Community Crafting Mondays
Mondays from 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Looking to build some community with like-minded folks? Come stop by our Community Crafting Mondays hosted at the Rotterdam 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 G.
Mondays from 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship 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. The drop in cost for each session is $10 or a $40 punch card for five sessions can be purchased. 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!
Mindfulness Coaching with Nicholas Clay
Mondays from 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Rotterdam Community Center Conference Room
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Mindfulness teaches us how to maintain a present state of awareness, reduces stress, can reduce experiences of anxiety and depression and can strengthen our relationship with ourselves and others. Join Nicholas Clay, a community leader and Certified Jay Shetty Life Coach for these weekly sessions. Cost per session is only $10!
Worship & Music Ministry Team
Monday, December 4th 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 and our Prayer ministries! A focus this month will be worship planning through Easter and scheduling a Worship Leader Training. The team will begin meeting in-person every other month at Messiah the first Monday of the month in February. This month however, join us on Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/96341841016.
Zumba with Annie G.
Tuesdays from 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship 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. The drop in cost for each session is $10 or a $40 punch card for five sessions can be purchased. 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!
Community Center Advisory Board
Tuesday, December 5th at 6:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Conference Room
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
The Community Center Advisory Board meets on a monthly basis to review policy and support the financial development of the Rotterdam Community Center. A major topic for this month's meeting will be our end of the year financial development campaign.
Men's Breakfast
Wednesday, December 6th at 10:00am
Tops American Grill, Bakery & Bar
351 Duanesburg Road in Rotterdam, New York
Join the Messiah Lutheran Men in Mission chapter for our monthly tradition... Men's Breakfast at Tops! Join us each and every month as we reconnect with our neighbors and strengthen our local community!
Gentle Yoga with Jean Marie Sefcovic, CYT, LMT
Wednesdays at 5:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship 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 $15 per hour class. RSVP to Jean Marie at yoginijean@yahoo.com.
Young Adult Yoga w/ Rae Longmire
Wednesday at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Rae is a local young adult artist and yoga teacher. She received her 200 hour YTT certification at Jai Yoga School. This weekly class is beginner to intermediate and focuses on promoting strength and flexibility. This vinyasa style class has energetic and creative flows, filled with intentional cues to guide you through different asanas, using the breath. Be prepared to work your body and break a sweat! Yoga mats are a must. Props are limited. Please bring any props that you may need (blocks, straps, blanket etc.) Cost per class is 15$. Class is free, if you bring a friend.
Rotterdam Produce Pantry
Fridays at 4:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
We provide roughly ninety households a week with free produce from the Rotterdam Community Center, every Friday at 4:30pm on a first come, first serve basis. This weekly distribution will take place outside with drive-up service available. No ID, paperwork, or pre-registering required! The Produce Pantry operates with the generous support of First Reformed Church of Schenectady.
Sunday Forum: Women in the Bible
Sundays at 8:45am
Messiah Faith Center Library
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86247398331
How are women presented in the Bible? This hybrid in-person/ virtual course we will examine a wide range of biblical passages, some of which focus on well known women and others on women who have been ignored, and recovering some who have been erased from historical memory. Along with biblical accounts we will explore issues such as God’s relationship to gender, women and violence, women in the ministries of Jesus and Paul, and feminine imagery in the Bible that has often not been recognized.
Our primary text, supplemented by videos and other writings, will be Jaime Clark-Soles’s Women in The Bible: Interpretation: Resources for the Use of Scripture in the Church (Westminster John Knox Press, 2020). Course participants will purchase their own copies of the text, which sell for $50.00 hardcover (new) or $16.99 Kindle. Used copies can be purchased for about $40.00, including postage and shipping. A limited number of used copies of the textbook will be available for purchase at Messiah Church for those for whom these prices are a challenge, and individuals will be asked to contribute according to their means.
Jaime Clark-Soles is Professor of New Testament and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. In a blurb on the book’s cover, Carol A Newsom, Charles Howard Candler Professor Emerita of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, writes: “Reading this book is the best Bible study or class you ever–or never–attended. Clark-Soles doesn’t just walk you through texts but introduces you to a whole range of different and often unexpected interpretations for each passage. Even difficult and painful texts become occasions for new pastoral, spiritual, and prophetic insights. Clark-Soles has created an incomparable resource for encountering the full range of women in the Bible.”
Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent: "Peace"
Sunday, December 10th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
John calls people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing gets in the way of the Lord’s coming. The reading from Isaiah gives the context for this radical call: the assurance of forgiveness that encourages us to repent; the promise that the coming one will be gentle with the little ones. Isaiah calls us all to be heralds with John, to lift up our voices fearlessly and say, “See, your God is coming!” We say it to one another in worship, in order to say it with our lives in a world in need of justice and peace. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside over our cherished Advent liturgy adopted from Holden Evening Prayer with Mr. Doug playing live and in-person! Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Children's Programme Rehearsal
Sunday, December 10th at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Classes through Advent will serve as practice for our annual Christmas Children's Programme on Sunday, December 17th.
Eleventh Annual Community Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 10th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Now in its eleventh year, Messiah's Community Christmas Concert brings neighbors with musical talent of all backgrounds together for a great cause right before the holidays. Organized annually by amazing vocalist Jill Becker and jazz piano legend Mr. Douglas J. Chilton, we hope to have a wider assortment of community members performance than ever before! If you would like perform, please confirm with Jill today at jillkbecker@gmail.com as there are only a limited number of slots available! A reception with tasty treats of the season will follow the concert. We are proud to announce that our 2023 Charity of Choice is the Mohonasen Central School District's MohonCARES Program that provides children in need with food, clothing, school supplies and more!
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Monday, December 11th from 3 to 8pm
Rotterdam Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
The Bread of Life Food Pantry can help you with three meals for three days per member of your household. To set up an appointment, call Judy at 518.364.3205, leave your name and the best phone number to contact you, and we will assist you as soon as we can! Upon arrival for your appointment, you'll be invited to fill out a form regarding what food items they'd like to to take home. Our friendly volunteers will then fill the order and bring it to you.
Community LGBTQIA+ Support Group
Mondays at 7:00pm
Rotterdam Community Center Studio
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Rotterdam Community Center will launch a weekly LGBTQIA+ Support Group on Mondays at 7:00 pm. The group is open to all — people who identify as LGBTQ, their families, and allies. All ages are welcome to this safe place where discussion will be shaped by the needs of those present, although minors will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no cost and no commitment to attend weekly; people are free to come as often or seldom as they wish. The group will be facilitated by Grace Ferris, a local leader in the LGBTQ community.
Interfaith Youth Hanukkah Party
Wednesday, December 13th at 6:30pm
Congregation Gates of Heaven
852 Ashmore Ave in Schenectady, New York
Our first interfaith youth event between Messiah Lutheran Church and Congregation Gates of Heaven at the "Field of Horrors" in Troy was an AWESOME opportunity connect with one another and build a sense of interfaith solidarity between our young people. Our second event will be an Interfaith Hanukkah Party at Gates where we'll make (and eat!) latkes, play games and learn more about the history and tradition of Hanukkah. Simply RSVP to Pastor Dustin at Messiah or Parker Meyers at Gates by Thursday, December 7th.
Rotterdam Board Game Night
Friday, December 15th at 6:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Please join us for Game Night on the 3rd Friday monthly from 6:30 to 9:30 (may run later to finish up games as needed). Bring your games, or play ours! We will provide chess, checkers, cards, and a variety of board or card games including but not limited to: Settlers of Catan, Set, Evolution, Castles of Burgundy, Ticket to Ride, Wingspan, Splendor, Azul, and many more! We have a solid Magic: The Gathering contingent as well! People of all ages and abilities are welcome, but most provided games are suitable for people 12 and older, so please bring games suitable for younger children if they are joining in on the fun. We hope to share knowledge and find like minded people who love to game. Game night is free although a $5 suggested donation is appreciated to help keep Rotterdam Community Center up and running. Minors under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minors need a virtual permission slip completed beforehand that can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCEventPermission. We hope to see you soon!
Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent: "Joy"
Sunday, December 17th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
“Rejoice always,” begins the reading from 1 Thessalonians. Isaiah and the psalmist make clear that God is turning our mourning into laughter and shouts of joy. “All God’s children got a robe,” go the words of a spiritual. It is not so much a stately, formal, pressed outfit as it is a set of party clothes, clothes we are happy to wear. We receive that robe in baptism, and in worship we gather for a foretaste of God’s party. Pastor Dustin will preside while our young people will offer their annual Children's Programme amidst a our cherished Advent liturgy adopted from Holden Evening Prayer. Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 9: “Set Free: Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth"
Sunday, December 17th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. We’ll focus this fall on a broader view of Christian history than your typical Lutheran confirmation class, especially by highlighting the lives of various saints commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our ninth session discusses discusses the role of faith in the early abolition movement through the lives of
Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. This conversation will be held in partnership with local civil
rights leaders. Youth are expected to have picked a saint by this date for their oral report. Our focus question will be, "How does our faith relate to civil rights?" and our Bible passage will be Exodus 6: 1 – 10.
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Monday, December 18th from 9am to 2pm
Rotterdam Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
The Bread of Life Food Pantry can help you with three meals for three days per member of your household. To set up an appointment, call Judy at 518.364.3205, leave your name and the best phone number to contact you, and we will assist you as soon as we can! Upon arrival for your appointment, you'll be invited to fill out a form regarding what food items they'd like to to take home. Our friendly volunteers will then fill the order and bring it to you.
Congregation Council
Monday, December 18th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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. Meetings of the Congregation Council take place in person, but reach out to President Sue Collins if you need to Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/95835192148.
Award Winning WELCA Christmas Party
Tuesday, December 19th at 6:30pm
The Home of Jody and Bill Fleming
We are so excited to announce that the Women of the ELCA will one again be holding its Award Winning Annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 19th at 6:30pm at the home of Jody Fleming. Please bring a dish to share; a $10 grab bag gift and personal care item(s) for Street Soldiers Schenectady. Beverages and dessert will be provided. All women of the church are invited. Please RSVP by December 10th at https://bit.ly/WELCAChristmas2023 or on the narthex bulletin board.
Lutheran Men in Mission Seventh Annual Brotastically Inclusive Christmas Party
Wednesday, December 20th at 6:30pm
The Home of Paul and Allison Bode
On Wednesday, December 20th at 6:30pm our chapter of Lutheran Men in Mission will once again welcome everyone to our seventh annual Brotastically Inclusive Christmas Party at the home of Paul and Allison Bode! Unlike that other big annual Christmas party at Messiah, everyone's welcome here! This will be a potluck gathering so be sure to bring something tasty but no peanuts please! We’ll also conduct our beloved tradition, the “Yankee Swap of Ridiculous Gifts” (under $10 please). Finally, all are invited to attempt to take the annual "Best Hat" award by wearing the silliest hat you have for this year’s contest! Our reigning champion is Dave Barnett! If you have any questions or need the Bode's address, please reach out to Paul, Allison or Pastor Dustin! Please RSVP by December 10th at https://bit.ly/MensChristmas2023 or on the narthex bulletin board.
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Saturday, December 23rd from 9am to 2pm
Rotterdam Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
The Bread of Life Food Pantry can help you with three meals for three days per member of your household. To set up an appointment, call Judy at 518.364.3205, leave your name and the best phone number to contact you, and we will assist you as soon as we can! Upon arrival for your appointment, you'll be invited to fill out a form regarding what food items they'd like to to take home. Our friendly volunteers will then fill the order and bring it to you.
Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent: "Love"
Sunday, December 24th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
God keeps the promise made to David to give him an everlasting throne. The angel tells Mary that God will give David’s throne to her son Jesus. She is perplexed by Gabriel’s greeting and by the news of her coming pregnancy, but she is able still to say, “Count me in.” We who know that Jesus is called king only as he is executed still find it a mystery hard to fathom, but with Mary today we hear the news of what God is up to and say, “Count us in.” Pastor Dustin will preach and preside over our cherished Advent liturgy adopted from Holden Evening Prayer. Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Christmas Eve Family Mass
Sunday, December 24th at 5:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
It’s become a cherished tradition at Messiah that every year for Christmas a number of our families team up together to provide a family friendly service for members of Messiah and guests from the community alike! Folks of all ages are more than invited to join us for Christmas Eve at Messiah!
2023 Christmas Eve Potluck
December 24th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Join us on Sunday, December 24th, at 6:30 p.m. for one of Messiah’s most cherished traditions. For decades the whole community at Messiah has gathered together between Christmas Eve services to spread the holiday cheer, give thanks for the blessings of another year and celebrate Jesus’ birth. Please RSVP by December 17th at https://bit.ly/MLCChristmasPotluck2023 or on the narthex bulletin board.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Mass
Saturday, December 24th at 8:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
Join the people of Messiah on this most holy of nights! First we light the Christ Candle while we ground ourselves in some amazing music. Pastor Dustin will give a very special sermon and the service will conclude with the singing of “Silent Night” as the light of Christ spreads throughout the assembly. All our friends and neighbors are more than welcome to join and build some community with us this Christmas Eve, at Messiah!
Christmas Day Matins
Monday, December 25th at 10:00am
Streaming on Facebook
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, join Pastor Dustin for a brief time of reflection on the role of the shepherds in Luke 2: 8-20 and a rerun of our classic service of morning prayer organized by our young adults in 2020.
Christmas Day Compline
Monday, December 25th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
At the close of this holiest of days, join our youth and Pastor Dustin for a rerun of our classic service of evening prayer and a reflection on the appointed gospel for the evening of Christmas Day, Saint John's description of Christ as "the Word of God made flesh."
Compline for the Feast of Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Tuesday, December 26th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
Blessed St. Stephen is remembered as the first of the church’s martyrs. The readings remind us that God’s people have a history littered with the corpses of prophets and godly ambassadors whose words they failed to hear. Stephen’s dying words echo those of our Savior, whose birth we have begun to celebrate again. Today we pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the vision and voice of Jesus. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer.
Compline for the Feast of John, Apostle and Evangelist
Wednesday, December 27th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
The appointed texts for St. John's day enunciate the intentions of the first letter of John: to declare “what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen . . . what we have looked at and touched . . . concerning the word of life.” The apostle John was an intimate of the Christ of Christmas, the Word made flesh, the Word of life. John’s gospel invites us to enter into the Christ-life. In the proclamation of this Word and in the holy meal we are invited to look at and touch what those who first followed Jesus had seen: Jesus. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer.
Compline for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Thursday, December 28th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
Jesus escapes the sword in the gospel on this day—but not for long—not forever. He died for us. He died for the world, to put an end to the cycle of violence that continues to claim innocent victims. Rachel’s lament, recorded in Jeremiah and echoed in Matthew, is not the last word. “There is hope for your future,” says the Lord. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer.
Matins for the First Sunday of Christmas
Sunday, December 31st at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
The psalmist calls on the natural world, celestial bodies, fire and earth, creatures, and all humanity, to praise God. The voices of Simeon and 84-year-old Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon’s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God’s salvation in the assembled community and have held Jesus in our hands in the bread. Then, like the prophet Anna, we tell of Jesus to all who look for the healing of the world! Pastor Dustin will preach over a simplified morning prayer service with Scott Heller leading us in beautiful live renditions of classic hymns. The service will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Compline for New Year's Eve
Sunday, December 31st at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
At the turn of the year we meditate on endings and beginnings, knowing that all the world’s time begins and ends in God. We watch and keep vigil for the coming of God’s justice. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer.
Compline for the Feast of the Name of Jesus
Monday, January 1st at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
From the beginning, through baptism, we are called Christian. We are “Christ-ened” at the font. Bearing Christ’s name, we share the same Father and are invited to address this parent intimately: Abba! Jesus bears our sins in humble obedience to the will of God. Today we pray that the mind of Christ, whose name we bear, would be our own. It is a good way to begin, again, another year. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer.
Community Center Advisory Board
Tuesday, January 2nd at 6:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Conference Room
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
The Community Center Advisory Board meets on a monthly basis to review policy and support the financial development of the Rotterdam Community Center. A major topic for this month's meeting will be recruiting our new slate of Board Members and preparing for a Board Training later in the winter. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Kimlee Marquise. If so, the Zoom link isus06web.zoom.us/j/83856355492.
Men's Breakfast
Wednesday, January 3rd at 10:00am
Tops American Grill, Bakery & Bar
351 Duanesburg Road in Rotterdam, New York
Join the Messiah Lutheran Men in Mission chapter for our monthly tradition... Men's Breakfast at Tops! Join us each and every month as we reconnect with our neighbors and strengthen our local community!
Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord
Sunday, January 7th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people! Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Scott Heller offering a beautiful live performance for us to celebrate the feast day! Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Magi
Sunday, January 7th at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Today's lesson will focus on the story of the Magi and the Holy Family's escape to Egypt in Matthew 2:13-23.
Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 10: “The Cost of Discipleship: Dietrich Bonhoeffer"
Sunday, January 7th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. We’ll focus this fall on a broader view of Christian history than your typical Lutheran confirmation class, especially by highlighting the lives of various saints commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our tenth session explores the long history of anti-Semitism in church and the story of one
martyr who fought back against it, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This conversation will be held in partnership with local Jewish leaders. Our focus question will be, "Why is working with people of other religions so important?" and our Bible passage will be Romans 11: 11 – 27.
Social Action Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, January 9th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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, our Produce Pantry and the Rotterdam Community Center. The ministry team meets quarterly. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Social Action Ministry Team Coordinator Karen Keenan ahead of time. If so, the Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/91568452071.
Free Community Movie Night: "Elemental"
Saturday, January 13th at 6:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
We are SO excited to be back with monthly free community movie nights! Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in.Doors open at 6:30pm and the movie starts at 7:15pm. The movie is free and concessions available for purchase in our ADA accessible, surround sound theatre space.
Mass for the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
with Rabbi Rafi Spitzer
Sunday, January 14th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
All the baptized have a calling in God’s world. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn’t important; it’s where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to Jacob, who had a vision in a place he called “the house of God, and . . . the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God! Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Scott Heller offering a beautiful live performance for us to celebrate the feast day! Rabbi Rafi Spitzer of Congregation Agudat Achim will also join us to reflect on how Christian baptism relates to similar practices in his tradition. Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Jesus is Baptized
Sunday, January 14th at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Today's lesson will focus on the story of Jesus's baptism in Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22.
Coffee and Conversation: Rabbi Rafi Spitzer
Sunday, January 14th at 11:30am
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Join us as we welcome Rabbi Rafi Spitzer of Congregation Agudat Achim to reflect on how Christian baptism relates to similar practices in his tradition and how we can work together as people of faith against the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States and around the world.
Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 11: “Nonviolence: MLK"
Sunday, January 14th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. We’ll focus this fall on a broader view of Christian history than your typical Lutheran confirmation class, especially by highlighting the lives of various saints commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our eleventh session focuses on the tradition of nonviolent resistance in the church through the
story of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our focus question will be, "How does our faith shape how we work to change the world today?" and our Bible passage will be Micah 6: 6 – 8.
Congregation Council
Monday, January 15th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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. Meetings of the Congregation Council take place in person, but reach out to President Sue Collins if you need to Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/95835192148.
Compline for the Confession of Peter
Thursday, January 18th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
Peter's confession, that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” is rock solid. Jesus is the stone rejected by the builders that has become the cornerstone. The psalmist celebrates God as “my rock in whom I put my trust.” Paul refers to Christ as the “spiritual rock” that followed the children of Israel in the wilderness. Even the Greek petros, from which Peter’s name comes, means stone. The assembly gathers again today to honor the Son of the living God and longs to be recognized as companions of Jesus. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer as we begin our annual celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity!
Rotterdam Board Game Night
Friday, January 19th at 6:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Please join us for Game Night on the 3rd Friday monthly from 6:30 to 9:30 (may run later to finish up games as needed). Bring your games, or play ours! We will provide chess, checkers, cards, and a variety of board or card games including but not limited to: Settlers of Catan, Set, Evolution, Castles of Burgundy, Ticket to Ride, Wingspan, Splendor, Azul, and many more! We have a solid Magic: The Gathering contingent as well! People of all ages and abilities are welcome, but most provided games are suitable for people 12 and older, so please bring games suitable for younger children if they are joining in on the fun. We hope to share knowledge and find like minded people who love to game. Game night is free although a $5 suggested donation is appreciated to help keep Rotterdam Community Center up and running. Minors under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minors need a virtual permission slip completed beforehand that can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCEventPermission. We hope to see you soon!
Christian Unity Mass for the Third Sunday after Epiphany
with Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos
Sunday, January 21st at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
As we continue through the time after Epiphany, stories of the call to discipleship show us the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two sets of brothers leave everything they have known and worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people! Pastor Dustin will preach and co-preside as we celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos, Executive Director and CEO of Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM). Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Reluctance
Sunday, January 21st at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Today's lesson will focus on the story of Jonah in Jonah 3:1-5, 10.
Coffee and Conversation: Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos
Sunday, January 21st at 11:30am
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Join us as we welcome Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos, Executive Director and CEO of Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM), who will join us to discuss the importance of solidarity across faith traditions and all that SiCM is doing to serve our neighbors in need.
Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 12: “Liberation"
Sunday, January 21st at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. We’ll focus this fall on a broader view of Christian history than your typical Lutheran confirmation class, especially by highlighting the lives of various saints commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our thirteenth session focuses on the beginnings of the modern liberation theology movement in
Latin America through the story of Oscar Romero and also looks towards the church’s future. Our focus question will be, "Where do you think the church is headed in your lifetime?" and our Bible passage will be Revelation 22: 1 -5.
Compline for the Conversion of Paul
Thursday, January 25th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
In the days after the Epiphany of Our Lord we commemorate not only Paul’s seeing the light but his saintly effort thereafter at being the light. Having our eyes opened by the Spirit of God in holy baptism, having been enlightened by the word read and proclaimed in the assembly, and having regained our strength in the Lord’s supper, we too are converted—turned again to follow in God’s way. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer as we conclude our annual celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity!
Mass for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
RIC Sunday
Sunday, January 28th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak for God; in Psalm 111 God shows the people the power of God’s works. For the church these are ways of pointing to the unique authority people sensed in Jesus’ actions and words. We encounter that authority in God’s word, around which we gather, the word that prevails over any lesser spirit that would claim power over us, freeing us to follow Jesus! Pastor Dustin will preach and co-preside as we take time to reflect on the importance of our Reconciling in Christ certification from ReconcilingWorks and reaffirm our commitment to welcome all God's children at Messiah! Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Power
Sunday, January 28th at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Today's lesson will focus on the healing power of Jesus in Mark 1:21-28.
Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 13: “Your Turn!"
Sunday, January 28th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. We’ll focus this fall on a broader view of Christian history than your typical Lutheran confirmation class, especially by highlighting the lives of various saints commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our final session is an opportunity for our young people to report on a saint of their choice and to tie it all together!
Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord: Candlemas
Sunday, February 4th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
The Presentation of Our Lord is referred to in some corners of the church as Candlemas because of an ancient tradition of blessing all the candles to be used in the church in the coming year at the mass celebrated on that day. It was a way of underscoring the truth of Simeon’s confession that this baby Jesus was “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and a light for glory to Israel. Let the light of every candle in church be a little epiphany of the love of God for all people in the person of God’s son, Jesus, the light of the world. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside as we bless our candles for the year ahead, mark our progression of being halfway through the cold of winter and give thanks for the returning light. Special live music will be offered for the feast day. Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Candlemas
Sunday, February 4th at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Today's lesson will focus on the story of Jesus' presentation in the temple in Luke 2: 22-40.
Spring 2024 Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 1: “What is the Bible?"
Sunday, February 4th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. This spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our first session of our Spring 2024 course on the Hebrew Bible will provide a broad overview of the Scriptures and how they were developed.
Worship & Music Ministry Team
Monday, February 5th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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! A focus this month will be worship planning through Easter and scheduling a Worship Leader Training. The team meets in-person every other month in Messiah's Fellowship Hall. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Ministry Team Convener Emily Russo ahead of time. If so, the Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/96341841016.
Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, February 6th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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. In this meeting in particular we'll discuss our fellowship events through June from potlucks, trips, hikes and more! The ministry team meets quarterly. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Pastor Dustin ahead of time. If so, the Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/94641179066.
Faith Formation Ministry Team
Tuesday, February 13th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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! A focus for this meeting will planning all faith formation and youth activities through the program year in May. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Faith Formation Ministry Team Coordinator Kelly Jordan ahead of time. If so, the Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/92199006383.
Stewardship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, March 12th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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 Archives, Budget & Finance, Communications, Mission Support, Personnel, Property & Grounds and more, there's no way we could engage in all the life-changing ministries we do at Messiah. The ministry team meets quarterly. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Stewardship Ministry Team Coordinator Kristie Becker ahead of time. If so, the Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/93024204486.
To view our complete Faith Center Calendar, click here.
Mondays from 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Looking to build some community with like-minded folks? Come stop by our Community Crafting Mondays hosted at the Rotterdam 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 G.
Mondays from 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship 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. The drop in cost for each session is $10 or a $40 punch card for five sessions can be purchased. 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!
Mindfulness Coaching with Nicholas Clay
Mondays from 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Rotterdam Community Center Conference Room
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Mindfulness teaches us how to maintain a present state of awareness, reduces stress, can reduce experiences of anxiety and depression and can strengthen our relationship with ourselves and others. Join Nicholas Clay, a community leader and Certified Jay Shetty Life Coach for these weekly sessions. Cost per session is only $10!
Worship & Music Ministry Team
Monday, December 4th 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 and our Prayer ministries! A focus this month will be worship planning through Easter and scheduling a Worship Leader Training. The team will begin meeting in-person every other month at Messiah the first Monday of the month in February. This month however, join us on Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/96341841016.
Zumba with Annie G.
Tuesdays from 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship 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. The drop in cost for each session is $10 or a $40 punch card for five sessions can be purchased. 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!
Community Center Advisory Board
Tuesday, December 5th at 6:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Conference Room
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
The Community Center Advisory Board meets on a monthly basis to review policy and support the financial development of the Rotterdam Community Center. A major topic for this month's meeting will be our end of the year financial development campaign.
Men's Breakfast
Wednesday, December 6th at 10:00am
Tops American Grill, Bakery & Bar
351 Duanesburg Road in Rotterdam, New York
Join the Messiah Lutheran Men in Mission chapter for our monthly tradition... Men's Breakfast at Tops! Join us each and every month as we reconnect with our neighbors and strengthen our local community!
Gentle Yoga with Jean Marie Sefcovic, CYT, LMT
Wednesdays at 5:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship 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 $15 per hour class. RSVP to Jean Marie at yoginijean@yahoo.com.
Young Adult Yoga w/ Rae Longmire
Wednesday at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Rae is a local young adult artist and yoga teacher. She received her 200 hour YTT certification at Jai Yoga School. This weekly class is beginner to intermediate and focuses on promoting strength and flexibility. This vinyasa style class has energetic and creative flows, filled with intentional cues to guide you through different asanas, using the breath. Be prepared to work your body and break a sweat! Yoga mats are a must. Props are limited. Please bring any props that you may need (blocks, straps, blanket etc.) Cost per class is 15$. Class is free, if you bring a friend.
Rotterdam Produce Pantry
Fridays at 4:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
We provide roughly ninety households a week with free produce from the Rotterdam Community Center, every Friday at 4:30pm on a first come, first serve basis. This weekly distribution will take place outside with drive-up service available. No ID, paperwork, or pre-registering required! The Produce Pantry operates with the generous support of First Reformed Church of Schenectady.
Sunday Forum: Women in the Bible
Sundays at 8:45am
Messiah Faith Center Library
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86247398331
How are women presented in the Bible? This hybrid in-person/ virtual course we will examine a wide range of biblical passages, some of which focus on well known women and others on women who have been ignored, and recovering some who have been erased from historical memory. Along with biblical accounts we will explore issues such as God’s relationship to gender, women and violence, women in the ministries of Jesus and Paul, and feminine imagery in the Bible that has often not been recognized.
Our primary text, supplemented by videos and other writings, will be Jaime Clark-Soles’s Women in The Bible: Interpretation: Resources for the Use of Scripture in the Church (Westminster John Knox Press, 2020). Course participants will purchase their own copies of the text, which sell for $50.00 hardcover (new) or $16.99 Kindle. Used copies can be purchased for about $40.00, including postage and shipping. A limited number of used copies of the textbook will be available for purchase at Messiah Church for those for whom these prices are a challenge, and individuals will be asked to contribute according to their means.
Jaime Clark-Soles is Professor of New Testament and Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. In a blurb on the book’s cover, Carol A Newsom, Charles Howard Candler Professor Emerita of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology, Emory University, writes: “Reading this book is the best Bible study or class you ever–or never–attended. Clark-Soles doesn’t just walk you through texts but introduces you to a whole range of different and often unexpected interpretations for each passage. Even difficult and painful texts become occasions for new pastoral, spiritual, and prophetic insights. Clark-Soles has created an incomparable resource for encountering the full range of women in the Bible.”
Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent: "Peace"
Sunday, December 10th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
John calls people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing gets in the way of the Lord’s coming. The reading from Isaiah gives the context for this radical call: the assurance of forgiveness that encourages us to repent; the promise that the coming one will be gentle with the little ones. Isaiah calls us all to be heralds with John, to lift up our voices fearlessly and say, “See, your God is coming!” We say it to one another in worship, in order to say it with our lives in a world in need of justice and peace. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside over our cherished Advent liturgy adopted from Holden Evening Prayer with Mr. Doug playing live and in-person! Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Children's Programme Rehearsal
Sunday, December 10th at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Classes through Advent will serve as practice for our annual Christmas Children's Programme on Sunday, December 17th.
Eleventh Annual Community Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 10th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Now in its eleventh year, Messiah's Community Christmas Concert brings neighbors with musical talent of all backgrounds together for a great cause right before the holidays. Organized annually by amazing vocalist Jill Becker and jazz piano legend Mr. Douglas J. Chilton, we hope to have a wider assortment of community members performance than ever before! If you would like perform, please confirm with Jill today at jillkbecker@gmail.com as there are only a limited number of slots available! A reception with tasty treats of the season will follow the concert. We are proud to announce that our 2023 Charity of Choice is the Mohonasen Central School District's MohonCARES Program that provides children in need with food, clothing, school supplies and more!
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Monday, December 11th from 3 to 8pm
Rotterdam Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
The Bread of Life Food Pantry can help you with three meals for three days per member of your household. To set up an appointment, call Judy at 518.364.3205, leave your name and the best phone number to contact you, and we will assist you as soon as we can! Upon arrival for your appointment, you'll be invited to fill out a form regarding what food items they'd like to to take home. Our friendly volunteers will then fill the order and bring it to you.
Community LGBTQIA+ Support Group
Mondays at 7:00pm
Rotterdam Community Center Studio
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Rotterdam Community Center will launch a weekly LGBTQIA+ Support Group on Mondays at 7:00 pm. The group is open to all — people who identify as LGBTQ, their families, and allies. All ages are welcome to this safe place where discussion will be shaped by the needs of those present, although minors will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no cost and no commitment to attend weekly; people are free to come as often or seldom as they wish. The group will be facilitated by Grace Ferris, a local leader in the LGBTQ community.
Interfaith Youth Hanukkah Party
Wednesday, December 13th at 6:30pm
Congregation Gates of Heaven
852 Ashmore Ave in Schenectady, New York
Our first interfaith youth event between Messiah Lutheran Church and Congregation Gates of Heaven at the "Field of Horrors" in Troy was an AWESOME opportunity connect with one another and build a sense of interfaith solidarity between our young people. Our second event will be an Interfaith Hanukkah Party at Gates where we'll make (and eat!) latkes, play games and learn more about the history and tradition of Hanukkah. Simply RSVP to Pastor Dustin at Messiah or Parker Meyers at Gates by Thursday, December 7th.
Rotterdam Board Game Night
Friday, December 15th at 6:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Please join us for Game Night on the 3rd Friday monthly from 6:30 to 9:30 (may run later to finish up games as needed). Bring your games, or play ours! We will provide chess, checkers, cards, and a variety of board or card games including but not limited to: Settlers of Catan, Set, Evolution, Castles of Burgundy, Ticket to Ride, Wingspan, Splendor, Azul, and many more! We have a solid Magic: The Gathering contingent as well! People of all ages and abilities are welcome, but most provided games are suitable for people 12 and older, so please bring games suitable for younger children if they are joining in on the fun. We hope to share knowledge and find like minded people who love to game. Game night is free although a $5 suggested donation is appreciated to help keep Rotterdam Community Center up and running. Minors under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minors need a virtual permission slip completed beforehand that can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCEventPermission. We hope to see you soon!
Mass for the Third Sunday of Advent: "Joy"
Sunday, December 17th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
“Rejoice always,” begins the reading from 1 Thessalonians. Isaiah and the psalmist make clear that God is turning our mourning into laughter and shouts of joy. “All God’s children got a robe,” go the words of a spiritual. It is not so much a stately, formal, pressed outfit as it is a set of party clothes, clothes we are happy to wear. We receive that robe in baptism, and in worship we gather for a foretaste of God’s party. Pastor Dustin will preside while our young people will offer their annual Children's Programme amidst a our cherished Advent liturgy adopted from Holden Evening Prayer. Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 9: “Set Free: Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth"
Sunday, December 17th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. We’ll focus this fall on a broader view of Christian history than your typical Lutheran confirmation class, especially by highlighting the lives of various saints commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our ninth session discusses discusses the role of faith in the early abolition movement through the lives of
Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth. This conversation will be held in partnership with local civil
rights leaders. Youth are expected to have picked a saint by this date for their oral report. Our focus question will be, "How does our faith relate to civil rights?" and our Bible passage will be Exodus 6: 1 – 10.
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Monday, December 18th from 9am to 2pm
Rotterdam Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
The Bread of Life Food Pantry can help you with three meals for three days per member of your household. To set up an appointment, call Judy at 518.364.3205, leave your name and the best phone number to contact you, and we will assist you as soon as we can! Upon arrival for your appointment, you'll be invited to fill out a form regarding what food items they'd like to to take home. Our friendly volunteers will then fill the order and bring it to you.
Congregation Council
Monday, December 18th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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. Meetings of the Congregation Council take place in person, but reach out to President Sue Collins if you need to Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/95835192148.
Award Winning WELCA Christmas Party
Tuesday, December 19th at 6:30pm
The Home of Jody and Bill Fleming
We are so excited to announce that the Women of the ELCA will one again be holding its Award Winning Annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 19th at 6:30pm at the home of Jody Fleming. Please bring a dish to share; a $10 grab bag gift and personal care item(s) for Street Soldiers Schenectady. Beverages and dessert will be provided. All women of the church are invited. Please RSVP by December 10th at https://bit.ly/WELCAChristmas2023 or on the narthex bulletin board.
Lutheran Men in Mission Seventh Annual Brotastically Inclusive Christmas Party
Wednesday, December 20th at 6:30pm
The Home of Paul and Allison Bode
On Wednesday, December 20th at 6:30pm our chapter of Lutheran Men in Mission will once again welcome everyone to our seventh annual Brotastically Inclusive Christmas Party at the home of Paul and Allison Bode! Unlike that other big annual Christmas party at Messiah, everyone's welcome here! This will be a potluck gathering so be sure to bring something tasty but no peanuts please! We’ll also conduct our beloved tradition, the “Yankee Swap of Ridiculous Gifts” (under $10 please). Finally, all are invited to attempt to take the annual "Best Hat" award by wearing the silliest hat you have for this year’s contest! Our reigning champion is Dave Barnett! If you have any questions or need the Bode's address, please reach out to Paul, Allison or Pastor Dustin! Please RSVP by December 10th at https://bit.ly/MensChristmas2023 or on the narthex bulletin board.
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Saturday, December 23rd from 9am to 2pm
Rotterdam Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
The Bread of Life Food Pantry can help you with three meals for three days per member of your household. To set up an appointment, call Judy at 518.364.3205, leave your name and the best phone number to contact you, and we will assist you as soon as we can! Upon arrival for your appointment, you'll be invited to fill out a form regarding what food items they'd like to to take home. Our friendly volunteers will then fill the order and bring it to you.
Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent: "Love"
Sunday, December 24th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
God keeps the promise made to David to give him an everlasting throne. The angel tells Mary that God will give David’s throne to her son Jesus. She is perplexed by Gabriel’s greeting and by the news of her coming pregnancy, but she is able still to say, “Count me in.” We who know that Jesus is called king only as he is executed still find it a mystery hard to fathom, but with Mary today we hear the news of what God is up to and say, “Count us in.” Pastor Dustin will preach and preside over our cherished Advent liturgy adopted from Holden Evening Prayer. Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Christmas Eve Family Mass
Sunday, December 24th at 5:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
It’s become a cherished tradition at Messiah that every year for Christmas a number of our families team up together to provide a family friendly service for members of Messiah and guests from the community alike! Folks of all ages are more than invited to join us for Christmas Eve at Messiah!
2023 Christmas Eve Potluck
December 24th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Join us on Sunday, December 24th, at 6:30 p.m. for one of Messiah’s most cherished traditions. For decades the whole community at Messiah has gathered together between Christmas Eve services to spread the holiday cheer, give thanks for the blessings of another year and celebrate Jesus’ birth. Please RSVP by December 17th at https://bit.ly/MLCChristmasPotluck2023 or on the narthex bulletin board.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Mass
Saturday, December 24th at 8:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
Join the people of Messiah on this most holy of nights! First we light the Christ Candle while we ground ourselves in some amazing music. Pastor Dustin will give a very special sermon and the service will conclude with the singing of “Silent Night” as the light of Christ spreads throughout the assembly. All our friends and neighbors are more than welcome to join and build some community with us this Christmas Eve, at Messiah!
Christmas Day Matins
Monday, December 25th at 10:00am
Streaming on Facebook
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, join Pastor Dustin for a brief time of reflection on the role of the shepherds in Luke 2: 8-20 and a rerun of our classic service of morning prayer organized by our young adults in 2020.
Christmas Day Compline
Monday, December 25th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
At the close of this holiest of days, join our youth and Pastor Dustin for a rerun of our classic service of evening prayer and a reflection on the appointed gospel for the evening of Christmas Day, Saint John's description of Christ as "the Word of God made flesh."
Compline for the Feast of Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Tuesday, December 26th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
Blessed St. Stephen is remembered as the first of the church’s martyrs. The readings remind us that God’s people have a history littered with the corpses of prophets and godly ambassadors whose words they failed to hear. Stephen’s dying words echo those of our Savior, whose birth we have begun to celebrate again. Today we pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the vision and voice of Jesus. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer.
Compline for the Feast of John, Apostle and Evangelist
Wednesday, December 27th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
The appointed texts for St. John's day enunciate the intentions of the first letter of John: to declare “what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen . . . what we have looked at and touched . . . concerning the word of life.” The apostle John was an intimate of the Christ of Christmas, the Word made flesh, the Word of life. John’s gospel invites us to enter into the Christ-life. In the proclamation of this Word and in the holy meal we are invited to look at and touch what those who first followed Jesus had seen: Jesus. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer.
Compline for the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Thursday, December 28th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
Jesus escapes the sword in the gospel on this day—but not for long—not forever. He died for us. He died for the world, to put an end to the cycle of violence that continues to claim innocent victims. Rachel’s lament, recorded in Jeremiah and echoed in Matthew, is not the last word. “There is hope for your future,” says the Lord. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer.
Matins for the First Sunday of Christmas
Sunday, December 31st at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
The psalmist calls on the natural world, celestial bodies, fire and earth, creatures, and all humanity, to praise God. The voices of Simeon and 84-year-old Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon’s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God’s salvation in the assembled community and have held Jesus in our hands in the bread. Then, like the prophet Anna, we tell of Jesus to all who look for the healing of the world! Pastor Dustin will preach over a simplified morning prayer service with Scott Heller leading us in beautiful live renditions of classic hymns. The service will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Compline for New Year's Eve
Sunday, December 31st at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
At the turn of the year we meditate on endings and beginnings, knowing that all the world’s time begins and ends in God. We watch and keep vigil for the coming of God’s justice. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer.
Compline for the Feast of the Name of Jesus
Monday, January 1st at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
From the beginning, through baptism, we are called Christian. We are “Christ-ened” at the font. Bearing Christ’s name, we share the same Father and are invited to address this parent intimately: Abba! Jesus bears our sins in humble obedience to the will of God. Today we pray that the mind of Christ, whose name we bear, would be our own. It is a good way to begin, again, another year. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer.
Community Center Advisory Board
Tuesday, January 2nd at 6:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Conference Room
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
The Community Center Advisory Board meets on a monthly basis to review policy and support the financial development of the Rotterdam Community Center. A major topic for this month's meeting will be recruiting our new slate of Board Members and preparing for a Board Training later in the winter. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Kimlee Marquise. If so, the Zoom link isus06web.zoom.us/j/83856355492.
Men's Breakfast
Wednesday, January 3rd at 10:00am
Tops American Grill, Bakery & Bar
351 Duanesburg Road in Rotterdam, New York
Join the Messiah Lutheran Men in Mission chapter for our monthly tradition... Men's Breakfast at Tops! Join us each and every month as we reconnect with our neighbors and strengthen our local community!
Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord
Sunday, January 7th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
The feast of Epiphany (“manifestation”) concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people! Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Scott Heller offering a beautiful live performance for us to celebrate the feast day! Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Magi
Sunday, January 7th at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Today's lesson will focus on the story of the Magi and the Holy Family's escape to Egypt in Matthew 2:13-23.
Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 10: “The Cost of Discipleship: Dietrich Bonhoeffer"
Sunday, January 7th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. We’ll focus this fall on a broader view of Christian history than your typical Lutheran confirmation class, especially by highlighting the lives of various saints commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our tenth session explores the long history of anti-Semitism in church and the story of one
martyr who fought back against it, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This conversation will be held in partnership with local Jewish leaders. Our focus question will be, "Why is working with people of other religions so important?" and our Bible passage will be Romans 11: 11 – 27.
Social Action Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, January 9th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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, our Produce Pantry and the Rotterdam Community Center. The ministry team meets quarterly. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Social Action Ministry Team Coordinator Karen Keenan ahead of time. If so, the Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/91568452071.
Free Community Movie Night: "Elemental"
Saturday, January 13th at 6:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
We are SO excited to be back with monthly free community movie nights! Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in.Doors open at 6:30pm and the movie starts at 7:15pm. The movie is free and concessions available for purchase in our ADA accessible, surround sound theatre space.
Mass for the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord
with Rabbi Rafi Spitzer
Sunday, January 14th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
All the baptized have a calling in God’s world. God calls not just pastors and deacons but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn’t important; it’s where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to Jacob, who had a vision in a place he called “the house of God, and . . . the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God! Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Scott Heller offering a beautiful live performance for us to celebrate the feast day! Rabbi Rafi Spitzer of Congregation Agudat Achim will also join us to reflect on how Christian baptism relates to similar practices in his tradition. Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Jesus is Baptized
Sunday, January 14th at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Today's lesson will focus on the story of Jesus's baptism in Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22.
Coffee and Conversation: Rabbi Rafi Spitzer
Sunday, January 14th at 11:30am
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Join us as we welcome Rabbi Rafi Spitzer of Congregation Agudat Achim to reflect on how Christian baptism relates to similar practices in his tradition and how we can work together as people of faith against the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States and around the world.
Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 11: “Nonviolence: MLK"
Sunday, January 14th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. We’ll focus this fall on a broader view of Christian history than your typical Lutheran confirmation class, especially by highlighting the lives of various saints commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our eleventh session focuses on the tradition of nonviolent resistance in the church through the
story of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our focus question will be, "How does our faith shape how we work to change the world today?" and our Bible passage will be Micah 6: 6 – 8.
Congregation Council
Monday, January 15th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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. Meetings of the Congregation Council take place in person, but reach out to President Sue Collins if you need to Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/95835192148.
Compline for the Confession of Peter
Thursday, January 18th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
Peter's confession, that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” is rock solid. Jesus is the stone rejected by the builders that has become the cornerstone. The psalmist celebrates God as “my rock in whom I put my trust.” Paul refers to Christ as the “spiritual rock” that followed the children of Israel in the wilderness. Even the Greek petros, from which Peter’s name comes, means stone. The assembly gathers again today to honor the Son of the living God and longs to be recognized as companions of Jesus. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer as we begin our annual celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity!
Rotterdam Board Game Night
Friday, January 19th at 6:30pm
Rotterdam Community Center Friendship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, New York
Please join us for Game Night on the 3rd Friday monthly from 6:30 to 9:30 (may run later to finish up games as needed). Bring your games, or play ours! We will provide chess, checkers, cards, and a variety of board or card games including but not limited to: Settlers of Catan, Set, Evolution, Castles of Burgundy, Ticket to Ride, Wingspan, Splendor, Azul, and many more! We have a solid Magic: The Gathering contingent as well! People of all ages and abilities are welcome, but most provided games are suitable for people 12 and older, so please bring games suitable for younger children if they are joining in on the fun. We hope to share knowledge and find like minded people who love to game. Game night is free although a $5 suggested donation is appreciated to help keep Rotterdam Community Center up and running. Minors under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minors need a virtual permission slip completed beforehand that can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCEventPermission. We hope to see you soon!
Christian Unity Mass for the Third Sunday after Epiphany
with Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos
Sunday, January 21st at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
As we continue through the time after Epiphany, stories of the call to discipleship show us the implications of our baptismal calling to show Christ to the world. Jesus begins proclaiming the good news and calling people to repentance right after John the Baptist is arrested for preaching in a similar way. Knowing that John was later executed, we see at the very outset the cost of discipleship. Still, the two sets of brothers leave everything they have known and worked for all their lives to follow Jesus and fish for people! Pastor Dustin will preach and co-preside as we celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos, Executive Director and CEO of Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM). Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Reluctance
Sunday, January 21st at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Today's lesson will focus on the story of Jonah in Jonah 3:1-5, 10.
Coffee and Conversation: Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos
Sunday, January 21st at 11:30am
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Join us as we welcome Rev. Amaury Tañón-Santos, Executive Director and CEO of Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM), who will join us to discuss the importance of solidarity across faith traditions and all that SiCM is doing to serve our neighbors in need.
Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 12: “Liberation"
Sunday, January 21st at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. We’ll focus this fall on a broader view of Christian history than your typical Lutheran confirmation class, especially by highlighting the lives of various saints commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our thirteenth session focuses on the beginnings of the modern liberation theology movement in
Latin America through the story of Oscar Romero and also looks towards the church’s future. Our focus question will be, "Where do you think the church is headed in your lifetime?" and our Bible passage will be Revelation 22: 1 -5.
Compline for the Conversion of Paul
Thursday, January 25th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook
In the days after the Epiphany of Our Lord we commemorate not only Paul’s seeing the light but his saintly effort thereafter at being the light. Having our eyes opened by the Spirit of God in holy baptism, having been enlightened by the word read and proclaimed in the assembly, and having regained our strength in the Lord’s supper, we too are converted—turned again to follow in God’s way. Join Pastor Dustin for this brief time of reflection and prayer as we conclude our annual celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity!
Mass for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
RIC Sunday
Sunday, January 28th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak for God; in Psalm 111 God shows the people the power of God’s works. For the church these are ways of pointing to the unique authority people sensed in Jesus’ actions and words. We encounter that authority in God’s word, around which we gather, the word that prevails over any lesser spirit that would claim power over us, freeing us to follow Jesus! Pastor Dustin will preach and co-preside as we take time to reflect on the importance of our Reconciling in Christ certification from ReconcilingWorks and reaffirm our commitment to welcome all God's children at Messiah! Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Power
Sunday, January 28th at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Today's lesson will focus on the healing power of Jesus in Mark 1:21-28.
Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 13: “Your Turn!"
Sunday, January 28th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. We’ll focus this fall on a broader view of Christian history than your typical Lutheran confirmation class, especially by highlighting the lives of various saints commemorated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In the spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our final session is an opportunity for our young people to report on a saint of their choice and to tie it all together!
Mass for the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord: Candlemas
Sunday, February 4th at 10:00am
Messiah Faith Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
Streaming on Facebook
The Presentation of Our Lord is referred to in some corners of the church as Candlemas because of an ancient tradition of blessing all the candles to be used in the church in the coming year at the mass celebrated on that day. It was a way of underscoring the truth of Simeon’s confession that this baby Jesus was “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” and a light for glory to Israel. Let the light of every candle in church be a little epiphany of the love of God for all people in the person of God’s son, Jesus, the light of the world. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside as we bless our candles for the year ahead, mark our progression of being halfway through the cold of winter and give thanks for the returning light. Special live music will be offered for the feast day. Mass will begin with 15 minutes of music & meditation.
Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School: Candlemas
Sunday, February 4th at 10:30am
Messiah Faith Center Youth Wing
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
At Messiah, we love having our young people in worship AND also want them to learn about Jesus in a developmentally appropriate way. That's why during the school year we use the Whirl! Lectionary Sunday School curriculum to help our young people (pre-k through sixth grade) learn about the same Bible verses their parents and guardians are discussing in Mass. Children stay in worship through the Children's Message then head down to our Youth Wing with our awesome Sunday School Leaders for a roughly forty-five minute lesson before coming back up for Holy Communion with their families. We take safety seriously at Messiah, and thus require a brief registration form to be completed before children begin in Sunday School. The form can be found at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration. Today's lesson will focus on the story of Jesus' presentation in the temple in Luke 2: 22-40.
Spring 2024 Affirmation of Baptism Class
Session 1: “What is the Bible?"
Sunday, February 4th at 6:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
At Messiah, beginning in sixth or seventh grade, youth undertake a two year intensive study of the basics of the Christian faith in preparation for the Affirmation of Baptism rite the following fall, often called “confirmation” in popular culture. As many of our members have never attended an Affirmation of Baptism class, this course will be open to people of all ages with parent/ guardians expected to attend with youth. This spring, we’ll focus on the Hebrew Bible (often referred to as the “Old Testament”), occasionally in conversation with our Jewish siblings in faith who share this part of Scripture. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, although all classes will have a hybrid option at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82176223893.
Our first session of our Spring 2024 course on the Hebrew Bible will provide a broad overview of the Scriptures and how they were developed.
Worship & Music Ministry Team
Monday, February 5th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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! A focus this month will be worship planning through Easter and scheduling a Worship Leader Training. The team meets in-person every other month in Messiah's Fellowship Hall. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Ministry Team Convener Emily Russo ahead of time. If so, the Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/96341841016.
Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, February 6th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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. In this meeting in particular we'll discuss our fellowship events through June from potlucks, trips, hikes and more! The ministry team meets quarterly. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Pastor Dustin ahead of time. If so, the Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/94641179066.
Faith Formation Ministry Team
Tuesday, February 13th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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! A focus for this meeting will planning all faith formation and youth activities through the program year in May. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Faith Formation Ministry Team Coordinator Kelly Jordan ahead of time. If so, the Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/92199006383.
Stewardship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, March 12th at 7:00pm
Messiah Faith Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, New York
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 Archives, Budget & Finance, Communications, Mission Support, Personnel, Property & Grounds and more, there's no way we could engage in all the life-changing ministries we do at Messiah. The ministry team meets quarterly. In-person attendance is strongly encouraged. If you need to join us virtually, please reach out to Stewardship Ministry Team Coordinator Kristie Becker ahead of time. If so, the Zoom link is https://zoom.us/j/93024204486.
To view our complete Faith Center Calendar, click here.