Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,
During the next few weeks, our worship services focus on the end of the Church Year and a number of special festivals; our education emphasis gathers speed and moves forward, and there will be plenty of opportunities for fellowship, outreach and service!
WEEKLY WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE
The Divine Service continues weekly at 10:00 am on Sundays. Sunday School & Bible Class are held beforehand at 9:00 am, beginning with a joint opening in the Fellowship Hall. These special services are coming up:
Reformation Sunday, October 27th. It's also New Member Sunday! We will officially welcome those who have joined our fellowship since January 2023 in that morning's Divine Service. A Welcome Potluck in the Fellowship Hall will follow; please bring a main dish, salad or dessert to pass.
All Saints Sunday, November 3rd. Our Divine Service will include the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed. If you would like your departed Christian loved ones & friends included in this prayer of thanksgiving for God's grace and mercy, please return the slips available at Messiah's Welcome Center by Sunday, October 27th.
Messiah's 60th Anniversary, Sunday, November 10th. Pastor Terry Hoese will preach for this celebration, and a dessert reception in the Fellowship Hall will follow the Divine Service.
Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 27th at 7:00 pm. We welcome our brothers & sisters in Christ from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Rockford for this joint Divine Service, held at Messiah. Rev. Jason Peterson will preach and a joint choir will provide musical leadership.
Livestreams of our Divine Services can be found at
Our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/messiahgr
The most recent livestreamed service is viewable on our website's front page, www.messiahgr.org
Fall LifeLight Sessions are focusing on The Epistles of John, held on Tuesdays at 10:30 am and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. Click here for a sample of the study guide.
CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) continue their weekly sessions on Wednesdays at 9:45 am. Click here for a sample of this year's CARES book Unfailing: God's Assurance for Times of Change by Rev. Christopher Kennedy.
TRUNK OR TREAT - CAN YOU HELP?
Our annual community event isThursday, October 24th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm-- just a week from tonight! The Board of Outreach is delighted with your response and thanks everyone who has volunteered and donated candy and food. There are still opportunities for volunteers to serve in the areas listed below:
Treaters (bring your car trunk and candy. Prizes given for best costume and best decorations!)
Food and Beverage Runners
Carnival Game Staffers
General Helpers
And we are still in need of donations of the following food items:
Juice Boxes
Bottled Water (8 ounce size)
Buttered Popcorn (bulk bags - 16 ounces or larger)
You can sign up to help or donate at Messiah's Welcome Center through this coming Sunday. Volunteers and donors will receive an email with final details next week. There will also be promotional flyers for you to share with others!
WHAT'S NEW AND NEXT:
Check Messiah's online News page (featuring regularly updated links to the latest newsletter and weekly announcements) for more information on the events listed below.
Fall Clean-Up Saturday, October 19th from 8:00 am to 12 noon, sponsored by the Board of Trustees. Contact Carol Mushong for details, or just come ready to help!
Urdu Worship Service Saturday, October 19th at 5:00 pm. Led by Pastor Afzal Masih, this service will be held in the fellowship hall, with a Pakistani meal following. Urdu services are held on the third Saturday of each month; Messiah members and friends are welcome to attend!
Bowling League continues Sunday, October 27th at 3:00pm at Northfield Lanes, bowling every other Sunday through April. Contact Joanne Gillette for details.
Secret Prayer Pals Sunday, October 27th at 6:00 pm. Ladies of the congregation are invited to an evening of food and fellowship. Contact Deb Krueger for details.
Altar Guild Saturday, November 2nd at 9:30 am, preparing for Advent, Christmas and beyond! Contact Carol Mushong for details.
NEW! Annual Voters’ Meeting Sunday, November 24th following the Divine Service. We’ll gather to hear reports and updates, elect officers and board members, and consider the 2025 congregational budget. A potluck will be held between the service and the meeting.
Yours in Christ,
Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant
P.S. And, just to confirm it's that time of year again . . .
