Dear brothers and sisters at Messiah,
We have two special announcements to share with you.
Lois Parks, 1937-2025
Our sister in Christ Lois Parks was called home to be with our Lord on Saturday, June 14th at the age of 88, following a brief illness. Lois was born on April 1, 1937, united to the death and resurrection of Jesus by Holy Baptism in 1938, and confirmed in the Christian faith at Peace Lutheran Church in Sparta on June 26, 1960. For many years, Lois faithfully served as church secretary at Peace. She married Duane Parks on January 14, 1978. Duane, Lois and their daughter Sarah became members of Messiah on September 20,1999; Duane went to be with the Lord on October 14, 2015. Lois continued to faithfully attend worship services until she was no longer able to do so.
We mourn Lois' passing along with Sarah, her husband Ryan Calton, their children Hailey, Joshua and McKenzie, and all of Lois' family and friends. But we also rejoice that Lois' 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.
A private funeral service for Lois will be held in the coming days. Please keep all those who knew and loved Lois in your prayers; feel free to use the prayer below as a model.
Lord God, maker of heaven and earth and giver of life, we thank You for all the mercies You granted to our sister Lois during her earthly life, especially for calling her to faith in Jesus Christ. Comfort all the survivors who mourn Lois' death with the hope of the glorious resurrection and a joyful reunion in heaven. Keep us mindful that we are mortal so that we will ever be prepared to die in the faith and finally receive the glory promised to all who trust in Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
This Coming Sunday: a Baptism and a Party!
Pastor Masih's granddaughter Ariel Madeline Raza will be baptized in the Divine Service this coming Sunday, June 22nd at 10:00 am. The Masih & Raza families invite their Messiah family to celebrate with them at the baptism and enjoy a meal afterwards in the fellowship hall; American & Pakistani food will be served! They and we sincerely hope you'll rejoice that (in the words of this year's Vacation Bible School theme song):
Refrain
Father welcomes all His children
To His fam’ly through His Son.
Father giving His salvation,
Life forever has been won.
Little children, come to Me,
For My kingdom is of these.
Life and love I have to give,
Mercy for your sin. Refrain
In the water, in the Word,
In His promise, be assured:
Those who are baptized and believe
Shall be born again. Refrain
Let us daily die to sin;
Let us daily rise with Him,
Walk in the love of Christ our Lord,
Live in the peace of God. Refrain
© 1986 Kevin Mayhew Ltd. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110002549
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Eric Black & Rick Krueger
Messiah Lutheran Church
