PARISH EVENTS
Faith Formation Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, August 9th at 7:00pm
Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/92199006383
Join us as we plan a whole new season of faith formation experiences that will launch for all ages this fall at Messiah! This group includes Adult Education, Children's Sunday School, Cradle Roll & Nursery and Youth Ministries! Help us teach folks of all ages how our faith calls us to teach that EVERYONE is created in God's image! We're moving back to in-person meetings over light dinners to reconnect and bring everyone together, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin if you plan to attend. If necessary, you can Zoom in as well at https://zoom.us/j/92199006383.
Pride Flag Raising and Speak Out
Wednesday, August 10th at 4:00pm
Trinity Community Center Parking Lot
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook Watch
When we discovered the pride flag outside our Worship Center had been stolen last week, it was absolutely heartbreaking. We work hard at Messiah to proclaim Christ’s welcome to EVERY SINGLE PERSON, and that flag was a big part of the effort. In the end, instead of calling the police, we decided it was better to simply double down on proclaiming radical hospitality to everyone in our neighborhood! That’s why this Wednesday at the Trinity Community Center, Pastor Dustin, members of Schenectady Clergy Against Hate and other local leaders will host a pride flag raising and speak out, to make sure everyone (and particularly members of the LGBTQ+ community who are often not welcome in faith inspired spaces) knows they have a place at the Trinity Community Center. All community members of goodwill are welcome to join us and the event will be streamed on Facebook Watch as well.
Gentle Yoga with Jean Marie Sefcovic, CYT, LMT
Wednesdays from 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Trinity Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Yoga can improve flexibility, concentration, strength, muscle tone, better breathing habits, better sleep and overall sense of well being. Each session incorporates centering, gentle stretches, asanas - simple postures and posture flow and shavasana-final relaxation. Each session is $15 per hour class. RSVP to Jean Marie at yoginijean@yahoo.com.
Choir Practice
Thursdays at 7:00pm
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
The long anticipated return of Mr. Doug is here! We will be restarting choir as well! Rehearsals are starting back up every Thursday evening at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us! If you have any questions please reach out to Doug Chilton.
Trinity Produce Pantry
Fridays at 4:30pm
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 at 4:30pm first come, first serve. This weekly distribution will take place outside with drive-up service available. No ID, paperwork, or pre-registering required!
Mass for the Feast of Mary, Mother of God
Sunday, August 14th at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Mary’s role is not limited to giving birth to Jesus and mothering him in his childhood. In John’s gospel, she is among the women standing near the cross; in Acts, she is among the disciples awaiting the gift of the Spirit. Through all that happened she continued to see how God was at work through her son, keeping the ancient promises to her ancestors, brushing aside the rich and powerful, and focusing on those as poor and powerless as Mary herself. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. Jill Becker will serve as cantor.
Special Meeting of the Congregation
Sunday, August 14th at 11:30am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
During this Special Meeting of the Congregation we'll hear an update on the status of our Accessibility Project mortgage, make any necessary decisions related to the mortgage and vote on minor tweaks to our Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions as recommended by our Congregation Council. Due to changes in New York State nonprofit law, this can be an in-person meeting only, and we'll need you there in order to reach quorum! Join us friends as we gather to make important decisions about the future of our Spirit filled congregation.
Community Crafting Mondays
Mondays from 1:00p-3:00p
Trinity Community Center Fellowship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Looking to build some community with likemind folks after such a difficult year? Come stop by our Community Crafting Mondays hosted at Messiah's Trinity Community Center. 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!
Zumba with Annie Grzywaczewski
Mondays from 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center Fellowship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Zumba is a total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome as you exercise to amazing Latin and World music. Each session is $8 per hour long class. Annie has worked in our local area as a Zumba teacher for eight years and she'd love to see you in class! If you have any questions, please contact her directly at annieg39@aol.com!
Zentangle with Russell McDonald, CZT
Mondays at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center Art Studio
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/8753963537
Join our very own Russell McDonald, Certified Zentangle Teacher, for what is now our WEEKLY 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! This will be a hybrid virtual/ in-person event broadcast from our new Trinity Community Center's Art Room. 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.
Congregation Council
Monday, August 15th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/95835192148
The Congregation Council is tasked with oversight of all congregation business in between Annual and Special Meetings of the Congregation. Members of the congregation (and frankly the general public) are welcome to listen in unless the Council goes into Executive Session. If you'd like something added to the Congregation Council's agenda, please speak with President Sue Collins.
Property & Grounds Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 16th at 6:30pm
Worship Center Narthex
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Given how much work needs to be done to upgrade and repair our Worship Center and Parsonage as well as our new Community Center at the Trinity Reformed site, our Property & Grounds Committee has decided to begin meeting on a monthly basis. Please contact Chair Steve Friebel if you'd like to assist or have any questions!
Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
(rescheduled) Wednesday, August 17th at 7:00pm
Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/94641179066
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. We're moving back to in-person meetings over light dinners to reconnect and bring everyone together, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin if you plan to attend. If necessary, you can all Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/94641179066.
Adult Education Get Together
Saturday, August 20th at 3:00pm
160 Krutz Street in Amsterdam, NY
Adult Ed on Zoom is wonderful but we thought it would be nice to meet in person to start off the new semester with a social gathering. All past, present, and future participants are welcome. The Joneses would like to invite you all to a get together for picnic! We will provide hamburgers, hotdogs, and drinks. If you could bring a dish to share or a dessert it would be greatly appreciated. In case of rain we will gather on Sunday August 21st. Please RSVP by August 18th to Jean Jones at dodgerjones@yahoo.com or call 518-878-4412.
Mass for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, August 21st at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Remember the sabbath day. Call the sabbath a delight. This is the Lord’s day, and the Lord will do for us what the Lord does: feed us, forgive us, help and heal us. Rejoice at all the wonderful things God is doing. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. Kristen Olochnowicz will serve as cantor.
Compline for the Feast of Bartholomew, Apostle
Wednesday, August 24th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke include Bartholomew in their lists of the Twelve. Partly due to his connection with Philip, many scholars believe Bartholomew is probably the same person as Nathanael in John’s Gospel. Nathanael is one of the first disciples called to “come and see” (John’s version of “follow me”), and he is present on the shore of the Sea of Tiberius when the risen Christ invites his friends to “come and have breakfast” (John 21:12). Pastor Dustin will provide a preview of all the exciting things happening as we prepare to enter another program year at Messiah.
Messiahstock VI
Saturday, August 27th at 6:00pm to Sunday, August 28th at 1:00pm
The Olochnowicz Estate
Join us for two days of faith, fun and fellowship as we celebrate the summer as a Spirit filled church! As we gather we'll settle in for a delicious potluck BBQ dinner followed by a new addition, "Mr. Doug's Olde Tyme Singalong Hour" around the campfire! Even if you can't join us for camping that night, come on back for a rustic breakfast and outdoor worship! This will be an AWESOME time for the whole family, especially our young people. Fill out the signup sheet on the narthex bulletin or here online, https://bit.ly/Messiahstock2022. If you have any questions speak with Kristen Olochnowicz or Pastor Dustin. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside at Mass on Sunday morning. Marge Reynheer will serve as cantor.
Children's Faith Formation: Whirl!
Beginning Sunday, September 11th
And we're back at it! Faith formation for preschool aged children through sixth grade 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 together as a group before heading off for 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 Children's Sunday School Chair Cheryl Borski. We're also looking for a number of new Sunday School leaders! We're currently discerning whether Children's Sunday School should be at its traditional 9:00am time slot or during the worship service. Please provide Cheryl with feedback!
Worship & Music Ministry Team Meeting
Monday, September 12th at 6:30pm
Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
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 and our Prayer ministries! The team meets (almost) every month, usually on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm. As a way of reconnecting post lockdowns, we're planning on having this meeting in the Worship Center Fellowship Hall over a light dinner, so please RSVP to Chair Emily Russo if you plan to join us.
Annual Worship Leader Training
Sunday, September 18th at 11:30am
Immediately after worship we'll hold our annual worship leader training for new and returning worship leaders! We're looking for a bunch of new Acolytes, Crucifers and Assisting Ministers of all ages! We're also looking for new Lectors, Greeters, Ushers, Bread Bakers, Cantors, Choir Members, Producers, Altar Guild Members and Hosts! 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 bulletin board 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!
Rotterdam Community Center Inaugural Craft Fair
Saturday, October 1st from 10:00am - 3:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
This is an event for all looking to support local crafters, makers and artisans while finding that one of a kind item! Crafts, artisan goods, food, raffles and community will be available all day. If you are interested in participating as a vendor please call Judy at 518.364.3205 today as there is limited space available.
To view our complete parish calendar, click here.
Tuesday, August 9th at 7:00pm
Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/92199006383
Join us as we plan a whole new season of faith formation experiences that will launch for all ages this fall at Messiah! This group includes Adult Education, Children's Sunday School, Cradle Roll & Nursery and Youth Ministries! Help us teach folks of all ages how our faith calls us to teach that EVERYONE is created in God's image! We're moving back to in-person meetings over light dinners to reconnect and bring everyone together, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin if you plan to attend. If necessary, you can Zoom in as well at https://zoom.us/j/92199006383.
Pride Flag Raising and Speak Out
Wednesday, August 10th at 4:00pm
Trinity Community Center Parking Lot
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook Watch
When we discovered the pride flag outside our Worship Center had been stolen last week, it was absolutely heartbreaking. We work hard at Messiah to proclaim Christ’s welcome to EVERY SINGLE PERSON, and that flag was a big part of the effort. In the end, instead of calling the police, we decided it was better to simply double down on proclaiming radical hospitality to everyone in our neighborhood! That’s why this Wednesday at the Trinity Community Center, Pastor Dustin, members of Schenectady Clergy Against Hate and other local leaders will host a pride flag raising and speak out, to make sure everyone (and particularly members of the LGBTQ+ community who are often not welcome in faith inspired spaces) knows they have a place at the Trinity Community Center. All community members of goodwill are welcome to join us and the event will be streamed on Facebook Watch as well.
Gentle Yoga with Jean Marie Sefcovic, CYT, LMT
Wednesdays from 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Trinity Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Yoga can improve flexibility, concentration, strength, muscle tone, better breathing habits, better sleep and overall sense of well being. Each session incorporates centering, gentle stretches, asanas - simple postures and posture flow and shavasana-final relaxation. Each session is $15 per hour class. RSVP to Jean Marie at yoginijean@yahoo.com.
Choir Practice
Thursdays at 7:00pm
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
The long anticipated return of Mr. Doug is here! We will be restarting choir as well! Rehearsals are starting back up every Thursday evening at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us! If you have any questions please reach out to Doug Chilton.
Trinity Produce Pantry
Fridays at 4:30pm
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 at 4:30pm first come, first serve. This weekly distribution will take place outside with drive-up service available. No ID, paperwork, or pre-registering required!
Mass for the Feast of Mary, Mother of God
Sunday, August 14th at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Mary’s role is not limited to giving birth to Jesus and mothering him in his childhood. In John’s gospel, she is among the women standing near the cross; in Acts, she is among the disciples awaiting the gift of the Spirit. Through all that happened she continued to see how God was at work through her son, keeping the ancient promises to her ancestors, brushing aside the rich and powerful, and focusing on those as poor and powerless as Mary herself. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. Jill Becker will serve as cantor.
Special Meeting of the Congregation
Sunday, August 14th at 11:30am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
During this Special Meeting of the Congregation we'll hear an update on the status of our Accessibility Project mortgage, make any necessary decisions related to the mortgage and vote on minor tweaks to our Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions as recommended by our Congregation Council. Due to changes in New York State nonprofit law, this can be an in-person meeting only, and we'll need you there in order to reach quorum! Join us friends as we gather to make important decisions about the future of our Spirit filled congregation.
Community Crafting Mondays
Mondays from 1:00p-3:00p
Trinity Community Center Fellowship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Looking to build some community with likemind folks after such a difficult year? Come stop by our Community Crafting Mondays hosted at Messiah's Trinity Community Center. 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!
Zumba with Annie Grzywaczewski
Mondays from 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center Fellowship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Zumba is a total workout, combining all elements of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility, boosted energy and a serious dose of awesome as you exercise to amazing Latin and World music. Each session is $8 per hour long class. Annie has worked in our local area as a Zumba teacher for eight years and she'd love to see you in class! If you have any questions, please contact her directly at annieg39@aol.com!
Zentangle with Russell McDonald, CZT
Mondays at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center Art Studio
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/8753963537
Join our very own Russell McDonald, Certified Zentangle Teacher, for what is now our WEEKLY 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! This will be a hybrid virtual/ in-person event broadcast from our new Trinity Community Center's Art Room. 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.
Congregation Council
Monday, August 15th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/95835192148
The Congregation Council is tasked with oversight of all congregation business in between Annual and Special Meetings of the Congregation. Members of the congregation (and frankly the general public) are welcome to listen in unless the Council goes into Executive Session. If you'd like something added to the Congregation Council's agenda, please speak with President Sue Collins.
Property & Grounds Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 16th at 6:30pm
Worship Center Narthex
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Given how much work needs to be done to upgrade and repair our Worship Center and Parsonage as well as our new Community Center at the Trinity Reformed site, our Property & Grounds Committee has decided to begin meeting on a monthly basis. Please contact Chair Steve Friebel if you'd like to assist or have any questions!
Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
(rescheduled) Wednesday, August 17th at 7:00pm
Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/94641179066
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. We're moving back to in-person meetings over light dinners to reconnect and bring everyone together, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin if you plan to attend. If necessary, you can all Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/94641179066.
Adult Education Get Together
Saturday, August 20th at 3:00pm
160 Krutz Street in Amsterdam, NY
Adult Ed on Zoom is wonderful but we thought it would be nice to meet in person to start off the new semester with a social gathering. All past, present, and future participants are welcome. The Joneses would like to invite you all to a get together for picnic! We will provide hamburgers, hotdogs, and drinks. If you could bring a dish to share or a dessert it would be greatly appreciated. In case of rain we will gather on Sunday August 21st. Please RSVP by August 18th to Jean Jones at dodgerjones@yahoo.com or call 518-878-4412.
Mass for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, August 21st at 10:15am
Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Remember the sabbath day. Call the sabbath a delight. This is the Lord’s day, and the Lord will do for us what the Lord does: feed us, forgive us, help and heal us. Rejoice at all the wonderful things God is doing. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. Kristen Olochnowicz will serve as cantor.
Compline for the Feast of Bartholomew, Apostle
Wednesday, August 24th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke include Bartholomew in their lists of the Twelve. Partly due to his connection with Philip, many scholars believe Bartholomew is probably the same person as Nathanael in John’s Gospel. Nathanael is one of the first disciples called to “come and see” (John’s version of “follow me”), and he is present on the shore of the Sea of Tiberius when the risen Christ invites his friends to “come and have breakfast” (John 21:12). Pastor Dustin will provide a preview of all the exciting things happening as we prepare to enter another program year at Messiah.
Messiahstock VI
Saturday, August 27th at 6:00pm to Sunday, August 28th at 1:00pm
The Olochnowicz Estate
Join us for two days of faith, fun and fellowship as we celebrate the summer as a Spirit filled church! As we gather we'll settle in for a delicious potluck BBQ dinner followed by a new addition, "Mr. Doug's Olde Tyme Singalong Hour" around the campfire! Even if you can't join us for camping that night, come on back for a rustic breakfast and outdoor worship! This will be an AWESOME time for the whole family, especially our young people. Fill out the signup sheet on the narthex bulletin or here online, https://bit.ly/Messiahstock2022. If you have any questions speak with Kristen Olochnowicz or Pastor Dustin. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside at Mass on Sunday morning. Marge Reynheer will serve as cantor.
Children's Faith Formation: Whirl!
Beginning Sunday, September 11th
And we're back at it! Faith formation for preschool aged children through sixth grade 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 together as a group before heading off for 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 Children's Sunday School Chair Cheryl Borski. We're also looking for a number of new Sunday School leaders! We're currently discerning whether Children's Sunday School should be at its traditional 9:00am time slot or during the worship service. Please provide Cheryl with feedback!
Worship & Music Ministry Team Meeting
Monday, September 12th at 6:30pm
Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
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 and our Prayer ministries! The team meets (almost) every month, usually on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm. As a way of reconnecting post lockdowns, we're planning on having this meeting in the Worship Center Fellowship Hall over a light dinner, so please RSVP to Chair Emily Russo if you plan to join us.
Annual Worship Leader Training
Sunday, September 18th at 11:30am
Immediately after worship we'll hold our annual worship leader training for new and returning worship leaders! We're looking for a bunch of new Acolytes, Crucifers and Assisting Ministers of all ages! We're also looking for new Lectors, Greeters, Ushers, Bread Bakers, Cantors, Choir Members, Producers, Altar Guild Members and Hosts! 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 bulletin board 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!
Rotterdam Community Center Inaugural Craft Fair
Saturday, October 1st from 10:00am - 3:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
This is an event for all looking to support local crafters, makers and artisans while finding that one of a kind item! Crafts, artisan goods, food, raffles and community will be available all day. If you are interested in participating as a vendor please call Judy at 518.364.3205 today as there is limited space available.
To view our complete parish calendar, click here.