Dear Messiah family,
I long for the day when I am not commenting on the pandemic. I’m sure you do too. In the midst of this latest Omicron variant, we have decided to keep our doors open on Sunday mornings to welcome anyone to in-person worship. But rather than encouraging you to come, let me encourage you to do what is best for you and for others. Last Sunday, aside from our worship leaders, there were 30 people attending in person at each service. With so few people (all wearing masks) in a room that seats 600, there is ample space to social distance. By comparison, we estimate a total of 515 persons participated online either live or on demand.
I mention the numbers for two reasons. Those who are in person can feel as if they are worshipping alone (where is everybody?). And those online cannot see the size of the congregation in the room and may wonder if most people have returned to in-person worship. Now you know. These numbers have been consistent through the month of January, and I suspect will continue at least until we work through the current surge in infections. As this pandemic began, I wrote that I hoped our guiding principle would be Jesus’ command to love our neighbors. That command remains my hope so that one day we can look back on these months and years and say: well done.
Health Care Workers
I mentioned last week that I experienced firsthand the stress experienced by health care workers in our hospitals. This week, I’m inviting you to respond. We have a couple dozen members who are working on the front line in hospitals and clinics. We would like to send them messages of encouragement. Would you write a note or bring a card to our church office in the coming week – a message of thanks and encouragement. We will include a gift and be sure your note/card is received.
Teachers
Additionally, we provided a pizza lunch today for teachers and staff at Oakwood Elementary. They, too, have experienced the additional stress of providing a quality education in the mist of this pandemic. We wanted to thank and encourage them today – and that’s exactly what you did. Thank you.
This Sunday
The heart is essential for living. Physically, we cannot live without it. Spiritually, a healthy heart is the key to joy and abundant living. But there are certain things within us that can attack the heart. Last week, we looked at guilt. This week, it is anger. There are antidotes to these enemies of the heart. This Sunday, I want to talk about the way to overcome anger. I hope you will listen in – and invite someone to listen with you (you can do that even if you live in other parts of the country). We all experience anger – a sense that someone “owes us.” But the anger does not need to control us. I have a few stories to share with you that I think will inspire you to healthy living.
Worship Live Worship On Demand
Refugee Resettlement
In the months to come, this area will become home to about 900 families from Afghanistan. We are one of the first churches in the Twin Cities area to come alongside one family and assist them in acclimating to Minnesota. On Wednesday, part of our team welcomed the Allahaddin family: Gullamin, Sadiga, and their 6-month-old daughter Nadia. Here’s their arrival and greeting at the airport:
I hope you can join us for worship this Sunday.
In Christ’s love,
Please Pray with Me
God of Love, we give you thanks and praise for your steadfast mercy, love and grace. Through faith, we trust that you are with us in every season of life and in every transition and change. We trust in your goodness and know that with each ending comes new beginnings. So, come, Holy Spirit, come. Guide, strengthen, and encourage us on the journey that lies before our Messiah Church family. It’s the assurance of your unfailing love that enables us to trust you with all the transitions we go through in life, even when there are uncertainties about the future. May your Word dwell in us richly and your peace rule in us powerfully, and may your glory be our main passion and greatest delight. We pray this prayer in the powerful and precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Join Us on Sunday
Note: We require all those who enter our building wear a face mask. (This applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, ages 2 and up.) Recommendations from the CDC and other sources are being monitored and adjustments will be made as necessary. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this challenging time.
Worship In-Person: Join us in the building at 8:30 am for our Traditions service or 10:30 am for our Journey contemporary service.
Worship Online: Join us online for the live stream of our Traditions service at 8:30 am and Journey contemporary worship service at 10:30 am CT every Sunday morning. Prior Sunday broadcasts are available on demand all week at your convenience.
