LGMC Bulletin

August 23, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Dave Peterson

Praise –Praise Team

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “Disconnect to Connect” – Matthew 22:34-40

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Today, August 23, 6:00 PM - Congregational Meeting

Wednesday, August 26, 7:00 PM – Youth Planning Meeting

Sunday, August 30, Noon – Church Picnic

Offering & Attendance – 08/16/2026             Attendance –163

General Fund - $7,595.00     Designations - $4,021.00

Online giving for July was $1,770.05.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Women’s Mission & Service project for August is school kits for Mennonite Central Committee.

We will be having a congregational meeting today, August 23 at 6:00 PM.  Agendas for the meeting as well as the proposed church budget for 2026-27 are in your church mailbox.

Plan now to attend the “Back to School Breakfast” on August 30 for all kids and youth during the Sunday School time.

Volunteers are needed for the next Blood Drive on August 31.  A sign-up sheet is at the welcome center.

There will be no Sunday School for children 6^th grade and under on Labor Day weekend, September 6.

Sunday School Updates:  1. The Journey class which meets in the lower level has started a study of John by Tony Evans. 2. The women’s class which meets in the fellowship hall is starting a study of Psalms.  You can join any Sunday School class at any time.

Please make sure to fill out a Worship Ministry interest sheet if you would like to sing, play an instrument, work with the sound, slides or video.  We are also looking for help with decorating the church and starting a prayer team.  The interest sheets are located on the Welcome Center or in your mailbox.  Please place completed forms in Matt & Liz Yoder’s mailbox.

On behalf of the Loved First Ministry, we would like to thank each and every one of you for your generosity with the Fish Fry.  Whether you contributed supplies/food, helped cook or serve in any way or bought dinners, we truly appreciate it!  We had approximately $3,000 donated for our mission in Uganda.  A special thanks to Steve & Wanita Riegsecker for the use of their barn and their support for Loved First!

Invite Cards are now available at the Welcome Center.  These small invites are great to have on hand when the Holy Spirit nudges you to invite someone to Locust Grove.  Take as many as you’d like.

Mowing – Week of August 23 – Richard Hochstetler; Week of August 30 – Douglas Hasbrouck

Nursery – Today – Karen & Molly Peterson; 08/30 – Marilyn Schwartz & Emma Henschel  

Birthday Greetings go to: 09/01 – Steve Riegsecker; 09/04 – Sophia Sheshenia; 09/06 – Doug Hopkins

Anniversary Greetings go to: 09/05 – Jim & Teresa Owsley, Jason & Jenny Troyer

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) – August 26 @7:00 PM – High schoolers meet at the church for a planning meeting.  September 13, Noon – Parent’s meeting following the morning service.

PRAYER & DEVOTIONAL NOTES

- With our marriages and families

- With engaged couple Kali Tyler & Jonathan Smolarz (November)

- With expectant parents Jeff & Molly Peterson (November)

- With the Sheshenia family from Ukraine – Vlad, Jane and daughters Valeriia, Margo & Sofiia.

- With the St. Joseph County Jail Ministry

- With Steve & Waneta Riegsecker.  Their address is26991 North Shore Drive, Sturgis, MI 49091.

- With our friends in Israel.

- We seek God’s provision and care for these individuals: Ann Araujo, Fran Eichorn, Gary Large, Cyndi Murray, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

August 16, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Dave Peterson

Praise –Praise Team

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “The Faithful Finish Well” – Genesis 23-25:8

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Today, August 16, 5-7:00 PM – Loved 1^st Fish Fry @Riegsecker’s

Sunday, August 23, 6:00 PM - Congregational Meeting

Sunday, August 30, Noon – Church Picnic

Offering & Attendance – 08/09/2026             Attendance –130

General Fund - $6,060.00     Designations - $1,600.00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Women’s Mission & Service project for August is school kits for Mennonite Central Committee.

We will be having a congregational meeting on Sunday, August 23 at 6:00 PM.  Agendas for the meeting as well as the proposed church budget for 2027-27 are in your church mailbox.

Volunteers are needed for the next Blood Drive on August 31.  A sign-up sheet is at the welcome center.

“Loved First” will be having a Drive-Through Fish Fry today, August 16^th at Riegsecker’s Barn from 5-7pm. Cost will be donation. Spread the word!

Sunday School Updates:  1. The Journey class which meets in the lower level has started a study of John by Tony Evans. 2. The women’s class which meets in the fellowship hall is starting a study of Psalms.  You can join any Sunday School class at any time.

There have been questions asked about whether or not the janitor adds water to the hand soap dispensers in the ladies’ bathrooms.  She DOES NOT add water.  We purchase Soft Soap liquid soap to use.  If you have any questions, please talk to Beth in the church office.

Mowing – Week of August 16 –Lennis Troyer; Week of August 23 – Richard Hochstetler

Nursery – Today – Chris & Ellyn Oswald; 8/23 – Karen & Molly Peterson  

Birthday Greetings go to: 08/25 – Phil Furney; 08/26 – Laura Schwartz; 08/27 – Jackson Mockler; 08/28 – Greg Gautsche; 08/30 – Laura & Jeb Kimble

Anniversary Greetings go to: 08/25 – Darian & Christen Kirby; 08/27 – Clint & Jenn Gautsche; 08/29 – Michael & Amanda Hughes

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) –

PRAYER & DEVOTIONAL NOTES

- With our marriages and families

- With Matt & Katie Holden and family in the recent death of Katie’s grandmother.  May God give them peace and comfort.

- With the Sheshenia family from Ukraine – Vlad, Jane and daughters Valeriia, Margo & Sofiia.

- With the St. Joseph County Jail Ministry

- With Jeff & Molly Peterson and their family – Eva (2) and baby (due this fall).  Their address is 26478 Banker Street, Sturgis, MI 49091.

- With our friends in Israel.

- We seek God’s provision and care for these individuals: Ann Araujo, Fran Eichorn, Gary Large, Cyndi Murray, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

August 9, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Dave Peterson

Praise –Praise Team

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “Engaging in Mission” – Matthew 9:35-38

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Monday, August 10, 6:00 PM – Elder Team meeting

Sunday, August 16, 5-7:00 PM – Loved 1^st Fish Fry @Riegsecker’s

Sunday, August 23, 6:00 PM - Congregational Meeting

Sunday, August 30, Noon – Church Picnic

Offering & Attendance – 08/02/2026             Attendance –154

General Fund - $1,735.00     Designations - $20,290.10

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Women’s Mission & Service project for July and August is school kits for Mennonite Central Committee.

The next Blood Drive is August 31.

“Loved First” will be having a Drive -Through Fish Fry on August 16^th at Riegsecker’s Barn from 5-7pm. Cost will be donation. Spread the word!

There have been questions asked about whether or not the janitor adds water to the hand soap dispensers in the ladies’ bathrooms.  She DOES NOT add water.  We purchase Soft Soap liquid soap to use.  If you have any questions, please talk to Beth in the church office.

“On behalf of the Lewis & Ruby Miller family, we would like to thank Locust Grove for all the love and support you have given us over the past months.  What a comfort you have been to us this year as we had to say goodbye to both mom and dad.  Thank you for the cards, visits, meals, phone calls and even lawn care.  We are forever grateful for your kindness.”

Mowing – Week of August 9 – Greg Blucker; Week of August 16 – Lennis Troyer

Nursery – Today – Keeslar Family; 08/16 – Chris & Ellyn Oswald

Birthday Greetings go to: 08/17 – Devon Graber; 08/19 – Nancy Dykstra, Karen Peterson

Anniversary Greetings go to: 08/20 – Brad & Angie Litwiller, Jeremy & Tami Tyler; 08/22 – Brian & Jessilyn Troyer; 08/23 – Charlie & Stefanie Patrick

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) –

PRAYER & DEVOTIONAL NOTES

- With our marriages and families

- With the Sheshenia family from Ukraine – Vlad, Jane and daughters Valeriia, Margo & Sofiia.

- With the St. Joseph County Jail Ministry

- With Dave & Karen Peterson.  Their address is 61714 Park Ridge Lane, Sturgis, MI 49091.

- With our friends in Israel.

- We seek God’s provision and care for these individuals: Ann Araujo, Fran Eichorn, Gary Large, Cyndi Murray, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

July 19, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Audra Franz

Praise –Praise Team

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “Belonging to Community” – Acts 2:42-47

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Saturday, August 1, 11:00 AM – Memorial Service for Lew Miller

Offering & Attendance – 07/12/2026             Attendance –154

General Fund - $3,735.00     Designations - $110.00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Church office hours will vary over the next couple weeks.  Please check with Pastor Matt or Rachel King if you need to know when someone will be there.

The Women’s Mission & Service project for July and August is school kits for Mennonite Central Committee.

Youth For Christ is collecting new or gently-used items (valued at $25 or more) for their Benefit Auction in August.  Drop-off and pick-up available.  Contact office@yfccampuslife.com or 269-651-1669.

If you borrow a roaster from the church kitchen, DO NOT use plastic liners (or any other kind of liner) when cooking with them.  The plastic gets hot and sticks to the inside of the roaster and ruins it.

The next Blood Drive is August 31.

Mowing – Week of July 19 – Lennis Troyer; Week of July 26 – Richard Hochstetler

Church League Softball – Tuesday, July 21, 6:00 PM – vs Stauffer’s Lawn Care - Diamond #1

Nursery – Today –Gerri Schwartz & Madelyn Oswald; 07/26 – Fellers family

Birthday Greetings go to: 07/27 – Brian Nunemaker, Joel Troyer; 08/02 - Dorothy Troyer, Eva Beeker, Dillon Barrington

Anniversary Greetings go to: 07/29 – Adam & Cathy Fellers

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) –

PRAYER & DEVOTIONAL NOTES

- With our marriages and families

- With the Sheshenia family from Ukraine – Vlad, Jane and daughters Valeriia, Margo & Sofiia.

- With the St. Joseph County Jail Ministry

- With Jim & Teresa Owsley.  Their address is 32480 Decker Road, Colon, MI  49040.

- With our friends in Israel.

- We seek God’s provision and care for these individuals: Ann Araujo, Fran Eichorn, Gary Large, Cyndi Murray, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

July 12, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Audra Franz

Praise –Praise Team

Elder Lot - Matthew Yoder

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “Attending to Jesus” – Psalm 1

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Today, July 12 – Elder Lot

Monday, July 13, 6:00 PM – Elder Team meeting

Thursday, July 16 – Women’s Mission & Service

Thursday, July 16, 5:15 PM – Praise Team practice

Saturday, July 18, 2-6:00 PM – Gautsche Anniversary Open House

Offering & Attendance – 07/05/2026             Attendance –133

General Fund - $3,735.00     Designations - $180.00

Online giving for June was $6,800.88.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The church office will be closed Tuesday this week.

The Women’s Mission & Service project for July is school kits for Mennonite Central Committee.  For the monthly meeting this Thursday, Marjana Tribble will be in charge of the kitchen and Louellen Westover will have devotions.

The total number of products collected at the Blood Drive was 30 (goal was 34).  Rides were given to 7 people.  Thank you to all who helped.

Youth For Christ is collecting new or gently-used items (valued at $25 or more) for their Benefit Auction.  Drop-off and pick-up available.  Contact office@yfccampuslife.com or 269-651-1669.

Everyone is invited to celebrate Greg & Carolyn Gautsche’s 50^th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, July 18 from 2-6:00 PM at the church.  They request no gifts.

LOST – The metal yard stick belonging to the Sewing group is missing.  If you find it, please give it to Martha Franz.

If you borrow a roaster from the church kitchen, DO NOT use plastic liners (or any other kind of liner) when cooking with them.  The plastic gets hot and sticks to the inside of the roaster and ruins it.

Mowing – Week of July 12 – Greg Blucker; Week of July 19 – Lennis Troyer

Church League Softball – Tuesday, July 14, 6:00 PM – vs Yoder - Diamond #4

Nursery – Today –Stefanie & Chloe Patrick; July 19 – Gerri Schwartz & Madelyn Oswald

Birthday Greetings go to: 07/20 – Connie Compton; 07/24 – Ben Gautsche; 07/26 – Corey Keeslar, Jen Gautsche

Anniversary Greetings go to: 07/26 – Dennis & Rin Bontrager

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) –

PRAYER & DEVOTIONAL NOTES

- With our marriages and families

- With the family of Lew Miller who passed away July 7.  A memorial service will be held here on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 11:00 AM.  Please keep them in your prayers. It was only 3 months ago that Ruby died.

- With the Sheshenia family from Ukraine – Vlad, Jane and daughters Valeriia, Margo & Sofiia.

- With the St. Joseph County Jail Ministry

- With Rich & Chris Oswald.  Their address is 27021 Amigo Park Drive, Sturgis, MI  49091.

- With our friends in Israel.

- We seek God’s provision and care for these individuals: Ann Araujo, Fran Eichorn, Gary Large, Cyndi Murray, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

July 5, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Audra Franz

Praise –Praise Team

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “You’ve Got Questions!”

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Monday, July 6 – Red Cross Blood Drive

Saturday, July 11, 7:00 AM – Men’s Breakfast

Sunday, July 12 – Elder Lot

Monday, July 13, 6:00 PM – Elder Team meeting

Offering & Attendance – 06/28/2026             Attendance –112

General Fund - $8,760.00     Designations - $3,820.75

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Women’s Mission & Service project for July is school kits for Mennonite Central Committee. 

The next Red Cross Blood Drive is July 6.  Volunteers are needed.  A sign-up sheet is at the welcome center.

The Elder Lot will take place on July 12.

Everyone is invited to celebrate Greg & Carolyn Gautsche’s 50^th Wedding Anniversary on July 18 from 2-6:00 PM at the church.  They request no gifts.

LOST – The metal yard stick belonging to the Sewing group is missing.  If you find it, please give it to Martha Franz.

If you borrow a roaster from the church kitchen, DO NOT use plastic liners (or any other kind of liner) when cooking with them.  The plastic gets hot and sticks to the inside of the roaster and ruins it.

Mowing – Week of July 5 – Douglas Hasbrouck; Week of July 12 – Greg Blucker

Church League Softball – Tuesday, July 7, 6:00 PM – vs FFM Blue - Diamond #4

Nursery – Today – Tami Tyler & Heidi Barrington; July 12 – Stefanie & Chloe Patrick

Birthday Greetings go to: 07/15 – Matt Jorgensen; 07/17 – Alesia Furney, Eli Love; 07/19 – Carol Eichorn

Anniversary Greetings go to: 07/14 – Brian & Nancy Nunemaker; 07/19 – Thad & Kristen Mockler

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) –

PRAYER & DEVOTIONAL NOTES

- With our marriages and families

- With the Sheshenia family from Ukraine – Vlad, Jane and daughters Valeriia, Margo & Sofiia.

- With the St. Joseph County Jail Ministry

- With Brian & Rachel Oswald and their family Carter (18), Madelyn (16), Lyza (14) and Ellyn (12).  Their address is 29235 Marsh Road, Sturgis, MI  49091. 

- With our friends in Israel.

- We seek God’s provision and care for these individuals: Ann Araujo, Fran Eichorn, Gary Large, Lew Miller, Cyndi Murray, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.