The Messenger THE SUNDAYS AFTER PENTECOST August - 2016
Messiah Lutheran Dear brothers and sisters in we will be facing challenges in pastors or cease performing Church Christ, that area with the rulings about the functions of the pastoral 2727 Five Mile Rd. NE who we call/hire to teach, office (in keeping with July is convention season!!!! This transgender bathrooms and the Augsburg Confession Article Grand Rapids past month, the Lutheran like. XIV) Michigan Church—Missouri Synod met for its triennial convention in The delegates also recognized • Encouraging regular sermon 49525 Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Up until that North America is a huge evaluation by circuit visitors 2010, the election for Synod mission field, with over 200 and district presidents. I was
president took place the first day million unchurched, and voted to surprised about how much Phone: 363-2553 of convention. Now it happens encourage the use of Synod’s new debate there was about this. beforehand. As Messiah’s evangelism program, “Every One I’ll say that in some other Fax: 363-7843 representatives to the Michigan His Witness.” This approach districts I’ve been in - the E-Mail: messiahgr@ District convention last year, Dan addresses many more of the pastors were much more Hula and I had the opportunity to evangelism issues we face today: “siloed” and independent of messiahgr.org cast our electronic ballots for multiple cultures, the many who their circuits, preferring to be Web Site: Synod president during the are unchurched and the many on their own. Here in Grand month of June. who are de-churched (once Rapids, we have a good group www.messiahgr.org members of a church - but not of pastors who meet weekly Rev. Matthew Harrison was re- any more). to study the Scriptures to be elected to his third three-year preached on each Sunday. It Pastor: term on the first electronic ballot The LCMS is not alone in seeking definitely makes sermons Rev. Tom Bartzsch with approximately 57% of the to remain faithful to Scripture better. Anything that brings vote, defeating Rev. Dale Meyer and the Confessions at a time better theological insight to us Parish Assistant: (Concordia St. Louis president) when the ELCA and many of the as pastors is a great benefit!!!! Richard Krueger and Rev. David Maier (our churches who are members of the district president). President Lutheran World Federation You can find more information Office Manager: Harrison has been an excellent (LWF) stray further and further about other issues and all the goings-on at the convention at Sandy Goodlander spokesman in the public square, from God’s truth. Lutheran defending the Biblical worldview churches in Norway, Guatemala, www.lcms.org/convention . If Preschool: while remaining faithful to our Uruguay, Venezuela, Chile, and you’ve watched any of the Republican or Democratic Diane Oppenneer, Dir. Lutheran Confessions, so this is a Kazakhstan were welcomed into blessed result. It also means that fellowship with our church at conventions these past weeks - I Revs. Meyer and Maier continue convention. can PROMISE you that this one will be more edifying!!!!! Thanks to have the opportunity to serve the LCMS well in their respective The matters discussed above be to God that this wonderful positions. were for the most part decided group of men and women stayed with greater than 90-95% so faithful to our God-given Our Mission At the convention itself, which majorities. However there were values and His Word, celebrating Is to know Christ and to had as its theme “Upon This Rock: some issues that brought about the one person who truly saves make Christ known Repent, Confess, Rejoice,” the much more discussion and some our nation - Jesus Christ! through the spreading of delegates addressed a number of closer votes - these included: issues. They re-affirmed the Yours in His Name, the Gospel of Jesus LCMS’s stance on marriage being • Requiring that licensed lay Pastor Bartzsch Christ to all through a between one man and one deacons (which were Word and Sacrament woman. They re-committed to “created” at the 1989 ministry of worship, increasing the number of career Convention) who are doing Christian Education, missionaries (which nearly regular preaching and fellowship, outreach, doubled - from 68 to 112) since administering of the Sacraments - including and service. the last convention. They approved statements of Lutheran consecrating the Lord’s Identity for our Concordias, as Supper - be ordained as
-1- Messenger -2- August - 2016
Messiah Lutheran Church 2727 Five Mile Rd. NE Large Print Bulletins Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Phone: 363-2553 Large print bulletins are available for the divine services Fax: 363-7843 for those in need of one. Let your usher know if you desire to use one. Church Website: www.messiahgr.org Church E-mail: [email protected] Church Facebook: www.facebook.com/messiahgr Pastor E-Mail: [email protected] Facebook Pastor’s Twitter: @MessiahGRPastor Parish Asst. E-mail: [email protected] If you’re a Facebook member, search for “Messiah Grand Pre-School E-mail: [email protected] Rapids” to find our page. Click on the “Like” button near Church Secretary: [email protected] the top to have daily devotions and event reminders posted direct to your live feed. And be sure to recommend our page to all your Facebook friends! Our Mission Is . . .
To Know Christ and to Make Him Known by spreading the Don’t Forget To Worship While Gospel of Jesus Christ to all through a Word and Sacrament ministry of worship, Christian education, fellowship, evangelism, and service. on Vacation
Worship at a Lutheran Church Missouri Serving you . . . Synod congregation while you’re on vacation! If you want to locate a church in Staff: advance, use the LCMS website to find a Rev. Tom Bartzsch, Pastor church where you can worship. Here’s Mr. Richard Krueger, Parish Assistant how: Mrs. Sandy Goodlander, Office Manager Mrs. Mildred Rathbun, Office Assistant go to www.lcms.org Mrs. Diane Oppenneer, Pre-school Director click on “ Find a . . . ” on the page’s top right
corner Messiah Messenger is published monthly by Messiah Lutheran fill in city, state, zip and range fields to search Church. News articles and information are usually due on the for a church third Monday of each month . The staff reserves the right to click on congregations listed to get particulars: edit material presented for publication. address, phone, service times.
Messiah Lutheran Church links with other Lutheran Church – Remember your church, Messiah, before you Missouri Synod churches to bring the gospel around the world. leave by giving your weekly offerings. In addition, we support other mission projects, including: • Rev. Roger James, missionary of Sri Lanka • LCMS World Relief and Human Care Gardener for Church Grounds
The Trustees are looking for a part time gardener for Lutheran Hour our church grounds for the rest of this year and next year, if interested. This is a paid position responsible The Lutheran Hour is broadcast on Sundays on WSRW for keeping the landscaping beds weeded and pruned. 105.7 FM at 6:30 am. If you have a computer with Contact Lee Cobb (363-0486) or Carol Mushong speakers, you can listen to The Lutheran Hour online. Go to (361-1625) for more information. www.lutheranhour.org and follow the directions.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” 2 Cor. 5:17
Messenger -3- August - 2016
Wanted: Little Elves for warm and sunny day but there was no rain. The Goodwill Truck came early, which was a nice surprise Cleaning Shelves so we were able to clean up earlier than we thought. Judy, Marian and the VanEttens took a check to the ....Yes, it is that time again! This is a invitation to Exodus Place in the amount of $785.35 plus six boxes people of all ages (well, almost) and gender to assist in of mens clothes. They really appreciated it. Thank cleaning the church kitchen. The date is Thursday, th you all for your donations, thanks to the volunteers, August 11 , 9:30 am . We especially need people cashiers, the Gerke family and Barbara Brinkman, who can reach high and low. A chart is posted on the who prepared our food. God bless you all and to clipboard above the large sink for the locations and God be the glory. check-off for cleaning accomplished. Come at your Judy Gerke and Marian Meehleder leisure, bring a friend, and help clean the cupboards, stove, or refrigerators (one in kitchen and other in Thrivent Room). We will certainly appreciate your spending a little time on this project. Many hands LifeLight: Fall Bible Study of the make light work! Thank you so much! Questions? Triune God Contact Barb Brinkman. In 2015 our LifeLight Studies were a topical study of Parables and a New Testament study on Ephesians Progressive Dinner – and Thessalonians. This past winter we studied the Old Testament book of Job. This fall we will have a Sunday, August 21 at 3:00 pm . A fun, food, family, topical study on the Triune God. fellowship event! All ages and stages welcome. There will be three hosted locations: appetizers, soups n Welcome to a course on God Himself. We will study salads, and main course plus dessert. Carpooling will what God reveals in His Word for us to believe about start around 2:30 from church. Signup at the welcome Him. God means to bless us by giving us knowledge center where you can also indicate if you would like to of Himself. God’s Word brings testimony that God’s carpool or help in anyway. Maps to each home will be disclosure of Himself is to save us and to restore to us available. The route will go from Grand Rapids to the true knowledge of God through faith. Comstock Park to Rockford, ending around 7:00 pm. Watch for more information. See Marlene Anderson Fall classes begin after Labor Day. Classes are or Tammy Ahrens for more details. offered Sunday mornings at 9:45 am starting September 18 th , Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am starting September 20 th and Wednesday evenings Sandy’s Tradition at 6:30 pm starting on September 21 st .
LifeLight is a 9-week Bible Study open to everyone. Will meet for dinner at Licari Pizza Kitchen, (in back Student guides are available in the Welcome center or of the Crushed Grape) 2869 Knapp NE, on th may be picked up at the first class session. Thursday, August 25 at 5:00 pm. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in Yard Sale Update the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything I have What a surprise to arrive on the day of the sale to commanded you. And surely I am with you always, have tables in place, a crew of about 15 volunteers to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) ready to transfer sale items from inside to outside. Have a great summer and we will plan to see you in Thank you so very much Volunteers! It was a very September at LifeLight.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” 2 Cor. 5:17
Messenger -4- August - 2016
Calling All Music Makers! will be served for choir members following all practices. “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will • Instrumental Ensembles (brass, sing praises to you among the nations.” (Psalm 108:3) woodwinds, strings and percussion) play for
festival services and throughout the year on When we gather for worship, God lovingly serves us an as-needed basis. through His Holy Word and Sacraments. Responding If any of these musical groups interest you, please to God’s love, we use His gift of music to pray, contact Rick Krueger for more details! praise, proclaim and recount the story of His grace in song!
Messiah’s music ensembles lead and support our Singing a New Song musical praises in worship. As we gear for another year of activity, you can help lead our sung praise by Starting in mid-August, we’ll be adding new songs being part of these groups: introduced in the past year to our Songs for the Divine • The Senior Choir sings for two Sundays a Service supplement. We need help trimming and month (usually once at 8:30 am and once at punching holes in the new pages, then inserting them 11 am), helps introduce new hymns and into all supplement copies. If you can help, even for songs, and leads service music. They also sing an hour or two, please contact Rick Krueger. Thanks! for festivals (Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, Transfiguration of our Lord, Easter, Pentecost) and other special services (a Youth Update Reformation service at Immanuel-Grand Rapids on Sunday, October 30 , and our Messiah’s Junior High & Senior High youth (in grades annual Ascension service with St. Peter- 6 and up) and their friends are invited to the 3rd Rockford). Weekly practices will start annual West Michigan LCMS Beach Day at Wednesday, September 7 , lasting from 7 to Grand Haven State Park on Wednesday, August 10 8:15 pm . from 10 am to 4 pm . Hot dogs, hamburgers, • The Rhythm Section and Singers sing folk, condiments and drinks will be provided for lunch; gospel & contemporary anthems, help volleyball, soccer and other beach game tournaments introduce new hymns & songs, and lead will be part of the fun! At 4 pm, our group will have service music. The group plays and sings once the option to head to the Unity Festival at Muskegon a month for both services; they practice on an for the free “Day Zero” concert of Christian music. as-needed basis, usually on Wednesdays at (More info at www.unitymusicfestival.com ) 8:15 pm or Thursdays at 7 pm , with occasional practices on Saturday mornings. Youth are asked to bring: • NEW -- Junior Choir begins this fall! • One of the following to share at lunch: chips, Children in grades 3-8 will learn service music veggies & dip, fruit or a dessert. and hymns for Sundays, work on special • A swim suit, towel & other beach supplies. music for 1 or 2 services (including • A beach game if you have one! Thanksgiving Eve, November 23 ) and get a This event is sponsored by the LCMS West Michigan head start on music for Advent & Christmas. Directors of Christian Education & Family Life. The Kids taking part in this pilot project will members of this group work with youth at churches practice on Wednesdays at 5 pm (before in Grand Rapids, Jenison, Coopersville, Conklin, confirmation class) starting on Wednesday, Kalamazoo, Portage and beyond! It’s a chance for September 14 and going through at least youth to enjoy a relaxing, fun day and get to know Wednesday, November 16. A light supper other brothers and sisters in Jesus.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” 2 Cor. 5:17
Messenger -5- August - 2016
Rick Krueger will be on vacation & unable to attend vegetable, jello fruit salad, rolls and butter, beverage the event. Any adult willing to provide transportation and dessert. Also, 5 volunteers are needed to help and serve as a group leader for the day should contact serve on a one to one basis. If you are interested in Rick as soon as possible Once adult leaders are in providing food or help with serving, please contact place, youth can contact Rick to sign up by email, Elaine Jingles, 458-1418 for more details . Facebook, phone or in person by Sunday, August 7.
Thanks from Doris Kayser Preschool News (a.k.a. a new “Words cannot express my deeply felt gratitude! year, help wanted, and Thanks so much for the love that all of you showed Campbell's labels update) my family and me as I left to begin my Deaconess call in Cabot, Pennsylvania. Thank you to Dan Hula for preparing the incredible feast, to the other members Soon and very soon the now quiet Preschool hallway who helped alongside him, and to everyone who will be echoing with the sounds of happy learning. attended. We currently have both morning classes filled to capacity so let the fun begin! I am so grateful for the love shown to me by my Messiah family -- I felt so honored! Many thanks Sue Trotter and Rae Sheridan have both moved on to also for the cards and gifts given to me. I absolutely new opportunities so we are looking for 2 new love the work I have been called to here at Concordia classroom Aides. Aides are needed either: on Mon., Lutheran Ministries. God is so good!! It was well Tues. and Thurs, and Fri. added in January with the worth the wait. Thanks again; I’ll stay in touch!!” Fantastic Fours; OR Tues. and Thurs. with the Terrific Threes. Both are mornings only. If you or From Concordia Lutheran Ministries’ news release regarding someone you know are interested please get your Doris’ new call: resume to Diane Oppenneer. Deaconess Doris Kayser was installed at Concordia Lutheran Ministries on Sunday, July 17. Rev. Dan As of right now, the Labels for Education Strussenberg, First Vice President, Eastern District, (Campbell's labels) program is suspended here at Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, conducted the Messiah. The current program is undergoing a installation. transition and until any changes are announced we are not collecting labels. Thank you for all your support Deaconess Doris earned a M.A. in Theology at in this program in the past. Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2012. She also holds degrees from Grand Rapids Community College and Calvin College. Kent County Lutheran Outreach Since becoming a registered nurse in 1983, Doris has for the Blind enjoyed a variety of work experiences. She also launched the Parish Nursing program at Immanuel This organization meets once a month for bible study Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. Following her and fellowship and is open to the Grand Rapids blind graduation from Concordia Theological Seminary, she community. All are welcome. Area Lutheran served as Deaconess and Parish Nurse at Bethlehem church’s have volunteered to provide a dinner for Lutheran Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. them. Messiah's Service Guild has signed up to serve two dinners a year, one in April and August We will Deaconess Kayser will complement the chaplaincy again have this opportunity on Saturday, August staff as the third full-time deaconess. Her duties will 27 th and will need your support in furnishing the include visitation and chaplaincy support for Good food. We are asking for two casserole main dishes, a Samaritan Hospice. “It’s a privilege to serve Concordia Lutheran Ministries. I am thrilled to be
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” 2 Cor. 5:17
Messenger -6- August - 2016 here and look forward to serving God’s people,” said better!) We encourage you to take advantage of this Doris. CLM President and CEO Keith E. Frndak excellent opportunity! said, “A professional with the kind of experience Deaconess Kayser owns is indeed a rare blessing that Concordia can steward wisely.” The IRA Charitable Rollover is Back!
Cantor Camp for Kids The Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA) permitted individuals to roll over up to $100,000 from an Our sister congregation Our Savior Lutheran Individual Retirement Account (IRA) directly to a Church (located at 2900 Burton Ave SE in Grand qualifying charity without recognizing the assets Rapids) is hosting CANTOR CAMP TWO on transferred as income. The initial provision expired Monday-Thursday, August 15-18 from 9:30 am to and has been extended several times. On 12 noon . What is Cantor Camp? December 18, 2015, the PATH Act was signed into law making this special provision permanent. "Cantor Camp is a day-camp-like chance for children entering grades 1-8 to use their voices to sing praise Who can benefit from this new law? to God, learn more about music, explore some of the hidden places at OSL church, and have fun with • Donors age 70 1/2 and older friends. Oh, and there are cleverly-themed snacks -- • Donors who don’t usually itemize deductions yum. It’s a great opportunity to find out what singing • Donors that don’t need RMD distributions in a choir is all about. Each day, we'll start with but make annual Charitable Gifts prayer and warm ups, rehearse, explore the church, • Donors who may benefit from IRA rehearse, eat a snack, rehearse, do some activities, Charitable Distributions not being counted as rehearse. You get the idea.” income for state income tax purposes • Donors whose charitable contributions are Our Savior's music director Christina Roberts has reduced by the itemized deduction reduction been recognized throughout our Synod as a fine • Donors who may lose substantial value of children’s choir director. Whether your children are IRAs passed to (non-spousal) heirs due to planning to take part in Messiah’s new Junior Choir estateand income taxes. People may be or not, this is a wonderful opportunity for your kids encouraged to liquidate these accounts during to discover more about the power of music and theirlifetimes or designate a charity/ministry singing together. And (thanks to a Thrivent grant) it's beneficiary upon death. It may be a way to free! make adifference during your lifetime by You can sign up your children for Cantor Camp Two transferring IRA funds to charity/ministry in one of the following ways: without triggering taxes on the withdrawal. • At the camp’s Facebook event page. Search for “Cantor Camp Two” Please work with your professional advisers to • By contacting Christina directly via: determine the effect of these rules on your specific • Facebook (search for “Christina Joy Roberts”) tax situation. • Email ([email protected]) • Phone (616.949.0710) While this new law can only be used under specific circumstances, all of us can benefit from Christina needs to know who will be attending no Christian Estate Planning. How would you like your later than Wednesday, August 10. (Letting her lifetime of assets distributed when you are know by Monday, August 1 would be even gone? Does anyone know what your wishes are? The default beneficiary of your estate is the
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” 2 Cor. 5:17
Messenger -7- August - 2016 immediate family-your spouse and children. Do your Worship For Shut Ins children expect to receive an inheritance from you? Would they miss a percentage of your estate “Worship for Shut-Ins” is a Lutheran going to your favorite ministry when you are television 30 minute worship service called home? with no commercials or repeats. It is not a tape of a Sunday morning Without a Will or Revocable Living Trust, state service, but a special taping done just for the viewer at Probate statutes don’t provide the option of leaving home. Worship for Shut-Ins airs locally Sunday a Legacy Gift to ministry or charity. Take the time to mornings at 11:30 am on Comcast (channel 21), communicate your wishes by completing or Charter (channel 2), AT&T (channel 54), and updating your Estate Planning documents. Eighty DirecTV (channel 377). Services may also be viewed percent of adults give a gift to charity/ministry online at www.worshipforshutins.org each year, but closer to five percent include a Planned Gift from their estate. Consider including August 7, 2016 – Luke 12:22-31 your favorite ministries in your prayerfully thought “How Much More!” out Christian Estate Plan August 14, 2016 – Hebrews 12:1-3 Bill Burmeister “Running the Race” Church Extension Fund – Michigan District 800-242-3944 [email protected] August 21, 2016 – Hebrews 12:18-24
“Three Mountains”
College Bound or August 28, 2016 – Luke 14:1-11 “A Son in the Well” Living Away From Home?
Messiah believes it’s important to keep contact with its sons or daughters who’re off to college or away from home. We mail the church newsletter and other occasional special mailings to our out-of-town college students and young adults. Please make sure that the church office has the correct address information for your college student or young adult child who’s living away from home.
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” 2 Cor. 5:17
Messenger -8- August - 2016
In Our Prayers Randy Tanis, great nephew of Marcie Merkle Jacob Teeple , grand nephew of Mark & Laura Altemann For those with ongoing prayer Andrew Feigel , nephew of Al & Renee Davis concerns: Joseph Lueders, nephew of John & Ruth Lueders Robin Vanderjagt, wife of Pete Vanderjagt; For our missionaries: Ann Beuschel; Pastor Masih & Pastor James Kent Guinnup, neighbor of Bill & Barb Brinkman; Miriam Kristi Anderson , friend of Lisa VanEtten; Reminder: Those for whom prayers are requested will be placed in the bulletin for 2 weeks, and if a second request is received for an additional 2 weeks. Then Dennis Claypool , friend of Victor VanEtten; that name will be removed. If a third request is received, or if it is requested, that Allie Gadziemski ; name will move from the bulletin to the list of prayer requests published in the monthly newsletter. A portion of this complete list will be published weekly in Alicia & Michelle Slimmen , the niece and unborn the bulletin. Please remember to keep the church office informed of changes to grand-niece of Mike & Megan Slimmen; the prayer list. Finally, for privacy reasons, requests need to come from the individual or family for whom the prayers are requested, or from one who asks Theona Gee ; specifically to be included on our prayer list. Barbara Philipp , sister of Dick Wilson; Judd Cadwell , brother of Rita VanEtten; Dave Merkle ; Bruce Coleman Kathy Mueller; Jessica Santa Clara; Claus &Jean Hulst, friend of Bill & Rita VanEtten Paul Garchow , brother of Pete Garchow; Gen Abrams , past Chairman of Rapid Waters Zone, LWML; Miriam Sohn , friend of Pastor & Shirley Hoese; Dawn Metivier , mother of Leah Kearney; Barbara Phillipp , sister of Dick Wilson; Simon Leavit , grandson of Bob & Jan Ringel; Carol Shick , friend of Nyha French; Barbara Feorene , sister of Elaine Jingles; Dawn Feorene , niece of Elaine Jingles; Alexis White , granddaughter of Rev. & Rosy Masih; Selma Johnson , sister of Barb Conner; Robert Neuman , brother of Theona Gee; Tina Eikenroth , friend of Matt VanEtten; Dorie Mates , Blind Ministry contact; Lori Gere , friend of Joe & Becky Buss; Tahseen Kanwal , (daughter of Pastor & Rosy Masih) and her children, Rain and Trinity
For those serving in the military: Ken Oldenburg , son of Betsie Boot Eric Gerke , grandson of Judy Gerke; Dan Gerke , son of Judy Gerke; Clinton Gibson , son-in-law of Bill & Diane Legate; Raymond Bartman, grandson of Gladys Deuel;
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” 2 Cor. 5:17