Newsletters
January & February Newsletter 2026
From the Pastor’s Desk
Pastor Ryan Henning
What I’ve been reading:
- From the Bible and for personal spiritual edification: For Christmas, Cait bought me a new Bible. It’s a Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation, specifically geared toward men: He Reads Truth. I’ve been using the “Read the Bible in a Year” plan that it offers; right now I’m reading about a chapter a day from four different books of the Bible –Genesis, Matthew, Ezra, and Acts. It’s been a refreshing variety of parts of Scripture. I also finished my daily devotion book that I got last Christmas from the office staff (thanks again) so I’ve begun a new daily devotion book. This one is titled New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp. Each devotion begins with a gospel-centered tweet he posted, followed by a one-page devotion. So far, I’ve been enjoying his writing style and emphasis on our need for the gospel. If I keep up with it, I can say I finished at least one book this new year!
- For fun: December, with more ministry responsibilities, meant less personal reading time. Aside from finishing my devotion book, Cait and I also read an Advent devotion book together called Awaiting the Manger. It took various Old Testament stories and people and showed how they looked ahead to Christ’s coming. This author admittedly embellished some of the accounts, adding in details that simply aren’t in Scripture, but the artful way that she brought these people to life did give us the chance to ponder things we hadn’t considered before. Also, just into the new year, I finished a book titled I Surrender All. This book explored what a life totally devoted to Jesus looks like. It’s a radical commitment, but since we’ve learned how much Jesus did to save our lives, we are eager to see how Christ can transform every aspect of every day. In January, I’ll be reading What Do I Say When…? A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Cultural Chaos for Children and Teens. A husband-and-wife team tackle tough topics in today’s rapidly changing culture. I’m intrigued to see how this could benefit our families.
New Year, Same Jesus
- Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
A new year comes with many changes: engagements and weddings, new children, graduations, unexpected bills and illnesses and injuries and deaths. But we rejoice at the steadfast assurance we have in our unchanging LORD, the one who is not like the shifting shadows, unreliable and murky. But his Word is clear, his promises are sure. The LORD loves you, has saved you, and is with you for whatever you faced yesterday, whatever comes today, and whatever lies ahead – forever, you have the same Jesus on your side.
More From Pastor Henning…
Every so often I feel something left in the pocket of a suit jacket. Someone handed
something off to me, and I find it weeks later. This brief message was on a sheet like this.
I don’t know where or who it came from, but I appreciate the lesson.
Pastor Henning
A Lesson on Trusting God
A while back I read a story of a visiting pastor who attended a men’s breakfast in the middle of a rural farming area of the country. The group had asked an older farmer, decked out in bib overalls, to say grace for the morning breakfast.
“Lord, I hate buttermilk,” the farmer began. The visiting pastor opened one eye to glance at the farmer and wonder where this was going.
The farmer loudly proclaimed, “Lord, I hate lard.” Now the pastor was growing concerned.
Without missing a beat, the farmer continued, “And Lord, you know I don’t much care for raw white flour.” The pastor once again opened an eye to glance around the room and saw that he wasn’t the only one feeling uncomfortable.
Then the farmer added, “But Lord, when you mix them all together and bake them, I do love warm, fresh biscuits. So Lord, when things come up that we don’t like, when life gets hard, when we don’t understand what you’re saying to us, help us to just relax and wait until you are done mixing. It will probably be even better than biscuits. Amen.”
Within that prayer there is great wisdom for all when it comes to complicated situations like we’re experiencing in the world today. Stay strong, my friends, because our LORD is mixing several things that we don’t really care for, but something even better is going to come when he is done with it. Amen!
Toward the end of 2025, one of our Grace members offered a very generous gift with the intent of it being used for a building expansion project. God be praised for pouring abundantly into his people’s lives so that they can give to the work of the kingdom!
Because of this incredible offer, we would like to form a Building Expansion Feasibility Team to investigate this project for our congregation. The Team would look at what building needs we have as a congregation, what the costs might be, and how we would proceed from here.
We are looking for five members to serve on this team, and we’d like to set a timeline of two to three months for study. If you feel that you have gifts that could contribute to this team, please talk to Pastor or one of your Council Members. Please know that even if you are not asked to serve on this team, we realize that any building project would involve many gifts of many members to make it happen along the way. All in all, this would be a gift of grace for our church Grace, brought by the hand of our gracious God.
Call Meeting
At our November Open Forums and Voters' Meeting, we discussed and approved the motion to begin Calling a Full-Time Staff Minister in January. The date set for this Call meeting is Tuesday, January 13th at 6pm in the church sanctuary. All members are encouraged to attend and weigh in with their thoughts, and then the voters will place the Call as the LORD leads us to invite another ministry partner to serve us and the community around us.
Following the Call meeting, we'll have our regularly scheduled Tuesday evening Bible study at 6:30pm in the fellowship hall. In WELS history, we'll discuss the split of our Synod from the Missouri Synod. All are welcome to stay, enjoy snacks and fellowship as we gain a deeper appreciation for the church body that God has given us.
Some years ago, Grace Lutheran Church established a new staff position—Member Ministry Coordinator—a role created with the full support of the Coordinating Council, Voters, and the congregation. Mrs. Heidi Malley was the first to serve in this capacity, and her dedication to our church and to our Lord was exemplary.
Following Mrs. Malley’s departure in April of this year, Mrs. Cait Henning graciously stepped into the role. She has continued the tradition of excellence, serving faithfully and effectively in support of her Savior and her church family.
Now, another transition is on the horizon. Due to new employment opportunities, Mrs. Henning has expressed her intention to step down from the position of Member Ministry Coordinator. Her upcoming resignation means that Grace will need to hire a new staff member to ensure the continuation of this vital ministry.
With thoughtful input and guidance from Mrs. Henning, the Coordinating Council has decided to redefine the role. Moving forward, the position will be titled Church Coordinator, and we will seek to hire a qualified individual—male or female—to carry on this important work.
Please note that this is a thirty-hour-per-week position. The 2025–2026 budget includes a dedicated line item to fully fund this new staff member.
If you have any questions about this redefined position, or if you are interested in serving in such a position, please contact any of our Coordinating Council representatives for an application.
Roots United:
Young adults (ages 18-35) will continue to gather for fun and fellowship into the new year! We’re currently planning our next social event. Meanwhile, on the second Saturday of every month, there will be food and a Bible study at 6 p.m. Watch for information about the location each month. The group has been discussing chapters from the book “Taboo: Topics Christians Should Be Taking About but Don’t.”
After wrapping up our talks around mental health, we’ll tackle subjects like sex, homosexuality, and transgenderism; marriage; race and politics; addictions; and abuse. Follow us on Instagram @manty_rootsunited or read the Lancer Link from MLHS for more details.
Manitowoc Lutheran High School News
Call Update: Abigail Bosin has returned her call to Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee and will remain here at MLHS! Our Charis Scharf is holding a call to serve at Fox Valley Lutheran High School in their Music Department. Philip Dretske is holding a call to MLHS to teach PLTW/STEM/Tech and related courses here at MLHS. Philip currently serves at Lakeside Lutheran. Mr. Martin Santos was called to teach Spanish and Geography at MLHS and has returned that call. Please keep all of these individuals in your prayers and their current schools.
Job Opening at MLHS: MLHS is seeking a part-time Custodian to join our team until the end of the current school year. This position is 20 hours per week, with scheduled hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on days when school is in session. Primary Responsibilities: Clean and maintain the commons area between and after lunch periods & perform additional cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned. Please contact Principal Dave Uhlhorn (duhlhorn@mlhslancers.org) if interested. Employment Opportunities | Manitowoc Lutheran
Support the National Honor Society Students Mission Trip: From now until January 18th, NHS students will be taking orders for freshly made 12-inch thin-crust pizzas, prepared by members and volunteers. Pick up day is February 1 from 2-4. Order at www.mlhslancers.org/nhs.
K-8 Girls MLHS Dance Camp - Registration is now open for our Girls K–8 Annual Dance Camp, happening Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 8:30–11:00 AM. This exciting event is a wonderful opportunity for young dancers to learn fun routines, build confidence, and perform alongside the MLHS Dance Team! Learn more and/or register at www.mlhslancers.org/community.
2026 Manitowoc Lutheran Youth Wrestling Tournament – This is for girls and boys in grades K-8 to get in on. The tournament is Saturday, February 28, 2026, and you can find more information and registration by visiting www.mlhslancers.org/community.
Night to Shine is Back at MLHS! - We are thrilled to announce that Night to Shine will once again be hosted at Manitowoc Lutheran High School on Friday, February 13, 2026! This unforgettable evening celebrates individuals with special needs — all ages are welcome! RSVP by January 15th to join the fun. We also need volunteers to help make this night truly amazing! Be part of this incredible experience and learn more about what Night to Shine is all about by visiting: www.mlhsnighttoshine.org
2026 Lancer Gala-Gems of our Future - Join us for the 2026 Lancer Gala – “Gems of Our Future” on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the stunning Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. This elegant night will feature fine dining, fellowship, and opportunities to support the mission of Manitowoc Lutheran High School. Early Bird Special – Don’t Miss Out! Register before midnight on January 31, 2026, and enjoy incredible savings. Secure your spot today and be part of an evening that celebrates faith, community, and the bright future of our students. Register now at www.mlhslancers.org/gala26.
Run With Us: Help the MLHS Track Team Shine! - “Love Track? We’re looking for passionate individual(s) to help out with our Track program this spring! If you’re interested in making a difference and supporting our athletes, reach out to Scott Loberger at sloberger@mlhslancers.org. Join the team and help us run toward success!”
Parent Seminar & Chili Cook-Off: Saturday, January 25 at 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church (916 Pine Street-Manitowoc). Bring your best chili to compete—or simply come to enjoy the spoils! Taste, enjoy, and vote for your favorite dish in our Chili Cook-Off. Special Guest Presenter: Gain valuable insight into Social Emotional Learning with Mr. Josh Nelson, veteran teacher at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Built to Last: Discover the importance of our new Built to Last Curriculum, presented by Mr. Phil Warnecke, teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School. Childcare Provided! Teen volunteers will supervise your children during the seminar so you can listen and learn. RSVP by January 18 using the QR code!
Roots United Monthly Gathering: Join us for a meaningful Bible study using TABOO by Mike Novotny. Saturday, January 10 at 6:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, Manitowoc. This month’s topic is Suicide – A conversation guided by God’s Word. Ages 18–35 welcome! Snacks are provided. Bring a friend!
Right to Life Week at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church – You are invited you to celebrate the God-given gift of life during Right to Life Week. You’re welcome to attend one service—or all of them—as we gather to proclaim that every life is sacred from conception to natural death. Service Schedule: Wednesday, January 21 at 6:00 PM; Saturday, January 24 at 5:30 PM: Sunday, January 25 at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM. LIVESTREAM is available at www.Bethanyeagles.org
Job Opening at St. John’s Two Rivers - Full time, salaried maintenance / custodial position with full benefits. Hours: 6:30am - 3:30pm Mon - Fri. For more information, job description or an application contact them at employment@sjtworivers.org or 920-794-7300.
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2026 Offering Envelopes
The envelopes for the new year are in your member mailboxes. Because we have started the option of online giving, we did not assign envelopes to those who regularly give in some digital format. If you would still like to give with envelopes occasionally, we’ll have two options:
1. There will be a basket of individual envelopes with Name, Date, and Amount (optional), located on the Attendance table.
2. If you didn’t receive a full book of envelopes and would still like one, we have extra books. Please just contact the office and ask.
Christmas Decorations
Christmas decorations will be taken down on Saturday, January 10 at 9:00am. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!
Bible Information Class
With the New Year approaching, Pastor is preparing for another session of Bible Information Class to begin. This is a beginner’s course on what we believe and teach here at Grace. Anyone is welcome to come and learn – even if you’re already a member but you’re looking for a refresher! This class will start, God-willing, the week of January 12th. If you’d like more information, please talk to Pastor Henning.
Greetings from Shoreline OWLS Chapter 47
The next OWLS (Organization of WELS Lutheran Seniors) activity will be a chili luncheon beginning at noon on Tuesday, January 13, at Grace Lutheran Church, followed by a devotion and presentation by Pastor Ryan Henning, a short business meeting, and social time. Chili will be furnished, but if anyone wishes to bring a salad or dessert, it would be appreciated. Spread the word. Invite your friends and family. Guests are always welcome. Please contact Ralph Schwark if you will be attending this activity (phone 920-684-5892 or email jeanemil99@att.net) by January 11 so I can let them know how many people to expect.
Year End Report Booklet is Available
As promised during our November Open Forum meetings and Voter’s meeting, a “2025 Year in Review” report has been prepared and is now available. Look for a copy on one of the narthex display tables. Our thanks to all who contributed to the publication.
There are also copies of our revised Constitution and Bylaws available for anyone who may wish to have such. Talk to Tod Hauf or to anyone in the church office to secure your copy.
Our thanks to Tod for making this document available to all.
