August 15 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

August is going by quickly!  We hope this round-up of opportunities for worship, devotion and fellowship (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look ahead! 


WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE:

  • Through Sunday, September 4th (Labor Day weekend), one service will be held at 10:00 am each Sunday. Bible Class will be held beforehand at 9:00 am. Summer Sunday services will be livestreamed at:

  • The study of Luther's Large Catechism has concluded and will return next summer!

  • Sunday School is in recess for the summer.

  • Monday night summer services continue on Mondays at 7:00 pm through Monday, August 29th. Note that there will be no Monday night service on September 5th (Labor Day weekend).

  • Our fall schedule resumes on Sunday, September 11th: the Divine Service with Holy Communion will be held every week at 8:30 and 11 am on Sundays, with Sunday School and Bible Class at 9:45 am.)

    • NEW! A Rally Day Ice Cream Social will be held after the 11:00 am service on Sunday, September 11th, sponsored by the Board of Education.


WHAT'S UP, WHAT'S COMING: (Details in our weekly announcements and in the August newsletter)

  • Crafting Get-Together Tuesday, August 16th at 4:00 pm.

  • Community Picnic sponsored by the Board of Outreach on Sunday, August 28th at 12:00 noon; please plan to attend!

    • Thanks to those of you who have already volunteered; more volunteers are welcome! Please sign up at the Welcome Center or in Bible Class to:

      • distribute flyers in the neighborhood

      • set up and/or clean up for the event

      • bring food (side dishes, desserts, fruit salads)

      • help with games for all ages (ball toss, cornhole, disc golf)

  • NEW! Senior Choir practices resume Wednesday, September 7th at 7:00 pm.

  • Garage Sale on Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th.

  • NEW! Fall LifeLight classes begin in September as follows:

    • Prayer on Tuesdays, beginning September 13th at 10:30 am.

    • End Times on Wednesdays, beginning September 14th at 6:00 pm.

  • NEW! CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) will resume Wednesday, September 21st at 9:30 am. This year the group will focus on the book Chosen: A Study of Esther by Donna Snow.

  • NEW! Every One His Witness, a study/workshop event sponsored by the Board of Outreach, Saturday, October 1st from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

  • Cookie and Craft Bazaar sponsored by the Parish Services Guild on Saturday, December 3rd.


LOOKING AHEAD:
I hope that you've marked your calendars for Sunday, August 28th -- as you can probably tell, I'm truly grateful that Messiah's Board of Outreach has been able to bring back the Community Picnic! After we feast our souls on the Word of God that morning, I look forward to the food, fellowship and fun that we plan to share with preschool and VBS families, folks from our neighborhood and others. Before we switch back to our fall schedule, I hope you'll plan to be a part of this special event.

And above all, I pray that, as the Collect of the Day for August 21st says, God our Father will "guide us by Your Word and Spirit, and lead us now and always into the feast of Your Son, Jesus Christ."

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

July 28 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Moving from July into August, we hope this round-up of opportunities for worship, devotion and fellowship (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look ahead! 


SUMMER WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE:

  • Through Sunday, September 4th (Labor Day weekend), one service will be held at 10:00 am each Sunday. Bible Class will be held beforehand at 9:00 am.  Summer Sunday services will be livestreamed at:

  • A study of Luther's Large Catechism will follow services at about 11:15 am.  

  • Sunday School is in recess for the summer.

  • Monday night summer services continue on Mondays at 7:00 pm through Monday, August 29th. Note that there will be no Monday night service on September 5th (Labor Day weekend).

  • (Our fall schedule will resume on Sunday, September 11th: the Divine Service will be held at 8:30 and 11 am on Sundays, with Sunday School and Bible Class at 9:45 am.)


IMPORTANT ALTAR FLOWERS UPDATE:
Please disregard the previous flower announcements because we have received an offer from one of our members to make the arrangements each Sunday.  Effective August 1st, the cost will be only $25.00 to cover cost of the flowers and supplies for doing this wonderful service for our Sunday worship.  She wants to give this a try for a month just to see if she can continue into the winter.  We send Barbara Wilson a huge THANK YOU for this generous offer of her time and talent in service to our Lord. 



WHAT'S UP, WHAT'S COMING (Details in our weekly announcements):

  • Community Picnic sponsored by the Board of Outreach, after the service on Sunday, August 28th. Thanks to those of you who have already volunteered; more volunteers are welcome!  Please sign up at the Welcome Center or in Bible Class to: 

    • distribute flyers in the neighborhood during August

    • set up and/or clean up for the event

    • bring food (side dishes, desserts, fruit salads)

    • help with games for all ages (ball toss, cornhole, disc golf)

  • NEW!  Lutherans in Fellowship Together meeting Sunday, August 7th at 11:15 am.

  • NEW!  Crafting Get-Together Tuesday, August 16th at 4:00 pm.

  • Garage Sale on Friday, September 9th and Saturday, September 10th. (Please note the corrected dates.)

  • Cookie and Craft Bazaar sponsored by the Parish Services Guild on Saturday, December 3rd. 

    • NEW!  A planning meeting for this event is set for Thursday, August 11th at 10:30 am.


AUGUST NEWSLETTER:
Our August 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.


LOOKING AHEAD:
From Pastor Twietmeyer's August newsletter message:
“[O]n every Sunday and on festivals (such as Christmas, Easter, Ascension, etc.) the first Lutherans continued to do what the church had been doing since the start: they worshipped and offered communion."

"So, we must ask ourselves, why do we not do this?   . . .  In North America, there were relatively few Lutherans to begin with . . .  there were even fewer Lutheran pastors. It became a common practice, therefore, for a Lutheran pastor to travel from place to place and serve multiple congregations. What this meant was that most congregations only would gather with a called and ordained pastor once a month or even less frequently. So it was that communion would only be celebrated when the pastor was in town. This practice remained common in much of the country even until the late 19th century."

"Since that time though, Lutheran churches with a pastor in the chancel every Sunday have begun to return to our Biblical heritage by celebrating the Lord’s Supper every Lord’s Day. Weekly Communion, as it is sometimes referred to, is now a much more common practice in the LCMS. More importantly though, it is a Biblical practice. The Lord’s Supper is the pinnacle of the Divine Service, for it is then that we have a personal encounter with the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to redeem us from sin, death, and the devil  . . ."

"The Board of Elders and I have been spending time studying this topic in the Scriptures and learning about our heritage. Because of this, we are all in agreement that this would be a great thing to bring to Messiah. So, in September, we will begin having the Lord’s Supper every Lord’s Day. It will be a wonderful joy to receive Jesus’ body and blood with you every week and I pray that it is a joy for you as well."


Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

July 14 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

As summer continues, we hope that this reminder of opportunities for worship, devotion and fellowship will be helpful as you look ahead!  Details for most events are available in our weekly announcements (available online; click here) and the July newsletter (click here). 

SUMMER WORSHIP AND CLASSES:


WHAT'S UP, WHAT'S COMING:

  • Community Picnic sponsored by the Board of Outreach, after the service on Sunday, August 28th.  Volunteers are needed!  Please sign up at the Welcome Center or in Bible Class to: 

    • distribute flyers in the neighborhood in August

    • set up and/or clean up for the event

    • bring food (side dishes, desserts, fruit salads)

    • help with games for all ages (ball toss, cornhole, disc golf)

  • Garage Sale on Friday, September 10th and Saturday, September 11th.

  • Cookie and Craft Bazaar sponsored by the Parish Services Guild on Saturday, December 3rd.


OTHER ITEMS:

  • We are looking for additional volunteers to help with livestreaming Sunday morning services.  If you are willing to volunteer, please contact me, Kurt Veitengruber or Josh Gardner.  

  • See this coming Sunday's announcements for an important update regarding altar flowers.

  • Due to scheduling conflicts, the Messiah Men’s Retreat originally scheduled for September 30th & October 1st is cancelled for this year.


IN THIS SUNDAY'S WORD:
God’s Word accomplishes miraculous change.  God declares that the barren womb of Sarah shall be great with child. (Genesis 18:1-14)  Jesus, inseparably the Word of God, declares those once hostile & alienated to be holy & blameless.  The counsels of God, once couched in mystery, now declare the glory, wisdom & hope of Jesus. (Colossians 1:21-29)  Where the Holy Scriptures are taught in their truth & purity, we should be still, listen & believe God’s life-changing Word. (Luke 10:38-42)

As we continue our journey through The Time of The Church (the Sundays after Pentecost), may the glory, wisdom and hope of God's Son Jesus Christ be your refuge, strength and joy!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

June 28 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

As June ends and July begins, we hope this handy summary of opportunities for worship, devotion and fellowship (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look ahead!  Details for most events are available in our weekly announcements (available online; click here) and the new July newsletter (see below). 


WHAT'S UP, WHAT'S COMING:

  • Community Picnic sponsored by the Board of Outreach, after the service on Sunday, August 28th. Watch for information on how you can help (by distributing flyers in our neighborhood and signing up to bring food) coming soon!

  • NEW! Garage Sale on Friday, September 10th and Saturday, September 11th.

  • NEW!  Cookie and Craft Bazaar sponsored by the Parish Services Guild on Saturday, December 3rd.


SUMMER WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE:

  • Through Labor Day weekend, one service will be held at 10:00 am each Sunday. BIble Class will be held beforehand at 9:00 am.  Summer Sunday services will be livestreamed at:

  • A study of Luther's Large Catechism follows services at about 11:15 am.  

  • Sunday School is in recess for the summer.

  • Monday night summer services continue on Mondays at 7:00 pm.  (One noteworthy exception: there will be no service this coming Monday, July 4th.)


JULY NEWSLETTER
Our July 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.


OFFICE MANAGER UPDATE
We are happy to announce that Noelle Kaminiski has been hired as Messiah's new office manager.  Noelle and her family have been members of Messiah since 2019; you may have noticed her helping with running our weekly worship livestream, and she recently helped with Vacation Bible School as well.  We look forward to Noelle joining our staff beginning on Monday, July 18th.  We also thank Sandy Goodlander and Tammy Ahrens for their faithful help in the office during the search process.


As the summer season continues, so does "the green season" -- the Sundays after Pentecost that focuses on Jesus Christ's teaching and miracles.  During this season, may each of us be moved to grow in God's Word, God's sacramental grace and our life together at Messiah!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

June 9 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

With our Vacation Bible School kicking off next week, this update is coming to you a bit early!  We ask you to keep all our VBS children, families and volunteers in your prayers; through storytelling, music, crafts, games, snacks and more, we'll be sharing the Good News of how Jesus Leads the Way throughout our life's journey.  We're still taking advance signups for VBS; click here to enroll children or to volunteer.

We also hope that the handy summary of opportunities for worship, devotion and fellowship below will be helpful as you look ahead!  Details for most events are available in our weekly announcements (available online; click here) and the June newsletter (click here). 


WHAT'S UP, WHAT'S COMING:

  • The Diaper Drive to benefit the Grand Rapids Pregnancy Resource Center continues through Sunday, June 19th.  Please bring diapers to the pack-n-play in the church foyer.

  • Vacation Bible School Monday-Friday, June 13th-17th from 9:00 to 11:45 am.  Join us for our closing service on Friday, June 17th at 11:10 am in the sanctuary!

  • Community Picnic sponsored by the Board of Outreach, after the service on Sunday, August 28th. Watch for more details in the coming months and volunteer sign-ups beginning in July! 


SUMMER WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE:

  • A reminder that, during the summer months, one service is held at 10:00 am each Sunday. BIble Class is held beforehand at 9:00 am.  Summer Sunday services will be livestreamed at:

  • Our new study of Luther's Large Catechism has begun!  It follows Sunday services at about 11:15 am.  See Pastor Twietmeyer's article in the June newsletter for more details.  Sunday School is in recess for the summer.

  • Monday night summer services are held weekly at 7:00 pm.  (One noteworthy exception coming up: there will be no Monday night service on July 4th.)


IN THIS SUNDAY'S WORD:
The Lord alone possesses all eternal wisdom even before the acts of creation.  The words of Proverbs confirm Jesus’ active presence before the incarnation. (Proverbs 8:1-2, 22-31) Then Peter exclaims that this very same Jesus — crucified & killed — could never be bound by death. (Acts 2:14a, 22-36) Everything about Christ is forever: His Word, His truth, His salvation, His immutable relationship with God the Father.  As believers, we hold steadfast to everything about Christ, knowing that He alone knows the Father, keeps His Word & conquers death. (John 8:48-59)

As we celebrate Trinity Sunday and move into the season of Pentecost, may everything about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be your joy, comfort and strength in the days and weeks to come!


Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Georgia Carter, 1932-2022

Dear brothers and sisters at Messiah,

Our sister in Christ Georgia Carter was called home to be with our Lord on June 6, 2022, at the age of 89. Georgia was a long-time member of Messiah, joining our fellowship in 1966 and attending worship regularly until illness prevented her from doing so. She loved children, serving as both a childcare volunteer and as an aide in Messiah's preschool.

We mourn with the London family (Georgia's daughter Claudia, son-in-law Steve and grandchildren Alec and Kate) and the rest of Georgia's family and friends. But we also rejoice that Georgia is free from her earthly sufferings, and is now in the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ, awaiting the resurrection of the body on the last day.

Georgia's funeral service will be held at Messiah next Wednesday, June 15th at 3 pm; there will be visitation two hours before the service at 1 pm. Georgia's complete online obituary will be available soon at Reyers North Valley Chapel's website.

Please keep all those who knew and loved Georgia in your prayers in the coming days; feel free to use the prayer below as a model.

O God of grace and mercy, we give thanks for Your loving-kindness shown to Georgia and to all Your servants who, having finished their course in faith, now rest from their labors. Give to Georgia's family and to all who mourn comfort in their grief and a sure confidence in Your loving care that, casting all their sorrow on You, they may know the consolation of Your love. Receive our thanks for Georgia and for all the blessings You bestowed on her in this earthly life. Bring us at last to our heavenly home that with her we may see You face to face in the joys of paradise; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Yours in Christ,

Rick Krueger
Messiah Lutheran Church

May 26 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Blessed Ascension Day to all!  We hope that you'll join us for tonight's Divine Service at 7:00 pm, as well as for supper in the fellowship hall at 6:00 pm.  We look forward to hosting the members of our sister congregation, St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Rockford, as we celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ's ongoing presence with us and for us in His Word and Sacraments!

As we head into June, we hope this handy summary of opportunities for worship, devotion and fellowship (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look ahead!  Details for most events are available in our weekly announcements (available online; click here) and the June newsletter (see below). 


WHAT'S UP, WHAT'S COMING:

  • Food Pantry Drive during May, sponsored by the Social Ministries Committee.  Please bring donations to the designated table in the church foyer.

  • Diaper Drive to benefit the Grand Rapids Pregnancy Resource Center, now through Sunday, June 19th.  Please bring diapers to the pack-n-play in the church foyer.

  • NEW!  High School Graduate Recognition following the service on Sunday, June 5th.

  • Vacation Bible School Monday-Friday, June 13th-17th at 9:00 am.  Click here to enroll children or volunteer!

  • NEW!  Community Picnic sponsored by the Board of Outreach, after the service on Sunday, August 28th. Watch for more details in the coming months!

SUMMER WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE:

  • As of this coming Sunday, May 29th, one service will be held at 10:00 am each Sunday. Bible Class will be held beforehand at 9:00 am. Sunday School will be in recess for the summer. Summer Sunday services will be livestreamed at:

  • Beginning Sunday, June 5th, a study of Luther's Large Catechism will follow services at about 11:15 am. See Pastor Twietmeyer's article in the June newsletter for more details! 

  • Monday night summer services begin on Monday, June 6th at 7:00 pm. 

JUNE NEWSLETTER
Our June 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.


Blessings to you as the Easter season (and the festive half of the church year) gives way to the longer season of Pentecost, also known as the Time of the Church.  During the months to come, may each of us be moved to grow in God's Word, God's sacramental grace and our life together at Messiah!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

May 12 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

As the Easter season continues, we hope this handy summary of opportunites for worship, devotion and fellowship (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look ahead!  Details for most events are available in our weekly announcements (available online; click here) and the May newsletter (also available online; click here); otherwise, they'll be in our June newsletter, coming in just a couple of weeks!


WHAT'S UP, WHAT'S COMING:

  • NEW! Food Pantry drive during May, sponsored by the Social Ministries Committee. Please bring donations to the designated table in the church foyer.

  • NEW! Diaper Drive to benefit the Grand Rapids Pregnancy Resource Center, now through Sunday, June 19th. Please bring diapers to the pack-n-play in the church foyer.

  • Confirmation Sunday, May 15th. We rejoice with Nicholas Mannor, Jack Reickard, Lily Slagter and Carter Vander Tuig and their families, welcoming our confirmands to the Lord's Table in both services.

  • Couples Night (sponsored by the Board of Education), Saturday, May 21st, 5-7 pm. Sign up at the Welcome Center and bring a snack to share; beverages will be provided. Bunco and more are on the agenda!

  • Ascension Day Divine Service (hosted at Messiah and joined by 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.

  • Vacation Bible School Monday-Friday, June 13-17 at 9:00 am. Click here to enroll children or volunteer!


SPRING SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
For the next two Sundays, May 15th and May 22nd, Sunday worship and education continue as follows:


SUMMER SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

  • Our Sunday schedule will be changing soon! One service will be held at 10:00 am each Sunday, beginning May 29th. Summer Sunday services will be livestreamed as above. Bible Class will also be held each Sunday before the service at 9:00 am. Sunday School will be in recess for the summer.

  • Beginning Sunday, June 5th, a study of Luther's Large Catechism will follow services at 11:15 am.

  • Monday night summer services begin on Monday, June 6th at 7:00 pm.


IN THIS SUNDAY'S WORD:
In Christ, all things are made new. Gentiles once spurned from the promises of God are baptized & made recipients of forgiveness & eternal life. They are no longer alien to God. Former things, antiquated caste systems, are null & void. (Acts 11:1-18) New things are imminent. The resurrection of Jesus deprives mourning, crying & dying of their power. (Revelation 21:1-7) The unleashing of the Holy Spirit changes lingering sorrow into joy, ensuring the newness of all things in heaven & on earth. (John 16:12-22)

As our Lord and Savior speaks to His disciples -- and to us! -- in His Word during the coming weeks, may we rejoice in the great gift of His body and blood given in His Supper, and trust in His promise that "I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." (John 16:22b)

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

April 28 Update

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::


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

April 12 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

We are now in "the Great and Holy Week" of our Lord Jesus Christ -- the time where we commemorate His suffering and death for our sins, and rejoice in His resurrection, our guarantee of eternal life!  We hope this handy summary of opportunites for worship, devotion and fellowship (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look at the rest of April, as well as ahead to May and June.  Details for most events are available in our weekly announcements and the April newsletter (now available online; click here); if not, they'll be in our May newsletter, coming soon!

HOLY WEEK  (THROUGH APRIL 17TH):

  • Holy Thursday service, April 14th, 7 pm (also livestreamed).

  • Good Friday services, April 15th, 11 am and 7 pm. (Please note the time change from previous years for the daytime service. The evening service will be livestreamed as below)

  • Outdoor Family Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 16th at 10 am. Families can click here to RSVP.

  • Easter Sunday services, April 17th, 7:30 and 10:30 am. (Please note the time change. The 10:30 am service will also be livestreamed.)

  • NEW! Easter Breakfast, Sunday, April 17th at 9 am in the fellowship hall. This will be a full breakfast with a freewill offering taken for Messiah's For Others Fund.


IN THE EASTER SEASON (AND BEYOND):

  • LIFT Game Night, Friday, April 22nd, 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

  • Spring Clean-Up Day, Saturday, April 23rd, 8:00 am to 12:00 noon. Breakfast will be provided.

  • Prayer Pals, Sunday, May 1st at 6:00 pm.

  • NEW! Confirmation Sunday, May 15.

  • NEW! 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.

  • NEW! The 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.

  • NEW! Monday night summer services begin on Monday, June 6th at 7:00 pm.

  • NEW! Vacation Bible School Monday-Friday, June 13-17 at 9:00 am. Click here to enroll children or volunteer!


SPRING WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Following Holy Week and Easter Day, Sunday worship and education continue as follows through May 22nd::


FOR YOUR HOLY WEEK DEVOTION:
Sing, my tongue, the glorious battle;
Sing the ending of the fray.
Now above the cross, the trophy,
Sound the loud triumphant lay;
Tell how Christ, the world’s redeemer,
As a victim won the day.

Tell how, when at length the fullness
Of th'appointed time was come,
He, the Word, was born of woman,
Left for us His Father’s home,
Blazed the path of true obedience,
Shone as light amidst the gloom.

Thus, with thirty years accomplished,
He went forth from Nazareth,
Destined, dedicated, willing,
Did His work, and met His death;
Like a lamb He humbly yielded
On the cross His dying breath.

Faithful cross, true sign of triumph,
Be for all the noblest tree;
None in foliage, none in blossom,
None in fruit thine equal be;
Symbol of the world’s redemption,
For the weight that hung on thee!

(Lutheran Service Book 454:1-4)


May our dear Savior's richest blessing be yours this week and every week!


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Theona Gee, 1930-2022

Dear brothers and sisters at Messiah,

Our sister in Christ Theona Gee was called home to be with our Lord on March 27, 2022, at the age of 91. Theona was a member of Messiah from our earliest days, joining our fellowship in 1964 and attending worship regularly until the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020. She frequently expressed her gratitude for the calls, visits and care that she received as a homebound member, especially during the last two years.

We mourn with Theona's family and friends, but we also rejoice that Theona is free from her earthly sufferings, and is now in the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ, awaiting the resurrection of the body on the last day.

Theona's funeral service will be held at Messiah this Thursday, March 31st at 11 am; there will be visitation an hour before the service at 10 am, and a luncheon will follow. Theona's online obituary will be available soon at Reyers North Valley Chapel's website.

Please keep all of Theona's family and friends in your prayers in the coming days; feel free to use the prayer below as a model.

O God of grace and mercy, we give thanks for Your loving-kindness shown to Theona and to all Your servants who, having finished their course in faith, now rest from their labors. Give to Theona's family and to all who mourn comfort in their grief and a sure confidence in Your loving care that, casting all their sorrow on You, they may know the consolation of Your love. Receive our thanks for Theona and for all the blessings You bestowed on her in this earthly life. Bring us at last to our heavenly home that with her we may see You face to face in the joys of paradise; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Yours in Christ,

Rick Krueger
Messiah Lutheran Church

March 29 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We've turned the corner - we're more than halfway through Lent, and Holy Week and the season of Easter are now in view.  We hope this handy summary of opportunites for worship, devotion and fellowship (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look ahead!  Details will follow in upcoming bulletins and in the April newsletter (now available online; click here or see below).

THIS COMING WEEK (THROUGH APRIL 3RD):

  • Lenten Midweek Worship, Wednesday, March 30th, 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. (The evening service will be livestreamed.)

  • Worship, Sunday School and Bible Class, Sunday, April 3rd.


IN THE COMING WEEKS (APRIL 4TH THROUGH 17TH):

  • Lenten Midweek Worship, Wednesday, April 6th, 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. (The evening service will be livestreamed.)

  • Lutheran Women's Missionary League Spring Rally, Saturday, April 9th, 9:30 am at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Rockford.

  • Making palm crosses, Saturday, April 9th, 1:15 pm.

  • Palm Sunday worship, Sunday School and Bible Class, April 10th

  • Holy Thursday service, April 14th, 7 pm (also livestreamed).

  • Good Friday services, April 15th, 11 am and 7 pm. (Please note the time change from previous years for the daytime service. The evening service will be livestreamed.)

  • Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 16th at 10 am. Volunteer sign-ups are now available; online registration for families is coming this week!

  • Easter Sunday services, April 17th, 7:30 and 10:30 am. (Please note the time change. The 10:30 am service will also be livestreamed.)


AFTER EASTER:

  • NEW EVENT! LIFT Game Night, Friday, April 22nd, 6:30 to 8:00 pm.

  • NEW EVENT! Spring Clean-Up Day, Saturday, April 23rd, 8:00 am to 12 pm.

  • NEW EVENT! Prayer Pals, Sunday, May 1st at 6:00 pm.



APRIL NEWSLETTER
Our April 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.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE
With the exception of Easter Sunday (see the notice above), Sunday worship and education continue as follows:



WEEKDAY CLASSES
Our women's CARES group is in recess until this fall; our other weekday education offerings continue during March! You can find more information and samples at www.messiahgr.org/education.

  • Catechism for all ages, Mondays at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary.

  • Lifelight: 2 Corinthians, beginning Tuesdays at 10:30 am. Contact Shirley Hoese for further details.

  • Lifelight: Judges, beginning Tuesdays at 6:00 pm. Contact Dan Bohlinger for further details.


LOOKING AHEAD TO HOLY WEEK
My song is love unknown,
My Savior’s love to me,
Love to the loveless shown
That they might lovely be.
Oh, who am I
That for my sake
My Lord should take
Frail flesh and die?

Here might I stay and sing,
No story so divine!
Never was love, dear King,
Never was grief like Thine.
This is my friend,
In whose sweet praise
I all my days
Could gladly spend! (Lutheran Service Book 420:1 & 7)

May Christ's richest blessing be yours in this holy season,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

March 10 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we move deeper into the season of Lent, opportunities for worship, devotion, and fellowship are increasing.  We hope this handy summary (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look ahead!  Details will follow in upcoming bulletins and in the April newsletter.

This coming weekend:

  • SPRING FORWARD! Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend; be sure to set your clocks head one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, March 12th.

  • Worship, Sunday School and Bible Class, Sunday, March 13th.

  • LIFT (Lutherans in Fellowship Together) meeting, Sunday, March 13th after the 11 am service. Help plan upcoming fellowship and service events!


Next week:

  • Lenten Midweek Worship, Wednesday, March 16th, 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.

  • NEW EVENT! Lenten Fish Fry sponsored by the Board of Elders, Wednesday, March 16th, 6:00 pm.

  • Lenten Prayer Breakfast, Saturday, March 19th, 9:30 am. Sign up at the Welcome Center or in Bible Class.

  • Worship, Sunday School and Bible Class, Sunday, March 20th.


During the rest of March:

  • NEW EVENT! Door offering for Ukraine (through Lutheran World Relief), Sunday, March 27th.

  • NEW EVENT! Recognition of our retiring office manager, Sandy Goodlander, Sunday, March 27th, between services.

  • RESCHEDULED EVENT! Preschool Sunday, March 27th at 11:00 am. Our preschool children will be our choir for this service.


Looking forward to April:

  • Lutheran Women's Missionary League Spring Rally, Saturday, April 9th, 9:30 am at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Rockford.

  • Making Palm Crosses, Saturday, April 9th, 1:30 pm.

  • Holy Thursday service, April 14th, 7 pm.

  • Good Friday services, April 15th, 11 am and 7 pm. (Please note the time change from previous years for the daytime service.)

  • Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 16th. Volunteer sign-ups are now available!

  • Easter Sunday services, April 17th, 7:30 and 10:30 am. (Please note the time change.)


A reminder that, during Lent, each Sunday's 11 am service and each midweek 7 pm service will be livestreamed at:

For more information, you can always view the current newsletter and weekly announcements at www.messiahgr.org/news.

Blessings to you as we continue the Lenten journey with our Lord toward the cross and the empty tomb!

Yours in Christ,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

February 23 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Below is the latest on our

  • March Newsletter and Upcoming Events

  • Worship Schedule (including midweek Lenten services)

  • Weekday Classes

  • Looking Ahead


MARCH NEWSLETTER AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Our March 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 Sandy Goodlander in the church office to make arrangements.

  • We continue to post the newsletter and monthly calendars online at www.messiahgr.org/news.

Look for details on these items and more in the March newsletter:

  • Our Lenten midweek services and spring LifeLight studies (see below)

  • Our next LIFT (Lutherans in Fellowship Together) Committee meeting on Sunday, March 13th after the 11:00 am service.

  • The return of our Lenten Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, March 19th at 9:30 am.


WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Sunday worship and education continue as follows:

Our Lenten midweek services returnWednesday, March 2nd (Ash Wednesday) through Wednesday, April 6th. Services will be held at 11 am and 7 pm; the 7 pm service will also be livestreamed as above. This year's Lenten midweek services will focus on the six chief parts of the Christian faith as explained in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, along with Jesus' Upper Room discourse in John 13-17.


WEEKDAY CLASSES
Our women's CARES group is in recess until this fall; our other weekday education offerings continue during March! You can find more information and samples atwww.messiahgr.org/education.

  • Catechism for all ages, Mondays at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary.

  • Lifelight: 2 Corinthians, beginning Tuesday, March 1st at 10:30 am. Contact Shirley Hoese for further details.

  • Lifelight: Judges, beginning Tuesday, March 8th at 6:00 pm. Contact Dan Bohlinger for further details.


LOOKING AHEAD
From ancient times the season of Lent has been kept as a time of special devotion, self-denial, and humble repentance, born of a faithful heart that dwells confidently on God’s Word and draws from it life and hope. Let us pray that our dear Father in heaven, for the sake of His beloved Son Jesus Christ, and in the power of His Holy Spirit, might richly bless this Lententide for us, so that we may come to Easter with glad hearts, and keep the feast in sincerity and truth!

God's blessings to you,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

Elaine Jingles, 1935-2022

Our sister in Christ Elaine Jingles was called home to be with our Lord on February 12, 2022, at the age of 86. Elaine has been a member of Messiah since 1992.

We mourn with Elaine's family (including her son Jeff, her daughter Laurie, her 14 grandchildren and her 23 great-grandchildren), but we also rejoice that Elaine is free from her earthly sufferings, and is now in the presence of her Savior Jesus Christ, awaiting the resurrection of the body on the last day.

Elaine's funeral service will be held at Messiah this Friday, February 18 at 11 am; there will be visitation an hour before the service at 10 am, and a luncheon will follow. Visitation will also be held at Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Avenue NE in Grand Rapids, this Thursday, February 17 from 4 to 7 pm. Click here for Elaine's complete obituary.

Please keep all of Elaine's family and friends in your prayers in the coming days; feel free to use the prayer below as a model.

O God of grace and mercy, we give thanks for Your loving-kindness shown to Elaine and to all Your servants who, having finished their course in faith, now rest from their labors. Give to Elaine's family and to all who mourn comfort in their grief and a sure confidence in Your loving care that, casting all their sorrow on You, they may know the consolation of Your love. Receive our thanks for Elaine and for all the blessings You bestowed on her in this earthly life. Bring us at last to our heavenly home that with her we may see You face to face in the joys of paradise; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.

December 7 - Important Update!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Due to the recent rise in cases of COVID-19, Messiah's Parish Services Guild has decided to cancel the following events scheduled for the coming days:

  • The Advent Supper scheduled for tomorrow night, Wednesday, December 8th at 6 pm. Worship services will be held at 11 am and 7 pm on December 8th.

  • The Guild Christmas Party, scheduled for this Thursday, December 9th at 1 pm.

  • The Social Hour scheduled to follow the Christmas Reflections service on Wednesday, December 15th. Worship services will be held at 11 am (Matins) and 7 pm (Christmas Reflections) that day.

In addition, the CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) group will not meet tomorrow, Wednesday, December 8th, and will be in recess until January.  Further details on when CARES will resume will follow.

Please continue to pray for those ill with COVID-19, both members of Messiah's fellowship and others throughout our city, state, nation and our world.  Also, please pray that the Lord will strengthen us through His Word and Sacrament, guide all of us and grant us His wisdom to meet the ongoing challenges of these times.
 


Yours in Christ,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

November 30 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Below is the latest on our

  • December Newsletter and Upcoming Events

  • Advent & Christmas Schedule

  • Weekday Classes

  • Looking Ahead


DECEMBER NEWSLETTER AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Our December 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 Sandy Goodlander in the church office to make arrangements.

  • We also continue to post the newsletter and monthly calendars online at www.messiahgr.org/news.

Look for details on these items and more in the December newsletter:

  • Our special Advent and Christmas services (see below for the complete schedule)

  • Christmas poinsettia sign-ups and Holiday Basket donations are due by this coming Sunday, December 5th.

  • Advent Prayer Breakfast: Saturday, December 18th, 8:30 am.

  • Christmas Bake Sale: Sunday, December 19th. Contact Barb Brinkman for details.


ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
Sunday worship and education continue on December 5th as follows:

  • The Divine Service at 8:30 and 11:00 am. The 11 am service will be livestreamed at:

  • Sunday School at 9:45 am. Adults and children have a joint opening in the fellowship hall, then students have their lesson in the south downstairs classroom.

  • Bible Class led by Pastor Twietmeyer in the fellowship hall at 9:45 am.


Advent Midweek services begin this week and continue as follows (evening services will also be livestreamed):

  • Wednesday, December 1st at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm

    • (Spaghetti supper at 6:00 pm)

  • Wednesday, December 8th at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm

    • (Advent supper at 6:00 pm)

  • Wednesday, December 15th at 11:00 am

    • (Christmas Reflections service at 7:00 pm; cookies following the service)

And our schedule of special Christmas services is as follows:

  • Preschool Christmas Program: Thursday, December 9th, 6:30 pm

  • Christmas Reflections (Lessons and Carols): Wednesday, December 15th, 7:00 pm

  • Christmas Eve Communion Service*: Friday, December 24th, 3:00 pm

  • Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service: Friday, December 24th, 7:00 pm

  • Christmas Day Communion Service: Saturday, December 25th, 10:00 am

  • New Year’s Day Communion Service: Saturday, January 1st, 10:00 am

*- Please note that the Christmas Eve Communion Service has been moved from 11:00 pm to3:00 pm on Friday, December 24th.


WEEKDAY CLASSES
Our weekday education offerings continue as follows during December.

  • Catechism for all ages, Mondays at 6:00 pm through December 22nd in the sanctuary.

  • CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ): A Martyr's Faith in a Faithless World, Wednesday December 1st & December 8th at 9:30 am in the north upstairs classroom.


LOOKING AHEAD
From Pastor Twietmeyer's December newsletter message:

"Dear Christians, behold, your King is coming to you. He is righteous and comes bearing salvation for the whole world. By devotion to prayer and the Word we prepare a royal highway for Him in our hearts. Of course, Jesus comes to us already, in the Lord’s Supper. So it is that prayer and devotion to the Word is the best way to prepare our hearts to receive Him rightly at the altar as well. In this way, Jesus comes to us in Word and Sacrament and brings light to our dark world. He guides our path through the darkness and enlightens our hearts. With this in mind we look forward to the second Advent of our King, the return of our Lord Jesus on the Last day."

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

November 12 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Here are our latest updates on:

  • Upcoming Events

  • Sunday Schedule

  • Weekday Classes


UPCOMING EVENTS
A reminder that our November newsletter is now available online; click here to preview or download it in its entirety.  It includes more details about these events:

  • Updated phone directories are now ready -- if you haven't done so yet, pick yours up from your church mailbox. Please contact Sandy Goodlander if you need an extra copy.

  • Annual Voters' Meeting, Sunday, November 21st, after the 11 am service.

  • Thanksgiving Eve Communion Service, Wednesday, November 24th, 7 pm.

  • Advent begins on Sunday, November 28th! Advent Midweek Services will be held on

    • Wednesday, December 1st at 11 am & 7 pm

    • Wednesday, December 8th at 11 am & 7 pm

    • Wednesday, December 15th at 11 am

    • Our annual service of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Reflections, will be held Wednesday, December 15th at 7 pm.

Details about our Christmas service schedule are also available in the November newsletter!


SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Our fall schedule continues on Sunday, November 14th as follows:

  • Matins at 8:30 and 11:00 am. The 11 am service will be livestreamed at:

  • Sunday School at 9:45 am. Adults and children have a joint opening in the fellowship hall, then students have their lesson in the south downstairs classroom.

  • Bible Class led by Pastor Twietmeyer in the fellowship hall at 9:45 am. We continue exploring the Gospel of Matthew.


WEEKDAY CLASSES
Our weekly education offerings continue during November:

  • Catechism for all ages, Mondays at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary.

  • CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ): A Martyr's Faith in a Faithless World, Wednesdays at 9:30 am in the north upstairs classroom.

See more details on Sunday and weekday classes at our Education webpage!


As we move into the season of Thanksgiving (and beyond into Advent & Christmas), may our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

October 28 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Below is the latest on our

  • November Newsletter and Upcoming Events

  • Sunday Schedule

  • Weekday Classes


NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Our November 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 Sandy Goodlander in the church office to make arrangements.

  • We also continue to post the newsletter and monthly calendars online at www.messiahgr.org/news.

Look for details on these items and more in the November newsletter:

  • Updated phone directories are now ready -- they'll be in your church mailbox on Sunday, October 31st. Please contact Sandy Goodlander if you need an extra copy.

  • Daylight Savings Time ends Sunday, November 7th, 2:00 am. Set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on November 6!

  • Secret Prayer Pals, Sunday, November 7th, 6:00 pm. A twice-yearly event for women; contact Laura Altemann, Sharon Hula or Deb Domine for details.

  • Annual Voters' Meeting, Sunday, November 21st, after the 11 am service.

  • Thanksgiving Eve Communion Service, Wednesday, November 24th, 7:00 pm.

  • Advent begins on Sunday, November 28th.


SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Our fall schedule continues on Sunday, October 31st as follows:

  • The Divine Service at 8:30 and 11:00 am. The 11 am service will be livestreamed at:

  • Sunday School at 9:45 am. Adults and children have a joint opening in the fellowship hall, then students have their lesson in the south downstairs classroom.

  • Bible Class led by Pastor Twietmeyer in the fellowship hall at 9:45 am.


WEEKDAY CLASSES
Our weekly education offerings continue during November:

  • Catechism for all ages, Mondays at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary.

  • Lifelight: 1 Corinthians, Tuesdays at 10:30 am in the north upstairs classroom.

  • CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ): A Martyr's Faith in a Faithless World, Wednesdays at 9:30 am in the north upstairs classroom.

  • Lifelight: The Minor Prophets, Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in the north upstairs classroom.

See more details on Sunday and weekday classes at our Education webpage!


LOOKING AHEAD
Following the celebration of Reformation Day on October 31st and All Saints Sunday on November 7th, our Gospel readings for the final Sundays of this church year focus on Jesus’ prophecies of the end times, calling us to be ready and stand firm amidst the often-frightening signs of His return. What is our comfort as we are propelled toward the Day of Judgment -- a day of persecution, war, famine, earthquakes and more? In the midst of any hardships, God promises that He will feed our faith through His Word and Sacraments, that we may endure to the end and be saved. (Mark 13:1-13) Grant this, dear Lord Jesus, to us all!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

September 30 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Below is the latest on our

  • Sunday Schedule

  • Weekday Classes

  • October Newsletter and Upcoming Events


SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Our fall schedule continues on Sunday, October 3rd as follows:

  • The Divine Service at 8:30 and 11:00 am. The 11 am service will be livestreamed at:

  • Sunday School at 9:45 am. Adults and children have a joint opening in the fellowship hall, then students have their lesson in the south downstairs classroom.

  • Bible Class led by Pastor Twietmeyer in the fellowship hall at 9:45 am.


WEEKDAY CLASSES
Our weekly education offerings continue:

  • Catechism for all ages, Mondays at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary.

  • Lifelight: 1 Corinthians, Tuesdays at 10:30 am in the north upstairs classroom.

  • CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ): A Martyr's Faith in a Faithless World, Wednesdays at 9:30 am in the north upstairs classroom.

  • Lifelight: The Minor Prophets, Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in the north upstairs classroom.

See more details on Sunday and weekday classes at our Education webpage!


OCTOBER NEWSLETTER AND UPCOMING EVENTS
Our October 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 Sandy Goodlander in the church office to make arrangements.

  • We also continue to post the newsletter and monthly calendars online at www.messiahgr.org/news.

Look for details on these upcoming events and more in the October newsletter:

  • LWML Rapid Waters Zone Fall Rally at Messiah, Saturday, October 23rd, 9 am to 1 pm. Contact Linda Blain or see the Welcome Center display for details.

  • New Member Welcome, Sunday, October 24th. Welcome potluck sponsored by the Board of Outreach after the 11 am service; sign-up sheets for potluck dishes out now!

  • Trunk or Treat, Thursday, October 28th, 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Sponsored by the Board of Outreach; sign-up and donation sheets out now!


LOOKING AHEAD
In the Gospel readings for the next two Sundays, we see Jesus continuing to teach his disciples -- not about abstract, "out there" concepts, but about the concrete realities of life: marriage, children, family, possessions, God's will and God's mercy. Only in Christ is there perseverance, restoration, forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit's power for our daily vocations. Knowing our need for Him, may we hold His Word sacred, gladly hearing and learning it in the weeks to come!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

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