Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
February is front loaded with special events:
The funeral service for Bill Brinkman will be this Saturday, February 1st at 11:00 am. Click here for complete details on visitation and the service. If you're unable to attend the service, click here to watch the livestream.
Our preschool children will be the choir for the Divine Service this Sunday, February 2nd at 10:00 am. Forty days after Christmas, we celebrate The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus in the temple 40 days after His birth, and conclude National Lutheran Schools Week!
Our Spiritual Growth Seminar is coming up on Saturday, February 8th from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Leininger presents on Callings for Life: God's Plan, Your Purpose. Click here for details; please RSVP by next Monday, February 3rd.
There's more coming in worship, education, fellowship and service, too!
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. Livestreams of our 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
CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) continue their weekly sessions on Wednesdays at 9:45 am. Click here for a sample of the current CARES book Unfailing: God's Assurance for Times of Change by Rev. Christopher Kennedy.
LifeLight: Judges, a 9-week survey of the Biblical book, meets Tuesdays at 10:30 am. Contact Shirley Hoese for information.
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER PLUS WHAT'S NEW AND NEXT
Our February newsletter is now online! Click here to view or download it in its entirety. We also post the newsletter (including monthly calendars) and our weekly announcements online at www.messiahgr.org/news; calendars are also online separately at www.messiahgr.org/calendar. Be sure to check the newsletter and our weekly announcements for more info on the events listed below:
Lutheran Confessions study Thursday, February 6th at 10:00 am, beginning with Matins in the sanctuary.
Parish Service Guild Thursday, February 13th at 1:00 pm.
NEW! Altar Guild Saturday, February 15th at 9:30 am. We'll be planning for Lent, Easter & beyond. New members welcome; contact Carol Mushong for details!
Urdu Worship Service Saturday, February 15th at 5:00 pm. Led by Pastor Afzal Masih, this service will be held in the fellowship hall, with a Pakistani meal following. Messiah members and friends are welcome to attend!
Sandy's Tradition Thursday, February 20th at 11:30 am at Olive Garden on Alpine. Contact Judy Gerke so reservations can be made.
NEW! Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. Lenten midweek services will be held on Wednesdays at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm from March 5th through April 9th. Our midweek focus will be The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, drawn from the Four Gospels.
NEW! Pictorial Directory signups continue for appointments on Friday-Saturday, March 21st-22nd. Sign up on Sundays or online (details in the newsletter)
Yours in Him,
Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant
FROM PASTOR ERIC (IN THE FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER)
If these last few years have taught us anything, it is that this world is full of uncertainties and that change is constant. We will of course continue to pray for wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as the church has always done in every age and in every place. We will continue to ‘do our best’ as it were, to further the mission of the church here and in every place, to stay faithful to our Savior, to share the gospel, and to love our neighbors.
But amongst all the changes and challenges we face, it is good, right, and salutary, to remember that which never changes, God’s love for us. Throughout all the ups and downs of this life, through all that which passes away that we miss terribly, through all that happens that we cannot understand, the truth that Christ died and rose for us is constant. To this foundation, this cornerstone, this rock, we cling. Whatever we endeavor to do, however we seek to serve, whenever we face the uncertainties of this life, we must always do so standing on this firm foundation. Secure in this mighty fortress, we are emboldened to do the work that God has placed into our hands. We may stumble at times, actually that’s all but guaranteed, but we will not fall. We belong to Christ, we have been made part of the body of Christ, we are coheirs of Christ’s kingdom, and Christ, Christ is victorious, now and always.
And so, I am thankful, to God, and to all of you. I am hopeful, knowing that in all things God works for our good. I am excited to see what blessings God will pour out on us, and through us in the coming months. We are all of us blessed because we are loved by God, now and always. Amen.
FEBRUARY'S HYMN OF THE MONTH: Where Charity & Love Prevail, Lutheran Service Book 845
