Dear Messiah Family,
What a joy it is for me to be one of your pastors. You are a faithful and generous congregation. November began our 2023 stewardship season and as of noon today, there have been 134 Estimate of Giving Cards returned. That includes 18 first time pledgers. That’s incredible! Thank you for your faithful and steadfast support of Messiah’s ministries. If you are a member and have not yet had a chance to submit your Estimate of Giving card, I invite you to do that so that we can begin to plan and prioritize what we can do in 2023. In other good news, over the past year, 30 adults have made the decision to call Messiah Church “home” and become members. In addition, ten youth became members through confirmation, making a total of 40 new members. And along with those folks and we have welcomed 8 new children to our Kids Street ministry. The Holy Spirit is at work in Messiah Church, as the prophet Jeremiah reminds us… to bring us a future filled with hope!
This Sunday
On Sunday, we’ll continue our Advent series with a message titled Bringing Peace. It is through the birth of Christ that God speaks peace to his people — we only need to turn our hearts towards God to receive it. As we long for the peaceable kingdom described by the prophet Isaiah, we put our hope in the promise of peace that Jesus offers for a beloved community. I hope you’ll plan to join us in person or online or at our new Church on the Go digital worship.
Sunday Funday and Fa La La!
This Sunday between services, kids can make and wrap a craft to give this Christmas. Come dressed in your festive Christmas sweater. I’ll be wearing mine! And if you need help wrapping your gifts, bring one or two to our Christmas wrapping station. We’ve got some little elves that can help with that. We’re also collecting socks & undies to donate to The Drawer. Come early (if you plan to attend 10:30 worship), or stay later (if you plan to attend 8:30 worship). There’s something fun for everyone!
Then, beginning at 3pm, ring in the Christmas season this Sunday afternoon at Messiah’s 2nd Annual Fa La La Family Fun Festival! Join us for holiday activities from 3-5 pm and a soup supper from 5-6 pm. There’s something fun for everyone at this FREE community holiday event! I hope you’ll take this opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor to experience the warm community of Messiah Church.
And Finally…
Steven Liening, Messiah’s organist for the past 18 months, has given his notice of resignation as he has accepted another organist position in downtown Minneapolis. His last day at Messiah Church is this Sunday, December 4. We are thankful for the beautiful music Steven has shared with us over his time with us and pray blessing for him in his new position. Please join me in wishing him well in his new endeavors.
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 all of life’s transitions 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 which enables us to trust you in every season of life. May your Word dwell in us richly, your peace rule in us powerfully, and may your glory be our main passion and greatest delight. In the powerful and precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Join Us on Sunday
COVID Policies: Face masks are recommended, but not required. Click here for the full details on our COVID response
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.
