Coming July 19

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Our next outdoor worship service, the Divine Service with Holy Communion, will take place this coming Sunday, July 19 at the new time of 9 am.   We will be bidding a fond farewell to Pastor Blain, as he brings his time with us to a close.

A few reminders:

• To help our elders, ushers and altar guild prepare for the service, please RSVP (for both attendance and communion) by Saturday, July 18 or earlier.  You can RSVP by calling the church office at (616) 363-2553 or by completing the RSVP form at Messiah's website.

• Please feel free to bring water, sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, or anything else you may need to stay hydrated and comfortable. Bottled water will be available on request.

• Please plan to arrive early to park, receive your service folder and give your offering.  You'll have two options for seating, both incorporating social distancing:  

  • Sit in your car with windows down, parking as directed by elders and ushers. (The audio for the service will be broadcast to car radios on 102.7 FM.) Or;

  • Bring portable outdoor seating.

• The restrooms in the fellowship hall foyer will be open for use as needed.

• Holy Communion will be distributed as follows:

  • When the usher directs your family to take communion, proceed to the sanitation area and use the hand sanitizer.  Please keep social distance if there is a waiting line formed in this area.

  • When the elder invites you to receive the Lord’s Body, please move to the line in front of the first communion table.  The elder will place the Lord’s Body, for each individual, on a plate.  Move forward and receive the Lord’s Body and move back to the line in front of the second communion table.

  • The pastor will place the individual cups of the Lord’s Blood, for each individual, on the table.  Move forward and receive the Lord’s Blood.  The pastor will dismiss you to return to your seating area.

  • All individuals who are physically able are encouraged to walk forward to receive communion.  Near the end of distribution, communion will be brought to those who request it.

• In the case of inclement weather, any necessary decisions will be made by 7 am on Sunday the 19th; notices will be posted ASAP on Messiah's website & Facebook page, and also communicated via WOOD-TV and WZZM-TV.  

Along with recognizing Pastor Blain for his faithful service to us during the past 18 months, we also congratulate our sister in Christ Theona Gee, who celebrates her 90th birthday on Sunday, July 19! 

Also, online Bible studies will resume the weekend of July 25-26, focusing on the appointed Psalm for each Sunday.   Watch for more details next week!

As always, I look forward to receiving God's gifts of Word and Sacrament with you, then responding to His love with prayer and praise this coming Sunday.  In the Epistle for July 19 (Romans 8:18-27), St. Paul reminds us that even as we suffer, we are promised that "the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God."  He points out that "hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience".  And he repeats God's glorious guarantee that "the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."   Whatever we are wrestling with or enduring in our daily lives, I pray that we meditate on these inspired words, finding in them peace, strength and eternal joy!

Yours in Christ,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Coming July 12

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

As we prepare for the weekend, I look forward to joining you for Messiah's Service of Prayer and Preaching this coming Sunday, June 12, at the new outdoor service time of 9 am.  A few details and reminders:

• The service will be led from the sanctuary entrance.  Audio will be amplified. If you're sitting in your car for worship, you can also tune to 100.9 FM on your radio.

• Please plan to arrive early to park, receive your service folder and give your offering.  You'll have two options for seating, both incorporating social distancing: 

  • Sit in your car with windows down, parking as directed by elders and ushers, or;

  • Bring portable outdoor seating.

• Please feel free to bring water, sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, or anything else you may need to stay hydrated and comfortable. Bottled water will be available on request.

• During outdoor services, the restrooms in the fellowship hall foyer will be open for use as needed.

• In order to help us prepare, I ask that you please RSVP for the July 12 service by Saturday, July 11 or earlier. You can do so by calling the church office at (616) 363-2553, or by completing the RSVP form at Messiah's website.

• In the case of inclement weather, any necessary decisions will be made by 8 am on Sunday the 12th; notices will be posted ASAP on Messiah's website & Facebook page, and also communicated via WOOD-TV and WZZM-TV.

Messiah's calendar for the week of July 13-19 is as follows:

• Monday, July 13, 9:45-11:40 am - Pastor Peterson's office hours

• Thursday, July 16, 9:45-11:40 am - Pastor Peterson's office hours

• Friday, July 17 - Parish Assistant's day off

• Sunday, July 19, 9 am - Outdoor worship with Holy Communion

  • (also livestreamed on YouTube)

Thanks to those of you who have expressed a desire for online Adult Bible Studies to continue.  Look for news about more study sessions, based on the appointed Psalms for upcoming Sundays, in the near future!

Whether you join us in person on Sunday or watch our service online, I pray that the Holy Spirit will work the fruits of joy and love in all our hearts through God's powerful, saving Word, enabling us to live our daily lives trusting in Jesus Christ and serving our neighbors in His love.  Thanks for your continued support!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

1 Flashback, 2 Updates and More ...

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

One Flashback ...

First, thanks to all who let us know about the technical difficulties with our livestream on Sunday, July 5.  We've uploaded a corrected version of Sunday's service (including the rite of confirmation) to our YouTube channel; you can watch it by clicking on the arrow above.  It's also available for viewing at our Worship Resources webpage.
 

Two Updates ...

Messiah's Board of Elders has decided to shift our outdoor worship services to the new time of 9 am, beginning this coming Sunday, July 12. We hope that this time change will help everyone in attendance cope with the high temperatures & humidity we're experiencing this summer.  In order to help us prepare for this coming Sunday, I ask that you would please RSVP for the July 12 service by Saturday, July 11 or earlier. You can do so by calling the church office at (616) 363-2553, or by completing the RSVP form on our website.

The Elders have also finalized arrangements with Rev. Jason Peterson of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Rockford to serve as our new vacancy pastor.  (If you've been at a pastoral call meeting, you've seen Pastor Peterson in action as our circuit visitor.)  During the week, Pastor Peterson will be helping us in the areas of spiritual care, pastoral counseling, administration and education. His typical summer office hours at Messiah will be Mondays & Thursdays from 9:45-11:40 am  Any changes or exceptions will be noted in our weekly schedule, which we'll begin sending out with upcoming emails.

We thank Pastor Peterson for his willingness to help us, and we thank St. Peter's for allowing him to do so!  You can contact him directly at (734) 645-4353 or revjpeterson@yahoo.com.  (Note that the Elders are also recruiting supply pastors to lead Sunday worship services, beginning on July 26th.)

 

And More ...

Barb Brinkman has asked me to pass along the following invitation:

"Dear Ladies,  
You are invited to Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Greenville to take part in the "They Saw the Lord" LWML Michigan District Convention via YouTube on Saturday, July 11, 2020, to watch the Convention on the "big screen."  The Convention will begin at 9 a.m., but we should be there by 8:30 - 8:45 a.m. to allow for social distance seating. Their Fellowship Hall is large and will accommodate proper placement.  We request that masks be worn.  The Convention will last until 1 p.m.  There will be no food served - you are welcome to bring your own lunch/snack.  Coffee, lemonade, and iced tea will be provided, or you may bring your own drink.  Hand sanitizer, masks and Lysol wipes will be available.

There will be a Gifts from the Heart In-Gathering at the Convention for Target or Walmart gift cards for the Fort Wayne and St. Louis seminarians.  We are asked to mark the gift card amount on the back of the card.  Please feel free to ask other members if they would like to go together in donating to the gift cards for the seminarians.

If you would like further information, including the Mission Grants selected for this year, you may go to the LWML Michigan District website. Also, Shirley Hoese and I are planning to go to Greenville on the 11th, and we will be happy to answer questions.  

This is a wonderful opportunity to view the LWML in action - we hope you will give prayerful consideration to attending!

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Barb Brinkman by Tuesday, July 7."

 

In closing, I am remain grateful for all of you -- for your faithful desire for our Lord's saving Word and Sacraments, your continued prayers, and your ongoing support of Messiah's ministry.  May God continue to bless and keep you!

Yours in Christ,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Coming July 5

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

First, I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch my interview with this year's high school graduates from Messiah.  We wish these sisters in Christ all the best going forward!

Again, I'm truly grateful to have seen so many of you at our outdoor services.  The Divine Service with Holy Communion will be offered again this coming Sunday, July 5 at 10 am.  We also rejoice that, on July 5, our Junior Confirmands will affirm their faith in the rite of Confirmation and receive the Lord's Supper with their families.

Here are a few reminders about our next service:

• To help our elders, ushers and altar guild prepare for this special service, please RSVP (for both attendance and communion) by Saturday, July 4 or earlier.  You can RSVP by calling the church office at (616) 363-2553 or by completing the RSVP form at Messiah's website.

• Warm temperatures and high humidity are currently predicted for Sunday.  Please feel free to bring water, sunscreen, hats, umbrellas, or anything else you may need to stay hydrated and comfortable. Bottled water will be available on request.

• Please plan to arrive early!  When you pull into Messiah's driveway, elders and ushers will direct you to the appropriate area of the parking lot, give you service folders (with all readings, responses and music) and receive your offering.  You'll have two options for seating, both of which incorporate social distancing practices:

  • sit in your car with windows down, parking as directed by elders and ushers, or;

  • bring portable outdoor seating for the designated area of the parking lot. 

• During outdoor services, the restrooms in the fellowship hall foyer will be open for use as needed.

• Procedures for the distribution of Holy Communion as follows:

  • When the usher directs your family to take communion, proceed to the sanitation area and use the hand sanitizer.  Please keep social distance if there is a waiting line formed in this area.

  • When the elder invites you to receive the Lord’s Body, please move to the line in front of the first communion table.  The elder will place the Lord’s Body, for each individual, on a plate.  Move forward and receive the Lord’s Body and move back to the line in front of the second communion table.

  • The pastor will place the individual cups of the Lord’s Blood, for each individual, on the table.  Move forward and receive the Lord’s Blood.  The pastor will dismiss you to return to your seating area.

  • All individuals who are physically able are encouraged to walk forward to receive communion.  Near the end of distribution, communion will be brought to those who request it.

• In the case of inclement weather, any necessary decisions will be made by 8 am on Sunday the 5th; notices will be posted ASAP on Messiah's website & Facebook page, and also communicated via WOOD-TV and WZZM-TV.  

Thanks to all who participated in my adult Bible study on Martin Luther's letter, Whether One May Flee from A Deadly Plague.  You can now watch all five sessions of the study on Messiah's YouTube channel and download the letter from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod website.  Look for information about upcoming studies in future email updates!

Also, Messiah's July newsletter should be in your mailboxes soon; it's now available online at our website, along with July's event and service calendars.
As always, I look forward to receiving God's Word and Sacrament with you, and responding to His love with prayer and praise.  As we commemorate our nation's Independence Day this weekend, I commend this prayer from Lutheran Service Book to you for your personal use:
 
Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Coming June 28-29

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Moving into the weekend ahead, a couple of reminders -- and more good news!
 

Worship Update

Thanks for your positive response to our first two weeks of outdoor worship services.  It's been an incredible joy to be with so many of you in person, as we've gathered to receive God's gifts of forgiveness, eternal life and salvation in His Word and Sacrament!  I'm also grateful that we've been able to provide livestreamed video and recorded audio for those of you unable to join us.

As we adjust to the rhythm of outdoor services, I look forward to praying the order of Matins together with you this coming Sunday, June 28 at 10 am.  A few details and reminders:

• The service will be led from the sanctuary entrance.  Audio will be amplified. One new wrinkle: if you're sitting in your car for worship, you can also tune to 100.9 FM for audio.  

• You'll have two options for seating, both incorporating social distancing practices: 

  • Sit in your car with windows down, parking as directed by elders and ushers, or;

  • Bring portable outdoor seating; you'll be directed to a designated area of the parking lot. 

• During outdoor services. the restrooms in the fellowship hall foyer will be open for emergency use.

• Plan to arrive early!  When you enter our driveway, elders and ushers will direct you to the appropriate area of the parking lot and give you service folders (which will contain all readings, responses and music). They'll also collect any offerings you bring.  (You can also give online.)

• If you're coming, we'd appreciate your letting us know by Saturday, June 27.  You can RSVP by calling the church office at (616) 363-2553 or by submitting the RSVP form at Messiah's website. 

• In the case of inclement weather, an indoor service of Matins with very limited attendance will be held, with livestreamed video and recorded audio available.  Any necessary decisions will be made by 8 am on Sunday the 28th; notices will be posted ASAP on Messiah's website & Facebook page, and also communicated via WOOD-TV and WZZM-TV.  

Our next Divine Service with Holy Communion will be held on Sunday, July 5 at 10 am; we will also celebrate the rite of confirmation for our three junior confirmands on that day.  Learn more about how we'll celebrate the Lord's Supper here.
 

Bible Study Update

If you've missed the last two sessions of our adult Bible study on Martin Luther's Whether One May Flee from A Deadly Plague, you can watch them on YouTube now!   Just click on the links below:

• Session 3 (June 16)

• Session 4 (June 22)

And feel free to join the final session of this study on Monday, June 29 at 7 pm!  Email me at rick.krueger@messiahgr.org for login details.

And, More Good News!

You may remember that, back in May, our preschool student Rosie Schutter completed her outpatient chemotherapy and was found to be cancer-free.  We're grateful and delighted to let you know that Rosie's final inpatient chemo and scans have now been completed, she remains cancer-free, and she has been released from treatment!  We rejoice with Rosie, her family, and our preschool staff, and thank God for His goodness and mercy to her!

We also rejoice with this year's high school graduates; we're planning to recognize and interview them online in the very near future. More details will be coming soon!

I hope you'll join me in thanking our creating, redeeming, sanctifying God for these and all His good gifts, which he generously gives us through Jesus Christ our Lord.  As His Word dwells in us richly, may He bless and keep us strong in faith throughout the days and weeks to come.

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Coming June 21-22

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

The Lord has enlightened us in the true faith.  O come, let us worship him!

First, I'll repeat a few reminders about our outdoor service for this coming Sunday, June 21:

• We plan to resume serving Holy Communion on June 21st, following our regular schedule (1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays).  Special sanitary precautions will be in place for the celebration of the Lord's Supper; watch the video above to learn about them!

• You will have two options for seating, both of which will incorporate social distancing practices:

  • you may sit in your car with windows down, parking as directed by elders and ushers, or;

  • you may bring portable outdoor seating; you'll be directed to a designated area of the parking lot. 

• During outdoor services. the restrooms in the fellowship hall foyer will be open for emergency use.

• Please plan to arrive early!  When you pull into Messiah's driveway, elders and ushers will direct you to the appropriate area of the parking lot, give you service folders (which will contain all readings, responses and music) and receive your offering..

• To help us plan for this outdoor service, please RSVP (for both attendance and communion) by Saturday, June 20.  You can RSVP by calling the church office at (616) 363-2553 or by submitting the RSVP form at Messiah's website.

• In the case of inclement weather, a Service of the Word with very limited attendance will be held, with livestreamed video and recorded audio available.  Any necessary decisions will be made by 8 am on Sunday the 21st; notices will be posted ASAP on Messiah's website & Facebook page, and also communicated via WOOD-TV and WZZM-TV.  

The adult Bible study on Martin Luther's Whether One May Flee from A Deadly Plague will now continue on weeknights, with two further sessions planned: 

• This coming Monday, June 22 at 7 pm

• Monday, June 29 at 7 pm

You can catch up by downloading the letter from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod website.  There are two ways you can join the live study for the next two Mondays: online or by phone. Email me (rick.krueger@messiahgr.org) for login details.

Finally, thanks again to those who have submitted the names of pastors to be considered by the Michigan District as they assemble a new call list for Messiah.  Members can submit names by returning a Candidate Information Form to me (by US mail, or by sending a scanned attachment by email) by this coming Tuesday, June 23.  You can download the form by clicking here.

As we head into this weekend, I once again encourage you to pray this coming Sunday's Collect of the Day in advance, as we prepare our hearts for our Lord's coming in Word and Sacrament:
 
O God, because Your abiding presence always goes with us, keep us aware of Your daily mercies that we may live secure and content in Your eternal love; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Yesterday, Tomorrow and More ...

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

This morning, a look at what happened two days ago, along with what today and tomorrow (well, next Sunday) have in store!

Yesterday ...

I am grateful to God beyond all that I could have imagined.  58 of you attended yesterday's outdoor service, with 24-36 more of you watching the livestream on YouTube.  Thanks to our elder, usher, tech team, photographer, Pastor Blain -- and to all of you for your kind support through your attendance, viewing, messages, prayers and contributions.

Today …

As I mentioned at Sunday's service, the adult Bible study on Martin Luther's Whether One May Flee from A Deadly Plague will now continue on weeknights, with three further sessions planned:

• This Tuesday, June 16 at 7 pm

• Next Monday, June 22 at 7 pm

• Monday, June 29 at 7 pm

You can get a head start by downloading the letter from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod website.  There are two ways you can join the live study tonight at 7:

1. Join online at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5108033546?pwd=VUdEM0JJdjRHM0hXV2lzVkJNR3lQQT09
   You can join on smartphone, tablet, or any computer with an onboard camera and microphone. (When you're prompted, download the Zoom app for easier connection in the future.)

2. Join by phone (audio only) . Email me at rick.krueger@messiahgr.org for details.

If you can't join the Zoom session, you'll also be able to watch a recording of Tuesday night's session later this week on our YouTube channel and leave a relevant comment below the video.  I'll address any comments at the following session!

And Next Sunday ...

Our next outdoor service is scheduled for next Sunday, June 21 at 10 am.  For those at risk or unable to attend, services will also continue to be offered online via livestreamed video and recorded audio.  Reminders and other details follow:

• We will resume serving Holy Communion on Sunday, June 21, following our regular schedule (1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays).  Special sanitary precautions will be in place for the celebration of the Lord's Supper; watch for more details coming later this week!

• Once again, you will have two options for seating, both of which will incorporate social distancing practices:

  • you may sit in your car with windows down, parking as directed by elders and ushers, or;

  • you may bring portable outdoor seating; you'll be directed to a designated area of the parking lot. 

• During outdoor services. the restrooms in the fellowship hall foyer will be open for emergency use.

• Please plan to arrive early!  When you pull into Messiah's driveway, elders and ushers will direct you to the appropriate area of the parking lot and give you service folders (which will contain all readings, responses and music).

• To help us plan for this outdoor service, please RSVP (for both attendance and communion) by Saturday, June 20.  You can RSVP by calling the church office at (616) 363-2553 or by submitting the RSVP form at Messiah's website.

• In the case of inclement weather, livestreamed video and recorded audio services will still be held with very limited attendance.  Any cancellation notice will be posted ASAP on Messiah's website & Facebook page, and communicated via WOOD-TV and WZZM-TV.  

Sunday, we gave thanks that God has been so good to us in Christ.  Tonight, we have the opportunity to continue growing in His Word while facing the ongoing challenges of today.  Next Sunday, we look forward to being strengthened in our faith again, this time through both Word and Sacrament.  In all of what's been and all that's to come, we can rejoice that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 ESV).  Continued blessings to all of you in Him!



Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Coming This Sunday, June 14

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

The Lord has gathered us in the true faith.  O come, let us worship him!

From December through May, we recalled the key events in the earthly life of Jesus Christ -- His birth, ministry, death, resurrection, ascension, and sending of the Holy Spirit.  These seasons of the Church Year have historically been called The Time of Christmas (also including Advent and Epiphany) and The Time of Easter (also including Lent, Ascension and Pentecost Sunday).

Now we've begun The Time of the Church -- the Sundays after Pentecost, from now through November.  In the Gospels chosen for the coming months, we circle back to our Lord's teachings and actions, meditating (which comes from a Hebrew word that actually means "chewing") on the green pastures of His saving, forgiving, life-giving Word.  It's a fresh time for us to continue growing in God's grace and showing His love in service to our neighbors. 

During the Time of the Church, our spiritual diet at Messiah also includes Praying the Catechism - recalling Martin Luther's incisive unpacking of God's Law & Gospel, the Sacraments and the Lord's Prayer, and singing the hymns he and others wrote to fix those foundations of faith in our hearts and minds.

So this latest Time of the Church is a fitting time for us to begin gathering together in person, after 3 months away from each other.  I hope you'll be able to join us for outdoor worship this coming Sunday, June 14 at 10 am.   (If you're in an at-risk group, or otherwise unable to attend, services will also continue to be offered online via livestreamed video on YouTube and recorded audio.)

Here are a few reminders about this service:

• The service will be led by Pastor Blain from the foot of the sanctuary entrance.  Music will be led by Rick Krueger.  Audio will be amplified (not transmitted via radio).

• You'll have two options for seating, both of which will incorporate social distancing practices: 

  • you may sit in your car with windows down, parking as directed by elders and ushers, or;

  • you may bring portable outdoor seating; you'll be directed to a designated area of the parking lot. 

• During outdoor services. the restrooms in the fellowship hall foyer will be open for emergency use.

• Please plan to arrive early!  When you pull into Messiah's driveway, elders and ushers will direct you to the appropriate area of the parking lot and give you service folders (which will contain all readings, responses and music). They'll also collect any offering you bring at that time.  (You can also give online.)

• We haven't done an outdoor service in quite a while, so we need your help making it happen!  If you're coming, we'd appreciate your letting us know by Saturday, June 13.  You can RSVP by calling the church office at (616) 363-2553 or by submitting the RSVP form at Messiah's website. The RSVP page now includes a video version of the details above.

• We'll resume serving Holy Communion on Sunday, June 21, following our regular schedule (1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays).  Special sanitary precautions will be in place for the celebration of the Lord's Supper; watch for more details coming soon.

Please note that there will be no online Bible study this coming Sunday.  I'm looking forward to continuing our deep dive into Luther's letter "Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague" -- but given the resumption of in-person worship, this interactive Zoom study might be changed to a different day of the week. Stay tuned ...

Finally, thanks to those of you who have submitted the names of pastors to be considered by the Michigan District as they assemble a new call list for Messiah.  Members can submit names by returning a Candidate Information Form to me (by US mail, or by sending a scanned attachment by email) by Tuesday, June 23.  You can download the form by clicking here.

As we resume in-person worship and continue online livestreaming, I commend the Collect of the Day for this coming Sunday to your prayerful attention.  As is so often the case, it speaks eloquently to the core reason we are part of the Body of Christ here at Messiah:

Almighty, eternal God, in the Word of Your apostles and prophets You have proclaimed to us Your saving will. Grant us faith to believe Your promises that we may receive eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

In-Person, Outdoor Worship: Sunday, June 14!

Dear Fellow Saints of God in Christ Jesus,

At a special meeting on June 8, Messiah’s Board of Elders approved holding outdoor services on Sundays at 10 am, beginning Sunday, June 14.  For those at risk or unable to attend, services will also continue to be offered online via livestreamed video and recorded audio.  Here are more details:

• The service will be led by Pastor Blain from the foot of the sanctuary entrance.  Music will be led by Rick Krueger.  Audio will be amplified (not transmitted via radio).

• You will have two options for seating, both of which will incorporate social distancing practices:

  • you may sit in your car with windows down, parking as directed by elders and ushers, or;

  • you may bring portable outdoor seating; you'll be directed to a designated area of the parking lot. 

• During outdoor services. the restrooms in the fellowship hall foyer will be open for emergency use.

• Please plan to arrive early!  When you pull into Messiah's driveway, elders and ushers will direct you to the appropriate area of the parking lot and give you service folders (which will contain all readings, responses and music).

• To help us plan for the first outdoor service, please RSVP by Saturday, June 13.  You can RSVP by calling the church office at (616) 363-2553 or by submitting the RSVP form at Messiah's website.

• We will resume serving Holy Communion on Sunday, June 21, following our regular schedule (1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays).  Special sanitary precautions will be in place for the celebration of the Lord's Supper; watch for more details next week!

• In the case of inclement weather, livestreamed video and recorded audio services will still be held with very limited attendance.  Any cancellation notice will be posted ASAP on Messiah's website & Facebook page, and communicated via WOOD-TV and WZZM-TV.  

• The Elders will consider moving to indoor worship when West Michigan is moved to Stage 5 of the state's MI Safe Start Plan.  To see the latest revision of Messiah's Guidelines for Re-Introduction of In-Person Worship and Education, click here.  Please contact your elder with your comments, questions and feedback on this latest revision; elders and their families are listed in the June newsletter.

  Thanks once again for your continued support of Messiah's ministry through your prayers and gifts, and for your patience as we have worked through the issues and obstacles that stood in the way of in-person worship.  I am excited and grateful that, this weekend, we can once again come together and be strengthened by Jesus Christ's presence among us, through the forgiving, saving, life-giving power of His Word.  One of the responsive dialogues for this coming Sunday says it better than I ever could:
  
  The Lord has gathered us in the true faith. O come, let us worship Him!
  
  Yours in Christ,
  
  
  Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Waiting Together

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

It's been hard to wait by ourselves.  The next step -- waiting together -- might be even harder.

With Michigan's "stay-at-home" order lifted on Monday, some of us are raring to go (maybe we've already been going), and may wonder why we at Messiah can't worship together and restart activities right now.  Some of us have concerns about what the risks are of resuming normal activities (like going to church) for others, as well as for ourselves, and may wonder what's the rush?  And of course, some of us are someplace in the middle.

Maybe we've developed those viewpoints in relative isolation from each other.  As we begin to leave our homes, stretch our comfort zones, connect again after a couple of months, we may be discovering just how much our opinions differ for the first time.   And if there's one thing the devil and our sinful natures can always use to generate conflict, frustration and mistrust, it's a good difference of opinion!

This is where reading Martin Luther's letter "Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague" has helped me -- and I hope it can help all of us.  Luther actually violated his prince's orders by staying in Wittenberg when bubonic plague struck in 1527, to provide spiritual care and open his home as a field hospital.  When a pastor from another German town sought his advice, Luther wrote and published the letter so others might benefit.  But he didn't believe his choice was the only right choice.

Luther considered two opinions regarding the plague: 1) that Christians need not and should not flee it, or; 2) that Christians may flee, especially if they have no duty to care for others.  Luther commended those who stayed (although he warned them against testing God through recklessness) -- and he also refused to condemn those who fled.  Both could be right actions in God's eyes.  Luther called for unity among believers (who might hold very different opinions), through letting the mind of Christ dwell in them (Philippians 2:2-11); he called for those who considered themselves strong to restrain themselves and support the weak (Romans 15:1-2); and he called for everyone in the body of Christ to care for each other, loving God by serving their neighbors (1 Corinthians 12:21-27).

I pray that we can practice these good works encouraged by Luther in our life together at Messiah, empowered by the Holy Spirit who made us the Father's children.   As we open our livestreamed services for limited attendance in person; as our Board of Elders prepares to study the feasibility of outdoor worship; as you review the updated Guidelines for Re-Introduction of In-Person Worship and Education  and give your elder important feedback on them, can we commit to doing all this together?  Let's stay in touch with each other, listen to our respective takes on our situation with love and patience, and realize the challenges our church leaders face as they reason together for all our good.  Jesus Christ has called us together as His Church at Messiah; the more we listen to Him together (yes, even virtually) as He comes to us in His Word, the better we can work and, yes, even wait together.  For what comes next this summer, and for the fulfillment of all God's promises when our Savior returns.

 We'll continue our study of "Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague" in our next livestreamed Adult Bible study, beginning at 9 am on Sunday, June 7.  We’ll see how Luther goes to God’s Word to answer these questions and more:

• What two courses of action can be pursued “in God’s name” in a time of plagues & epidemics?

• How can Christians avoid taking these courses to absurd lengths?

• Who’s really in control?

• What’s our duty to our neighbor? 

You can get a head start by downloading the letter from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod website.  There will be two ways you can participate:

• Join our Zoom meeting online (with your smartphone, tablet, or any computer with an onboard camera and microphone) or by phone (audio only). Email rick.krueger@messiahgr.org for login information.

• Watch the interactive study on our YouTube channel (live, but with a 20-second delay), and leave a relevant comment below the video.  I'll address any comments the following week!

Our Service of the Word will also be livestreamed beginning at 10 am on June 7.  You'll be able to watch it as it happens on our YouTube channel.   (Thanks to those of you who've subscribed to our channel; if you don't want to miss a service or a study, details on subscribing are below.)  An audio recording of the Service of the Word will also be available; it'll be posted on Messiah's website and Facebook page by 12 noon on June 7.  If you'd like to attend this service, limited spaces are available (wearing of face-covering masks and 6-foot social distancing will be mandatory for those attending). To reserve a spot, please call the church office or Register on Facebook here. (Click on the blue "Reserve a Spot" button.)


Yours together in God's love,


Rick Krueger

Three Major Updates, Round Two

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

This email is an update on two of the three major updates I shared with you two weeks ago today, plus the return of another important item.

UPDATE ON IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES

At their June 1 meeting, Messiah’s Board of Elders made the following decisions:

• To allow up to 10 persons (including the Elder for the day and a 2-person audio/video crew) to attend our current live-streamed worship services.  Wearing of face-covering masks and 6-foot social distancing will be mandatory for those attending.  If you'd like to attend a live-streamed service in person, please call the church office or register at our Facebook event page.

  • Register for Sunday, June 7 here. (Click on the blue "Reserve a Spot" button.)

  • Register for Sunday, June 14 here. (Click on the blue "Reserve a Spot" button.) 

• To launch a feasibility study of outdoor services including amplified audio.  The study is to be completed within 2 weeks, then discussed at a special Elders meeting.  

• To revise the "Draft Guidelines for In-Person Worship" as follows:

  • Restrooms must be closed.

  • Wearing of face masks should be mandatory.

  • Those wishing to chat with the Pastor should contact him at home by telephone.

  • There is not enough time between multiple daily services for proper sanitization.

  • Attendees will be released in family groups at the end of the service by the Elder.

To see the complete revised Guidelines, click here.  Please contact your elder with your comments, questions and feedback on the revised Guidelines; elders and their families are listed in the June newsletter.

VACANCY PASTOR UPDATE

At that same meeting, Messiah’s Board of Elders decided:

• To approve Pastor Jason Peterson (our Circuit Visitor and pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Rockford) as our day-to-day Vacancy Pastor.  Pastor Peterson's duties will be focused in the areas of spiritual care, education and administration.

• To recruit supply preachers for upcoming worship services, beginning on Sunday, July 26.  The Michigan District-LCMS will supply a list of available pastors.

Pastor Blain will continue to lead worship services until Sunday, July 19.  If you want to remember or thank Pastor Blain for his service during the past 17 months, please contact the church office for further details.

CALL PROCESS UPDATE

Pastoral call processes are starting up again, both in our Michigan District and throughout Synod.  Our call committee chairman Mark Altemann contacted the 2 remaining finalists on our current list; one has recently accepted a call to another congregation.  Since this would leave us with only one candidate and the call committee wants to consistently bring multiple candidates to the voters, we are officially requesting a new list of pastors from the District.  If you would like to submit a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor for consideration, click below for a Pastoral Candidate Nomination Form.  Please return the form (either by US mail or by emailing rick.krueger@messiahgr.org with a completed, scanned copy) by Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

Download the Pastoral Candidate Nomination Form here.

Thanks once again for your continued support of Messiah's ministry through your prayers and gifts.  May God continue to bless and keep you all!

Yours in Christ,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Coming This Sunday, May 31

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love.  Alleluia!

The 50-day celebration of Easter ends with the joyous festival of Pentecost!  On this day, the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples; they proclaimed Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension to the crowds in Jerusalem; 3,000 souls were baptized, who then "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." (Acts 2:42).

Our risen and ascended Savior has also sent the Holy Spirit to be our Sanctifier, entering our hearts through Holy Baptism, nurturing us through God's Word, enabling us to understand the good news of Christ and to live a life that honors God and serves our neighbor.   In the words of the Pentecost hymn now on our Sacred Music page, O Day Full of Grace (Lutheran Service Book 503):
 

 For Christ bore our sins, and not His own,
When He on the cross was hanging;
And then He arose and moved the stone
That we, unto Him belonging,
Might join with angelic hosts to raise
Our voices in endless singing!

Looking back over the 2 1/2 months (!) we've been physically separated from each other, I'm grateful we've been able to leverage online technology so that, in worship and Bible study, the Spirit has comforted and sustained us in the faith now, while preparing us for whatever comes next -- including the time that we can gather again in person.  (As always, I'm also grateful that you've continued to support Messiah's ongoing ministry with your prayers and contributions.)  

I hope that you'll join us for the Day of Pentecost, this Sunday, May 31:

• Martin Luther's letter "Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague" will be the topic of our Adult Bible study, beginning at 9 am on May 31.  We'll explore the circumstances of the letter, the Scriptures Luther relied on for his recommendations, and much more in the coming weeks!  You can get a head start by downloading the letter from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod website.  There will be two ways you can participate:

  • Join our live Zoom meeting to interact with me as we read and discuss Luther's letter together!  You can join by Internet or by phone; contact rick.krueger@messiahgr.org for login details.

  • Watch the interactive study on our YouTube channel (live, but with a 20-second delay), and leave a relevant comment below the video.  I'll address any comments the following week!

• The Service of the Word will be livestreamed beginning at 10 am on May 31.  You'll be able to watch it as it happens on our YouTube channel.   (Thanks to those of you who've subscribed to our channel; if you don't want to miss a service or a study, details on subscribing are below.)

• An audio recording of the Service of the Word will also be available; it'll be posted on Messiah's website and Facebook page by 12 noon on May 31.

Our June newsletter should be in your mailbox soon; it's also online at our website.  This newsletter includes a draft of "Guidelines for Reintroduction of In-Person Worship and Education", developed by  our Church Council and Board of Elders.   If you haven't already done so, please share any feedback on these guidelines with your elder.  The Board of Elders will meet on Monday, June 1, with what comes next as an key item on their agenda. 

As we prepare to celebrate the day of Pentecost, may the prayer of Christ's whole church be ours:

O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger

Zoom Bible Study Details:
There are two ways to join the study, at or slightly before 9 am on May 31:

1. Join online; contact rick.krueger@messiahgr.org for login details.
   You can join on smartphone, tablet, or any computer with an onboard camera and microphone. (When you're prompted, download the Zoom app for easier connection in the future.)

2. Join by phone (audio only); contact rick.krueger@messiahgr.org for login details.

YouTube Subscription Details:

1. Online, go to www.youtube.com

2. Create a YouTube account, or sign into your existing account.  (If you already have a Google or Gmail account, you can use that for signing in.)

3. Search for "messiah lutheran grand rapids mi"

4. At the top right of our channel page,click the "Subscribe" button. 

5. Then click the bell that pops up right next to the "Subscribed" message to receive notifications.

6. To customize your notifications, scroll down the menu bar on the left of the page and click on "Settings".  On the next page, click on "Notifications" (again, on the left of the page) and adjust what you'll receive as you like.  Leaving "Subscriptions" turned on in the "Email notifications" section will ensure you receive Messiah's notifications.

Coming This Sunday, May 24

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Blessed Ascension Day to you!
Celebrated forty days after Easter, Ascension Day is the coronation celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ, as He is proclaimed King of the Universe.  Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father -- everywhere in heaven and earth, with all the power and authority that were His since before time.  Now He's with us always, as true God and true man!  Meditating on His Word and remembering our baptism, we firmly grasp our triune God's love for us and receive a foretaste of the feast to come.

But our ongoing situation may cause doubts.  It's Ascension Day -- but we're unable to celebrate like we have in previous years, with our brothers and sisters in St. Peter's at Rockford.  We've developed draft guidelines for resuming in-person activities at Messiah (read them here and contact your elder with your feedback) -- but we don't know when that will happen. 

In the meantime, how can we be sure Jesus still loves and cares for us?  Because He continues to intercede for us with our Heavenly Father -- just as he did the night before His death, as recorded in this coming Sunday's Gospel:

“I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.” (John 17:5-11)

Speaking of this coming Sunday, here's our upcoming online worship schedule:

• On Sunday, May 24, the Service of Prayer and Preaching will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel, beginning at 10 am.  You'll be able to watch it as it happens by going to our YouTube home page!   (learn how to subscribe to our YouTube channel below and never miss a service.)

• An audio recording of the service will also be available; it'll be posted on Messiah's website and Facebook page by 12 noon on May 24.

• There will be no Bible study on Memorial Day weekend (Sunday, May 24); we'll resume on Sunday, May 31 at 9 am, looking at Martin Luther's letter "Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague".  You can get a head start by downloading the letter from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod website.

Thanks once more for your heartfelt response to our online services and your faithful, generous support of Messiah's ministry.  On this Ascension Day, may the prayer of Christ's whole church be ours:

Almighty God, as Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the heavens, so may we also ascend in heart & mind & continually dwell there with Him, who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. Amen.

Yours in Him,

Rick Krueger

P.S. If you subscribe to our YouTube channel, you can have direct links for new videos sent right to your email. (Also, getting over 100 subscribers will let us customize our channel's web address.)  Here's how:

1. Online, go to www.youtube.com

2. Create a YouTube account, or sign into your existing account.  (If you already have a Google or Gmail account, you can use that for signing in.)

3. Search for "messiah lutheran grand rapids mi"

4. At the top right of our channel page,click the "Subscribe" button. 

5. Then click the bell that pops up right next to the "Subscribed" message to receive notifications.

6. To customize your notifications, scroll down the menu bar on the left of the page and click on "Settings".  On the next page, click on "Notifications" (again, on the left of the page) and adjust what you'll receive as you like.  Leaving "Subscriptions" turned on in the "Email notifications" section will ensure you receive Messiah's notifications.

Copyright © 2019 Messiah Lutheran Church, All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:
2727 Five Mile Road NE
Grand Rapids MI 49525
616.363.2553
messiahgr@messiahg

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Three Major Updates

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

I have three major updates to share with you today.  They'll be included in our June newsletter (to be mailed next week), but Messiah's leaders and I wanted you to see them as soon as possible!  So, without further delay ...

UPDATE ON IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES

At their April 27 meeting, Messiah’s Board of Elders suspended in-person activities indefinitely, choosing to monitor the situation and revisiting their decision as the circumstances warrant it.  The Elders' goal is to safely re-open in-person activities as soon as possible.

In light of the state of Michigan beginning a phased, regional re-opening process, the Church Council and Board of Elders have drafted “Guidelines for Reintroduction of In-Person Worship and Education”.  A copy of these Guidelines will be enclosed with the June newsletter; you can also download a copy now by clicking here.

We want your feedback on these draft Guidelines; please review the document and contact your elder with your suggestions and concerns, in advance of the next Board of Elders meeting on Monday, June 1.   (Elder families are listed in the May newsletter, and will be listed again in the June issue.)  We all yearn for the day when we can gather in person as God’s people, to hear His Word and rejoice in His fellowship; your review of and feedback on these Guidelines will help us get a head start on preparations for that day.  Thanks so much!

UPDATE ON FINANCES
Thank you to those that have continued to send their contributions!  We have been blessed by your generous giving and are pleased to report that we are able to pay current expenses.  We have been paying preschool staff and have refunded tuition to families for the remainder of the year.  We have replaced the furnace this past month as it was past the point of repairs and had served us well for almost 20 years.  The capital improvement fund continues to grow and we will use that to fix the front of the church this summer. If you are wondering what funds are available for contributions:

• General Fund for operations

• Capital fund for major items in the building

• For others fund - to help those in need managed by Pastor and the elders

• Memorial fund

• Debt reduction fund - used as additional reduction to principal on the loan

Please note there is no longer an organ fund.  The organ balance was rolled into the mortgage, therefore the debt reduction fund can be used for this purpose. 

We have electronic giving available for all members.  There is a link on the church website www.messiahgr.org/give-now or go to www.kindrid.com and sign up to give to Messiah Lutheran Church Grand Rapids.   Please let us know if you have further questions.

THANK YOU, PASTOR BLAIN!
Pastor Blain has informed the Board of Elders and the Church Council that he will be stepping down from his responsibilities as Messiah’s Vacancy Pastor (administration, education and spiritual care) as of Monday, June 8.  He will continue to lead worship services until Sunday, July 19. 

We thank Pastor Blain for the 17 months he has served as our shepherd, and wish him and Linda God’s continued blessings.  If you would like to thank Pastor Blain personally, please request his contact information from the church office.

The Board of Elders and I are working with our Circuit Visitor (Rev. Jason Peterson of St. Peter-Rockford) and the Michigan District-LCMS to recruit a vacancy pastor for the duration of our pastoral call process.  Please keep them in your prayers as they do so!

All of this is a lot to process -- it certainly was for me as I sat down to write.  I'm grateful for Pastor Blain's loving service to us and for your ongoing financial support.  I look forward to working with our next vacancy pastor (whoever the Lord has in store for us) and to the time we gather in person for the Divine Service and the study of God's Word.  For now, His gifts continue to come to us at one remove, wrapped in uncertainty and unpredictability, meant to move us to greater trust in Him.  Which brought this beautiful historic prayer to mind; I hope you'll pray it with me in the days and weeks to come. 

O Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us, and your love supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger
Messiah Lutheran Church

Coming This Sunday, May 17

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

As the Easter season continues, we draw strength and hope from Jesus' promises to His disciples in the Upper Room, the night before His atoning sacrifice for our sins.  As He says in this coming Sunday's Gospel (John 14:15-21),

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
    “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

Speaking of May 17, we've slightly changed our online "delivery system" for this weekend's worship service, as follows:  

• On Sunday, May 17, the Service of the Word will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel, beginning at the new time of 10 am.  You'll be able to watch it as it happens by going to our YouTube home page!  (Previous services have been pre-recorded.)

• An audio recording of the service will also be available; it'll be posted on Messiah's website and Facebook page by 12 noon on May 17. 

We're grateful that you continue to find our video and audio services helpful to your spiritual growth.  We're definitely interested in your feedback; let us know what you think about one or both formats!  You can also get ready for this Sunday with a version of the Hymn of the Day, "Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice", posted on YouTube and at Messiah's Sacred Music page.

We'll also conclude our current Bible study on the first Epistle of Peter this coming Sunday, May 17th, at the new time of 9 am.  We'll dig into 1 Peter 4 and 5 (the source of the Epistle for May 24) focusing on how Christ's shepherds and flocks rely on the sure hope found in God's Word , especially in times of trial and temptation. The pre-recorded study will available first on YouTube, then later that day on our website and Facebook page.

There will be no Bible study on Memorial Day weekend (Sunday, May 24); we'll resume on Sunday, May 31, looking at Martin Luther's letter "Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague".  Written to a brother pastor, it's rich in Scripture, with a surprising amount to say about our lives here and now!  You can get a head start on our study by downloading the letter from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod website.

Thanks as always for your faithful stewardship and kind support of Messiah's ministry in these extraordinary times.  Your ongoing generosity and your response to our new Online Giving option are enabling us continue Knowing Christ and Making Him Known; along with the rest of Messiah's staff, I am deeply grateful.And I pray that all of us will continue to rely on our loving Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Spirit that comforts us in and through God's Word!

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger
Messiah Lutheran Church

Coming This Sunday, May 10

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Our next worship service, for this coming Sunday, May 10th, will again be available in two formats. Our familiar audio-only version will be posted at Messiah's website and Facebook page by 8:30 am; we will also have our video version posted on our YouTube channel at the same time.  We continue to be interested in your feedback; let us know what you think about one or both formats!  Please plan to join us in meditation on God's Word and prayer for the 5th Sunday of Easter; you can get ready with previews of Sunday's service music, now on YouTube and at Messiah's Sacred Music page.

Our next livestream Bible study will also be this coming Sunday, May 10th.  Join me as we continue exploring the first Epistle of Peter!  We'll dig into 1 Peter 2:1-10 and 3:13-22 (the Epistles for May 10th and 17th) focusing on how Jesus gives us the gift of belonging to His royal priesthood, and equips us for the vocation of proclaiming His love to all.  The YouTube livestream will start at 9:45 am on the 10th; the recorded study will be available on our website and Facebook page after it's complete (about 11 am). 

One other thing: our May newsletter is out now!  If it hasn't arrived in your mailbox yet, it should be there soon; or you can read it online by clicking here.

Please accept once again my thanks for your faithful stewardship and kind support of Messiah in this uncertain environment.  Your ongoing generosity and your response to our new Online Giving option are helping us continue our mission of Knowing Christ and Making Him Known, and I continue to be deeply grateful.

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger
Messiah Lutheran Church

Worship And More This Weekend.

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Our next worship service, for this coming Sunday, May 3, will be available in two formats. The familiar audio-only version will be posted at Messiah's website and Facebook page; by 8:30 am; we will also have our premiere video version on our YouTube channel at the same time (we'll be interested in your feedback!).  Please plan to join us in meditation on God's Word and prayer for Good Shepherd Sunday; you can get ready with previews of Sunday's service music, now on YouTube and at Messiah's Sacred Music page.

Our next livestream Bible study will also be this coming Sunday, May 3.  Please join me in exploring 1 Peter 2:11-25 (which includes the Epistle for the day); we'll continue to reflect on the mercy, hope and inheritance given us in Jesus, and on the ways we're called to follow Christ in a sometimes hostile world.  The YouTube livestream will start at 9:45 am on the 3rd (just click on the arrow above); the recorded study will be available on our website and Facebook page after it's complete (about 11 am).
 

Finally, I can't help but say again how much I appreciate your faithful stewardship and kind support in this uncertain environment.  Our goal here at Messiah is to continue our mission of knowing Christ and making Him known; your ongoing generosity and your response to our new Online Giving option are helping us keep to that mission, though we currently do it differently by necessity.  I am deeply grateful, even as I long for the day we can physically gather again. 

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger

Urgent Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

On Monday, April 27, Messiah's Board of Elders met via remote online access. As directed by Church Council, the Elders reviewed the suspension of activities put in place six weeks ago, especially in light of Michigan's newly extended "stay at home" executive order.

At this meeting, the Elders decided to extend the suspension of in-person church activities indefinitely.  Rather than try to guess when the executive order will be loosened or lifted, the Elders plan to monitor the situation and call a special board meeting as the circumstances warrant it.  The Elders' goal is to safely re-open in-person activities as soon as possible.

Here are the immediate results of this decision:

• All public worship services are currently cancelled. We'll continue to post audio recordings of the service for the day  -- music, hymns, responsive readings, the appointed Scriptures and a sermon -- on Messiah's website and our YouTube channel (along with an order of service to follow as you listen) on Sundays.

• In consultation with confirmation families, our Junior Confirmation and New Member Welcome scheduled for May 3 has been postponed.  It will be rescheduled as soon as possible after in-person activities re-open.

• All in-person Bible studies, musical practices and other group activities at church are currently cancelled.  I'm continuing to provide an online video Bible study every Sunday; you can see and hear last Sunday's study at our website or on YouTube. 

• We are continuing to explore further uses of technology for worship, study and life together -- online video, virtual gatherings, etc.  Stay tuned for more details.  Thanks to those who watched last night's Confirmation Examination (which had more than 200 views) on YouTube!

The suspension of church activities will also be discussed at the next Council meeting (scheduled for Monday, May 18).

Thanks again to all of you for your words of encouragement and support in these recent weeks: Pastor Blain, the rest of our staff and I truly appreciate your kindness and help.  We continue to ask for your understanding, trust, patience and prayers as we work to bring you the comfort of God's Word and continue Messiah's minimum basic operations.  We also respectfully ask that you continue your support of Messiah's ongoing ministry through your faithful giving, whether by mailed check, electronic check or our new online giving portal.

As the Church and the world continue to confront widespread challenges, I also urge you to continue the activities I've mentioned before:
 Read and Meditate on God's Word!   Leaders of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod are posting brief online devotions every weekday.  Watch them live Monday-Friday at 10 am EDT on the Synod's Facebook page or anytime on YouTube.  And President David Maier of the Michigan District-LCMS is offering daily devotions based on great Christian hymns weekday evenings at 7 pm; again, you can find them on Facebook or YouTube.  You can also check Messiah's Facebook page Monday-Saturday mornings for daily Psalm verses, Bible readings and prayer.  More online resources are available at Messiah's website.

Pray for our governmental leaders!   As the pandemic continues, the pressure on everyone -- along with the variety of opinions on the best course of action -- grows.  Please pray especially that those in authority in our township, city, county, state and nation will be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty as they strive to serve us.

Check in with each other!  I've been grateful to hear how so many of you are taking steps to care for and stay in contact with each other. The Elders continue to contact their assigned families regularly during the suspension of activities; if you need spiritual care, please contact Pastor Blain directly at 616-288-5594.

Above all, hold on to Jesus Christ!  As this strange time continues, the First Epistle of Peter (the source of our Easter season epistles and livestream Bible studies) has resonated more and more with me.  May these words from God's Word (1 Peter 1:3-9) give us grace, peace, faith and comfort as we go forward:

    3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger
Messiah Lutheran Church

An Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

But that's not the only reason I'm smiling behind the arrow below ...

 Yesterday, I successfully set up Messiah's first-ever livestream.  This coming Sunday, April 19 at 9:45 am, our devotional Bible study will be live, not prerecorded!  Together, we'll dig into the First Epistle of Peter, which gives us our Epistle lessons for this Easter season.  Please join me to discover more about the mercy, hope and inheritance that is ours in the risen Jesus, and to grow in faith and love.

The livestream Bible study will be available through our Bible Studies webpage, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.  Or you can just click on the big red arrow above on Sunday morning!  (If you miss the livestream, you can watch it later at the same websites.) 

Our upcoming worship service for Sunday, April 19 will be precorded audio, as usual -- but stay tuned for further developments ...

As I've said regularly, our staff, lay leadership and finance team deeply appreciate your continuing support of Messiah's ministry.  As of today, there's another option to provide that support: Online Giving.  You can use our new giving portal to make one-time or regular contributions through your checking account, savings account, debit or credit cards. (I did; it works.) You can even give via text message!  Click on the link above to learn more and get started. 

I'd also like to give a shout-out to our dedicated preschool staff.  Teachers Vonda Smestad and Kathleen Stam are staying in touch with the children on a regular basis: posting suggested activities online and delivering learning packs to homes as pictured below, as well as hosting remote sessions.  I was honored to lead a very special preschool chapel online earlier today; thanks to Vonda and Kathleen for the opportunity.

Finally, there's a new option for your evening devotions!  The Michigan District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has kicked off "Hope Is Here", a series of video devotions based on classic hymns of the Christian faith, led by District President Rev. Dr. David Maier.  Watch them live at 7 pm EDT each evening on Facebook, or access them all on YouTube.  They're a nice complement to the morning devotions provided by LCMS president Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison and others (also on Facebook or YouTube at 10 am every weekday).
In the season of Easter that lies ahead, may God continue to bless, strengthen and keep us all safe in Him every day.  Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger
Messiah Lutheran Church

Worship and More for Holy Week and Easter

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This is a Holy Week like none of us have experienced in our lifetimes.  We continue to watch and wait, concerned about ourselves, our families, and our society.  So much seems to be up for grabs; what will endure?

Water, blood, and Spirit crying,
By their witness testifying
To the One whose death-defying
    Life has come, with life for all.
 
God's Word of salvation in Jesus Christ endures forever -- and it has never been more meaningful or relevant for our lives.  Online worship services for Maundy Thursday - April 8, Good Friday - April 9, and Easter Sunday - April 12 will be available at our Worship Resources web page by 8:30 am each day.  Links to the services will also be posted on Messiah's Facebook page.

In a wat’ry grave are buried
All our sins that Jesus carried;
Christ, the Ark of Life, has ferried
    Us across death’s raging flood.

Video Bible Studies will also continue on Easter Sunday - April 12.  This week's study will focus on the empowering truth of our burial and resurrection with Christ, as revealed in Acts 10:34-43 (Peter's first proclamation of the Gospel to Gentiles) and Colossians 2:8-15 & 3:1-4 (the Easter Epistle).  You'll be able to watch the study at any of these three pages, starting at 9:45 am on Sunday.

• Our YouTube channel

• The Bible Studies page on our website

• Our Facebook page,

Dark the way, yet Christ precedes us,
Past the scowl of death He leads us;
Spreads a table where He feeds us
    With His body and His blood.

One of my greatest sorrows right now is that we will be unable to gather at the Lord's Table on Thursday night and Sunday morning.  But, as Synod's Commission on Theology and Church Relations recently wrote, right now it is best "humbly and repentantly to ask the Lord for the regular administration of the Sacrament of the Altar to be restored to us, together with an end to the 'deadly pestilence' that is killing thousands of souls who are precious to God, their Creator."  May our prayers for healing and restoration continually ascend to our heavenly Father.  As President Harrison wrote to the pastors of the LC-MS last week, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are praying for all of us!  (See Romans 8:26-27). 

Though around us death is seething,
God, His two-edged sword unsheathing,
By His Spirit life is breathing
    Through the living, active Word.

Beyond the online resources we're offering, hearing great sacred music is another way to steep ourselves in that living, active Word.  One of the greatest musical expressions of the Gospel in history, J.S. Bach's St. John Passion, will be performed online -- from Bach's home church in Germany and from around the world -- at 10 am EDT on Good Friday.  Learn more about this unique performance of the Passion here; watch and listen to the livestream here.

As always, please feel free to reply to this message with any feedback you think will be helpful, as we at Messiah journey together through this unprecedented Holy Week  -- apart from each other physically, together by faith in the ark of God's Church, nourished by His Word above all.  I and all of Messiah's staff continue to be deeply grateful for your ongoing support through your contacts, prayers and offerings. 

Spirit, water, blood entreating,
Working faith and its completing
In the One whose death-defeating
    Life has come, with life for all.

Yours in Christ,


Rick Krueger
Messiah Lutheran Church 

"Water, Blood and Spirit Crying" (Lutheran Service Book 597) © 1999 Stephen P. Starke, admin. Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110002549.