Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,
We will pray and sing the Divine Service this coming Sunday, November 15; Pastor Bill Cate will lead us in worship, bringing us God's Word & Sacrament.
This Sunday begins our new schedule of two services, at 8:30 and 11:00 am. A few reminders about the new schedule and our updated worship guidelines:
For our 8:30 am service: face coverings are required, from when you enter the building to when you leave. If you forget a face mask or don’t have one, please don’t let this keep you from attending; we will gladly provide you with one. Advance sign-up is required for the 8:30 am service. Sign up by calling or emailing the church office (616-363-2553, office@messiahgr.org) or by completing the sign-up form on our website. Thanks to those of you who've already signed up!
For our 11 am service: face coverings are recommended and strongly encouraged. We will gladly provide you with a face mask if you don’t have one. The 11 am service will also be livestreamed at Messiah's YouTube channel:
For both services, worshipers will sit on the opposite ends of alternate pews (different for each service). Designated seating will be clearly marked for each service; other pew entrances will be roped off to assure social distancing.
Please do not attend:
if you are sick (especially fever, cough, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell)
if you have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus;
if you are awaiting test results after possible exposure to COVID-19;
if you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, or who is awaiting test results following possible exposure.
Onsite Sunday classes will also be in session at the new time of 9:45 am on November 15. Please note that currently, per state Health Department 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, in the south classrooms downstairs.
Lifelight: Ruth/Esther, led by in the north classrooms upstairs.
I've already uploaded my Adult Bible Study for this coming Sunday on Psalm 90; you can watch it on YouTube and download the study guide by clicking here.
One upcoming event to note: on Sunday, November 22nd, we will hold our annual meeting of the Voters' Assembly. The meeting will be held at 3:00 pm in the church sanctuary. Masks will be required and distancing measures in place at this event. The agenda will include reports from boards and committees, election of officers and board members, and approval of the 2021 budget. We hope to see you there!
In closing, I can't help but call to mind that Psalm 90 is the basis of the well-loved English hymn O God, Our Help in Ages Past (Lutheran Service Book 733), which we'll sing this coming Sunday. One thing I didn't realize: the hymn is often part of Canadian and British commemorations of Remembrance Day on November 11 -- what we celebrate as Veterans Day! I hope that, as you watch and listen to the recording from London’s Westminster Abbey at the link , Isaac Watts' words may serve as a prayer all of us can pray during these unsettled days:
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home!
Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last
And our eternal home!
Yours in Christ,
Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant
