKER, JULIE
BARTHEL, JUSTIN
BREKKE, KATHY
FRYSLIE, LEROY
KRANZ, BECKY
VOLZKE, AUSTIN
HENRICHS, DAWN
JUTTING, LILLIAN
1st
2nd
2nd
2nd
2nd
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
5th
6th
7th
7th
7th
8th
8th
8th
8th
9th
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10th
10th
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11th
11th
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12th
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13th
13th
13th
14th
14th
14th
14th
14th
15th
15th
MULLER, BARBARA
15th
RUST, LORI
15th
HALIBURTON, STEVEN
16th
KANNAS, KEVIN
16th
SAUER, COLIN
16th
VANDER LEEST, CINDY
16th
HOLZWARTH, LOREN
17th
LAW, NORMA
17th
RUPPELT, FERN
17th
UTHE, SHELDON
17th
ANDREWS, TANYA
18th
BRANDENBURGER, GRETCHEN18th
PEIKER, CHRISTIAN
19th
SEIFEL, RICHARD
19th
YARBER, TAYLOR
19th
ENGELS, BRIAN
20th
SARGENT, SAMANTHA
20th
SOKOLOSKY, CODY
20th
CONLON, NANCY
21st
FORD, IDA
21st
FOSS, LAUREL
21st
BINDE, TRENT
22nd
BROWNELL, ERIC
22nd
CONLON, CARLY
22nd
JORDAN, OPAL
22nd
MOELLER, GREG
22nd
ENGELHART, PAUL
23rd
RITZ, LINDA
23rd
DAHLGREN, GLADYS
24th
JORDAN, JOSEPH
24th
RITHMILLER, ELIZABETH
24th
SATTER, STEVEN
25th
SPROUSE, BECKY
25th
WARTENBEE, DEBORAH
25th
BRADBERRY, RHONDA
26th
REID, SANDRA LEE
26th
BREKKE, JOYCE
27th
KELLY, ALEXIS
27th
BELL, MARVIS
28th
BLOOM, LAVERN
28th
BENTHIN, SANDRA
29th
BOHMS, TERESA
29th
Grace Lutheran Preschool
THANK YOU
Inez Chandler for supplies and treats
Cal & Nyra Brown for supplies & Financial Support
Patti Steffenson Financial Support
Conda Williams for supplies
Fred & Gwen Peshman for supplies
MEMORIAL GIFTS
In memory of Elaine Schmidt
from Cleo Belk
In loving memory of our brother Matthew Kuttner
from Andrew & Jonathon Kuttner
NO SCHOOL
October 13th, 2014 (Native American Day)
NORDFEST
Grace Lutheran Church will be having their
Nordfest on Saturday, October 25th from
9:30 to 1:00. Please come and enjoy all of
our fun booths and our amazing food!
These women are great supporters of
our Preschool! Lets suppport them.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND in October
In memory of Arvilla Schaefer
from Cleo Belk
is our Rada fundraising. Rada is cutlery,
cookbooks, food mixes and more. People that
have ordered in the past have asked for this
back!
In memory of Coralyn Fleeger
from Cleo Belk
I will have a table set up on Sunday, November
2nd between services, you may place an order
then, or bring your order back to the office. I am
planning on placing the order and receiving it
the first or second week in December.
These make unique Christmas gifts!
Supplies Needed
Disinfectant Wipes
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
My favorite month of the year!
One of the events planned for this month is the Preschool will be going to their first field
trip! Brosz Pumpkin Patch here we come! We will tour the farm and then have each
child pick out their own pumpkin to bring back to class where we will be having a
“Pumpkin Painting Party!”
Grace Lutheran Church Foundation Board Meeting, Tuesday, September 2, 2014
The Grace Lutheran Church Foundation Board of Directors met on September 2, 2014 at 5:30 pm at Grace
Lutheran Church.
Present: Bonnie Oletzke, Becky Kranz, John DeBerg, Vonnie Rinerson, Rich Dunn, Joy Nelson, Will Morlock,
Joann DeBerg and Larry Picht. Also present was Peggy Hulscher, Cindy VanderLeest and Pastor Hansen.
Scott Olson, Great Western Bank, updated us on investments. John DeBerg brought along the original by laws.
John DeBerg suggested that we apply for the Watertown Foundation to help pay for the tile in the Fellowship
Hall. The Banquet dinner is served each Monday in our church which causes damage to all the assets
including kitchen equipment, floor and utilities.
Larry Picht reported all improvements are completed on the properties. We discussed if the Kemp Avenue was
vacant would we want to make a bedroom in the basement. Rhonda mentioned that the duplex could use a
kitchen remodel and she will get some bids.
Summer donation/contributions to Foundation i.e. Mabel Reynolds estate. We got a letter from a Law Firm, Mabel Reynolds donated to the Grace Lutheran Foundation. We will be notified when the estate is settled.
Cindy asked if the Clara Mathieson Education Fund for Sunday/Wednesday school supplies estimated cost is
0.40 per child for 100 kids or $1,120 for the year. It was approved to take $1,500 from the Clara Mathieson Education Fund for Sunday school supplies and marker boards for the class rooms.
Next meeting, October 7, 2014 at Joy Ranch at 5:30 pm.
Grace Lutheran Church
202 2nd St. SE
Watertown, SD 57201-4308
WORSHIP & EDUCATION SCHEDULE
SUNDAY
8:30 a.m. - Worship
9:45 a.m. - Sunday School
9:45 a.m. - Coffee & Fellowship
11:00 a.m. - Worship
WEDNESDAY
6:00 p.m. - Wednesday School
7:10 p.m. - Confirmation
Holy Communion on the 1st and 3rd
weekends at all services
Grace Lutheran Church: God’s Grace Experienced Daily