Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this message:
Bible Study: Online and In Person
Worship for Sunday, February 14
Lent Begins: Ash Wednesday, February 17, 7 pm
In Closing
Bible Study Update: Online and In Person
For the season of Lent, I'm beginning a new online devotional series on the theme of our upcoming Wednesday evening services, Return to the Lord. The first in the series, "A Call to Return", is already up on YouTube; click here to watch it. Please join me to discover how God spoke to the situation faced by the people of Israel and prophet Joel -- a devastating plague of locusts -- and how the Lord's call to repentance continues to speak to us! Click here to read Joel chapters 1 & 2; click here for a study guide.
LifeLight Bible studies continue 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, tonight, February 10 at 6 pm. Watch for a schedule update in connection with our Lenten services coming soon.
Ruth & Esther, followed by The Time Between the Testaments, led by Randy Gerke, will not meet this week, resuming on Sunday, February 21 at 9:45 am
Please note that masks and social distancing are required for these studies. Sunday School currently remains closed, and regular board meetings will continue to be held online for now, but please continue to watch for updates.
Worship for Sunday, February 14
Our worship services for Sunday, February 14, celebrating the Transfiguration 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.)
Please help us prepare well and ensure social distancing by letting us know you plan 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 for February 14. Plenty of spaces are available for both services.
Lent Begins: Ash Wednesday, February 17, 7 pm
During the season of Lent, we will hold Wednesday night services from February 17 through March 24; these services will also be livestreamed. We begin on Ash Wednesday, February 17 at 7 pm; Rev. James Blain will lead the service, based on the theme "Return to the Lord: A Call to Return." Again, if you plan to attend, please RSVP by calling the church office, emailing our office manager, or clicking here to sign up for Ash Wednesday worship.
A reminder that the following precautions are currently in place for in-person services:
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.
In Closing
Despite what Peter wanted, neither Jesus nor His disciples could remain on the mountaintop. After His glorious transfiguration, Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem, where He would die to pay for the sins of the world. And His disciples followed Him -- many times, reluctantly or haltingly, through the pitfalls of betrayal, false witness and denial. Even on the other side of Easter, Christ's followers faced rejection, persecution, and countless other hardships as they proclaimed the good news of His salvation to all within their reach. What sustained the disciples as they followed?
Brothers and sisters at Messiah, my prayer for the days to come is that what sustained the early Christians may sustain us, that we may be strengthened in our faith and our daily walk by the power of God's Word and Sacraments. As we wait for further developments regarding our current pastoral call, for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the relief of whatever personal burdens we may carry, let us continue to trust in the mercy of our loving Lord and daily return to Him, believing His promises to us, all confirmed in the life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ!
Yours in Him,
Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant
