Want updates about COVID-19 and how Grace is safely gathering and worshiping at this time?
CLICK HERE for the latest from Grace.
Last Call! Fill Out Long Range Planning Survey—Building off the SWOT analyses that were conducted in 2019 and earlier this year, this survey’s purpose is to help Grace members share what they see for the future of Grace Church in the next five to 10 years. The survey is now live, but will be closing on Monday, Nov. 30!
Click Here to Access the Survey
Divine Call Extended—On Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, Grace extended a divine call to Pastor Caleb Kurbis, currently serving Living Savior in Asheville, North Carolina, to fill the vacancy left by Pastor Daniel Bondow. Please keep Pastor Kurbis, his wife Sarah, and their family, as well as Grace, in your prayers.
God Answers the Big Questions of Life: Nov. and Dec. 2020 Sunday Morning Bible Class—Is the end the beginning? The Bible book of the prophet Malachi answers, “Yes!” The end of the Old Testament is the beginning of the New. What a perfect bridge from one to the other—from the end of one church year to the beginning of another, from End Times to Advent! Join Grace in-person or virtually via YouTube for God Answers the Big Questions of Life, Nov. 1 through Dec. 13, 2020.
Nov. 29 What does it mean to have God as our Father?
Dec. 6 Why do the wicked prosper?
Dec. 13 What does it mean to return to God?
Virtual Sunday School—Virtual Sunday school continues at Grace! To find these lessons, head to Northwestern Publishing House’s YouTube channel, or visit the Virtual Sunday School page on the Grace website (under the Learn and Grow tab). Take home sheets for each lesson are also available— these can be picked up after church in the Parish Center, or delivered upon request. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Drew Carter at dcarter@gracedowntown.org.
Moms Group December Gathering Dates—Currently meeting remotely on Fridays at 9 a.m. via Zoom, this is a great opportunity to connect with other moms while also spending time in the Word and Bible readings for the upcoming Sunday. The remaining dates for 2020 are Dec. 4 and 11. Questions, contact Diana Carter at Diana.Marzinske@blc.edu.
Angel Tree—One of Grace members’ favorite Christmas traditions, the Angel Tree, is back! Located in the Parish Center, the Angel Tree is decorated with tags that represent Christmas gift wish lists of children in foster care. These children may not receive any other gifts this year, so please consider choosing a child’s wish list (or two)!
To sign-up in-person:
- Choose a tag
- Add your name and contact details on the sign-up sheets (next to the tree) that correspond to the tag you have chosen
- Buy your gift and turn it in, unwrapped, before Monday, Nov. 30
To sign-up remotely:
- Call the office
- Talk with Carolyn, Veronica, or Rachel to choose a tag, and they will add your name and contact details to the sign-up sheets that correspond to the tag you have chosen
- Buy your gift and turn it in, unwrapped, before Monday, Nov. 30
Gifts can be dropped off at the church office during the week Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., or in the donation bin next to the Angel Tree Sunday mornings. Questions, contact Veronica Brewer at 414-271-3006 or vbrewer@gracedowntown.org.
Poinsettias Available to Order—It is time to order poinsettias to beautify the chancel for Christmas. Please use one of the envelopes provided on the Parish Center counter and deposit it in the box. The costs are $17 (single, 5-7 blooms) or $26 (double, 10-14 blooms); you may choose red or white. Orders for white poinsettias has passed; orders for red poinsettias need to be in no later than Friday, Dec. 4. Poinsettias purchased can be taken home after morning worship on Christmas Day. Please make checks payable to Grace Lutheran Church.
First Fridays presents Duo Coriolan—First Fridays presents another virtual concert via Grace’s YouTube channel on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020, at 5 p.m.! Featuring Stefanie Jacob, piano, and her husband Scott Tisdel, cello, they will perform together as Duo Coriolan. While the concert is being offered virtually, if you are unable to live stream the concert but wish to attend, you may be able to attend in-person. Contact Rachel Proeber at 414-271-3006 and request to be added to the list. Requests are on a first come, first serve basis, and will be limited to 10 in-person spots. Face coverings and social distancing will also be required.
Concert is free, donations graciously accepted.
Grace Apparel: New Items Available! Just in time for Christmas, Grace apparel orders are open now until Dec. 13! Choose from apparel classics like polo shirts and jackets branded with Grace’s logo, as well as new items like baseball caps and knit hats! Order forms are available both physically in the Parish Center as well as online at gracedowntown.org/connect/grace-apparel-store. Payment can be made via check or Venmo. Questions, contact Pastor Strong at astrong@gracedowntown.org or call the church office at 414-271-3006.
Flower Chart for 2021—Do you have an anniversary, birthday, or other special occasion you’d like to commemorate? Consider giving altar flowers at Grace to celebrate! Sign-up on the chart in the narthex; 2021 dates are now available. Questions, call the church office at 414-271-3006 or email data@gracedowntown.org.
Offering Envelopes for 2021—Grace members’ 2021 offering envelopes will be available in the Parish Center next week. Those enrolled in electronic giving are generally not assigned envelopes. However, if you would still like a box for 2021, please contact Carolyn in the church office at 414-271-3006, data@gracedowntown.org. Thank you!
WLHS Drama Production—Performing before limited audiences, Wisconsin Lutheran High School’s drama department presents two, one-act plays Dec. 11-13 at 7:30 p.m.: Drop Dead, Juliet! and The Seussificaton of Romeo and Juliet. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for children and can only be purchased online at wlhs.org/drama or by calling 414-453-4567. Seating is general admission with safety measures in place.
WELS Military Services—Did you know WELS civilian chaplains only know if members are serving actively if they are registered with WELS/ELS Military Services? If you or a loved one serves in the military, National Guard, and/or army reserve, and would like to ensure and maintain a spiritual and encouraging connection to the church, head to wels.net/ref to register any and all names.
Long Range Planning Survey: Form Closing Soon!
Dear Grace Members,
Every five to seven years, Grace gathers a committee of staff, councilmen, and members to start thinking ahead and facilitating long-range planning of congregational goals. We do not undertake this as a pursuit of unbridled ambition, but rather as an honest analysis of where we are, and as an aspirational look to where God's gifts might be applied in the future.
The long range planning survey for 2025/2030 is now live and ready for your input.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS: https://forms.gle/UBx8x9UPhR4zuBNZ6
(if using a printed worship folder, type the above link in your browser’s address bar)
Survey is now anonymous. You no longer need your email address to fill it out.
Last call to fill out the form! Form will be closing Monday, Nov. 30.
If you haven’t already done so, please fill the form out now!
Questions, feel free to contact the long range planning committee via the button below as well.
Thank you in advance, and may God bless your week!
In Christ’s Service,
Grace Long Range Planning Committee
