Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,
Moving into the weekend ahead, a couple of reminders -- and more good news!
Worship Update
Thanks for your positive response to our first two weeks of outdoor worship services. It's been an incredible joy to be with so many of you in person, as we've gathered to receive God's gifts of forgiveness, eternal life and salvation in His Word and Sacrament! I'm also grateful that we've been able to provide livestreamed video and recorded audio for those of you unable to join us.
As we adjust to the rhythm of outdoor services, I look forward to praying the order of Matins together with you this coming Sunday, June 28 at 10 am. A few details and reminders:
The service will be led from the sanctuary entrance. Audio will be amplified. One new wrinkle: if you're sitting in your car for worship, you can also tune to 100.9 FM for audio.
You'll have two options for seating, both incorporating social distancing practices:
Sit in your car with windows down, parking as directed by elders and ushers, or;
Bring portable outdoor seating; you'll be directed to a designated area of the parking lot.
During outdoor services. the restrooms in the fellowship hall foyer will be open for emergency use.
Plan to arrive early! When you enter our driveway, elders and ushers will direct you to the appropriate area of the parking lot and give you service folders (which will contain all readings, responses and music). They'll also collect any offerings you bring. (You can also give online.)
If you're coming, we'd appreciate your letting us know by Saturday, June 27. You can RSVP by calling the church office at (616) 363-2553 or by submitting the RSVP form at Messiah's website.
In the case of inclement weather, an indoor service of Matins with very limited attendance will be held, with livestreamed video and recorded audio available. Any necessary decisions will be made by 8 am on Sunday the 28th; notices will be posted ASAP on Messiah's website & Facebook page, and also communicated via WOOD-TV and WZZM-TV.
Our next Divine Service with Holy Communion will be held on Sunday, July 5 at 10 am; we will also celebrate the rite of confirmation for our three junior confirmands on that day. Learn more about how we'll celebrate the Lord's Supper here.
Bible Study Update
If you've missed the last two sessions of our adult Bible study on Martin Luther's Whether One May Flee from A Deadly Plague, you can watch them on YouTube now! Just click on the links below:
And feel free to join the final session of this study on Monday, June 29 at 7 pm! Email me at rick.krueger@messiahgr.org for login details.
And, More Good News!
You may remember that, back in May, our preschool student Rosie Schutter completed her outpatient chemotherapy and was found to be cancer-free. We're grateful and delighted to let you know that Rosie's final inpatient chemo and scans have now been completed, she remains cancer-free, and she has been released from treatment! We rejoice with Rosie, her family, and our preschool staff, and thank God for His goodness and mercy to her!
We also rejoice with this year's high school graduates; we're planning to recognize and interview them online in the very near future. More details will be coming soon!
I hope you'll join me in thanking our creating, redeeming, sanctifying God for these and all His good gifts, which he generously gives us through Jesus Christ our Lord. As His Word dwells in us richly, may He bless and keep us strong in faith throughout the days and weeks to come.
Yours in Him,
Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant
