Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this email:
Sunday School Resumes February 21
Bible Study: In Person and Online
Worship for Sunday, February 21
Pastoral Call Update
News Update
Sunday School Resumes February 21
At their February meeting, Messiah's Church Council approved the resumption of Sunday School for children in preschool through grade 2, beginning this Sunday, February 21 at 9:45 am. In the weeks to come, children will see how God Protects His People in Egypt and the Exodus.
Bible Study: In Person and Online
LifeLight Bible studies continue 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 the new time of 5:15 pm (before Lenten Midweek Vespers)
Ruth & Esther, followed by The Time Between the Testaments, led by Randy Gerke resumes Sunday, February 21 at 9:45 am
Please note that masks and social distancing are required for in-person Sunday School and Bible classes. At their February meeting, the Council also made provision for in-person attendance at board meetings for those who cannot use remote online access. Please continue to watch for further updates!
My online devotional study for February 21st, based on the theme "Return to Prayer", is already up on Messiah's YouTube channel. Click here to watch it; click here to read Matthew 26:36-44 (the focus of this session); click here for a study guide.
Worship for Sunday, February 21
Services for Sunday, February 21, the First Sunday in Lent, will be led by Pastor James Blain. There will be two identical services at 8:30 and 11 am. The 11 am service will also be livestreamed, simulcast at www.tinyurl.com/messiahgryoutube and on our website, www.messiahgr.org.
You can help us prepare well and ensure social distancing by letting us know your plans to attend this Sunday! You can RSVP by calling or emailing the church office (616-363-2553, goodlans@messiahgr.org) or by clicking here to sign up. 26 spots for individuals or families are available in the main part of the sanctuary for each service. Please click here if you need to review our ongoing precautions for in-person worship (including our face mask requirement).
Pastoral Call Update
Pastor Martin Kaufmann will be meeting with Messiah's leaders by remote online access this coming Sunday, February 21 at 7 pm. This will be Pastor Kaufmann's first opportunity to learn more about us and our congregational life. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact our Call Committee chairman Mark Altemann before Sunday night.
News Update
At their February meeting, the Church Council chose Rev. Steven and Martha Mahlburg to receive our ongoing international mission support. The Mahlburgs are currently serving with the Ceylon Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sri Lanka. Click here to learn about the Mahlburgs' ministry; look for more information in the September newsletter!
For this year, the Council designated proceeds of Lenten coin folders for Messiah's Future Church Workers Scholarship Fund. This fund supports Messiah members studying for full-time church work at Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod colleges, universities and seminaries. Coin folders are available for your use at Messiah's Welcome Center.
As Lent begins, I pray that we may all cleanse our hearts through repentance, prayer, fasting and almsgiving; that during these 40 days we may prepare with joy for the feast of Easter; that our heavenly Father may renew our zeal in faith and life; and that we may always be given the fullness of divine grace, the gift that belongs to us as children of God in Jesus Christ!
Yours in Him,
Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant
