LGMC Bulletin

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.

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.