PARISH EVENTS
Gentle Yoga with Jean Marie Sefcovic, CYT, LMT
Wednesdays from 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Trinity Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Yoga can improve flexibility, concentration, strength, muscle tone, better breathing habits, better sleep and overall sense of well being. Each session incorporates centering, gentle stretches, asanas - simple postures and posture flow and shavasana-final relaxation. Each session is $15 per hour class. RSVP to Jean Marie at yoginijean@yahoo.com.
Choir Practice
Thursdays at 7:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
The long anticipated return of Mr. Doug is here! We will be restarting choir as well! Rehearsals are starting back up every Thursday evening at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us! If you have any questions please reach out to Doug Chilton.
Compline for the Feast of Michael and All Angels
Thursday, September 29th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
The archangel Michael is pictured as a prince and a general of the heavenly army, defeating the dragon (the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan). It is important, though, to see in Revelation 12:11 that God’s victory ultimately comes by Jesus’ death and the testimony of his followers. The power of God’s truth gives us confidence in the face of evil on earth, even in the face of our own death. Join Pastor Dustin for a brief time of reflection and prayer.
Trinity Produce Pantry
Fridays at 4:30pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Messiah Lutheran Church has taken the lead on a free produce distribution from our new Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road, every Friday at 4:30pm first come, first serve. This weekly distribution will take place outside with drive-up service available. No ID, paperwork, or pre-registering required!
Inaugural Rotterdam Craft Fair
Saturday, October 1st from 10:00am - 3:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
This is an event for all looking to support local crafters, makers and artisans while finding that one of a kind item! Crafts, artisan goods, food, raffles and community will be available all day!
Autumn 2022 Sunday Forum: The Medical Covenant and End of Life Issues
Sundays from 8:45am - 9:45am
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88364890925
William F. May, a Protestant ethicist, is one of the most prominent experts in medical ethics. Atul Gawande, a surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a professor at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health, is also a staff writer for The New Yorker. Professor May develops a covenantal or relational interpretation of the practice of medicine, spelling out its implications for professional character and virtue of physicians and nurses in relation to patients and the broader community. Dr. Gawande critically discusses how we have come to medicalize aging, frailty, and death, treating them as clinical problems to overcome. Drawing upon stories from his own and others' practices, he urges his readers, alternatively, to consider life as rich and full of meaning in all of its stages and circumstances. Supplementing these books, participants in the course will read articles and view videos related to "the medical covenant" and "being mortal." Everyone is welcome at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88364890925.
Participants in the course will purchase two books: William F. May, Testing the Medical Covenant: Active Euthanasia and Health Care Reform (William B. Eerdmans, 1996) and Atul Gawande, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End (Metropolitan Books, Henry Holt and Company, 2014). These books are in print, and used copies are readily available.
This week's assignments are:
"ON OUR OWN TERMS: Moyers on Dying in America: A Death of One's Own," September 10, 2000
Justica: U S Law, In Re Quinlan, Decided March 31, 1976:
Robert C McFadden, "Karen Ann Quinlan, 31, Dies,Focus of '76 Right to Die Case, New York Times, June 12, 1985
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "Faith Passed Down"
Sunday, October 2nd at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
We’re excited to once again offer Whirl Sunday School for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! This Sunday will be based around the theme of "Faith Passed Down" in 2 Timothy 1:1-14.
Sign up your child for Whirl Lectionary Sunday School today at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration today!
Mass for the Final Sunday of Creation: The Commemoration of Francis of Assisi
Sunday, October 2nd at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
On this final Sunday in the Season of Creation, we commemorate Francis of Assisi as we ground ourselves in 2 Timothy 1:1-14 of faith passing down through generations. Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people and had a spirit of gratitude for all of God's creation. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. Our Mission Support Committee will announce the results of our 2022 Congregation Priorities Survey as the launch of our 2022 Mission Support Campaign! Marge Reynheer will serve as cantor.
Special Meeting of the Congregation
Sunday, October 2nd at 11:30am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Our Congregation Council has called a Special Meeting of the Congregation following worship on Sunday, October 2nd to handle five timely items:
1) Ratify our name change to "Messiah Lutheran Church" in our Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions.
2) Hear an update from John Fry of Nexus Creative Designs on the redevelopment of the former Trinity Reformed site.
3) Take action on recommendations from our Budget & Finance Committee regarding transferring funds out of our endowment.
4) Take action on recommendations from our Capital Improvement Task Force regarding issues related to our sewer connection.
5) Announce our Congregation Priorities for 2023
While we will endeavor to live stream the conversation for informational purposes, voting can only take place IN PERSON due to changes in New York State nonprofit law. We need a quorum of forty voting members of the congregation to make decisions so please plan on being in worship in person on such an important Sunday! To make more informed decisions related to our Endowment Fund, you are encouraged to view a recent presentation from the ELCA Foundation's Ryan Ebner found here.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 2nd at 5:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Calling all dogs, cats, fish, turtles, lizards (with leashes and their owners, of course!) to our now SEVENTH annual Blessing of the Animals Service! Set near the commemoration day for Saint Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint for animals, this brief, fun and contemporary service will be a great way to celebrate all those pets who provide so much joy and support in our lives. Worship will be weather permitting, held outside. Michael Mitchell and his beloved therapy dog Lily will join us as Assisting Ministers as we gather together to conclude the Season of Creation!
Community Crafting Mondays
Mondays from 1:00p-3:00p
Trinity Community Center Fellowship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Looking to build some community with likemind folks after such a difficult year? Come stop by our Community Crafting Mondays hosted at Messiah's Trinity Community Center. From knitting, crocheting, painting, hand sewing to making all sorts of community projects, our Community Crafting Mondays has it all! Most importantly, it's just a friendly place to learn from and talk with one another!
Zumba with Annie Grzywaczewski
Mondays from 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center Fellowship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
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!
Zentangle with Russell McDonald, CZT
Mondays at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center Art Studio
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/8753963537
Join our very own Russell McDonald, Certified Zentangle Teacher, for what is now our WEEKLY community drawing night using the Zentangle Method! Zentangle is a way to use drawing that helps us relax, focus, expand our imaginations, respond confidently to the unexpected and feel gratitude! This will be a hybrid virtual/ in-person event broadcast from our new Trinity Community Center's Art Room. All participants will need at home is a pen, a pencil, a qtip and a clean sheet of paper and for those in-person, materials will be provided for the first few sessions. If you're stressed, looking to learn a new skill or just to connect with others this summer, Zentangle is for you! If you can't join us in person, definitely join us on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/8753963537 with password StaySober.
Worship & Music Ministry Team Meeting
Monday, October 3rd at 6:30pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
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! The team meets (almost) every month, usually on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm. A focus this month will be on planning services through Advent, Christmas and the Season of Epiphany. This month's meeting is in person over dinner in the Fellowship Hall as a way to build community, so please RSVP to Chair Emily Russo today!
Visitation Minister Training
Wednesday, October 5th from 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
For years at Messiah we've believed its not just the pastor, but indeed the entire congregation, who should strive to support our members in need of care. As a reflection of that value we first instituted Visitation Minister Training in 2016 to train members of our congregation to visit with our elders and others who might need support outside of Sunday morning and regular fellowship events. Visitation Ministers are approved to distribute the Holy Communion consecrated during Sunday Mass as well. Join Pastor Dustin and members of our Care & Concern Committee for an opportunity to learn how to better support one another, provide basic levels of mental health support and more. The training will include a light lunch, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin today at pastor@messiahschenectady.org!
Mass for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, October 9th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
It’s a miracle! Multiple miracles! The waters of holy baptism have healed us. The body and blood of Jesus in holy communion have made us clean. We have died with Christ and been raised with him. For all this we have returned to offer thanks. From this place we are sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news. Our focus text for the day will be the story of the Healing of Ten Men in Luke 17:11-19. This will also be the second Sunday of our 2022 Mission Support Campaign! Linda Halbrend will serve as cantor.
Social Action Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, October 11th at 7:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/91568452071
This is by far our most active ministry team at Messiah! Our Social Action Ministry Team is the space through which we discern all the ways we're called to serve our neighbors following the Way of Jesus Christ! We do this in a wide variety ways, through our Social Justice, Creation Care, Community Service, our work with Schenectady Community Ministries, the Bread of Life Food Pantry, our Produce Pantry and the Trinity Community Center. The ministry team meets quarterly. A highlight of tonight's conversations will include planning #HelpPortrait Schenectady 2022! A light supper will be provided, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin if you plan to join us in person. You can attend virtually as well at https://zoom.us/j/91568452071.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "Healing"
Sunday, October 16th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
We’re excited to once again offer Whirl Sunday School for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! This Sunday as part of the Feast of Saint Luke the Physician we'll focus on the theme of "Healing" and Isaiah 43:8-13 through a very special project.
Sign up your child for Whirl Lectionary Sunday School today at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration today!
Mass for the Feast of Saint Luke the Physician
Sunday, October 16th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Way back near the founding of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in the 1980s, at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, every ELCA congregation in the country was asked to hold an annual Healing Sunday near the Feast of Luke, who has traditionally been thought of as a physician. This action was in response to the unfound hysteria at the time (including in many churches) that merely touching or being near people with HIV/ AIDS would lead to transmission. In the midst of another global pandemic, we'll once again celebrate Healing Sunday with prayer, anointing, and the traditional laying on of hands as we gather around Christ's table in faith that God is at work in us healing us individually and communally in "body, mind and spirit." Our focus text for the day will be Isaiah 43:8-13. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. Kristen Olochnowicz will serve as cantor.
Autumn 2022 New Member Class #2: "A Way of Hearing"
Sunday, October 16th at 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88311712604
There's so many folks who have expressed interest in joining our congregation over the last few months! If you're one of those people, this virtual offering is for you!!! Over the course of four sessions, Pastor Dustin and a bunch of volunteers will introduce you to Messiah and the Lutheran take on the Way of Christ through the short classic work "Baptized We Live," an incredible resource by Rev. Daniel Erlander. Our second session will focus on Lutheran Christianity as "A Way of Hearing."
Youth & Family Trip to Double M Haunted Hayrides
Sunday, October 16th at 6:45pm
Double M Haunted Hayrides
678 Route 67 in Ballston Spa, NY
A cherished and spooktacular Messiah tradition is back for the first time since 2019... an evening at Double M Haunted Hayrides! A tractor drawn wagon weaves through haunted woods! A round each and every corner there’s a frightful scene and behind each and every tree lurks an uninvited guest waiting for you! Visit additional attractions including the Blood Moon Farm and the Last Inn and cap it all off with warm apple cider! All Messiah youth, family and their friends are invited to join us! Please bring $25 per person the day of the event (the cost is regularly $39.95 this year) although scholarships are available if needed! Please RSVP online at https://bit.ly/MLChayride2022 or on the narthex bulletin board today!
If you do not plan on accompanying your child/ youth, our Event Permission Form is required to be completed before the event at https://bit.ly/MLCEventPermission.
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Monday, October 17th from 9:00am - 1:00pm
Trinity Community Center Food Pantry
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
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.
The Bread of Life Food Pantry operates with the generous support of the Schenectady Foundation's Healthy Food Access for All program, Price Chopper and Market 32 Supermarkets, Stewart's Shops, Concerned for the Hungry, Hannaford Supermarkets, ELCA World Hunger, Schenectady Community Ministries, Messiah members and a wide variety of local community members. It is also a member of Food Pantries of the Capital District.
Property & Grounds Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 18th at 6:30pm
Messiah Worship Center Narthex
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Given how much work needs to be done to upgrade and repair our Worship Center and Parsonage as well as our new Community Center at the Trinity Reformed site, our Property & Grounds Committee has decided to begin meeting on a monthly basis. Please contact Chair Steve Friebel if you'd like to assist or have any questions! A primary topic of tonight's conversation will be getting both of our properties ready for the colder months.
Congregation Council
Tuesday, October 18th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/95835192148
The Congregation Council is tasked with oversight of all congregation business in between Annual and Special Meetings of the Congregation. Members of the congregation (and frankly the general public) are welcome to listen in unless the Council goes into Executive Session. If you'd like something added to the Congregation Council's agenda, please speak with President Sue Collins. A focus of this Council meeting will be final preparations for the culmination of our 2022 Mission Support Campaign.
Compline for the Feast of Luke, Evangelist
Tuesday, October 18th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
From the visit of Mary to Elizabeth’s house; through the visits of Jesus to Zacchaeus’s house, Mary and Martha’s house, and Levi’s house; to the visit of the risen Christ to Cleopas’s house, Luke’s gospel is a story of God’s hospitality. God is guest and host, and Jesus’ meal fellowship is a proclamation of God’s inner circle of outsiders, a gathering not of the righteous but of those who have received God’s mercy. Join Pastor Dustin for a brief time of reflection and prayer.
Rotterdam Game Night
Third Fridays from 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Trinity Community Center Fellowship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
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! 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 Trinity 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 play games with you soon!
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Saturday, October 22nd from 9:00am - 1:00pm
Trinity Community Center Food Pantry
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
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.
The Bread of Life Food Pantry operates with the generous support of the Schenectady Foundation's Healthy Food Access for All program, Price Chopper and Market 32 Supermarkets, Stewart's Shops, Concerned for the Hungry, Hannaford Supermarkets, ELCA World Hunger, Schenectady Community Ministries, Messiah members and a wide variety of local community members. It is also a member of Food Pantries of the Capital District.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector"
Sunday, October 23rd at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
We’re excited to once again offer Whirl Sunday School for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! This Sunday will be based around the theme of "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector" in Luke 18:9-14.
Sign up your child for Whirl Lectionary Sunday School today at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration today!
Mass for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
aka "The Feast of Saint Everett & Saint Doug"
Sunday, October 23rd at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Genuine repentance and pretentious piety stand in stark contrast in the gospel and all around us. All creation stands in need of God’s forgiveness. Keep the faith. God’s people shall be accounted righteous for Jesus’ sake. Our God is merciful to sinners. For this we worship and glorify God forever. This will be a VERY special Sunday for two reasons! We'll welcome Everett Russo in the waters of baptism and bless Mr. Doug with a Farewell & Godspeed as he and Cecile head back to Nevada for the colder months. We'll also continue with our Fall 2022 Mission Support Campaign. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Jill Becker serving as cantor. Our focus text will be Luke 18:9-14.
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Monday, October 24th from 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Trinity Community Center Food Pantry
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
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.
The Bread of Life Food Pantry operates with the generous support of the Schenectady Foundation's Healthy Food Access for All program, Price Chopper and Market 32 Supermarkets, Stewart's Shops, Concerned for the Hungry, Hannaford Supermarkets, ELCA World Hunger, Schenectady Community Ministries, Messiah members and a wide variety of local community members. It is also a member of Food Pantries of the Capital District.
Compline for the Feast of Simon & Jude, Apostles
Friday, October 28th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Simon and Jude (actually Judas, but he's called Jude to better distinguish him from Judas Iscariot) are listed among Jesus’ inner circle of disciples. In today’s gospel, which is set at the last supper, Jude’s question (“How is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”) is in response to what Jesus says in verse 19: “In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.” The answer to Jude’s question will come in Jesus’ resurrection, the appearances of the risen Christ, and the coming of the Spirit. Join Pastor Dustin for a brief time of reflection and prayer.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "Reformation"
Sunday, October 30th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
We’re excited to once again offer Whirl Sunday School for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! This Sunday as part of our celebration of the Feast of the Reformation we'll talk about John 8:31-36 and decorate the doors of our Youth Wing as a reflection of Martin Luther's posting of the 95 Theses.
Sign up your child for Whirl Lectionary Sunday School today at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration today!
Mass for the Feast of the Reformation
Sunday, October 30th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Rooted in the past and growing into the future, Martin Luther's actions five hundred and five years ago teach us the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission. This Sunday will serve as the culmination of our 2022 Mission Support Campaign as we reflect on our successes during the first of our three year journey through the "A Place at the Table for Everyone" Initiative and ask every member to make a commitment of time, talent and treasure as we prepare to enter year two! Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Marge Reynheer serving as cantor. Our focus text will be John 8:31-36.
Reformation Sunday Luncheon
Sunday, October 30th at 11:30am
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Every year at the culmination of our annual Mission Support Campaign on Reformation Sunday we gather for a tasty meal in our Fellowship Hall as we celebrate all we've achieved with God's help over the last year and look towards the year ahead! Whether or not your household can attend, please RSVP at https://bit.ly/ReformationSunday2022 or on the narthex bulletin board today!
Autumn 2022 New Member Class #3: "A Way of Teaching"
Sunday, October 30th at 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88311712604
There's so many folks who have expressed interest in joining our congregation over the last few months! If you're one of those people, this virtual offering is for you!!! Over the course of four sessions, Pastor Dustin and a bunch of volunteers will introduce you to Messiah and the Lutheran take on the Way of Christ through the short classic work "Baptized We Live," an incredible resource by Rev. Daniel Erlander. Our third session will focus on Lutheran Christianity as "A Way of Teaching."
Safe Halloween Teen Night & Movie
Monday, October 31st at 6:30pm
Trinity Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Is your youth too old for trick or treatin' but looking for an awesome Halloween night with old and new friends alike? Join us at the Trinity Community Center for an awesome, safe chaperoned teen friendly Halloween party with plenty of snacks, games and prizes for a Best Costume contest! A teen friendly Halloween movie will begin at 7:30pm. All youth not accompanied by a parent or guardian are required to complete our secure Event Permission Form at https://bit.ly/MLCEventPermission before attending the event. Messiah Lutheran Church's SafeChurch Policy will be strictly followed throughout the evening in order to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. The event is free to everyone in our local community although donations to the Trinity Community Center will be accepted.
Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, November 1st at 7:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/94641179066
The purpose of the Fellowship Ministry Team is to provide opportunities for all of our members (and perspective members) of all ages to connect, hear one another's stories, and have fun! This group includes the Mighty Men of Messiah, Women of the ELCA (WELCA), Care & Concern, Young Adult Group, our Kitchen Committee, Over 55 Gang, our Welcome Committee for new and perspective members and our new Arts & Culture ministry. The team meets quarterly. We're moving back to in-person meetings over light dinners to reconnect and bring everyone together, so please RSVP to our hosts for the evening, Sheri Lamb or Linda Slovacek-Price, if you plan to attend. Highlights of this conversation will include planning all our cherished Christmas and winter fellowship events as well as launching our new Stephen Minister training. If necessary, you can all Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/94641179066.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "Saints"
Sunday, November 6th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Whirl Sunday School is for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! This Sunday as part of our celebration of the Feast of All Saints we'll discuss how our saints are always with us talk about Ephesians 1:11-23.
Mass for the Feast of All Saints
Sunday, November 6th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Each year on All Saints Sunday we celebrate the ongoing presence of all our saints throughout all time and space gathered with us around Christ's table. Near the beginning of the service we will invite you and your family to come forward with a votive candle (which we will provide) and place it on a table in front of the altar. Mementos or framed pictures of loved ones can be placed in front of our altar rails as well. All will also be invited in person and online to share the names of loved ones who have died in the past year. Linda Halbrend will serve as cantor while Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. Our focus text for the day will be Ephesians 1:11-23.
Autumn 2022 New Member Class #4: "A Way of Following"
Sunday, November 6th at 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88311712604
There's so many folks who have expressed interest in joining our congregation over the last few months! If you're one of those people, this virtual offering is for you!!! Over the course of four sessions, Pastor Dustin and a bunch of volunteers will introduce you to Messiah and the Lutheran take on the Way of Christ through the short classic work "Baptized We Live," an incredible resource by Rev. Daniel Erlander. Our final session will focus on Lutheran Christianity as "A Way of Following."
Worship & Music Ministry Team Meeting
Monday, November 7th 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! The team meets (almost) every month, usually on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm. A focus this month will be on planning services through the Season of Epiphany, Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Faith Formation Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, November 8th at 7:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/92199006383
This group includes Adult Education, Children's Sunday School, Cradle Roll & Nursery and Youth Ministries! Help us teach folks of all ages how our faith calls us to teach that EVERYONE is created in God's image! We're moving back to in-person meetings over light dinners to reconnect and bring everyone together, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin if you plan to attend. A focus for this meeting will include planning our Children's Christmas Pageant and a wide variety of new faith formation opportunities for teens and adults in the new year. If necessary, you can Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/92199006383.
Rotterdam Community Movie Night
Saturday, November 12th from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Trinity Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Join us for a new monthly free movie night series to bring everyone together here in our wonderful Town of Rotterdam! Doors open at 6:30pm and the movie begins at 7:15pm on our new, hi-definition projector with surround sound! Bring a lawn chair or blanket as we've transformed the old Trinity sanctuary into a quaint indoor performance venue with an outdoor feel. The event is free for everyone although donations will be accepted and snacks will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Trinity Community Center. To find out what movie we'll be playing, call 518.518.355.2311
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "Working Together"
Sunday, November 13th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Whirl Sunday School is for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! The theme for this Sunday will be "Working Together" and center on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13.
Veteran's Day Mass for the Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, November 13th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
The tone of today’s texts is ominous, but in faith Christ guides us forward. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Do not be weary in doing what is right.” Kristen Olochnowicz will serve as cantor while Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. A special thanks to all our veterans will also be celebrated and our focus text will be 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13.
Autumn Service Day
Sunday, November 13th at 12:00pm
Messiah Worship Center
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Twice a year the good folks of Messiah gather to help clean up our property and make sure our grounds remain a sanctuary of peace and solidarity for all in our local community. What could be a more fitting day to gather in service to our community than right after our Veterans Day Mass? After coffee hour we'll break out into groups to rake leaves, clean up our Harvest Garden, clean out our garage and engage in other winterization activities at both the Messiah Worship Center and Trinity Community Center. We would LOVE IT if all our young people and their families can participate as well! Please reach out to Property & Grounds Chair Steve Friebel if you have any questions! Please bring your own gloves, rakes, leaf blowers, and other yard clean up tools as well!
Congregation Council
Monday, November 14th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/95835192148
The Congregation Council is tasked with oversight of all congregation business in between Annual and Special Meetings of the Congregation. Members of the congregation (and frankly the general public) are welcome to listen in unless the Council goes into Executive Session. If you'd like something added to the Congregation Council's agenda, please speak with President Sue Collins. A focus of tonight's meeting will be approving final recommendations to the congregation for our 2023 Parish Budget.
WELCA Pie Baking
Friday, November 18th at 9:00am
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
It's that time of year to think about pies for the holidays. WELCA will once again be holding a pie sale to benefit our upcoming service projects. The pie selections are as follows: Apple or Sugar Free Apple (sweetened with Splenda(r)) "Bake-at-Home" ("Bake at Home" pies are homemade, freshly prepare 9" pies, boxed for easy storage in your freezer and are ready for you to bake whenever you need a home baked pie! We will even include the baking instructions!) And, of course, our ever popular Air Pie (all of the satisfaction of donating without any of the calories in a traditional pie). All pies must be pre-ordered (and pre-paid for - $10 each) by November 13, 2022 and will be available for pick up at the Trinity Community Center (after worship at Messiah) on November 20, 2022. If you would like to help with the preparation of these pies, we will be meeting on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at the Trinity Community Center. Feel free to join us!)
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "King on the Cross"
Sunday, November 20th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Whirl Sunday School is for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! As part of the Feast of Christ the King the theme for this Sunday will be "King on the Cross" and center on Luke 23:33-43.
Mass for the Feast of Christ the King with New Member Welcome
Sunday, November 20th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
It appears utterly contradictory that a king like Jesus should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise. Join us in a festive celebration as we welcome our Autumn 2022 New Member Class to our Spirit filled congregation! Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Jill Becker serving as cantor. Our focus text for the day will be Luke 23: 33-43.
Help-Portrait Schenectady
Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00am - 1:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
RSVP to Volunteer by 11/20 at https://bit.ly/HelpPortrait2022
It's back! Come celebrate the season with us at the new Trinity Community Center as we provide free framed portraits for our neighbors in need along with local photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists! The festivities will also include snacks with Santa, storytelling, gifts and holiday crafts for all ages. Join the international movement with local impact and build some community with us this holiday season! Unless you'd like to volunteer, no pre-registration is needed to participate in this cherished Schenectady tradition! The event is free for all in our local community although donations to support the Trinity Community Center will be accepted.
For those looking to serve their neighbors on this day, we generally need around forty volunteers to pull off this major community event! Our goal is to provide one hundred local households with portraits! We’re also looking for cookie bakers for our cookie decorating station at Help-Portrait. We would like sugar cut-outs without frosting. All volunteers are asked to sign-up by Sunday, November 20th at https://bit.ly/HelpPortrait2022 or on the narthex bulletin board. A volunteer training meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 29th at 7:00pm in the Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: Christmas Pageant Practice
Sunday, December 4th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Whirl Sunday School is for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin discussing Romans 15:4-13, our kids will begin practicing for our annual Christmas Pageant!
Rotterdam Community Holiday Movie Night
Saturday, December 12th from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Trinity Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Join us for a new monthly free movie night series to bring everyone together here in our wonderful Town of Rotterdam! Doors open at 6:30pm and the movie begins at 7:15pm on our new, hi-definition projector with surround sound! Bring a lawn chair or blanket as we've transformed the old Trinity sanctuary into a quaint indoor performance venue with an outdoor feel. The event is free for everyone although donations will be accepted and snacks will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Trinity Community Center. To find out what movie we'll be playing, call 518.518.355.2311
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: Christmas Pageant Practice
Sunday, December 11th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Whirl Sunday School is for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin discussing Matthew 11:2-11, our kids will continue practicing for our annual Christmas Pageant!
Tenth Annual Community Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 11th at 6:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Wow! It's now been TEN YEARS of one of our favorite celebrations of the year! And here's the coolest thing... our very own Douglas J. Chilton is flying back from Nevada specifically for this cherished tradition! Join us for all the songs of the season! A free will offering will be collected with the proceeds going to Schenectady Street Soldiers. If you wish to participate in the concert, please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board by Sunday, November 20th. If you'd like Mr. Doug to accompany you, please have sheet music to him at that time and plan to attend a brief rehearsal on Saturday, December 10th. A reception with all sorts of tasty treats will follow the concert!
Stewardship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, December 13th at 7:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/93024204486
Our Stewardship Ministry Team is the group of committees at Messiah that allow us to support our four major program areas. Without being good stewards of our Archives, Budget & Finance, Communications, Grants & Community Support, Health & Safety, 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. A light dinner will be provided, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin if you plan to join us in person. You can also zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93024204486.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal
Sunday, December 18th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
This is the big Sunday! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin discussing Matthew 1:18-25, our kids will have their final dress rehearsal for our annual Christmas Pageant before leading our Spirit filled community in our biggest worship service of the year!
To view our complete Worship Center Calendar, click here.
Wednesdays from 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Trinity Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Yoga can improve flexibility, concentration, strength, muscle tone, better breathing habits, better sleep and overall sense of well being. Each session incorporates centering, gentle stretches, asanas - simple postures and posture flow and shavasana-final relaxation. Each session is $15 per hour class. RSVP to Jean Marie at yoginijean@yahoo.com.
Choir Practice
Thursdays at 7:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
The long anticipated return of Mr. Doug is here! We will be restarting choir as well! Rehearsals are starting back up every Thursday evening at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome to join us! If you have any questions please reach out to Doug Chilton.
Compline for the Feast of Michael and All Angels
Thursday, September 29th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
The archangel Michael is pictured as a prince and a general of the heavenly army, defeating the dragon (the ancient serpent, the devil, Satan). It is important, though, to see in Revelation 12:11 that God’s victory ultimately comes by Jesus’ death and the testimony of his followers. The power of God’s truth gives us confidence in the face of evil on earth, even in the face of our own death. Join Pastor Dustin for a brief time of reflection and prayer.
Trinity Produce Pantry
Fridays at 4:30pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Messiah Lutheran Church has taken the lead on a free produce distribution from our new Trinity Community Center, 705 Curry Road, every Friday at 4:30pm first come, first serve. This weekly distribution will take place outside with drive-up service available. No ID, paperwork, or pre-registering required!
Inaugural Rotterdam Craft Fair
Saturday, October 1st from 10:00am - 3:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
This is an event for all looking to support local crafters, makers and artisans while finding that one of a kind item! Crafts, artisan goods, food, raffles and community will be available all day!
Autumn 2022 Sunday Forum: The Medical Covenant and End of Life Issues
Sundays from 8:45am - 9:45am
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88364890925
William F. May, a Protestant ethicist, is one of the most prominent experts in medical ethics. Atul Gawande, a surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a professor at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health, is also a staff writer for The New Yorker. Professor May develops a covenantal or relational interpretation of the practice of medicine, spelling out its implications for professional character and virtue of physicians and nurses in relation to patients and the broader community. Dr. Gawande critically discusses how we have come to medicalize aging, frailty, and death, treating them as clinical problems to overcome. Drawing upon stories from his own and others' practices, he urges his readers, alternatively, to consider life as rich and full of meaning in all of its stages and circumstances. Supplementing these books, participants in the course will read articles and view videos related to "the medical covenant" and "being mortal." Everyone is welcome at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88364890925.
Participants in the course will purchase two books: William F. May, Testing the Medical Covenant: Active Euthanasia and Health Care Reform (William B. Eerdmans, 1996) and Atul Gawande, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End (Metropolitan Books, Henry Holt and Company, 2014). These books are in print, and used copies are readily available.
This week's assignments are:
"ON OUR OWN TERMS: Moyers on Dying in America: A Death of One's Own," September 10, 2000
Justica: U S Law, In Re Quinlan, Decided March 31, 1976:
Robert C McFadden, "Karen Ann Quinlan, 31, Dies,Focus of '76 Right to Die Case, New York Times, June 12, 1985
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-2
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "Faith Passed Down"
Sunday, October 2nd at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
We’re excited to once again offer Whirl Sunday School for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! This Sunday will be based around the theme of "Faith Passed Down" in 2 Timothy 1:1-14.
Sign up your child for Whirl Lectionary Sunday School today at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration today!
Mass for the Final Sunday of Creation: The Commemoration of Francis of Assisi
Sunday, October 2nd at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
On this final Sunday in the Season of Creation, we commemorate Francis of Assisi as we ground ourselves in 2 Timothy 1:1-14 of faith passing down through generations. Born into the family of a wealthy merchant, Francis gave up his inheritance to serve poor people and had a spirit of gratitude for all of God's creation. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. Our Mission Support Committee will announce the results of our 2022 Congregation Priorities Survey as the launch of our 2022 Mission Support Campaign! Marge Reynheer will serve as cantor.
Special Meeting of the Congregation
Sunday, October 2nd at 11:30am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Our Congregation Council has called a Special Meeting of the Congregation following worship on Sunday, October 2nd to handle five timely items:
1) Ratify our name change to "Messiah Lutheran Church" in our Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions.
2) Hear an update from John Fry of Nexus Creative Designs on the redevelopment of the former Trinity Reformed site.
3) Take action on recommendations from our Budget & Finance Committee regarding transferring funds out of our endowment.
4) Take action on recommendations from our Capital Improvement Task Force regarding issues related to our sewer connection.
5) Announce our Congregation Priorities for 2023
While we will endeavor to live stream the conversation for informational purposes, voting can only take place IN PERSON due to changes in New York State nonprofit law. We need a quorum of forty voting members of the congregation to make decisions so please plan on being in worship in person on such an important Sunday! To make more informed decisions related to our Endowment Fund, you are encouraged to view a recent presentation from the ELCA Foundation's Ryan Ebner found here.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 2nd at 5:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Yard
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Calling all dogs, cats, fish, turtles, lizards (with leashes and their owners, of course!) to our now SEVENTH annual Blessing of the Animals Service! Set near the commemoration day for Saint Francis of Assisi, known as the patron saint for animals, this brief, fun and contemporary service will be a great way to celebrate all those pets who provide so much joy and support in our lives. Worship will be weather permitting, held outside. Michael Mitchell and his beloved therapy dog Lily will join us as Assisting Ministers as we gather together to conclude the Season of Creation!
Community Crafting Mondays
Mondays from 1:00p-3:00p
Trinity Community Center Fellowship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Looking to build some community with likemind folks after such a difficult year? Come stop by our Community Crafting Mondays hosted at Messiah's Trinity Community Center. From knitting, crocheting, painting, hand sewing to making all sorts of community projects, our Community Crafting Mondays has it all! Most importantly, it's just a friendly place to learn from and talk with one another!
Zumba with Annie Grzywaczewski
Mondays from 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center Fellowship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
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!
Zentangle with Russell McDonald, CZT
Mondays at 6:00pm
Trinity Community Center Art Studio
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/8753963537
Join our very own Russell McDonald, Certified Zentangle Teacher, for what is now our WEEKLY community drawing night using the Zentangle Method! Zentangle is a way to use drawing that helps us relax, focus, expand our imaginations, respond confidently to the unexpected and feel gratitude! This will be a hybrid virtual/ in-person event broadcast from our new Trinity Community Center's Art Room. All participants will need at home is a pen, a pencil, a qtip and a clean sheet of paper and for those in-person, materials will be provided for the first few sessions. If you're stressed, looking to learn a new skill or just to connect with others this summer, Zentangle is for you! If you can't join us in person, definitely join us on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/8753963537 with password StaySober.
Worship & Music Ministry Team Meeting
Monday, October 3rd at 6:30pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
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! The team meets (almost) every month, usually on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm. A focus this month will be on planning services through Advent, Christmas and the Season of Epiphany. This month's meeting is in person over dinner in the Fellowship Hall as a way to build community, so please RSVP to Chair Emily Russo today!
Visitation Minister Training
Wednesday, October 5th from 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
For years at Messiah we've believed its not just the pastor, but indeed the entire congregation, who should strive to support our members in need of care. As a reflection of that value we first instituted Visitation Minister Training in 2016 to train members of our congregation to visit with our elders and others who might need support outside of Sunday morning and regular fellowship events. Visitation Ministers are approved to distribute the Holy Communion consecrated during Sunday Mass as well. Join Pastor Dustin and members of our Care & Concern Committee for an opportunity to learn how to better support one another, provide basic levels of mental health support and more. The training will include a light lunch, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin today at pastor@messiahschenectady.org!
Mass for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, October 9th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
It’s a miracle! Multiple miracles! The waters of holy baptism have healed us. The body and blood of Jesus in holy communion have made us clean. We have died with Christ and been raised with him. For all this we have returned to offer thanks. From this place we are sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news. Our focus text for the day will be the story of the Healing of Ten Men in Luke 17:11-19. This will also be the second Sunday of our 2022 Mission Support Campaign! Linda Halbrend will serve as cantor.
Social Action Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, October 11th at 7:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/91568452071
This is by far our most active ministry team at Messiah! Our Social Action Ministry Team is the space through which we discern all the ways we're called to serve our neighbors following the Way of Jesus Christ! We do this in a wide variety ways, through our Social Justice, Creation Care, Community Service, our work with Schenectady Community Ministries, the Bread of Life Food Pantry, our Produce Pantry and the Trinity Community Center. The ministry team meets quarterly. A highlight of tonight's conversations will include planning #HelpPortrait Schenectady 2022! A light supper will be provided, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin if you plan to join us in person. You can attend virtually as well at https://zoom.us/j/91568452071.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "Healing"
Sunday, October 16th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
We’re excited to once again offer Whirl Sunday School for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! This Sunday as part of the Feast of Saint Luke the Physician we'll focus on the theme of "Healing" and Isaiah 43:8-13 through a very special project.
Sign up your child for Whirl Lectionary Sunday School today at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration today!
Mass for the Feast of Saint Luke the Physician
Sunday, October 16th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Way back near the founding of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in the 1980s, at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, every ELCA congregation in the country was asked to hold an annual Healing Sunday near the Feast of Luke, who has traditionally been thought of as a physician. This action was in response to the unfound hysteria at the time (including in many churches) that merely touching or being near people with HIV/ AIDS would lead to transmission. In the midst of another global pandemic, we'll once again celebrate Healing Sunday with prayer, anointing, and the traditional laying on of hands as we gather around Christ's table in faith that God is at work in us healing us individually and communally in "body, mind and spirit." Our focus text for the day will be Isaiah 43:8-13. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. Kristen Olochnowicz will serve as cantor.
Autumn 2022 New Member Class #2: "A Way of Hearing"
Sunday, October 16th at 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88311712604
There's so many folks who have expressed interest in joining our congregation over the last few months! If you're one of those people, this virtual offering is for you!!! Over the course of four sessions, Pastor Dustin and a bunch of volunteers will introduce you to Messiah and the Lutheran take on the Way of Christ through the short classic work "Baptized We Live," an incredible resource by Rev. Daniel Erlander. Our second session will focus on Lutheran Christianity as "A Way of Hearing."
Youth & Family Trip to Double M Haunted Hayrides
Sunday, October 16th at 6:45pm
Double M Haunted Hayrides
678 Route 67 in Ballston Spa, NY
A cherished and spooktacular Messiah tradition is back for the first time since 2019... an evening at Double M Haunted Hayrides! A tractor drawn wagon weaves through haunted woods! A round each and every corner there’s a frightful scene and behind each and every tree lurks an uninvited guest waiting for you! Visit additional attractions including the Blood Moon Farm and the Last Inn and cap it all off with warm apple cider! All Messiah youth, family and their friends are invited to join us! Please bring $25 per person the day of the event (the cost is regularly $39.95 this year) although scholarships are available if needed! Please RSVP online at https://bit.ly/MLChayride2022 or on the narthex bulletin board today!
If you do not plan on accompanying your child/ youth, our Event Permission Form is required to be completed before the event at https://bit.ly/MLCEventPermission.
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Monday, October 17th from 9:00am - 1:00pm
Trinity Community Center Food Pantry
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
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.
The Bread of Life Food Pantry operates with the generous support of the Schenectady Foundation's Healthy Food Access for All program, Price Chopper and Market 32 Supermarkets, Stewart's Shops, Concerned for the Hungry, Hannaford Supermarkets, ELCA World Hunger, Schenectady Community Ministries, Messiah members and a wide variety of local community members. It is also a member of Food Pantries of the Capital District.
Property & Grounds Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 18th at 6:30pm
Messiah Worship Center Narthex
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Given how much work needs to be done to upgrade and repair our Worship Center and Parsonage as well as our new Community Center at the Trinity Reformed site, our Property & Grounds Committee has decided to begin meeting on a monthly basis. Please contact Chair Steve Friebel if you'd like to assist or have any questions! A primary topic of tonight's conversation will be getting both of our properties ready for the colder months.
Congregation Council
Tuesday, October 18th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/95835192148
The Congregation Council is tasked with oversight of all congregation business in between Annual and Special Meetings of the Congregation. Members of the congregation (and frankly the general public) are welcome to listen in unless the Council goes into Executive Session. If you'd like something added to the Congregation Council's agenda, please speak with President Sue Collins. A focus of this Council meeting will be final preparations for the culmination of our 2022 Mission Support Campaign.
Compline for the Feast of Luke, Evangelist
Tuesday, October 18th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
From the visit of Mary to Elizabeth’s house; through the visits of Jesus to Zacchaeus’s house, Mary and Martha’s house, and Levi’s house; to the visit of the risen Christ to Cleopas’s house, Luke’s gospel is a story of God’s hospitality. God is guest and host, and Jesus’ meal fellowship is a proclamation of God’s inner circle of outsiders, a gathering not of the righteous but of those who have received God’s mercy. Join Pastor Dustin for a brief time of reflection and prayer.
Rotterdam Game Night
Third Fridays from 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Trinity Community Center Fellowship Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
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! 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 Trinity 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 play games with you soon!
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Saturday, October 22nd from 9:00am - 1:00pm
Trinity Community Center Food Pantry
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
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.
The Bread of Life Food Pantry operates with the generous support of the Schenectady Foundation's Healthy Food Access for All program, Price Chopper and Market 32 Supermarkets, Stewart's Shops, Concerned for the Hungry, Hannaford Supermarkets, ELCA World Hunger, Schenectady Community Ministries, Messiah members and a wide variety of local community members. It is also a member of Food Pantries of the Capital District.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector"
Sunday, October 23rd at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
We’re excited to once again offer Whirl Sunday School for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! This Sunday will be based around the theme of "The Pharisee and the Tax Collector" in Luke 18:9-14.
Sign up your child for Whirl Lectionary Sunday School today at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration today!
Mass for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
aka "The Feast of Saint Everett & Saint Doug"
Sunday, October 23rd at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Genuine repentance and pretentious piety stand in stark contrast in the gospel and all around us. All creation stands in need of God’s forgiveness. Keep the faith. God’s people shall be accounted righteous for Jesus’ sake. Our God is merciful to sinners. For this we worship and glorify God forever. This will be a VERY special Sunday for two reasons! We'll welcome Everett Russo in the waters of baptism and bless Mr. Doug with a Farewell & Godspeed as he and Cecile head back to Nevada for the colder months. We'll also continue with our Fall 2022 Mission Support Campaign. Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Jill Becker serving as cantor. Our focus text will be Luke 18:9-14.
Bread of Life Food Pantry
Monday, October 24th from 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Trinity Community Center Food Pantry
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
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.
The Bread of Life Food Pantry operates with the generous support of the Schenectady Foundation's Healthy Food Access for All program, Price Chopper and Market 32 Supermarkets, Stewart's Shops, Concerned for the Hungry, Hannaford Supermarkets, ELCA World Hunger, Schenectady Community Ministries, Messiah members and a wide variety of local community members. It is also a member of Food Pantries of the Capital District.
Compline for the Feast of Simon & Jude, Apostles
Friday, October 28th at 7:00pm
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Simon and Jude (actually Judas, but he's called Jude to better distinguish him from Judas Iscariot) are listed among Jesus’ inner circle of disciples. In today’s gospel, which is set at the last supper, Jude’s question (“How is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”) is in response to what Jesus says in verse 19: “In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.” The answer to Jude’s question will come in Jesus’ resurrection, the appearances of the risen Christ, and the coming of the Spirit. Join Pastor Dustin for a brief time of reflection and prayer.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "Reformation"
Sunday, October 30th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
We’re excited to once again offer Whirl Sunday School for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! This Sunday as part of our celebration of the Feast of the Reformation we'll talk about John 8:31-36 and decorate the doors of our Youth Wing as a reflection of Martin Luther's posting of the 95 Theses.
Sign up your child for Whirl Lectionary Sunday School today at https://bit.ly/MLCYouthRegistration today!
Mass for the Feast of the Reformation
Sunday, October 30th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Rooted in the past and growing into the future, Martin Luther's actions five hundred and five years ago teach us the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission. This Sunday will serve as the culmination of our 2022 Mission Support Campaign as we reflect on our successes during the first of our three year journey through the "A Place at the Table for Everyone" Initiative and ask every member to make a commitment of time, talent and treasure as we prepare to enter year two! Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Marge Reynheer serving as cantor. Our focus text will be John 8:31-36.
Reformation Sunday Luncheon
Sunday, October 30th at 11:30am
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Every year at the culmination of our annual Mission Support Campaign on Reformation Sunday we gather for a tasty meal in our Fellowship Hall as we celebrate all we've achieved with God's help over the last year and look towards the year ahead! Whether or not your household can attend, please RSVP at https://bit.ly/ReformationSunday2022 or on the narthex bulletin board today!
Autumn 2022 New Member Class #3: "A Way of Teaching"
Sunday, October 30th at 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88311712604
There's so many folks who have expressed interest in joining our congregation over the last few months! If you're one of those people, this virtual offering is for you!!! Over the course of four sessions, Pastor Dustin and a bunch of volunteers will introduce you to Messiah and the Lutheran take on the Way of Christ through the short classic work "Baptized We Live," an incredible resource by Rev. Daniel Erlander. Our third session will focus on Lutheran Christianity as "A Way of Teaching."
Safe Halloween Teen Night & Movie
Monday, October 31st at 6:30pm
Trinity Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Is your youth too old for trick or treatin' but looking for an awesome Halloween night with old and new friends alike? Join us at the Trinity Community Center for an awesome, safe chaperoned teen friendly Halloween party with plenty of snacks, games and prizes for a Best Costume contest! A teen friendly Halloween movie will begin at 7:30pm. All youth not accompanied by a parent or guardian are required to complete our secure Event Permission Form at https://bit.ly/MLCEventPermission before attending the event. Messiah Lutheran Church's SafeChurch Policy will be strictly followed throughout the evening in order to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. The event is free to everyone in our local community although donations to the Trinity Community Center will be accepted.
Fellowship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, November 1st at 7:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/94641179066
The purpose of the Fellowship Ministry Team is to provide opportunities for all of our members (and perspective members) of all ages to connect, hear one another's stories, and have fun! This group includes the Mighty Men of Messiah, Women of the ELCA (WELCA), Care & Concern, Young Adult Group, our Kitchen Committee, Over 55 Gang, our Welcome Committee for new and perspective members and our new Arts & Culture ministry. The team meets quarterly. We're moving back to in-person meetings over light dinners to reconnect and bring everyone together, so please RSVP to our hosts for the evening, Sheri Lamb or Linda Slovacek-Price, if you plan to attend. Highlights of this conversation will include planning all our cherished Christmas and winter fellowship events as well as launching our new Stephen Minister training. If necessary, you can all Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/94641179066.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "Saints"
Sunday, November 6th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Whirl Sunday School is for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! This Sunday as part of our celebration of the Feast of All Saints we'll discuss how our saints are always with us talk about Ephesians 1:11-23.
Mass for the Feast of All Saints
Sunday, November 6th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
Each year on All Saints Sunday we celebrate the ongoing presence of all our saints throughout all time and space gathered with us around Christ's table. Near the beginning of the service we will invite you and your family to come forward with a votive candle (which we will provide) and place it on a table in front of the altar. Mementos or framed pictures of loved ones can be placed in front of our altar rails as well. All will also be invited in person and online to share the names of loved ones who have died in the past year. Linda Halbrend will serve as cantor while Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. Our focus text for the day will be Ephesians 1:11-23.
Autumn 2022 New Member Class #4: "A Way of Following"
Sunday, November 6th at 4:00pm
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88311712604
There's so many folks who have expressed interest in joining our congregation over the last few months! If you're one of those people, this virtual offering is for you!!! Over the course of four sessions, Pastor Dustin and a bunch of volunteers will introduce you to Messiah and the Lutheran take on the Way of Christ through the short classic work "Baptized We Live," an incredible resource by Rev. Daniel Erlander. Our final session will focus on Lutheran Christianity as "A Way of Following."
Worship & Music Ministry Team Meeting
Monday, November 7th 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! The team meets (almost) every month, usually on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm. A focus this month will be on planning services through the Season of Epiphany, Ash Wednesday and Lent.
Faith Formation Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, November 8th at 7:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/92199006383
This group includes Adult Education, Children's Sunday School, Cradle Roll & Nursery and Youth Ministries! Help us teach folks of all ages how our faith calls us to teach that EVERYONE is created in God's image! We're moving back to in-person meetings over light dinners to reconnect and bring everyone together, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin if you plan to attend. A focus for this meeting will include planning our Children's Christmas Pageant and a wide variety of new faith formation opportunities for teens and adults in the new year. If necessary, you can Zoom in at https://zoom.us/j/92199006383.
Rotterdam Community Movie Night
Saturday, November 12th from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Trinity Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Join us for a new monthly free movie night series to bring everyone together here in our wonderful Town of Rotterdam! Doors open at 6:30pm and the movie begins at 7:15pm on our new, hi-definition projector with surround sound! Bring a lawn chair or blanket as we've transformed the old Trinity sanctuary into a quaint indoor performance venue with an outdoor feel. The event is free for everyone although donations will be accepted and snacks will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Trinity Community Center. To find out what movie we'll be playing, call 518.518.355.2311
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "Working Together"
Sunday, November 13th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Whirl Sunday School is for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! The theme for this Sunday will be "Working Together" and center on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13.
Veteran's Day Mass for the Twenty Third Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, November 13th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
The tone of today’s texts is ominous, but in faith Christ guides us forward. The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament. The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle: “Do not be weary in doing what is right.” Kristen Olochnowicz will serve as cantor while Pastor Dustin will preach and preside. A special thanks to all our veterans will also be celebrated and our focus text will be 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13.
Autumn Service Day
Sunday, November 13th at 12:00pm
Messiah Worship Center
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Twice a year the good folks of Messiah gather to help clean up our property and make sure our grounds remain a sanctuary of peace and solidarity for all in our local community. What could be a more fitting day to gather in service to our community than right after our Veterans Day Mass? After coffee hour we'll break out into groups to rake leaves, clean up our Harvest Garden, clean out our garage and engage in other winterization activities at both the Messiah Worship Center and Trinity Community Center. We would LOVE IT if all our young people and their families can participate as well! Please reach out to Property & Grounds Chair Steve Friebel if you have any questions! Please bring your own gloves, rakes, leaf blowers, and other yard clean up tools as well!
Congregation Council
Monday, November 14th at 7:00pm
https://zoom.us/j/95835192148
The Congregation Council is tasked with oversight of all congregation business in between Annual and Special Meetings of the Congregation. Members of the congregation (and frankly the general public) are welcome to listen in unless the Council goes into Executive Session. If you'd like something added to the Congregation Council's agenda, please speak with President Sue Collins. A focus of tonight's meeting will be approving final recommendations to the congregation for our 2023 Parish Budget.
WELCA Pie Baking
Friday, November 18th at 9:00am
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
It's that time of year to think about pies for the holidays. WELCA will once again be holding a pie sale to benefit our upcoming service projects. The pie selections are as follows: Apple or Sugar Free Apple (sweetened with Splenda(r)) "Bake-at-Home" ("Bake at Home" pies are homemade, freshly prepare 9" pies, boxed for easy storage in your freezer and are ready for you to bake whenever you need a home baked pie! We will even include the baking instructions!) And, of course, our ever popular Air Pie (all of the satisfaction of donating without any of the calories in a traditional pie). All pies must be pre-ordered (and pre-paid for - $10 each) by November 13, 2022 and will be available for pick up at the Trinity Community Center (after worship at Messiah) on November 20, 2022. If you would like to help with the preparation of these pies, we will be meeting on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at the Trinity Community Center. Feel free to join us!)
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: "King on the Cross"
Sunday, November 20th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Whirl Sunday School is for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin each week in the Messiah Worship Center Nursery, kids will break out into small groups to learn a new Bible story through activities, music, and watching the adventures of the Whirl kids. The Bible stories we learn will correspond to the lessons we hear in worship each week as well! As part of the Feast of Christ the King the theme for this Sunday will be "King on the Cross" and center on Luke 23:33-43.
Mass for the Feast of Christ the King with New Member Welcome
Sunday, November 20th at 10:15am
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Streaming on Facebook Watch
It appears utterly contradictory that a king like Jesus should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise. Join us in a festive celebration as we welcome our Autumn 2022 New Member Class to our Spirit filled congregation! Pastor Dustin will preach and preside with Jill Becker serving as cantor. Our focus text for the day will be Luke 23: 33-43.
Help-Portrait Schenectady
Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00am - 1:00pm
Trinity Community Center
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
RSVP to Volunteer by 11/20 at https://bit.ly/HelpPortrait2022
It's back! Come celebrate the season with us at the new Trinity Community Center as we provide free framed portraits for our neighbors in need along with local photographers, hair stylists and makeup artists! The festivities will also include snacks with Santa, storytelling, gifts and holiday crafts for all ages. Join the international movement with local impact and build some community with us this holiday season! Unless you'd like to volunteer, no pre-registration is needed to participate in this cherished Schenectady tradition! The event is free for all in our local community although donations to support the Trinity Community Center will be accepted.
For those looking to serve their neighbors on this day, we generally need around forty volunteers to pull off this major community event! Our goal is to provide one hundred local households with portraits! We’re also looking for cookie bakers for our cookie decorating station at Help-Portrait. We would like sugar cut-outs without frosting. All volunteers are asked to sign-up by Sunday, November 20th at https://bit.ly/HelpPortrait2022 or on the narthex bulletin board. A volunteer training meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 29th at 7:00pm in the Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: Christmas Pageant Practice
Sunday, December 4th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Whirl Sunday School is for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin discussing Romans 15:4-13, our kids will begin practicing for our annual Christmas Pageant!
Rotterdam Community Holiday Movie Night
Saturday, December 12th from 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Trinity Community Center Performance Hall
705 Curry Road in Rotterdam, NY
Join us for a new monthly free movie night series to bring everyone together here in our wonderful Town of Rotterdam! Doors open at 6:30pm and the movie begins at 7:15pm on our new, hi-definition projector with surround sound! Bring a lawn chair or blanket as we've transformed the old Trinity sanctuary into a quaint indoor performance venue with an outdoor feel. The event is free for everyone although donations will be accepted and snacks will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Trinity Community Center. To find out what movie we'll be playing, call 518.518.355.2311
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: Christmas Pageant Practice
Sunday, December 11th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Whirl Sunday School is for all kids PreK to sixth grade at Messiah! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin discussing Matthew 11:2-11, our kids will continue practicing for our annual Christmas Pageant!
Tenth Annual Community Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 11th at 6:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Sanctuary
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
Wow! It's now been TEN YEARS of one of our favorite celebrations of the year! And here's the coolest thing... our very own Douglas J. Chilton is flying back from Nevada specifically for this cherished tradition! Join us for all the songs of the season! A free will offering will be collected with the proceeds going to Schenectady Street Soldiers. If you wish to participate in the concert, please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board by Sunday, November 20th. If you'd like Mr. Doug to accompany you, please have sheet music to him at that time and plan to attend a brief rehearsal on Saturday, December 10th. A reception with all sorts of tasty treats will follow the concert!
Stewardship Ministry Team Meeting
Tuesday, December 13th at 7:00pm
Messiah Worship Center Fellowship Hall
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
https://zoom.us/j/93024204486
Our Stewardship Ministry Team is the group of committees at Messiah that allow us to support our four major program areas. Without being good stewards of our Archives, Budget & Finance, Communications, Grants & Community Support, Health & Safety, 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. A light dinner will be provided, so please RSVP to Pastor Dustin if you plan to join us in person. You can also zoom at https://zoom.us/j/93024204486.
Whirl Lectionary Sunday School: Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal
Sunday, December 18th at 9:00am
Messiah Worship Center Nursery
2850 Guilderland Avenue in Rotterdam, NY
This is the big Sunday! After gathering for a brief opening with Pastor Dustin discussing Matthew 1:18-25, our kids will have their final dress rehearsal for our annual Christmas Pageant before leading our Spirit filled community in our biggest worship service of the year!
To view our complete Worship Center Calendar, click here.