PARISH EVENTS
Children's Faith Formation: Whirl!
Continuing Sunday, September 15th at 9:00am
And we're back at it! Faith formation for pre and elementary school aged children during the program year at Messiah Lutheran Church uses the Whirl! curriculum which explores a theme of the day based on the texts we hear later in worship in a fun, age appropriate sort of way. Children first gather in the sanctuary for meditative minute with Ms. Kristen (we're taking a break from the singing this year) before heading off with one of four specific age groups for a short video, discussion and activity. If you have any questions or would like to register your child, please speak with Sunday School Superintendent Cheryl Borski. We're also still looking for assistant leaders!
Middle & High School Youth Faith Formation
Continuing Sunday, September 15th at 9:00am
Our high schoolers are SO over programmed these days, so that's why on Sunday morning we provide a mellow time for our young people to simply hang out and talk about whatever issues they're facing in everyday life. The Breakfast Club, comprised of our high school aged youth and led by Ms. Tammi will now meet separately from an as yet to be named new group of middle schoolers led by Ms. Betsy. If you have any questions or know a youth who would like to join, please speak with Tammi or Betsy!
Adult Faith Formation: Meeting Jesus for the First Time
Continuing Sunday, September 15th at 9:00am
Join Dr. Merle Longwood this fall for a series of conversations grounded in Marcus Borg's classic book Meeting Jesus for the First Time. Borg, who began life as a pious Lutheran in North Dakota, earned his doctorate in New Testament from Oxford and concluded his career as a Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University, explores who the historical Jesus likely was and how this can inform our personal faith. Books will be purchased second hand at a discount with the cost being roughly $5. If you have any questions, or would like a copy before the course begins, please speak with Merle!
Welcome to Confirmation
Sunday, September 15th at 10:15am
Two years ago we started a new tradition at Messiah... blessing our incoming group of students as they begin confirmation class, presenting them with their first adult Bibles and pairing them with a church elder to help mentor them through the process. This time around, and intentionally scheduled near Grandparent's Day, we'll be expanding this very special Service of Holy Communion to also recognize the many seniors in our congregation who continue to mentor and guide so many of us. We have eight new young people preparing to begin confirmation and so many of our seniors to recognize, so please join us for this very important service!
Annual Worship Leader Training
Sunday, September 15th at 11:30am
Immediately after worship we'll hold our annual worship leader training for new and returning worship assistants! This past winter's first communion class participants are eligible to become acolytes, our incoming confirmation class students are eligible to become crucifers and our soon to be confirmands are eligible to become assisting ministers! We're also looking for new lectors, greeters, ushers, bread bakers, cantors, choir members, nursery leaders, tech czars and altar guild members! It's a new goal at Messiah to have everyone who's able to serve in some worship leader role, so sign up on the narthex Worship & Music Board or on Realm in order to make sure we have enough trainers available for everyone! If you have any questions, please speak with Pastor Dustin. Worship is the work of a whole community... be a part of it!
2021 ELCA Youth Gathering Meetup
Sunday, September 15th at 4:30pm
The 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis is well over a year away but us Schenectady area Lutherans ought to start getting to know each other! Join the youth, pastors and families of Good Shepherd, Our Redeemer and Messiah for a potluck dinner, fun and early info about the gathering! The gathering is open to all youth who are about to enter high school or have just graduated in the summer of 2021. Please RSVP on Facebook and mention what potluck dish your household might bring in the comments section to assist in planning!
Confirmation Class: colaborate!
Continuing Sunday, September 15th at 6:00pm
Here we go again! In addition to our eight current confirmation students who will become full adult members of our congregation this November we'll also be welcoming six more young people and their parent/guardians in our next confirmation group! We'll begin with our outgoing confirmation students sharing with the incoming group about how to make the most out of this important faith formation experience and developing a learning covenant as a group. In subsequent weeks we'll begin studying the Old Testament with the support of our outgoing students until they are confirmed on November 17th! If you know a middle schooler who might appreciate learning more about his/her/their faith, please speak with Pastor Dustin! Also, by the way, if you're someone a bit older who would like to learn more about the Old Testament, youth at heart are welcome to join us as well!
WELCA Presents "Priced Out"
Tuesday, September 17th at 7:00pm
You might have heard the term, "gentrification," but might not know what it means or how it applies to you. Well, this is the night to find out! Over the last twenty or so years, many urban areas have experienced an unprecedented influx of redevelopment dollars and wealthy folks moving back from the suburbs. While this process, called gentrification, can be wonderful for many residents, all those artisanal pie shops and micro-breweries on the sites of formerly abandoned warehouses often price out impoverished communities and communities of color. Additionally, inner suburban areas (like Rotterdam) often serve as "displacement zones" for residents priced out from urban cores, a pattern that often leads to misunderstanding and animosity across racial and economic lines. Now that gentrification has come to Schenectady, how can we can make sure that redevelopment happens in an equitable manner? And as Rotterdam continues to change, how can we get ahead of the problems brought on by gentrification and make sure our town is a place where all feel welcome? Join the women of Messiah Lutheran Church for a screening of "Priced Out," a film that explores how Portland, Oregon experienced gentrification. Following the film Pastor Dustin, along with other community leaders, will host a conversation on how we are experiencing similar dynamics in our own neighborhood. The event is free and open to all and refreshments will be provided.
Coffee Club III: Dialogues on Human Sexuality
Continuing Wednesday, September 18th at 10:00am
Gosh... we've talked about how our faith affects our understanding of some pretty controversial topics at Messiah in recent years... from race to economics, immigration to climate change, we've generally been able to provide faithful spaces on the moral issues of the day! Outside of our Reconciling in Christ process a few years ago however, we've never had frank conversations about a big one... sex, but we're changing that this fall! Using a new series from the ELCA meant to "transform conflict into community" called Dialogues On..., we'll tackle a wide variety of topics from sexism to marriage to transgender issues. A faithful and healthy understanding of human sexuality affects so much, from our own personal lives to how we raise our children to the standards we have for our leaders, so please join this important conversation! A $15 contribution is encouraged to defer book costs, although certainly not required!
Youth Group Meeting
Sunday, September 22nd at 11:30am
We're trying something new this year! All of our older youth are invited to hang out after church, have an awesome lunch together, elect leaders of our new youth group and begin brainstorming about new types of events and ministries they'd like to see at Messiah. During this convo they'll also interview some of our more senior members about old times as we begin to plan our 2019 Christmas Programme: "Back to the Future!" If you have any questions, please speak with Cheryl Borski and RSVP on Realm or on the Fellowship Board in the Narthex.
Coffeehouse with Mr. Doug
Sunday, September 22nd at 7:00pm
Join us on Sunday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. for an evening of fabulous songs performed by our very own Mr. Doug on the piano and featuring the vocal stylings of Kevin Green. You may hear music by Frank Sinatra, Elton John, The Beatles and many other artists, however no matter what song is performed, you are certainly in for a treat. Refreshments will be served and a free will offering will be collected. Please RSVP on Realm or on the Worship & Music Board in the Narthex.
"Take this Bread" Monthly Book Club
Wednesday, September 25th at 11:00am
Join our monthly book club for our first meeting of the 2019 - 2020 program year! Recommended by Judy Becker, "Take this Bread" is the story of Sara Miles, an atheist who wandered into a church, received communion, and found herself transformed–embracing a faith she’d once scorned. A lesbian left-wing journalist who’d covered revolutions around the world, Miles didn’t discover a religion that was about angels or good behavior or piety; her faith centered on real hunger, real food, and real bodies. Before long, she turned the bread she ate at communion into tons of groceries, piled on the church’s altar to be given away. Within a few years, she and the people she served had started nearly a dozen food pantries in the poorest parts of their city! A few copies are available but attenders are encouraged to order their own books. If you have any questions, please speak with Faith Formation Chair Ibrahím Pedriñan! You can sign up on Realm to help give us an idea of how many people will be showing up, but it's not mandatory!
Community Meditation Hour
Thursdays every other week at 6:00pm continuing September 26th
As an experiment a few months back we held a community meditation hour where folks gathered together, participated in a beautiful guided meditation session and then just spent time quietly talking about their week together. With such a positive response, we've decided to begin holding community meditation hours every other week before choir practice. Sessions will often be led by Steve Friebel using a wonderful meditation from Al-Anon, but Pastor Dustin and others may often lead the sessions as well. If you have any questions please speak with Pastor Dustin or Steve Friebel.
T-Shirt Bag Workshop
Saturday, September 28th from 10:00am to 2:00pm
The Food Pantry uses plastic bags to pack our guests’ groceries. Soon those bags will be no longer available. Therefore, we are looking for other possibilities. A while ago, WELCA made bags out of old Tee shirts and our guests loved them. So, we are asking the congregation to please save your old tee shirts (clean and with nothing offensive on them) and we are going to get together to make the bags. No sewing required, only cutting. (Even Pastor has made one!). Tee shirts can be any size and there will be a bin in the Narthex to put them in. Bring scissors if you have them, and your lunch. Dessert and beverage will be provided. All are welcome.
Tackling the Climate Crisis in New York State
Tuesday, October 1st at 7:00pm
The effects of climate change have become increasingly apparent in recent years, but how can we address this crisis while also protecting workers and sustainably developing communities? Join us for a community forum to discuss what's going on at the state level in New York to answer these difficult questions with the Rev. Peter Cook, Executive Director of the New York State Council of Churches, Mark Dunlea of Green Education and Legal Fund and Bob Cohen of Citizen Action of New York. From the recently passed Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to ongoing proposals to divest the New York State Pension Fund from fossil fuel companies, there's a great deal of confusion and disagreement in our community about initiatives that will likely affect every single New Yorker in the upcoming years. We may not all come out of this forum entirely agreeing on how to move forward, but that's not the point! Rather, as a Spirit filled congregation, we're seeking to provide a space for our members, friends and neighbors to discuss these important issues in a faithful way and hopefully all learn from one another. If you have any questions please speak with Creation Care Chair Kären Telfeyan or Merle Longwood. Please RSVP either on Realm or on the Social Action Board in the narthex!
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 6th at 5:00pm
Calling all dogs, cats, fish, turtles, lizards (with leashes and their owners, of course!) to our fourth annual Blessing of the Animals Service! Set near the commemoration day for Saint Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint for animals, this brief, fun and contemporary service will be a great way to celebrate all those pets who provide so much joy and support in our lives. Worship will be weather permitting, held outside. Messiah's own Parish Dog, Willard Excelsior Bear, will serve alongside Pastor Dustin as Assisting Minister as we gather together to conclude the Season of Creation!
Harvest Family Retreat Weekend
Friday, October 11th - Monday, October 14th
Camp Calumet Lutheran
Freedom, New Hampshire
Come see what all the fuss is about! Pastor Dustin was recently invited to serve as chaplain for Camp Calumet's Harvest Weekend (which takes place over the Columbus/ Indigenous People Day holiday) and we'd love to invite members of the congregation along! The schedule isn't entirely finalized yet, but the weekend will include lovely fall activities like apple picking, hiking, pumpkin carving, broom ball, campfires and a cozy Sunday morning worship service in the Lakeside Dining Hall on the shores of the beautiful three mile long Lake Ossipee! Depending on the type of lodging you'd prefer and the size of your family, cost per person is roughly $125 which covers three nights of heated cabin lodging, all meals and programming. Cheaper options including camping are also possible and some financial assistance may also be available upon request to Pastor Dustin. Come join us for an amazing fall weekend in New England! Please indicate interest and type of lodging preferred on the narthex Fellowship Board!
Bread for the World Sunday
Sunday, October 13th at 10:15am
Bread for the World Sunday is an opportunity for Messiah to join with other people of faith — in thousands of churches across the country — in living out God's vision of a world without hunger. Through our prayers for an end to hunger and letters to our nation's leaders we can give bold witness to God's justice and mercy in the world. Worship will include special prayers lifting up our hungry neighbors and we'll take a special offering of non perishable goods for our Bread of Life Food Pantry. After worship we’ll gather together to write our elected leaders about improving government policies towards ending the scourge of hunger in our nation once and for all.
"Dear Church" Monthly Book Club
Tuesday, October 15th at 7:00pm
Author Lenny Duncan is the unlikeliest of pastors. Formerly incarcerated, he is now a black preacher in the whitest denomination in the United States: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ours). Shifting demographics and shrinking congregations make all the headlines, but Duncan sees something else at work—drawing a direct line between the church's lack of diversity and the church's lack of vitality. The problems the ELCA faces are theological, not sociological. But so are the answers. Part manifesto, part confession, and all love letter, Dear Church offers a bold new vision for the future of our denomination and the broader mainline Christian community of faith. Dear Church rejects the narrative of church decline and calls everyone—leaders and laity alike—to the front lines of the church’s renewal through racial equality and justice. A few copies are available but attenders are encouraged to order their own books. If you have any questions, please speak with Faith Formation Chair Ibrahím Pedriñan! You can sign up on Realm to help give us an idea of how many people will be showing up, but it's not mandatory!
Healing Service of Holy Communion
Sunday, October 20th at 10:15am
Building off the ancient Christian rituals of prayer, the laying on of hands and anointing, Healing Sunday is a time ever year at Messiah around the commemoration day of Saint Luke the Physician where folks in need of God’s healing in any aspect of their lives can be reminded that they are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Join us for a brief Order of Healing with Pastor Dustin and our deacons… all in the community are invited to join us!
Double M Haunted Hayride Youth Event
Sunday, October 20th at 6:45pm
Join Messiah’s middle and high school youth for a frightfully awesome night at our classic annual trip to the Double M Haunted Hayride! Check into the “dangerously insane” Last Inn! Watch the freaky side show known as the Schadenfreude Circus! Escape a zombie apocalypse! All for the cost of only $10 per participant! Parents and friends are invited to attend as well! Just RSVP on the Fellowship board or on Realm by October 13th!
Fall 2019 New Member Class
Sunday, November 10th following worship
Have you been attending Messiah for a while now and beginning to think about taking the next step in your faith journey? Well talk with Pastor Dustin asap because enrollment in our Fall 2019 New Member Class has begun! The class takes place on Sunday, November 10th as we use the promises one makes in baptism to learn about both our faith and how Messiah works. New member households are then paired with a sponsor family and we all gather together for our New Member Dinner on Wednesday, November 20th. New members will then be welcomed into our Spirit filled community on Christ the King Sunday, November 24th. We'd love for you to officially be a part of our Spirit filled congregation grounded in Jesus Christ!
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 Sunday, September 15th at 9:00am
And we're back at it! Faith formation for pre and elementary school aged children during the program year at Messiah Lutheran Church uses the Whirl! curriculum which explores a theme of the day based on the texts we hear later in worship in a fun, age appropriate sort of way. Children first gather in the sanctuary for meditative minute with Ms. Kristen (we're taking a break from the singing this year) before heading off with one of four specific age groups for a short video, discussion and activity. If you have any questions or would like to register your child, please speak with Sunday School Superintendent Cheryl Borski. We're also still looking for assistant leaders!
Middle & High School Youth Faith Formation
Continuing Sunday, September 15th at 9:00am
Our high schoolers are SO over programmed these days, so that's why on Sunday morning we provide a mellow time for our young people to simply hang out and talk about whatever issues they're facing in everyday life. The Breakfast Club, comprised of our high school aged youth and led by Ms. Tammi will now meet separately from an as yet to be named new group of middle schoolers led by Ms. Betsy. If you have any questions or know a youth who would like to join, please speak with Tammi or Betsy!
Adult Faith Formation: Meeting Jesus for the First Time
Continuing Sunday, September 15th at 9:00am
Join Dr. Merle Longwood this fall for a series of conversations grounded in Marcus Borg's classic book Meeting Jesus for the First Time. Borg, who began life as a pious Lutheran in North Dakota, earned his doctorate in New Testament from Oxford and concluded his career as a Distinguished Professor of Religion and Culture at Oregon State University, explores who the historical Jesus likely was and how this can inform our personal faith. Books will be purchased second hand at a discount with the cost being roughly $5. If you have any questions, or would like a copy before the course begins, please speak with Merle!
Welcome to Confirmation
Sunday, September 15th at 10:15am
Two years ago we started a new tradition at Messiah... blessing our incoming group of students as they begin confirmation class, presenting them with their first adult Bibles and pairing them with a church elder to help mentor them through the process. This time around, and intentionally scheduled near Grandparent's Day, we'll be expanding this very special Service of Holy Communion to also recognize the many seniors in our congregation who continue to mentor and guide so many of us. We have eight new young people preparing to begin confirmation and so many of our seniors to recognize, so please join us for this very important service!
Annual Worship Leader Training
Sunday, September 15th at 11:30am
Immediately after worship we'll hold our annual worship leader training for new and returning worship assistants! This past winter's first communion class participants are eligible to become acolytes, our incoming confirmation class students are eligible to become crucifers and our soon to be confirmands are eligible to become assisting ministers! We're also looking for new lectors, greeters, ushers, bread bakers, cantors, choir members, nursery leaders, tech czars and altar guild members! It's a new goal at Messiah to have everyone who's able to serve in some worship leader role, so sign up on the narthex Worship & Music Board or on Realm in order to make sure we have enough trainers available for everyone! If you have any questions, please speak with Pastor Dustin. Worship is the work of a whole community... be a part of it!
2021 ELCA Youth Gathering Meetup
Sunday, September 15th at 4:30pm
The 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis is well over a year away but us Schenectady area Lutherans ought to start getting to know each other! Join the youth, pastors and families of Good Shepherd, Our Redeemer and Messiah for a potluck dinner, fun and early info about the gathering! The gathering is open to all youth who are about to enter high school or have just graduated in the summer of 2021. Please RSVP on Facebook and mention what potluck dish your household might bring in the comments section to assist in planning!
Confirmation Class: colaborate!
Continuing Sunday, September 15th at 6:00pm
Here we go again! In addition to our eight current confirmation students who will become full adult members of our congregation this November we'll also be welcoming six more young people and their parent/guardians in our next confirmation group! We'll begin with our outgoing confirmation students sharing with the incoming group about how to make the most out of this important faith formation experience and developing a learning covenant as a group. In subsequent weeks we'll begin studying the Old Testament with the support of our outgoing students until they are confirmed on November 17th! If you know a middle schooler who might appreciate learning more about his/her/their faith, please speak with Pastor Dustin! Also, by the way, if you're someone a bit older who would like to learn more about the Old Testament, youth at heart are welcome to join us as well!
WELCA Presents "Priced Out"
Tuesday, September 17th at 7:00pm
You might have heard the term, "gentrification," but might not know what it means or how it applies to you. Well, this is the night to find out! Over the last twenty or so years, many urban areas have experienced an unprecedented influx of redevelopment dollars and wealthy folks moving back from the suburbs. While this process, called gentrification, can be wonderful for many residents, all those artisanal pie shops and micro-breweries on the sites of formerly abandoned warehouses often price out impoverished communities and communities of color. Additionally, inner suburban areas (like Rotterdam) often serve as "displacement zones" for residents priced out from urban cores, a pattern that often leads to misunderstanding and animosity across racial and economic lines. Now that gentrification has come to Schenectady, how can we can make sure that redevelopment happens in an equitable manner? And as Rotterdam continues to change, how can we get ahead of the problems brought on by gentrification and make sure our town is a place where all feel welcome? Join the women of Messiah Lutheran Church for a screening of "Priced Out," a film that explores how Portland, Oregon experienced gentrification. Following the film Pastor Dustin, along with other community leaders, will host a conversation on how we are experiencing similar dynamics in our own neighborhood. The event is free and open to all and refreshments will be provided.
Coffee Club III: Dialogues on Human Sexuality
Continuing Wednesday, September 18th at 10:00am
Gosh... we've talked about how our faith affects our understanding of some pretty controversial topics at Messiah in recent years... from race to economics, immigration to climate change, we've generally been able to provide faithful spaces on the moral issues of the day! Outside of our Reconciling in Christ process a few years ago however, we've never had frank conversations about a big one... sex, but we're changing that this fall! Using a new series from the ELCA meant to "transform conflict into community" called Dialogues On..., we'll tackle a wide variety of topics from sexism to marriage to transgender issues. A faithful and healthy understanding of human sexuality affects so much, from our own personal lives to how we raise our children to the standards we have for our leaders, so please join this important conversation! A $15 contribution is encouraged to defer book costs, although certainly not required!
Youth Group Meeting
Sunday, September 22nd at 11:30am
We're trying something new this year! All of our older youth are invited to hang out after church, have an awesome lunch together, elect leaders of our new youth group and begin brainstorming about new types of events and ministries they'd like to see at Messiah. During this convo they'll also interview some of our more senior members about old times as we begin to plan our 2019 Christmas Programme: "Back to the Future!" If you have any questions, please speak with Cheryl Borski and RSVP on Realm or on the Fellowship Board in the Narthex.
Coffeehouse with Mr. Doug
Sunday, September 22nd at 7:00pm
Join us on Sunday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. for an evening of fabulous songs performed by our very own Mr. Doug on the piano and featuring the vocal stylings of Kevin Green. You may hear music by Frank Sinatra, Elton John, The Beatles and many other artists, however no matter what song is performed, you are certainly in for a treat. Refreshments will be served and a free will offering will be collected. Please RSVP on Realm or on the Worship & Music Board in the Narthex.
"Take this Bread" Monthly Book Club
Wednesday, September 25th at 11:00am
Join our monthly book club for our first meeting of the 2019 - 2020 program year! Recommended by Judy Becker, "Take this Bread" is the story of Sara Miles, an atheist who wandered into a church, received communion, and found herself transformed–embracing a faith she’d once scorned. A lesbian left-wing journalist who’d covered revolutions around the world, Miles didn’t discover a religion that was about angels or good behavior or piety; her faith centered on real hunger, real food, and real bodies. Before long, she turned the bread she ate at communion into tons of groceries, piled on the church’s altar to be given away. Within a few years, she and the people she served had started nearly a dozen food pantries in the poorest parts of their city! A few copies are available but attenders are encouraged to order their own books. If you have any questions, please speak with Faith Formation Chair Ibrahím Pedriñan! You can sign up on Realm to help give us an idea of how many people will be showing up, but it's not mandatory!
Community Meditation Hour
Thursdays every other week at 6:00pm continuing September 26th
As an experiment a few months back we held a community meditation hour where folks gathered together, participated in a beautiful guided meditation session and then just spent time quietly talking about their week together. With such a positive response, we've decided to begin holding community meditation hours every other week before choir practice. Sessions will often be led by Steve Friebel using a wonderful meditation from Al-Anon, but Pastor Dustin and others may often lead the sessions as well. If you have any questions please speak with Pastor Dustin or Steve Friebel.
T-Shirt Bag Workshop
Saturday, September 28th from 10:00am to 2:00pm
The Food Pantry uses plastic bags to pack our guests’ groceries. Soon those bags will be no longer available. Therefore, we are looking for other possibilities. A while ago, WELCA made bags out of old Tee shirts and our guests loved them. So, we are asking the congregation to please save your old tee shirts (clean and with nothing offensive on them) and we are going to get together to make the bags. No sewing required, only cutting. (Even Pastor has made one!). Tee shirts can be any size and there will be a bin in the Narthex to put them in. Bring scissors if you have them, and your lunch. Dessert and beverage will be provided. All are welcome.
Tackling the Climate Crisis in New York State
Tuesday, October 1st at 7:00pm
The effects of climate change have become increasingly apparent in recent years, but how can we address this crisis while also protecting workers and sustainably developing communities? Join us for a community forum to discuss what's going on at the state level in New York to answer these difficult questions with the Rev. Peter Cook, Executive Director of the New York State Council of Churches, Mark Dunlea of Green Education and Legal Fund and Bob Cohen of Citizen Action of New York. From the recently passed Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to ongoing proposals to divest the New York State Pension Fund from fossil fuel companies, there's a great deal of confusion and disagreement in our community about initiatives that will likely affect every single New Yorker in the upcoming years. We may not all come out of this forum entirely agreeing on how to move forward, but that's not the point! Rather, as a Spirit filled congregation, we're seeking to provide a space for our members, friends and neighbors to discuss these important issues in a faithful way and hopefully all learn from one another. If you have any questions please speak with Creation Care Chair Kären Telfeyan or Merle Longwood. Please RSVP either on Realm or on the Social Action Board in the narthex!
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 6th at 5:00pm
Calling all dogs, cats, fish, turtles, lizards (with leashes and their owners, of course!) to our fourth annual Blessing of the Animals Service! Set near the commemoration day for Saint Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint for animals, this brief, fun and contemporary service will be a great way to celebrate all those pets who provide so much joy and support in our lives. Worship will be weather permitting, held outside. Messiah's own Parish Dog, Willard Excelsior Bear, will serve alongside Pastor Dustin as Assisting Minister as we gather together to conclude the Season of Creation!
Harvest Family Retreat Weekend
Friday, October 11th - Monday, October 14th
Camp Calumet Lutheran
Freedom, New Hampshire
Come see what all the fuss is about! Pastor Dustin was recently invited to serve as chaplain for Camp Calumet's Harvest Weekend (which takes place over the Columbus/ Indigenous People Day holiday) and we'd love to invite members of the congregation along! The schedule isn't entirely finalized yet, but the weekend will include lovely fall activities like apple picking, hiking, pumpkin carving, broom ball, campfires and a cozy Sunday morning worship service in the Lakeside Dining Hall on the shores of the beautiful three mile long Lake Ossipee! Depending on the type of lodging you'd prefer and the size of your family, cost per person is roughly $125 which covers three nights of heated cabin lodging, all meals and programming. Cheaper options including camping are also possible and some financial assistance may also be available upon request to Pastor Dustin. Come join us for an amazing fall weekend in New England! Please indicate interest and type of lodging preferred on the narthex Fellowship Board!
Bread for the World Sunday
Sunday, October 13th at 10:15am
Bread for the World Sunday is an opportunity for Messiah to join with other people of faith — in thousands of churches across the country — in living out God's vision of a world without hunger. Through our prayers for an end to hunger and letters to our nation's leaders we can give bold witness to God's justice and mercy in the world. Worship will include special prayers lifting up our hungry neighbors and we'll take a special offering of non perishable goods for our Bread of Life Food Pantry. After worship we’ll gather together to write our elected leaders about improving government policies towards ending the scourge of hunger in our nation once and for all.
"Dear Church" Monthly Book Club
Tuesday, October 15th at 7:00pm
Author Lenny Duncan is the unlikeliest of pastors. Formerly incarcerated, he is now a black preacher in the whitest denomination in the United States: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ours). Shifting demographics and shrinking congregations make all the headlines, but Duncan sees something else at work—drawing a direct line between the church's lack of diversity and the church's lack of vitality. The problems the ELCA faces are theological, not sociological. But so are the answers. Part manifesto, part confession, and all love letter, Dear Church offers a bold new vision for the future of our denomination and the broader mainline Christian community of faith. Dear Church rejects the narrative of church decline and calls everyone—leaders and laity alike—to the front lines of the church’s renewal through racial equality and justice. A few copies are available but attenders are encouraged to order their own books. If you have any questions, please speak with Faith Formation Chair Ibrahím Pedriñan! You can sign up on Realm to help give us an idea of how many people will be showing up, but it's not mandatory!
Healing Service of Holy Communion
Sunday, October 20th at 10:15am
Building off the ancient Christian rituals of prayer, the laying on of hands and anointing, Healing Sunday is a time ever year at Messiah around the commemoration day of Saint Luke the Physician where folks in need of God’s healing in any aspect of their lives can be reminded that they are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever. Join us for a brief Order of Healing with Pastor Dustin and our deacons… all in the community are invited to join us!
Double M Haunted Hayride Youth Event
Sunday, October 20th at 6:45pm
Join Messiah’s middle and high school youth for a frightfully awesome night at our classic annual trip to the Double M Haunted Hayride! Check into the “dangerously insane” Last Inn! Watch the freaky side show known as the Schadenfreude Circus! Escape a zombie apocalypse! All for the cost of only $10 per participant! Parents and friends are invited to attend as well! Just RSVP on the Fellowship board or on Realm by October 13th!
Fall 2019 New Member Class
Sunday, November 10th following worship
Have you been attending Messiah for a while now and beginning to think about taking the next step in your faith journey? Well talk with Pastor Dustin asap because enrollment in our Fall 2019 New Member Class has begun! The class takes place on Sunday, November 10th as we use the promises one makes in baptism to learn about both our faith and how Messiah works. New member households are then paired with a sponsor family and we all gather together for our New Member Dinner on Wednesday, November 20th. New members will then be welcomed into our Spirit filled community on Christ the King Sunday, November 24th. We'd love for you to officially be a part of our Spirit filled congregation grounded in Jesus Christ!
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.