MLC NEWS
ONLINE GIVING
There are four ways to give to MLC without using the offering plate:
1) Follow this link: messiahlutheranchurch.churchcenter.com/giving
2) Download the Church Center app on your phone or tablet and choose to use either your debit/credit card or automatic bank withdrawal.
3) Text your dollar amount (with a dollar sign in front of it) to 84321.
If you need assistance with any of these, please email or call the church office at (815) 741-4488.
4) Mail your giving to our address, 40 Houbolt Rd., Joliet, IL 60431.
Please feel free to use any of the methods above. FYI, automatic bank withdrawal via the Church Center app is the least expensive method for the church to process giving payments electronically, but everyone is welcome to use any of the preceding methods.
ONLINE CONNECTION CARD
We have an online connection card for people to interact with MLC, as well as show their attendance at all three services. It helps us keep track of who’s attending/watching, and it helps us to stay aware of the needs of the church. Just go to bit.ly/MLCConnect.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR BEGINS
Hey parents! Ask your children if they would be interested in joining the Youth Choir here at Messiah. The first practice will be August 16th from 10:45 – 11:15 am. They usually follow the Sunday School schedule, with a short practice right after, and an occasional weeknight practice if needed before a performance. Please contact Sherri Unyi at or text 815-735-6712 if your kids are interested in singing and you will be sent you a play list for the upcoming choir year.
MATERIALS FOR MAKING MASKS
A group of people are making masks to donate to Daybreak Shelter and other charities. They are in need of one-quarter inch (or less) elastic for the masks they are making. If you’d like to donate some, drop it by the office. If you’re interested in making some masks yourself, contact Lloyd at worship@mlcjoliet.org.
QUILTERS NEEDS
Quilters are in need of any size sheets. Please be sure they are without rips, tears or stains. There is a basket in the narthex to put them. Thank you.
narthex or call the office.
STAFF RETREAT
The church staff will be on retreat August 11th and the office will be closed.
MENTAL HEALTH CHECK-INS
We are now offering mental health check-ins at Messiah for the months of July and August. Schedule a time to talk to someone on Tuesdays 11am-5pm or Wednesdays 1pm-7pm In July and August. You can make appointments for these by going to our website, mlcjoliet.org/help or by calling the office.
OUTDOOR/INDOOR SERVICES FOR AUGUST
Continuing in August, we are holding 8 am and 11 am outdoor services. In case of weather, these services will be held in the Family Life Center with social distancing precautions. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, and some chairs will also be provided. The 8 am service will be traditional and the 11 am service will be contemporary. Also, our 9:30 service will is an indoor service, in addition to still streaming it. However, because of Covid-19, we will use a reservation system and hold the seating to 50 people. Reservations for the July 5th service can be made online via our website or via the church office at 815-741-4488. There will also be an overflow area in the FLC during this service for those who want to worship in the church building but could not get a reservation. This area will show a stream of the 9:30 service. Things to remember about indoor services: ushers will seat people so that they are socially distanced; attenders are encouraged to wear masks when inside the building; attenders will be dismissed by row; no reservations are required for the 8 or 11 am services.
RIGHT NOW MEDIA
RightNow Media is a subscription-based Christian media streaming service. It's been called the "Christian Netflix" because of its vast library of Christian resources. It has small group curriculum, short videos, children and adult movies and other Biblical studies from all kinds of dynamic speakers. As a member of Messiah, all of this is free to you because of our membership with Right Now Media. If you haven’t received an email to join Right Now Media, please contact the church office at worship@mlcjoliet.org.
MLC STUDENT MINISTRY
IGNITE (Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm)
Our summer program, Ignite, continues for students going into 7th grade through 12th grade. We’ll meet in the FLC and have a time of friends, fun and worship. Make sure to come out and have a great time!
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY SCHOOL (Sundays at 9:30 am)
We’re back in the building for Sunday school for middle and high school students every Sunday. We’ll meet upstairs in the Awana area.
time doing it. There are games, great conversation, and of course, food!. Please RSVP if you need childcare by emailing the church office at office.manager@mlcjoliet.org.
YOUTH CAMPING TRIP (August 6-9)
The youth are headed to Chain of Lakes State Park in Indiana for a great time of camping, fellowship, fun and discipleship. It is open to middle and high school students. Contact Brian for more details.
H2H (HEAD TO HEART)
H2H is just around the corner. Be sure to get your 7th and 8th graders involved with our Confirmation class. Watch out for the H2H survey coming out soon.
EVENTS
PRAYER GROUP (Thursdays at 10 am)
In the sanctuary and on Zoom platform. Email for more information.
AUGUST DRIVE-IN SERVICE (August 12 at 7 pm)
Join us once again for a great time of fellowship and open air worship in the evening as we give glory to God in a different and exciting way.
BIBLE STUDY (Wednesday Evenings at 6 pm)
Starting July 29, Pastor Kurt will lead a Bible study called “Exploring God's Heart for Mental Health”. If you are interested in attending, please contact Pastor Kurt at
CRUISE-IN CAR SHOW (Saturday, August 29)
Registration of classic cars starts at noon, and the show will run from 2pm– 5:30pm Car Show. There will be live music, and awards will be given! Both cars and bikes are welcome, and everyone is invited for this free event.
LADIES DAY AT OLIVET NAZARENE
This event has been canceled. If you paid by check, your check will be voided. If you paid with cash, please stop by the office to pick up your refund.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINES
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS): 800-889-3931
National Domestic Hotline: 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224
Disaster Distress Helpline for Mental Health: 800-985-5990 or text 66746
Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration: samhsa.gov
Center for Disease Control: cdc.gov