1. Art and Diseño

Grace to You
Grace Episcopal Church
The Very Rev. H. Scott Kirby,
Priest in Charge
January, 2015
[email protected]
www.gracechurch-ricelake.org
We’re on Facebook!
119 W. Humbird Street
P.O.Box 477
Rice Lake, Wisconsin 54868
715-234-4226
Church circuit: 715-434-1040
Our vision: “Come to know and live with God at our table.”
“The mission of Grace Church is to have a church committed to God and our neighbors, sustained by
individuals dedicated to providing spiritual opportunities to enhance the feelings of family and community.
Highlights of the
Annual Meeting
January 25, 2015
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Delegates to the Diocesan Convention in
Eau Claire in the fall will be, Eileen Yeakley
& Suzanne Funck, with Jim Pelish & Marv
Thompson as alternates.
The date for Art in the Park will be Sunday,
June 14th, one week earlier than in past
years.
Mary Marsh was elected to another term as
Sr. Warden.
Elected to the Vesty for three-year terms
were: Janelle Gruetzmacher and Suzanne
Funck.
A motion was made by Finance Committee
person, Jim Pelish, to purchase the property
next door to the church at a price not to
exceed $30,000. After lengthy discussion,
the congregation voted to pass this motion.
The Vestry will now proceed to negotiate
the sale. If this sale is accomplished, the
congregation will then investigate and
prayerfully consider how best to use this
property.
A recommendation from the two committees
that Outreach and Stewardship be combined
to help us make a year-round effort to be
effective in our communities.
Grace Church Vestry
Mary Marsh,Sr.Warden
Steve Salisbury,Jr.Warden
LaVonne Thompson, clerk
Mary Thompson, treasurer
Elected Vestry:
Greta Franti (2016)
Dave Rau (2016)
Joe Burnap (2017)
Paul Chase (2017)
Janelle Gruetzmacher (2018)
Suzanne Funck (2018
Please bring your palms to church by
Sunday, Feb. 15th, as they will be
burned outdoors, weather permitting,
for use on Ash Wednesday.
Thank Yous
Christmas greetings from
NAMI of Barron County
Thank you so very much to The Very
Reverend H. Scott Kirby and the Vestry of
Grace Episcopal Church for your support of
Barron County NAMI over the years. For
allowing us use of your facility for office
space, a place for our Board of Directors to
meet and now a place for our monthly
“Family Support Group” to meet. It is very
much appreciated and has been of immense
help. We strive very hard to provide
education, support, and advocacy to those
living with mental illness, their families and
the greater Barron County Community.
Thank you for coming along side us to help
make Barron County a better place to live.
THANK YOU so much for helping 305 children
have a wonderful Christmas. These children were
part of 124 families that were struggling and not
helped by other area organizations. Your donations
of toys, gift items, food, hats, gloves, blankets,
games, books, and monetary donations were very
appreciated. The group of volunteers that deliver
the packages see many tears and got hugs and thank
yous that are also directed to you for your help, too.
God bless you and yours,
“Operation Santa”
Elking Orlando Martinez says, “Gracias” for our
support this year. Elking was born on Sept. 22 and
is now 11 years old. He is in the 4th grade and likes
Math and Spanish. His favorite food is mangoes.
He lives with his mother, father, and 7 siblings. His
favorite pastime is “playing”. Elking receives our
support through ChildFund-Honduras.
February Birthdays
1 Jennifer Cipra
4 Mikaya Byrne
7 Scott Tubbs
15 Maxine Bradley
16 Matthew Haynes
19 Jeannie North
25 Valerie Leair
25 Joe Burnap
28 Kathy Rudd
A Lenten Reflection
Give up complaining—focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism—become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments—think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry—trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement—be full of hope.
Give up bitterness—turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred—return good for evil.
Give up negativism—be positive.
Give up anger—be more patient.
Give up pettiness—become mature.
Give up gloom—enjoy the beauty that is all around.
Give up jealousy—pray for trust.
Give up gossiping—control your tongue.
Give up sin—turn to virtue
Give up giving up—hang in there.
There are still a few open dates to cook in
February and March at the shelter. Go on
the website www.benjamins-house.org for
detailed information and to check the signup calendars. There is a super easy system
to coordinate your night to fix supper. Take
a look!
Grace Episcopal Church
Vestry Meeting Minutes
January 18,2015
Present:
Excused:
Senior Warden Mary Marsh, Junior Warden Steve Salisbury, Treasurer Mary Thompson,
Clerk LaVonne Thompson, Stacey Tubbs, Jane Bender, Greta Franti, Joe Burnap, and
Father Kirby
Finance Committee members: Jim Pelish, Craig Fowler, Jon Olson, and Tom Yeakley
Paul Chase and David Rau
Mary Marsh called the meeting to order at 8:20 a.m., followed by a prayer by Father Kirby.
Minutes of the 11/16/14 meeting were reviewed and accepted as printed on motion of
Steve/Stacey. Motion carried.
Report from the Priest in Charge -Father Kirby reported:
 We are awaiting delivery of the 2015 offering envelopes. Jon Olson is providing temporary
envelopes.
 Lenten study opportunities are being considered. Pass any suggestions along to Father Kirby in
the next couple of weeks.
 Once a month inter-generational Christian Education program is being evaluated to allow for
family involvement in a study/activity format.
Junior Warden's Report - Steve reported:
 The temporary sexton hired for cleaning the main floor of the building is working out very well;
this person will continue on a permanent basis.
 Paul's Sheet Metal changed the gaskets on the boiler. An agreement to check the air
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conditioning unit and the furnace on a contractual basis is being evaluated. The
heating/cooling system is working at this time.
The Rice Lake Lake Free Clinic is seeking donations to reach their goal of $2,500 by February
1. Thrivent Financial will provide matching funds up to their goal. It was noted that our parish
donated $1,000 to the Free Clinic last year in lieu of monies not earned due to the cancellation
of our Art in the Park fund-raiser.
The community's Aqua-Fest celebration is scheduled for one week earlier this summer, which
means our Art in the Park fund-raiser will be on Sunday, June 14th.
Senior Warden's Report - Mary Marsh reported:
 Our parish participates with the Rice Lake Ministerial Association in carrying out the
responsibilities for ACEO (Area Churches for Emergency Outreach). Volunteers from member
churches respond to requests for assistance on a rotational basis. Mary, who volunteers for our
parish, explained the purpose, process, and utilization of resources, and encouraged others to
get involved with this ministry.
 A list of our parish ministries and volunteers is posted in the great room. Mary requested that
everyone review this information and note any changes on the list.
 Scholarship applications will be mailed/e mailed to Barron County high school counselors in the
next couple of weeks. It was noted that there is a balance of $2,100 in the scholarship fund.
 Jordyn Beranek has posted Study Abroad Opera - Italy on Facebook where she is soliciting
online donations to further her study abroad.
 Changes to the parish by-laws will be presented for consideration at the annual meeting.
 Planning for the 2015 Art in the Park fund-raiser will begin soon. The change in date will be
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submitted to the Midwest Art Fair magazine, applications will be mailed to artists about February
I, and a meeting will be scheduled with our Bethany partners.
The Mission Board for the Diocese is scheduled to hold their first meeting at our parish on
Saturday, February 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Father Kirby explained that the Diocese is
working to develop a system whereby participation will be possible through Skype.
Treasurer's Report - Mary Thompson distributed financial reports for CY 2014. The reports were
reviewed. Mary explained that she maintains two accounts: a checking account and a savings account.
The savings account includes monies held for Clergy Search, Art in the Park, Memor ial Fund and
General Savings. The funds in the savings account are maintained separately on a spreadsheet. Account
balances on January 31, 2014 were:
Checking account
$35,667.00
Savings account
56,430.00
It was suggested that:
 the general savings held in the savings account be defined as "building sinking fund" to provide
clarification that the money is held for repairs/maintenance not anticipated during the budget
process.
 transfer of funds for general purposes from the checking account to the savings account will be at
the treasurer's discretion.
Seminary Support for 2015 - Mary Marsh stated that historically our parish has supported the
seminary attended by clergy serving the parish. Most recently we have supported the General
Theological Seminary, where Father Kirby completed his studies. It has been suggested that we
consider support for Nashotah House, which is located in Wisconsin. Discussion followed with regard
to opportunities to support both institutions. Motion: Steve/Jane to invite the Dean of Nashotah
House to visit our parish for an update on their programming; and further that there be
solicitation for individual donations for Nashotah House; and further that the parish match
individual donations up to a maximum of $1,500. Motion carried. Father Kirby will facilitate the
Dean's visit to our parish.
Sale of property next door to the church - The property adjacent to the church property on the west is
being offered for sale. Mary Marsh opened the discussion noting that Father Scott and Heather Kirby
have generously committed a $5,000 donation for the purchase. In addition, there is an anonymous
donor who will match their donation. Discussion was held following which it was the consensus of the
vestry to present two questions to the parish membership during the annual meeting: 1) Buy the
property, or 2) Don't buy the property. Jim Pelish and Craig Fowler volunteered to lead the
presentation.
Proposed budget for 2015 - Mary Thompson distributed a draft. Jon Olson reported that to date he has
received 24 pledges totaling $68,392. Line items were reviewed and discussed. It was recommended that
Clergy Salary be increased by $100/month. No other changes were noted. Mary Thompson will make the
adjustment to the budget for presentation at the annual meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
Respectfully submitted by Clerk LaVonne Thompson
From the Priest-in-Charge
Report at the Annual Meeting
Grace Church, Rice Lake
25 January 2015
Reports at Annual Meetings have always been a problem for me. You don’t
want to say too little, but then again you don’t want to say so much that
you have turned folks hearing off. Where do you begin and where do you
end. Well, today I hope I have found the right measure.
In this morning’s lessons, we find God at work rattling people’s cages.
There is poor old Jonah. He really didn’t want to go to Nineveh, but after a
rather interesting submerged journey, he finally does what God asked him
to do. Of course when the people of Nineveh repented, Jonah got so mad
that he went outside the city and sulked. Now St. Paul was so frustrated
with his congregation in Corinth that he literally comes apart at the seams –
what you think matters really doesn’t matter at all. Even if you are married,
live like you’re not (I could see me getting that across to Heather). Jesus is
on the road collecting followers. I wonder what Peter’s wife thought after
Peter drops everything and heads off down the road with Jesus and Andrew.
And, what about the father of James and John – does he have to go out and
hire two more workers; and what about the family business. Ah, yes! - God
at work bringing in His kingdom regardless of how unexpectedly and
wonderfully it happens. It could be like shaking a cage waking up a sleeping
lion.
Think back several years. Grace Church was struggling. The parish was
without a priest, the debt on this new building was large and seemingly
impossible to get past so that ministry could be accomplished, the keyboard
was playing through an old guitar speaker, Christian Education was a
questionable item, and more than a few folks really wondered if the parish
would remain vital. Well, God rattled some cages, and things look different
now. We have an air conditioned church, a new organ, the front yard is no
longer the world’s largest in-town dandelion patch, we don’t have to worry
if we can pay the next bill, worship is alive and well, and Sunday’s after
mass are times of happy fellowship. Even more importantly, is the spiritual
reality that infuses the parish. Grace Church has moved past a maintenance
mode into an outreach mode. Music scholarships, work within the
community that makes life fuller and richer for the people of Rice Lake,
work outside Rice Lake that impacts lives across the globe, and willingness
to take on and accomplish tasks that proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord. Indeed,
you folks at Grace Church are those about whom we prayed this morning in
our collect for the day. The people of Grace Church are those who proclaim
the Good News – that Jesus is the Savior of this world and everyone in it.
We serve for Jesus’ sake.
This coming year I believe that God is calling us to accomplish even more in
the proclamation of His saving Gospel. I believe that He wants to rattle our
cage of what has been done to make us aware of what still needs doing.
1. We have struggled over the past few years to provide a Christian
Education for all ages. This past Advent Dr. Paul Chase led us in a
program that explored traditional theology in a new but historic way.
This coming Lent, I am asking that we come together to learn and
engage one another in a program presented by the Reverend Mother
Barbara Crafton – Embracing Forgiveness. We hope to combine with
this program an intergenerational component on one of the Sunday’s
in Lent. This Lenten study will require that we do some time changing
and structure of our worship, but it worked well in Advent and is worth
a try during Lent.
2. The parish needs to continue to investigate how we can provide
Christian Education on a regular basis for our families who live at a
distance and where the parent’s work schedules do not permit time for
church. We also need to remember that school schedules are full to
overflowing for young people. With the help of the Vestry and those
wishing to be involved, I would like to work on program that would
provide a family Sunday for parents, children, and as many members
as wish to participate. Intergenerational concepts I believe are
important for the success of such a program.
3. Since December, I have been concerned that our pastoral outreach in
the parish needs some shoring up. New folks will come to church, feel
very welcomed, say they wish to return, but never do. This needs the
attention that I cannot give since my schedule does not permit me to
be in Rice Lake more than I am now. Therefore, I will be asking
members of the Vestry and the membership at large to assist in this
outreach ministry to new comers: are there needs to be met, does
their schedule preclude their participation in the on-going and worship
life of the parish, and if there are these problems, how can we help
bring them into fellowship.
4. I think we were all impressed by the participation of the young people
and young adults of our parish on Christmas Eve. I hope to build on
their witness in order to provide a strong core group that would
strengthen our Sunday worship and provide an opportunity for them to
grow further in a life of faith and fellowship.
5. Speaking of Sunday worship, you will note that our attendance for this
year is down from previous years. This is not a healthy trend, but it is
a trend that we can reverse with commitment and a willingness to
practice our faith and fellowship. Now, if I am the cause of someone’s
lack of attendance, please let me know my offence so that I may work
to correct the situation.
Much here at Grace Church has been accomplished, but there is still more
to be done. You are a people who are exciting to work with and who really
do proclaim and serve God within these walls and outside. I feel privileged
to be here as your priest-in-charge, and I thank you for all the support you
have given me since my arrival. I thank you in advance for the support that
you will give as we build up the kingdom of God in Rice Lake and Barron
County.
From her Facebook page:
January 7, 2015
My name is Jordyn Beranek, and I’m an
opera student at Southern Methodist
University. My hometown is Rice Lake,
WI. I was accepted to a program in Italy
(Musica nelle Marche) this summer to help
me further my education. In the opera
world, singers are expected to participate in
summer training programs before emerging
as professionals. This way we study from a
number of individuals in the field as well as
gain contacts for our professional life.
Unfortunately, it is expensive and is in
addition to our costs at universities. This
program would be incredibly beneficial for
me, because in addition to the music and
acting training, I would have intensive
Italian language study while being immersed
in Italian culture.
Tuition is $3,995 and flights to Italy
estimate at $1,500. I was offered a $1,000
scholarship, but that still leaves me with
$4,495 to pay.
Any help would be so much appreciated!
I would be more than willing to sing for
you!
Here is my SoundCloud page with
recordings:
https://soundcloud.com/jordyn-beranek
Editor’s note: You may do an online
donation on Jordyn’s Facebook page. Or
you can write to Jordyn at
7324 Skillman St., Dallas, Texas 75231
or email her at
[email protected]
Prayer Chain Requests May Be
 Telephoned to Mary Elbert at
715 234-7843
 Emailed to
[email protected]
 Submitted to our website
www.gracechurch-ricelake.org
February, 2015, Ministry Schedule
Feb. 1
4 Epiphany
Feb. 8
5 Epiphany
Feb. 15
Last Epiphany
Feb. 18
Ash Wednesday
Feb. 22
1 Lent
The Service
Holy Eucharist
Father Kirby
Holy Eucharist
Father Kirby
Holy Eucharist
Father Kirby
Heidi Olson
Craig Fowler
Jon Olson
Heidi Olson
Joe Burnap
Torch
Bearers
Lector
Eucharistic
Ministers
Eucharistic
Visitor
Ushers
Leair/Haynes
boys
Greta Franti
Nancy Pelish
Mary Marsh
Nancy Pelish
X
Tom Yeakley
Jon Olson
Jane Bender
Tom Yeakley
Jon Olson
Mary Marsh
Holy Eucharist
10:00 a.m. &
6:30 p.m.
Heidi Olson
6:30 p.m. Steven
Salisbury
X
Holy Eucharist
Father Kirby
Organist
Crucifer
Morning Prayer
Worship Leader
Needed
Heidi Olson
X
Counters
Lynn Fowler
Mary Ellen Filkins
Lynn Fowler
Coffee Hour Heidi Haynes, Holly
Hosts
Pimentel, & Val Leair
Bev Burnap
X
X
Bev and Steven
Salisbury
Joe Burnap
Steven Salisbury
Heidi Olson
Jane Bender
Heidi Olson
Paul Chase
Tyler and Janelle
Gruetzmacher
Tyler
Gruetzmacher
Nancy Bender
Nancy Bender
Stacey Tubbs
Mary Marsh
6:30 p.m.Nate
Levenhagen
X
X
X
X
March 1
2 Lent
Paul Chase
Nancy Pelish
Jim Pelish
Paul Chase
Nancy Pelish
Bev Burnap
Craig and Lynn
Fowler
Stacey Tubbs
Craig and Lynn
Fowler
Paul Chase
Lynn and Craig
Fowler
Jim Pelish
Craig Fowler
Tom and Eileen
Yeakley
Tom Yeakley
Mary Ellen Filkins
LaVonne
Thompson
Bev Burnap
Mary Marsh
If you are unable to serve as scheduled, please try to find your own substitute.