Newsletters
Heavenly Father,
We praise you for the many physical and spiritual blessings you give to us by your grace. We thank you for providing our daily bread, for the abundance of earthly blessings that care for our needs, and for the loved ones you have placed in our lives.
Above all, we give you thanks for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world through your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for his perfect substitution, his death, and his resurrection, which have bought us back from sin and made us heirs of eternal life. We praise you for the means of grace—your powerful Word and Sacraments—which strengthen our faith and give us the certain hope of glory.
Forgive us for the times we have been distracted, grumbled against your will, or failed to recognize your hand at work. Teach us the secret of true contentment. Produce the fruit of humble gratitude in our hearts, so that we may praise you not only with our lips, but by lives dedicated to your service.
Bless our synod, our congregations, and our partners in gospel outreach as we share the saving message of Jesus across the world. Give us opportunities to direct others to you, our Savior. Watch over us, our loved ones, and our nation in the days ahead, keeping our faith strong until you bring us to our eternal home.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, we pray. Amen.
From Our Pastor’s Desk
Pastor Ryan Henning
What I’ve been reading:
- For work: I haven’t been doing any solid Bible reading for myself, outside of short morning devotions. God’s Word is still powerful and effective, but I want to be in a pattern of meditating on it regularly. So, I have two goals for November: restart a daily Bible reading plan (not attempting to catch up from where I fell behind, but just take it one day at a time); and the other is to complete a book I started in hopes of helping members better understand a topic. That’s the book on the roles of men and women that I started all the way back in April. This topic continues to be timely and recently came back to my attention – a group of pastors as well as a WELS woman wrote reactions to a Forward in Christ article from August. I want to be able to participate in this conversation in a knowledgeable way.
- For fun: Here are my October personal reading highlights.
- The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney. Siblings who were banking on receiving an inheritance affectionately called “The Nest” need to recalibrate when the funds are used to clean up the effects of an accident their brother had.
- Food by Jim Gaffigan. A comedian gives his commentary on favorite foods and American dining patterns. You know me. I like food. So obviously I liked this book.
- Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. A pastor encourages Christians to embrace a new way of living: “Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did.” Living our faith is more than just what we call ourselves. It is a whole life of discipleship, following the Way as Jesus set out for us. Because we are grateful for everything Jesus did, we strive to be more like him.
- Send for Me by Lauren Fox. This novel bridges two timelines, connecting a young Jewish woman who fled her home in Germany for America, and the woman’s granddaughter who finds letters from across the sea.
- The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall. The second book in a series about four sisters, their dog, and all kinds of adventures. In this one they encounter the scary prospect of… Dad dating again.
- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Two magicians are pitted against each other to determine who has the better teacher. But as they put together a more and more extravagant circus, they also fall in love. How will the competition end?
Looking ahead with Joy: Many in our body of believers have faced heavy trials in recent months. I recently shared this passage with one sister: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” We look ahead with joy, knowing that Christ will help us stand the test until the end. On that day when Jesus brings us home, he will crown us with his own glory and righteousness. Then, we will praise him forever with joy.
The Fall Fest Committee would like to thank all the Grace members and helpers who donated their time, energy, and financial support so that we might put together yet another very successful Fall Fest back in October. It was a wonderful community outreach event that brought families and friends together for a whole lot of fun. We had nearly 175 people attend. It was a joy to see so many people having such a great time! Again, thank you for your support. The money raised (over $1500.00) will be used to help Menasha’s Bethel Lutheran Church with tornado relief.
Fall Cleanup is taking place on Saturday, November 7th beginning at 9:00 A.M. If you can do so, please bring shovels, wheelbarrows, and work gloves. Come dressed for the weather (hopefully, a beautiful morning) and be ready to help. There will be clean-up work to do inside and outdoors. Direct any questions to Mike R at 920-901-0768.
Are you looking for a fun Family night filled with games and laughter? Come to Grace church on Saturday, November 7th from 5:30 – 8:00 P.M. for our Game Night! All ages are welcome. Feel free to bring a game or learn a new one. There will be popcorn, pizza, and drinks provided. Join us for the fun!
Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!
Preschool Expansion Groundbreaking!
Sunday, November 8th Following our Worship Service.
Join us as we kick-off construction by putting this exciting and incredible project into our Lord’s hands. May He bless all we do!
We want to thank all the men and women who have served our nation in the armed forces. With Veterans Day taking place on Wednesday, November 11th, we want to recognize our Grace Lutheran members the weekend before, that being Sunday, November 8th and Monday, November 9th.
Please bring a photo of yourself, in or out of uniform, to the church office by noon on Friday, November 6th so that we might include it in our display.
Thank you for your service!
The WELS Regional Choral Festival – Hosted by Manitowoc Lutheran High School
Manitowoc Lutheran High School is hosting a Regional Choral Festival from November 13th – 15th with the theme “Proclaim His Name!” The festival’s mission is to foster Christian fellowship among WELS high school students as they prepare, rehearse, and perform choral music, so that with one heart and voice they may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Two public concerts are planned and will be held at Manitowoc Lutheran High School. The Pops Concert will be held on Friday, November 13th at 7:00 P.M. and a Sacred Concert on Sunday, November 15th at 2:00 P.M. All are welcome to attend these concerts!
The NEW Grace Circle
November 19th at 5:30 P.M.
Begin with us a new chapter of Grace Circle – our Grace Lutheran Church Women’s Service Group.
The next meeting of Grace Circle is scheduled for Thursday, November 19th at 5:30 P.M. Dinner and drinks will be provided.
Please bring your thoughts and ideas as we discuss what Grace Circle can look like going forward here at Grace Lutheran. All ladies and their children are welcome! Feel free to bring a dessert, snack, or side dish. We are looking forward to your thoughts and ideas. Please look for a signup sheet in the Fellowship Hall. Join us!
Open Forum Meetings
Sunday, November 29th and Monday, November 30th After Worship Services.
Voters’ Meeting
Tuesday, December 1st at 6:30 P.M.
Our very important Voters’ Meeting will include elections to Coordinating Council.
We are looking for men in the congregation to run for and fill the following Coordinating Council positions: Education Elder, Worship Elder, Property Elder and Outreach Elder. Please consider serving!
If you are interested in having your name placed on the ballot, please contact the church office.
Roots United Friendsgiving
Roots United, a local WELS young adult group, is hosting a Friendsgiving Dinner on Saturday, November 14th at 5:30 P.M. here at Grace Lutheran Church. Members of Roots United will prepare and serve a meal while spending time in fellowship with members of our community. If you would like to support this event, donations may be made through the Grace website or by scanning the QR code on the logo below. Those interested in helping with food preparation or serving can contact Pastor Henning at pastor@gracelutheran-church.com. Do you know someone who could benefit from a warm meal and fellowship? Please invite them to attend and RSVP by November 7th at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/friendsgiving-with-roots-united.
Donate by scanning this code with the camera on your phone.
Thanksgiving Worship Services
Wednesday, November 25th at 6:30 P.M.
Thursday, November 26th at 9:00 A.M.
Join Us for Worship!
News from Manitowoc Lutheran High School
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MLHS Fall Play: Just Another High School Play (produced by special arrangement with Eldridge Publishing Co.). This takes place at MLHS on November 6th at 7:00 p.m., November 7th at 7:00 p.m., November 8th at 2:00 p.m. in the Auxiliary Gym.
Tickets for adults are $8.00 and for students $5.00. - Veterans Breakfast and Service: All veterans and their spouses are invited to join us at MLHS for a complimentary breakfast and worship service on Tuesday, November 10th. Breakfast is from 8:30AM - 9:30AM, with a Veterans Service taking place from 10:00AM - 11:00AM. Please register today by visiting www.mlhslancers.org/veterans.
- MLHS International Hosting: MLHS is currently in need of a host family for one of our international students as their current host family is moving out of state at the end of the semester. If you can help, please contact MLHS International Coordinator, Renee Ruediger at rruediger@mlhslancers.org
Jesus Cares Ministry
Jesus Cares meets at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 14th at Bethany Lutheran Church for a simplified service with songs, prayers, and a Bible lesson for all abilities. They additionally meet at Grace Lutheran on Saturday, November 21st at 9:00 A.M. for a Bible lesson, music, art project and snacks. This month we’ll focus on Daniel in the Lions’ Den.
Happy Thanksgiving! To God Be the Glory!
