PARISH EVENTS
Music Festival to Benefit the Trinity Community Center & SafeHaven LGBTQ
Friday, September 17th at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Join us for a night of different types of music and community acts from throughout Schenectady County as our initial benefit concert to support the launch of the Trinity Community Center! Doors open at 6:00pm so the general public can tour the facility and the show itself starts at 7:00pm. Our goal for the night is to raise $5000 to be split between launch costs for the community center itself and SafeHaven LGBTQ+, Inc.'s Creative Media Lab, one of our first programs in the building. We now know our lineup, all performing family-friendly content! We'll begin the festival with a performance by local band Juicebox Plushie before hearing beautiful vocals from Richard Genest, owner of the Moon & River Cafe. Local drag performer Emily Cope will be the next act, followed by a vocal performance from Jenny Marie. Singer Terrence Frost will then take the stage, followed by a local youth named Markos playing guitar and singing. Star Thacher will provide another awesome drag performance before we round out the night with our headliner, Messiah's very own Kristen Olochnowicz accompanied by Douglas J. Chilton!!! Legacy Casanõva, Rev. Dustin Wright and Rev. Jonathan Vanderbeck will MC the event and a number of community members will testify to the importance of the space. Join us friends for a wonderful evening in support of a great cause! In accordance with current CDC guidelines, masking will be required of everyone indoors.
Fall 2021 Sunday Forum: "The Gospel and the Native American Religious Experience: Colonialism, Resistance and Liberation"
Sunday, September 19th at 8:45am
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81599070672
Having explored “colonialism” as the experience of Palestinians in our Adult Ed course, “Peace Not Walls: Justice in Palestine and Israel,” this past spring, those involved proposed to next explore "colonialism" in relation to indigenous people in North America. René Dunda-Martin in our congregation, who has lived experience and considerable wisdom related to this topic, recommended David Treuer's The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present (Riverhead Books, 2019) as a basic text.
Readings for this Sunday include:
1. David Treuer, "Prologue," The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee, 1-18.
2. "Lectures in History: Native American History" (1:16:21)
3. "Winona LaDuke feels that President Biden has betrayed Native Americans"
4. "Winona LaDuke (1959- )
5. Mark 1:15
Children's Sunday School: "In the Beginning"
Sunday, September 19th at 9:00am
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
After lots of conversation with our parents and our incredible Sunday School Leaders (chaired by Cheryl Borski), we're SO excited to offer in-person, outdoor (or masked if it's bad weather) Children's Sunday School this fall for all young people in our community pre-k through sixth grade. As we're not entirely sure where all our families are at, we'll be using a different version of our Whirl! curriculum this year called "All Kids," designed for kids of all ages to interact with one another and spend less time in seperate groups. Over two year's time, our children will have journeyed together chronologically through all major stories of both the Old and New Testaments! With many thanks to Emily and Krista Russo for offering to assist with Children's Sunday School this year, we'd also love more volunteer leaders! Please contact Cheryl Borski if you're interested or have any questions! Also, all children must be pre-registered for Children's Sunday School (and all youth programming at Messiah), by filling out our annual Child and Youth Registration Form found at https://form.jotform.com/Gpastor/mlcyouth. This week will focus on Genesis 1:1 - 2:4, the first of two creation stories in the Bible.
Mass for the Third Sunday of Creation
Sunday, September 19th at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Today we hear James warn against selfish ambition, while the disciples quarrel over which one of them is the greatest. Jesus tells them the way to be great is to serve. Then, to make it concrete, he puts in front of them a flesh-and-blood child. We are called to welcome the children God puts in front of us, to make room for them in daily interaction, and to give them a place of honor in the assembly. This is a perfect theme for a Sunday where we'll install our Sunday School teachers and pray for all teachers and students in the year ahead! It will also be the day where we officially launch our long awaited Capital Campaign! Pastor Johnathan will preach and Pastor Dustin will preside.
Community Confirmation Class: "Justification by Faith"
Sunday, September 19th at 6:00pm
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Supporting our youth in reconnecting in-person in a safe way is SO important, and that's exactly what we're planning on doing at Messiah! All 7th - 9th grade aged youth are invited to join Pastor Dustin for an hour of games and conversation that will use key Lutheran concepts to help us understand life in these unprecedented times. Classes will be outdoors as long as the weather allows and indoors with masks otherwise. All youth must be pre-registered for Community Confirmation Class (and all youth programming at Messiah), by filling out our annual Child and Youth Registration Form found at https://form.jotform.com/Gpastor/mlcyouth. Tonight's class will be on the idea of "justification by faith," the idea that God loves us NO MATTER WHAT! Pastor Jonathan will also be on hand to discuss this concept from a mental health perspective as well!
Community Crafting Mondays
Monday, September 20th from 1:00p - 3:00p
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Looking to build some community with like-minded folks after such a difficult year? Come stop by our Community Crafting Mondays hosted at Messiah Lutheran Church. From knitting, crocheting, painting, hand sewing to making all sorts of community projects, our Community Crafting Mondays has it all! Most importantly, it's just a friendly place to learn from and talk with one another. If you're interested or have any questions, contact Leora at 518.384.0047!
Compline for the Feast of Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
Tuesday, September 21st at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Tax collectors were agents of the oppressive empire, and they also had a reputation for extorting more than they had to collect. Jesus’ calling Matthew to follow him showed that Jesus not only associated with “bad guys,” he welcomed them into his inner circle. His sharing a meal with Matthew and other tax collectors and “sinners” was an enacted parable of the mercy of God. The meal we share at Jesus’ table is to be such a parable too. Join Pastor Dustin online for a brief time of prayer and contemplation at the close of the day!
Community Meditation and Prayer
Thursday, September 23rd at 6:30pm
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/92437622756
From a Christian perspective, meditation is a powerful form of prayer that allows us to slow down our own minds and anxieties in order to hear how God might be speaking to us. Contemporary psychology, albeit using different words, agrees! Many studies have show meditation and other forms of regular mindfulness training can lead to lower stress, improved sleep and better focus, amongst other benefits. As COVID conditions allow, this fall we'll bump our weekly meditation session to 6:30pm and host the event hybridly from Messiah's sanctuary. Join us friends as we gather in prayer and meditation together!
Community Produce Pantry
Friday, September 24th from 4:30 - 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Messiah Lutheran Church has taken the lead on a free produce distribution from our new Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road, every Friday from 4:30-6 PM. This weekly distribution will take place outside with drive-up service available. No ID, paperwork, or pre-registering required!
Children's Sunday School: "God's Covenant with Noah"
Sunday, September 26th at 9:00am
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Using a new Whirl! curriculum called "All Kids," designed for kids of all ages to interact with one another and spend less time in seperate groups, we hope you and your pre-k through sixth grade children will join Ms. Cheryl Borski, Pastor Dustin and the rest of an awesome team of Sunday School Leaders for the in-person, outdoor (or masked) return of Children's Sunday School! This week will focus on Genesis 6–9, God's covenant with Noah.
Craft Sale to Benefit our Capital Campaign
Beginning Sunday, September 26th at 10:00am & 11:30am
As we launch our historic Capital Appeal Campaign to raise the necessary funds to make our Worship Center fully accessible to all God's children, our Community Crafting Group wants to support our critical work! That's why every Sunday during the campaign (both before and after worship) our crafters will be on hand raffling and auctioning off a wide variety of incredible crafts with all proceeds going toward the campaign! All the incredible work of our crafters will make WONDERFUL Christmas gifts and more, so be sure to visit their table in the narthex!
Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Creation
Sunday, September 26th at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Someone who isn’t part of Jesus’ own circle is casting out demons in Jesus’ name, and the disciples want him stopped. They appeal to Jesus, as Joshua did to Moses about the elders who prophesied without official authorization. Like Moses, Jesus refuses to see this as a threat. Jesus welcomes good being done in his name, even when it is not under his control. The circle we form around Jesus’ word must be able to value good being done in ways we wouldn’t do it, by people we can’t keep tabs on. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside.
Community Confirmation Class: "The Cross"
Sunday, September 26th at 6:00pm
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
All 7th - 9th grade aged youth are invited to join Pastor Dustin for an hour of games and conversation that will use key Lutheran concepts to help us understand life in these unprecedented times. Classes will be outdoors as long as the weather allows and indoors with masks otherwise. Tonight's class will be about the Lutheran understanding of the cross and how it sets us free from thinking we can be perfect as human beings.
Autumn Zentangle with Russell McDonald, CZT
Monday, September 27th at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/8753963537
As a continuation of Messiah's new Arts & Culture Ministry, join our very own Russell McDonald, Certified Zentangle Teacher, for our community drawing night using the Zentangle Method! Zentangle is a way to use drawing that helps us relax, focus, expand our imaginations, respond confidently to the unexpected and feel gratitude and appreciation for this beautiful world and all that we can do! This will be a hybrid virtual/ in-person event broadcast from our new Trinity Community Center's Fellowship Hall. All participants will need at home is a pen, a pencil, a qtip and a clean sheet of paper and for those in-person, materials will be provided for the first few sessions. If you're stressed, looking to learn a new skill or just to connect with others this summer, Zentangle is for you! If you can't join us in person, definitely join us on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/8753963537 with password StaySober.
Compline for the Feast of Michael and All Angels
Wednesday, September 29th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
The archangel Michael is pictured as a prince and a general of the heavenly army, defeating the dragon (the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan). It is important, though, to see in Revelation 12:11 that God’s victory ultimately comes by Jesus’ death and the testimony of his followers. The power of God’s truth gives us confidence in the face of evil on earth, even in the face of our own death. Join Pastor Dustin online for a brief time of prayer and contemplation at the close of the day!
Children's Sunday School: "Abraham and Sarah"
Sunday, October 3rd at 9:00am
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Using a new Whirl! curriculum called "All Kids," designed for kids of all ages to interact with one another and spend less time in seperate groups, we hope you and your pre-k through sixth grade children will join Ms. Cheryl Borski, Pastor Dustin and the rest of an awesome team of Sunday School Leaders for the in-person, outdoor (or masked) return of Children's Sunday School! This week will focus on Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; 17:1-7, 15-16; 18:1-15; 21:1-7, the story of Abraham and Sarah.
Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Creation
Sunday, October 3rd at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Today’s gospel combines a saying that makes many of us uncomfortable with a story we find comforting. Jesus’ saying on divorce is another of his rejections of human legislation in favor of the original intent of God’s law. Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples who are fending off the children should challenge us as well. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a child does? Pastor Dustin will preach and preside.
Come to the Water: A Virtual Course on Baptism
Sunday, October 3rd, 17th & 24th at 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88043779667
Gosh... we have A BUNCH of babies, youth and adults thinking about being baptized at Messiah. As a way of beginning to connect folks together, Pastor Dustin will lead a three session group intergenerational discussion for folks of all ages interested in being baptized in the coming months (and their families) using a resource called Come to the Water from Sparkhouse. The first session will be on psychology and faith, the second on the history of baptism, and the third on baptism as a gift and a calling. RSVPs are required! Please complete our online Enrollment Form by Sunday, September 19th to reserve a spot: https://form.jotform.com/212434794878066.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 3rd at 5:00pm
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Calling all dogs, cats, fish, turtles, lizards (with leashes and their owners, of course!) to our now sixth 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. Michael Mitchell and his infamous therapy dog Lilly will join us as Assisting Ministers as we gather together to conclude the Season of Creation!
Community Confirmation Class: "Law & Gospel"
Sunday, October 3rd at 6:00pm
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
All 7th - 9th grade aged youth are invited to join Pastor Dustin for an hour of games and conversation that will use key Lutheran concepts to help us understand life in these unprecedented times. Classes will be outdoors as long as the weather allows and indoors with masks otherwise. Tonight's class will be about the Lutheran understanding of how to read the Bible, a concept called "Law & Gospel."
Worship & Music Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, October 5th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/96341841016
Interested in helping our faith community figure out how we'll continue to ground ourselves in the Way of Jesus each and every Sunday? Join our Worship & Music Ministry Team! In addition to planning for regular Sunday services, this group also coordinates our Choir, our Altar Guild/ Sanctuary Prep, our Meditation & Prayer ministries! Of primary interest in tonight's conversation will include updates on a new Minister of Music and planning our liturgies from All Saints Sunday to Advent and Christmas! The team meets (almost) every month, usually on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm. The link for tonight's meeting is https://zoom.us/j/96341841016.
Mass for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, October 10th at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
The rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark’s gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other. Pastor Jonathan will preach and preside.
Social Action Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, October 12th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/91568452071
This is by far our most active ministry team at Messiah! Our Social Action Ministry Team is the space through which we discern all the ways we're called to serve our neighbors following the Way of Jesus Christ! We do this in a wide variety ways, through our Social Justice, Creation Care, Community Service, our work with Schenectady Community Ministries, the Bread of Life Food Pantry ministries and more! The top priorities for discussion in this upcoming meeting include plans for more fully utilizing our Trinity Community Center and planning Thanksgiving Basket Making, #HelpPortrait Schenectady, and other upcoming service events. Our ministry team meets quarterly. The link for tonight's meeting is https://zoom.us/j/91568452071.
Children's Sunday School: "Rebekah and Isaac"
Sunday, October 17th at 9:00am
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Using a new Whirl! curriculum called "All Kids," designed for kids of all ages to interact with one another and spend less time in seperate groups, we hope you and your pre-k through sixth grade children will join Ms. Cheryl Borski, Pastor Dustin and the rest of an awesome team of Sunday School Leaders for the in-person, outdoor (or masked) return of Children's Sunday School! This week will focus on Genesis 24 and the story of Rebekah and Isaac.
Community Confirmation Class: "Saint and Sinner"
Sunday, October 17th at 6:00pm
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
All 7th - 9th grade aged youth are invited to join Pastor Dustin for an hour of games and conversation that will use key Lutheran concepts to help us understand life in these unprecedented times. Classes will be outdoors as long as the weather allows and indoors with masks otherwise. Tonight's class will be about how Lutherans answer the question, "Why do I never feel good enough?" and what to do about it!
Youth Retreat at Camp Fowler
Friday, October 22nd - Sunday, October 24th at 7:00pm
All middle and high school aged youth are encouraged to join us for a weekend of fun reconnecting "irl" at Camp Fowler near beautiful Speculator, NY in the Adirondacks! While more details will be announced in the coming weeks, please contact Pastor Dustin to reserve your young people's' spots today! We're once again sharing a cabin with Our Redeemer and Good Shepherd Lutheran Churches, so spots are limited! Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test within 48 hours of the event will be required to ensure the safety of all involved. Meals will be eaten outdoors and masking whenever possible will be required. Join us dear friends, IN REAL LIFE!!!! This will be the first prep event for all those attending the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, Minnesota next summer as well!
Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
Wednesday, November 3rd at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/94972251705
At Messiah many of us have somehow actually grown closer while physically apart... gosh, the Spirit is certainly at work! The purpose of the Fellowship Ministry Team is to provide opportunities for all of our members (and perspective members) of all ages to connect, hear one another's stories, and have fun! This group includes the Mighty Men of Messiah, Women of the ELCA (WELCA), Care & Concern, Young Adult Group, our Kitchen Committee, Over 55 Gang, our Welcome Committee for new and perspective members and our new Arts & Culture ministry. The team meets quarterly. In this meeting in particular we'll discuss the launch of our Stephen Ministries program, a new Small Groups ministry and other opportunities to get to know one another. If you'd prefer to attend virtually, the link for this evening meeting is: https://zoom.us/j/94972251705.
Baptized We Live: A Virtual Autumn 2021 New Member Course
Sunday, November 7th and 14th at 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86969617821
Gosh, there's A BUNCH of folks who have expressed interest in joining our congregation whether they heard about us through family members, are looking for meaning and purpose amidst such difficult times, or simply found us online! If you're one of those people, this virtual offering is for you!!! Over two sessions, Pastor Dustin and congregation leaders will introduce you to Messiah and Luther's take on the Way of Christ through the short classic work "Baptized We Live," an incredible resource by Rev. Daniel Erlander. Participants are required to attend both sessions. The class will begin on Sunday, November 7th at 4:00pm for about 90 minutes and conclude the following Sunday. A copy of "Baptized We Live" will be provided to each household who expresses interest. Please confirm your interest by Sunday, October 17th by filling out our New Member Registration Form found here: https://form.jotform.com/Gpastor/mlcnewmember! Our Fall 2021 New Member Class will be welcomed as official members of our Spirit filled congregation during a very special Mass for the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday, November 21st.
Faith Formation Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/92199006383
Want to help guide how our congregation studies the ancient wisdom of Scripture, explores our connection God and creation and help our young people have a strong, ethical foundation? Join our Faith Formation Ministry Team! This group includes Adult Education, Children's Sunday School, Cradle Roll & Nursery, Youth and Outdoor Ministries! Help us teach folks of all ages how our faith calls us to teach that EVERYONE is created in God's image! The link for this night's meeting is:https://zoom.us/j/92199006383.
Stewardship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, December 14th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/93024204486
Our Stewardship Ministry Team is the group of committees at Messiah that allow us to support our four major program areas. Without being good stewards of our Budget & Finance, Communications, Personnel, Property & Grounds, Mission Support, Archives, Safe Church ministries and more, there's no way we could engage in all the life-changing ministries we do at Messiah. Focuses of this meeting will be reviewing the results of our capital campaign and making a final recommendation on whether or not to move forward with the project. The ministry team meets quarterly. The link for tonight's meeting is https://zoom.us/j/93024204486.
To view our complete parish calendar, click here.
Friday, September 17th at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Join us for a night of different types of music and community acts from throughout Schenectady County as our initial benefit concert to support the launch of the Trinity Community Center! Doors open at 6:00pm so the general public can tour the facility and the show itself starts at 7:00pm. Our goal for the night is to raise $5000 to be split between launch costs for the community center itself and SafeHaven LGBTQ+, Inc.'s Creative Media Lab, one of our first programs in the building. We now know our lineup, all performing family-friendly content! We'll begin the festival with a performance by local band Juicebox Plushie before hearing beautiful vocals from Richard Genest, owner of the Moon & River Cafe. Local drag performer Emily Cope will be the next act, followed by a vocal performance from Jenny Marie. Singer Terrence Frost will then take the stage, followed by a local youth named Markos playing guitar and singing. Star Thacher will provide another awesome drag performance before we round out the night with our headliner, Messiah's very own Kristen Olochnowicz accompanied by Douglas J. Chilton!!! Legacy Casanõva, Rev. Dustin Wright and Rev. Jonathan Vanderbeck will MC the event and a number of community members will testify to the importance of the space. Join us friends for a wonderful evening in support of a great cause! In accordance with current CDC guidelines, masking will be required of everyone indoors.
Fall 2021 Sunday Forum: "The Gospel and the Native American Religious Experience: Colonialism, Resistance and Liberation"
Sunday, September 19th at 8:45am
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81599070672
Having explored “colonialism” as the experience of Palestinians in our Adult Ed course, “Peace Not Walls: Justice in Palestine and Israel,” this past spring, those involved proposed to next explore "colonialism" in relation to indigenous people in North America. René Dunda-Martin in our congregation, who has lived experience and considerable wisdom related to this topic, recommended David Treuer's The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present (Riverhead Books, 2019) as a basic text.
Readings for this Sunday include:
1. David Treuer, "Prologue," The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee, 1-18.
2. "Lectures in History: Native American History" (1:16:21)
3. "Winona LaDuke feels that President Biden has betrayed Native Americans"
4. "Winona LaDuke (1959- )
5. Mark 1:15
Children's Sunday School: "In the Beginning"
Sunday, September 19th at 9:00am
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
After lots of conversation with our parents and our incredible Sunday School Leaders (chaired by Cheryl Borski), we're SO excited to offer in-person, outdoor (or masked if it's bad weather) Children's Sunday School this fall for all young people in our community pre-k through sixth grade. As we're not entirely sure where all our families are at, we'll be using a different version of our Whirl! curriculum this year called "All Kids," designed for kids of all ages to interact with one another and spend less time in seperate groups. Over two year's time, our children will have journeyed together chronologically through all major stories of both the Old and New Testaments! With many thanks to Emily and Krista Russo for offering to assist with Children's Sunday School this year, we'd also love more volunteer leaders! Please contact Cheryl Borski if you're interested or have any questions! Also, all children must be pre-registered for Children's Sunday School (and all youth programming at Messiah), by filling out our annual Child and Youth Registration Form found at https://form.jotform.com/Gpastor/mlcyouth. This week will focus on Genesis 1:1 - 2:4, the first of two creation stories in the Bible.
Mass for the Third Sunday of Creation
Sunday, September 19th at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Today we hear James warn against selfish ambition, while the disciples quarrel over which one of them is the greatest. Jesus tells them the way to be great is to serve. Then, to make it concrete, he puts in front of them a flesh-and-blood child. We are called to welcome the children God puts in front of us, to make room for them in daily interaction, and to give them a place of honor in the assembly. This is a perfect theme for a Sunday where we'll install our Sunday School teachers and pray for all teachers and students in the year ahead! It will also be the day where we officially launch our long awaited Capital Campaign! Pastor Johnathan will preach and Pastor Dustin will preside.
Community Confirmation Class: "Justification by Faith"
Sunday, September 19th at 6:00pm
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Supporting our youth in reconnecting in-person in a safe way is SO important, and that's exactly what we're planning on doing at Messiah! All 7th - 9th grade aged youth are invited to join Pastor Dustin for an hour of games and conversation that will use key Lutheran concepts to help us understand life in these unprecedented times. Classes will be outdoors as long as the weather allows and indoors with masks otherwise. All youth must be pre-registered for Community Confirmation Class (and all youth programming at Messiah), by filling out our annual Child and Youth Registration Form found at https://form.jotform.com/Gpastor/mlcyouth. Tonight's class will be on the idea of "justification by faith," the idea that God loves us NO MATTER WHAT! Pastor Jonathan will also be on hand to discuss this concept from a mental health perspective as well!
Community Crafting Mondays
Monday, September 20th from 1:00p - 3:00p
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Looking to build some community with like-minded folks after such a difficult year? Come stop by our Community Crafting Mondays hosted at Messiah Lutheran Church. From knitting, crocheting, painting, hand sewing to making all sorts of community projects, our Community Crafting Mondays has it all! Most importantly, it's just a friendly place to learn from and talk with one another. If you're interested or have any questions, contact Leora at 518.384.0047!
Compline for the Feast of Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
Tuesday, September 21st at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Tax collectors were agents of the oppressive empire, and they also had a reputation for extorting more than they had to collect. Jesus’ calling Matthew to follow him showed that Jesus not only associated with “bad guys,” he welcomed them into his inner circle. His sharing a meal with Matthew and other tax collectors and “sinners” was an enacted parable of the mercy of God. The meal we share at Jesus’ table is to be such a parable too. Join Pastor Dustin online for a brief time of prayer and contemplation at the close of the day!
Community Meditation and Prayer
Thursday, September 23rd at 6:30pm
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/92437622756
From a Christian perspective, meditation is a powerful form of prayer that allows us to slow down our own minds and anxieties in order to hear how God might be speaking to us. Contemporary psychology, albeit using different words, agrees! Many studies have show meditation and other forms of regular mindfulness training can lead to lower stress, improved sleep and better focus, amongst other benefits. As COVID conditions allow, this fall we'll bump our weekly meditation session to 6:30pm and host the event hybridly from Messiah's sanctuary. Join us friends as we gather in prayer and meditation together!
Community Produce Pantry
Friday, September 24th from 4:30 - 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Messiah Lutheran Church has taken the lead on a free produce distribution from our new Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road, every Friday from 4:30-6 PM. This weekly distribution will take place outside with drive-up service available. No ID, paperwork, or pre-registering required!
Children's Sunday School: "God's Covenant with Noah"
Sunday, September 26th at 9:00am
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Using a new Whirl! curriculum called "All Kids," designed for kids of all ages to interact with one another and spend less time in seperate groups, we hope you and your pre-k through sixth grade children will join Ms. Cheryl Borski, Pastor Dustin and the rest of an awesome team of Sunday School Leaders for the in-person, outdoor (or masked) return of Children's Sunday School! This week will focus on Genesis 6–9, God's covenant with Noah.
Craft Sale to Benefit our Capital Campaign
Beginning Sunday, September 26th at 10:00am & 11:30am
As we launch our historic Capital Appeal Campaign to raise the necessary funds to make our Worship Center fully accessible to all God's children, our Community Crafting Group wants to support our critical work! That's why every Sunday during the campaign (both before and after worship) our crafters will be on hand raffling and auctioning off a wide variety of incredible crafts with all proceeds going toward the campaign! All the incredible work of our crafters will make WONDERFUL Christmas gifts and more, so be sure to visit their table in the narthex!
Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Creation
Sunday, September 26th at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Someone who isn’t part of Jesus’ own circle is casting out demons in Jesus’ name, and the disciples want him stopped. They appeal to Jesus, as Joshua did to Moses about the elders who prophesied without official authorization. Like Moses, Jesus refuses to see this as a threat. Jesus welcomes good being done in his name, even when it is not under his control. The circle we form around Jesus’ word must be able to value good being done in ways we wouldn’t do it, by people we can’t keep tabs on. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside.
Community Confirmation Class: "The Cross"
Sunday, September 26th at 6:00pm
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
All 7th - 9th grade aged youth are invited to join Pastor Dustin for an hour of games and conversation that will use key Lutheran concepts to help us understand life in these unprecedented times. Classes will be outdoors as long as the weather allows and indoors with masks otherwise. Tonight's class will be about the Lutheran understanding of the cross and how it sets us free from thinking we can be perfect as human beings.
Autumn Zentangle with Russell McDonald, CZT
Monday, September 27th at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/8753963537
As a continuation of Messiah's new Arts & Culture Ministry, join our very own Russell McDonald, Certified Zentangle Teacher, for our community drawing night using the Zentangle Method! Zentangle is a way to use drawing that helps us relax, focus, expand our imaginations, respond confidently to the unexpected and feel gratitude and appreciation for this beautiful world and all that we can do! This will be a hybrid virtual/ in-person event broadcast from our new Trinity Community Center's Fellowship Hall. All participants will need at home is a pen, a pencil, a qtip and a clean sheet of paper and for those in-person, materials will be provided for the first few sessions. If you're stressed, looking to learn a new skill or just to connect with others this summer, Zentangle is for you! If you can't join us in person, definitely join us on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/8753963537 with password StaySober.
Compline for the Feast of Michael and All Angels
Wednesday, September 29th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
The archangel Michael is pictured as a prince and a general of the heavenly army, defeating the dragon (the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan). It is important, though, to see in Revelation 12:11 that God’s victory ultimately comes by Jesus’ death and the testimony of his followers. The power of God’s truth gives us confidence in the face of evil on earth, even in the face of our own death. Join Pastor Dustin online for a brief time of prayer and contemplation at the close of the day!
Children's Sunday School: "Abraham and Sarah"
Sunday, October 3rd at 9:00am
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Using a new Whirl! curriculum called "All Kids," designed for kids of all ages to interact with one another and spend less time in seperate groups, we hope you and your pre-k through sixth grade children will join Ms. Cheryl Borski, Pastor Dustin and the rest of an awesome team of Sunday School Leaders for the in-person, outdoor (or masked) return of Children's Sunday School! This week will focus on Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; 17:1-7, 15-16; 18:1-15; 21:1-7, the story of Abraham and Sarah.
Mass for the Fifth Sunday of Creation
Sunday, October 3rd at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Today’s gospel combines a saying that makes many of us uncomfortable with a story we find comforting. Jesus’ saying on divorce is another of his rejections of human legislation in favor of the original intent of God’s law. Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples who are fending off the children should challenge us as well. What does it mean to receive the kingdom of God as a child does? Pastor Dustin will preach and preside.
Come to the Water: A Virtual Course on Baptism
Sunday, October 3rd, 17th & 24th at 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88043779667
Gosh... we have A BUNCH of babies, youth and adults thinking about being baptized at Messiah. As a way of beginning to connect folks together, Pastor Dustin will lead a three session group intergenerational discussion for folks of all ages interested in being baptized in the coming months (and their families) using a resource called Come to the Water from Sparkhouse. The first session will be on psychology and faith, the second on the history of baptism, and the third on baptism as a gift and a calling. RSVPs are required! Please complete our online Enrollment Form by Sunday, September 19th to reserve a spot: https://form.jotform.com/212434794878066.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 3rd at 5:00pm
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Calling all dogs, cats, fish, turtles, lizards (with leashes and their owners, of course!) to our now sixth 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. Michael Mitchell and his infamous therapy dog Lilly will join us as Assisting Ministers as we gather together to conclude the Season of Creation!
Community Confirmation Class: "Law & Gospel"
Sunday, October 3rd at 6:00pm
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
All 7th - 9th grade aged youth are invited to join Pastor Dustin for an hour of games and conversation that will use key Lutheran concepts to help us understand life in these unprecedented times. Classes will be outdoors as long as the weather allows and indoors with masks otherwise. Tonight's class will be about the Lutheran understanding of how to read the Bible, a concept called "Law & Gospel."
Worship & Music Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, October 5th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/96341841016
Interested in helping our faith community figure out how we'll continue to ground ourselves in the Way of Jesus each and every Sunday? Join our Worship & Music Ministry Team! In addition to planning for regular Sunday services, this group also coordinates our Choir, our Altar Guild/ Sanctuary Prep, our Meditation & Prayer ministries! Of primary interest in tonight's conversation will include updates on a new Minister of Music and planning our liturgies from All Saints Sunday to Advent and Christmas! The team meets (almost) every month, usually on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm. The link for tonight's meeting is https://zoom.us/j/96341841016.
Mass for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, October 10th at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
The rich man who comes to ask Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life is a good man, sincere in his asking. Mark’s gospel is alone in saying that Jesus looked on him and loved him. Out of love, not as judgment, Jesus offers him an open door to life: sell all you own and give it to the poor. Our culture bombards us with the message that we will find life by consuming. Our assemblies counter this message with the invitation to find life by divesting for the sake of the other. Pastor Jonathan will preach and preside.
Social Action Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, October 12th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/91568452071
This is by far our most active ministry team at Messiah! Our Social Action Ministry Team is the space through which we discern all the ways we're called to serve our neighbors following the Way of Jesus Christ! We do this in a wide variety ways, through our Social Justice, Creation Care, Community Service, our work with Schenectady Community Ministries, the Bread of Life Food Pantry ministries and more! The top priorities for discussion in this upcoming meeting include plans for more fully utilizing our Trinity Community Center and planning Thanksgiving Basket Making, #HelpPortrait Schenectady, and other upcoming service events. Our ministry team meets quarterly. The link for tonight's meeting is https://zoom.us/j/91568452071.
Children's Sunday School: "Rebekah and Isaac"
Sunday, October 17th at 9:00am
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Using a new Whirl! curriculum called "All Kids," designed for kids of all ages to interact with one another and spend less time in seperate groups, we hope you and your pre-k through sixth grade children will join Ms. Cheryl Borski, Pastor Dustin and the rest of an awesome team of Sunday School Leaders for the in-person, outdoor (or masked) return of Children's Sunday School! This week will focus on Genesis 24 and the story of Rebekah and Isaac.
Community Confirmation Class: "Saint and Sinner"
Sunday, October 17th at 6:00pm
Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
All 7th - 9th grade aged youth are invited to join Pastor Dustin for an hour of games and conversation that will use key Lutheran concepts to help us understand life in these unprecedented times. Classes will be outdoors as long as the weather allows and indoors with masks otherwise. Tonight's class will be about how Lutherans answer the question, "Why do I never feel good enough?" and what to do about it!
Youth Retreat at Camp Fowler
Friday, October 22nd - Sunday, October 24th at 7:00pm
All middle and high school aged youth are encouraged to join us for a weekend of fun reconnecting "irl" at Camp Fowler near beautiful Speculator, NY in the Adirondacks! While more details will be announced in the coming weeks, please contact Pastor Dustin to reserve your young people's' spots today! We're once again sharing a cabin with Our Redeemer and Good Shepherd Lutheran Churches, so spots are limited! Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test within 48 hours of the event will be required to ensure the safety of all involved. Meals will be eaten outdoors and masking whenever possible will be required. Join us dear friends, IN REAL LIFE!!!! This will be the first prep event for all those attending the 2022 ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, Minnesota next summer as well!
Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
Wednesday, November 3rd at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/94972251705
At Messiah many of us have somehow actually grown closer while physically apart... gosh, the Spirit is certainly at work! The purpose of the Fellowship Ministry Team is to provide opportunities for all of our members (and perspective members) of all ages to connect, hear one another's stories, and have fun! This group includes the Mighty Men of Messiah, Women of the ELCA (WELCA), Care & Concern, Young Adult Group, our Kitchen Committee, Over 55 Gang, our Welcome Committee for new and perspective members and our new Arts & Culture ministry. The team meets quarterly. In this meeting in particular we'll discuss the launch of our Stephen Ministries program, a new Small Groups ministry and other opportunities to get to know one another. If you'd prefer to attend virtually, the link for this evening meeting is: https://zoom.us/j/94972251705.
Baptized We Live: A Virtual Autumn 2021 New Member Course
Sunday, November 7th and 14th at 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86969617821
Gosh, there's A BUNCH of folks who have expressed interest in joining our congregation whether they heard about us through family members, are looking for meaning and purpose amidst such difficult times, or simply found us online! If you're one of those people, this virtual offering is for you!!! Over two sessions, Pastor Dustin and congregation leaders will introduce you to Messiah and Luther's take on the Way of Christ through the short classic work "Baptized We Live," an incredible resource by Rev. Daniel Erlander. Participants are required to attend both sessions. The class will begin on Sunday, November 7th at 4:00pm for about 90 minutes and conclude the following Sunday. A copy of "Baptized We Live" will be provided to each household who expresses interest. Please confirm your interest by Sunday, October 17th by filling out our New Member Registration Form found here: https://form.jotform.com/Gpastor/mlcnewmember! Our Fall 2021 New Member Class will be welcomed as official members of our Spirit filled congregation during a very special Mass for the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday, November 21st.
Faith Formation Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, November 9th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/92199006383
Want to help guide how our congregation studies the ancient wisdom of Scripture, explores our connection God and creation and help our young people have a strong, ethical foundation? Join our Faith Formation Ministry Team! This group includes Adult Education, Children's Sunday School, Cradle Roll & Nursery, Youth and Outdoor Ministries! Help us teach folks of all ages how our faith calls us to teach that EVERYONE is created in God's image! The link for this night's meeting is:https://zoom.us/j/92199006383.
Stewardship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, December 14th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/93024204486
Our Stewardship Ministry Team is the group of committees at Messiah that allow us to support our four major program areas. Without being good stewards of our Budget & Finance, Communications, Personnel, Property & Grounds, Mission Support, Archives, Safe Church ministries and more, there's no way we could engage in all the life-changing ministries we do at Messiah. Focuses of this meeting will be reviewing the results of our capital campaign and making a final recommendation on whether or not to move forward with the project. The ministry team meets quarterly. The link for tonight's meeting is https://zoom.us/j/93024204486.
To view our complete parish calendar, click here.