Parish Planning Counsel (PPC) - The Parish Planning Council (PPC) consists of the Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director(s), Congregational Secretary, Treasurer, the Ministry Team Leaders or their proxy, the Pastors(s), other staff (Associates in Ministry, Administrative Assistant, Youth & Family Ministry, and the like), and other invited personnel/members. Meetings are open to anyone wishing to attend. PPC meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm, except July. 

The objectives of the Council include the following: To lead the congregation in visioning its mission, to do long-range planning, to set goals and priorities, and to evaluate its activities in light of its mission and goals. To oversee and provide for the administration of the congregation to enable it to fulfill its functions and perform its mission as a body of Christ. To be examples individually and corporately, of the style of life and ministry expected by all baptized persons. To demonstrate and promote a congregational climate of peace and goodwill as differences and conflicts arise, and foster mutual understanding. To emphasize partnership with the Lake Superior Conference, Northeastern MN Synod, and the church wide Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), as well as cooperation with other congregations, both Lutheran and non-Lutheran, (particularly in our community), subject to established policies of the Synod and the ELCA.

Christian Education Team- The basic objectives of Christian Education team are to plan, direct, and supervise the entire educational program of the congregation, to strengthen families as basic units of Christian Education and provided for active expression of Christian love and concern as an integral part of the total education program. These objectives are carried out through Sunday School, Adult Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, Alpha, and Via de Cristo.

• Team Leader - Carol Smith 
• Assistant Leader - Cindy Peterson
• Adult Education - Gary Loberg
• Sunday School Coordinators - Rachel Carroll & Sarah Torgerson
• Confirmation Coordinator - Wanda Simonds
• Sunday School Liason - Cindy Peterson
• Pre SS Ministries - Lisa Ball
• Nursery Coordinator - Jody Hansen
• Sunday School Handbook

Church Property Team - The basic objectives of the Property Team are the maintenance and repair of the church property, and the representation of the congregation in all legal property related matters. The Property Team is responsible for immediate repairs of an urgent nature, all normal repairs and alterations for which budget funds have been allocated, such as improvements, cleaning, painting, decorating, landscaping and other projects. Download the Building Use & Policy Handbook in PDF format.

• Team Leader - Rocky Chapin
• Assistant Leader - 
• Team Members - Ray Erola, Jack Majaski, Jim Johnston, Roger Aanonsen, Vernon Johnson
• Insurance Coordinator - Tom Eng
• Inventory & Inspection -
• Kitchen Coordinators - Betty Wahlberg, Karen Munsterman, Mary Jensen

Executive Team - The Executive Team consists of the Executive Director, Assistant Executive Director(s), Congregational Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, the Pastors(s), other staff (Associates in Ministry, Administrative Assistant, Youth & Family Ministry, and the like), and other invited personnel/members. Meetings are open to anyone wishing to attend. The Executive team meets the first Tuesday of each month, at 5:30 pm, except in July.

The Directors, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Secretary are the elected leaders of the congregation and exercise general administrative responsibility for the entire organization of the congregation. They are responsible for ensuring that all elected or appointed officers, teams, and committees carry out their duties and responsibilities.

• Executive Director - Dean Luoma
• Assistant Director - Phyllis Snyder
• Treasurer - Lisa Scanlon
• Assistant Treasurer - Patty Miller
• Congregational Secretary - Betty Wahlberg
• HR members - Kathy Axtel, Jon Holets

Caring Ministry and Fellowship Team - The basic objectives of the Lay Ministry Team are the spiritual welfare of the Pastor(s), the spiritual leaders and congregation members, individually and corporately, and shaping the corporate ministry of Grace Lutheran Church. These are to be accomplished in conjunction with the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, the National Office of the ELCA and the constitution and by-laws of this congregation.

• Team Leader - Paul Estep
• Assistant Leader - 
• Membership - Terry Estep
• ICM - Judy Granmo
• Team Members - Darlene Koski
• Parish Nurse - Beth Ronning

.........Groups within the Caring Ministry & Fellowship Team

2^nd Half of Life - The basic objective of the Grace 2^nd Half of Life Ministry  is to actively promote fellowship, learning and service activities for older adults (over the age of 50). They develop, implement and supervise a yearly plan for activities and programs for older adults. This includes an annual Boomer Bash in the fall and road clean up in the spring. 

• Team Members - Barb Chapin, Ray Erola, Pyllis Snyder, Rocky Chapin, Errol Niemi 

Grace Women - The basic objectives of Grace Women are to strengthen and support the faith walks of women by actively promoting fellowship, bible study, and outreach opportunities for the women of Grace Church and the surrounding area. These objectives are carried out through annual events such as our Christmas Tea, Women's Retreats, Synod Women's Conference and activities, Spring Salad Luncheon, Thankoffering Services, and collecting sewing kits, health kits, soap for Lutheran World Relief and various other programs. Visit the Women of the ECLA website.

• Team Members - Nancy Loberg, Nancy Barker, Jody Hansen
• Treasurer - Clara Mae Halls
• Fair Trade Coffee thru Equal Exchange
• Upcoming Grace Women events - details in weekly bulletins and Grace Epistles

Via de Cristo- Via de Cristo is a Spanish phrase meaning "Way of Christ." Via de Cristo is a highly structured three-day weekend designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people and bring them to a new awareness of living in God's grace. It is a combined effort of lay people and clergy toward renewal of the church. For more information visit Lutheran Via de Cristo of Minnesota

• Grace Via de Cristo facebook page

Social Action Team - The Social Action Ministry serves to help folks at Grace help others in the Community. Recipients are non-profits like homeless shelters, soup kitchens, Lutheran Social Services programs, nursing homes, schools, and so on. We offer two regular options that vary each month: Monthly Mana (material donations), and Monthly Mission (volunteering). We also have ongoing programs and fundraisers. See our "Give-A-Lot Spot" near the Community Room to learn more about our own programs, as well as giving opportunities led by other Grace Ministries.

• Team Leader - Sue Krause
• Assistant Leader -
• Team Members - Sue Boese, Carol Holets

Stewardship Team - The basic objectives of the Stewardship Team are to discover, identify, and develop the gifts and skills of each member of Grace Lutheran Church and thereby engage them in the work of Christ's Kingdom. And to monitor the financial stability of the congregation and its work. Each October the Stewardship Team heads up our "Pass It On" program. At year end they coordinate the next years spending plan. Throughout the year they work with the ministry teams to engage and utilize members in the various talents they have offered to use to serve God.

• Team Leader - Ray Erola 
• Assistant Leader - Mark Winberg
• Assist Gifts Coordinator - Kathy Axtell
• Time & Talent Coordinator - Kay Lindquist
• Counter Coordinator - Becky McMilllan

Mission and Outreach Team - The basic objectives of the Mission and Outreach Ministry Team are to bring the Gospel to the un-churched, and enlist and train all of God's people in the work of spreading the Gospel. Through out the year they may work with ELCA supported missions and missionaries, organize Invite Your Neighbor Sunday's, and facilitate our outreach programs here at Grace. The Community Relations part of the team are to present to the community a Christian image which will reflect favorably upon the work of Christ and of the congregations as His instrument, the publicizing of the work of the congregation through various channels, and the general integration of the congregation's work into the life of the community. They have established and maintain a continuing program of publicity for the congregation and its activities in the various news media, publications and broadcast media of the community.

• Team Leader - Errol Niemi
• Assistant Leader - Denise Miller
• Team Members - Tom Lipinski, Denise Miller, Rick Rainey, Gary Loberg, Gail Wahlberg
• Document View (for Website Maintenance)
• Announcement Request Form
• Payment Request Form
• Ministry Team Report Form
• Endowment Fund Request Form
• His Kids Radio

2012 ELCA Mission Team to Honduras

This is a picture of the mission team that left for Honduras today, 10/9. They are expected to return on 10/17.  Left to right - Pastor Joyce, Laurel Pagel, Pastor Megan, Mark Wagner and Pastor Dave

Worship and Music Team (WAMMAT) - The basic objectives of the Worship and Music Team is organizing and providing a Word and Sacrament centered worship experience for any and all corporate worship services of Grace Lutheran Church. WAMMAT is responsible for everything that happens during worship service and for the Sanctuary space. This includes scheduling guest speakers, music, ushers, greeter, communion, lectors, acolytes sound system, choir, and special programs.

• Co -Team Leader - Bob Lund, Jr & Tom Lipinski
• Coordinator Director - JoAnn Pickar
• Altar Guild - Joyce Kraskey
• Team Members - Bob Lund, Jr., Errol Niemi 
• Choir Schedule - Fall 2011
• Volunteer Schedule - November

Youth and Family Team - The basic objectives of the Youth Ministry Team are to involve young people of the congregation in the work of Christ and provide for their spiritual growth by promoting Christian fellowship and service opportunities.

• Co-Team Leader - Jeanne Eng
• Team Members - Ken McMillan, Peggy Lipinski 
• HS Team Member -
• HS Team Member -
• MS Team Member -