LGMC Bulletin

November 1, 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

   “Faithfulness to a Faithful God” – Genesis 50:15-21

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Monday, November 2 – Red Cross Blood Drive

Wednesday, November 4, 6-7:30 PM – Kid’s Club

Thursday, November 5, 5:15 PM – Praise Team practice

Sunday, November 8, 3-5:00 PM – Farewell Fellowship

Offering & Attendance – 10/25/2026             Attendance –149

General Fund - $10,370.00       Designations - $1,460.00

Online giving for September totaled $4,414.34.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The November WMS project is items for hygiene kits for Mennonite Central Committee.

“Thank you all so much for the kind words, cards, and gifts for Pastor’s Appreciation.  Locust Grove has been and continues to be a place of blessing and a source of strength and support for our family.  From the bottom of our hearts – all the way to the top – thank you.” – Pastor Matt and family

Farewell Fellowship, Sunday, November 8 from 3-5:00 PM.  Dennis & Rin Bontrager will be moving soon to St. Johns, MI and we want to wish them well in their new adventure.  Please join us for a time of fellowship.  There will be an open mic time, so bring memories and stories to share.

Blood Drive – Volunteers are needed to help with registration, providing rides for donors, and tear down at the blood drive tomorrow, November 2.  Sign up at the Welcome Center.

Loved First is having a day of noodle making, Thursday, November 5 at the Riegsecker Barn.  Help is desperately needed!  If you can help for any or all of the day, please come.  See Eva Beeker, Ramona King, Phiona Jorgensen, Bill/Janell Lederman and Dave Peterson if you can help or have questions.  

“Thank you very much for the inspiring information from Locust Grove Church Care Team.  I keep you all in my prayers.  May God watch over you and guide you.” – Your Christian Brother, Merle Yeager

Puzzles are back in the library for you to enjoy!

Nursery – Today – The Keeslars & Jordan Remsburg; November 8 – The Olson Family

Birthday Greetings go to: 11/11 – Jerry Dykstra, Margo Sheshenia

Anniversary Greetings go to: 11/12 – Brian & Rachel Oswald

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) –Upcoming dates to plan for – November 1, 7 & 15. 

PRAYER & DEVOTIONAL NOTES

- With our marriages and families

- With Linda Miller who is having a procedure done on November 2.

- With Rob & Penny Fisher in the recent death of both Penny’s father and step-mother.  May God give you comfort, peace and strength.

- 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 Richard Stone.  His address is 26831 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, Linda Miller, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Bob & Glenda VanHuis, Ross Weber, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

October 25, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Bill Lederman

Praise –Praise Team

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Carl Horner

   “Faith is ALWAYS Blind” – Genesis 42:1 – 45:15

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

 CALENDAR

Today, October 25, Noon – Pastor Appreciation Fellowship Meal

Wednesday, October 28, 6-7:30 PM – Kid’s Club Fall Party

Thursday, November 5, 5:15 PM – Praise Team practice

Sunday, November 8, 3-5:00 PM – Farewell Fellowship

 Offering & Attendance – 10/18/2026             Attendance –167

General Fund - $3,255.00       Designations - $150.00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Daylight Saving Time ends Saturday night, October 31.  Don’t forget to turn your clocks BACK one hour before you go to bed that night!

The October WMS project is items for Keystone Place.

Pastor Appreciation Sunday – October 25 – Join us today as we celebrate and show our appreciation for our pastor, Matt, and his family. 

Fun Fall Evening, October 28, 6-7:30 PM.  All kids and families are invited.  We’ll enjoy a light supper, s’mores around the campfire, outdoor games, a craft, and a special take-home gift!  It’s a great opportunity for kids to have fun together, and for families to get to know one another and build friendships!  This is an open-house-style event, so come and go as you please. 

Farewell Fellowship, Sunday, November 8 from 3-5:00 PM.  Dennis & Rin Bontrager will be moving soon to St. Johns, MI and we want to wish them well in their new adventure.  Please join us for a time of fellowship.  There will be an open mic time, so bring memories and stories to share.

Blood Drive – Volunteers are needed to help with registration, providing rides for donors, and tear down at the next blood drive on November 2.  Sign up at the Welcome Center.

Loved First Buy a Brick/Bench - For a 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 $500 to purchase a mahogany bench with your name on it.  These benches will be used outside the school in a sitting area.   This fundraiser will end December 31.

Nursery – Today – Chris & Lyza Oswald; November 1 – The Keeslars & Jordan Remsburg

Birthday Greetings go to: 11/01 – Aaron Barrington; 11/06 – Braden Tribble; 11/08 – Natalie Bellaire

Anniversary Greetings go to: There are no anniversaries 11/02–08.  

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) –Upcoming dates to plan for – November 1, 7, 8 & 15. 

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 Vlad & Jane Sheshenia and their daughters Valeriia (17), Margo (13) & Sofiia (12).  Their address is 64700 Carpenterson Road, 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, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ross Weber, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

October 18, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Bill Lederman

Praise –Praise Team

Service Saturday Report – Mission & Outreach Team

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “Faithful in Prison” – Genesis 40:1 – 41:57

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Wednesday, October 21, 6-7:30 PM – Kid’s Club

Sunday, October 25, Noon – Pastor Appreciation Fellowship Meal

Wednesday, October 28, 6-7:30 PM – Kid’s Club Fall Party

Sunday, November 8, 3-5:00 PM – Farewell Fellowship

Offering & Attendance – 10/11/2026             Attendance –143

General Fund - $4,215.00       Designations - $1,225.00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The October WMS project is items for Keystone Place.

Pastor Appreciation Sunday – October 25 – Join us on October 25 as we celebrate and show our appreciation for our pastor, Matt, and his family.  Following the worship service, we will gather for a potluck meal and a time of fellowship and celebration.  Please bring a dish or 2 to share and come prepared to enjoy good food, fellowship, and an opportunity to express our gratitude for our pastor.

Fun Fall Evening, October 28, 6-7:30 PM.  All kids and families are invited.  We’ll enjoy a light supper, s’mores around the campfire, outdoor games, a craft, and a special take-home gift!  It’s a great opportunity for kids to have fun together, and for families to get to know one another and build friendships!  This is an open-house-style event, so come and go as you please.  

Farewell Fellowship, Sunday, November 8 from 3-5:00 PM.  Dennis & Rin Bontrager will be moving soon to St. Johns, MI and we want to wish them well in their new adventure.  Please join us for a time of fellowship.  There will be an open mic time, so bring memories and stories to share.

Blood Drive – Volunteers are needed to help with registration, providing rides for donors, and tear down at the next blood drive on November 2.  Sign up at the Welcome Center.

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.  This fundraiser will end December 31.

Mowing – Week of October 18 – Richard Hochstetler

Nursery – Today –The Fellers Family; October 25 – Chris & Lyza Oswald

Birthday Greetings go to: 10/29 – Beth Miller, Makenna Holden; 10/30 – Jessilyn Troyer; 10/31 – Molly Peterson; 11/01 – Lynn Littlefield, Louanna Younts, Taylor Schwartz

Anniversary Greetings go to: 10/27 – Richard & Susanna Hostetler; 10/30 – Doyle & Marian Carpenter

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) –Upcoming dates to plan for – November 1, 7, 8 & 15.  

Youth School Activities – Aaron Barrington – Jr. High Football – 10/22, 5:00 PM at East Jackson High School.  Heidi Barrington – JV Volleyball – 10/20, 5:30 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 Gerri Schwartz.  Her address is 27160 Banker Street 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, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ross Weber, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

October 11, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Bill Lederman

Praise –Praise Team

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “Faithful in Temptation” – Genesis 39:1-23

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

Monday, October 12, 6:00 PM – Elder Team meeting

Tuesday, October 13, 6:00 PM – Prayer Partner Party at the church

Wednesday, October 14, 6-7:30 PM – Kid’s Club

Thursday, October 15, 5:15 PM – Praise Team practice

Saturday, October 17, 6:30 PM – Youth Auction Fundraiser.  Youth arrive at 5:15 PM

Offering & Attendance – 10/04/2026             Attendance –157

General Fund - $4,810.00       Designations - $1,000.00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kid’s Club is starting again.  It will be on Wednesday evenings, 6-7:30 PM, through November 18.

The October WMS project is items for Keystone Place.

Prayer Partner Party, October 13, 6:00 PM – Ladies – Bring your final gift for the lady you have been praying for this past year.  Also, bring a snack to share as you fellowship and enjoy the evening together.

Pastor Appreciation Sunday – October 25 – Join us on October 25 as we celebrate and show our appreciation for our pastor, Matt, and his family.  Following the worship service, we will gather for a potluck meal and a time of fellowship and celebration.  Please bring a dish or 2 to share and come prepared to enjoy good food, fellowship, and an opportunity to express our gratitude for our pastor.

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 today, 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.  This will be an ongoing fundraiser.

The next Blood Drive will be November 2.

Mowing – Week of October 11 – Lennis Troyer; Week of October 18 – Richard Hochstetler

Nursery – Today –Tami Tyler & Madelyn Oswald; October 18 – The Fellers Family

Birthday Greetings go to: 10/19 – Fran Eichorn; 10/20 – Glendon Miller, Rachel Oswaldr; 10/23 – Marilyn Schwartz

Anniversary Greetings go to: 10/25 – Dillon & Tonya Barrington

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) –October 17, 6:30 PM – Auction Fundraiser –The Youth will be serving brownies & ice cream.  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 arrive at 5:15 PM.)

Youth School Activities – Aaron Barrington – Jr. High Football – 10/15, 5:00 PM at Reading Owens High School.  Heidi Barrington – JV Volleyball – 10/20, 5:30 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 Marilyn Schwartz.  Her address is 65454 Shimmel 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, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

October 4, 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

   “Faithful in the Pit” – Genesis 37:1-36

Communion – Elder Team

Praise – Praise Team

Benediction – Matthew Yoder

CALENDAR

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

Wednesday, October 7, 6-7:30 PM – Kid’s Club

Thursday, October 8 – Women’s Mission & Service

Saturday, October 10 – Service Saturday

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

Offering & Attendance – 09/27/2026             Attendance –128

General Fund - $5,515.00       Designations - $670.00

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Kid’s Club is starting again.  It will be on Wednesday evenings, 6-7:30 PM from October 7 through November 18. 

Women’s Mission & Service is this Thursday.  That is one week earlier than normal.  The project for October is items for Keystone Place.  For the meeting on Thursday, Joyce Weber is in charge of the kitchen and Becky Yoder will have devotions.

The Loved First Pickleball Tournament on October 10 has been cancelled.  

Service Saturday: If you signed up to help on October 10, plan to meet at the church at 8:30 am for donuts and assignments. Dress for the weather and bring work gloves and yard tools. You'll be contacted if additional tools are needed. We'll meet back at the church around 11:00 am for lunch. If you have questions see Jenny Troyer, Audra Franz, or Adam Fellers.

Prayer Partner Party, October 13 – Please sign up and fill out an information sheet from the Welcome Center.

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.  This will be an ongoing fundraiser.

The next Blood Drive will be November 2.

Mowing – Week of October 4 – Greg Blucker; Week of October 11 – Lennis Troyer

Nursery – Today – The Peterson Crew; 10/11 – Tami Tyler & Madelyn Oswald

Birthday Greetings go to: 10/15 – Debi Schrock, Kali Tyler; 10/16 – Roy Zickafuss; 10/17 – EJ Miller; 10/18 – Matt Franz

Anniversary Greetings go to: There are no anniversaries 10/12-18.

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) – Today, October 4, 6-8:00 PM – Meet at the church; October 10, 8:30 AM – Noon – Service Saturday; October 17, 6:30 PM – Auction Fundraiser –The Youth will be serving brownies & ice cream.  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 – 10/08, 5:00 PM at Quincy High School.  Heidi Barrington – JV Volleyball – 10/08, 5:30 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 Kendra Schwartz.  Her address is 419 Liberty 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, Richard Oswald, Steve Riegsecker, Gabe Schrock, Richard Tribble, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.