January 30 Update

Written By Rick Krueger

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Messiah,

As we've dealt with so many decisions about closings and scheduling in these last two weeks, we've appreciated your patience and flexibility. We're also grateful that, despite our unpredictable winter weather, we've consistently been able to gather on Sundays to receive our Lord's gifts - the core of all we do at Messiah - and respond in prayer and praise!

We look forward to February's 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

  • 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 is being held on Tuesdays at 10:30 am.  This 9-session study is led by Shirley Hoese; contact her to reserve materials.  Click here for a sample.

  • Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18th; midweek services at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm will be held through March 25th. This year's Lenten theme will be "For Us", retelling how Jesus' lived, died and rose again so that we might become like Him!


FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER PLUS WHAT'S NEW & NEXT
Our February newsletter is now 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!

  • Bowling League continues Sundays, February 1st & 15th at 3:00 pm.

  • RESCHEDULED: Parish Leadership Workshop Saturday, February 7th 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.  (Also, check the newsletter for information about a congregational survey being conducted in February!)

  • NEW! Parish Services Guild Thursday, February 12th at 1:00 pm. The Guild will gather and assemble treats for Messiah homebound, staff and Plainfield Township first responders (bring 2-3 dozen cookies or treats), as well as choosing where to donate tithes from recent fundraising events.

  • NEW! Church Extension Fund Sunday, February 22nd. Rod Barodte from the Michigan District-LCMS' Church Extension Fund will be here to say hello and answer questions about how you can help build God's kingdom through CEF investment and lending products.

  • NEW! Financial Basics Workshop Saturday, March 7th. More information coming!


FROM PASTOR ERIC (IN THE FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER)
"You may not have the same gifts, you may not be remembered at the same level by the world, you may not be commemorated on the church calendar as Peter or Paul, but when it comes to salvation, you are the same.  There is one faith, one baptism, one name under heaven by which comes salvation.  They proclaimed and clung to this faith, these heroes, the same faith you have.  If they teach you anything, let it be this, that Jesus is the Christ, that He died and rose for you, and that by believing, you may have life in His name.  Cling to this faith, encourage one another in this faith, share this faith.  Here is where they stood, here is where we stand, we can do no other, Amen."


FEBRUARY'S HYMN OF THE MONTH
For the first three Sundays in February, our Hymn of the Month will be “O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair!” (LSB 413) The anonymous hymn text comes from the Middle Ages, hailing from England between the years 1300-1500. “O Wondrous Type” focuses on the miracle of the Transfiguration (celebrated this year on Sunday, February 15th) when Jesus revealed His divine glory to Peter, James & John before His death and resurrection, It's set to a sturdy, triumphant tune, originally composed to celebrate the English victory over France at 1415’s Battle of Agincourt.  Whether you are returning to this hymn or discovering it for the first time, we hope that you enjoy the online version below, and that you join us in singing and praying it as the season of Epiphany comes to a close!

Yours in Christ, Rick Krueger

Rick Krueger Messiah Lutheran Church
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Parish Leadership Workshop Postponed