Newsletters
October 2025Newsletter
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!
Gracious Lord, our refuge and strength, pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep them steadfast in your Word, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all their enemies, and bestow on the Church your saving peace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
From Pastor Henning’s Desk
What I’ve been reading:
From the Bible – Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. I did start reading from the People’s Bible Commentary, starting with Genesis…
And I got all the way through Genesis 1. Then this plan stalled. The book sat in my bag going from home to church but never coming out. Sometimes we have well-intentioned plans for devotional reading that just don’t happen. I can say my other devotional patterns have continued – my men’s daily devotion book, Meditations, Bible app verse of the day, WELS Daily Devotion emails. So, I’m getting fed with some of God’s Word.
For fun: I also didn’t accomplish much fun reading this month. I’ve been slowly but surely working through Did God Really Command Genocide? Coming to Terms with the Justice of God. It has been an informative read, looking at some of the arguments people make that God either couldn’t have made this command, or that God must not be good because of the conqu200est of Canaan, and seeing how we read Scripture fully instead of trying to take him down by human ideas. When I finish this in October (that’s the man-made plan I have), I hope to continue with my bed-side stack of books. Up next: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.
Fall Fun: The Preschool Playdate was a great way to kick off the fun activities we’ve got coming on campus! Obviously, I’m excited to have kids back in the building for our new school year. I’m also thrilled about the upcoming classes we have – Catechism with five total current students, possibly one more; six families expressing interest in the Bible Beginners course; a pre-marital course with a couple preparing for their marriage; and getting to teach our monthly men’s breakfast Bible class for a few months. On top of that, another Church Picnic with special guest music, Fall Fest with all its fun and fanfare, choir resumes, football and volleyball and so much more!
A full schedule promises plenty of fun. God be praised for the enjoyment of all his good gifts!
What is a Symposium?
On September 22nd and 23rd, I spent part of my days at the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary’s annual Symposium. This is a conference centered on a particular subject. They ask three pastors to write academic-style papers on the topic. The writers come to present their papers, which are followed by a formal reaction and then time for questions and answers. The best part is gathering with hundreds of fellow pastors to grow and be refreshed. This year talked about the Ministry of the Word. What a marvel that God put his message of salvation in the flesh – first in Jesus, the Word who made his dwelling among us; then in us, lowly human beings. God makes us the vessels of the gospel, jars of clay displaying his radiant light! It was truly refreshing for me. There are days I feel like Martin Luther, who called himself a “poor, stinking bag of maggots.” I am nothing. And yet, because God fills me with his gospel message, I am a royal emissary, an ambassador for the King of Creation. You, too, are royal priests, spokespeople for God. Marvel and rejoice that God has given you the ministry of the Word. Thank you for your prayers, support, and kindness to me and to Cait as we dedicate our lives in service to you and to God’s kingdom.
The New Piano is Here!
After much anticipation and deliberation, we have our new instrument, a baby grand piano! The decision to purchase this piano was made carefully, with a committee considering several options for different instruments and evaluating the benefits, drawbacks, and cost of each option. We are grateful to our musicians and our Worship Elder for assisting in making this decision. There will be a special service at Thanksgiving to dedicate the piano.
Join us for a special Thanksgiving worship service, With Grateful Hearts: Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise. This song service will have music from soloists, choir, and the young adult group and will celebrate the gift of music and the many other gifts God has given us. Services are Wednesday, November 26th at 6:30 PM and Thursday, November 27th at 9:00 AM.
MORE FALL FESTIVAL INFORMATION…
Fall Festival Bake Sale
It’s exciting to plan the Bake Sale again this year! Last year was very successful due to the wonderful and talented Grace Lutheran bakers and helpers!
A few updates this year will hopefully streamline the process:
- Please cut bars or cakes before bringing. They will be priced accordingly.
- Please donate only non-refrigerated items, as our refrigerator space is limited.
- If you bring gluten free or any allergen-free items, please include a note so they can be labeled.
Donations can be brought to Grace on Thursday, October 23rd until 8:00 PM and October 24th until 4:00 PM. If no one is in the building, the outside office double door will be open and there will be a table in the entryway on which you may place your items. Someone will bring them inside each day.
Thank you in advance for all donations and help with this Festival, and for supporting WELS Christian Aid and Relief. We are truly blessed with a supportive congregation!
Debbie Meineke
Grace Lutheran Fall Festival
Saturday, October 25th, 2025
For Kids and Adults!
Join us for the fun, the games, the treats, the prizes, the food, the contests, the baskets and so much more!
Contact the church office for more information!
Special Notice for All Members and Friends of Grace Lutheran…
We will be putting together an order of apparel and merch featuring our new logo! Keep an eye out in the Fellowship Hall for pictures and an order form. Orders are due by October 31st.
Fall Festival News!
The Grace Lutheran Fall Festival is on Saturday, October 25th and will run from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. There are sign-up sheets in the fellowship hall for bake sale items, volunteers, and for themed baskets. Ann Hornes is coordinating the baskets this year and wanted to share the following note:
Fall Festival Themed Baskets: There is a sign-up sheet in the fellowship hall for anyone that would like to put together a theme basket for the Grace Lutheran Fall Festival. Please include your name, phone number and the theme of your basket – if indeed the basket has a theme. Suggested basket value is between $15.00 and $20.00. Baskets should be dropped off between October 5th -12th so we can have them displayed in the narthex beginning Sunday, October 19th. This will allow members to purchase tickets in advance of Fall Fest. Tickets are fifty cents. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Ann Hornes at phone number 920-684-1241 or email singingbowler@aol.com. Thank you!
Bible Class Information
Beginning October 14th and in line with our Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod’s 175th anniversary, we will have a multi-week study of the history of our synod – also known as the WELS.
Come to hear answers to questions like:
- Where did the Germans who came to Wisconsin come from, and why did they leave Germany?
- Our Seminary (pastor training school) is in Mequon, Wisconsin today. Was it always there?
- If we are the "Wisconsin" Synod, why are we in all fifty states and in other countries?
- What is the history of the churches here in Manitowoc County?
- What makes us different from other Lutherans?
These questions and more will be answered as we look at the history of the WELS -- 175 years of Christ working through so that we might bring the gospel to those around us.
Each lesson will be taught three times. Tuesdays at 6:30 PM, Wednesdays at 1:15 PM and Sundays after worship. The series begins on October 14th. Come and learn about your Lutheran roots!
A New Way to Give Your Offerings is Available!
Our congregation has set up a new system that allows you to give offerings directly from your phone or computer. Simply click the "Give" button on our Grace Lutheran website and you'll be taken directly to the giving option. You can make a one-time offering or set up automatic recurring payments. A QR code will also be available by the offering plate for ease of access.
Please call the church office with any questions.
Church Council Update for October
Watch for information concerning our November Open Forum Meetings and Voters’ Meeting. Discussions may include the Calling of a full-time Staff Minister and hiring of a Church Coordinator. Discussions will include the adoption of a new Mission Statement for our congregation. Watch for more information about these topics over the next few weeks.
We are also looking for individuals to run for Congregation Chairman – to replace current Chairman Steve Janke, whose term expires at the end of 2025. A position description document for Chairman can be found on our website. Please consider serving your Lord and your congregation in this way!
Join us for the Sunday morning “Second Hour.”
- Adult Bible ClassJoin us for the Sunday morning “Second Hour.”
- Adult Bible Class
- Teen / Young Adult Bible Class
- Sunday School for Preschool / Elementary Students
Worship 9:00 A.M.
“Second Hour” begins around 10:15 A.M.
Grace Lutheran Church
Choir Practices
Wednesdays 6:00 P.M.
All Are Welcome!
Help WELS Campus Ministry Serve Your Students
| WELS Campus Ministry exists to serve college students during their years on campus, often away from home. In order to do this, campus pastors need names and contact information for WELS members attending college. |
- Students can sign up on the WELS Campus Ministry database.
- Parents, grandparents, or church secretaries can register a student in the Campus Ministry referral portal.
- Pastors can also place the information into the database through their personal and/or congregational WELS Cloud account. Sign in to My WELS Cloud, and under "Church," add student names and information under "Campus Ministry Management."
Member Spotlight
Lylene S
Lylene S and her late husband Fred joined Grace Church in June of 2006, when they moved to Manitowoc from Kiel.
Lylene grew up in Gillett and graduated from its high school as valedictorian. She attended UW-Milwaukee for one year and then took a summer job at Oster, where she wired circuit boards. She met Fred through a friend at Oster. Fred was a Milwaukee native who attended Atonement Lutheran School and Church. The two married in 1959 and enjoyed a 60-year long marriage until Fred passed away in September of 2019.
Fred was a submarine veteran who later became an assessor for numerous Wisconsin districts. His job took them from Milwaukee to Kiel in 1973; over the years he and Lylene were blessed with a daughter and two sons and eventually with two grandchildren. Lylene was a middle school librarian in Kiel for a total of about 26 years, while intermittently taking some time off to raise their children.
Lylene is a world traveler. She and Fred travelled together all over the United States, often visiting friends from his time in the Navy. But it was Lylene’s involvement in leading women’s volunteer groups in various service organizations that took her overseas numerous times over the years. At different times she was president of the Wisconsin Association for Home and Community Education and also a state and later on the national president of the National Volunteer Outreach Network. This group helped to provide water filters for underprivileged people in Africa, Thailand, Cameroon, and other countries. They also provided scholarship grants that enabled students in need to attend school. In addition to traveling to those countries, she also went to Finland, India, England, Nicaragua, and Malaysia.
Lylene has been an active WELS member for many years. She has sung in choirs and served as national president of our synod’s Lutheran Women’s Mission Society. Here at Grace, you will see her regularly attending Sunday church services and the Bible classes held afterwards. She is involved in our Grace Circle women’s group and hopes that its membership will grow. Her vision problems caused her to give up driving in 2014, so Lylene is very grateful for the volunteer Grace members who provide her with transportation. She can continue her love for reading; she enjoys fiction and biographies on her Kindle, and she uses an enhanced vision viewer for daily reading of the Bible and devotions in the WELS Meditations booklet. If you like to talk about traveling or would like to hear highly interesting stories of how God has had a hand in Lylene’s life adventures, be sure to budget some time to visit with her. You will be guaranteed to be entertained, informed, and inspired.
This brings the newsletter to a close, but the news will continue! Keep yourself up to date with all things Grace Lutheran by:
- Listening to the after-worship service announcements, and
- Reading the onscreen announcements found on the monitors in church, and
- Checking your church mailbox for weekly announcement sheets, and
- Reading the weekly “Church News” emails sent from our church office, and
- Calling the church office or Coordinating Council members with your questions.
It is our desire to keep our entire church family in the know. May God bless our efforts to do so, and may God bless all of you!
