On Thursday, May 9th, our brothers and sisters in Christ from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Rockford will join us here at Messiah to celebrate Christ’s ascension. A meal will be served at 6 pm, followed by the service at 7:00 pm; Pastor Eric Black will preside over the service, and Pastor Jason Peterson will preach the sermon. The service will also be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/messiahgr, our website and our Facebook page.

Jesus promises to release the power of the Holy Spirit that will sustain the Church as she magnifies the name of Christ, in all wisdom, knowledge & enlightenment. Today the Church honors Jesus’ ascent into the heavenly realms. In his absence from us, we shall be comforted & sustained by the Spirit of God. In our waiting for Christ's return, we boldly proclaim repentance & the forgiveness of sins to all nations. (Psalm 47:5, 110:1, 4-5; Acts 1:1-11; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53)