8

Grace United Methodist Church 15309 Maple Island Road Burnsville MN 55306-5522 Phone 952-435-5696 Church E-Mail officegraceumcburnsvilleorg Pastor Kevin Schill pastorgraceumcburnsvilleorg Treasurer gumctreasurerfrontiernetnet Web Site wwwgraceumcburnsvilleorg

Dated Material

Please notify us if you no longer wish to be on our mailing list

Grace Prayer

To request prayerful support from the Grace

please call or email the parish office

952-435-5696 or officegraceumcburnsvilleorg

All requests are kept confidential

Pastor Kevin Schill

Pastor Emeritus Duane Ernst

Youth Director Shannon Livingston-Harris

Administrative Assistant Kathy Klis

Adult amp Youth Choir Director Paige Macklin

Godrsquos Kids Director Paige Macklin

Organist Marilyn Oliphant

Grace N O T E S

O u r M i s s i o n T o s e r v e a n d u n i t e t h o s e w e t o u c h

w i t h t h e G r a c e o f G o d

O u r V i s i o n T r a n s f o r m i n g l i v e s t o b e c o m e t h e

h e a r t h a n d s a n d f e e t o f J e s u s i n t h e w o r l d

M A K I N G D I S C I P L E S O F J E S U S

2014

Dear Friends

Like many of you I find it hard to believe that we are already in the final days of 2013 Some tell me it is

a matter of age but the year seems to have flown by As with each year 2013 has certainly had its share

of challenges and sorrows but it has also brought great blessings and signs of hope and new life As we

look ahead to what 2014 will bring there are two images that I will carry with me as truly capturing the

heart of Grace UMC Both come from our Christmas Eve worship services Our 400 service was a won-

derful celebration of singing laughter and the joyful voices of so many children This past year the

growing number of children has been one of the most wonderful and hopeful signs of our shared ministry

at Grace The laughter insights and energy they bring is a great reminder of our life together and the op-

portunity we have been given to share the Good News of Gods love in Jesus Christ with the next genera-

tion

The other image I will carry into 2014 that is so typical of who the people of Grace Church are comes

from just prior to the 1000 pm service The snow started falling about 600 and by 830 it looked like

no one would be venturing out At just after 900 however people started showing up grabbing snow

shovels or pulling them out of their trunks one of you even brought along a snow blower At one point I

saw at least 8-10 youth and others working together to clear the walkways It was time to celebrate the

birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and the people of Grace were there to prepare the way

These are just two of the many images of the joy faithfulness caring and commitment that I will carry

into the New Year and that remind me of why it is that I love being the pastor of Grace UMC Whatever

the New Year may hold there is one thing of which we can be certain God will be there I look forward

to the next steps in our shared journey of ministry as together we watch listen and faithfully respond to

where God is leading us As we discover new ways of caring for one another and of being the Church in

the community where God has called us to serve may we be open to Gods Spirit that is moving among

the people of Grace UMC

Blessings

Pastor Kevin

2

Tai Chi is Coming to Grace UMC

January 7thmdashFebruary 18th

1000mdash1045 am followed by tea in the Fellowship Hall

Come for Tai Chi amp Stay for Chai Tea We are pleased to offer the Arthritis Foundations Tai Chi Program here

at Grace UMC January is the time to make good on those health improvement resolutions so come and try some-

thing new Classes run for 45-minutes and will be held on Tuesdays January 7th - February 18th at 10 am Class is

followed by a time for tea and conversation This tai chi program rates highly for decreased joint pain and stress

increased range of motion and improved balance You do not need to have arthritis to participate as the class is bene-

ficial for all health and ability levels Cost for the seven-week program is $35 Your improved health is more im-

portant than your ability to pay Scholarships are available To register call the church office 952-435-5696 or

Tracy at 952-215-7052 Class is offered by Apparent Plan a nonprofit organization serving seniors in our community

What is Tai Chi

Originally developed for self-defense tai chi (TIE-CHEE) has evolved into a graceful form of exercise thats

now used for a variety of health conditions Often described as meditation in motion tai chi promotes serenity

through gentle flowing movements

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that today is practiced as a graceful form of exercise It involves a series

of movements performed in a slow focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing Tai chi is a noncom-

petitive self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching Each posture flows into the next without

pause ensuring that your body is in constant motion

Who can do Tai Chi

Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints making it generally safe for all ages and

fitness levels Because tai chi is low impact it may be especially suitable if youre an older adult who otherwise

may not exercise Tai chi is appealing because it is inexpensive requires no special equipment and can be done

indoors or out either alone or in a group

Why try tai chi

Tai chi can be a positive part of an overall approach to improving your health The benefits of tai chi can include

Decreased stress and anxiety Increased flexibility balance and agility

Increased energy and stamina Increased muscle strength and definition

Reduce risk of falls in older adults Lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure

Improve joint pain Improve symptoms of congestive heart failure

GRACE amp ADDICTION

Tuesdays January 14 amp 21 630-830 pm

Grace UMC

Join Pastor Kevin Schill for a two-part program on the spiritual nature of addiction and the path to recovery Based

on the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous these sessions will help participants gain a deeper understanding of ad-

diction whether to alcohol or other drugs food co-dependency etc and the spiritual core that lies at the heart of all

of our addictive behaviors Whether it is our own addiction and work of recovery or that of a loved one these issues

affect all of us

Pastor Schill has worked for the past 23 years with people struggling with issues of addiction and recovery including

6 years as Director of Chaplaincy services at Maryhaven a comprehensive treatment center in Columbus Ohio He

has worked with several community treatment programs and has lectured at colleges seminaries and numerous com-

munity programs

All-Church Quarterly Town Hall Meeting Sunday January 26th ~ 845-945 am

Please plan to attend These Town Hall type meetings are an important part of how we can communicate with one

another as a church There will be important information about our strategic planning specific discussion of plans

for the next year and an update on our finances As always this is a good time to bring any questions concerns or

ideas that you may have for discussion by the whole body

7

December Drivers for Route 3c Fridays

Jan 3 Bill amp Paige Macklin

Jan 10 Pat amp Gordy Peters

Jan 17 Rob Stewart

Jan 24 Arla Mae amp Bil McNeff

Jan 31 Duane Ernst amp John Ernst

Questions Call Arla Mae McNeff

952-890-1390

MOVIE NIGHTmdashJan 20 ~ 700 PM

The Patriot

Set during the American Revolution Farmer

Benjamin Martin was born and raised in South Caroli-

na and fought bravely during the French-Indian wars

But since the death of his wife Benjamin has re-

nounced violence and quietly tends his crops raising

his seven children alone In 1776 over Benjamins

objections his oldest son Gabriel joins the fight

against the British

ldquoSIMPLY CHRISTMASrdquo

Cast Members

Scripture Readers Kate Rasmussen Mark Rasmussen Jessica Foss

Hailey Streiff Olivia Erickson Jacob Hamill

Promise Speakers Mackensie Margo Ellie Renner Kelsey Schreiner

Joseph Patrick Francis

Mayor Will Renner

Shepherds Nicholas Chmielewski Braxton Holder Tyson Holder

John Renner Bryce Lengevin Braydon Christenson

Mitchell Halsted Steven Moore Brandon Ahlvers

Angels Kylie Kjesbo Ilyse Le Marleigh Reddington Avery Ristow

Madeline Cardoza Kelsey Schreiner Ellie Renner

Interpreters Sydney Hendrickson Jeremy Schreiner

Wisemen Ian Le Tyler Ahlvers Isom Marbray

Mary Madeline Klang

Sheep amp Other Animals Gabriel Christenson Kirsten Dunbar Kiera Palacio

Alaina Chmielewski Travis Moore Jacob Whirley Micaela Cardoza

Percussion Jacob Hamill

Youth Choir Mackensie Margo Jeremy Schneider Sydney Hendrickson Jacob Hamill

Assistant Directors Taylor Swingle amp Eric Foss

Thank you to all the Sunday School Teachers and Parents for your help

Humor to break up the winter blahs

Donrsquot let your worries get the best of you remember Moses started out as a basket case

Some people are kind polite and sweet-spiritedhellip until you try to sit in their pew

People are funny they want the front of the bus the middle of the road and the back of the church

Quit griping about your church if it was perfect you couldnrsquot belong

Forbidden fruits create many jams

Working for God on earth doesnrsquot pay much but his retirement plan is out of this world

2

Tai Chi is Coming to Grace UMC

January 7thmdashFebruary 18th

1000mdash1045 am followed by tea in the Fellowship Hall

Come for Tai Chi amp Stay for Chai Tea We are pleased to offer the Arthritis Foundations Tai Chi Program here

at Grace UMC January is the time to make good on those health improvement resolutions so come and try some-

thing new Classes run for 45-minutes and will be held on Tuesdays January 7th - February 18th at 10 am Class is

followed by a time for tea and conversation This tai chi program rates highly for decreased joint pain and stress

increased range of motion and improved balance You do not need to have arthritis to participate as the class is bene-

ficial for all health and ability levels Cost for the seven-week program is $35 Your improved health is more im-

portant than your ability to pay Scholarships are available To register call the church office 952-435-5696 or

Tracy at 952-215-7052 Class is offered by Apparent Plan a nonprofit organization serving seniors in our community

What is Tai Chi

Originally developed for self-defense tai chi (TIE-CHEE) has evolved into a graceful form of exercise thats

now used for a variety of health conditions Often described as meditation in motion tai chi promotes serenity

through gentle flowing movements

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that today is practiced as a graceful form of exercise It involves a series

of movements performed in a slow focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing Tai chi is a noncom-

petitive self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching Each posture flows into the next without

pause ensuring that your body is in constant motion

Who can do Tai Chi

Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints making it generally safe for all ages and

fitness levels Because tai chi is low impact it may be especially suitable if youre an older adult who otherwise

may not exercise Tai chi is appealing because it is inexpensive requires no special equipment and can be done

indoors or out either alone or in a group

Why try tai chi

Tai chi can be a positive part of an overall approach to improving your health The benefits of tai chi can include

Decreased stress and anxiety Increased flexibility balance and agility

Increased energy and stamina Increased muscle strength and definition

Reduce risk of falls in older adults Lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure

Improve joint pain Improve symptoms of congestive heart failure

GRACE amp ADDICTION

Tuesdays January 14 amp 21 630-830 pm

Grace UMC

Join Pastor Kevin Schill for a two-part program on the spiritual nature of addiction and the path to recovery Based

on the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous these sessions will help participants gain a deeper understanding of ad-

diction whether to alcohol or other drugs food co-dependency etc and the spiritual core that lies at the heart of all

of our addictive behaviors Whether it is our own addiction and work of recovery or that of a loved one these issues

affect all of us

Pastor Schill has worked for the past 23 years with people struggling with issues of addiction and recovery including

6 years as Director of Chaplaincy services at Maryhaven a comprehensive treatment center in Columbus Ohio He

has worked with several community treatment programs and has lectured at colleges seminaries and numerous com-

munity programs

All-Church Quarterly Town Hall Meeting Sunday January 26th ~ 845-945 am

Please plan to attend These Town Hall type meetings are an important part of how we can communicate with one

another as a church There will be important information about our strategic planning specific discussion of plans

for the next year and an update on our finances As always this is a good time to bring any questions concerns or

ideas that you may have for discussion by the whole body

7

December Drivers for Route 3c Fridays

Jan 3 Bill amp Paige Macklin

Jan 10 Pat amp Gordy Peters

Jan 17 Rob Stewart

Jan 24 Arla Mae amp Bil McNeff

Jan 31 Duane Ernst amp John Ernst

Questions Call Arla Mae McNeff

952-890-1390

MOVIE NIGHTmdashJan 20 ~ 700 PM

The Patriot

Set during the American Revolution Farmer

Benjamin Martin was born and raised in South Caroli-

na and fought bravely during the French-Indian wars

But since the death of his wife Benjamin has re-

nounced violence and quietly tends his crops raising

his seven children alone In 1776 over Benjamins

objections his oldest son Gabriel joins the fight

against the British

ldquoSIMPLY CHRISTMASrdquo

Cast Members

Scripture Readers Kate Rasmussen Mark Rasmussen Jessica Foss

Hailey Streiff Olivia Erickson Jacob Hamill

Promise Speakers Mackensie Margo Ellie Renner Kelsey Schreiner

Joseph Patrick Francis

Mayor Will Renner

Shepherds Nicholas Chmielewski Braxton Holder Tyson Holder

John Renner Bryce Lengevin Braydon Christenson

Mitchell Halsted Steven Moore Brandon Ahlvers

Angels Kylie Kjesbo Ilyse Le Marleigh Reddington Avery Ristow

Madeline Cardoza Kelsey Schreiner Ellie Renner

Interpreters Sydney Hendrickson Jeremy Schreiner

Wisemen Ian Le Tyler Ahlvers Isom Marbray

Mary Madeline Klang

Sheep amp Other Animals Gabriel Christenson Kirsten Dunbar Kiera Palacio

Alaina Chmielewski Travis Moore Jacob Whirley Micaela Cardoza

Percussion Jacob Hamill

Youth Choir Mackensie Margo Jeremy Schneider Sydney Hendrickson Jacob Hamill

Assistant Directors Taylor Swingle amp Eric Foss

Thank you to all the Sunday School Teachers and Parents for your help

Humor to break up the winter blahs

Donrsquot let your worries get the best of you remember Moses started out as a basket case

Some people are kind polite and sweet-spiritedhellip until you try to sit in their pew

People are funny they want the front of the bus the middle of the road and the back of the church

Quit griping about your church if it was perfect you couldnrsquot belong

Forbidden fruits create many jams

Working for God on earth doesnrsquot pay much but his retirement plan is out of this world

6

DATE GREETER USHER SOUND WORSHIP NURSERY COMMUNION

JANUARY 5

800 AM Wayne amp Laurie Trainor Nancy Drake John Brand Cara Kennedy

1000 AM Dale amp Jean Osborn Brad Spear Ed Sanders Diane Martin Swanson Eric Foss

Acolyte Jeremy Schreiner Carol Greibrok

JANUARY 12

800 AM Peg Neumann Pat amp Gordy Peters Ron Larson

1000 AM Susan Matsuura Rhonda Brown Brad Spear Laurie Farnen Whirley

Acolyte Kelsey Schreiner

JANUARY 19

800 AM Doris Marek Nancy Drake Tom Marek

1000 AM Dale amp Jean Osborn James Milne Ed Sanders Eric Foss Kjesbo

Acolyte Patrick Francis

JANUARY 26

800 AM Cara Kennedy Peg Neumann Ron Larson

1000 AM Bev Moore amp Tia Pacotti Bill Macklin Brad Spear Steve Martin Berg

Acolyte Madeline Klang

FEBRUARY 2

800 AM Wayne amp Laurie Trainor Tom amp Doris Marek John Brand Peggy Skrogstad

1000 AM Perkins Family Heidi Severson Roy Koenigsberg Mark Anderson Brad Spear

Acolyte Tyler Ahlvers Eric Foss

FEBRUARY 9

800 AM Gordy amp Pat Peters Duane Ernse Ron Larson

1000 AM Mary Banwell James Milne Brad Spear Eric Foss

Acolyte Madeline Klang

FEBRUARY 16

800 AM Doris Marek Nancy Drake Tom Marek

1000 AM Dale amp Jean Osborn Judi Bolitho Ed Sanders Diane Martin

Acolyte Patrick Francis

FEBRUARY 23

800 AM Cara Kennedy Gordy amp Pat Peters Ron Larson

1000 AM Susan Matsuura Mary Banwell Eric Foss Brad Spear

Acolyte Isom Marbary

January amp February 2014

Please notify the office is you an unable to help

on your assigned date Thank You

Grace Book Club will meet on Thurs Jan 16 at 700 pm to discuss Five Days at Memorial Life and

Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink The author a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist gives a

fair and complete assessment of the five day New Orleans hospital ordeal during a horrific natural disaster followed by

an investigation and legal battles Hosting is Peggy Neumann 17895 Irons Ct Lakeville For questions or to start the

new year reading phone Peggy at 952-435-2566

3

Thanks to all the FANTASTIC youth at

Grace that helped out with babysitting for

ldquoParents Night Outrdquo on December 7th

The youth enjoyed spending time with the little ones

and we are sure parents enjoyed a quiet night out

Starting Jan 5th Youth Group will meet every Sunday from 1115mdash1230 in the youth room

Starting Jan 8th Confirmation will meet every Wednesday from 600-645 PM

ALERT mdash Name Change Sunday School for grades 6-12 will now be call

Youth Faith Formation

Starting Jan 12th Youth Faith Formation will meet after the childrenrsquos message on the

2nd amp 4th Sundays of the month in the youth room

Thank you to everyone who left the

wonderful greatly needed gifts under

the Giving Tree You are always so

generous

The Adult Sunday School class will re-

sume its study of human trafficking on

January 5th at 900am in room 6 All

are welcome even if you werenrsquot hear for chapter one

For more information contact Nancy Milne at 952-226-

3547 or jnmilnehotmailcom

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Program Suggestions

for Grace United Methodist Church

In order to provide classes speakers and programs of interest to the community of Grace we need your input

We are seeking suggestions as to the type of programs you would like to see offered at Grace Your input is very

important and we hope you will take some time to reflect on interests and send us suggestions of what you would

like to see offered

Please complete this form with your suggestions and place it in the box in the Narthex Thank You

Suggestions Daytime Programs Evening Programs

Please elaborate if possible Day of the Week Time Day of the Week Time

1)

2)

3)

4

Ruth Voll Circle Wednesday January 29th 100 PM

Grace Fellowship HallmdashALL WOMEN OF GRACE ARE INVITED TO JOIN US

If you are interested in finding out more information about Ruth Voll Circle please contact

Nancy Milne 952-226-3547 - jnmilnehotmailcom

or Kay Pasvogel 952-447-5644 - pasbirdintegranet

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

2 730 pm AA

3 615 am Menrsquos Fellowship at Cracker Barrel

800 pm AA

4

5 Sandwich Sunday 900 Adult Sunday School 1115 Youth Group

6

7 10 am Tai Chi 630 pm Scouts

8 600 Youth Choir 615 Confirmation 630 Godrsquos Kids 700 Adult Choir

9 730 pm AA

10 615 am Menrsquos Fellowship at Cracker Barrel

800 pm AA

11

12 900 Adult Sunday School Youth Faith For-mation 1115 Youth Group

13

600 pm Yoga

14 900 UMWmdashPerkins 10 am Tai Chi 630 pm Scouts

15 600 Youth Choir 615 Confirmation 630 Godrsquos Kids 700 Adult Choir

16 700 PM Book Club 730 pm AA

17 615 am Menrsquos Fellowship at Cracker Barrel

800 pm AA

18 600 PM Dinner Group

19 900 Adult Sunday School 1115 Youth Group

20

600 pm Yoga 700 pm Movie Night

21 10 am Tai Chi 630 pm Scouts

22 600 Youth Choir 615 Confirmation 630 Godrsquos Kids 700 Adult Choir

23 730 pm AA

24 615 am Menrsquos Fellowship at Cracker Barrel

800 pm AA

25

26 845 TOWN HALL 900 Adult Sunday School Youth Faith For-mation 1115 Youth Group

27

600 pm Yoga

28 10 am Tai Chi 630 pm Scouts

29 100 Ruth Voll 600 Youth Choir 615 Confirmation 630 Godrsquos Kids 700 Adult Choir

30 730 pm AA

31

615 am Menrsquos Fellowship at Cracker Barrel

800 pm AA

Grace UMC Office Hours 952-435-5696 MonmdashThur 900 am-200 pm Closed Friday

pastorgraceumcburnsvilleorg officegraceumcburnsvilleorg wwwgraceumcburnsvilleorg

Items for the bulletin are due in the office by noon on Wednesdays

Grace Notes articles for February are due Monday January 20th

2014

River Hills Confirmation Retreat

Cub Scout Retreat

5

Are you interested in becoming a member of Grace UMC

Contact Pastor Kevin at 952-435-5696 or

pastorgraceumcburnsvilleorg

Kristin Withrow

Larry Toms

Diane Martin

Kevin Schill

James Milne

Genevieve Behrens

Teri Swingle

Chris Molitor

Brenda Bly

Charles Borgman

Chris Norwood

Sydney Hendrickson

Olivia Erickson

Tammy Brand

Rob Stewart

Leah Redington

Ryan McCarthy

Sue Strickland

Nicholas Skrogstad

Jacob Hamill

If your January birthday is not

listed please notify the office

The United Methodist Women wish to express their

appreciation to all who helped and supported them during

Fridayrsquos memorial service for Dona Bresnahan We could not have done

it without you As the French say ldquoMerci mille foisrdquo (thank you a thou-

sand times)

The first general UMW meeting of 2014 will be Tuesday January 14th

at 900am at the Perkins in Lakeville Please come with ideas for the

new year To join or for more information please contact Nancy 952-

226-3547 or Kay 952-447-5644

Grace Dinner Group Would like to start the New Year off eating great

dinners with fun lively conversation Please join us on Saturday January

18 at 600 pm Hosts will be Kenny amp Carol Frank 16628 Gerdine Path

Rosemount

Dinner Group meets in homes with the host providing the main dish and

attendees providing complementary dishes Occasionally we meet at area

restaurants Both singles and couples are welcome

For more information or for reservations (requested by Sun Jan 12 ) con-

tact Jean Osborn at 952-898-3708 or JeanOsbornInMNaolcom

December was a snowy month and we want to thank all who came and

clear the walks A special thank you to Gordy amp Pat Peters

More volunteers are needed If you need to shovel your walk at home chances are the church needs

clearing toomdashso put this on your ldquoto dordquo list and help keep our sidewalks safe Shovels are at the

church but you might like your own better For heavy serious snow we have a snow blower you can contact Gordy

Peters for information 952-435-6189

3

5

5

5

10

11

12

14

15

16

20

20

21

23

24

25

27

28

31

31

We extend our deepest sympathy to Paul Bresnahan and family

on the passing of Donna Bresnahan who passed away on Sun-

day December 8th Donna was active member of Grace UMC

UMW and Ruth Voll Circle Memorial service was held at

Grace on Friday December 13th

We also extend our sympathies to Barb and Dave Milne on the passing of

Barbrsquos dad Ray Hale Mr Hale passed away on Sunday December 8th at the

age of 90 and to Addie Benjamin on the passing of her mother Winnie Quiring

who passed away 16 days short of her 103rd birthday on December 12th

Please keep the families and friends of Donna Ray and Winnie in your prayers