Newsletters
August 2025 Newsletter
Worship Services
9:00 AM Sunday Morning
6:30 PM Monday Evening
A Note About our Brewers Game Trip in July...
The Brewer Game Night was a huge success. Kenton had a wonderful idea when he started planning this event! Special thanks to Derrick Gossen and Tom and Debbie Meineke for jumping in and making it happen. Kent would have loved to bring you all together for a fun night! I did get a bruise when a fly ball hit my leg but that just added to the adventure. Thankfully it did not hit my head or Lorna Matthias who was sitting next to me.
Hang on to your Brewer shirts, we may have to try this again!
Donna Langman
From Pastor Henning's Desk
What I’ve been reading:
From the Bible: Acts and Paul’s letters (Galatians, Thessalonians, Corinthians, Romans): After the Gospels, I’ve gotten to see the Christian church take off as the apostles spread the good news to the ends of the earth. I’m nearly to the end of Acts, which thoroughly details Paul’s travels and ministry. There’ve been interspersed breaks with letters to specific congregations. As with the Gospels, there’s a big benefit to reading these in the span of a couple days. You get a sense of Paul’s tone to different places, the flow between sections, and core ideas, more than if you only read or heard one section in a service. Through it all, Christ still shines through. Most recently, I finished Romans, which has often been called “the fifth gospel,” Paul’s gospel. It is a comprehensive summary of law and gospel, leading into many aspects of Christian living. Paul can be challenging to follow with some long-winded sentences, and yet the gospel he preaches is still powerful and effective. Thanks be to God for his Word through faithful Paul!
For Fun: My book reading has slowed down. I have been reading two books by the same author on a similar topic: I finished Imagine Heaven and now I’m working through Imagine the God of Heaven. Both deal with individuals who have had near-death experiences (NDEs). The author interviewed hundreds of people who had out-of-body experiences during the time before they were resuscitated. The books do a good job of comparing what these people saw with what Scripture says about heaven and God. However, the author leans into an approach of making a decision for God, choosing to believe and turning around our lives ourselves. He seems to speak of salvation based on deeds, even though he describes God as compassionate and loving beyond all imagination. While these books have been fascinating to read, to see the commonalities across these NDEs, we want to be careful to recognize that faith comes from God alone, not by our own thinking or choosing. I would recommend reading them but do so with careful discretion (I’d gladly answer any questions as you read along!)
Kids in the building!
It’s hard to imagine summer camp ending this month! I wish that I had spent more time in the sun playing with these kiddos. I’m always glad to share God’s Word with them in church, to eat lunches together, and to be there for hugs, high-fives, and an ice pack when needed.
This month we get even more kids in the building; I’m excited for my first Grace Vacation Bible School! Thanks to all our volunteers who helped prepare and run this event as we share the good news of our True North, Jesus, the Morning Star, with our community! As we look forward to preschool families returning for the fall, may we all consider how we can partner with and support this vital part of our ministry, Jesus’ Lambs of Grace.
Basic Bible Christianity Classes
As the school year begins for the children in our lives, it’s good for us to keep learning too! Starting the week of September 8th and running through the week of November 17th at the latest, Pastor Henning will be teaching Basic Bible Christianity, a study in the truths of the Christian faith. This is a beginner’s course into what we believe and teach here at Grace. Anyone is welcome to come and learn – whether you’re looking to study for the first time what Lutherans believe, you want to become a member of our church family, or you’re already a member but you’re looking for a refresher!
The course is broken down into 15 lessons, but you don’t need to attend every lesson if you can’t make it. The same course will keep being offered twice a year, a fall session and a winter session at the start of the new year. We will use a hybrid method, offering the class in person and virtually as needed. Once Pastor has heard from interested individuals, he will set the day and time the class will weekly meet. If you have any questions, please let him know: pastor@gracelutheran-church.com or 507-766-0438. We look forward to growing in God’s Word with you!
Confirmation Class for Grades Seven and Eight
With September right around the corner, I’ve started planning Catechism class for the coming year. Seventh or Eighth grade is typically the age we have in this class, but younger and older are welcome! Our course has been studying Bible history lessons. Last year we covered most of the Old Testament, and this year we’ll study the life of Jesus and the early Church after Jesus returned to heaven. Classes are scheduled to start the week of September 8 th with classes on Mondays from 5-6pm (so families could stay for worship afterward at 6:30pm). I will be reaching out to families with Catechism-age children to schedule an informational meeting. If I haven’t contacted you but you would like your child/grandchild to be included, please let me know! If you have any other questions, you can contact me at any time:
pastor@gracelutheran-church.com or 507-766-0438. I look forward to growing in God’s Word with you and your children!
God’s Blessings to All Who are Heading Back to School This August!
Have an Outstanding Year!
Sweet Corn Fest – Coming Soon!
The MLHS “Sweet Corn Fest” is almost here! Our congregation will receive fresh-picked corn sometime between August 10th and August 24th. Watch for more details in upcoming bulletins and newsletters.
Proceeds from this effort support the MLHS Academic Voucher Program, which has awarded 2,247 vouchers (now worth $200 each) to students in grades 5–8 who participate in the MLHS Academic Fair. Since the program began, nearly $300,000.00 has been awarded — much of it raised through Sweet Corn Fest. Thank you for your continued support! Note: If there are any members who are willing to help pick corn on any of the dates of picking, those being Saturday, August 9th, Saturday, August 16th, and Saturday, August 23rd, contact Cait at memberministry@gracelutheran-church.com and let her know what works for you.
News From Your Coordinating Council
During July, our Coordinating Council along with our Voters’ Assembly approved a request from Christian Family Solutions to use a part of our facility as a counseling center. We look forward to the opening of this Christian Counseling opportunity later this year.
Members on our Council are currently working or will soon start work on planning and carrying out a successful church picnic (see information elsewhere in this newsletter) as well as our Fall Fest – held in October. We look forward to these enjoyable congregational events. May God bless our efforts.
Some of the items currently being discussed and worked on by the Council for decisions later this year include the possible Calling of a full-time Staff Minister, the purchasing a new musical instrument for the church to replace our damaged organ, the construction of some new office and storage space at Grace, the launch of our new church website and the writing of a new mission statement and vision statement for our congregation.
The new mission statement currently being studied is as follows:
Rooted in Christ’s love, we share the life-changing Gospel with grace, compassion and unwavering hope – welcoming all, serving others, growing in grace and pointing every heart to Jesus.
Our Coordinating Council will work to keep everyone in our congregation up to date with everything being studied and considered. Feel free to contact any of our Council representatives with any questions, comments, concerns or ideas. We’d love to hear from you! May God bless the efforts of our CC.
A successful Summer Camp program is wrapping up this month at Jesus’ Lambs of Grace. We’re thankful for the staff that made these sessions possible for the twenty plus kids who came in throughout June, July and into August. Daily Bible lessons and some outstanding summer fun made our Summer Camp a huge success. With camp wrapping up, our attention now turns to our Preschool - beginning in early September. We pray God blesses this important outreach program in our congregation.
Please Note the Following:
On Wednesday, August 13th there will be a parent orientation meeting for all Jesus’ Lambs parents. The meeting begins at 6:00 P.M.
Thursday, August 14th is the last day of Summer Camp, and on Thursday, August 22nd there will be a playdate (10:00 – 11:00 A.M.) for all Jesus’ Lambs enrollees. Contact the Jesus’ Lambs office for more information.
May God richly bless our preschool program, “Jesus’ Lambs of Grace.”
Grace Lutheran Bible Class
Do you know someone involved in a cult? A cult is a group that has teachings and beliefs that go against Scripture, usually led by a charismatic individual, whose followers accept their teachings without checking them against the Bible. Examples include Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Mormonism, Scientology, and Humanism. Even if you don't know someone involved in any of these groups, as a faithful witness to Jesus, you probably should know how to refute their false teachings.
Starting July 22nd, and running for seven weeks, Grace will conduct a Bible study series titled "Unmasking Today's Most Dangerous Cults." Sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings at 6:30, Wednesday afternoons at 1:15, and Sundays after worship. Please come and learn how you can defend the truths of the Bible against these dangerous organizations.
Our New Look!
Many, many thanks to our own Cait Henning for the new logo designs found in this month’s newsletter. We appreciate the many hours of work and creativity that were a part of the design of these outstanding logos.
We also encourage you to check out the launch of our new, exceptional church website (also designed by Cait) which you can find at www.gracelutheran-church.com. Thank you Cait Henning!
News From Manitowoc Lutheran High School
Van Drivers Needed
Did you know that MLHS runs three morning van routes to pick up students in remote locations each day? This service allows many of these students to attend MLHS, who otherwise would not be able to! We are looking for volunteer drivers to help with this awesome ministry. You can drive once a week, every other week, once a month, whatever you are able to do! If you are interested in helping in this way, or would like more information, contact Ryan Holper (rholper@mlhslancers.org). Thank you for considering this service opportunity.
Lancer Launch
The MLHS Lancer Launch event is scheduled for Monday, August 4, where students can pick up their class schedules, receive school-issued laptops (with freshmen getting theirs on the first day), learn about extracurricular activities, purchase SCRIP, move into lockers, chat with teachers, and ask questions. The event runs from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm for the Classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 (parents are optional), and from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm for the Class of 2029 and new students (with a parent required for the 6 pm session). School pictures will also be taken, www.mlhslancers.org/registration for more information. Come learn about PowerSchool, TADS, athletics, adding money to hot lunch accounts, purchasing laptop protection, and much more!
Coach Heiderich Field Dedication Ceremony
Join us for a heartfelt evening as we honor the legacy of a coach who shaped generations—not only through athletics, but through faith, mentorship, and humble service.
Date: Friday, August 22, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM Location: Manitowoc Lutheran High School
Grace Lutheran Picnic Sunday – Sunday, September 7th.
Our Grace church picnic will be held on Sunday, September 7th following an outdoor worship service. Our worship will be at 10:30 A.M. There will be no 9:00 A.M. worship on Picnic Sunday. All are invited to come for worship and to stay for the meal as well as fellowship time, games, and fun!
If you are interested in helping with picnic preparation, the running of the event, meal help, set-up and takedown or whatever else might prove helpful, contact Derrick Gossen or look for sign-up sheets in the church narthex. Thank you!
Member Spotlight
Troy and Cassie W
Troy became a Grace member in October of 2018. He grew up near Mishicot, where he attended St. Peters Lutheran Grade School and then Mishicot High School. He furthered his education at both UW Manitowoc and NWTC. His wife Cassie grew up near Newton and graduated from Lincoln High School. She got a degree in human development from UW Green Bay.
Troy and Cassie met while kayaking with some mutual friends. Married in May of 2022, they thoroughly enjoyed their honeymoon in Iceland. Now they are raising 4 children. Charlotte will be in 5th grade this fall; she enjoys figure skating. Henry will be in 3rd grade; he enjoys playing hockey on the team his dad coaches. Eleanor will be 2 in October, and Cameron will be 1 in December.
Troy has worked as an HVAC technician for 20+ years at Manitowoc Heating, a company that his brother Terry started 25 years ago. Cassie stays busy working from home in the warranty development department at Rehlko Company while also taking care of their household, even with all four children home.
The family has stayed extremely busy this summer, and they hope that by the end of July they will be done moving outside of town to Troy’s parents’ house, which they purchased. Their plans are to construct an addition to the house to create space for Troy’s father to live with them when he is not in Florida. They still hope to find time this summer to get away to their cabin near Cauldron Falls, where both Cassie and Troy enjoy water skiing and other water activities.
Some other activities these two pursue include Troy’s hobbies of deer and turkey hunting, woodworking, and playing guitar. Cassie enjoys reading and hopes to resume running soon. She has run in both some half and full marathons.
Troy is at the beginning of a term of service on our Jesus’ Lambs of Grace board. Feel free to contact him for information about our preschool, or perhaps choose to consult with him for some hunting tips or Cassie for some tips on training to run in marathons.
Member Spotlight
Shawn P
We welcome our newest member, Shawn Popp! Shawn grew up in Mishicot and Francis Creek, attending school in the Mishicot School District all the way through high school. He has a younger sister and a non-identical twin brother. After a couple of years working for Packer Fastener in Green Bay, Shawn recently started a position at Sartori Cheese in Plymouth.
In his spare time, Shawn enjoys learning more about our universe. He’s also a big baseball fan; he tries to get to around 10 Brewers games a season, as well as the occasional Green Bay Rockers or Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game. Plus, he has a large collection of baseball cards – a full shelf of several full boxes. Shawn has also enjoyed watching stock car racing and going to dirt tracks, like the 141 Speedway. One of Shawn’s special skills is tracking rabbits with beagles. He loved doing this with his grandpa and uncles; he doesn’t currently have a dog to work with but would love to do it again someday!
Shawn grew up attending Rockwood Lutheran until about 10 years old, and he was glad to be able to start coming to Grace with his friend Jeremiah (Jerry) Colborn. Shawn has faithfully attended on Monday nights and loves being surrounded by fellow Christians to support him. He’s excited to continue listening to and learning God’s Word and talking about it with his Grace family!
Want to help out here at Grace Lutheran? Two events to consider – events that need help – are the upcoming Church picnic in August and the Fall Fest in October. Feel free to call the church office for more information on how you might get involved! Thanks!
Could Social Media Applications Be Used for Congregational Outreach?
(Delayed from Last Month, But Still in the Works.)
The Chairman of our congregation, Steve Janke, would like to pursue that question, and he would like to do so by forming a team of volunteers to explore avenues of outreach using social media.
If you consider yourself somewhat “savvy” in the world of social media and would like to be a part of the Social Media Exploration for Outreach team, please contact our chairman and let him know. He’ll be setting up a meeting date very soon. Chairman Janke’s contact information can be found in the church directory or can be secured with a call to the church office.
Changes to our Congregational Newsletter…
Due to preferences from some of our members, concerns regarding privacy and safety as well as excessive repetition of information, we will no longer be placing the following information into our newsletter:
Birthday Lists
Mowing, Vacuuming and Usher / Greeter Schedules with Names and Phone Numbers
Coordinating Council Elected Officials Information with Names and Phone Numbers
You can find this information in a number of different locations, such as church bulletin boards, church emails, our website, church mailboxes and in our weekly news handouts. You may also feel free to call the church office for any needed information.
We appreciate your understanding regarding these inclusion decisions.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, ideas or suggestions regarding this newsletter, please contact the church office. We’d love to hear from you!
