LGMC Bulletin

September 20, 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

   “Wrestling with God” – Genesis 32:1-32

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Sunday, October 4 – Communion Sunday

Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 PM – Women’s Fellowship Bingo

Saturday, October 10 – Service Saturday

Saturday, October 17, 5:15 PM – Youth Auction Fundraiser

Offering & Attendance – 09/13/2026             Attendance –147

General Fund - $4,170.00       Designations - $1,025.00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Women’s Fellowship – Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 PM – Bingo!  Bring finger foods or snacks and a wrapped Bingo prize.

“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 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.

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.

LOOK WHO’S COMING TO DINNER – On October 31 & November 1 you will have an opportunity to meet with a small group of people from the congregation to become better acquainted and share a light meal.  There is a sign-up form in your mailboxes today.  If you don’t have a mailbox and want to participate, extra forms are available at the Welcome Center.  Please return the forms to Louellen Westover’s mailbox by October 11.

“Loved First Buy a Brick/Bench” – For each minimum donation of $30 to Loved First, you will get a brick with your name scripted on it.  The bricks will be used to build a dormitory.  Or you can give a minimum of $500 to purchase a mahogany bench with your name on it.  These benches will be used outside the school in a sitting area.  Donation cards will be available at the display in the fellowship hall along with bricks to view.

The next Blood Drive will be November 2.

Mowing – Week of September 20 – Richard Hochstetler; Week of September 27 – Douglas Hasbrouck

Nursery – Today – Abby Andaverde & Makenna Holden; September 27 – Brian & Rachel Oswald

Birthday Greetings go to: 09/28 – Pauline Hochstetler

Anniversary Greetings go to: 10/03 – Bill & Louanne Younts

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) – September 27, 6-8:00 PM – Meet at the church; October 17, 6:30 PM – Auction Fundraiser –The Youth will be serving brownies & ice cream.  Other food items will be available for sale.   Possible items to donate for the auction are baked goods, gift cards, homemade items, or for work donated.  Please let a leader know if you have an item to donate.

Youth School Activities – Aaron Barrington – Jr. High Football – 09/23, 4:30 PM at Maple Street Magnet School.  Heidi Barrington – JV Volleyball – 09/22, 5:30 PM and 09/26, 8:30 AM at Bronson High School

PRAYER & DEVOTIONAL NOTES

- With our marriages and families

- 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 Justin Schwartz.  His address is 69260 County Farm 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.

September 13, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Liz Yoder

Praise –Praise Team

Moment in Mission – Auda Franz

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “The Deceiver Gets Deceived” – Genesis 29:1-30:24

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

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

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

Thursday, September 17, 5:15 PM – Praise Team practice

Offering & Attendance – 09/06/2026             Attendance –149

General Fund - $2,035.00       Designations - $1,000.00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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.

“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.

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.

The next Blood Drive will be November 2.

Mowing – Week of September 13 – Lennis Troyer; Week of September 20 – Richard Hochstetler

Nursery – Today –Danielle Miller & Miley Holden; 09/20 – Abby Andaverde & Makenna Holden

Birthday Greetings go to: 09/21 – Darin King; 09/24 – Janell Lederman, Christen Kahila, Reece Miller

Anniversary Greetings go to: There are no anniversaries 09/21-27.

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) – Today, 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; October 17 – Auction Fundraiser – Possible items to donate for the auction are baked goods, gift cards, homemade items, or for work donated.  Please let a leader know if you have an item to donate.

Youth School Activities – Aaron Barrington – Jr. High Football – 09/17, 5:00 PM at Homer Community HS

PRAYER & DEVOTIONAL NOTES

- With our marriages and families

- With Jim & Teresa Owsley and family in the recent passing of Jim’s brother George.  May God give the them peace and comfort.

- 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 Doug & Kim Schwartz.  Their address is 69310 Workman Rd., Burr Oak, MI  49030.

- 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.

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.