Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia! These words mark not just the fifty days of Easter (from now through Pentecost Sunday on June 5th), but every day of our lives as new creations in Jesus Christ -- baptized in water, sealed by His Spirit, strengthened through Word and Sacrament to love our Lord and serve our neighbors in that love.
We hope the handy summary of opportunities for worship, devotion and fellowship below (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look ahead! Details will follow in upcoming bulletins and in the May newsletter (now available online; click here or see below).
IN MAY AND BEYOND
NEW! LIFT (Lutherans in Fellowship Together) meeting Sunday, May 1st after the 11 am service.
Prayer Pals, Sunday, May 1st at 6:00 pm.
NEW! Vacation Bible School Staff Training, Saturday, May 7th, 9:00 - 11:45 am.
Confirmation Sunday, May 15th at 8:30 and 11:00 am.
NEW! Couples Night (sponsored by the Board of Education), Saturday, May 21st, 5 to 7 pm.
Ascension Day Divine Service (with the members of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Rockford), Thursday, May 26th, 7:00 pm. A supper will be held before the service in the fellowship hall at 6:00 pm.
On Memorial Day weekend, our Sunday worship schedule will change for the summer. One service will be held at 10 am beginning Sunday, May 29th, with Bible Class at 9:00 am and a study of Luther's Large Catechism following the service.
Monday night summer services begin on Monday, June 6th at 7:00 pm.
Vacation Bible School Monday-Friday, June 13-17 at 9:00 am. Click here to enroll children or volunteer!
MAY NEWSLETTER
Our May newsletter is now available online! Click here to preview or download it in its entirety. A reminder that:
Paper copies of the newsletter are available for members and guests at the Welcome Center. We also continue to mail the newsletter to homebound members. If you want to continue receiving the newsletter, please contact the church office to make arrangements.
We also post the newsletter and monthly calendars online at www.messiahgr.org/news.
SPRING WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sunday worship and education will continue as follows through May 22nd::
Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 am. The 11 am service will be livestreamed at:
Our website www.messiahgr.org
Our Facebook page www.facebook.com/messiahgr.
Sunday School at 9:45 am in the south downstairs classroom.
Bible Class led by Pastor Twietmeyer in the fellowship hall at 9:45 am. Bible class is also livestreamed at www.messiahgr.org/adult-bible-class.
PART TIME OFFICE MANAGER POSITION AVAILABLE
Are you, or is someone you know, looking for a part time job that is rewarding, meaningful and provides a very caring and supportive work environment? Our office manager Sandy Goodlander has retired as of April 1st, and we are looking to fill this position at the earliest opportunity. Those who are interested can contact the office at 616-363-2553 or office@messiahgr.org for further information. Thanks for your help in staffing this essential position!
FROM DEACONESS DORIS KAYSER
"On Wednesday May 4, Deaconess Doris Kayser will be moving to Benton, Arkansas. She is moving to live closer to Emil Woerner, as together under God’s guidance, they wish to grow their relationship. They met 16 years ago, when both were students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft Wayne. Emil is a pastor at Friends in Christ Lutheran Church in Bryant AR. As Doris’ health permits, she plans to assist at Friends in Christ Lutheran Church."
"Emil and Doris would appreciate your prayers during this time of transition. Doris would especially like to thank everyone at Messiah for their tremendous Christian love, prayers, friendship and support."
We will bid Doris farewell and godspeed at the 11 am service this coming Sunday, May 1st.
May our dear Savior's richest blessing be yours as the season of Easter continues!
Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant
