Grace Lutheran Church

108 W. SOMO AVENUE

TOMAHAWK, WISCONSIN 54487

715 453-4066

www.gracelutherantomahawk.org

March 2016

Holy Week - 2016 Holy Week is the high point of our worship. This week is totally focused on God’s great exchange – Jesus taking our sin and human limitations and giving us God’s eternal life and salvation.

• Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as Messiah, Savior, Lord, and King, and the surprising twist Jesus gives to the notion of King.

• Maundy Thursday literally means “commandment” Thursday – Jesus giving us a new commandment in the Lord’s Supper that we are to love others as God loves us.

♦ Marks the end of Lent by receiving individual absolution. ♦ Begins a three day worship of Jesus’ death and resurrection (there is no benediction, greeting, or dis-

missal on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday since it is all one worship service that does not end until Easter Sunday).

• Good Friday is “good” because of God’s act of love and salvation in God dying for us.

• Easter Sunday is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. As Jesus is raised so we shall be also.

• Palm Sunday March 19 & 20 5:00 pm Saturday

8:30 and 10:45 am Sunday

• Maundy Thursday March 24 1:00 and 7:00 pm

• Good Friday March 25 1:00 and 7:00 pm

• Easter Sunday March 27 6:30, 8:30, and 10:45 am Sunday (no Saturday Service)

Eleventh Annual Church Ladies’ Diner-April 12 & 13! It’s almost time for the Church Ladies’ Diner at the annual WJJQ Home, Sport and Travel Show. In the past, proceeds from the Diner have totaled more than $29,000 for missions in South Africa, the Congo, Guatemala, and Appalachia, as well as helping to reduce Grace’s mortgage debt. This year’s proceeds will go to Lekubu’s Creche, Education & More, Mission Building, and the Building Debt.

This has been possible only through the tremendous support of the people of Grace Lutheran Church. It has truly been a team effort. This year, we are again asking for your help. There are many ways to get involved. Sign-up sheets are available in the Gathering Area listing the kinds of help that is needed. Thanks so much for your participation in this mission. Don’t forget to come to the Diner to enjoy baked goods, Margie’s

famous hot beef sandwiches and Al’s brats! YUMMY!

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHP

Wednesdays—1:00 & 7:00 pm

EASTER WORSHIP

Saturday—NO SERVICE Sunday - 6:30, 8:30 & 10:45 am

REGULAR WEEKLY

WORSHIP SERVICES

Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 8:30 and 10:45 am Sunday School 9:40 am

Contemporary Worship at 8:30 am 2nd and 4th Sundays

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Bulletin Board

Lenten Soup Meals Soup meals will continue every Wednesday through March 16. Please join us for lunch at 11:30 am or sup-per at 5:30 pm. It is not too late to help. Please check the sign-up sheets. All are welcome. Bring a friend! Fellowship Committee

Did Ewe Know?

• A six-week Worship minis-

try schedule is printed in the

back of each newsletter? You

do not have to rely on the

weekly postcard. How cool is that?

• Also you can find all of the items below on

our website:

www.gracelutherantomahawk.org

◊ Monthly Newsletter ◊ Good News (Weekly)

◊ Taking Faith Home

◊ Church Calendar

◊ Current registration forms

• You can look up any of the above items an-

ywhere you have internet access — home,

motel, vacation home, phone/car... Grace Lutheran can go with you wherever you go.

Fifth Grade Milestone—Seder Meal

Grace Lutheran’s “Seder Meal” on Sunday evening, March 13, at 5:00 PM is a milestone for all 5th grad-ers. The purposes are to deepen the meaning of Holy Communion; initiate parents and youth together as the purpose of Grace’s ministry; and begin or assist with the transition into Middle School and the teenage years. This is a very formal and meaningful meal and event with all the symbolic food of a Seder provided. �

Other Noted Dates:

March 13: SEDER MEAL – 5:00 pm March 20: NO SUNDAY SCHOOL – Spring Break March 23: NO GLOW - Spring Break March 27: NO SUNDAY SCHOOL – Easter

Congregational Retreat – Saturday, March 5 – 9:00 am to 12:00 noon Governance and Transformation are the themes of the 2016 Grace Congregation Retreat. In even years, as 2016, the plan is to have a shorter retreat led by Grace staff, council, and delegated leaders to review and deepen strate-gies we are already doing. In 2017, the plan is to have our synod office lead a longer retreat in new areas for con-gregational development.

Schedule for the March 5 retreat:

9:00-10:00 Donuts and coffee. “Dwelling in the Word.” Brainstorming ideas for our three identified priorities of servantship, fellowship, and worship. 10:00-11:00 Dr. Bill Steadman will lead us for an hour in Governance and Transformation. This is both a presentation and an introduction and experience of a “webinar.” 11:00-11:30 PowerPoint of Dan Hotchkiss’ “Governance and Ministry.” 11:30-12:00 Wrap-up on implications from what was heard, learned, and discussed today. You can see examples of webinars at www.healtheirchurch.org. Dr. Bill Steadman’s description on Governance is, “Would you like to focus on the ways that you seek to live God’s mission and share in Christ’s ministry, rather than get caught in unwieldy governance structures? Are you ready to move away from committees and develop action groups to encourage new disciples?” His description on Transformation is, “The gospel that has carried the risen body of Christ without fail for centuries through personal spiritual growth. Local congregations have global impact through the Holy Spirit. Never in history have congregations been so infinitely powerful to carry out the unfinished task as they are today.”

Servantship and Fellowship Grace has prayerfully identified these two as the top priorities at Grace for 2016. Now, prayerfully consider join-ing. Both of these areas are for all and any age. Those under age 15 must be accompanied by their parents. It is not necessary to be a member – the focus is God’s mission: • Family/Congregational Service Trip – June 19-22, 2016 in Duluth (More information on page 4.) • Congregation Fellowship Trip – July 22-31 to Christikon Bible Camp and the Absaroka/Beartooth

Wilderness in southern Montana (More information on page 4.)

STAFF (715 area codes)

Pastor………….………Rev. Mark Ziemer 453-4066 or (home) 453-0612

Visitation Pastor…Rev. Don Cannady 715 453-4066

Supply Pastor….….Rev. Gerald Check 715 453-4066

Lay Pastoral Ass’t..….…Wendy Black 715 453-4066

wkblack@yahoo.com Secretary…………....…….Debbie Hetzel

453-4066 or (home) 966-0536 dhetzel@gracetomahawk.org

Secretary Support…..…Sarah Mann 453-4066

smann@gracetomahawk.org Treasurer...….…………..….Sarah Mann

453-4066 smann@gracetomahawk.org

Financial Reporter…Sherry Clements 453-5615

Wedding Coordinator Kay Jensen………..…................453-4701 Custodian Dar Anderson.………………..….453-4066

2015 COUNCIL MEMBERS President Brian Schmidt….....………..……453-1361

Vice President Mary Wessel……………………….453-7410

Secretary Sandy Wick….….……..……920 680-1237

Mark Gaedtke……...…………….453-5907

Steve Heikkinen…….……..715 966-0160

Luann Kiander.…………………..453-9097

Ken Kincaid.……………………….612-3276

Abrina Leonhard.………………..612-1452

Marilyn Smith.…………………...453-5184

Lucas Tjugum.…………………...453-6475

Bill Zorr……………………..608 575- 5816

A WORD FROM PASTOR MARK

The Cross Such a common simple thing a cross is. A necklace, a wall hanging, a crocheted bookmark, a picture, a sculpture, that decorative design on the wall above the altar area (called the reredos). It is easy to not notice it or even see it, as it is so commonplace.

But, it is that upon which my savior died. As such, it is the greatest of tragedies, a horror, absolute sorrow, a travesty, an unending scandal. For it tells me that that which cannot happen, should not happen, and is completely wrong and impossible – did happen. For me! For each of us! It is the sign of how far God has gone and will go for me. It is both the sign and the proof that we are loved. More than that – it is the sign of the story and reality that God has entered my pain, our pain. Crucifixion was carefully designed and developed through trial and error to be the slowest, most painful, and most helpless and humiliating way to die. God chose to both allow and accept that way of dying, and to also watch and do nothing about it. Jesus felt the full brunt of the blow, and God, having all power to change it, also chose to feel all of the loss, grief, senselessness, and horror of that black death. There is much in this simple symbol of the cross. It is a sign, reality, and story with incredible depth of meaning. But, how amazing that its meaning is all aimed at me, at each one of us. And, it speaks the most important message each of us longs to hear: I am loved; that love is unending, bottomless, never letting go, already proven, with me in the darkest time, forgiving all, even when I have been incredi-bly wrong and evil, and accepts, forgives, chooses, welcomes, re-ceives, and blesses me when I am totally unworthy. In this Lent – let us contemplate the sign, the story, and the God of that cross. It is such a common thing to see a cross. But, oh, the meaning in that cross! Lord Jesus, lead us to see, to think, to receive and be transformed by your cross – for me!

Church Office Hours Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm (closed for lunch noon to 1:00 pm) Friday: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm Staff Meetings (Office closed) Wednesday: 9:00 am

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Attention Youth - We need you!

March 13—6-10:00 pm - Youth Night will consist of: planning for future youth events, games and/or movies. Come and share what you would like to do for future events, service trips, and youth nights. If you can't come, call or text Margie (715) 966-5497 with your ideas.

March 27th 4-7:00 pm - Easter Bag Stuffing, Hiding and Decorat-ing for Easter. Pizza will be served.

March 28th 9:30 -10 :45 am Help the younger children find Easter bags.

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2016 Grace Lutheran Family Service Trip – June 19 - 22, 2016 There are twenty spots available. An alternate date is June 23rd to June 26th with fifty available spots if the June 19-22 dates are filled. We need to know as soon as possible if you are interested in order to get our registra-tions in. The cost is $129 per person. This could be less because funds are available for the 6th thru 12th, and col-lege students, from the Memory Tree. A $25 down payment is required by March 1st to save your spot. We en-courage families to join us in this faith formation mission trip. Time of departure and return will be determined by the group going. For more information, you can check out the youth works site at www.youthworks.com or call Margie Welke (715) 453-5797 or (715) 966-5497. This trip features:

• Flexible schedules and supportive staff. • Interactive devotionals tailored to families. • Hands-on service that kids and adults can do side by side. • A meaningful context for families to talk together about faith

Congregation Trip — July 22-31, 2016

Greetings from Mindy to all the Grace family! You may have already heard that the 2016 Wilderness trip, this year to the Christikon Bible Camp and Bear Tooth Wilderness in Montana, is going to be different from those of years past. That is because this year not only is the upcoming Confirmation class heading out into the wilderness with their parents and faith mentors for a life-changing faith encounter, but EVERYONE is invited to come along! YES, that includes YOU! Beginning this year, and taking place every five to six years thereafter, we would like to have anyone from our congregation who is interested in a faith- and fellowship-building experience, join us on a “congregational reun-ion” wilderness trip. There are options available for all ages and abilities for this trip, including full-service lodge accommodations, bunkhouse/camping experiences, hybrid and guided/outfitted or unguided backcountry op-portunities, all of which are affordable. Loved ones who do not belong to the Grace family are also welcome to attend, including family members, godparents, and friends. If you can dream it, we can work and plan together to make it happen. One of the most precious aspects of this trip is its potential for intergenerational Christian bonding. Young, old, in-between – everyone! The Wilderness trip experience is one that cannot be compared with the average camping and hiking trip. The daily work that is facilitated by Pastor Mark pushes every traveler into spiritual growth via daily assignments, fo-cus words and ideas, group conversations, prayers, and devotions. As a result, we grow closer to one another, both as families and as group members, and stronger in our personal relationships with God, and we do so in a secluded, natural setting that can only be seen to be appreciated. This is a monumental spiritual experience for every teen, every parent, every traveler who has attended in the past, and anyone who wishes to share in this unique opportunity. As a parent who in the past has experienced this trip with a confirmation-age teen, I would be delighted and blessed to share our experience with you and answer any questions you may have. Please contact me via email at marknmindy@charter.net or via phone at (715) 966-0978. You may also contact Pastor Mark at the Grace office, or be in touch with any of the families who have participat-ed previously in the Wilderness trek. There are many among us. We are all enthusiastic and eager to speak with you, and hope to have you on board for the 2016 Grace Wilderness experience, whatever that may be for you. We ask that you prayerfully consider joining us. Meetings are currently being held on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., and will become more frequent as the date of departure draws closer. The March meetings will be on the second Wednesday (March 9) at 5:30 p.m. to accommodate Lent worship at 7:00 p.m. All interested in this Congregational Trip will meet at 5:30 and then at 6:00 split into the 9th Grade group and the Reunion group. All are welcome. We would love to see you there. Yours in Christ, Mindy vonSchrader

SPRING RING—The next Handbell Choir practice will be on Wednesday, March 30, at 6:00 pm. Please plan to join us. Musical experience is very helpful, but not necessary. Carol Sparr

Camp A�ending:� � Waypost on Mission Lake�

Program Name:� Program Dates: July 10�15, 2016 or July 10�12 (Pioneer)� (circle one)�

List one roommate request:� � Special needs (dietary, health, etc.): � �

��

Payment:� � Check payable to Grace Lutheran Church�

Program Fee:� Your Payment:� ($100 deposit is non�refundable)�

Required for Registra�on: Parent Signature_______________________________ Date____________�

Parent Release: I have read the registra�on policies, I consent to allow the above person’s par�cipa�on in the listed program, consent to medical

treatment in the case of emergency, and in the event of disrup�ve behavior, agree to pick this person up upon no�ce.�

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1. Complete a separate form for each child. Our group is attending camp at Waypost Camp July 10-15, 2016. Programs offered include: Pioneers (½ week program for completed grades 1-3), Pathfinders (completed gr. 3-5),

Mission Week (completed gr. 6-12), Adventure Trip (completed gr. 8-12), Servant-In-Training (completed gr. 8-9).

2. The cost for the camps listed below INCLUDE the Campership discount (from our March special offering). To benefit from the “Campership” discount, you must register your child THROUGH Grace Lutheran by March 13.

· Grades 1-3 Pioneers total cost before March 13 is $160 ($220 after March 13)

· Grades 3-5 Pathfinders total cost before March 13 is $325 ($425 after March 13)

· Grades 6-12 Mission Week total cost before March 13 is $325 ($425 after March 13)

· Grades 8-12 Adventure Trip total cost before March 13 is $325 ($425 after March 13)

· Grades 8-9 Servant-In-Training total cost before March 13 is $325 ($425 after March 13)

3. A non-refundable deposit of $100 is required with each registration: attach a check payable to Grace Lutheran Church. Deliver or mail your registration form with the minimum $100 non-refundable deposit to the church office by March 13, 2016. If you register after March 13th you must register directly with Crossways and not through Grace. Al-so, you must then pay the full price and will not receive Grace’s Campership or Crossways’ Early Registration discount.

4. After we’re registered, Crossways will acknowledge your registration by mailing/emailing a receipt and a checklist as you plan for camp. Get your health form, map, packing list, etc. at www.CrosswaysCamps.org.

Thank you in advance for helping us get registered smoothly and on-time for this important part of your child’s camp experience! If you have questions, please call Patti Gaedtke at 715 612-2000 or email Patti@gracetomahawk.org.

July 10�15, 2016 Camp Registra�on�

Grace Week at Waypost�

�

Discount Deadline

March 13, 2016

Your remaining balance (a�er your $100 deposit) is due May 25.�

2016 Camp Registration Form—Grace Week at Waypost

Name ________________________________________________________________ ___Male ___Female

Address_______________________________________________________________ T-Shirt Size______

Youth M through Adult XL available

City, State, Zip_________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name________________________________ Home Phone ______________________________

Email _____________________________________________ Cell Phone________________________________

Grade Completed 6/16 ______ Birthdate ________ Church Name Grace Lutheran City Tomahawk

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Crossways Camping Ministries brings people together in Christ so that lives are changed and communities enhanced.

One hundred and ninety Lutheran congregations support the Mission and Ministry of Crossways Camping Ministries.

The three camps of Crossways boast high program quality and integrity, excellent and well maintained facilities, and

professional and hospitable full-time staff. These facilities provide programs for thousands of guests year-round.

Crossways operates Summer Youth & Family Camp at all three facilities in June, July and August. Groups also rent

space for retreats and conferences every month of the year.

Crossways teaches all who come to one of the camps about stewardship of life, the creation we have been given,

service to those not as fortunate as we are, and doing the work of God through sharing our resources.

FamilyCampsandGrandparent/KIDSCamps:�Experience camp as a family for faith development that builds an excitement for God, creates meaningful faith practices you can continue at home, and invites you to play in God's amazing creation. All ages welcome! Spend time in morning worship followed by Bible studies designed for age specific groups. Afternoons are filled with activities that you choose from, including swimming, canoeing, nature activities, arts & crafts, kayaking, archery, and more. Close every night with a campfire and songs.

You can choose to experience family camp with your loved ones. Bring grandchildren to GrandparentKID Camp to experi-ence unique moments that are specifically geared to grandchildren and their grandparents. Another option is to attend a week of camp where both programs intertwine for an inter-generational approach.

There are four different types of “Family Camp” programs: • FAMILY CAMP – WEEK July 31-Aug. 5 • FAMILY CAMP – 4-DAY June 26-29, July 5-8, August 7-10 • FAMILY CAMP – WEEKEND July 8-10 • Grandparent/KIDS CAMP August 5-7

FordetailsandtoregistergodirectlytoCrosswayson�lineatwww.crosswayscamps.org.Crosswayshas

threesites,tenweeksofprograms,andmanyprogramsthataredesignedforfamiliesorgrandparents

withchildren.Gotothewebsiteformanymoreprogramsandweeks.Checkitout!

GraceWeekCampatWaypost,July10�15�RegisterbyMarch13�

Graceisoneoffourcongregationsbringingallgrades,1�12,foraweekatcamp.� See Camp Registration Form, page 6 for more information and how to register.

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March Special Offering Camp Scholarships The special offering for March is for the campership fund for ALL Grace youth in grades 1-12 to attend Crossways’ Waypost Camp July 11-15. Many claim a week at Bible Camp as the greatest faith experience in their life and many others as the best week of sum-mer. Prayer partners, consider sponsoring your part-ner. Designate your gift in his/her name. Adults, please think of the future generation of the church and support the youth who will experience what you loved so much as a child!

From the Stewardship Committee

Our Victory in Christ

Some chapters in the Bible speak so directly to a specific topic that they have been given names, such as the “Faith” chapter (Hebrews 11), the “Shepherd’s Psalm” (Psalm 23), and the “Resurrection” chapter (1 Corinthians 15), the one this article will focus on. Perhaps the Corinthians were like us, wondering what would happen at the end of their earthly lives. Then, as now, all sorts of theories abounded. Is death the end? If not, will I have a body? What will my body look like? St. Paul quoted a couple of their questions in 1 Corinthians 15:35: “But some will ask, ‘How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” Paul called those questioners foolish and gave them (and us) the straight story. “So it is with the Resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body…Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of Heaven” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 49). The end result for believers is that

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:54b-55)

So, for us who are in Christ, there is no need to won-der or to fear. Because of Easter, because of our Lord’s Resurrection, we also are victorious over sin, death, and the power of the devil. With the Apostle Paul and all the saints, we exclaim, “But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”. (1 Corinthians 15:5)! And there is a response expected from us as we cele-brate our victory in Christ: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abound-ing in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Our Financial Picture 2016

Needed for Monthly Budget

January 2016 Receipts

General Fund 28,817.07 28,862.55

Building Fund 5,977.89 5,520.35

Total 34,794.96 34,382.90

If you wish to share a lily with the

congregation for the Easter services, please fill out the information below .

Memory of: _____________________________________ Honor of: _____________________________________

From: __________________________________ You may bring this form to the office or drop it in the offering plate along with a check for $10.00. Please make out your check to: Grace Lutheran Church. Lilies have been pre-ordered. When all have been spoken for, you may bring in your own if you wish.

Grace Lutheran Council January Meeting Minutes Date: February 4, 2016

Meeting called to order at 6:05 pm by Forrest Gibeault. Council in attendance: Brian Schmidt, Sandy Wick, Luann Kiander, Mary Wessel, Bill Zorr, Lucas Tjugum, Mark Gaedtke, Steve Heikkinen, Missing: Abrina Leonard, Marilyn Smith, Ken Kincaid

Other Attendees: Sherry Clements, Pastor Mark, Forrest Gibeault

Devotions

• We continued with review of Galatians. Tonight Mary read Galatians 2:10-21 and we discussed the following questions: What does it mean to be “justified”?, What group are we to remember? How are we justified?

Where have we seen God at work? • Camp Forest Springs and the connections being made. Forrest and strong motivation these last years working on

council.

Approve Agenda

• Mary moved to approve the agenda and seconded by Luann. Motion passed

Welcome of New members: • We welcomed Mark Gaedtke who was voted in at the annual meeting

Nominations and vote for president, vice-president, and secretary of council • Sandy nominated Brian Schmidt for president, seconded by Luann. Motion passed. • Steve nominated Mary Wessel for vice-president, seconded by Luann. Motion passed. • Mary nominated Sandy Wick for secretary, seconded by Luann. Motion passed.

Consent Agenda

• Consisted of council minutes (January and annual meeting), Long Range Planning Report (Jan 13) , Worship Report (Jan 17) , Release of membership (George and Lori Groat family)

• We discussed that we would like to do a follow-up on members that are asking for a release of membership as a source of self-improvement. Brian gets notified of this and will pass this to Mary to do a follow-up call.

• Steve moved to approve the consent agenda. Sandy seconded. Motion passed. Treasurer's Report (Sherry)

• Sherry explained the layout of the treasurer report since Mark has now joined council. • Steve moved to accept the treasurer report. Sandy seconded. Motion passed.

Committee and staff reports

• There were several items that Pastor Mark pointed out in his notes in which council needed to make a decision. • Steve made a motion that we approve Grace Lutheran being a sponsor of the Madikwe Circuit doing a concert in

Tomahawk on Friday, July 8th. . Luann seconded. It was discussed that a separate committee is working on the concert, including all fund raisers for this. Motion passed.

• A decision was made to conduct the Congregational Vitality Project survey at the March congregational retreat. It will also be offered to the congregation at the services that weekend. We will color code to see how many surveys are returned from each.

• Pastor Mark asked if council would allow other groups to host Easter Breakfast again this year. Council all agreed this would be great if another group would take the lead on this. There will be few members from coun-cil that are available that weekend.

• Pastor Mark asked for council members to lead the March 5th retreat. He will schedule a meeting with Luann, Mary, and Sandy who volunteered to assist with this.

(Continued on page 10)

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Old Business

1. Congregation financial update at services - no additional updates are needed as we just started new year

2. Church use policy Pastor Mark • This continues to be a work in progress

3. Update on policy regarding Saturday Services for fourth of July and Fall Ride weekend and Creation of a task force to provide council with a policy regarding services that fall on non-religious holidays and events. (Sandy)

• We reviewed the policy with the additional revisions that were requested from the last meeting. Steve made a motion that we approved the “Special Event Policy”. Mark Seconded. Motion passed.

• Sandy will send the final document with the notes to Debbie and all council members.

4. Update on creation of a narrative budget • This was presented at the annual meeting. Council agreed this was a better way to present the budget as it placed

the focus in the right place. We will review this again in September when we start the next budget year.

5. Sabbatical (Pastor Mark) -gave an update with his Pastor report

6. Task force regarding wedding policy review update (Brian/Luann) – no update.

7. Mileage Reimbursement Policy (Sandy) • We reviewed the draft proposal that Sandy rewrote using the new template. Revisions were discussed as it ap-

peared the current policy was not accurate. Sandy will make revisions and present at next council meeting for approval.

8. Snow removal. How do we ensure that it gets done and where should the funds for removal come from if there is not enough volunteer manpower to ensure it gets done?

• Council was informed that volunteers have come forward and a schedule has been worked out and this is no longer a concern.

9. Mortgage Options Action can be taken on March 1, 2016. Can we create a task force to

get this rolling and be ready to make a decision regarding the note by the February meeting. That way action can be taken on March 1st.

• The current mortgage is at Tomahawk Community Bank for 4.75% • Sandy made a motion that we authorize Brian to move forward to refinance the current church loan that matures

3/1/2016 through Tomahawk Community Bank for the three year fixed rate at 4.15%, to mature in three years, monthly payment of $5,078.94. Second by Bill. Motion passed. It was noted in the letter from Tomahawk Community bank that the payments will be spread over the remaining 15 year amortization on the loan and that there will be no associated fees with this loan renewal. There will be a prepayment penalty of 3/2/1%, but we will not be penalized for making any additional principle payments.

10. Ramp access at Grace House - • Building and grounds gave official approval to Al to move forward. Council also gave their blessing.

New Business

1. Congregational retreat planning for March 5th (Pastor). • This was included in the Pastor’s report.

2. Venison feed to support providing milk children in need

• This was discussed during the Strategic planning meeting. Feb. 28 is the date of a noon meal.

(Continued from page 9)

(Continued on page 11)

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3. Painting of stairwells (Ken) • Ken has the details on this and since he was not here, we decided to wait until the next meeting to understand

the details.

4. Council calendar (Brian) • Brian let council know that he is starting to organize a council calendar that he will share with everyone to

review.

5. Devotions sign up

• Mary volunteered to read us the verse from Galatians through May and lead the questions. Brian will send out a sign-up sheet for the rest of the months.

6. Council Covenant • Each council member needs to sign the council covenant. Those not in attendance – Brian will work with

Debbie to work with those not in attendance.

7. New council member meeting

• There will not be a separate meeting for Mark and he will learn right at the meetings.

8. Review and revise consent agenda items

• We decided the only items we could take off at this time included GTF and picture directory

9. Insure all ministries and committees are aware of budget amounts that the 2016 budget has granted them (February 2016) Note: Financial committee will need to follow up with any groups that exceeded their budget last year to ensure they understand that we cannot continue seeing this happen.

• Finance committee will be having their first meeting

• This committee was formed to help council make decisions so we need to let them know the expectations • It was discussed that they should reach out to each of the ministries and committees that submitted a budget

request and in writing let them know how much they were approved for at the annual meeting as well as let them know how much they were budgeted last year and how much they spent

• They should also monitor budget and will receive the same statement that Sherry reviews with council so we are all working from the same financial documents

10. Staff reviews (When will these be completed for council review?) • Staff reviews are completed except Pastors Mark’ review. He will make a copy for Brian, Mary and Sandy for

their review and comments. • Brian will send out a message to see when we can meet with Pastor Mark on his review.

11. Nomination committee (two members needed and Sarah Mann & Cathy Schmit are interested) • Steve motioned to accept Sarah Mann and Cathy Schmit to the nomination committee. Seconded by Mark.

Motion passed. Brian will contact Forrest to make sure he contacts Sarah and Cathy to let them know as well as make sure they get invited to the first meeting.

12. Recap of Annual meeting

• Mary pointed out 2 items that should be addressed

• Low attendance – how do we get greater attendance ◊ We discussed that maybe we need to switch the date. A suggestion was made that we look into

doing this in between Sunday worship services in place of on a Wednesday. We will review this in a future meeting.

• How do we get the annual report ahead of time ◊ It was pointed out that we have all the procedures in place for this, but due to copier machine

issues this year, this got delayed

Continuing resolution for staff not being elected or serving on council (Luann)- no update

Adjourn meeting – Mary moved we adjourn. Luann seconded. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm

Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer

Minutes by Sandy Wick, Secretary

(Continued from page 10)

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LITURGICAL ROLES

March 5 & 6 Acolytes 5:00 pm Child of God 8:30 am Brynn Beaumier 10:45 am Aiden Schreiner Greeters 5:00 pm Peggy Price Al Overhaug 8:30 am Zastrow Family Roman/Shirley Derleth Family 10:45 am Harold/Audrey Pedersen Readers 5:00 pm Dar Kluball 8:30 am Shirley Derleth 10:45 am Carol White Ushers 5:00 pm Dar Kluball Ron Lueneberg 8:30 am Jim VanNorman Renee Raasch Jerry Jagmin 10:45 am Steve & Greg Heikkinen Nursery 8:30 am Maggee Renn 10:45 am Child of God Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Mindy Gabrich 8:30 am Corey Colburn 10:45 am Nancy Herbison Communion Assistants 8:30 am Child of God Lynn Brown Running Projection 5:00 pm Don Tinker 8:30 am Paula Norman 10:45 am Phyllis Marquardt

Video Record—Abby Norman Projection Set up Bill Zorr Altar Guild Heather Nieds Georgie Crass, Rita Hilgendorf Counters Linda Pashek, Bob LaNou Julie Dentler Video Delivery Harold & Audrey Pedersen

March 12 & 13 Acolytes 5:00 pm Child of God 8:30 am Madelyn McCormick 10:45 am Haley Liebelt Greeters 5:00 pm Debi Tinker Dar Clements 8:30 am Gary & Judi Calhoun Tobias Family 10:45 am Jody/Emily Decker Readers 5:00 pm Sharon Lamer 8:30 am Sandy Wick 10:45 am Lynn Brown Ushers 5:00 pm Peggy Price Georgie Crass 8:30 am Lane & Brett Beaumier Jim & Audrey Charles 10:45 am Mary Hoglund Marilyn Smikth Nursery 8:30 am Jackie Wick 10:45 am Child of God Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Mark Gaedtke 8:30 am Dave Schmit 10:45 am Al Overhaug Communion Assistants 8:30 am Cathy Schmit Joe Story Running Projection 5:00 pm Sue Mielke 8:30 am Zach Volz 10:45 am Betty Hudson Projection Set up Lisa Elliott Altar Guild Georgie Crass, Rita Hilgendorf Heather Nieds Counters Linda Pashek, Bob LaNou Julie Dentler Video Delivery Roger & Kathy Cook

March 19 & 20 Acolytes 5:00 pm Child of God 8:30 am Jade Wanta 10:45 am James Kincaid Greeters 5:00 pm Rose Hoff Bernice Mitchell 8:30 am John & Kari Krueger Randy & Cindy Blair 10:45 am Harold/Audrey Pedersen Readers 5:00 pm Nona Arthur 8:30 am Brian/Laurie Schmidt 10:45 am Nancy Herbison Ushers 5:00 pm John Kromm Dave Dettmering 8:30 am Don/Carolyn Halverson Don/Jeanne Rae Paulson 10:45 am Craig & Dawn LaFevre Nursery 8:30 am Kole/Kaylie Svacina 10:45 am Child of God Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Joe Story 8:30 am Paul Kurth 10:45 am Jane Schuller Communion Assistants 8:30 am Brian & Cindy Storm Running Projection 5:00 pm Jason Mielke 8:30 am Margie Welke 10:45 am Dravin Schmit Projection Set up Paula Norman Altar Guild Georgie Crass, Rita Hilgendorf Heather Nieds Counters Linda Pashek, Bob LaNou Julie Dentler Video Delivery Nancy Bronsted

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EASTER SUNDAY—March 27 See Sign up or call the office Acolytes 6:30 am 8:30 am 10:45 am Greeters 6:30 am 8:30 am 10:45 am Readers 6:30 am 8:30 am 10:45 am Ushers 6:30 am 8:30 am 10:45 am Nursery 8:30 am 10:45 am Assisting Minister 6:30 am 8:30 am 10:45 am Communion Assistants 8:30 am Running Projection 6:30 am Karen Torkelson 8:30 am Karen Torkelson 10:45 am Projection Set up Karen Torkelson Altar Guild Georgie Crass, Rita Hilgendorf Heather Nieds Counters Linda Pashek, Bob LaNou Julie Dentler Video Delivery-Brian Schmidt

April 2 & 3 Acolytes 5:00 pm 8:30 am 10:45 am Greeters 5:00 pm Rose Hoff, Lynn Brown 8:30 am Paul/Dotti Andersen Fran Anderson Marie Knipfer 10:45 am Jody & Emily Decker Readers 5:00 pm Lynn Brown 8:30 am Shirley Derleth 10:45 am Jeannie Gudgeon Ushers 5:00 pm Dar Kluball Jeanette Lovsletten 8:30 am Wick Family 10:45 am Children of God Nursery 8:30 am Brynn Beaumier 10:45 am Jody Decker Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Al Overhaug 8:30 am Corey Colburn 10:45 am Nancy Herbison Communion Assistants 8:30 am Margie Welke Joe Story Running Projection 5:00 pm Don Tinker 8:30 am Lane Beaumier 10:45 am Eli Wurl Projection Set up Keri Kelley Altar Guild Donnie Renn, Peg Thomas Counters Barb Schiltz Ruth Ann Richardson Video Delivery Harold & Audrey Pedersen

April 9 & 10 Acolytes 5:00 pm 8:30 am 10:45 am Greeters 5:00 pm Dar Clements Bernice Mitchell 8:30 am Ed & Chris Raasch Renee Raasch 10:45 am Andy & Luann Kiander Readers 5:00 pm Al Overhaug 8:30 am Mindy Gabrich 10:45 am Lynn Brown Ushers 5:00 pm Ron Lueneberg Peggy Price 8:30 am Bill Erickson, Jack Lauder Kirsten Marcks 10:45 am Dawn & Craig LaFevre Nursery 8:30 am Addison Villar 10:45 am Drew vonSchrader Assisting Minister 5:00 pm Gail Wilson 8:30 am Dave Schmit 10:45 am Wendy Black Communion Assistants 8:30 am Mindy Gabrich Child of God Running Projection 5:00 pm Sue Mielke 8:30 am Jackie Elliott 10:45 am Jared Kiander Projection Set up Chris Raasch Altar Guild Peg Thomas, Donnie Renn Counters Barb Schiltz Ruth Ann Richardson Video Delivery Roger & Kathy Cook

LITURGICAL ROLES

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MARCH BIRTHDAYS

1. Betty Hudson Jan VanNorman Judy Webie Jessica Kinnally 3. Lois Wolf Mary Wilke Sandra Olsen Ryan Brunner Jered Decker 5. A.J. Massa

Al Overhaug Kirk Kind Patti Gaedtke Brenda Siren Andrew Mielke Lisa Miller Harrison Hirt 6. Edward Johnson Jon Skuball Aaron Barr Celie Koth Tyler Jones

Aiden Schreiner Mason Schreiner Logan Schreiner

7. Gary Randall Dale Arnott Gordon Schultz Cindy Blair Kaye Mathwich Brian Moyle Andrew Wilson 8. Kristy Watzlawick

9. Sheryl Garfield 10. Annette Yustus Leitta Turgeon Phyllis Heikkinen 11. Michael Gauerke Ruth Ann Richardson Todd Halverson Jordan Szarkowitz Addison Beining 12. John Pashek Jacob Colstad Stacey Watzlawick 13. John Kromm Ryan Koth Jared Kiander 14. Jennifer Massa

Bill Strand Phyllis Marquardt Eugene LaNou Samantha Lund Emily Zastrow Andrew Kluck 15. Marleen Lehnherr Katie Downing Chelsea Marten 16. Robert J. LaNou Patricia Anderson Pam Dallmann

Isaiah Ristau

17. Kole Svacina Olivia Brown

18. Hugo Suominen Nona Arthur Thomas Behling Scott Herbison Heidi Haring 19. William Schiltz

Hope Baacke 20.

Don Halverson Dixie Erickson Sarah Sudbury Forrest Gibeault Jax Loka Peg Thomas ALiya Winter 21. Charles Douglas Ida Brown Gary Jaecks Denise Oelig

Mike Galganski Whitney Osero Skye Scheffler

Sandra Clevenger Don Narloch

22. Thomas Stone Katherine Hirt Paula Norman 23. Ken Kangas

Kathy Jenks Chris Downing Hannah Solie

Lou Lemay 24. Jacey Teal Peggy Winter

25. June Gaedtke Amber Engel Megan Gustafson Eric Hesse Carol Mueller 26. Bill Burcalow Andrew Harper Ashley Diermeir 27 Deb Forslund Laurie Walenton Kelly VanStrydonk Michael Bellile Kamron Olson 28 Gene Wiedow

Joann Noah Raina McCumber

Hannah Schmit Phyllis Biever

29. Gabriel Lobermeier 30. David Lemke Marlee Kiander Molly Mott 31. Sara Prock

Dane DeKiep Karen Calhoun Ayla McCormick

Attention Thrivent Account Holders!

If you own a Thrivent account/product you are most likely entitled to Thrivent Choice Dollars. This means you can designate your Choice Dollars to Grace Lutheran or any other registered organization. You may do this online when you log into your Thrivent account or you can call 1-800-547-4836. There is a deadline of March 31st to designate your Dollars. Other registered organizations are: Our Sisters’ House, Lincoln Humane Society, and more. Just ask the operator to read them to you. If you choose Grace Lutheran as the recipient of your Dollars and you would like your Dollars to go to a specific ministry, you must call the office: 1) the amount of your Dollars 2) the ministry you would like your Dollars to go to.

When we receive the Dollars from Thrivent, it is a lump sum; it is not an itemized list.

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

108 W. SOMO AVENUE

TOMAHAWK, WI 54487 Change service requested

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit #37

Tomahawk, WI 54487

Thrivent Action Teams You may have noticed more information about Thrivent recently. Thrivent Financial has two programs that directly help congregations. Some members have “choice dollars” which you can designate for a church or accepted program as you choose (you will have received a notice if this applies to you). All members can ap-ply for two $250 grants, called “Action Teams.” You can purchase membership for $19 (purchased member-ship is limited to one Action Team application per year). There are three types of “Action Team” grants. See examples below of grants for which members have applied and been accepted:

• Fund Raising Action Team– Fat Tuesday Pancake supper on Feb. 17th • Service Action Team – used to purchase blinds for windows in two rooms in the lower level of

church. • Education Action Team – “Building Better Relationships” resources for marriage preparation

Worship Services

Saturday—5:00 pm Sunday—8:30 & 10:45 am

Wednesday/Lent 1:00 & 7:00 pm Contemporary Worship 2nd & 4th Sundays @ 8:30 am Easter Worship—March 27 Sunday: 6:30, 8:30 & 10:45 am NO Saturday Worship on 3/26

Community Easter Dinner—Sunday March 27 11:00 am to 1:00 pm—Rodeway Inn & Suites Banquet Hall

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Tomahawk invites you to join them for Easter Dinner. A robust meal of ham, potatoes, coleslaw, corn, rolls and yummy desserts will be served.

Home deliveries are available for shut-ins or people with disabilities. Please call 715 453-5391 to request home delivery.

Sponsored by St. Paul Lutheran Church “Sharing the Heart of Jesus in the Heart of the Northwoods”