LGMC Bulletin

September 6, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Liz Yoder

Praise –Praise Team

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “God Meets the Wanderer” – Genesis 28:10-22

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Saturday, September 12, 7:00 AM – Men’s Breakfast

Sunday, September 13, Noon – Parents meeting with Youth leaders

Sunday, September 13, 6-8:00 PM – Youth Group at the church

Offering & Attendance – 08/30/2026             Attendance –141

General Fund - $1,680.00     Designations - $100.00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

A total of 43 products were collected at the Blood Drive Monday.  Rides were given to 5 donors.  Thank you to all who helped in any way!

The Discipleship Ministry Team is seeking a leader for the Young Adult group.  If interested, please contact Louellen Westover.

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.

Service Saturday - Give a hand, Get a hand - On October 10, our congregation is having a morning of outdoor service. Whether you or a neighbor need some outdoor help around the house or are able to volunteer, you can find more information and sign up at

   LocustGrove.Church.   All participants are asked to sign up by September 20. See a member of the Missions and Outreach Team with questions: Jenny Troyer, Audra Franz, or Adam Fellers.

Our Youth Group is planning an auction/fundraiser for the evening of October 17.  Greg Blucker will be our auctioneer.  Please be thinking of items to donate for this fun event.  Last year was great with so many various things.  Please put it on your calendar now and save the date.  – Darin & Rachel King, Brad & Angie Litwiller, TJ & Marty Diller, and Phiona Jorgensen

“Loved First” will be hosting a Pickleball tournament on October 10 at Picklehaus in Middlebury from 1-5:00 PM.  This will be mixed doubles with 3 age brackets.  A sign-up sheet is located at the Welcome Center.  Gift certificates and pies from Essenhaus will be given as prizes.  If you have questions, see Eva Beeker, Ramona King, Phiona Jorgensen, Bill or Janell Lederman, Dave Peterson or Marjana Tribble.

Mowing – Week of September 6 – Greg Blucker; Week of September 13 – Lennis Troyer

Nursery – Today – Phiona Jorgensen & Lyza Oswald; 09/13 – Danielle Miller & Miley Holden

Birthday Greetings go to: 09/14 – Jordan Montgomeryr; 09/18 – Ed Wickey; 09/20 – Cecelia Franz

Anniversary Greetings go to: 09/19 – Paul & Fran Eichorn; 09/20 – Brent & Eva Beeker

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) – September 13, Noon – Parent’s meeting following the morning service.6-8:00 PM – Youth Group Kick-off at the church.   September 19, (Saturday), 6-8:00 PM – Meet at the church

Youth School Activities – Aaron Barrington – Jr. High Football – 09/09, 6:00 PM at Reading Owens HS

PRAYER & DEVOTIONAL NOTES

- With our marriages and families

- With Rick Bogen as he recovers from hip replacement surgery.

- With engaged couple Kali Tyler & Jonathan Smolarz (January 29, 2027)

- 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 Mark & Debi Schrock.  Their address is 26370 M-86, 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 30, 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

   “Grasping for Blessings” – Genesis 25:19-34; 27:1-40

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Today, August 30, 9:30 AM – Back to School Breakfast

Today, August 30, Noon – Church Picnic

Monday, August 31 – Red Cross Blood Drive

Thursday, September 3, 5:15 PM – Praise Team practice

Offering & Attendance – 08/23/2026             Attendance –138

General Fund - $2,080.12     Designations - $579.00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Both the church budget and nominations for Ministry Team leaders were approved.  Thank you for your support of our church and ministries.

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

Volunteers are needed for the next Blood Drive tomorrow, 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.

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.

Invitation 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.

Service Saturday - Mark your calendar for a church-wide morning of service on Saturday, October 10, 8:30am-12:00pm. We'll be doing yard work and basic exterior handyman work for those in our congregation and the community. More information to come!

Our Youth Group is planning an auction/fundraiser for the evening of October 17.  Greg Blucker will be our auctioneer.  Please be thinking of items to donate for this fun event.  Last year was great with so many various things.  Please put it on your calendar now and save the date.  – Darin & Rachel King, Brad & Angie Litwiller, TJ & Marty Diller, and Phiona Jorgensen

Mowing – Week of August 30 – Douglas Hasbrouck; Week of September 6 – Greg Blucker

Nursery – Today –Marilyn Schwartz & Emma Henschel; 09/06 – Phiona Jorgensen

Birthday Greetings go to: 09/08 – Lennis Troyer; 09/10 – Louellen Westover; 09/11 – Ellianna King, Lily Jorgensen; 09/12 – Lee Carr; 09/13 – Judy Hudson, Linda Miller, Greg Miller, Marty Diller

Anniversary Greetings go to: 09/09 – LeRoy & Pauline Hochstetler; 09/10 – Ernie & Pam Stauffer

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) – 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 Sharon Schrock.  Her Michigan address is 65775 N. Centreville 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, Cyndi Murray, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

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.