Dear Church Family,
Roast turkey with sage dressing, rosemary red potatoes, peppered parsnips and turnips, biscuits with
cranberry-orange relish, baked apples 'n 'almonds, gingerbread, hazelnut coffee (My mouth is salivating
already and I've just had Thanksgiving Dinner a few days ago!).... Doesn't t the thought of a Christmas feast
make your mouth water? But what if you sprinkled pepper all over everything? Now it doesn't sound so appetizing-
 , does it?
The same things can happen with this season. At its core is a baby who grew up to be the One who
would redeem all the world. But sometimes he's hard to detect under all the other embellishments our culture
adds to this time before Christmas. That's why greeting-card sending, gift-giving, family gatherings, and other
traditions leave a not so good taste in some people's mouths.
It doesn't have to be that way!  The purpose of our Advent Series this year is to help us make sure the
flavor of Christ's presence stays prominent. By "seasoning" each of the aforementioned Christmas traditions
as the Bible directs, this should enable us to keep our focus on Jesus as the main ingredient of our holiday
celebrations. And then, as we look back over the season, we '11 find it full of substance and savor.
Grace Church will be seeking to season Advent by applying the truth of who Jesus is to our lives. That
means we '11 need to do something that will integrate the true meaning of Christmas in these days prior to
Christmas. Here is a brief rundown of the themes of this Seasonal Advent Celebration:
Sunday, November 28 - Season Your Greetings
Sunday, December J - Season Your Giving
Sunday, December 12 - Season Your Gatherings (Children's Program this Sunday)
Sunday, December 19-Season Your Glorifying
I trust this Advent Series will prepare us for Christ's coming as we reflect on the true meaning of this
most wonderful season.
Blessings
AL

Christian Education

Thank you to Fall Teachers
We are very grateful for the dedication of our Sunday School teachers.  Thank you to the following fall teachers:  Janet Dornfeld, Janet Nustad, Dave Polachek,Kathy Rosendahl, Kathy Weiner, Heather Boesch, Loel Gorden, and Cindy Burt.  Opening worship: Tammy Engstler and substitute teachers: Pam Lica, Cheryl Polachek and Mary Rennells.

Teachers for Winter Quarter
December 5-February 27
nursery . . . . . . . . Janet Nustad and Darcie Prodzinski
Ages 3-K . . .... . .  Dave Polachek
Grades 1-6 . . . . .   Kathy Rosendahl
Grade 7 . . . . . . ..   Heather Boesch
Grades 8-12 . . . . .  Dave Hansen and Emily Rosendahl
Adults . . . . . . . . .   Loel Gorden
Parenting . . . . . . .   Cindy Burt
Music Leaders . . ..   Tammy Engstler and Kathy Weiner
Worship Leader . . .   Tammy Engstler

Christmas Program
The Not So Silent Night is the title of the Christmas Program on Sunday, December 12 during the 10:45 a.m. worship.  Three young shepherds joyfully shouted God's praises after visiting the baby Jesus.  How were they to know they were disturbing the peace?  Join them in a Bethlehem courtroom for a rib-tickling trial.

The whole cast practice date is Saturday, December 11 from 9-11:00 a.m.  More small group practice dates/times will be arranged by Nancy Dornfeld, the program director.  Nancy will contact children/youth with their program assignments.  We would llike every child/youth ages 3-18 to participate in the Christmas Program.  Please contact Nancy Dornfeld if you have questions.

The Mitten Tree
Take notice of the Christmas Tree in the Fellowship Hall decorated with hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves for children.  Please donate items and place on the tree before January 2.  On Monday, January 3 Nancy Dornfeld will deliver the items to WK Elementary School to go to children who need these items to keep warm outside.

Laser Tag Fun
On Friday, November 12 the Youth Group went with Heather Boesch and Jason Cunningham, her fiance, to Winona Computer for three games of Laser Tag.  They ended the super good time by eating pizza together at Godfather's.  Thanks Heather, for planning the event!!

Adult and Children's Libraries
This is just a reminder to go visit the libraries in our church and check out a book, CD, or video!!  You will be glad you did!

Making the Most of Marriage
Seven classes on building a marriage to last a lifetime.  You will be inspired, encouraged and entertained!!  Dr. Kevin Leman, a world-class authority, counselor and author, speaks on the video followed by group discussion.  Classes are for couples already married and couples or individuals who are considering marriage or remarriage.  It will be held at First Baptist Church's chapel room on seven consecutive Sunday evenings from January 9 - February 20, 2005.

Leadership Training
Leadership Training will be held in Galesville, WI on Saturday, Janurary 15, 2005.

Acquire the Fire
Today's teens are searching for something REAL.  Much of television, internet, fashion and media paint a false picture of what reality is.  This year's Aquire the Fire event is called Keep it Real to make the Bible real so that it can be applied to situations teens face everyday.  It is a powerful 2 day event for youth in grades 7-12. It's packed with impact speakers, bands, and live drama.

Acquire the Fire will be held at the Target Center in Minneapolis on February 11 and 12.  The cost of $35 per person will be covered by the youth activity fund.  Pastor Al has volunteered the use of his house for people attending from our churches to stay overnight. Please contact a C.E. Committee member or Doug if you have questions.  Our youth need to sign up to go by Sunday, December 12.

Administrator's Report
Officer Leadership Training Workshop
First Presbyterian Church of Galesville will be hosting a leadership training workshop on
Saturday, January 15, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Rev. Mary Ann Moller-Gunderson will be leading the workshop. She has great experience
in leading workshops for churches looking for ideas for change and enhancing their current
ministries. She led the John Knox Presbytery Spring Revitalization Retreat and was well
received.
This is open to all members of Grace Presbyterian Church. If you have questions, please
contact Candi or Doug. The only personal charge for this event will be lunch. Please
contact Candi before December 15, if you wish to attend.

Remembrance Fund
A new microphone was purchased for the Lectern from the Remembrance Fund. This is a
welcomed improvement to our sound system and enhances our worship services.

GRACE SUPPLIES MEALS FOR HABITAT
Habitat for Humanity volunteers are very appreciative of the delicious meals we serve to
them the first Saturday of each month. We have served two meals so far and there were no
leftovers! Each group consisted of about 16 people who were glad for the noon break. In October they
enjoyed chicken noodle soup and in November they feasted on chilli.

If you can help with the main course, fruit,
vegetable, dessert, drink, or even serving the meal,
please sign up on the chart on the bulletin board.
 

PRAYER CHAIN UPDATE
OUT Prayer Chain is a wonderful way for
us to share our prayer concerns with each other.
When you have a prayer concern please call
Elayne, Doug, or Candi. They have a list of
people to call, and those people also have a list to
call, all the way down the line. Our-Prayer Chain
needs a little updating, however. YouwiHsee a
new chart on the bulletin board. Please sign up if
you wish to be on the prayer chain and if you
would like to call people or not. -lfyouare.not
able to get to church, please call the church office
and leave a message if you want to be included in
the Prayer Chain, and also let us know if you
prefer to call others on the chain or.ifyou'd rather
not. Praying is vital and we appreciate any help
you could do to be part of the chain.
We will be updating the list this month and
hope to have it completed in January. Thank you
for helping make this important chain keep work-

Clerk's Corner
Jennifer MacAslall, Clerk of Session
In manger bed on fragrant hay; The precious Baby Jesus lay;
Gentle Mary proud vigil kept; The Holy Infant smiling slept;
Soft lambs and sheep beside Him stayed, Warm shields from chilling cold winds made.
Wise Men and shepherds traveled afar, Guided by rays of gold-gleammg star.
Heralding angels chorused in flight
The gladness of that glorious night.
Rich gifts of praise were given to greet
The sacred Christ Child, precious-and sweet
A brilliant, bright halo encircled above
The cradled dear Baby, God's.giftof love,
The hopes for joy and peace were born,
Our wondrous gifts, that firstChristmas morn
by Elisabeth Weaver Winstead
It's that time of year aganilBesuretotakethe
time to enjoy it all! There will be many ways:to
remember the real reason for the season here at
Grace this month. Dori't misslhemi Happy
Holidays!
 

CIRCLE  I The christmas party will be on Dec 3 at 6 PM at the lowery residence

CIRCLE  II  will meet for lunch at prime stake and cake at 12:30 PM on Wed Dec 8th
this will be the last meeting untill April 2995

CIRCLE  III will meet at the church Dec 14 at 9 AM. Leona Theile will be the hostres
Emily Krumm will give the devotions:  Mary Rennells will present  lession * 8 from What she said
 

Doris Horst, long-time member of Grace, passed away November 15th. A memorial
service was held November 26 at Grace Church.
Our sympathy is extended to Dick and the Horst family.

Cheryl Connolly is recuperating from surgery.

CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING   ~ ~~
The special offering to be collected on Christmas Eve will be donated to New Focus of Winona. The
New Focus program, which was born out of Winona Area Poverty Roundtable, is multi-denominational,
faithbased training offering participants a way to escape poverty permanently. New Focus provides a
cost-free 18-week program to assist participants in the area of personal money management and is
sustained by financial suport of area churches. Please give generously to help keep this program
performing an important service to our community.

Prepare the Way
2004 CHRISTMAS J0V OFFERING

The Christmas Jov Offering will be taken on Dec. 19.

 Presbyterian tradition for almost 70 years, the Christmas Joy Offering is one of the four
special offerings designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to provide
congregations direct ways of supporting specific causes that help those in need.
The receipts from the offering are distributed equally to the Board of Pensions for-assistance
programs to recognize the faithfulness of current and retired church workers by providing funds to
help them through difficult times and to the National Ministries Division of the G.A. Council to
support Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges. (Barber-Scotia College, Concord, NC;
Cook College and Theological School, Tempe, AZ; Knoxville College, Knoxville, TN; Menaul
School, Albuquerque, NM; Presbyterian Pan American School, Kingsville, TX; Sheldon Jackson
College, Sitka, AK and Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL)

The Offering recognizes the faithfulness of current and retired church work
ers by providing funds to help them through difficult times.
 

You are cordially invited to attend our
CANTATA CONCERT
December 19,2005
3 O'clock P M
First Baptist Church
Cantata composed by Dr. Patruk O'Sht
conducting cembined choirs from Grace Presbyterian and first Baptist Churchs
voices. Guest soloists and musicians from from St. Marys University
Free will Offering
 

Per Capita - $21.79 pe Communicant member
Please pay your share