Newsletters
A Prayer for the 250th Anniversary of the United States
A Prayer for the 250th Anniversary of the United States
Almighty God, Heavenly Father, today, we bring You our heartfelt praise and thanksgiving as we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.
We thank You for the blessing of freedom. You have granted this nation protection and material abundance far beyond what we deserve. We praise You especially for the freedom of religion, which allows Your Church to gather in safety and boldly proclaim the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We ask for Your forgiveness and mercy. We confess that as a nation, we have often abused Your gifts and turned away from Your righteous ways. Do not treat us as our sins deserve, but look upon us with mercy for the sake of Your Son, our Savior. Grant our citizens a spirit of repentance, humility, and love for our neighbors.
We pray for our leaders and public servants. Bless the President, governors, judges, and all lawmakers with wisdom, integrity, and a respect for Your law. Guide them to make decisions that preserve peace, promote justice, and defend the vulnerable. Protect the members of our military and first responders who sacrifice to keep our communities safe.
Keep our hearts focused on our true home. While we are grateful for our earthly citizenship, remind us daily that our highest citizenship is in heaven. Preserve Your Church in this land and give to us the desire to share the light of Christ with a world in darkness.
Hear our prayer, O Lord, and continue to bless our land, not because we are worthy, but because of Your enduring grace. We pray in the saving name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
From the Pastor’s Desk
Pastor Ryan Henning
What I’ve been reading:
- From the Bible –Deuteronomy, Psalms, Isaiah, Revelation, Mathew: Since the books of the Bible I’m reading from this month are longer, I haven’t touched as many individual books. Yet, God’s Word is still impactful! From the reminders of God’s covenant commands in Deuteronomy (literally, “the second law”); to various Psalms of pain and joy; to the longest chapter of the Bible, Psalm 119, treasuring God’s teachings; to the prophecies of Isaiah, transitioning from foretelling destruction and judgment to the promises of a Servant who would suffer in our place to save us; to the vivid pictures of Revelation displaying the victory that waits for us in the end. Praise be to God for his life-giving message!
- For fun: June gave me some more time to read and listen, particularly with a longer two-day car trip. I finished two more Mitch Albom novels: The Time Keeper, telling the story of a man who wishes for more time to save his dying wife and ends up being able to control time in order to save two other people; and The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, a fun tale that weaves a fictional guitarist into the lives of historical musicians. Then, I read The Cartographers, in which a woman pursues the secrets of a seemingly insignificant road map that her father stashed away for years, only to discover hidden places. After that came my car ride, which passed more quickly through Such a Fun Age (watch for language) about a black nanny learning who she can trust and who is just using her, and I Liked My Life, rotating through three narrators: a mother speaking from beyond the grave, a father, and a daughter, all coping with the mother’s death. I wrapped up the month with Absalom’s Daughters, a tale of two teenage half-sisters, one white, one black, traveling in the 1950s from Mississippi to Virginia to find their legacy. I also finished up the devotion book given to me, Loved to Life. I will enjoy returning to this meditation on John’s Gospel again and again! At the time of this writing, I’m still working on Atlas Shrugged and God’s Design for Male and Female, and I just began a book called American Dirt. Always plenty to keep me going!
Ministry Team Maintains the Message:
Grace’s called workers and staff have had plenty of change in the last three years – all new faces in the office between Lori, Carol, and Marlee, and your ministry team – Debbi, Alex, and me. While the personnel will certainly continue to rotate in decades to come, we rest in the comfort that the message we serve remains the same. Matthew 5:18 “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Days come and weeks end, and there is still work to do. God be praised for the Word which is the focus, the motivator, and the power to keep doing his will!
We Welcome Alex E and His Family
Alex E was recently installed as our new Staff Minister at Grace Lutheran Church.
Grace called Alex to do family and outreach ministry. He has a passion for people and helping them to connect with God’s Word and strengthen their relationship with God’s people.
Before coming to Grace, Alex worked for Camp Croix in Danbury, WI, as Youth Minister
and Camp Host. He graduated from Martin Luther College with a degree in Staff
Ministry in 2018. He previously served as Youth and Family Minister at Zion Lutheran in
Peshtigo, WI, until 2026. Throughout Alex’s ministry, he has organized many faith-centered experiences, including youth rallies, mission trips and Pioneer Boundary
Waters canoe trips, and he is excited to start similar activities in Manitowoc.
In his free time Alex enjoys family time with his wife, Kali, and their four children, Paisly,
Loretta, Amos and Mabel. They are an outdoors-loving family and like to spend time in
God’s creation hunting, fishing and foraging. The Enters are excited to make
Manitowoc home and look forward to meeting you!
Much more from Alex E can be found on later pages in this newsletter.
“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”
George Washington 1778
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Manitowoc Independence Day Parade
Watch for our Vacation Bible School Team as they promote Grace’s Vacation Bible School, “Rainforest Falls,” in the Independence Day parade. The parade will be on July 4th starting at 10:00 A.M. traveling from the corners of 8th and Washington, up to Maritime Drive, and ending near the Yacht Club. Come and watch, cheer and wave as we promote our program and celebrate our country’s 250th birthday.
Christian Family Solutions
CFS (Christian Family Solutions) Guest Pastor Jeff B will lead worship on July 26th and 27th and offer a presentation after worship on July 26th. Here’s a short paragraph to summarize what CFS does:
Christian Family Solutions (CFS) is a Confessional Lutheran Gospel ministry that specializes in providing the best-available mental health care. We believe that nothing heals and helps the human heart better than the Gospel message of Jesus Christ as Savior of the world. Our ultimate goal for every soul we serve is to point them to Jesus so they might find true and lasting rest for their soul in his perfect work on our behalf.
We also know, as you do, that life in this broken world can present significant emotional, mental, and physical challenges that make it difficult for a weary soul to see Jesus and find rest in him. CFS specializes in addressing these challenges and helping individuals move past the substantial barriers they present. In this way, CFS is a unique partner in your ministry, equipped with very specialized skills to help your lay people and called workers find Gospel rest.
From the Desk of our Staff Minister - Alex E
No, please don’t call me Pastor. Many people are familiar with the roles of pastors and teachers in our church, but may wonder: What is a Staff Minister? I would like to take a stab at helping to answer that question in two ways. First, here is Synod’s answer to that question, and next month I’ll share some devotional thoughts that break it down for our congregation, here at Grace specifically.
In the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, a Staff Minister is a called church worker who serves in a specialized area of ministry. While staff ministers are not pastors, they are trained and called to serve God’s people in a variety of important ways.
Staff ministers may serve in roles such as:
- Family and Youth Ministry
- Evangelism and Outreach
- Discipleship and Adult Education
- Church Administration
- Music Ministry
- Christian Education
Like pastors and teachers, staff ministers receive a divine call through a congregation or ministry organization. Their ministry training combines biblical and theological studies with practical preparation for their specific area of service. Staff ministers often work closely with pastors, teachers, and congregation members to support the mission of the church. Depending on their call, they may lead Bible studies, coordinate outreach efforts, mentor youth, organize educational programs, provide visitation and support, or oversee ministry operations.
While pastors are specifically trained and called to preach, administer the sacraments, and carry out the full responsibilities of the pastoral office, staff ministers focus on specialized ministry areas that help strengthen and expand the congregation’s work.
In next month’s newsletter I’ll dig a little deeper into where the Staff Minister shows up in Scripture, and what things will look like for us here at Grace.
Here’s a little update from the Enter family. Since mid-April, we have had several accepted offers on homes in Manitowoc that have fallen through for various reasons, mostly due to home inspections uncovering issues-everything from leaking roofs and dangerous wiring to failing foundations. We found a great home inspector and are grateful to have him in our corner helping to protect us from buying a lemon. Currently we have an accepted offer and have passed the inspection phase, however we won’t close until late August. So, for the summer we will be living in our rental up in Peshtigo, and I will be commuting to Manitowoc. I do have family that has an apartment here in town where I can stay a night or two a week to avoid making the hour and a half drive every day. We are excited to make the move and can’t wait to make Manitowoc home!
In Christ’s Service, Alex E
Confirmation 2026
We joyfully welcome our newest confirmed members into our church family! As they continue their walk with Christ, we pray that God's Word will guide, strengthen, and encourage them throughout their lives. Their Confirmation verses follow:
Cicelia –"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day." Psalm 46:5
Cash –"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles..." Isaiah 40:31
Vance – "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Aiden – "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
Brynn – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Paisly – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Please join us in congratulating these young Christians and praying for God's continued blessings on their faith journey.
We praise and thank God for the Baptism of Isaac K on June 18th, 2026. His parents are Tony and Betty K, and his siblings are Calla, Wyatt, and Lenna K. To God be the glory!
Vacation Bible School Registration is Now Open!
Get ready to explore Rainforest Falls VBS at Grace Lutheran— where kids will discover God’s love through exciting adventures, fun games, music, crafts, and unforgettable memories!
August 10–14 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM / Open to ages 3 years old through 6th grade
Invite your friends, neighbors, cousins, and classmates for an incredible week of faith and fun! Spots fill quickly, so register today!
https://vbspro.events/p/events/grace rainforestfalls/sessions/105332/participants/new
If you have questions or want more information: Email: vbsgracelutheran@gmail.com
ROOTS UNITED JULY GATHERING
The next Roots United gathering will be on Saturday, July 11th from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. We will be meeting at Neshotah Beach in Two Rivers for some sand volleyball fun (all skill levels welcome) and Bible study from the book “Taboo – Topics Christians Should Be Talking About, But Don’t” This group is for ages eighteen to thirty-five. The inclement weather location will be the Bethany Lutheran School gymnasium. Join us!
Member Spotlight
Ruth B
Ruth B has been a member of Grace since May of 2026. She grew up on a small dairy and turkey farm in Manitowoc Rapids. Ruth graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School in 1955.
After high school Ruth worked in the office at Mirro Aluminum in Manitowoc, WI for a few years before meeting her late husband Bill B at the Silver Lake Dance Hall in Valders, WI.
On September 7, 1957, they were married at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church in Manitowoc. Together, they owned and operated the family farm on Highway 310 for 40 years. They raised 5 children together and now have 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Ruth is always willing to jump in and snuggle up on the grandchildren and great grandbabies.
Ruth proudly received a nurse’s aide certificate from LTC and worked as a caregiver at the Manitowoc Rainbow House for 9 years. Afterwards she worked at Hartman’s Greenhouse, Hamiltan Home, Homes for Independent Living, and was a caregiver for a few families in the Manitowoc area.
She enjoys reading, working on puzzles, going for walks, and painting ceramics. Over the years she has painted numerous ceramic Christmas trees and nativity scenes for family members.
Ruth taught Sunday School, helped with countless Vacation Bible Schools,assisted with Communion set up and take down and was involved in the altar care team at Rockwood Lutheran Church.
Additionally, Ruth has a love for flowers and gardening. Her favorite things to plant are pumpkins and marigolds. Take a moment to stop and ask her for gardening tips and tricks that will keep your pumpkins and tomatoes from getting bugs on them.
If you get her talking, she may even tell you how to can some applesauce or her specialty “dill pickles.”
Church Phone Update
Please note that Grace Lutheran Church's phones will be unavailable on July 21st and July 22nd as we transition to a new phone service provider. We appreciate your patience during this upgrade and look forward to serving you with our new system soon! Thank you for your understanding.
WELS/ELS Singles Retreat at Camp Phillip
If you are an adult WELS/ELS member, single, widowed, divorced, never married, and would like to join others of the same description for fellowship and activities amidst the natural beauty of central Wisconsin, come to the WELS/ELS Singles Retreat, August 28th – 30th at Camp Phillip in Wautoma, WI. For more information and to register, visit https://sites.google.com/view/lutheransinglesretreat/.
Please register by July 26th.
Summer Camp Update July 2026
Jesus’ Lambs of Grace has been blessed with many sunny days for water play and picnic lunches outside. We are enjoying our “Happy Birthday America” theme, we have learned about the Presidents on Mount Rushmore, American symbols and currently are learning about some American Folklore Legends.
Bible Lessons this summer are on the Miracles of Jesus, we are amazed at how many facts the children can retain! Acting out our stories helps with that.
We were able to send the MLHS Track Team off to State when the team met in the Grace parking lot. One of the runners was a Jesus’ Lambs alumni: Isaac W. The team gave us all fives before heading to their track meet.
The tragic loss of one of our shade trees during the windstorm in May, lead to this fun pit that we have been exploring on the south side of our property. We have pulled out some nice quartz rocks as well as some bones! (planted for a paleontology lesson)
We held our annual 1/2 Car Wash on Thursday, June 18th and raised over $140 for our Summer Camp Program!
Each week the older campers are cooking up some American classics: so far they have made homemade bread along with homemade butter, cherry pie (for George Washington) applesauce cake (for Johnny Appleseed) and upcoming an “American Surprise.”
We are looking forward to our 4th of July picnic on Thursday, July 2nd.
Still to come this summer-Amazing Amazon and Rainforest Falls!
God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home!
God bless America, my home sweet home!
Have an Outstanding July!
