Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,
A few news items that just couldn't wait until our next regular update:
Pastoral Call Process Update
Thanks to all who were able to attend the self-study interview sessions with Rev. Randy Johnson of the Michigan District-LCMS on July 18th. A total of 32 members attended the sessions, which resulted in fruitful discussion and plenty of useful particulars. Pastor Johnson is at work building our congregation's Pastor Profile for the upcoming call process based on the information gathered at these sessions.
Pastor Johnson will return to Messiah for a Special Congregational Meeting on Wednesday, August 2nd at 6:30 pm, to be held in our fellowship hall. At this meeting, Pastor Johnson will review the Pastor Profile draft with us, taking further comments and tweaking it as necessary. From that point on, the finalized Pastor Profile will be available in the Church Office and at the Welcome Center. From August 3rd through 16th, members will be able to submit names of pastoral candidates for us to pass along to the district. If all goes well, this schedule should put us on track to receive a pastoral call list around four weeks after the deadline for submitting candidates.
We hope that you can participate in these essential steps toward calling our next pastor! Also, don't forget that the president of the Michigan District-LCMS, Rev. David Davis, will be visiting Messiah for a Bible Class presentation and the Divine Service on Sunday, August 6th.
Preschool News
We are delighted to announce that fellow Messiah member Jeremy Fabris will serve as our preschool's Terrific Threes teacher for the 2023-24 school year. We look forward to working with Vonda Smestad, Jeremy and the rest of the preschool staff to know Christ and make Him known to our students and their families. Watch for more info on fall preschool events coming soon!
Worship Service Update
At their July 10th meeting, the Board of Elders approved continuing our current Sunday schedule beyond the summer months: the Divine Service at 10:00 am, with our Education hour beforehand at 9:00 am. Monday evening services at 7:00 pm will continue through Monday, August 28th.
The Elders welcome your feedback; please feel free to contact any elder with questions or comments!
Looking Ahead
At this weekend's services, we hear that the Lord of Hosts is the indisputable Redeemer - there is no other! All creation awaits the revelation of the sons of God, who by grace become God’s adopted heirs. We are the redeemed, the hope-filled, the ones for whom the Spirit cries out that our weaknesses may not devastate, suffocate, or strangle us. In Christ, we are forgiven & known as the children of His kingdom, because by His grace we hear His Word & believe! (Psalm 119:57-64; Isaiah 44:6-8; Romans 8:18-27; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
Yours in Him,
Rick Krueger
Parish Assistant
