Ida Krampe, 1925-2022

Dear brothers and sisters at Messiah,

Our sister in Christ Ida Krampe was called home to be with our Lord on December 6, 2022, at the age of 97. Ida was a long-time member of Messiah; she and her late husband Ray joined our fellowship in 1966. After Ray's passing in 2006, Ida continued to attend worship regularly until illness and age prevented her from doing so. Once homebound, she was grateful for faithful visits by her pastor and by other members of Messiah (including annual visits from Christmas carolers)

We mourn with Ida's family and friends; but we also rejoice that Ida 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.

Ida's funeral service will be held at Messiah this coming Saturday, December 10th at 11 am; there will be visitation one hour before the service at 10 am, and a luncheon following. Ida's complete online obituary is now available at Reyers North Valley Chapel's website.

Please keep all those who knew and loved Ida 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 Ida and to all Your servants who, having finished their course in faith, now rest from their labors. Give to Ida'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 Ida 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

November 29 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Advent is here!  We hope that our list of opportunities for worship, devotion, fellowship and service will be helpful as all of us prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.


SUNDAY WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE:


ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES

  • Advent midweek services will be held:

    • Wednesday, November 30th at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.

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

    • Wednesday, December 14th at 11:00 am. (See below for information about the evening service on December 14th.)

    • Wednesday, December 21st at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.

  • Other special Advent and Christmas services will be held as follows:

    • Preschool Christmas Program, Thursday, December 8th at 6:30 pm.

    • Christmas Reflections (Lessons and Carols), Wednesday, December 14th at 7:00 pm. Cider and cookies following!

    • Advent Prayer Breakfast, Saturday, December 17th at 9:30 am.

    • Christmas Eve Divine Service, Saturday, December 24th at 3:00 pm.

    • Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service, Saturday, December 24th at 7:00 pm.

    • Christmas Day Divine Service, Sunday, December 25th at 10:00 am.

    • New Year's Day Divine Service, Sunday, January 1st, 2023 at 10:00 am.

    • Epiphany Divine Service at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Rockford, Friday, January 6th, 2023 at 7:00 pm. Supper beforehand at 6:00 pm!

Please note that the Wednesday evening services, the 7:00 pm Christmas Eve service and the Christmas & New Year's Day services are scheduled to be livestreamed as above.


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

  • CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) continues on Wednesdays at 9:30 am, focusing on the book Chosen: A Study of Esther by Donna Snow. CARES will not meet on December 21st and 28th.

  • Our biweekly Bowling League continues on Sunday, December 11th at 3:00 pm at Northfield Lanes. Contact Joanne Gillette for more details.

  • Christmas Cookie and Craft Bazaar sponsored by the Parish Services Guild. this Saturday, December 3rd from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Contact Barb Brinkman, Sherry Troutwine, Deb Krueger or Tammy Ahrens if you'd like to help!

  • Christmas Caroling to Messiah's homebound members and others on Saturday, December 10th from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, with a potluck supper following. Sign-up sheets are now available at the Welcome Center and in Adult Bible Class.


DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
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 the church office to make arrangements.

  • We also post the newsletter (including monthly calendars) online at www.messiahgr.org/news; calendars are also online separately at www.messiahgr.org/calendar.


FROM DEACONESS DORIS KAYSER
"Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! I hope this finds you well and enjoying this wonderful Christmas season. I want to give you an update, as I still consider us family!!"

"I am settling in nicely after my move to Arkansas. I keep busy with church activities at Pastor Emil Woerner’s church, Friends in Christ Lutheran Church in Bryant, Arkansas. I joined a local orchestra, the Saline Symphony Orchestra, in which I play my clarinet. We will perform a Christmas Concert on December 10th. I also joined the Arkansas Choral Society. We will perform Handel’s Messiah on December 2nd. I always enjoy being musically active!!"

"In July, I saw a new infectious disease specialist in Washington, D.C. at the Jemsek Specialty Clinic. The diagnosis is Lyme Borreliosis Complex. I’m currently on an oral treatment regimen; remission is possible, but it may take 1-2 years to get rid of the infection. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be treated at this clinic, and for the people at my new church that have helped to clean my apartment and do some grocery shopping for me. And mostly, I’m very thankful the Lord brought Emil into my life!!"

"My 96-year-old Dad is doing pretty well in Caledonia. It’ll be one year this year (November 21st) that Mom went to be with Jesus. Dad enjoys time with nearby family and many friends. Izzy, his cat, also helps with the loneliness. Lord willing, my dad plans to visit us in Arkansas in the spring."

"I miss all of you at Messiah and wish you a very merry Christmas! May our Lord Jesus Christ be ever present with you this Christmas Season!! Thanks be to God!!"


Yours in Christ,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

November 15 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

After a bit of a lull in the early part of this month, we hope that this list of opportunities for worship, devotion, fellowship and service (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look to the busy weeks ahead. 


WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE:


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

  • CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) continues on Wednesdays at 9:30 am, focusing on the book Chosen: A Study of Esther by Donna Snow. CARES will not meet on Wednesday, November 23rd.

  • Potluck and Annual Voters' Meeting Sunday, November 20th following the 11 am service. The agenda includes election of officers & board members, approval of the 2023 budget and more.

  • Thanksgiving Eve Divine Service Wednesday, November 23rd at 7:00 pm. Held at Messiah, this will be a joint Thanksgiving Eve service with our brothers & sisters of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Rockford.

  • Advent begins on Sunday, November 27th! Advent midweek services will be held on

    • Wednesday, November 30th at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.

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

    • Wednesday, December 14th at 11:00 am. (Our annual service of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Relfections, will also be held on the 14th at 7:00 pm, with desserts following.)

    • Wednesday, December 21st at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm

  • Our biweekly Bowling League continues on Sunday, November 27th and Sunday, December 11th at 3:00 pm at Northfield Lanes. Contact Joanne Gillette for more details.

  • Christmas Cookie and Craft Bazaar sponsored by the Parish Services Guild on Saturday, December 3rd from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

  • NEW! Preschool Christmas Program Thursday, December 8th at 6:30 pm.

  • NEW! Christmas Caroling to Messiah's homebound members and others on Saturday, December 10th from 3:00 to 6:00 pm, with a potluck supper following. Sign-up sheets are now available at the Welcome Center and in Adult Bible Class.

  • NEW! Advent Prayer Breakfast Saturday, December 17th at 9:30 am. Sign-up sheets are now available at the Welcome Center and in Adult Bible Class.


LOOKING AHEAD:
November 20th is the Last Sunday of the Church Year -- previously known in our circles as Christ the King Sunday or the Sunday of the Fulfillment. It might seem odd that the final Gospel in our year of readings from Luke focuses on -- the crucifixion of Jesus?!? But then, with the confession of faith from the dying thief, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom," and Jesus' reply from the cross, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise,” the reason becomes clear. Christ our King's gloryis His cross, where He fulfills His promises -- and makes peace between us and His Father by His blood!

On November 23rd we pause for Thanksgiving Eve, where we cry with the ten lepers, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us," returning to our Lord's house to praise Him for His undeserved goodness. I hope you plan to join the members of St. Peter-Rockford and Messiahat Messiahfor this special Divine Service.

Then, it's Advent! As we begin these four weeks of reflection, penitence and patient joy, look for Christ'sfirstcoming at Christmas, Hissecondcoming on the Last Day, and Hisconstantcoming into our hearts by Word and Sacrament throughout our readings and hymns. Our midweek services of Matins and Evening Prayer will hone in on the appointed Old Testament reading and Psalm for each week, seeing how the psalmists and the prophet Isaiah pointed to Jesus' birth, suffering, death, resurrection and ongoing reign at the Father's right hand -- all undertaken foryou!

Blessings to you all as we feed on the spiritual food our good Shepherd continues to give us in the weeks to come.

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

October 31 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Blessed All Saints Eve (where the word "Halloween" comes from) — and Blessed Reformation Day!  Thanks for your support of last week's Trunk or Treat, which brought 776 guests to our parking lot for an evening of treats, snacks, contests, games and more.  We appreciate the 33 onsite volunteers and the numerous donations which helped make this event happen!

Moving from October to November, we hope that 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:


WHAT'S UP, WHAT'S COMING
(Detailsin our weekly announcements andin the November newsletter)

  • Fall LifeLight classes conclude this month:

    • Prayer on Tuesdays at 10:30 am

    • End Times on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm

  • CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) continues on Wednesdays at 9:30 am, focusing on the book Chosen: A Study of Esther by Donna Snow.

  • Our biweekly Bowling League continues on Sunday, November 13th and Sunday, November 27th at 3:00 pm at Northfield Lanes. Contact Joanne Gillette for more details.

  • NEW! Potluck and Annual Voters' Meeting Sunday, November 20th following the 11 am service.

  • Thanksgiving Eve Divine Service Wednesday, November 23rd at 7:00 pm. Held at Messiah, this will be a joint Thanksgiving Eve service with our brothers & sisters of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Rockford; Pastor Jason Peterson will serve as preacher and the choirs of Messiah and St Peter will provide anthems.

  • NEW! Advent Midweek Services beginning Wednesday, November 30th at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm. The complete Advent and Christmas service schedule is available in the November newsletter!

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

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER
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 the church office to make arrangements.

  • We also post the newsletter (including monthly calendars) online at www.messiahgr.org/news; calendars are also online separately at www.messiahgr.org/calendar.


LOOKING AHEAD [from Pastor's November newsletter article]:
"November is bringing us to the end of the church year and to the doorstep of winter. Even though it is about 75 degrees as I write this, we all know this is not going to last. Our little Indian summer has been a treat, but it would be foolish to imagine winter is not going to happen this year. How much more foolish would it be to imagine that Jesus is not going to return to judge the living and the dead?"

"Therefore, let us turn our hearts to God and renew our devotion to His Word. If we listen to Jesus’ prayer closely, we must admit that the day is drawing near and that there is an onus to our sanctification. Jesus has sent us into the world which is hostile territory. There are no noncombatants. If we wish for our faith to survive in this world, we must take refuge in the sanctuary, the place where His word sanctifies us in truth. This then is the reason we 'go to church.' Our church attendance is not a matter of getting our name on a list or checking off a box on the to-do list. Instead, we attend the Divine Service to be equipped by the armor of God so that we can extinguish the flaming darts that are hurled at us by Satan from all sides. With God’s Word, we need not fear any evil, so let us rejoice in that as the day draws nigh."

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

October 13 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Events come thick and fast for the rest of this month!  As we head into this busy season, we hope that 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:


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

  • Fall LifeLight classes continue:

    • Prayer on Tuesdays at 10:30 am

    • End Times on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm

  • CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) continues on Wednesdays at 9:30 am, focusing on the book Chosen: A Study of Esther by Donna Snow.

  • Harvest Dinner & Bake Sale sponsored by the Parish Services Guild this Sunday, October 16th after the 11:00 am service.

  • Our biweekly Bowling League begins this Sunday, October 16th at 3:00 pm at Northfield Lanes. Contact Joanne Gillette for more details.

  • NEW! Crafting Get-Together next Monday, October 17th at 4:00 pm in the fellowship hall. We'll make crafts for the Christmas Bazaar; no experience necessary!

  • Fall Clean-Up Day sponsored by the Board of Trustees, Saturday, October 22nd from 8:00 am to 12 noon.

  • Lutheran Women's Missionary League Rally at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Greenville, Saturday, October 22nd from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Contact Linda Blain for more information. Items for the LWML Ingathering are being collected in the church foyer through next Thursday, October 20th.

  • NEW! Lutherans in Fellowship Together planning meeting Sunday, October 23rd after the 11:00 am service.

  • Prayer Pals Gathering for all confirmed women Sunday, October 23rd at 6:00 pm. Contact Deb Krueger for more information.

  • Trunk or Treat sponsored by the Board of Outreach on Thursday, October 27th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Candy donations are welcome; you can also sign up at the Welcome Center or in Bible Class to:

    • give out treats from trunks;

    • volunteer for other necessary tasks;

    • donate popcorn or juice pouches for snacks.

  • NEW! All Saints Sunday November 6th. If you'd like us to include your late Christian friends and relatives in the commemoration of the faithful departed, fill out and return the slips available at Messiah's Welcome Center by Sunday, October 30th.

  • NEW! Thanksgiving Eve Divine Service, Wednesday, November 23rd at 7:00 pm.

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


LOOKING AHEAD

Whew -- it's some schedule around here for the next few weeks, isn't it? We pray that, in the middle of all this enjoyable activity, we continue to focus on the core of our life together at Messiah. This coming Sunday, we hear Jesus promise that God will grant his elect justice -- but when God's Son returns, will He find faith? This haunting question is resoundingly answered in the following weeks, as we consider how our Lord has worked in the lives of His people throughout the ages - Jesus' brother St. James of Jerusalem (commemorated on October 23rd); Martin Luther and the others whose faithful confession and lives sparked the worldwide Lutheran Reformation (on October 30th); and all saints, in this world and the next (on November 6th). Through October and into November, may we gather to draw strength from God's Word and Sacraments, joining with "all the company of heaven" to praise Him for His gift of salvation -- by grace, through faith, given in Scripture and found in Jesus Christ alone!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

September 29 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

Almost October already!  We hope that 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:


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

  • Fall LifeLight classes continue:

    • Prayer on Tuesdays at 10:30 am

    • End Times on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm

  • CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) continues on Wednesdays at 9:30 am, focusing on the book Chosen: A Study of Esther by Donna Snow.

  • 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. Last minute registrations are still welcome; RSVP at Messiah's website or call the church office by Friday.

  • Harvest Dinner & Bake Sale sponsored by the Parish Services Guild on Sunday, October 16th after the 11:00 am service.

  • NEW! Our biweekly Bowling League begins Sunday, October 16th at 3:00 pm at Northfield Lanes. Contact Joanne Gillette for more details.

  • NEW! Fall Clean-Up Day sponsored by the Board of Trustees on Saturday, October 22nd from 8:00 am to 12 noon.

  • NEW! Lutheran Women's Missionary League Rally at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Greenville, Saturday, October 22nd from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. Sign up at the Welcome Center by Friday, October 14th; contact Linda Blain for more information.

  • NEW! Prayer Pals Gathering for all confirmed women Sunday, October 23rd at 6:00 pm. Contact Deb Krueger for more information.

  • Trunk or Treat sponsored by the Board of Outreach on Thursday, October 27th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Sign up to give out treats from trunks or volunteer for other activities starting this coming Sunday. Candy donations are also welcome.

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

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
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 the church office to make arrangements.

  • We also post the newsletter (including monthly calendars) online at www.messiahgr.org/news; calendars are also online separately at www.messiahgr.org/calendar.


LOOKING AHEAD [from Pastor's October newsletter article]:
"The [Old Testament] Feast of Booths [or Tents], therefore, was a feast of promises, both a reflection on the promises kept by God and the promises which are yet to be fulfilled by God. In our day, we can be tempted to cynicism, a distrust of things to come. Perhaps it is because the many promises and hopes of the last 100 years were made on the premises of the progression of humanity. The last few generations put a man on the moon, invented antibiotics, and created the internet. And yet, there are still bad things, and some things have just gotten down right worse. Therefore, when someone comes along offering a hopeful view of the future, we might be tempted to scoff."

"But the Feast of Booths teaches us not to scoff at God. His promises actually carry weight and He has never failed to deliver. Most importantly, God has made due on His greatest promise, the promise of a Messiah. The greater Moses, Jesus, is leading His people. He leads us not up out of Egypt, but out of the tomb. Those who have been baptized into Jesus are given a beautiful vision of the future when we look into the past and see the empty tomb. When the disciples looked up into the heavens as Jesus ascended, they were looking into the future. Where Jesus has gone, there we are going."

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

September 15 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

The first half of September has gone quickly, hasn't it?  We also hope that this round-up of opportunities for worship, devotion and fellowship (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look ahead toward fall! 


WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE:


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

  • Senior Choir practices have resumed on Wednesday nights. However, next week's practice will be held at a special time, Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 pm. Come and try us out!

  • Fall LifeLight classes have begun:

    • Prayer on Tuesdays at 10:30 am

    • End Times on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm

  • 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.

  • 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. Register in Bible Class, at the Welcome Center, or by RSVPing at Messiah's website.

  • NEW! Harvest Dinner & Bake Sale sponsored by the Parish Services Guild on Sunday, October 16th after the 11:00 am service.

  • NEW! Trunk or Treat sponsored by the Board of Outreach on Thursday, October 27th from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Sign up to give out treats from trunks or volunteer for other activities starting this coming Sunday. Candy donations are also welcome.

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


LOOKING AHEAD:
Pastor and I hope that you'll prayerfully consider joining us for the Every One His Witness workshop on the morning of Saturday, October 1st. We'll begin the day with continental breakfast, followed by a stimulating study on the topic "What Is A Witness?" Then we'll spend the rest of the morning learning how to:

  • Listen to those in our lives who need Christ

  • Ask questions (so we can listen more)

  • Seek a point of connection to Jesus' story

  • Share God's Word (the only thing that can change hearts)

  • Invite - keep the conversation about Jesus going

  • Encourage - follow up and follow through

This workshop will help you share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with your friends and neighbors who haven't heard that Good News (or haven't heard it in a while). I look forward to seeing you there!

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

August 29 Update

Dear Brothers and Sisters at Messiah,

With Labor Day weekend looming, summer heads into its homestretch.  As we look back, we especially thank everyone who helped make yesterday's Community Picnic a resounding success!

We also hope that this round-up of opportunities for worship, devotion and fellowship (including highlighted new events) will be helpful as you look ahead into September and beyond! 


WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE:

  • On Sunday, September 4th (Labor Day weekend), one service will be held at 10:00 am, with Bible Class held beforehand at 9:00 am.  The service will be livestreamed at:

  • Please 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.  The 11:00 am service and Bible Class will continue to be livestreamed as above.

    • 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 September newsletter)

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

  • NEW!  The Parish Service Guild resumes monthly meetings on Thursday, September 8th.  Fellowship at 12:30 pm followed by business meeting at 1:00 pm.

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

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.  Watch for more details soon!

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


SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER:
Our September 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 (including monthly calendars) online at www.messiahgr.org/news; calendars are also online separately at www.messiahgr.org/calendar.


LOOKING AHEAD:
The themes of our Scripture readings for Sunday, September 4th have a bracing theme: love the Lord first, last, in time and in eternity!  (Deuteronomy 30:15-20) This commandment intimately connects us to the incalculable blessing of knowing & being known by Jesus. (Luke 14:25-35)  Where there is love for the Lord, life pulsates in joy, obedience & commitment to His Word.  Christians gravitate to other believers whose love is grounded in Christ.  In the face of adversity, love builds up.  In the face of hatred, love boasts of triumph, refreshing the heart, revitalizing faith, comforting with grace. (Philemon 1-21)

It's my hope and prayer, that as we continue to gather around God's Word and Sacraments, the blessing, love and grace of Jesus Christ will continue to take root and grow in each of us and all of us, just as He promises!  May these great gifts from God continue to be yours in the weeks to come.

Yours in Him,


Rick Krueger, Parish Assistant

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

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