Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,
We'll once again be praying and singing the Divine Service this coming Sunday, October 4 at 10 am. We're grateful that Pastor Terry Hoese will be able to lead us in worship and bring us God's Word & Sacrament!
Continuing thanks for all your help conducting our indoor services in a prudent way that minimizes risk by:
Staying home if you are sick or have underlying medical conditions.
Maintaining minimum 6-foot social distancing as follows:
Sitting on both sides of the sanctuary, with family groups alternating at the ends of every other pew, approximately 3 people apart from other family groups.
Celebrating the Lord's Supper at your seat in the pews by receiving the body of Christ in your open hand from the elder, taking an individual cup from the tray the pastor holds to receive the blood of Christ, and returning the cup to the usher.
Leaving in family groups starting from the rear of the Sanctuary at the end of the service, and greeting each other outdoors following the service as weather permits.
Wearing face coverings (mask, scarf, or bandana), which are recommended though not required. Masks are available at the Welcome Center.
Giving offerings electronically or at the sanctuary door.
Watching or listening to our worship service video (livestreamed and archived on YouTube) if you cannot attend.
Our next online Adult Bible study will be available on Sunday as well! We’ll look at Psalm 80, where God's people plead for His help in a time of deep crisis. What brought the nations of Israel and Judah to this desperate situation? Why could they trust that the Lord would help them? And which Old Testament hero of faith provides both the parallel to their plight and the model for their response? Let’s learn more together! The study will be posted on our YouTube channel Sunday morning by 8:30 am, for viewing at the best time for you. You can get a head start by downloading a study guide from our Bible Studies webpage.
Confirmation/Pre-Confirmation Class began last Monday evening, led by Pastor Peterson; this Sunday at 9 am, we begin the classes listed below! Please note that currently, per Executive Order, indoor activities (except worship services) are allowed a maximum size of 10 people and face coverings are mandatory.
Sunday School: God Works through Prophets and Kings for Preschool - Grade 2, taught by Deb Krueger & Tina Veitengruber, in the south classrooms downstairs.
Lifelight: Ruth/Esther, led by Randy Gerke, in the north classrooms upstairs. BYOB (bring your own beverage).
Looking ahead, we're preparing for our annual Commemoration of the Faithful Departed on All Saints Day, Sunday, November 1st! As in previous years, we'll be happy to include your late Christian loved ones and friends in the commemoration; you can submit their names at our website (by filling out the form at this link) or at our Welcome Center between now and Sunday, October 25th.
This coming Sunday, the Old Testament reading and Gospel show how God remains faithful to us, His people in Christ, despite our unfaithfulness. When I reflect on my life, I am grateful that my confidence is not to be founded on my family, my achievements or any merit in me -- but only on my Spirit-given faith in Jesus, through Whom I receive our heavenly Father's righteousness and grace. I look forward to receiving those generous gifts in Word and Sacrament and celebrating the Lord's boundless goodness with you on October 4!
Yours in Him,
Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant
