Nurturing Commission Members included: Steve Johnson, Mike Lorenz, Valerie Hansen, Lisa Sipes, Betty Anne Domm, Beverly Bauman, Bob Johnston, and Donna Gurecki.

The Nurturing Commission is responsible for the education and fellowship activities within the congregation. The commission is also involved in support of our church members.  The major responsibilities in education are the Sunday School program, Vacation Church School, Confirmation, Youth Programming, and Adult Bible Study. Fellowship activities include Grace Prime Time, Grace’s Greatest, Men’s Group, Spring Picnic at Frozen Head, and Caroling.

In early 2007, the Sunday School Task Force continued with the rotational model for Sunday morning educational activities. Lisa Sipes recruited workers, organized materials, and lead the group using Augsburg material for the teachers. A rotational model was used for the Sunday School program where students experienced the same theme in different classes. Drama, puppets, music, story time, art, and cooking were all used to teach the Word. 

Starting in the Fall of 2007, with the direction of Cathy Maiden, Director of Youth and Family Ministry we switched to a non-rotational model using Faith Alive – Walk with Me materials.

During 2007, the Adult Sunday School class has been learning using a variety of Bible studies led by Mike Lorenz, Pastor Harry Lorenz, and Sammie Harris.

The youth, “Seeds of Grace,” continue to meet each week and have been active with a variety of activities. Bible study, service, and fun fill each Sunday evening led by Cathy Maiden and Donna Gurecki.

Kris Brenner and Laurel Patrick directed Vacation Bible School in June of 2007.  We also invited St. Stephens Church to join in our VBS, and their kids and adults participated.  The theme was Galilee-by-the-Sea and featured a marketplace in the fellowship hall.  The program was very popular with the students and adults. Each evening began with a dinner at the outdoor pavilion.

Women’s Bible Studies lead by Candy Yugo and Beverly Bauman were well attended during the year. Beth Moore materials (video and books) were used for these classes. Pastor Damos also continued his weekly Monday Morning Bible Study.

Confirmation classes continued this year.  Matt Gurecki, Hal Hansen, Samantha Russell, Abby Vittone, Ella Hulsey, and Chelsea Stewart were confirmed in June 2007. Completing their second year of study are Dalton LaForge, Derek Elam, Sydney Heacock, Christine LaForge, and Sarah Lorenz.  Haley Heacock, Megan Brenner, Jenna Hulsey, and Myles Schipfer have started their first year of study. The confirmation program is under the leadership of Pastor Damos, Bob Johnston, James Bauman, and Valerie Hansen.

Confirmation Camp in June at Lutheridge was attended by Matt Gurecki, Hal Hansen, Dalton LaForge, Derek Elam, Sydney Heacock, Christine LaForge, and Sarah Lorenz.  The kids had a great time.  Valerie Hansen and Cathy Maiden attended the camp with the students.

Grace Prime Time is a weekly time of food and fellowship. Volunteers prepare the weekly dinners with volunteer clean up crews completing the work. This continues to be a positive experience for the congregation to gather mid-week for fellowship. Every 4^th meal is a “volunteer” meal.  Some meals were potluck, some we ordered barbeque, and some meals we grilled out. During these meals we used paper products so that clean-up would be easier and handled by people who volunteered to help clean-up on those Wednesdays. 

Cathy Maiden started Kid’s Klub held on Wednesday evenings after Grace Prime Time. This time is for younger kids up through 6^th grade and has been well attended.

Grace members met in December to go Christmas Caroling.  They broke into groups to visit the nursing homes, retirement centers, shut in members, and Woodland neighbors with joyful tunes of the Christmas Season. Members returned to Grace to warm up with fellowship, hot soup, and lots of yummy treats.

During 2007, Beverly Bauman, Mike Lorenz, and Steve Johnson left the Nurturing Commission and we would like to thank them for their many years of dedication to the Nurturing Commission and their commitment to the education of Grace members. We welcome new members, Bob Johnston and Donna Gurecki to the commission.

“The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future life.” Plato, The Republic.

Submitted by Valerie Hansen