2009 Annual Report

Nurturing Commission Members included: Valerie Hansen, Lisa Sipes, Betty Anne Domm,, 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 Christmas Caroling.

In 2009, the Sunday School Task Force used a nonrotational model for Sunday morning educational activities called Faith Alive—Walk with Me series. It is a two year program.  Lisa Sipes recruited Sunday school teachers,  and organized materials.

During 2009, the Adult Sunday School class has been led in learning through the use of a variety of Bible studies led by Mike Lorenz, Pastor Harry Lorenz, and Sammie Harris. They studied the new testament letters.

The Seeds of Grace Youth met after the contemporary worship service. The group worked on Peer Ministry Curriculum. They helped with Holiday food baskets. The group usually meets once a month for a fellowship or ministry activity. 6 youth along with 2 chaperones attended The All Tennessee Youth Gathering in November. The group is coordinated by Donna and Paul Gurecki. The youth assisted with worship on Youth Sunday in March 2009.  Attendance on average is 5-12 youth.

The Loaves and Fishes group, a youth group for grades 2-6^th grade, has met once a month for an activity, or service/ministry project. They meet Sunday afternoon.  This group is led by Donna Gurecki and Lisa Sipes.

Kris Brenner and Lisa Sipes directed Vacation Bible School in July.  We also invited St. Stephens Church to join in our VBS, and their kids and adults participated.  The theme was Discovery Canyon.  The program was a success. Each evening began with a dinner at the outdoor pavilion.

Women’s Bible Studies lead by Candy Yugo and Beverly Bauman was well attended during the year. The group studied “Experiencing God” and a Beth Moore study entitled Esther. 

The men’s group coordinated by Carl Ludemann and Phil Stumbo met on a regular once a month basis. Various programs/guests were enjoyed. This group celebrated it’s 20^th anniversary. (Way to go guys)!!

Grace’s Greatest met at times throughout the year. This is for the older members of the church. They would have various speakers tell of their adventures/programs. The Group was looking for a coordinator. Kris Brenner volunteered to coordinate the group.

Confirmation classes continued this year.  Megan Brenner and Jenna Hulsey were confirmed in May. Alex Williamson, Nate Stewart, Anna Patchen, and Ryan Winchester are completing their second year. Rachel Lorenz and Colleen Hulsey are completing their first year of study. The confirmation program is under the leadership of Pastor Damos, Bob Johnston, James Bauman, and Valerie Hansen.

The kids did not go to confirmation camp this past summer due to conflict with schedules. We are hoping to send both first and second year confirmands this next summer.

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. The nurturing commission helps to sponsor a GPT 4 times through out the year. 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.

The nurturing commission sponsored an Advent gathering which was held on December 6. There were about 26 people who attended. Ornaments, Christmas cards, and wreaths were made. Sigrid Ludemann taught attendees how to make a ribbon star. Laurel Patrick brought her stamps for making Christmas cards. Board games were brought and played by the youth. A soup supper was served.

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

The nurturing commission is looking for more members to help with this commission.

We look forward to the New Year as we commit ourselves to nurturing one another.

Submitted by Donna Gurecki