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GRACE GLEANINGS
Grace Lutheran Newsletter, February 2015 Edition
Phone (605) 886-5737
Office Hours 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
202 2nd St. SE, Watertown, SD 57201
e-mail: gracelc@midconetwork.com
Web site: www.glcwtn.org
MAKING SENSE OF THE CROSS
Throughout history, the way Christians view the cross has shaped the way they view God. Depending on who you
listen to, the cross may signify anger at human sin, grief at human waywardness or God’s pleas for us to return to
a right relationship with him.
More than one faithful Christian in history has asked, “why was the cross necessary in the first place?” or an even
darker question, “what kind of God would require such a gruesome death to achieve redemption?” The cross has
been used by many throughout history to justify their cause, whether it was to love or hate, help or war.
This year, in our evening, Lenten, worship services, our theme will be “Making Sense of the Cross”. We will be
challenged to look at the pictures of the cross held throughout history of the church and asked how our picture of
the cross affects our relationship with God and with those around us.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Week 1 Wednesday,
Week 2 Wednesday,
February 18th, 2015
12:05 & 7:00p.m.
February 25th, 2015
7:00p.m.
March 4th, 2015
7:00p.m.
“A Man Hanging on a Tree”
“Portraits & Perspectives”
“Ransom & Victory”
Week 3, Wednesday,
Week 4, Wednesday,
Week 5, Wednesday,
March 11th, 2015
7:00p.m.
March 18th, 2015
7:00p.m.
“Substitution, Satisfaction & Sacrifice.”
March 25th, 2015
7:00 p.m.
“Example & Encouragement” “Event & Experience”
Community Lenten Services
It’s Grace Lutheran’s turn to host the community Lenten services that take place at
12:05pm each Wednesday in Lent beginning with Feb. 25th. Each service will have worship
and a meal provided by the different churches around the community. Feb 25th worship
and meal will be by the 1st Congregational Church, March 4th will be by the United
Methodist Church, March 11th will be by the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, March 18th will be by us here at
Grace Lutheran and March 25th will be by a combination of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Holy
Name Catholic Church. Soup and sandwich lunch will be served for $3.00. The money for each meal goes to the
church that is providing the meal for their expenses.
GRACE LUTHERAN
LENTEN SUPPERS
Wednesdays
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
(Free will offering)
In the Fellowship Hall
Please plan to join our Worship at 7:00 p.m.
These groups will be serving the Lenten
Supper from 5:30-6:30
WEDNESDAYS
February 25th - Council Serving
March, 4th - Altar Guild Serving
March 11th - Education Committee Serving
March 18th March 25th -
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The month of February is well known for one special “love holiday”, Valentine’s day. People throughout the
United States scramble to find just the right card, gift or action that will let our loved ones know we
are holding them in our hearts. I have seen the worst worrying and anxiety over people trying to
decide what would be appropriate Valentine’s Day gifts. “Will they like it?” “Is it too much?” “Not
enough?” “Does this say I like him?” “Does this show how much I love her?” So much worry about what
our gifts and actions say to those we care about. It’s a lot of pressure to put on one day!
This year February brings us another “love” holiday- actually the beginning of a whole “love’
season. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 18th. Never thought
of Lent as a holiday of “love”? Most people think of Lent as the time to give something up
and feel deprived or a time to feel depressed and dark as the church talks about the death
of Jesus. While the season of Lent is a more sober one than Advent or Christmas, I want to
challenge you to look closer and see that it is the ultimate “love” season too.
During the season of Lent, we are reminded that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, put aside the power of the
universe and sacrificed himself. Jesus suffered and died as a human being for the salvation of all the world.
With his physical death on the cross, he entered the depths of darkness and evil and fought for not just his
life but the lives of all of us- and he won! Death itself could not hold the love of God in flesh, Jesus Christ,
and because of Jesus actions it can not hold us either.
Could there be a greater love story than the story of our Lord Jesus and what he did for us? By the actions
of this one who loved us, we are saved. What a reason to have a holiday and celebrate “love”. As we gather gifts and do loving things for Valentine’s Day, I want you to gather your thoughts about what we can do to
reflect the loving things our Savior did for us.
Giving things up for Lent is a fine tradition that dates back thousands of years to the early church. Early
Christians were expected to do 40 days of prayer and fasting, etc. before being baptized into the faith
on Easter. Later, Christians were asked to give up meat on Lent or on Fridays in Lent and use the
money saved on meat for the church or those in need. But, this year, I’m asking you, what can you
DO to reflect this season of “love” for God or those in our world? What special thing can you do with
your time, talent, money and love to show your love and devotion to God? What will you take on for
Lent? The need in God’s world is huge and the options for “love” work are great.
Maybe something comes to you right away. Some act that shows to God and to yourself that you truly
reflect his love. If not, we have one suggestion for you. How about taking on the act of reading from
scripture once a day? In this newsletter and every one from now until February 2016, you will find a
calendar of daily Bible readings. It is the beginning of our “read the Bible in a year” challenge. Daily Bible
readings are laid out from the Old Testament, Psalms and New Testament. You may
choose to challenge yourself and take on the promise to read from God’s word
throughout Lent or, even better, reading God’s word faithfully all year long. If you keep
up, you will have read the Bible through by this time next year. If reading isn’t your
thing, there are many choices for audible Bibles you can purchase for your ipod,
phones, kindle or computers. Ask Pastor Janet if you need to find a good one. (Pastor
also has the Bible on CD that she will lend out to anyone who asks.)
Whatever you choose to take on this Lent, may it help to reflect the true “LOVE” given to us on the cross, in
the tomb and throughout history by the Savior of our World, Jesus Christ.
Blessings on your Lenten “love” journey, Pastor Janet Miller
GIVING STATEMENTS
If you are
preparing
your 2014
taxes, you
may want to pick up your
2014 Giving Statements.
They are ready to be picked
up in the office.
LOOKING AHEAD!
We will be holding First Communion Classes for all fifth
graders and any older students who have not taken the class
during Lent. Classes will be held at 6:00pm on March 11th,
th
th
18 and 25 in the conference room. Students coming to the class need
to be accompanied by an adult—either their parents, Godparents or
grandparent (close family member). Classes end at 6:45pm to allow us
time to get ready for Lenten worship.
We have a wonderful web site. The Gleanings will be posted the first of the month.
You can also view the current bulletins which are posted before the week-end services,
and listen to the past Sunday’s sermons. Go to www.glcwtn.org and check it out.
Everyone gets groceries, gas and even gifts for family and friends. Did you know
you can get cards to shop with and help the church out at the same time? These cards do not
cost you any more money. This is our Scrip program! After church stop in the Narthex and
someone will be there to assist you with your order; or you may call the church office 886-5737
before 9:00 on Mondays.
Let’s say you would like a $50 gift card for the grocery store. Write your check out or give cash
and pick it up right at the table. (Hy-Vee, County Fair, Freedom and Dagwoods we have on hand). Use the card
just like cash!!!
Why would you do this??? For all cards purchased Grace gets 5%!!! What an easy way to help out the church!!!
Also, we take orders for other businesses. You can order from sooo many places. Just ask. Ordered Cards
can be picked up on Thursdays or on the following Sunday. Let’s keep this great program going in 2015!
The Grace Lutheran Church Council met on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at 7 p.m. with 11
members present.
Financial Report – Cindy Vander Leest reported the monthly income to the general fund for
November was $28,744 the weekly average giving was $7,186 and the average weekly
worship attendance was 216.
Pastor Janet Miller Report – She announced Joy Ranch would be here for a Camp Sunday/Wednesday in
March and April. She will be starting a Befrienders group in the near future. The community Lenten services will
be held at Grace this year and our Ash Wednesday services will be at 12:05 and 7:00.
Items for the Annual Meeting agenda – It was decided to remind our members we have opened a Boiler Fund
account and hope members will continue to give towards the much needed boiler replacemennt.
Lenten Suppers – It was decided to continue serving the Lenten suppers before the service. The Council
members agreed to serve the first Wednesday, February 25th.
Draft/Proposed Mission Plan for 2015 – It was approved for Cindy Vander Leest to have 3 weeks vacation
starting in 2015 in lieu of a raise. A motion was made to approve and present Draft #2 Mission Plan for 2015 to
the church members at the January 25, 2015 annual meeting.
Applicant to Youth & Family Director – Three applicants were interviewed and one was hired for the position.
Committee Reports:
Education – Darcy Raethz reported the Christmas program went well with 75 students attending. The Christian
Ed committee handed out sacks of fruit and candy after the program.
Memorial - Art Jelsma announced he would continue on the Memorial Committee. Pastor Janet Miller and he
would set a Dedication Sunday for the new memorial plaques placed around the church.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Vander Leest
3rd- 6th Graders Sing!
Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 15th. Our 3 year olds through 6th Graders will be singing
at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. All students of that age are asked to attend with their families
and share their talents with the congregation. Congregation, plan to attend to hear these beautiful
young voices.
Aluminum Cans for Missions
Did you know you can bring your empty aluminum cans and help the missions of the church?
There is a collection box outside near the garage. Just bring your empty cans and deposit them
in the white box. The Mission Committee will take care of the rest.
A HUGE thank you to LeRoy Bullis for his time fixing things at the church. When
the church had a water leak in the tunnel, LeRoy came and repaired it right away.
The kitchen faucet had no pressure. Once again, he came to the rescue and spent
another day fixing this for us. Please take a chance to tell him “Thank you”.
OUR MISSION COMMITTEE HAS CHOSEN TO SUPPORT NATHALIE AS OUR MEDICAL MISSIONARY
Nathalie Fida Lassang has a passion for medicine and Cameroon, her home
country. “I have wanted to help people who are ill for as long as I can remember.
My desire is to return to Cameroon to work there as a physician,” says Nathalie,
a medical student and scholarship recipient in the ELCA’s International Leaders
program. “While growing up, many of us kids would fall sick, especially with
malaria,” she says. “I wanted to do something to help.” And thanks to a
scholarship from ELCA church wide ministries, Nathalie is now pursuing her
dream. Once she completes her studies and residency at Ross University School
of Medicine in Dominica, Nathalie plans to return to Cameroon to serve as a
physician with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cameroon. Both the ELCA and
the Lutheran church in Cameroon are member churches of The Lutheran World
Federation. “My hope is that the people I get to assist in the healing process will
feel God’s love and presence,” she says, adding that her education “is a priceless gift.”
Welcome our Youth & Family Director!
Hello!
My name is Lindsey Miller and I am the new Youth and Family Coordinator! I
live up near Summit with my husband, dog, 3 horses, and a lot of cows. In
my free time I like to be fishing, horseback riding, or really anything outdoors!
I am originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin but I really love farm life.
I grew up going to St. Mary’s Lutheran Church and have always been very
involved. My favorite church activities growing up were choir, youth group,
and mission trips. I have worked at multiple Lutheran Outdoors camps
including Klein Ranch, Joy Ranch, and helped out at NeSoDak!
I cannot wait to get to know all of the youth and families at Grace Lutheran
and see how God shines through you all! This is such an awesome time to
learn and grow in the faith with everyone here!
We need your help
We at Grace Lutheran are looking for people to be part of our new “Befrienders”
program. What is a “Befriender”? “Befrienders” are volunteers who are trained to
help the church by visiting people who are either in the nursing home, homebound
or hospitalized. Befrienders may at times bring communion to people who request
it (if they are comfortable doing so). Befrienders can help bring the presence of love
from our congregation to those who are lonely or hurting in our community. We at Grace have one
pastor for 1500 people- she needs help! Please prayerfully consider being part of our visitation
program. Contact the office if you are interested at 886-5737 or gracelc@midconetwork.com.
To everyone who donated food, money, delivered meals or worked in the
fellowship hall for our 40th annual
Community Christmas Supper, we
want to say a huge “THANK
YOU”! Your generosity of food
donations, money donations and
volunteer time was most appreciated.
We served 433 meals between take-outs, deliveries
and those who ate at the church. It would have not
been possible without all of you. God bless you for
giving up some of your Christmas Day to help with this
event.
Darcy Raethz & Julie Stock, Chairpersons
I want to express “My Thanks” to Grace Lutheran for
hosting Monday nite suppers all year long for us.
Whenever I am able to attend, I enjoy them. Getting a
ride for your Christmas supper is hard, so I have it
delivered, which I appreciate. Merry Christmas to all the
workers and blessings to all.
Delivering your meals at Christmas helps so
much on this snowy day.
In memory of Georgia Timmerman
from Jim & Mary Williams; Judith & Barry
Bauer; Penny Timmerman, Karen Witman
& Mark Timmerman; The Georgia Timmerman family; Stacy & Aaron Paleen
In memory of Mike Lundy
from Ron & Lisee Albertson
MEALS ON WHEELS
Anyone wishing to help deliver meals
on March 16 thru March 20th, 2015,
please call Larry Picht at 886-6789.
GIFTS TO DEBT RETIREMENT, since the last
Gleanings was printed, were given by LeRoy
Bullis, Gary and Sherry Jongeling, Doug and Ann
Murfield, Michael and Bonnie Oletzke and from
the GLCW. In loving memory of Phyllis Johnson
from Lynn Johnson and family. The total was
$3,012.50. Thank you for these gifts.
GRACE LUTHERAN
FOUNDATION DONATIONS
In memory of Georgia Timmerman
from June Boadwine
In memory of my uncle John Lenz
who passed away on December 18, 2014
from Wendy Lohr
In memory of Phyllis Johnson
from Bev Morrison; Rodney & Nancy Iverson;
Bev Landon
In memory of James Bevers
from Fred & Gwen Peshman; Cleo Belk;
Wendy Lohr; Bev Landon
In memory of Richard Seifel
from Cleo Belk
In memory of Richard Seifel
from Peggy Seifel-Busch; Clinton & Norma Krause;
Don Seifel; Henry & Janice Kowalewski;
Harry & Sharon LaQua
In memory of Agnes Grinde
from Bill Zubke
In memory of Phyllis Johnson
from the Theatre in the Round Players, Inc.,
In memory of Mildred Tronvold’s 95th birthday
from Dean & Vonnie Rinerson
In memory of Agnes Grinde
from Audrey J. Stormo
In memory of Agnes Grinde
from the Dorcas Quilters
In memory of Georgia Timmerman, Clinton
Krause, Jim Bevers and Phyllis Johnson
from Art & Marcia Jelsma
Donations from:
Conda Williams
Lois Cotten
In memory of Jim Bevers
from Phyllis, Gary & Gregg Jongeling
BOILER FUND
The Dorcas Quilters meet every
Monday at 1:00 in the church
basement to make quilts to send
overseas. They can always use
more people, men and women to
help. You don’t need to know how
to sew—there is a job for everyone!
Please consider helping with this
great ministry.
FOUNDATION GRANT REQUEST FORMS ARE AVAILABLE
The 2015 Grant Request Forms from the Grace Lutheran Foundation Board will be available from a board
member or in the church office, after January 1st. The deadline to return the forms is February 15, 2015.
The Grace Lutheran Foundation provides vital financial assistance to organizations within our community
and within our congregation. An example of this is the list of recipients from the 2014 distribution of
earnings.
2014 DISTRIBUTION OF EARNINGS
Boy Scout Troop #8
Codington County Cares Cancer Foundation
ELCA Raise A Roof in Cameroon
Grace Lutheran Church 3rd Grade Bibles
GLC Dorcas Quilters
GLC Preschool Tuition Assistance
Lutheran Outdoors-Joy Ranch for beds
Lutheran Seminary Tuition Scholarships
Lutheran Social Services of SD
McCrossan Boys Ranch
Watertown Volunteer Center
Lutheran World Relief
Salvation Army (Watertown Use)
ELCA Hunger Appeal
Missionary Support ELCA
SD Synod Mission Partners
St Dysmas Prison Ministries
Synod Assembly
Capital Improvement Fund - All Properties
Capital Improvements to Properties
Grace Lutheran Building and Grounds-Vac & Chair Mover
Grace Lutheran Building and Grounds
Grace Lutheran Building and Grounds -Snow Blade
PACH Program
Habitat for Humanity
Watertown Area Transit
Organ Fund *Requires matching funds from Congregation
TOTAL
$
500.00
$
5,000.00
$
1,000.00
$
200.00
$
500.00
$
9,000.00
$
8,400.00
$
1,000.00
$
1,000.00
$
1,000.00
$
750.00
$
1,000.00
$
3,000.00
$
1,000.00
$
1,000.00
$
1,000.00
$
1,000.00
$
650.00
$ 11,185.87
$ 44,374.20
$
933.60
$
686.17
$
79.17
$
500.00
$
3,000.00
$
500.00
$
5,000.00
$ 103,259.01
Anyone wishing to request funding from the Grace Lutheran Church Foundation is
encouraged to submit a completed request form before February 15, 2015.
Income
Offerings
Designated Gifts
Budget
YTD
$ 284,532.30
$
4,619.00
Misc
$
1,858.01
Transfer from Organ Fund
Bldg project
$
$
10,226.75
1,000.00
GLCW Gift for Music
Lenten Suppers
Scrip Proceeds
Thrivent Choice $$
Transfer from Maint acct
$
$
$
$
$
300.00
501.00
1,564.57
2,445.00
34,700.88
insurance check - basement
Total Income for General Fund
$ 11,362.66
$ 353,110.17
Expenses
ELCA & SD Synod Projects
Staff
$
2,050.00
Senior Pastor - Salary & Benefits
Mileage Reimbursement
Youth Ministry Director
Business Adm Salary & benefits
Parish Education Associate
Office Asst & Custodians
$
$
$
$
$
$
84,858.00
4,500.00
14,000.00
46,185.50
21,688.00
50,930.10
$ 85,474.11
$
4,065.82
Payroll taxes
Pastoral Materials
Total Staff
$
9,200.00
$
150.00
$ 231,511.60
$
8,573.79
$
126.47
$ 202,848.05
$
$
$
$
Debts:
Term Debt
Line of Credit
Original amt
$ 50,000
$ 70,000
Balance
$ 3,854.44
$
0.00
2,050.00
46,185.50
12,078.40
46,343.96
Program Expenses
Other Outlays
Office Expenses
$
15,100.00
$
14,098.75
Designated Gifts
$
Worship & Music
$
20,100.00
$
14,064.67
Basement Repair
$ 16,609.99
Altar Guild
$
1,000.00
$
189.13
AC Repair
$
Education/Ministry
$
5,100.00
$
651.33
Lighting (Miller Elec)
$ 11,261.00
Youth/Mission Ministry
$
1,725.00
$
160.50
Debt payments
$
7,602.43
Family Fellowship events
$
100.00
JF Nordlie - Organ Repair
$
10,489.76
Outreach & Care Ministry
$
3,650.00
$
3,054.65
ProTech Roof (Narthex)
$
16,420.82
Stewardship Ministry
$
2,200.00
$
923.95
Total Other Outlays
$ 66,926.47
Debt Service
Insurance
Utilities
$
$
$
12,000.00
11,000.00
33,000.00
$ 10,528.52
$
8,906.50
$ 32,079.70
Total Expenses & Outlays
Net Revenue (Loss)
$ 368,823.48
$
$
650.00
General Fund - 1/1/2014
$
Plus Income
$ 353,110.17
Synod Assembly
3,269. 00
1,148.47
7,860.63
PC Conference Dues
$
350.00
$
305.80
Contingency
$
500.00
$
1,881.29
Less Expenses & Outlays
$ 368,823.48
Property Ministry
$
8,500.00
$
9,504.17
Loan Advances
$
8,500.00
Program Expenses
Total Expenses
$ 114,325.00
$ 347,886.60
General Fund - 12/31/14
$
647.32
$ 96,998.96
$ 301,897.01
Grace Lutheran Preschool
The weather has been cold and snowy, but this has given our class a wonderful opportunity to access our
“winter” curriculum. The kids have had so much fun with things like making fake snow, researching how snow
accumulates, dissecting snowflakes, discussing hibernation, and making several snow related crafts.
I have been teaching them to embrace each season, as a child it is not that difficult. Although, I had a three
year old tell me, “I only like those seasons when it is warm all the time!” AMEN!
We have completed another gingerbread and Christmas party. The parents and kids had a wonderful time and
it is such a fun way to send the students off before their vacation.
Important Dates
NO SCHOOL
Feb. 13th
Feb. 16th
SUPPLIES
NEEDED
Disinfectant
Wipes
DONATIONS
Cal & Nyra Brown
Thank you to the following for their contributions during January:
MEMORIALS
In memory of Phyllis Johnson
from Cleo Belk
In memory of Arvilla Schaefer
from Don & Diane Brosz
In memory of Bette Harte
from Cleo Belk
In memory of Ellen Even
from Richard & Judy Everson
In loving memory of our brother Matthew Kuttner
from Andrew & Jonathon
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING 12/31/14
The Annual Meeting of Grace Lutheran Church was held on January 25, 2015 at 1 p.m. with President Roberta
Cossette presiding. Pastor Janet Miller led opening devotions.
President Roberta Cossette noted all of the Committee reports. Pastor Miller stated she would like to get a
Befrienders group started. She would help train this group to visit our members who wish to be visited more
often or due to her other church obligations she isn’t able to fit into her schedule. Pastor Miller also reached out
for volunteers to attend the G.I.F.T.S. Program to help Grace continue to grow. She was excited to report the
Youth and Family Committee along with the 29 confirmation students will be more active with the recent hiring
of the Youth and Family Director, Lindsey Miller.
Cindy Vander Leest reported the members on the Audit Committee included Reneta McFerran, Adeline
Schaack and Darlene Young. These three audited all the books from 1/1/14 through 12/31/14. The various
accounts were found to be in order.
Cindy Vander Leest reported the Boiler Fund Savings account has had contributions which include one very
generous amount given from an anonymous giver. Today another gracious anonymous giver would like to
challenge the Foundation or other gifts to match the amount of $10,000 to the Boiler Fund. Pastor Miller also
stated Thrivent members would be able to help build the account by requesting funds through fundraisers. Per
a request from the floor Cindy Vander Leest will look into options for a better interest rate for our Boiler Fund.
Newly elected council members are James Goble, Darcy Raethz, Sherry Starr, Gary Rukstad, Joann Spartz,
Julie Stock and Aaron Volzke for a one-year term.
It was noted the budget shows an amount of $21,000 for a Youth and Family Director, which Lindsey Miller has
been hired for. This position is a combined job of the Youth Director and Parish Ed. Assoc. listed on the 2014
Mission Plan. It was also pointed out the increase of Liz Dunn’s pay due to the increase in job duties and
hours. A motion was made by Mike Stusiak with a second by Denise Johnson to approve the 2015 Mission
Plan. Motion carried.
Delegates needed for the 2015 Synod Assembly – (May 29-30 at Calvary Lutheran, Rapid City) – Pastor Miller
stated her husband, Michael Miller would be happy to be a delegate but we would still like to have 3 more delegates.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy Vander Leest
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
11:00 a.m. - Worship
Holy Communion on the 1st and 3rd
WEDNESDAY SCHOOL
6:00p.m. - Wednesday School
7:10p.m. - Confirmation Feb. 4th & 11th
During Lent: Confirmation at Worship @ 7:00p.m.
ASH WEDNESDAY GRACE SERVICE TIMES
12:05p.m. & 7:00p.m.
COMMUNITY LENTEN WORSHIP—WEDNESDAYS
12:05p.m. Community Worship
@ Grace Lutheran Church
Lunch $3.00
Grace Lutheran Church: God’s Grace Experienced Daily