Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope you enjoy the video of our preschool’s weekly music time, recorded this past Tuesday morning, now on our home page. Our students and staff are celebrating National Lutheran Schools Week throughout the coming days -- and we'll have some of the same songs they sang in our worship service this coming Sunday! In this message:
Bible Study: In Person and Online
February 2021 Newsletter
Pastoral Call Process Update
Worship for Sunday, January 31
Bible Study Update: In Person and Online
LifeLight Bible studies are now being held in person as follows:
The Book of Daniel, led by Shirley Hoese, Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am
The Gospel of Luke, led by Dan Bohlinger, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm
Ruth & Esther, followed by The Time Between the Testaments, led by Randy Gerke, Sunday mornings at 9:45 am
Please note that masks and social distancing are required for these studies. Sunday School remains closed, and regular board meetings will continue to be held online for now, but please continue to watch for updates!
My online devotional study for January 31st, based on Psalm 111, is already up on YouTube; click here to watch it. Please join me to learn how this Psalm gives us the complete lowdown on God's works and Word -- which both humbles us and gives us confidence! Click here to read the Psalm; click here for a study guide.
Newsletter for February 2021
Our latest newsletter is on the way to you by the US mail - but it's also available now on our website! Click here to read the February newsletter; click here for February's event/meeting calendar; click here for the February volunteer calendar.
Pastoral Call Process Update
Pastor Peterson received our latest pastoral call list on Monday. Our Call Committee will meet remotely on Thursday evening to review the information from Synod and decide on a path forward. With the possibility of a seminary graduate also in the picture, look for further information on our next steps in the near future!
Worship for Sunday, January 31
Our worship services for Sunday, January 31, the 4th Sunday after the Epiphany of our Lord, will be led by Pastor Dieter Haupt. There will be two identical services at 8:30 and 11 am. (The 11 am service will also be livestreamed at www.tinyurl.com/messiahgryoutube.)
It helps us prepare well and ensure social distancing when you let us know you're planning to attend. You can RSVP by calling or emailing the church office (616-363-2553, goodlans@messiahgr.org) or by clicking here to sign up. Plenty of spaces are available for both services.
A reminder that the following precautions are currently in place for in-person worship:
Please exercise personal discernment when it comes to your health. If you are feeling sick, waiting for COVID-19 test results, in recommended quarantine or isolation from COVID-19 exposure, in a high-risk category, or not comfortable or ready to attend in person, please stay home.
To minimize potential spread of COVID-19 in this public setting, wearing of face coverings (fabric masks) is required at all services, 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.
Worshipers will sit on the opposite ends of alternate pews. Designated seating will be clearly marked for “8:30 (1st service)” or “11:00 (2nd service)”; other pew entrances will be roped off to assure social distancing.
Following announcements, dismissal by families will begin from the back of the church. Please be mindful of social distancing as you greet others and exit.
If you want to receive Holy Communion, but do not feel comfortable attending these services, please call (734-645-4353) or email (revjpeterson@yahoo.com) our vacancy pastor, Rev. Jason Peterson, to make arrangements to receive the Lord's Supper by individual weekday appointment, either at the church, at home, or another location that meets your needs.
General guidelines for sanitation and other current practices (complete service bulletins, simplified giving of offerings, Holy Communion protocols, nursery and kitchen closures, restroom availability, post-service sanitizing) remain in effect. Click here to see the most recent version of our current worship guidelines.
This coming Sunday, we see that Jesus’ authority is unmistakable. He is the prophet foretold, who will speak the word of truth. (Deuteronomy 18:15-20) This holy Word of truth in Jesus commands, restrains and rebukes evil spirits. Divine wisdom and action in Christ have authority over the knowledge of men. (Mark 1:21-28) It is He alone who builds up people in everlasting love. We can only boast that Jesus loves us because we are fully known by God. By His authority, our weakness are cared for and our sins forgiven. (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)
And in His name, the people of Messiah Lutheran Church & Preschool are sent to serve -- not just during Lutheran Schools Week, but always! In the coming days, may God's Word & Sacraments strengthen your faith and empower your service to your neighbors!
Yours in Him,
Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant
