Grace Lutheran Church

202 2nd Street SE

Watertown, SD 57201

605-886-5737 | gracelc@midconetwork.com | glcwtn.org

Office Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Thursday

April / May 2024

Grace

Gleanings

to our beautiful community...

2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Bunny made a grand ​appearance at our 2nd Annual Easter Egg ​Hunt on Palm Sunday! Despite the ​weather, we had a great turnout of kids ​and kids at heart!! Thank you to the GLC ​Foundation and other donors for making ​this event possible!

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GRACE GLEANINGS April / May 2024

Welcome Pastor Carlene Rhody!

Pastor Carlene joined Grace as the interim pastor on April 3rd, 2024 while we journey ​through the process of calling a full-time pastor. Pastor Carlene will be with us part-​time during this journey. She will be here Sundays for worship and Wednesdays for ​care center visits and meeting with members of the congregation. She has submitted ​a letter for everyone to get to know her...

HELLO,

Thank you so very much for the warm welcome my husband Steve and I have received ​at Grace Lutheran. We all sort of jumped in together during Holy Week, and have ​continued to worship together every Sunday since. To keep the worship experience ​going smoothly, so many of you have been patient with all my questions and willing to ​help in so many ways. I guess that is the nature of being and having an interim pastor.

Just a little about myself. My name is Carlene Rhody and my husband is Steve. We ​live west of Toronto on a farm his great grandfather homesteaded in late 1870’s. We ​have two children and two grandchildren. I am a second career person, ordained into ​the ELCA as a minister of word and sacrament in 2003. That means I am in my 21st ​year of ordination. During those years I served two churches in Deuel County until my ​retirement in October 2023. Working in ministry provides opportunity to grow ​spiritually in so many ways. I am grateful for relationships I have been given, and now ​new opportunities here at Grace Lutheran alongside you.

As all of you know, transition carries some twists and turns as well as some hiccups ​along the way. But I ask that we all cover this process in prayer, and give ourselves as ​in Psalm 23, to putting our hand in the hand of the Good Shepherd who helps us rest ​in green pastures where we are fed and nourished, so that, our souls may be restored ​and there discover God’s wisdom shining on the right path for Grace Lutheran Church.

Grateful to walk with you here in grace at Grace Lutheran,

Rev. Carlene Rhody, Interim Pastor

Join us for Vacation Bible School

Grace’s Happy Campers!

Preschool through 4th Grade

July 23-25

5:00 - 8:30

Light Supper Provided

Register by scanning the QR code ​or calling the office

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GRACE GLEANINGS April / May 2024

events

coming up

* New *

May 2024

Preschool ​Graduation

First Responder ​Appreciation

May 17th is Law Enforcement & First Responder ​Appreciation Lunch at Grace Lutheran. This is ​annual event put on by the Fellowship and ​Outreach committee. They are seeking ​volunteers and donations of desserts for that ​day. Contact the office if you can help!

Preschool Graduation will be held at 6:00 ​pm on Thursday May 30th in the sanctuary ​of Grace Lutheran Church. There will be a ​fundraiser meal following the ceremony to ​celebrate the big accomplishment of our ​little learners! The Preschoolers will also ​sing at church on May 19th at 11am.

Grace’s Gas Guzzlers

Car Show

A fun afternoon for the whole family!

$10 Car registration begins at 11am on Saturday June 8th, public viewing from 12-4pm.

Ending the day with a drive around Lake Kampeska

Trophies awarded to the top 15 entries – no classes. A perfect event for those cars that are ​great builds but might not always fit a class.

Carnival style games for the kids and many food and beverage options. Silent Auction in ​the fellowship hall to escape the heat and enjoy air conditioning. There’s something for ​everyone! Watch our Facebook page for more information and updates.

Help Wanted: Silent Auction Items

GRACE GLEANINGS April / May 2024

Get out your favorite cleaning supplies ​because we are getting down to ​business! On Saturday June 1st the ​Spring Cleaning Day will be held at GLC ​starting at 9am. There will be a lunch ​provided for all of our happy helpers!

It is time we put our hearts, souls, and ​elbow grease into our beautiful ​building. She deserves it! We will clean ​inside and out including...

Inside:

• Windows
• Cobwebs
• Ceiling fixtures
• Dusting
• Vacuuming
• Kitchen
  

Outside:

• Raking
  
• Leaf disposal
• Weeding
• Tree Trimming
• Litter Removal
  

Many hands make light work. If ​you can come for just an hour it ​would be helpful!

Men’s Group

Men's Group met Tuesday April 16, 2024

There were 6 attendees including one former member. There ​were discussions on what past men's groups had done and ​ideas for the group going forward.

There was discussion regarding possible future events both for ​the people attending the group but also for the group to host for ​others in the church as well as the community at large.

It was decided by the group that meeting once per month ​seemed appropriate and the next meeting will be held Tuesday ​May 14, 2024 7:00p-8:30p

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who ​supported the blood drive ​on April 23rd! We were able ​to collect 29 pints of ​lifesaving blood!

Any senior graduating this May is ​invited to recieve a blessing and a ​gift. Please submit your senior ​portrait and plans after graduation ​to gracelc@midconetwork.com by ​May 13th

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GRACE GLEANINGS April / May 2024

Minutes of the Grace Lutheran Council ​Meeting on Tuesday March 12th, 2024

The Grace Lutheran Church Council meeting was held on Tuesday March 12th, 2024, at 6pm with ​Mark Briley presiding. Also present: Adam Wientjes, Dylan Jordan, Rhonda Lorenz, Lindsey Moeller, ​Travis Schulz, Terra Koistinen, LeRoy Bullis, Steve Schlenner, Denise Biller, Claudia Frentz, Paul ​Henrichs, Kelly Evjen and Wyatt Sprouse. Also present: Kat Anderson. Guests: Bishop Constanze ​Hagmaier, Pastor Renee, Jack Holmquest, Darlene Bresson, Lil Jutting, Kris Dewitt, Larry & Janet ​Little, Darcy Raethz, Randy & Lorraine Shuller. Absent: None. Opening by Claudia Frentz.

The meeting began with Darlene Bresson expressing her concern for the future of the church. ​Following that conversation, Darlene, along with other non-clergy guests left the meeting.

The council took a recess then re-adjourned with the Bishop, Pastor Renee, and Jack Holmquest ​and immediately went into executive session at 7:00 pm. The executive session ended at 7:45pm. ​At that time the Bishop, Pastor Renee, and Jack Holmquest excused themselves to allow normal ​council business to continue.

A motion to approve the agenda was made by Denise Biller and seconded by Adam Wientjes. ​Motion carried. Dylan Jordan motioned to approve the minutes from February, and Kelly Evjen ​seconded. Motion carried.

Items:

Financial Report – The total monthly income to the general fund was $23,857.49 the weekly giving ​average was $3,865. The average weekly worship attendance for Sunday was 98. Kat Anderson ​reported that the insurance is due this month and the bill for ½ Year comprehensive and the ​annual amount for Worker’s Compensation, Umbrella, and the Boy Scout Trailer will be $11,507.50. ​A motion to accept the financial report and pay the bills was made by Denise Biller and seconded ​by Kelly Evjen. Motion carried. The motion to enter executive session was made by Dylan Jordan at ​8:15pm, seconded by Travis Schultz. Motion to leave executive session at 8:19 made by Dylan ​Jordan and seconded by Rhonda Lorenz. Adam Wientjes motioned to provide a lump sum payment ​to Pastor Cheryl Rondeau-Bassett with the 3/15/24 payroll cycle for the 5 weeks of vacation she ​had not used for 2024. Seconded by Travis Schulz. Motion carried.

Current Plans and Updates – The Synod is assisting us in finding pulpit supply for Maundy ​Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday.

Old Business:

1. Open Council Seats- An anonymous vote was taken via ballot and Ed Williams was selected for ​the open council seat.

2. Ukraine Fund – Kat has created a Google Form for the refugees that were brought in under ​Pastor Cheryl Rondeau-Bassett in 2023 to request funding. Claudia Frentz said she will share that ​information with the correct people.

3. Call Committee – No action until an interim pastor is selected.

New Business:

1. Interim Pastor – After discussion it was a unanimous agreement that Grace Lutheran would not ​hire the first interim pastor option that the council met with and continue the search for one that ​fits the needs of our congregation.

2. Service Times – The discussion of going to one service was brought up. Council decided that a ​congregational poll/input was needed as this has been brought up repeatedly over the last year. ​Forms will be in the bulletin to vote and share comments or concerns.

Committee Reports: Due to time constraints the reports were not given at this time.

Claudia Frentz motioned to adjourn the meeting; Wyatt Sprouse seconded the motion.

The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Kat Anderson

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GRACE GLEANINGS April / May 2024

Minutes of the Grace Lutheran Council Meeting on ​Thursday April 11th, 2024

The Grace Lutheran Church Council meeting was held on Thursday April 11, 2024, at 6pm with Mark ​Briley presiding. Also present: Adam Wientjes, Dylan Jordan, Rhonda Lorenz, Travis Schulz, Terra ​Koistinen, LeRoy Bullis, Steve Schlenner, Denise Biller, Claudia Frentz, Paul Henrichs, Ed Williams, and ​Wyatt Sprouse. Also present: Kat Anderson, Kelly Parkinson. Guests: Linda Williams, Igor Tokariev, Wil ​Morlock, Sherry & Gary Jongeling. Absent: Lindsey Moeller Kelly Evjen. Opening by Mark Briley.

The meeting began with short presentations from our guests. Linda & Igor gave an update on how life in ​Watertown is going for the Tokariev family. Sherry & Gary Jongeling spoke about the upcoming car ​show on June 8th. They, along with stewardship and finance, have already put in so much work and ​thought into this fundraiser. Thank you. Wil Morlock spoke about a special irrigation project to help ​with the West lawn at GLC.

A motion to approve the agenda was made by Adam Wientjes and seconded by Terra Koistinen. Motion ​carried. Dylan Jordan motioned to approve the minutes from March, and Rhonda Lorenz seconded. ​Motion carried.

Items:

Financial Report – The total monthly income to the general fund was $25,362.12 the weekly giving ​average was $5,228. The average weekly worship attendance for Sunday was 91. Kat Anderson ​presented the list of bills. A motion to accept the financial report and pay the bills was made by Dylan ​Jordan and seconded by Travis Schulz. Motion carried.

Old Business:

1.Interim Pastor – Pastor Carlene Rhody has agreed to contract with us as ½ time Interim Pastor while ​we go through the call process. Her monthly compensation including base salary, housing, social ​security offset, insurance, and pension is $3,831.05. Additionally, mileage will be paid at the IRS rate of ​$0.67 per mile.

2.Call Committee – Names were selected and written down to present to the congregation on 4/14/24

3.Service Times – The findings from the poll were presented. Large majority of polls was in favor of ​going to 1 service. Council is going to do more research on the best time to also fit with our dedication ​to having the weekly radio broadcast. Paul is going to contact the radio station to find out our options. ​Item tabled until next meeting.

New Business:

1.Paul Henrichs – Paul presented an opportunity for advertisement of the church through the ​Kampeska Krushers Roller Derby. He is assisting them with sound for their home events and in return ​they are going to advertise the church. Motion by Dylan Jordan to approve Paul helping them out with ​sound at their home events, seconded by Denise Biller

2.Ukraine Funding – There was an ask for the church to sign for an apartment for an incoming refugee. ​The church will not put their name on any official documents but will provide financial help through ​the Refugee Sponsorship Designated Fund. Motion to allocate $3,000 towards helping the new refugee ​that is coming in made by Denise Biller. Seconded by Claudia Frentz. Dylan Jordan motioned to ​designate Denise Biller as an expense approver for any refugee expenses going forward to streamline ​the process. Seconded by Travis Schulz.

3. Irrigation System – With the funding for an irrigation system on the West side of the property ​installed by Macks Landscaping coming from external sources, Adam Wientjes motioned to approve ​the proposal. Wyatt Sprouse seconded. Motion carried.

Non-Agenda Item:

In the past a churchwide cleanup day was held and it has been brought to the attention of Denise Biller ​that it should happen again. The purpose is to have a deep clean of the entire church by members of ​the congregation. Doing so will help everyone take pride in the building, as well as beautify the space ​to the glory of God. The council agreed that it should happen again, inside and out, on June 1st, 2024 ​starting at 9am. A lunch will be provided. More information will be given to the congregation in the ​Gleanings, bulletin and online.

Continued on next page...

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GRACE GLEANINGS April / May 2024

Committee Reports:

1. Education: Confirmation plans are falling into place nicely. Last day of classes are May 1st & 5th. ​Education meeting is planned for April 18th at 6pm to plan for next year and for VBS.
   
2. Fellowship & Outreach - May 17th first responders’ meal. Desserts needed from congregation. ​4th of July parade entry. Lighted parade in November
   
3. Foundation – The foundation is providing funds for the irrigation system. Last meeting before ​summer break is in May.
   
4. Stewardship & Finance – Planning for the car show fundraiser. Volunteers are needed ​throughout the day.
   
5. Memorial – Working on replacing a plaque at the front door of the church.
   
6. Mission – Did not meet.
   
7. Preschool – Preschool Graduation is Friday May 21st. Preschool Sunday is May 19th. Pastor ​Rhody is going to stop in on Wednesdays to see the kids.
   
8. Property – Choir Room is nearly complete. Working on building a cabinet to enclose the Fruit & ​Nut fridges.
   
9. Safety – Foundation grant approved for the purchase of more cameras for entrances and ​hallways.
   
10. Staff Support – the employee handbook rough draft is nearing completion.
    

Adam Wientjes motioned to adjourn the meeting; Rhonda Lorenz seconded the motion.

The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Kat Anderson

Financial Report - March / April 2024

Designated Gifts

GRACE GLEANINGS April / May 2024

Financial Report - March / April 2024

Thank you

for your continued ​support of Grace ​Lutheran Church. As we ​begin the busy summer ​season for families we ​pray that you have safe ​travels and create ​beautiful memories. ​Please remember that ​continued support is still ​needed while you are ​away to keep the lights ​on and air conditioner ​running in the sanctuary. ​Summer is also a time ​that we prepare for the ​rest of the year. Thank ​you for your stewardship.

Scan the QR Code to make a ​contribution with a credit or debit ​card.

If 125 people signed up to auto-​give $5 each week it would pay ​the utility bill!

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The Car Show & Carnival Needs Volunteers in the Following Areas :

Servers in the fellowship hall, T-Shirt Sales,

Garbage patrol, Set-up, Tear-down,

Beverage Station Attendants, Concession Stand Attendants, Carnival Game Attendants

and of course members of the congregation to welcome the community to our event.

Spread the word and make this a great 1st Annual Event!

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GRACE GLEANINGS April / May 2024

Preschool Registration is Now Open

Registration for the 24-25 school year is open!

Miss Maia is ready to take applications for any child 3-years-old and ​older who is completely potty trained by the time school starts in ​September. Scan the QR Code to register for Preschool. $25 Registration ​fee must be paid to hold the students spot.

3 - YEAR - OLDS

TUESDAY & FRIDAY

MORNING CLASS

9AM-11AM

4 - YEAR - OLDS

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY &

THURSDAY

MORNING CLASS

8:30AM-11:30AM

AFTERNOON CLASS

1PM - 4PM

reach out

for a chat

Find us Online

get to know us better

@grace_lutheranchurch | gracelc@midconetwork.com

www.glcwtn.org

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Grace Lutheran Church

202 2nd Street SE

Watertown, SD 57201-4308

Please Expedite - Time Dated Material

Return Service Requested

Sunday May 12th

Monday May 27th

The Grace Gleanings are better in color! View on our website at ​glcwtn.org/gleanings