Dear Brothers and Sisters of Messiah,
First, a note from VBS leaders Steve Ledbetter & Linda Blain:
"We had an amazing week of Vacation Bible School! We averaged 66 students per day!
"There were several uplifting highlights during the week, but one that was really special was when a parent left a note in her child’s mission offering telling us just how much her child was enjoying VBS and how much she appreciated our friendly staff and how she was going to make sure she enrolled her child next year and tell everyone she knows about our VBS!
"Our mission this year was Concordia Publishing House's Mission Adventure Outreach, who provide books for children in countries all over the world to those in need! Our mission goal was $500.00 and our kids did not disappoint! They raised $512.00!
"Thank you, Messiah, for all your prayers and support of our VBS program!"
July will be a quieter month around Messiah; however, worship, education, fellowship and service opportunities continue.
WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE
During the summer, we continue with Divine Service at 10:00 am on Sundays; Bible Class continues beforehand at 9:00 am. Monday night Divine Services also continue through Monday, August 25th at 7:00 pm.
Livestreams of our Sunday services can be found at
Our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/messiahgr
The most recent livestreamed service is viewable on our website's front page, www.messiahgr.org
Our monthly Lutheran Confessions Study continues delving into The Augsburg Confession; on Thursday, July 10th at 10:00 am (note the date change) we'll turn our attention to the Confession's Article III: The Son of God. (The August study will also be held a week later than usual, on Thursday, August 14th.)
JULY NEWSLETTER - PLUS WHAT'S NEXT
Our July newsletter is available online; click here to preview or download it in its entirety. Paper copies will be available at the Welcome Center this coming Sunday. We post the newsletter (including monthly calendars) and our weekly announcements online at www.messiahgr.org/news; calendars are also online separately at www.messiahgr.org/calendar. Be sure to check the newsletter and our weekly announcements for info on the events listed below and others:
Carpets will be cleaned throughout the building next Monday, June 30th (note the date change from our last update). Our Monday night service will be held as scheduled. If possible, please wait at least a day before entering the rest of the building, as carpets will still be wet. Furniture will be moved off the carpeted surfaces and will need to be returned to place for services on July 6-7 and other upcoming activities. The Trustees appreciate your patience, and maybe help, during this time. Contact Carol Mushong if you have any questions.
Look for our next regular email update at the end of this month!
Yours in Christ, Rick Krueger
FROM PASTOR ERIC (IN THE JULY NEWSLETTER):
"At the LCMS Michigan District Convention that took place at the tail end of June this year, it was pointed out a few different times, by the essayist, as well as in a couple of the sermons, that Christians are not normal people. Although it was said in different ways, the premise is simple enough. We do not react the way the rest of the world reacts when faced with difficult and trying situations. We love our enemies, we pray for those who persecute us, we forgive those who wrong us, we follow Christ, not the world."
"I was overjoyed to see that on fine display throughout the convention. ... It was full of Christian love and charity even in the midst of some difficult and emotional discussions. It was uplifting to see the district, gathered together, all working with common purpose. We were well 'nourished for the journey' (the convention theme) with many congregations taking turns hosting the meals. It was a blessing to be reminded, we do not walk alone, but alongside the people of God, following after Christ, who is leading us all home, Amen."
(For Pastor's fuller take on the District Convention, read the newsletter!)
