PARISH EVENTS
Pastor Dustin's Coffee Club
Continuing Thursday, January 23rd at 10:00am (and continuing weekly)
At Messiah we generally offer two different weekly faith formation opportunities for adults. On Sunday mornings, Dr. Merle Longwood leads a wonderful in depth discussion group, but beginning on Thursday, January 9th at 10:00am in the Parish House, Pastor Dustin will lead a more "entry-level" discussion about the Bible, core Lutheran teachings and other aspects of our faith. In fact, we'll be using the same curriculum our confirmation students and their parents are experiencing every week, called colaborate. As our confirmation class is right smack in the middle of the Old Testament, we'll start right there along with them and then move into core Lutheran teachings as we journey into the spring. As there are study packets to be ordered, please let Pastor Dustin know if you're interested in attending! Coffee, as always, will be provided!
Community Meditation Hour
Beginning Thursday, January 23rd at 6:00pm (and continuing weekly)
Over the past few months we've heard a lot of positive feedback about our twice a month community meditation sessions in the sanctuary, but there has been indeed one criticism as well... scheduling has been difficult, and a couple times guests and members of our congregation have showed up for canceled sessions. Thus, beginning in January, Pastor Dustin will begin "curating" a meditation hour each and every single week on Thursdays at 6:00pm. While some weeks we'll continue using the same wonderful meditation we have for a number of months under lay leadership, other times Pastor Dustin will lead and borrow from various traditions and practices he's studied over the years. Think of this as SORT OF a second weekly worship service at Messiah... just mostly grounded in meditative prayer rather than a corporate spoken and sung liturgy. If you have any questions, suggestions or would like to lead a session, please speak with Pastor Dustin or our Worship & Music Ministry Team Chair Rianne Johnson.
MLK Soup Shabbat sponsored by Schenectady Clergy Against Hate
Friday, January 24th at 5:00pm
Congregation Gates of Heaven
852 Ashmore Avenue
Schenectady, NY 12309
Join our friends at Congregation Gates of Heaven and the congregations of Schenectady Clergy Against Hate for an annual MLK Community Soup Shabbat! Worship will begin at 5:00pm followed by dinner with a variety of hearty soups, crusty breads and desserts will be served at 6:00pm with the suggested donation for dinner being what you would pay to go out to eat. All proceeds with benefit Schenectady Community Ministries. At 7:00pm a community conversation will be held with Dr. Sarah Rogerson, a local Lutheran immigration rights lawyer and friend of Pastor Dustin's from Camp Calumet. RSVP by 1/17 to Kathy at klaws@cgoh.org or at 518.374.8173. Furthermore, if you'd like to make a soup for the event, please speak with Pastor Dustin!
Sunday of Prayer for Christian Unity
Sunday, January 26th at 10:30am
Trinity Reformed Church
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
For well over a century Christians around the world have spent late January in prayer for the reunification of Christ's Church and that all denominations might work closer together to build a better world. For our second annual recognition of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we'll certainly be doing our small part of bring Christ's church back together by worshiping with our neighbors at Trinity Reformed Church. We'll flip the script from our joint worship service in September, with Pastor Jonathan preaching and Pastor Dustin presiding over a joint Reformed/ Lutheran service. Folks at Trinity are well known for their hospitality, so get excited for a lovely reception after worship as well!
Messiah in Your Lifetime: A Conversation with Our Neighbors
Sunday, January 29th at 11:30am
Trinity Reformed Church
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Following the news that the cost estimate for our final master plan came in at over double what was expected (over $500,000), members present at our first conversation asked to schedule a meeting at Trinity Reformed with Pastor Jonathan as whatever we decide with our neighbors down the street will have major implications for the future of our building as well. Given that there are no week nights available before our Annual Meeting, we just decided to host a conversation following our joint worship service. Please join us friends!
First Communion Class 2020
Beginning Sunday, January 26th at 12:00pm
We'll welcome at least four of our young people to First Communion Class beginning Sunday, January 26th after worship at Holy Trinity using the ELCA's new "A Place for You" curriculum. From Daniel Erlander, the curriculum includes three fun and kid friendly hour-long lessons. The schedule will be as follows with a parent or guardian expected to join their child:
Candlemas Service of Holy Communion
Sunday, February 2nd at 10:15am
Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, is an ancient Christian tradition that marks the end of the Christmas -Epiphany season (many used to keep up their Christmas trees until this time). Held during the darkest, coldest part of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the tradition of Candlemas includes a blessing of candles to be taken home as reminder of the returning light. Especially as so many of us struggle with seasonal depression this time of year, be sure to join us in a joyful service that looks forward to brighter days and gives thanks for the Light of Christ!
Souper Bowl of Caring
Sunday, February 2rd at 10:15am
Super Bowl 54 is rapidly approaching and our confirmation students are once again gearing up to support Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM)'s annual “Souper” Bowl Collection! 100% percent of monies and canned goods raised from this drive will be used to help the SiCM Emergency Food Pantry. Especially given SiCM's recent near unanimous vote to become an interfaith organization, a push that started here at Messiah, it's more important than ever that we support our local coalition of faith communities! Confirmation students will lead a very special children's sermon skit related to hunger and then will be collecting funds in soup pots in the back of the sanctuary before worship and during our Annual Meeting of the Congregation so be sure to contribute to worthy cause! Last year we raised $363 dollars so if we can up that to $400 this year, our confirmation students will once again get to dump a big cooler water on the head of everyone's favorite "coach" on life, Pastor Dustin. Please take part in this important way we work with other local faith communities to serve the needy folks throughout Schenectady County!
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
Sunday, February 2nd at 11:30am
So without a doubt this will be a major, historic meeting in the life of our congregation, and we really need everyone present! Following worship in addition to electing new council members, receiving our regular reports and adopting an annual budget, our congregation will be called to make major decisions in three areas that will affect Messiah for years to come. First, we'll be adopting the second half our Strategic Plan: 2020 - 2025, that will build on our Vision, Values and Purpose and articulate general long term goals and specific objectives. We'll then be adopting a revised Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of Messiah Lutheran Church that will reflect the restructuring of our many committees into five core ministry teams that meet briefly together and then break out into small groups. Finally, and perhaps most notably, we'll discuss (and perhaps vote) on a set of proposed resolutions to move us towards a final plan to make our building accessible and welcoming to all. Options range from conducting a more limited campaign than the $500K project proposed by our architect this past month to moving our primary worship space to Trinity Reformed's already accessible building and bunch of options in between. After the meeting a light brunch will take place in the Fellowship Hall with food provided by our Congregation Council, so please RSVP on the narthex bulletin board! If you have any questions, please speak with Pastor Dustin or President Pete Jones.
Help a Homeless Pet Bake Sale
Sunday, February 9th after worship
Please help the Sunday School program raise money for the Schoharie Shelter and Whiskers by purchasing baked goods on February 9th. Bakers are needed for this event. If you have any questions, please speak with Cheryl Borski.
New York State Council of Churches Ecumenical Advocacy Day
Wednesday, February 12th at 9:30am to 4:00pm
Emmanuel Baptist Church Of Albany
275 State Street in Albany, New York
Are you interested in connecting your faith to issues of social justice and building a more equitable society? Join people of faith across New York State, representatives of the New York State Council of Churches and other secular and religious partners in Albany this February! We will begin the day long event with spiritual grounding, followed by basic advocacy training, workshops on issues including care for creation, immigration, criminal justice reform and poverty alleviation and then finally visits to the offices of our elected officials. The cost of the event including lunch and refreshments is $30.00 and Messiah can help defer costs for our members if needed. To register simply go to the New York State Council of Churches website, click here or speak with Pastor Dustin.
2020 Confirmation Retreat Winter Weekend
Friday, February 14th at 8:00pm - Sunday, February 16th at 12:00pm
Join middle school Lutheran youth from across the Hudson Mohawk Conference for an awesome winter weekend of fun and faith at Camp Fowler! Pastor Dustin and Kristen Olochnowicz are planning the schedule with Pastor Deron from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church planning the food! Activities will include fun outdoor activities like snowshoeing, sledding, a service project and more! Cost is now only $25 per youth with scholarships available! All confirmation students are strongly encouraged to attend... it's a key part of our confirmation program to spend a weekend together every year! All RSVPs are due by January 20th. If you have any questions please reach out to Rev. Dustin Wright at pastor@messiahschenectady.org.
WELCA Program Meeting: Joan Nicole Prince Home
Tuesday, February 18th at 7:00pm
Join the women of Messiah as they welcome representatives from the Joan Nicole Prince Home, a local nonprofit home that is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, caring residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home during their final days. From discussing how the home operates, to how individuals can help out, navigating loss, and how to support a terminally ill loved one, this night is an important aspect of Messiah's renewed focus on supporting the emotional and spiritual needs of Messiah's members and their families. Please join us – this event is open to all, not just women!
Sunday of the Transfiguration
Sunday, February 23rd at 10:15am
As has become a tradition at Messiah, we spend Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday before Lent, celebrating and supporting our young people who are taking their First Communion. Following worship will be a very special reception and be sure pray for our young people as they prepare for this important day in their life of faith!
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, February 25th from 5:00 -7:00pm
Messiah will once again continue one of our most cherished traditions, the Shrove Tuesday Eve Pancake Supper. Join us for the traditional celebratory meal of pancakes and sausages cooked up by our awesome Kitchen Committee! Check out the bulletin board in the narthex to sign-up or sign up online on Realm and please bring pancake mix, syrup or pre-cooked sausage links if you’re able. Whatever is leftover will be contributed to our Bread of Life Food Pantry. As part of our annual tradition, Pastor Dustin will burn last year’s palms from Palm Sunday to prepare ashes for the following day at about 7:00pm outside by the fire pit, and he’d love for you to join him as we prepare for the Lenten fast.
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 26th
7:30am - 11:00am at the Jay Street Pedestrian Mall
12:00pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
7:00pm at Messiah Lutheran Church
Pastor Dustin, Pastor Deron (and now Pastor Dan from Our Redeemer!) will once again be down at the Jay Street Pedestrian Mall in Schenectady giving out ashes and a short blessing for folks on their way to work. We’ll also hold our joint noontime service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 547 Saratoga Rd, Schenectady, NY 12302 with Pastor Dustin preaching and Pastor Deron presiding. A simple lunch of soup and bread hosted by the people of Good Shepherd will follow. Our primary Ash Wednesday Vespers service will take place at 7:00pm back at Messiah. Ash Wednesday is one of the best opportunities of the year to get out there and share the good news of Christ, so be sure to share our Ashes to Go and our Ash Wednesday Vespers events on Facebook with friends, neighbors and other loved ones!
The Vagina Monologues at Proctors
Friday, February 28th at 7:00pm
Proctors Theatre
432 State Street in Schenectady, New York
We know, we know... it's hard to get past the name! That said, since it debuted on Broadway over twenty two years ago, the Vagina Monologues have been raising awareness about important topics that affect women everywhere, from body image issues, sexual harassment, reproductivity issues and more. Individual stories are told by a cast that will include many well-known faces from across the Capital Region and all proceeds from the event will benefit the YWCA of Northeastern New York, an organization in Schenectady that serves nearly 4,000 women and families each year with comprehensive support services which include a domestic violence hotline, shelter, counseling, advocacy, and more! While this event is sponsored by Messiah's Young Adult Group, all are invited to attend. Tickets are $35 each but the cost can be subsidized if needed. Tickets are general admission and can be purchased at www.proctors.org. Just let Pastor Dustin know to look for you there!
All events with links go to a Facebook Event. Please click on the link, RSVP and spread the word you'll be joining us! To view our complete parish calendar, click here.
Continuing Thursday, January 23rd at 10:00am (and continuing weekly)
At Messiah we generally offer two different weekly faith formation opportunities for adults. On Sunday mornings, Dr. Merle Longwood leads a wonderful in depth discussion group, but beginning on Thursday, January 9th at 10:00am in the Parish House, Pastor Dustin will lead a more "entry-level" discussion about the Bible, core Lutheran teachings and other aspects of our faith. In fact, we'll be using the same curriculum our confirmation students and their parents are experiencing every week, called colaborate. As our confirmation class is right smack in the middle of the Old Testament, we'll start right there along with them and then move into core Lutheran teachings as we journey into the spring. As there are study packets to be ordered, please let Pastor Dustin know if you're interested in attending! Coffee, as always, will be provided!
Community Meditation Hour
Beginning Thursday, January 23rd at 6:00pm (and continuing weekly)
Over the past few months we've heard a lot of positive feedback about our twice a month community meditation sessions in the sanctuary, but there has been indeed one criticism as well... scheduling has been difficult, and a couple times guests and members of our congregation have showed up for canceled sessions. Thus, beginning in January, Pastor Dustin will begin "curating" a meditation hour each and every single week on Thursdays at 6:00pm. While some weeks we'll continue using the same wonderful meditation we have for a number of months under lay leadership, other times Pastor Dustin will lead and borrow from various traditions and practices he's studied over the years. Think of this as SORT OF a second weekly worship service at Messiah... just mostly grounded in meditative prayer rather than a corporate spoken and sung liturgy. If you have any questions, suggestions or would like to lead a session, please speak with Pastor Dustin or our Worship & Music Ministry Team Chair Rianne Johnson.
MLK Soup Shabbat sponsored by Schenectady Clergy Against Hate
Friday, January 24th at 5:00pm
Congregation Gates of Heaven
852 Ashmore Avenue
Schenectady, NY 12309
Join our friends at Congregation Gates of Heaven and the congregations of Schenectady Clergy Against Hate for an annual MLK Community Soup Shabbat! Worship will begin at 5:00pm followed by dinner with a variety of hearty soups, crusty breads and desserts will be served at 6:00pm with the suggested donation for dinner being what you would pay to go out to eat. All proceeds with benefit Schenectady Community Ministries. At 7:00pm a community conversation will be held with Dr. Sarah Rogerson, a local Lutheran immigration rights lawyer and friend of Pastor Dustin's from Camp Calumet. RSVP by 1/17 to Kathy at klaws@cgoh.org or at 518.374.8173. Furthermore, if you'd like to make a soup for the event, please speak with Pastor Dustin!
Sunday of Prayer for Christian Unity
Sunday, January 26th at 10:30am
Trinity Reformed Church
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
For well over a century Christians around the world have spent late January in prayer for the reunification of Christ's Church and that all denominations might work closer together to build a better world. For our second annual recognition of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we'll certainly be doing our small part of bring Christ's church back together by worshiping with our neighbors at Trinity Reformed Church. We'll flip the script from our joint worship service in September, with Pastor Jonathan preaching and Pastor Dustin presiding over a joint Reformed/ Lutheran service. Folks at Trinity are well known for their hospitality, so get excited for a lovely reception after worship as well!
Messiah in Your Lifetime: A Conversation with Our Neighbors
Sunday, January 29th at 11:30am
Trinity Reformed Church
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Following the news that the cost estimate for our final master plan came in at over double what was expected (over $500,000), members present at our first conversation asked to schedule a meeting at Trinity Reformed with Pastor Jonathan as whatever we decide with our neighbors down the street will have major implications for the future of our building as well. Given that there are no week nights available before our Annual Meeting, we just decided to host a conversation following our joint worship service. Please join us friends!
First Communion Class 2020
Beginning Sunday, January 26th at 12:00pm
We'll welcome at least four of our young people to First Communion Class beginning Sunday, January 26th after worship at Holy Trinity using the ELCA's new "A Place for You" curriculum. From Daniel Erlander, the curriculum includes three fun and kid friendly hour-long lessons. The schedule will be as follows with a parent or guardian expected to join their child:
- Sunday, January 26th after worship: Class #1
- Sunday, February 9th after worship: Class #2
- Sunday, February 16th after worship: Class #3
- Transfiguration Sunday, February 23rd at 10:15a: Rite of First Communion with reception to follow.
Candlemas Service of Holy Communion
Sunday, February 2nd at 10:15am
Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, is an ancient Christian tradition that marks the end of the Christmas -Epiphany season (many used to keep up their Christmas trees until this time). Held during the darkest, coldest part of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the tradition of Candlemas includes a blessing of candles to be taken home as reminder of the returning light. Especially as so many of us struggle with seasonal depression this time of year, be sure to join us in a joyful service that looks forward to brighter days and gives thanks for the Light of Christ!
Souper Bowl of Caring
Sunday, February 2rd at 10:15am
Super Bowl 54 is rapidly approaching and our confirmation students are once again gearing up to support Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM)'s annual “Souper” Bowl Collection! 100% percent of monies and canned goods raised from this drive will be used to help the SiCM Emergency Food Pantry. Especially given SiCM's recent near unanimous vote to become an interfaith organization, a push that started here at Messiah, it's more important than ever that we support our local coalition of faith communities! Confirmation students will lead a very special children's sermon skit related to hunger and then will be collecting funds in soup pots in the back of the sanctuary before worship and during our Annual Meeting of the Congregation so be sure to contribute to worthy cause! Last year we raised $363 dollars so if we can up that to $400 this year, our confirmation students will once again get to dump a big cooler water on the head of everyone's favorite "coach" on life, Pastor Dustin. Please take part in this important way we work with other local faith communities to serve the needy folks throughout Schenectady County!
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
Sunday, February 2nd at 11:30am
So without a doubt this will be a major, historic meeting in the life of our congregation, and we really need everyone present! Following worship in addition to electing new council members, receiving our regular reports and adopting an annual budget, our congregation will be called to make major decisions in three areas that will affect Messiah for years to come. First, we'll be adopting the second half our Strategic Plan: 2020 - 2025, that will build on our Vision, Values and Purpose and articulate general long term goals and specific objectives. We'll then be adopting a revised Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of Messiah Lutheran Church that will reflect the restructuring of our many committees into five core ministry teams that meet briefly together and then break out into small groups. Finally, and perhaps most notably, we'll discuss (and perhaps vote) on a set of proposed resolutions to move us towards a final plan to make our building accessible and welcoming to all. Options range from conducting a more limited campaign than the $500K project proposed by our architect this past month to moving our primary worship space to Trinity Reformed's already accessible building and bunch of options in between. After the meeting a light brunch will take place in the Fellowship Hall with food provided by our Congregation Council, so please RSVP on the narthex bulletin board! If you have any questions, please speak with Pastor Dustin or President Pete Jones.
Help a Homeless Pet Bake Sale
Sunday, February 9th after worship
Please help the Sunday School program raise money for the Schoharie Shelter and Whiskers by purchasing baked goods on February 9th. Bakers are needed for this event. If you have any questions, please speak with Cheryl Borski.
New York State Council of Churches Ecumenical Advocacy Day
Wednesday, February 12th at 9:30am to 4:00pm
Emmanuel Baptist Church Of Albany
275 State Street in Albany, New York
Are you interested in connecting your faith to issues of social justice and building a more equitable society? Join people of faith across New York State, representatives of the New York State Council of Churches and other secular and religious partners in Albany this February! We will begin the day long event with spiritual grounding, followed by basic advocacy training, workshops on issues including care for creation, immigration, criminal justice reform and poverty alleviation and then finally visits to the offices of our elected officials. The cost of the event including lunch and refreshments is $30.00 and Messiah can help defer costs for our members if needed. To register simply go to the New York State Council of Churches website, click here or speak with Pastor Dustin.
2020 Confirmation Retreat Winter Weekend
Friday, February 14th at 8:00pm - Sunday, February 16th at 12:00pm
Join middle school Lutheran youth from across the Hudson Mohawk Conference for an awesome winter weekend of fun and faith at Camp Fowler! Pastor Dustin and Kristen Olochnowicz are planning the schedule with Pastor Deron from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church planning the food! Activities will include fun outdoor activities like snowshoeing, sledding, a service project and more! Cost is now only $25 per youth with scholarships available! All confirmation students are strongly encouraged to attend... it's a key part of our confirmation program to spend a weekend together every year! All RSVPs are due by January 20th. If you have any questions please reach out to Rev. Dustin Wright at pastor@messiahschenectady.org.
WELCA Program Meeting: Joan Nicole Prince Home
Tuesday, February 18th at 7:00pm
Join the women of Messiah as they welcome representatives from the Joan Nicole Prince Home, a local nonprofit home that is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, caring residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home during their final days. From discussing how the home operates, to how individuals can help out, navigating loss, and how to support a terminally ill loved one, this night is an important aspect of Messiah's renewed focus on supporting the emotional and spiritual needs of Messiah's members and their families. Please join us – this event is open to all, not just women!
Sunday of the Transfiguration
Sunday, February 23rd at 10:15am
As has become a tradition at Messiah, we spend Transfiguration Sunday, the last Sunday before Lent, celebrating and supporting our young people who are taking their First Communion. Following worship will be a very special reception and be sure pray for our young people as they prepare for this important day in their life of faith!
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Tuesday, February 25th from 5:00 -7:00pm
Messiah will once again continue one of our most cherished traditions, the Shrove Tuesday Eve Pancake Supper. Join us for the traditional celebratory meal of pancakes and sausages cooked up by our awesome Kitchen Committee! Check out the bulletin board in the narthex to sign-up or sign up online on Realm and please bring pancake mix, syrup or pre-cooked sausage links if you’re able. Whatever is leftover will be contributed to our Bread of Life Food Pantry. As part of our annual tradition, Pastor Dustin will burn last year’s palms from Palm Sunday to prepare ashes for the following day at about 7:00pm outside by the fire pit, and he’d love for you to join him as we prepare for the Lenten fast.
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 26th
7:30am - 11:00am at the Jay Street Pedestrian Mall
12:00pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
7:00pm at Messiah Lutheran Church
Pastor Dustin, Pastor Deron (and now Pastor Dan from Our Redeemer!) will once again be down at the Jay Street Pedestrian Mall in Schenectady giving out ashes and a short blessing for folks on their way to work. We’ll also hold our joint noontime service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 547 Saratoga Rd, Schenectady, NY 12302 with Pastor Dustin preaching and Pastor Deron presiding. A simple lunch of soup and bread hosted by the people of Good Shepherd will follow. Our primary Ash Wednesday Vespers service will take place at 7:00pm back at Messiah. Ash Wednesday is one of the best opportunities of the year to get out there and share the good news of Christ, so be sure to share our Ashes to Go and our Ash Wednesday Vespers events on Facebook with friends, neighbors and other loved ones!
The Vagina Monologues at Proctors
Friday, February 28th at 7:00pm
Proctors Theatre
432 State Street in Schenectady, New York
We know, we know... it's hard to get past the name! That said, since it debuted on Broadway over twenty two years ago, the Vagina Monologues have been raising awareness about important topics that affect women everywhere, from body image issues, sexual harassment, reproductivity issues and more. Individual stories are told by a cast that will include many well-known faces from across the Capital Region and all proceeds from the event will benefit the YWCA of Northeastern New York, an organization in Schenectady that serves nearly 4,000 women and families each year with comprehensive support services which include a domestic violence hotline, shelter, counseling, advocacy, and more! While this event is sponsored by Messiah's Young Adult Group, all are invited to attend. Tickets are $35 each but the cost can be subsidized if needed. Tickets are general admission and can be purchased at www.proctors.org. Just let Pastor Dustin know to look for you there!
All events with links go to a Facebook Event. Please click on the link, RSVP and spread the word you'll be joining us! To view our complete parish calendar, click here.