February 16th Update

Written By Rick Krueger

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Messiah,

From ancient times the season of Lent, when the Church focuses on the sufferings and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, has been kept as a time of special devotion, self-denial, and humble repentance, born of a faithful heart that dwells confidently on God's Word and draws from it life and hope.

Let us pray that our dear Father in heaven, for the sake of His beloved Son and in the power of His Holy Spirit, might richly bless this Lententide for us, so that we may come to Easter with glad hearts and keep the feast in sincerity and truth.

We look forward to our coming opportunities for worship, education, outreach, fellowship and service in this holy season! 
 

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. 

  • Lent begins with Divine Services and the Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 18th at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm; midweek Services of Prayer will be held on Wednesdays from February 25th through March 25th at the same times. This year's Lenten midweek theme is "For Us", retelling how Jesus' lived, died and rose again so that we might become like Him!  Lenten suppers will be held most Wednesdays in our Fellowship Hall at 6:00 pm; check the weekly announcements for details.

  • Livestreams of our Sunday & Wednesday night services can be found at

  • LifeLight: Law & Gospel continues on Tuesdays at 10:30 am, led by Shirley Hoese. Click here for a sample.

  • CARES (Caring, Active, Reaching, Encouraging Sisters in Christ) happens on Wednesdays at 9:45 am. On Wednesday, February 25th, the group begins its discussion of the book Come and Be Filled: Feasting with Jesus in His Word by Kristopher R. Whitby. Click here for a sample.


WHAT'S NEW & NEXT
Our February 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!  We encourage members and regular visitors over 18 to participate in our Congregational Survey between now and Sunday, March 1st. Click here to take the survey.

  • 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.

  • Financial Basics Workshop Saturday, March 7th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.  The goal of this workshop to provide a brief overview of things such as various insurances, emergency funds, mortgages, etc., and how they all fit together. Whether just getting started in the workforce, looking at retirement, or already retired, how different stages of life affect your finances will also factor in.

  • NEW! Lenten Prayer Breakfast Saturday, March 14th at 9:30 am. Fellowship, a delicious breakfast, and a meaningful service of Corporate Confession and Absolution as we turn our hearts toward Holy Week. Sign up at the Welcome Center.

  • NEW! Easter Flowers are available to pre-order. Sign up at the Welcome Center by Sunday, March 15th. 

  • NEW! Family Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 28th at 10:00 am, sponsored by our Board of Outreach. Sign up to volunteer or donate items at the Welcome Center or in Bible Class.


OUR HYMN FOR LENT: O LOVE, HOW DEEP
On Ash Wednesday, we begin singing the ancient hymn “O Love, How Deep” (Lutheran Service Book 544), which will also be the basis of our midweek Lenten prayer services. This hymn, written in the fifteenth century, contemplates the love of God in becoming man, taking on our life, dying our death, and rising again, all for us. God’s love is not like our self-centered and fickle love; rather it is steady, deep, and beyond all understanding (Ephesians 3:14–19). This love of God will have no end!  We hope that you enjoy listening to this rich hymn at the video link below, then singing and learning it by heart in the weeks to come!

Yours in Christ,



Pastor Eric & Rick Krueger

Rick Krueger Messiah Lutheran Church
Next

January 30 Update