June 15th Update
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Messiah,
Over 80 children have already registered for Vacation Bible School: Tropical Trek - and we'd love to host more on Monday - Thursday, June 22nd - 5th from 9:00 am to 11:45 am. You can register kids (age 4 as of August 1st through entering grade 6) now at www.vbsmate.com/messiahgr2026 - or pass along that link to a friend or family member with children! There are still opportunities to volunteer and donate snack supplies, too; visit our Welcome Center or contact Steve Dengler for details. In addition, we'll be hosting a Fun Fair for VBS kids and their families on Thursday the 22nd after the closing VBS service; contact Kim Black if you'd like to help with the Fun Fair's food service, games or other activities.
More opportunities for worship, education, fellowship and service continue through June as well!
WORSHIP AND CLASS SCHEDULE
Our regular Sunday schedule:
Divine Service at 10:00 am.
Bible Class at 9:00 am. We continue the Bible study Christ Is Risen Indeed, based on 1 Corinthians 15. This is the official study of this summer's upcoming Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod convention. (Sunday School is in recess for the summer.)
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
Monday night Divine Services will also be held from through August 31st at 7:00 pm. One exception: there will be no service on Monday, July 6th.
WHAT'S NEW & NEXT
Our June 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!
The new online Women's Reading Group: A Feast of Fine Things has begun. The group is reading Parents and Children by Charlotte Mason over the summer. Particpants are also welcome to post favorite Scriptures, poetry, quotes, art, pictures and music. Contact Allison Black for details about the Band app, group participation and answers to your questions! Or come to the group's in-person gathering on this Wednesday, June 17th at 7:00 pm in our newly refurbished library.
NEW! We'll welcome our new members who have joined us since June 2025, Kim Black and Sue Pratt, on Sunday, June 28th, with a Dessert Reception in the church foyer after the service.
NEW! On Sunday, July 12th the Board of Trustees' Safety Team will hostChurch Safety Sunday after the service, presenting recommendations in four key areas of concern: Medical Emergencies, Fire Safety, Weather Safety and Security Awareness. This informational session will include input from local law enforcement. Everyone is encouraged to attend!
West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Lansing Lugnuts Tuesday, August 11th. We’ll gather at the church pavilion for a picnic supper at 5:00 pm, then drive or carpool to LMCU Ballpark to watch the Whitecaps play the Lansing Lugnuts at 6:35 pm. We have a block of tickets reserved; cost is $16 per ticket (payable by cash or check; contact Kurt Veitengruber for details). Parking will be $10 per car at the ballpark, which is a cashless venue. Signup at the welcome center or online by Sunday, June 28th.
Yours in Christ, Rick Krueger
FROM DISTRICT PRESIDENT REV. DAVID DAVIS
In May, the main Geddes Road campus of Concordia University-Ann Arbor was sold to The University of Michigan; CUAA's medical and online programs continue at a smaller site elsewhere in Ann Arbor. The former Chapel of the Holy Trinity (which The U of M has pledged to preserve) was deconsecrated yesterday. In an email sent earlier this month, Michigan District President Davis had these reflections:
Now that the changes at Concordia University-Ann Arbor include the sale of the main campus to the University of Michigan . . . I may regret that the work as we knew it does not continue, but I will celebrate the work that did happen there and that impacted so many for eternity. The Kingdom contribution that took place at 4090 Geddes Road cannot be undone—it redounds forever. That is to be celebrated.
This too. We trust in God for all things. Many have prayed and worked fervently for a different outcome. Without a doubt, God heard every prayer and was fully aware of every part of the situation. If in the economy of God it had to be different, it would be. It is not an easy one, but let’s learn a lesson from King David. When his son was ill, he did all he could before God to seek a different outcome. When God did not answer his prayer in the way he wished and the son died, he got up, washed his face, and went into the house of the LORD to worship.
Despite all things, may our hearts be thankful for what has taken place at the Chapel of the Holy Trinity and 4090 Geddes Road as we keep in mind the main lesson always taught at Concordia: that in all things Christ might be preeminent. In joy. In sorrow. In gladness. In sadness.
Almighty God our Heavenly Father: We give thanks to you for the many years of ministry at the 4090 Geddes Road Concordia Campus. We are grateful for the professors, the things taught, the things learned. We are grateful for workers raised up for all vocations inside and outside of the Church. We are grateful for friends made and spouses met. Please continue to guide your Church to find ways to work together to raise up workers for the next generation sending out People of Hope: vigorously making known the love of Christ. May Christ indeed be preeminent in all things. Amen.