Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,
We'll gather to pray the service of Morning Prayer, observing Reformation Sunday on October 25 at 10 am, led by Pastor James Blain.
Again, thanks for all your help conducting our 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, observing "No Seating" signs and spacing yourselves approximately 3 people apart from other family groups.
Wearing face coverings (mask, scarf, or bandana), which are recommended though not required. Masks will be available at the Welcome Center.
Giving your 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 dig into Psalm 46, the basis of Martin Luther's great hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." Let's re-discover together how "The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress" (Psalm 46:7) in times of disappointment, stress and danger! 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.
Our onsite Sunday classes will also be in session at 9 am on October 25. Please note that currently, per state Health Department order, indoor activities (except worship services) are allowed a maximum size of 20 people per 1000 square feet, 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).
And we finalize preparations 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; this Sunday, October 25 is the last day for submissions.
Finally, two quick reminders for the weeks to come:
Our next Pastoral Call meeting will be held on Sunday, November 1st after the Divine Service. Contact our congregational president Jonathan Chaffer or call committee chairman Mark Altemann directly for more information.
Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 am on Sunday, November 1st; before you go to sleep on Halloween night, be sure to set your clocks back an hour!
I pray that this coming Sunday's worship will strengthen us in these powerful truths: that we are saved in Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone as revealed in Scripture alone. May we always rejoice that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble!" (Psalm 46:1)
Yours in Christ,
Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant
