Pastor Clay’s Potter’s Wheel For this month’s “Mother’s Day edition” of Grace Notes I’m passing on to you a piece of tongue-in-cheek wisdom which Captain Joseph Ledger, Chaplain of the 2-127 Infantry Battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard, shared with me. It has to do with the Biblical character Ruth - a young woman who displayed high moral character and who waited patiently for a man, Boaz, to become her husband. You may read the account of Ruth, her mother-in-law Naomi, and Boaz in the Old Testament book of Ruth. It’s only four chapters and I commend it to you not only as an interesting story, but also as a fine source of wisdom we can emulate and apply to our lives today as we travel on our faith journeys. Regarding Mother’s Day, the book of Ruth illustrates, among other things, Naomi’s motherly love toward Ruth, and how Ruth displayed the values of loyalty, respect, courage, and generosity toward Naomi after her (Naomi’s) husband and two sons died. One of the sons had been Ruth’s husband. Naomi’s other daughter-in-law left, leaving Naomi and Ruth to struggle for survival in a patriarchal society in which women, and especially widows, were often neglected and marginalized. In such a situation many woman were (and still are) tempted to settle and/or compromise their moral character in their struggle to get by. But Naomi and Ruth remained steadfast in their faith (which is also our faith.) Hence, the foundation for the following “motherly” advice for young women: To all the girls who are in a hurry to have a boyfriend or get married, a piece of Biblical advice: Ruth patiently waited for her mate, Boaz. While you are waiting on YOUR Boaz, don’t settle for any of his relatives: Broke-az, Po-az, Lyin-az, Cheatin-az, Dumb-az, Drunk-az, Cheap-az, Lockedup-az, Goodfornothin-az, Lazy-az, and especially his third cousin Beatinyo-az. Wait on your Boaz and make sure he respects Yo-az. God bless you this May and especially on Mother’s Day as we celebrate all the women who strive to faithfully serve the families of God’s kingdom in “motherly” love. In Christ, Pastor Clay MAY 2013
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Transcript
Pastor Clay’s Potter’s Wheel
For this month’s “Mother’s Day edition” of Grace Notes I’m passing on to you a piece of
tongue-in-cheek wisdom which Captain Joseph Ledger, Chaplain of the 2-127 Infantry
Battalion, Wisconsin Army National Guard, shared with me. It has to do with the Biblical
character Ruth - a young woman who displayed high moral character and who waited patiently
for a man, Boaz, to become her husband.
You may read the account of Ruth, her mother-in-law Naomi, and Boaz in the Old
Testament book of Ruth. It’s only four chapters and I commend it to you not only as an
interesting story, but also as a fine source of wisdom we can emulate and apply to our lives
today as we travel on our faith journeys.
Regarding Mother’s Day, the book of Ruth illustrates, among other things, Naomi’s
motherly love toward Ruth, and how Ruth displayed the values of loyalty, respect, courage,
and generosity toward Naomi after her (Naomi’s) husband and two sons died. One of the sons
had been Ruth’s husband. Naomi’s other daughter-in-law left, leaving Naomi and Ruth to
struggle for survival in a patriarchal society in which women, and especially widows, were
often neglected and marginalized. In such a situation many woman were (and still are)
tempted to settle and/or compromise their moral character in their struggle to get by. But
Naomi and Ruth remained steadfast in their faith (which is also our faith.) Hence, the
foundation for the following “motherly” advice for young women:
To all the girls who are in a hurry to have a boyfriend or get married, a piece of
Biblical advice: Ruth patiently waited for her mate, Boaz. While you are waiting on YOUR
Boaz, don’t settle for any of his relatives: Broke-az, Po-az, Lyin-az, Cheatin-az, Dumb-az,
Drunk-az, Cheap-az, Lockedup-az, Goodfornothin-az, Lazy-az, and especially his third
cousin Beatinyo-az. Wait on your Boaz and make sure he respects Yo-az.
God bless you this May and especially on Mother’s Day as we celebrate all the women who
strive to faithfully serve the families of God’s kingdom in “motherly” love.
In Christ,
Pastor Clay
MAY 2013
Minutes - March 18, 2013
Present: Chris, Joan, Amy, Phil, Herm, Katie & Pastor Clay
Absent: Mira, Ken, Nate, Rob, Jennifer & Paul
Meeting called to order at 6:05pm by Chris.
Prayer concerns & celebrations:
Drew Stepleton, Anne Hablewitz, Olivia Voight
Sue Mokler’s graduation from Certification School
Devotions: Pastor Clay – Saul on the road to Damascus.
Approval of February 2013 minutes: MSA Herm / Phil
Treasurers report by Katie: Approval for audit – MSA Joan / Herm
Approval of March agenda with one amendment: MSA Herm / Phil
Executive Committee Report:
Chris – looking into investing some of the undesignated funds.
Church organ needs repair. MSA to have repairs done – Herm / Phil
Pre-School Report:
They will be adding a day to the 4 yr old class to make it a 4 day school week.
Planning for a spring rummage sale.
Need to find a new site for the aluminum can collection to make room for the coffee bar – the Pre-School
board will look into new site.
Pastors Report:
Monthly Activities
Thank you from the Synod
Payroll option – MSA to use ADP for payroll and taxes - Joan / Herm
Mission of the Month – received Thank You from Ripon HS Music Dept
March Mission of the Month is Kiwanis Autism iPod Project
Deployment update
Motion to adjourn – MSA Phil / Herm
Meeting adjourned 7:03pm
Submitted by Council Member, Herm Leitz (for Mira Stepleton)
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Habitat for Humanity
We raised $640 for Habitat for Humanity at the Good Friday Ecumenical service. This
offering will go toward building a HFH house here in Ripon. If you know a family who
may qualify to help build and reside in this house, or you would like to work on this
HFH project or contribute financially, please contact Norine and/or make your check to
Grace Lutheran Church, memo Habitat for Humanity.
COUNCIL MEMBERS (2012—2013)
Chris Mokler, President (2013 term) Philip Karsnia, VP (2014 term) Mira Stepleton, Secretary (2014)
4921 Song Bird Court 662 S. Grove Street 514 Howard Street
To Cathy Jess for her beautiful calligraphy on baptism, 1st communion and
confirmation certificates
To the Kelm families for decorating the cross for Easter and for arranging the
Easter flowers. Thanks to Curt Belau, Jane Redman and Pastor Clay for helping
with carrying flowers and watering duties
To Ed Ott for the donation of a new American Flag
To Jon and Dan Heatley for clearing away the broken branches and debris after the ice storm
To the Property Committee for their tireless efforts in keeping the church property beautiful and
functional
To our Serving Groups for their planning and participation in the recent birthday party & funeral meal
To Everyone who contributed to the 9th grade Malaria World Service Project. Watch the June Grace
Notes for the results!
To Phil Karsnia, Chris Mokler, Sue Mokler, and Ian Stepleton for designing and continuing to expand
our website
Mission of the month—MAY CROP walk
Let’s help end World Hunger. Please make
checks payable to Grace Lutheran Church
with Crop Walk written in the memo line.
SCRIP Order Deadline: May 5
The Best Moms Deserve the Best Gifts! Order yours today!
Mother’s Day is right around the corner! This May 12th, show Mom how much you care. She
deserves the best, so give it to her with gift cards! Whether she would love a day at the spa,
an evening of fine dining, a trip to the movie theater, or new clothing and accessories, you will
find all the retailers you need to make her day special. When you shop with gift cards this
Mother’s Day, you will also be earning rebates that support Grace Lutheran Church. It
is seriously smart shopping that will make Mom proud!
Get an A+ in Gift Giving!
Show your teachers how much you care & support Grace Lutheran Church! As the school year
comes to a close, it is great to thank teachers for all their hard work. Get extra credit and
give them a smart gift that is guaranteed to please!
GRADUATE From Cash—Give Gift Cards!
Graduating seniors are getting ready to put on their caps and receive their diplomas. Give
grads a gift that is better than cash or checks—gift cards! Cards for clothing, dorm
essentials, entertainment, food and gas—would all be appreciated!
Contact Norine if you have any questions. This is an EASY way to help Grace earn
additional funds—ASK ME HOW and I will help you get started.
Sharing Table Join us for a meal here at Grace
Lutheran on Tuesday, May 14th.
Meal served from 5:00—6:30 p.m.
All are welcome at the table
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Dylan Martinez, son of Jon and Carrie Martinez
Gabrielle Murphy, daughter of James and Aimee Murphy
Joanna Salmela, daughter of Rev. Clay and Peggy Salmela
Braze Schendel, daughter of Doug and Veronica Schendel
Samuel Schwertfeger, son of Paul Schwertfeger and Lisa Wiese
Sophia Walheim, daughter of Paul and Tricia Walheim
Cody Wiesmueller, son of Clint and Barbara Wiesmueller
Benjamin Wolf, son of Daniel and Ginette Wolf
Seth Zimdars, son of Terry and Norine Zimdars
Keep these young people in your prayers
as they make a public profession of their faith and promise:
to continue in the covenant God made with them in Holy Baptism:
to live among God's faithful people, to hear His Word and share in His supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus,
and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
Upon the successful completion of the Confirmation course of study, the congregation, families and friends are invited to celebrate the confirmation of:
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May 19, 2013 at 9am
(one worship service that Sunday!)
Reception honoring our Confirmands will follow the service.
Feeding the Flock—Food from Grace
We have the opportunity to order a reprint of Grace’s cookbook, Feeding the
Flock.—Food from Grace. However, the minimum order is 100. Please let
Norine know if you are interested in purchasing additional cookbooks. These
cookbooks would make great gifts for any occasion!
Grace Readers - Book Club - Upcoming Discussions
April Book Discussion – Thursday April 25 at 6pm
The Blue Bottle Club by Penelope Stokes
In 1929, four friends gathered in a cold, dusty attic on Christmas day to make a
solemn pact. "Our dreams for the future," they whispered, placing tiny pieces of paper into a blue bottle. But
the girls' dreams of love, fame, and success take a twisted path of difficulty caused by seduction, betrayal, and
loss––and nothing turns out as expected. Years later, local news reporter Brendan Delaney stumbles upon the
bottle and discovers the most poignant story of her career...and possibly the meaning she's searched for all her
life.
Where to find a copy: Ripon Library has several copies available – also in LARGE PRINT & e-book.
Amazon and Christianbook.com sells both books & e-books.
May Book Discussion – Thursday May 30 at 6pm
A Perfect Day by Richard Paul Evans
Robert Harlan has three loves in his life: his wife, Allyson, his daughter, Carson, and his writing. As a sales
rep for a small radio station, he has hopes of one day leaving it all behind for a successful writing career.
When he is unexpectedly laid off from his job, Allyson encourages him to pursue his dream of writing. He
writes a novel entitled “A Perfect Day”, based on the last few months Allyson and her father spent together as
he died of cancer. The story becomes a huge success and Robert finds himself swept into a new world far
from his wife and home. In time Robert loses track of the things he loves most until he meets a stranger who
begins telling him intimate details about his past, his present and, most important, the brevity of his future.
Thinking that he has just weeks to live, Robert begins to discover the truth about himself; who he has become,
what he has lost and what it will take to find love again.
Where to find a copy: Ripon Library has several copies available – also in LARGE PRINT & book on CD.
Amazon sells both the paper book & e-book.
ENJOY READING SOME WONDERFUL BOOKS OVER THE SUMMER –
WE WILL PLAN FOR READING DISCUSSIONS TO BEGIN AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER
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Please note: Marvin & Shirley Vollbrecht have a new address.
Tamarack Place SW101, N84W17147 Menomonee Ave., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051.
Phone: 1-414-530-3725
The Property Committee has scheduled a
clean-up day for Saturday, May 18th.
Clean-up at the church will start at 8:00
a.m. Please bring any tools you would like
to use for the day. There will be jobs
indoors and outdoors!
Church Signs
The best vitamin for a Christian is B1
Can’t sleep? Try counting your blessings
Under same management for over 2000 years
Don’t give up—Moses was once a basket case!
No Jesus—no peace, Know Jesus—know peace!
Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due
Grace Sunday School - Info and Updates
May/June 2013
Things continue to be active and eventful in Sunday School.
Please make note of the following upcoming events.
****LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL****
Sunday, May 12th – Last Day of Regular Sunday School classes
****CONFIMATION SUNDAY****
Sunday, May 19th – Confirmation at 9am Church Service
Please join the 2013 Confirmation Class and their families in celebrating this milestone in
their faith journeys. A hors d’oeuvres and cake & punch reception will be held
immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall. This is joyous occasion for ALL of
Grace to celebrate!
****YOUTH RECONITION SUNDAY****
Sunday, June 2nd – Youth Recognition Sunday at 9am Church Service
Please join us for this youth centered service. We will recognize Sunday School Students
Milestone Events & Attendance. Our Sunday School teachers, helpers & substitutes will be
recognized. We will also honor our High School graduates.
****SUNDAY SCHOOL MISSIONS****
Sunday School Mission Update - The offering envelopes students bring to Sunday School
each week support several worthy causes.
Current monies collected in the Spring semester (January – mid April):
Green Lake Animal Shelter (2yr old – 2nd grade classes) $139.00
Local Food Pantries (3rd – 6th grades) $142.85
Child Sponsorship through Compassion International (7th – 9th grades) $158.88
Donation checks will be issued to the Green Lake Animal Shelter and Ripon Community
Thrift Store & Food Pantry this summer from our spring collections.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of
heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)
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WOMEN OF GRACE
April Property Committee Report
Board members present: Fred Boese, Jon Heatley, Nelson Hinz, Phil Karsnia, Herm Leitz, Don Paulson, Tom
Voight, Keith Walker and Pastor Clay
Old Business:
Parking Lot: Getting bids from Fahrner Asphalt and Seal Appeal. Have the go ahead from the council to
seal and stripe the parking lot.
Exterior Painting: Waiting for bids from Novitske Custom Homes, Barry Zabel and Michael Weiske.
Considering covering the soffit and fascia with colored steel or aluminum and the ends of the church with
other material.
Flooring: Received 2 quotes, and the job was given to Paula’s Custom Color & Flooring. Flooring to be
replaced in room 14 and 16 and ladies choir robe room.
Women’s Bathroom Window: Waiting for bids from Dave Tremore and Josh Novitske. Bid was received
from Davis Custom Builders.
Air Conditioning: Quotes received from Condon and a revised bid from Gartman and asking for a bid from
Brewer Heating. We are asking for information and prices on different air conditioning set ups.
New Business:
Lawn Care: To be done by Jesse Washkoviak.
Outside Christian Flag: To be replaced from M&M.
Replacing burnt out lights in church.
Clean-up day for church property is on May 18th at 8:00 a.m.
Next meeting is on May 14th at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Submitted by Nelson Hinz
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Bakeless Bake Sale: A big Thank You to everyone who contributed to the Bakeless Bake Sale. We
made over $700 to be used for High School Senior Scholarships.
Daughters of Grace Banquet: Thank You to Dorcas and Rebekah Circles for planning this year’s dinner
and to Pick N Save for catering the meal. Ken Worthing provided the musical entertainment and a nice
time was had by all!
Question and Answer Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.
Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.
Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharoah’s daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
From our youth & family minister...
May 5 – Youth Group – we’re combining HS and MS groups for this
special presentation. A member of our congregation will be discussing
bullying with our youth…he believes he was a bully in school and will
share his perspective. Please come and join us for this important
discussion. 1:00 – 3:00 in the lounge.
May 19 – Confirmation – our 9th graders have worked and studied for two years to reach
this special day. Be with us as we welcome these new members of our church family. 9:00 a.m.
May 22 – Baccalaureate Service – Grace Lutheran, host church. Please join us to make
this a special event in our religious community. We are sending our graduates, those whom we
saw baptized and confirmed in our individual congregations transition to their adult life. Help
us express to them the importance of their Faith Formation and help them know that God and
their church family go with them wherever they are. 7:00 pm
Plan ahead:
June 2 – During the service, we will be honoring and recognizing our Seniors, thanking our
Sunday School teachers, and presenting Sunday School attendance awards. This is an
important Sunday and celebrates many milestones.
City Wide Youth Group:
It is with great excitement and anticipation that I share with you that the initial meeting of
the Youth representatives of the same churches who are planning for VBS has been held and
the group is committed to plan an activity for all youth. Watch the space for the
announcement of the joint summer activity and fall mission project. It’s going to be a real
blast and I hope everyone will get involved. Grace is responsible for the Fall mission project
so I’ll be seeking help in organization and planning!
Vibrant Faith at Home:
The Christian Education Team has processed a subscription to the Vibrant Faith at Home
website and will be providing information to you on how best to utilize the site. It provides
information for ALL family types and various activities for all ages. Please check out http://
www.vibrantfaithathome.org/ and begin to explore and as we move forward with the subscription,
watch this space for additional ideas on how to make the most of the subscription and guide