4301 Mount Read Blvd. Rochester, NY. 14616  

(585) 865-1866

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.      Jeremiah 29:12-14

Sunday Worship–10 am & 5 pm

                                                                                                                                                

 

 

A NOTE FROM PASTOR AILEEN  -  March 21,  2023

Dear Friends,

          I am so grateful for all of the new technologies that are at our disposal. I wonder what our ancestors would have thought of all of the cameras and microphones and computers in the sanctuary? I imagine there would have been a few raised eye-brows and more than a little muttering. And yet, I am beginning to consider all of these things as sacred.

          The items that adorn our space are considered sacred, something that points us to God. We have banners of all sorts, paraments on the altar and pulpit, a beautiful baptismal font, windows adorned with liturgical colors and the centerpiece is a glorious cross. All of those things remind us of who we are and whose we are. They remind us that we are the Body of Christ in the world, led by the one who gave his life for us. They remind us that we are a prayerful community, grounded in grace and held together by the blood of Christ.

          These new elements don’t hold the same association for us, not exactly. Yet, they are visible reminders to us that our community is bigger and broader than the one gathered in the sanctuary at any given time. We have bonds that go beyond physical proximity. These cameras and microphones tie us together in ways that were not possible just a few years ago. They are a blessing to us.

          As Lutherans, we profess that we are part of the communion of saints; a gathering of God’s people that transcends space and time. When we come to the communion rail, when our voices are lifted in praise, we are joined by those who have gone before us, those who will come after us and those who are separated from us due to a number of issues. What a joy that we now have a tangible way of acknowledging those who are part of our beloved community who can now be present in a different way.

          We are so blessed to be a congregation that is creative in finding ways to bring God’s people together. I am grateful to those who are knowledgeable in all things technological and who endeavor to keep us connected.

Peace

Pastor Aileen

 

 

INFORMATION

 

Worship at 10 am and 5 pm.  Masks are encouraged, but optional.  Selected bulletins have a reading or prayer highlighted for those who wish to read. The 10 am service is on Zoom with the following link:  us04web.zoom.us/j/573579627   If you do not have internet, listen by dialing 270-2524.  After the greeting, enter conference ID 291-1296 followed by the  #  key.   At the prompt, state your name, and press the #  key again. The service will be recorded and can be accessed through Messiah’s Facebook page.  Join us downstairs for Coffee Hour after the 10 am service. Lenten question cards are on the tables for you to discuss with those who join you as you enjoy some fellowship time.  A new signup sheet for servers is on the communications board.

 

Lenten Devotionals are available in the narthex. There are a variety - Lent in a Bag; daily devotional booklets and question cards. Take any and all you wish, and take for a friend as well. Each day Pastor Aileen is also doing a brief devotional/reflection on the question of the day on Facebook. If you are on Facebook, all you need do is friend Pastor Aileen and you can join in.

 

Fridays during Lent we will be joining our ecumenical partners for a soup and bread meal at 6:30 pm followed by a prayer service at 7.  This Friday, March 24 we meet at Trinity Episcopal (3450 Ridge Rd. W.)    Carpooling is available – A signup sheet is on the communications board if you need a ride or a willing to provide one.

 

The deadline for ordering Easter Flowers is this Friday, March 24.  Choose from Reiger Begonias ($11.50), multi-colored Mums ($11.50), Daffodils ($6.50), or Tulips ($6.50).  Phone or email the church office with the type of flower and dedication. If paying by check, make out to Messiah Lutheran Church with Easter Flowers in the memo. If  paying by cash or mail, please write Easter Flowers on the envelope. 

 

Holy week and Easter schedule   

Maundy Thursday April 6:          Worship at Messiah  at 7 pm

Good Friday April 7:                    Worship at Greece United Methodist (1924 Maiden Lane) at 7 pm

Easter Vigil Saturday April 8:  Worship at Messiah at 8 pm

Easter Sunday April 9:        Worship at Messiah at 10 am     No 5 pm service

 

Services for Tamara Ligtenberg  Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 30 from 5-7 pm at Vay-Schleich & Meeson, 1075 Long Pond Rd.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 1 at 1 pm at Messiah. (also streamed online us02web.zoom.us/j/573579627), followed by a reception at the church.  Her obituary is available online: Tamara S. Ligtenberg - Vay-Schleich & Meeson

 

New Food Distribution needs:Knorr sides, scalloped potatoes, cheesy potatoes, Rice-a-Roni, Noodle Roni, ground coffee, and egg noodles. Place in blue bin under the table by the stairs. Checks and gift cards (Aldi’s especially helpful) always welcome. Place in offering plate, mail, or use one of the methods on the second page.

 

Greece CROP Hunger Walk is May 7th!  Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be hosting the Walk.  Registration starts at 1:00 pm, with group picture and Walk start at 1:30 pm.  Pizza bites, snacks, and water available!  More info to follow, stay tuned, get walking, and start thinking about your group!  Questions: contact Mark Sutliff (585-210-7846) or John Corman (585-329-9413).  Here’s the link to register or donate to Messiah Lutheran Church, Greece CROP Hunger Walk:

https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2023/team/messiah-lutheran-church-greece-ny

 

Creative Hands Pre-pandemic, the Creative Hands group met to make handmade items such as knitted or crocheted prayer shawls, hats, etc. all while enjoying fellowship with one another.  The group is looking to start up again.  If you are interested, please contact Sharon Stio at

585-723-1645 or sstio1950@gmail.com

 

IT’S NOT TOO LATE to join the study group on police violence that is meeting at 6 pm on Sunday Nights at Messiah. We are reading the award winning journalist, Wesley Lowery’s book, THEY CAN’T KILL US ALL. We welcome more participants as we read and discuss this book about an issue of deep concern to all of us.  No, it’s not an easy, comfortable read, but an important one for us to grapple with as Christians. To join by zoom

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82521224814?pwd=UnZtclVIaU9ZTG9QcVM2N21ocThNdz09
Meeting ID: 825 2122 4814     Passcode: Irmer
Dial-in audio:  +1 929 205 6099 US   Meeting ID: 825 2122 4814

Call Pastor Hans at (585) 225-0156 or (716) 982-3442 for more details.

 

Donations to our Food Pantry may now be made online, using one of the following methods:

·     

Messiah's Food Pantry page on our website  (where the link is used):     

 http://www.messiahlutheranchurch.net/content/food-pantry

·     

PayPal donation link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5CUM2F7D2LHUU

·     

QR code (will take people to that same PayPal link as above)

   Note that Paypal can be used for any credit/debit card transactions –

   the donor does not need to have a PayPal account.

 

William Shortz Memorial Scholarship for Lutheran Youth Applications are being taken for Lutheran high school seniors pursuing a college education.  $500 scholarships are awarded to winning candidates. Criteria and application process are on the communications board, or contact the church office. Deadline is April 16, 2023.

 

This tax season, AARP will be in Dean Hall at Greece Baptist every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday by appointment from 10 am until 4 pm through April 7th.  The appointment line phone number is: 351-3400.  Any questions please call Wayne Reabold.

 

Thursday morning Bible Study Please join us in the conference room on Thursdays from

10-11:30 as we gather to discuss the Great Prayers of the Bible. This week, 3/23 our focus will be on Job: Trusting God for Who God Is (Job 38.1-18; 40.1-5; 42.1-16) Join by Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85946152750?pwd=d2ZONTVESFg5MVhKL2ZPNWVYY2lyZz09

Meeting ID: 859 4615 2750 Passcode: 369438

 

The Spiritual Growth Group meets by zoom the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at 7 pm for study, prayer, lively discussion, and discovery to understand how we can engage the world as Christ’s disciples.  Please join us at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81810845014?pwd=S2VhaStUVEIvQXZDRGc4elFmUHBldz09  

or Audio only: (929) 205 6099  Meeting ID: 818 1084 5014# 

 

Ripples Chair Yoga is on hiatus.

 

 

Mindful Meditation with Joyce Callen each Wednesday from 10:45 am - 11:05.  Join us to learn how 20 minutes of meditation can bring composure and calmness to your life.  Any ?s, contact Joyce.