January 15th Update
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Messiah,
"Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!" (Isaiah 60:1). During the season of Epiphany, we see Isaiah's prophecy fulfilled in the baptism, teaching and ministry of Jesus, as told this year in the Gospel of Matthew.
In the coming weeks, we abide in the life of Christ through opportunities for worship, education, outreach, fellowship and service!
WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE
We continue with Divine Service at 10:00 am on Sundays. Bible Class continues beforehand at 9:00 am. Sunday School for children PreK and up is held after worship, starting about 11:15 am.
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
CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) happens on Wednesdays at 9:45 am. This women’s book discussion group continues reading Leaning on Jesus: A Study of God’s Strength by Deb Burma; click here for a sample.
LifeLight: Law & Gospel begins this coming Tuesday, January 20th at 10:30 am. This 9-session Tuesday morning study will be led by Shirley Hoese; contact her to reserve materials. Click here for a sample.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18th. Watch for details on our midweek prayer services and suppers, Holy Week and Easter Sunday coming soon.
WHAT'S NEW & NEXT
Our January newsletter is online; click here to view or download a copy. Paper copies are available at the Welcome Center. We post the newsletter (including monthly calendars) and our weekly announcements online at www.messiahgr.org; calendars are also online separately at www.messiahgr.org/calendar. Be sure to check these sources regularly for updates on the events listed below and more!
NEW! Please join the congregation in recognizing Rick Krueger's 35 years of service to Messiah; there will be an Appetizer/Dessert Reception in the Fellowship Hall this coming Sunday, January 18th after the Divine Service.
Bowling League continues this coming Sunday, January 18th at 3:00 pm.
Parish Leadership Workshop Saturday, January 24th at 8:45 am. Presenters will update new and veteran leaders on the Michigan District-LCMS' Every Congregation Visit plan and reflect on the state of the Church, our culture and our community.
NEW! Monthly Devotional Service at Bishop Hills Assisted Living Sunday, January 25th at 3:00 pm. Join us for song, Scripture and prayer with the residents!
National Lutheran Schools Week January 25th through February 1st. The week will include:
Preschool Open House Tuesday, January 27th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. If you know a family with 3-4 year old kids, let them know about our quality program and encourage them to attend!
Preschool Children's Choir for our Divine Service on Sunday, February 1st.
JANUARY'S HYMN OF THE MONTH
Lutheran pastor Philipp Nicolai published the text and tune of “O Morning Star, How and Fair & Bright”, number 395 in Lutheran Service Book, in his 1599 devotional book The Joy of Eternal Life (available from Concordia Publishing House). In the aftermath of a plague that devastated his hometown for six months, killing more than 1300 fellow citizens, Pastor Nicolai pointed his flock to Jesus the heavenly bridegroom of His Church, for faith strengthened by the promises of the Gospel and for comfort in grief and suffering. Whether you are returning to this hymn or discovering it for the first time, we hope that you enjoy the online version below!