Grace United Church

of Christ

ABOUT US

Grace United Church of Christ invites you to come, seek, think and wonder with us; to worship and serve with us; to play and to work together. 

 

We are part of a group of churches called the United Church of Christ. The UCC is a theologically progressive and diverse Protestant denomination.

 

As a community of faith, Grace UCC takes seriously and faithfully protecting and safeguarding all vulnerable and marginalized people. Wherever you are on your life's journey, you are welcome at Grace UCC!

WHO WE ARE

OUR MISSION

Our mission is given to us by Jesus who told us to go and make disciples. So we are on that journey. No matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!

OUR VISION

We are a community of faith that values the questions you have. We probably have the same questions. We don’t pretend to have all the answers. But we believe that we are more effective in finding answers together, as a community, than we are alone. We look to scriptures for guidance and always question: what does this mean today? What can we learn from this and how do we apply it in our real lives?

OUR VALUES

We are a community of faith, searching, just like you. We are looking for meaning in a world that doesn’t make sense. 

 

It is our mission to do the work of Christ in our world, and our vision is the same as the vision of the United Church of Christ:

 

“A just world for all.”

 

Learn more about the UCC at https://www.ucc.org/

OUR HISTORY

  1. Founded in 1886 by several families from Germany who emigrated to the U.S. and settled in the Wausau, Schofield and Stratford, WI area.
  2. In 1894, the "Little White Church" as it was known, was moved to the present location on the west side of Wausau.
  3. In 1925 the congregation began construction of the current building and it was dedicated on Feb. 21, 1926. During this time, the church was known as the First Reformed Church.
  4. In Dec. of 1955 a new educational wing was dedicated and in 1964 the name was changed to Grace United Church of Christ. 
  5. Our 18th pastor, Rev. Julie Goranson was called to Grace UCC in 2012, first as a lay pastor and then she served as co-pastor until June 2016, when she was called to be the full-time pastor.
  6. Rev. Julie Goranson officially retired with a celebration service in August 2023. Pastor Ann Larrabee continues in her place as our licensed pastor, with Rev. Vicki Wunsch joining us in June 2024, as a supply pastor.
  7. In November 2025 Rev. Vicki Wunsch was called to Peace UCC and Pastor Mary Jo Laabs joined Grace UCC as an interim pastor.
  8. Grace UCC is currently looking for our next called pastor. 

OUR STAFF

Pastor Ann Larrabee

Licensed Pastor

A member of Grace UCC since 2001, Ann has served as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon, Elder, choir member and now a licensed pastor.

 

"Pay attention to the times that God nudges us in new directions - wonderful things occur when we are open to the Holy Spirit."

 

You can contact Ann at alarrabee@unitedseminary.edu

Ron and Cindy Larson

Organist and Choir Director

Ron and Cindy have been an integral part of Grace UCC's music ministry for many years. As of Christmas Eve 2025 they have retired. 

 

We are currently enjoying the talents of guest musicians.

Sheila Dembowski

Administrative Assistant

Sheila has lived in Schofield since 1992 and she worked for the D.C. Everest school district as an elementary school librarian and teacher for four different school libraries. 

 

Since 2021, Sheila has enjoyed using her skills in her position at Grace including working on the newsletters and website. She shares her life with her son Michael, along with a “furry” family member, her cat named Oreo.

Jim Gronski

Custodian

Jim has worked at Grace UCC as the custodian since 1994. He is in charge of maintaining the church property, janitorial duties and groundskeeping. Jim does all of this while also working full time at Wausau West in the custodial department.

Pastor Mary Jo Laabs

Interim Pastor

Pastor Mary Jo provides pastoral services including preaching twice a month, visiting homebound parishioners and helping with other visitations, including hospital visits, as needed. She will also be helping with various committees including the Call Team. She will be in the church office on Mondays and by appointment.

 

You can contact Pastor Mary Jo at believe417@gmail.com