Grace Presbyterian Church
Winona Minnesota

JANUARY 2005 NEWSLETTER

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Peace is my reality as I trust the wisdom of God to guide me. "You guide me with your counsel."
Psalm 74:24

I had worked at the City of Goodview for almost 21 years when Kjersti became pregnant with Jacob
and Zachary. I know God was giving me the "nudge" to consider changing my career into a daycare provider
grandmother. One November evening I told my husband, Steve, I wanted to quit my job. His first words were
"What brought this on?" I explained to him that I felt God was talking to me to temporarily change my career
and help Kjersti, Mark and the babies. After a short discussion he assured me that he would support whatever
decision I made. I made my offer to Kjersti and Mark and they agreed to accept. I then gave my resignation
notice to the City. I know that some of my co-workers and friends felt that I was making the wrong decision
and would regret it later, but I knew it would only be a matter of time before they understood I was so at peace
with this decision.  As it turned out, the babies were born 9 weeks early and weighed 3 Ibs. I oz. and 3 Ibs. 5
oz.  I was never needed more!  I provided loving daycare for 19 months when we all agreed it was OK for
them to attend regular daycare and be with other children.
It was at that same time that Hugh was developing the "Team Concept" for Grace.   God gave me
the "nudge" to submit my application to be part of the "Team". I know now that God had a bigger plan for me
beyond providing daycare for Jacob and Zachary. He knew it long before I did but eventually I caught on
I am starting my third year as Administrator at Grace. I have never looked back changing my career of 21 years.
I couldn't have asked for it to be better! It has been wonderful to work with Doug, Al and Hugh and I am
looking forward to 2005. Thank you for granting me the privilege to work among you. I have an old eraser
that I have keep in my desk at home. I can't remember where I got it but it has a great message. It reads
"Smart Women Make Changes". If I were to change it, it would read "With Guidance, Smart Women Make Changes

Peace to you all
Candi
 

 Property Sign Folder
If you want to borrow church property, please check with a team member to make sure the church will not
be using the property during the time you want to borrow it. Also record it in the red church property
sign out folders on Candi's desk. Also for your convenience, there is a property sign out book in the
kitchenforsigningoutidtchenthings. It saves so much time in making phone calls to track down our
church property if it is not signed out. Thank You.

Christian Education

Christmas Program Review

The Not So Silent Christmas was a fun program with a contemporary
courtroom scene full of humor and music while telling the story
of the joyous news that Jesus Christ is born, sent from heaven as our
savior. The cast included 26 children/youth from ages I - 16 years old
and 6 adults. Special thanks to the following: Dan Barr who accompa-
nied on piano; three great directors - Nancy Domfeld, Janet Nustad and
Kathy Weiner; Ellie Grieseland Derek MacAskill for making the sloopy
joes; the Fellowship & Evangelism Committee for serving the lunch;
Ellen Mrvicka for making Jesus' birthday cake.
 

Sunday' School Attendance in 2004
Winter quarter - -
average 26 per Sunday = 58%
Spring quarter - -
average 27 per Sunday = 60%
Fall quarter ----
average 32.7 per Sunday= 72%
2004 average
is 28.5 per Sunday= 63%
(this includes ages nursery - adult
Sunday School with a guessed
notential of 45 neonie attending
 

Follow-up on the Mitten Tree

The Mitten Tree in the Fellowship Hall was decorated
very well with hats, mittens, gloves and scarves for children.
Nancy Dornfeld will deliver the items to WK Elementary School
to go to children who need these items to keep warm on these cold
frosty days. Thanks to all who contributed to the Mitten Tree,
giving warm love to a child.

Saturday Night at the Movies
On Saturday, January 15, 7-9:00 p.m., youth grades 7-12 are invited
to meet at Grace Church for movies and popcorn. In the weeks
before, youth will be given a chanceto vote on their favorite movie.
Finally the top two movies will be chosen and shown at the same time
in different rooms on January 15.Youth may invite friends to come.
Popcorn will be provided, but each person attending should bring their
own pop.

Aquire the Fire
Six youth and three adnits have committed to attending the Aquire
the Fire event to be held at the Target Center in Minneapolis on
February II and 12. The people going
are:  Dan Mrvicka, Jessica Arndt, Ben Weiner, David Rosendahl,
Mercedes Martin, Rachel Nustad, Heather Boesch, Doug-Rosendahl,
and Al Kleinsasser. They plan to leave from Grace Church parking
lot by 2:00 p.m. sharp on Friday, February II and retumby 11:00
p.m. Saturday, February 12. "Registration has been paid by the youth
education fond. .The group will be staying overnight at Pastor Al's
house in Minneapolis.
The theme of the event is Keep it Real to make the Bible real so that
it can be applied to situations teens face every day. It includes impact
speakers, bands, singers, and live drama.

Making the most of marriage

Seven classes on building a marriage to last a lifetime. You will be in
spired, encouraged and entertained!! Dr. Kevin Leman, a world-class authority,
counselor and author, speaks on the video followed by individual;
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 to February 20, 2005, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Please sign up on the bulletin board by January 9th. Cost of the
work book is $8.00

PW - Thank Offering
Thanks to your generosity our tetal
for the Thank Offering was $212.
 

 Office Staff Schedule

JOYS

Dan Gilbertson had a benign tumor removed from behind his right ear and everything is going very
well.
Jacob Domfeld was a member of a YMCA Junior Olympic Cross Country Team track team that
went to for a National Meet in Schaumbnig, IL in early Dec. Since not all members could attend the
meet they only competed as individuals. Those that went (and their chaperons) had a wonderful and
exciting time.
Congratulations to Derek MacAskill who graduated from Winona State University on
December 17, 2005, with a BS degree in Management Information System.
Patrick O'Shca was nominated to be entered in the Who's Who Among America's Teachers by
former students as one who has shaped and inspired the students' current achievements.
Helen Bundy celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 26.

Jennifer MacAskill, Clerk of Session
While the session has not met over this busy holiday
season, the members have all been very busy with the
activities going on at Grace this month. Thank you to
all who have participated in any way with the Advent
Event, the Christmas program, and the Cantata. All
have been truley joyous experiences!  Joyous Noel!

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

FELLOWSHIP & EVANGELISM

The committee will meet Thursday, January 6th at
5:30 pm to discuss our 2005 calendar. If anyone has
any ideas for fellowship or evangelism, please
contact a committee member.
Thanks to all who helped, donated or attended our
events this year. We appreciate your support.
 

CONCERNS

Carol Rcnnells Bell was injured during a volley ball game and will have knee surgery in January.

Ellen Mrkvicka fell outside her home and injured he knee and her ankle.

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-Girnderson 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 Revilalization 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 lo 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.

 Fundraising Committee
 There will be a short fundraising committee
 meeting just after church on Sunday, January 9
to set dates for our two events. Please come if you can
 
 

BOO  (book of order)

Every month a topic of concern to our church will be address in this column.
The Topic will come from questions you have about the church, the session, or what goes on in church.

G-6.0400-G-6.0402  Deacons

The office of deacon as set forth m Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of
Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest, repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love,
warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for Ibis office.
It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minisler to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless and
to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. They .shall assume such
other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the session, such as leading the people in
worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the People, and
assisting with the Lord's Supper.
 

Starting Sunday. January 9th. and for the rest of the Sundays in January, Pastor Al and Doug will be doing a
sermon series based on Part II of Richard Foster's book "Celebration of Discipline."
These are the outward disciplines and include: Simplicity, Solitude, Submission and Service.
There will also be a bible study on Wednesdays (January 12, 19, 26 and February 2) that will follow the
sermon topics. It will be held at Grace Presbyterian beginning at 5:45 pm, ending by 7:00 pm.
Please join us as we begin a new year of spiritual development.
 

Part Time Janitor

By recommendation of the Corporation Committee, we will continue to hire a part time janitor to
clean the church the first and third weeks of the month.
The ORC will continue to clean the second week of the month as an ongoing local mission project.
We will also have members of our church volunteer to clean the fourth week (and fifth week if necessary).
This proved to be a successful program in 2004.
Thank you to Dick Graham and Dave Kennebeck for serving as our janitors.  Each cleaned once a month.
Both did an excellent job of keeping our church clean.
They have both agreed to clean again in 2005. For those of you who have said you would rather
help to pay someone to clean than have to clean the church, here is your opportunity! If you would like to
donate to the janitorial fees, please mark your check as "Janitorial Services" and hopefully we will again gather
enough money to support the janitorial expenses for this year. Thank you to all who financially supported this
program in 2004.
On the other hand, if you would rather clean, here is your opportunity to do so. Just sign up on-the
volunteer list OH the bulletin board for the last week (or weeks) of any given month. The church will still need
to be cleaned the fourth week (or fifth if needed) each month.  For those of you who cleaned in 2004, thank
you for sharing your time.
This proved to be a great solution for everyone and the church was well cleaned!