Church Calendar of events
Volunteer Schedule 2005
committee and group meeting times
 

Many years ago I bought a new vehicle, at least new to me, and noted that something wasn't
right about the way it drove. I didn't know if it was the steering or the tires. Not being mechanically
minded, I diagnosed, "It's running a little funny!" I took the car in and a mechanic friend of mine
checked it over and said it was the alignment. The master of the monkey wrench then taught me a
lesson in alignment. He said that any vehicle that does not have the wheels in alignment would not
function to its potential. When things are aligned everything works together for unity. At a meeting
in mid June, The Growing Faith Covenant Group invited our executive presbyter. Rev. Hal Murry
to talk to the members of the session and deacons about the recent survey that was completed by our
congregation in May. ( An analysis of that survey can be found in another part of this newsletter by
that committee.) From that discussion I would like to mention two ideas that will lead to achieving-
 alignment and unity at Grace Church and enrich our spiritual faith. The first is a discussion of a
book that Rev. Muny discussed that dealt with levels of belonging and how that relates to any
church. He said that the author mentioned four levels of belonging of people in the church:
1.  public, 2.  social,  3.  personal, and 4.  intimate. Each of these are appropriate and important to
each person, depending on their level of belonging that meets their needs and can lead to a deeper
faith. We need to meet people where they are, and be satisfied where people put themselves. Christ
met people at all four levels and they were transformed, and their faith was enriched,
The second is the idea of alignment. Even though we choose to be involved at different
levels, we can find something that aligns us and leads to a deeper faith.  What can we do in our,
church to achieve this unity, no matter what level of belonging we have chosen for ourselves? You
can probably think of some ideas, but the one I would like to have you try, is everyone read the same
scripture verses daily, and use them as a meditation. We have encouraged this by putting daily
scripture reading schedule in the Sunday bulletin. If we are all aligned with the study of God's
Word and incorporate this into our daily lives, and share this with others, especially those in our
church family, we will be able to see how God is working in our lives and among us.
The weddings and sharing of love the people this congregation have shown makes me really
thankful to be able to be able to serve on a team and for a congregation that truly lives and values
what they believe. Bless you all at whatever level of belonging that you choose to participate in our
church.
Doug

An Awesome Serengenti Trek!!

Sixteen children, ages 3-10, enjoyed five wonderful evenings June 5-9 at Grace Church and First Baptist VBS.  Each evening we moved to seven
action-packed activities:  Roaring songs, Bible Expeditions, Critter Crafts, Wild Games, Waterhole Snacks, Chatter Chipmunk Adventures, and
The Mane Event (closing).  The Bible Points were:  Know God, Talk to God, Tell about God, Love God, and Work for God.  Each day children
received a Bible Buddy to remember the Bible verse.  Parents were invited to join us at the Mane Event closing each day.

Both children and adults were excited about the week.  Thank you to the following adults and youth, helpers and teachers, who made the event
possible:  Pastor Al, Pam Lica, Dave and Kelly Dicke, Mary Rennells, Holly Martin, Cindy Burt, Gayle Arndt, Jessica Arndt, Betsy Friesen,
Tammy Engstler, Kathy Weiner, Rachel Nustad, Mercedes Martin, Laura Weiner,Kathy Rosendahl,and every parent or grandparent who
brought their child!!
 

Discovery Club

A new club will be starting this fall!  Discovery Club will have something for all ages.  It will meet on Wednesday afternoon 5:00 for a family
supper at church followed by Bible activities/ games for children ages 4-11, nursery for ages 0-3,  possible confirmation class meeting time for
grades 7-9, and an adult Bible study class.  At 6:50 p.m.  classes will be over in time for adult choir practice at 7:00 p.m.

Please check future newsletters for further information and starting date.  Children who loved VBS will LOVE Discovery Club!!  This does not
replace Sunday School, but is a wonderful addition!!
 

Confirmation Class Starting

This fall a confirmation class will be starting for students in grades 7-9.  Four youth have expressed an interest and plan to attend.  Planning for
the class is being done this summer.  More information will follow as to format and meeting dates and times.  If you have questions, contact
either CLP Doug Rosendahl or Pastor Al Kleinsasser.

The Nominating Committee of
John Knox Presbytery is seeking
your assistance in locating individuals
 from Grace Presbyterian Church
who would have the skills and willingness to serve on
various committees and/or positions. The Committee is looking for a pool of
"volunteers in waiting" who have the gifts for various positions needing
to be filled.
We have a vounteer guide from Presbytery outlining offices and
committees that make up the leadership of the Presbytery.  If you
think you'd like to share your gifts in this way, or want to review the
guide, talk to Doug or Candi.

 Frank and Nola Morawiecki are happy
 to announce the engagement of their
daughter, Myriah, to James Vargo.
Myriah is the granddaughter of Evie Fuglestad. The
young couple lives in Chicago. A tentative wedding
date is set for Memorial Day weekend, 2006.

Circle I will not meet untill September

Circle II will meet Wednesday, July 13th at 1:30 PM at the church.
We will Study Lession 5 (hulda) from the Horizan Magazine "What she said"
Visitors are always welcome
 

A Reminder: We are collecting used, clean prescription bottles
with caps, to be sent to hospitals and clinics overseas. Please note:
prescription bottles only. Perfume or shampoo bottles can not be used
for medicines. We have a good start so just keep on bringing your
empty bottles. Thank you.

BOO  (book of Order)

Every month a topic of concern to our church will be addressed in this column.
The topics will come from questions you may have about the church, the session,
or what goes on in church.
The question/topic this month is:
Electing and Ordaining Elders and Deacons

Congregational Meeting G-14.0204

a.   The election of elders and deacons shall
ordinarily take place at the annual meeting of
the congregation called for that purpose by
the session. ('G-7.0302')

Nominating and Voting Requirements
b. The moderator shall explain the purpose of the
meeting and then put the question: "Are you now
ready to proceed to the election of elders and
deacons? If the congregation is ready, the election
may proceed. In every case, procedures must
allow for nominations from the floor by any
member present. When the number of nominees
equals the number of elders and deacons to be
elected, the congregation may vote by voice vote
or show of hands. When the number of nominees
is greater than the number of elders and deacons to
be elected, the congregation shall vote by secret
ballot. A majority of all the voters present and
voting shall be required to elect

Growing Faith Covenant Group

On June 16, 2005 the growing with faith commit-
tee met with session, the deacons and Hal Murry to talk
about the survey that was given to members in May. The
response was excellent with over 70 forms returned. Kathy
Weiner has posted the numerical responses on the church
bulletin board for anybody that is interested. Later the
written responses will be distributed. There was a strong
interest in the education of the youth of our church and
being caretakers of God's creations. The areas that got the
least positive response were having a well maintained
building with up to date equipment and for the pastor to do
periodic home visits.
Over the next several months, the committee will
finish reviewing the survey and defining the priorities of
the members. It will make suggestions on the mission
statement of the church, based on the findings of the
survey. (I know, God created the entire world in 6 days.
Well believe me there is nothing divine about this commit-
tee. We are slow.)0nce a mission statement is accepted by
the session and the congregation, the values of the congre-
gation will be redefined into more precise concepts. Again,
the session and the congregation will be making decisions
on these also. Eventually these values and mission state-
ment will be used to direct the actions of Grace in what we
do over the next few years. Remember, the growing with
faith committee is merely the legs of this project. It makes
no binding decisions. This committee excels at indecisive-
ness.   Gary Hayes
 

CONGRATULATIONS TO...
Amber Huntley, senior shortstop on the Wmona Senior
High softball team, was selected to the All Big Nine
Conference team. Two others from the WSHS team
were also selected. Amber batted .274 for the year.

WELCOME

Georgia Swan Bair-MeGrath, beautiful daughter of
Danielle & David, and granddaughter of Dan &
Mickev Barr. Born .Time 17-8 lbs. 14 oz. 21 ½".

Rosendahl - Wagaman Wedding

We would like to invite our Grace Church Family to help us celebrate our wedding day
on Saturday July 16, 2005.  The church Ceremony will start at 3 PM
At Orchard Hill Church 12156 Elmridge Drive Ceder Falls IA.  Reception will follow at
Waterloo Center for the arts, 225 Commercial St Waterloo IA
 Please RSVP by Email
Jennrosendahl@yahoo.com  or call 319-551-4224
Reservations may be made at the Ramada Inn Waterloo by calling 319-233-7560

Worship Committee is seeking a Nursery Supervisor.
Contact Mickey Barr if interested (687-9021)

RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Keep nursery neat and picked up
2. Purchase and stock supplies in nursery (snacks, diapers, etc.)
3. Hire Nursery Attendant (I full-time and I back-up works well)
4. Keep Nursery Attendant advised of Worship time changes; church picnics, etc. if worship
is not being held in the church building and nursery services are not provided.
5. Wipe and clean nursery toys, if needed.
Thank you lo Kathy Rosendahl for cleaning the nursery. It looks very nice.