PARISH EVENTS
Community Meditation and Prayer
Thursday, August 5th at 6:00pm
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. With these facts in mind, Pastor Dustin and Russell McDonald engaged in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction training this past fall in order to help lead a weekly virtual session of meditation and prayer for all in our local community. This is currently a Zoom only event.
Community Produce Pantry
Friday, August 6th from 4:30 - 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road
Announcing the long-awaited return of the Trinity Produce Pantry, Messiah Lutheran Church will take the lead on free produce distribution from the former Trinity Reformed Church, 705 Curry Road, on Friday, June 4 from 4:30-6 PM. This weekly distribution will take place outside with drive-up service available. No ID, paperwork, or pre-registering required!
Mass for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost: "Kindness"
Sunday, August 8th at 9:30am
Sanctuary, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Jesus says that the bread he gives for the life of the world is his flesh, and whoever eats this bread has eternal life now and will be raised on the last day. In Ephesians Paul tells us what this life Jesus gives us looks like, this life we live as those marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit in baptism. We live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. The whole purpose of life is giving yourself for the other. Pastor Jonathan will preach with Jill Becker serving as cantor. Communion will be held outdoors following worship.
Community Coffee Hour: "A Story of Faith w/ Michael Jegabbi"
Sunday, August 8th at 11:00am
Fellowship Hall, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Every week after Sunday Mass this summer we'll resume Community Coffee Hour, a casual but critical time for us to get to know one another again and strengthen our community. This Sunday we'll here from Michael Jegabbi, one of our new members from Trinity, who will reflect on his experience being in the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Walk the Walk: "Christman Preserve"
Monday, August 9th at 10:00am
With kids out of school, the goal here is to build connections between our young people and adults, all while enjoying the beauty of God's creation and supporting a great cause! Our six week's hike will be in Christman Preserve. All hikes will be roughly two miles long with minimal elevation gain. For directions, please contact Jean Jones at dodgerjones@yahoo.com or if you'd like to carpool, please arrive at Messiah's parking lot by 9:30am. If rides are needed for anyone, please contact Pastor Dustin asap at pastor@messiahschenectady.org or 603.953.8782. We hope to see you there!
Community Crafting Mondays
Monday, August 9th from 1:00p - 3:00p
Fellowship Hall, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
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!
Summer Zentangle with Russell McDonald, CZT
Monday, August 9th & August 23rd at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road
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 the launch of 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!
Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
Monday, August 9th at 7:00pm
Fellowship Hall, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
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, movie nights and Community Coffee Hour 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.
Faith Formation Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, August 10th at 7:00pm
Fellowship Hall, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
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! We'll be talking about how to support our young people this fall and also about setting up Pastor Dustin's former office as our new Adult Education space? The ministry team meets quarterly. f you'd prefer to attend virtually, the link for this evening meeting is: https://zoom.us/j/92199006383.
Community Round the Campfire: "Hope"
Wednesday, August 11th at 7:00pm
Parish Yard, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Looking to reconnect with folks after so many devastating months of pandemic? Join us round the campfire each and every Wednesday evening this summer at 7:00pm for conversation about the things that matter most! Each week we'll host a conversation about a particular poem, video or song that in some way helps illuminate what is sacred in all our lives. All are welcome and this group is especially framed as a multifaith/ interspiritual space for folks of all backgrounds who want to strengthen their connection with others but haven't found their place in traditional faith communities. While Rachel Longmire and Pastor Dustin will help coordinate this community, conversations will generally be led collectively by other participants who volunteer. This week we'll be talking all about finding hope!
Mass for Mary, Mother of Our Lord
Sunday, August 15th at 9:30am
Sanctuary, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Streaming on Facebook Watch
On this very special Sunday we'll recognize and give thanks for two of our young people who are celebrating high school graduations this summer, Devin Hodorowski and Mark Lavenia. We'll explore the story of Mary, Mother of Our Lord and her song of liberation for all! 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. We'll also here from one of our youth, Grace Olochnowicz, on what it means to be a welcoming community at Messiah. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Emily Russo serving as cantor.
Community Coffee Hour
Sunday, August 15th at 11:00am
Fellowship Hall, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Every week after Sunday Mass this summer we'll resume Community Coffee Hour, a casual but critical time for us to get to know one another again and strengthen our community. This Sunday we'll have a wonderful celebration for our two high school graduates, Devin Hodorowski and Mark Lavenia!
Concert and Hymn Sing in Freedom Park
Sunday, August 15th from 3:00 - 5:00pm
5 Schonowee Ave, Scotia, New York
Join the joint choirs of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Messiah Lutheran Church and other Scotia churches for a fun family friendly concert and hymn sing in Scotia's beautiful Freedom Park along the Mohawk River! Grab some food and ice-cream at Jumpin Jacks next door and join us as we celebrate the summer and give thanks to God that we can meet together again!
Walk the Walk: "Strawberry Fields"
Monday, August 16th at 10:00am
With kids out of school, the goal here is to build connections between our young people and adults, all while enjoying the beauty of God's creation and supporting a great cause! Our seventh hike will be in nearby strawberry fields! All hikes will be roughly two miles long with minimal elevation gain. For directions, please contact Jean Jones at dodgerjones@yahoo.com or if you'd like to carpool, please arrive at Messiah's parking lot by 9:30am. If rides are needed for anyone, please contact Pastor Dustin asap at pastor@messiahschenectady.org or 603.953.8782. We hope to see you there!
BBQ & Axe Throwing Night
Tuesday, August 17th at 6:30pm
The Crowther Estate
One of our all time favorite events at Messiah is back! Join us for a delicious potluck bbq and ax throwing tutorial from Chip Crowther, our Spirit filled community's resident lumberjack contest expert! The Crowthers will once again host (if you need their address, please look in our directory or reach out to Tammi or Pastor Dustin). This will be a simple evening together again after so, so long apart! We hope to see you there and if possible, please RSVP on our Facebook Event!
Community Around the Campfire: "Peace"
Wednesday, August 18th at 7:00pm
Parish Yard, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
This week at Community Around the Campfire, we'll be talking all about waging peace!
Mass for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: "Stand"
Sunday, August 22nd at 9:30am
Sanctuary, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Streaming on Facebook Watch
In today’s gospel many people take offense at Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus’ disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John’s gospel for Peter’s confession of faith. “To whom can we go?” asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. “You have the words of eternal life.” In order to take such a stand, as Peter and Joshua did, Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the word of God. We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Jill Becker serving as cantor.
Walk the Walk: "Anchor Diamond Preserve"
Monday, August 23rd at 10:00am
With kids out of school, the goal here is to build connections between our young people and adults, all while enjoying the beauty of God's creation and supporting a great cause! Our final hike will be in Anchor Diamond Preserve. All hikes will be roughly two miles long with minimal elevation gain. For directions, please contact Jean Jones at dodgerjones@yahoo.com or if you'd like to carpool, please arrive at Messiah's parking lot by 9:30am. If rides are needed for anyone, please contact Pastor Dustin asap at pastor@messiahschenectady.org or 603.953.8782. We hope to see you there!
Compline for the Feast of Bartholomew, Apostle
Tuesday, August 24th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
At Messiah Lutheran Church we deeply believe our entire year is sacred, and thus offer brief Compline services to pause and tell the story of Christ's life, death and resurrection on every feast day of the Church's liturgical year. 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 Nathaniel 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).
Community Round the Campfire: "Love"
Wednesday, August 25th at 7:00pm
Parish Yard, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
On our final week of Community Around the Campfire for the summer, we'll be talking all about building love for one another in community! Join us!
Messiahstock V
Sunday, August 29th at 9:30am
The Olochnowicz Estate
We missed our fifth annual congregation campout in 2020, but this year we're back better than ever! While we're not quite ready for an overnight experience yet, we'll still have a full day of faith, fun and fellowship together to close out the summer!!!! The day will start with a rustic worship service followed by a special catered luncheon in celebration of Mr. Doug's over thirty years with us at Messiah! This will be an AWESOME time for the whole family, especially our young people, who haven't been able to connect with others in so long. After the luncheon we'll organize a bunch of family-friendly games (definitely including capture the flag) and cap the day off with an evening of campfire skits before closing devotionals. Please RSVP on Facebook and if you have any questions speak with Kristen Olochnowicz or Pastor Dustin. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Sophie Coleman serving as cantor.
Mass for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost: "Ephphatha"
Sunday, September 5th at 9:30am
Sanctuary, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Streaming on Facebook Watch
James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Jill Becker serving as cantor.
Mass for God's Work, Our Hands Sunday
Sunday, September 12th at 10:15am
Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road
Streaming on Facebook Watch
This is a HUGE day! Everything starts at 9:00am with the kick off of in-person Sunday School for all ages for the first time since March 2020. At 10:15am we'll move back to our regular worship time and celebrate a service of transition for Trinity's sanctuary. Depending on a number of variables, our choir may even return!! After a potluck luncheon, we will officially move into the new Trinity Community Center by cleaning and organizing throughout the building as as Lutherans across the America engage in a national day of service. Pastor Dustin will preach and Pastor Jonathan will preside.
Music Festival to Benefit the Trinity Community Center & SafeHaven LGBTQ
Friday, September 17th at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Led by our very own Douglas J. Chilton, 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 with a variety of vendors 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's Creative Media Lab, one of our first programs in the building. You can watch online as well and stay tuned for a complete lineup!
Stewardship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, September 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. A particular focus of this conversation will be implementing all the major decisions made at our Special Meeting of the Congregation regarding consolidation with the people of Trinity Reformed, the reinventing of that property into a community center and making our worship center fully accessible. The ministry team meets quarterly. The link for tonight's meeting is https://zoom.us/j/93024204486.
SAVE THE DATE: 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 later in the summer, please contact Pastor Dustin to reserve your young people's spots today as we're once again sharing a cabin with Our Redeemer and Good Shepherd Lutheran Churches, so spots are limited! 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!
To view our complete parish calendar, click here.
Thursday, August 5th at 6:00pm
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. With these facts in mind, Pastor Dustin and Russell McDonald engaged in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction training this past fall in order to help lead a weekly virtual session of meditation and prayer for all in our local community. This is currently a Zoom only event.
Community Produce Pantry
Friday, August 6th from 4:30 - 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road
Announcing the long-awaited return of the Trinity Produce Pantry, Messiah Lutheran Church will take the lead on free produce distribution from the former Trinity Reformed Church, 705 Curry Road, on Friday, June 4 from 4:30-6 PM. This weekly distribution will take place outside with drive-up service available. No ID, paperwork, or pre-registering required!
Mass for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost: "Kindness"
Sunday, August 8th at 9:30am
Sanctuary, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Jesus says that the bread he gives for the life of the world is his flesh, and whoever eats this bread has eternal life now and will be raised on the last day. In Ephesians Paul tells us what this life Jesus gives us looks like, this life we live as those marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit in baptism. We live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. The whole purpose of life is giving yourself for the other. Pastor Jonathan will preach with Jill Becker serving as cantor. Communion will be held outdoors following worship.
Community Coffee Hour: "A Story of Faith w/ Michael Jegabbi"
Sunday, August 8th at 11:00am
Fellowship Hall, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Every week after Sunday Mass this summer we'll resume Community Coffee Hour, a casual but critical time for us to get to know one another again and strengthen our community. This Sunday we'll here from Michael Jegabbi, one of our new members from Trinity, who will reflect on his experience being in the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Walk the Walk: "Christman Preserve"
Monday, August 9th at 10:00am
With kids out of school, the goal here is to build connections between our young people and adults, all while enjoying the beauty of God's creation and supporting a great cause! Our six week's hike will be in Christman Preserve. All hikes will be roughly two miles long with minimal elevation gain. For directions, please contact Jean Jones at dodgerjones@yahoo.com or if you'd like to carpool, please arrive at Messiah's parking lot by 9:30am. If rides are needed for anyone, please contact Pastor Dustin asap at pastor@messiahschenectady.org or 603.953.8782. We hope to see you there!
Community Crafting Mondays
Monday, August 9th from 1:00p - 3:00p
Fellowship Hall, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
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!
Summer Zentangle with Russell McDonald, CZT
Monday, August 9th & August 23rd at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road
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 the launch of 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!
Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
Monday, August 9th at 7:00pm
Fellowship Hall, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
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, movie nights and Community Coffee Hour 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.
Faith Formation Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, August 10th at 7:00pm
Fellowship Hall, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
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! We'll be talking about how to support our young people this fall and also about setting up Pastor Dustin's former office as our new Adult Education space? The ministry team meets quarterly. f you'd prefer to attend virtually, the link for this evening meeting is: https://zoom.us/j/92199006383.
Community Round the Campfire: "Hope"
Wednesday, August 11th at 7:00pm
Parish Yard, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Looking to reconnect with folks after so many devastating months of pandemic? Join us round the campfire each and every Wednesday evening this summer at 7:00pm for conversation about the things that matter most! Each week we'll host a conversation about a particular poem, video or song that in some way helps illuminate what is sacred in all our lives. All are welcome and this group is especially framed as a multifaith/ interspiritual space for folks of all backgrounds who want to strengthen their connection with others but haven't found their place in traditional faith communities. While Rachel Longmire and Pastor Dustin will help coordinate this community, conversations will generally be led collectively by other participants who volunteer. This week we'll be talking all about finding hope!
Mass for Mary, Mother of Our Lord
Sunday, August 15th at 9:30am
Sanctuary, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Streaming on Facebook Watch
On this very special Sunday we'll recognize and give thanks for two of our young people who are celebrating high school graduations this summer, Devin Hodorowski and Mark Lavenia. We'll explore the story of Mary, Mother of Our Lord and her song of liberation for all! 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. We'll also here from one of our youth, Grace Olochnowicz, on what it means to be a welcoming community at Messiah. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Emily Russo serving as cantor.
Community Coffee Hour
Sunday, August 15th at 11:00am
Fellowship Hall, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Every week after Sunday Mass this summer we'll resume Community Coffee Hour, a casual but critical time for us to get to know one another again and strengthen our community. This Sunday we'll have a wonderful celebration for our two high school graduates, Devin Hodorowski and Mark Lavenia!
Concert and Hymn Sing in Freedom Park
Sunday, August 15th from 3:00 - 5:00pm
5 Schonowee Ave, Scotia, New York
Join the joint choirs of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Messiah Lutheran Church and other Scotia churches for a fun family friendly concert and hymn sing in Scotia's beautiful Freedom Park along the Mohawk River! Grab some food and ice-cream at Jumpin Jacks next door and join us as we celebrate the summer and give thanks to God that we can meet together again!
Walk the Walk: "Strawberry Fields"
Monday, August 16th at 10:00am
With kids out of school, the goal here is to build connections between our young people and adults, all while enjoying the beauty of God's creation and supporting a great cause! Our seventh hike will be in nearby strawberry fields! All hikes will be roughly two miles long with minimal elevation gain. For directions, please contact Jean Jones at dodgerjones@yahoo.com or if you'd like to carpool, please arrive at Messiah's parking lot by 9:30am. If rides are needed for anyone, please contact Pastor Dustin asap at pastor@messiahschenectady.org or 603.953.8782. We hope to see you there!
BBQ & Axe Throwing Night
Tuesday, August 17th at 6:30pm
The Crowther Estate
One of our all time favorite events at Messiah is back! Join us for a delicious potluck bbq and ax throwing tutorial from Chip Crowther, our Spirit filled community's resident lumberjack contest expert! The Crowthers will once again host (if you need their address, please look in our directory or reach out to Tammi or Pastor Dustin). This will be a simple evening together again after so, so long apart! We hope to see you there and if possible, please RSVP on our Facebook Event!
Community Around the Campfire: "Peace"
Wednesday, August 18th at 7:00pm
Parish Yard, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
This week at Community Around the Campfire, we'll be talking all about waging peace!
Mass for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost: "Stand"
Sunday, August 22nd at 9:30am
Sanctuary, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Streaming on Facebook Watch
In today’s gospel many people take offense at Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh and drink his blood; even many of Jesus’ disciples peel off. This is the backdrop in John’s gospel for Peter’s confession of faith. “To whom can we go?” asks Peter, in words we sometimes sing just before the gospel is read. “You have the words of eternal life.” In order to take such a stand, as Peter and Joshua did, Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the word of God. We pray in the Spirit that we might be bold ambassadors of the gospel. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Jill Becker serving as cantor.
Walk the Walk: "Anchor Diamond Preserve"
Monday, August 23rd at 10:00am
With kids out of school, the goal here is to build connections between our young people and adults, all while enjoying the beauty of God's creation and supporting a great cause! Our final hike will be in Anchor Diamond Preserve. All hikes will be roughly two miles long with minimal elevation gain. For directions, please contact Jean Jones at dodgerjones@yahoo.com or if you'd like to carpool, please arrive at Messiah's parking lot by 9:30am. If rides are needed for anyone, please contact Pastor Dustin asap at pastor@messiahschenectady.org or 603.953.8782. We hope to see you there!
Compline for the Feast of Bartholomew, Apostle
Tuesday, August 24th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
At Messiah Lutheran Church we deeply believe our entire year is sacred, and thus offer brief Compline services to pause and tell the story of Christ's life, death and resurrection on every feast day of the Church's liturgical year. 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 Nathaniel 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).
Community Round the Campfire: "Love"
Wednesday, August 25th at 7:00pm
Parish Yard, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
On our final week of Community Around the Campfire for the summer, we'll be talking all about building love for one another in community! Join us!
Messiahstock V
Sunday, August 29th at 9:30am
The Olochnowicz Estate
We missed our fifth annual congregation campout in 2020, but this year we're back better than ever! While we're not quite ready for an overnight experience yet, we'll still have a full day of faith, fun and fellowship together to close out the summer!!!! The day will start with a rustic worship service followed by a special catered luncheon in celebration of Mr. Doug's over thirty years with us at Messiah! This will be an AWESOME time for the whole family, especially our young people, who haven't been able to connect with others in so long. After the luncheon we'll organize a bunch of family-friendly games (definitely including capture the flag) and cap the day off with an evening of campfire skits before closing devotionals. Please RSVP on Facebook and if you have any questions speak with Kristen Olochnowicz or Pastor Dustin. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Sophie Coleman serving as cantor.
Mass for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost: "Ephphatha"
Sunday, September 5th at 9:30am
Sanctuary, 2850 Guilderland Avenue
Streaming on Facebook Watch
James tells us to stop showing favoritism in the assembly, treating the rich visitor with more honor than the poor one. Jesus himself seems to show partiality in his first response to the Syrophoenician woman in today’s gospel. Was he testing her faith in saying Gentiles don’t deserve the goods meant for God’s children? Or was he speaking out of his human worldview, but transcended those limits when she took him by surprise with her reply? Either way, the story tells us that God shows no partiality. Everyone who brings a need to Jesus is received with equal honor as a child and heir. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Jill Becker serving as cantor.
Mass for God's Work, Our Hands Sunday
Sunday, September 12th at 10:15am
Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road
Streaming on Facebook Watch
This is a HUGE day! Everything starts at 9:00am with the kick off of in-person Sunday School for all ages for the first time since March 2020. At 10:15am we'll move back to our regular worship time and celebrate a service of transition for Trinity's sanctuary. Depending on a number of variables, our choir may even return!! After a potluck luncheon, we will officially move into the new Trinity Community Center by cleaning and organizing throughout the building as as Lutherans across the America engage in a national day of service. Pastor Dustin will preach and Pastor Jonathan will preside.
Music Festival to Benefit the Trinity Community Center & SafeHaven LGBTQ
Friday, September 17th at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Led by our very own Douglas J. Chilton, 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 with a variety of vendors 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's Creative Media Lab, one of our first programs in the building. You can watch online as well and stay tuned for a complete lineup!
Stewardship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, September 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. A particular focus of this conversation will be implementing all the major decisions made at our Special Meeting of the Congregation regarding consolidation with the people of Trinity Reformed, the reinventing of that property into a community center and making our worship center fully accessible. The ministry team meets quarterly. The link for tonight's meeting is https://zoom.us/j/93024204486.
SAVE THE DATE: 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 later in the summer, please contact Pastor Dustin to reserve your young people's spots today as we're once again sharing a cabin with Our Redeemer and Good Shepherd Lutheran Churches, so spots are limited! 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!
To view our complete parish calendar, click here.