LGMC Bulletin

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.

September 27, 2026

Sunday School – 9:15 AM

Worship Gathering – 10:30 AM

Call to Worship – Youth Group

Praise –Youth Praise Team

Prayer – Matthew Yoder

Morning Message – Matthew Yoder

   “Reconciliation Takes Courage” – Genesis 33:1-20

Praise – Youth 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 10, 7:00 AM – Men’s Breakfast

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

Offering & Attendance – 09/20/2026             Attendance –119

General Fund - $4,145.00       Designations - $360.00

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 - A final count is needed for the Service Saturday on October 10 from 8:30 am - 12:00 noon to determine if there are enough volunteers to hold the event. If you plan to volunteer, but have not yet signed up, please add your name to the sheet at the Welcome Center by noon today.

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 27 – Douglas Hasbrouck; Week of October 4 – Greg Blucker

Nursery – Today – Brian & Rachel Oswald

Birthday Greetings go to: 10/07 – Valeria Sheshenia; 10/8 – Taner Patrick; 10-09 – Jacob Capps; 10/10 – Phiona Jorgensen, Lucas Hughes; 10/11 – Marian (Doyle) Carpenter

Anniversary Greetings go to: There are no anniversaries 10/5-11.

Youth Group (Middle & High School Youth) – Today, September 27, 6-8:00 PM – Meet at the church; October 4, 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 – 10/01, 5:00 PM at Maple Valley High School.  Heidi Barrington – JV Volleyball – 09/29, 5:00 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 Jesse & Laura Schwartz and their family Taylor (19) & Aaron (16).  Their address is 25777 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, Ed Wickey, Ed Wilcox, Merle Yeager and Betty Yoder.

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.