the Stewarship dinner 11/6/2004    holoween Party 10/30/2004    session retreat 10/30/2004
holiday Fair 11/13/2004

Doug Rosendahl   

Read any good religious books lately? Apparently you have according to the number of sales of
religious books which grew by 37% in 2003. The Book Industry Study Group predicts that religious
book publishing will expand by 6 percent this year. The trade magazine "Publishers Weekly" reports
that 18% of book buyers said in a survey that they had purchased a religious or spiritual book within the
past 12 months.
Something's happening in this corner of the book world, something that reflects religion's prominence-
  in public life. "Religion is very much in the public square, says Lynn Garrett, a religion editor at
"Publishers Weekly". " We see that today in television, and movies as well as publishing. Post 9/11, a
lot of today's issues wrap themselves around religion."
The prominence of religious or spiritual themes constitute a rebuttal of sorts of the secularzation
hypothesis, the notion that religion would fade as reason advanced and benighted souls saw the error of
their superstitious ways.
Books are a tool for the faith journey not only for free lance spiritual explorers, but also for
contemporary congregations, where they provide a call to community experience. Our churches study
and discussion of Richard Foster's Spiritual Disciplines is a good example. Mark Tauber, publisher of
"Harper-San Francisco", says "Partly what People want is to be with other people in Community. Religion-
  has always been about community."
Henry Carrigan at T&T Clark involkes the mid 20th century insight of theologian Paul Tillich
that "religion is the substance of culture and culture the form of religion". The vigor in religious pub-
publishing is simply helping to make more and more explicit how deeply grounded in religion our cultural
forms really are.
As we move into the Advent and Christmas season, keep on reading, not only other books on
religion but The Book on religion, the Bible.
See you in Church.
Doug Rosendahl
 

Christian Education

One cold autumn morning on Saturday, October 16, an enthusiastic group of 11 riders wearing warm gear
and hats and a dog named Sammy wearing a sweater, started out on a bike ride in the Trempealeau Wildlife
Refuge. We tried to keep a steady pace. Youthful riders were far ahead. Twice we stopped to pump air into
flat tires. Finally our group saw other bikers, a few slow-moving cars, but no wild critters crossed our path.
After one hour and 39 minutes we were back at the Refuge entrance. The church was a nice warm place to
eat our potluck lunch together. Look for pictures on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board.

Operation Christmas Child
Sunday School children packed eight boxes full of supplies bought with the money from your donations,
plus the toys the children bought. These boxes will be delivered to the collection site in November then
sent on to many countries where needy children receive the boxes by Christmas time. Thank you for your
generous support of this wonderful mission.
Christmas Program
Our Church School Christmas Program will be held on Sunday, December 12 during the 10:45 a.m. worship-
ship service. 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 Domfeld, the program director. Nancy will contact children-
/youth with their program assignment. We would like every child/youth ages 3-18 to participate in the
Christiiias Program.  Please contact Nancy Dornfeld if you have questions

Upcoming Important Events to mark on your 2005 calendars:

I. 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-
lowed 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.

2. Leadership Training in Galesville, Wl on Saturday, January 15, 2005.

3. Acquire the Fire Youth Event for grades 7-12 youth will be held in the Twin Cities on February
11 and 12. The cost is $30 per person. (Our youth has an activity fund set aside to be used for such
events). Please reserve these dates on your calendars!! More information will be coming.
The Christmas Spirit is the title of our Christmas Program which will be held on Sunday, December 12
during the worship service at 10:45 a.m. Please note the practice date on your calendar: Saturday.
December II from 9-11 a.m. Other practice times/dates will be listed in the November newsletter.
Watch for it. We would like every child/youth ages 3-18 to participate in the Christmas Program.
Please contact Nancy Domfeld if you have questions

M & S

The members of GPC have the opportunity to help Habitat for Humanity through a new project:
providing and serving the noon meal on the first Saturday of each month. We started in October, when we
served food to eighteen workers at the Habitat building site. Each month we provide an entree (we recommend
a hearty soup like chili), bread, fruit/vegetable, dessert, and possibly a drink. Look for a sign-up
sheet on the bulletin board. In addition to donations of food, we will also need one or two servers each
month. If you have questions or would like to help, contact Kathy W. or Janet N.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMAN

PEACE OFFERING
We received $290. One fourth of the offering or $72.50 was matched with funds from
our Mission Fund for a total of $145 for Project FINE.

CROP WALK
We had 8 walkers: Gayle and Jessica Arndt, Jean Hayes and
Imani, Doug Rosendahl, Mercedes Martin, Rachel Nustad
and Laura Weiner. The giving of sponsors totaled $580. Thank
you to one and all. See you next year.

CAKE PAN SALE
Thanks to all who purchased cake pans. We were able to
donate $300 to help replenish the Capital Improvement Fund
 

PW THANK OFFERING
The women will take their annual Thank Offering (including Health Ministries) in Nov. Envelopes raid
information will be handed out on Nov. 21 to be returned on Nov. 28 or as soon as possible.
Those who will receive financial support from this offering will be selected by chosen by a PW National
committee in early 2005. There are 14 criteria that must be met to be considered including consistency with the
mission concerns and policies of the PC(USA). Grants support new and creative projects that meet the needs of
people who are aging, disabled, homeless, refugees, as well as children, youth and women through educational,
health, peace and justice programs.
Programs are selected based on merit, regardless of their geographic location. At least 40 per cent of this
Offering goes to health related projects. In 2003 $987,000 was given that will help fund 50 projects.  Check
the bulletin board to see how money from last year's offering was used.
Consider prayerfully this opportunity to help those in need.

GARDEN PROJECT
Part of the money from the Pentecost Offering taken last spring was given to the Womens' Resource Center
to help fund their garden project for children. A Journal of the activities of the children is on the bulletin board
and is very interesting reading. Be sure to take a look - take it down if you wish in order to really get an idea of
what a wonderful activity this project was.

GRACE PLACE has moved! Come help celebrate Nov. 13 from 9-12 at 66 E. 2nd Street
Silent Auction from 9-10:30.
 

Mark your calendars! There is a congregational meeting scheduled for Sunday, November 7th at
church to vote on the Session recommendation of continuing with the current team for the 2005 calendar;
year.
Session would like to thank Loel Gorden & Mary Lowery for their wonderful work while on session. They
will be missed, but I'm sure both will continue to be busy doing the work of the church.

Enjoy the last of the fall colors
 

Jennifer Dietrich and Derek MacAskill were married at Grace Church on Oct. 2.
Leona and Wally Thiele celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Oct. 16
Gloria and Howard Rockwell celebrated there 50th wedding anniversary on Oct. 21.
Jake Dornfeld was inducted into the Winona Senior High School National Honor Society
September 27,2004.
 

Mickey Barr's mother, Betty MacMillan, died Oct. 15 in Alpena, MI. A Memorial Service is
planned for November 13 in Alpena.
Frank Morawiecki's father, Frank Sr„ died on Oct. 19 in Winona.
Our sympathy is extended to both families.

Where Are Our Recent GRADUATES?
Brent Domfeld - WSU - next semester Univ. of Wl at Eau Claire
Jon Lica - Univ. of WI at Oshkosh
Alison Philipps - WSU
Zachary Stark - US Army - just completed Basic Training.
Nick Morawiecki - Columbia College in Chicago, IL

Yes, Per Capita is with us:again. this year the amount is $21.79. We are assessed this amount
the PC(USA) for each comimiaicarit member. The money is shared by General Assembly, Synod and
Presbytery to meet many of their expenses. We benefit through the services offered to us by these
three agencies.

Circle I will not meet in November
The Christmas Party will be Dec 3 at 6 PM a the lowery Residence

Circle II Will meet in the fellowship hall on Nov 10th at 1:30 PM.
We will study Lession 4 in the Horizon Magazine "What She Said"

Circle III Will meet in the church Nov 9 7 PM
Mary Rennells will be the hostess- Emily Krum will give
 the lession # 7 from what she said Thelma Weiser will have devotions.
 

Anyone who studies GPC treasurer's reports cai

have no doubt that lots of work goes into its formation. When Jean first assumed the responsibilities
of church treasurer. She did not know what would be demanded of her, but took on the job without
reservation. She struggled with many new duties while gaining an understanding of what had
been done in the past. The process was complicated by having to work with unfamiliar computer soft-
ware. While finding a way to make it all work, Jean constantly strove to provide a financial report that
was meaningful and user-friendly. It has now been nearly four years since she
began this journey. As I assume the position of treasurer, I will have the experience and advice of a
trusted friend, Jean, to smooth the way. With Jennifer MacAskill (assistant treasurer) to help
make sense of the computer program, I have a reasonable chance at a good start in this new position-
 . Jean had none of these advantages when she first began this work. Thanks again, Jean!
Janice Jacobson, Treasurer
 

Alternative Gifts International
www.aitgifts.org

Faith Lutheran Church is hosting the gift fair on Saturday, Nov. 20th, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. This
is a community opportunity to shop for gifts that will give to those in need world wide.
The Alternative GiftCenterwas started in l986 as an "alternative to excess." Its a way to share
our abundance with those much less fortunate. Education booths will be setup at the fair to
explain the gift opportunities offered in the areas of Hunger Relief, Shelter, Medical Assistance,
Water, Development, The Environment, Peace and Justice, Education, Child Survival, Sustainable
Agriculture, and Emergency Disaster Relief Prices range from $1 to $440. If you have people
on your holiday shopping list that do net need or  want another possession to fill their homes,
perhaps a gift to help the world, donated in their honor would be the best choice.

COMMIJMTY-WIDE THANKSGIVING
 SERVICE
.   NOVEMBER 24 - 7 PM AT
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
*Ecufmenical choir ( practice at 5:30 PM)
.   Sponsored by
Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
Grace Presbyterian church
Central United Methodist Church
Immanuel &  Homer United Methodist
First Baptist Church
McKmley United Methodist
First Congregational Church
St. Paul's Episcopal. Church
 

Holiday fair time
November 13th
9 AM to 2 PM