Greetings beloved Messiah members and friends.

While we enjoy the winding down of summer, and look forward to ramped-up fall activities, we must also take note of all of those who are struggling due to extreme weather and other tragic events. Our environment which is God's creation, along with all creatures upon it – as well as our human brothers and sisters across the globe – need our prayers and support. 

As we well know, the war in Ukraine struggles on, with many dead, injured, or displaced. There is a number of Ukrainian folks here in Cleveland who have relatives still in their home country, whose lives are in danger daily. The Ukrainians need our prayers and support.

Our neighbors to the north of us in Canada still reside under the smoky blanket from wildfires causing the deaths of countless trees and woodland creatures. Canada needs our prayers and support. 

While we have enjoyed a pleasant and unexpectedly lush August, many of our southern neighbors have suffered with oppressive heat, daily 100 plus degree temperatures. Our southern friends and neighbors need our prayers and support. 

Hawaii, our Aloha state, is suffering with the effects of wildfires. So many lives lost and Lahaina, a beautiful town, has been destroyed. The Hawaiians need our prayers and support. 

Lastly, California! Hurricane, floods, and earthquake! Enough said. California needs our prayers and support. 

I am not calling out all of these events as a way to depress everyone. I would like to encourage us all to hear the emergency sirens as a call to prayer. To see the evening news as a call to prayer. To experience the joys and sorrows of everyday life as a call to prayer. And not prayer only, but action that backs up our good intentions. 

As we celebrate the joys of our fellowship, worship, and ministry at Messiah, let us also reach out in love towards our friends and neighbors, near and far. 

In Christ, 

c/o Jon Paulus, Council President

#MM193- Dear Church,

This weekend marks two occasions in the life of the Church: Pledge Sunday and Youth Sunday. Come be gathered by God as we hear another Gospel parable of this kingdom of heaven where the lowly are lifted up and the mighty are brought down, where forgiveness is central and relationships are made right. Plan to bring your pledge card as we look ahead to 2024 and what God continues to do in our midst (there will be a chance to bring pledge cards forward during the Hymn of the Day).

• Bulletin: Here is the bulletin link for this coming Sunday (10-1-23): https://bit.ly/Oct1stBulletin-MLC

• Special Guest Next Sunday: Rebekah Wissler will be joining us on October 8 from our Northeastern Ohio Synod office. She oversees the Kaufman Resource Center, which has all sorts of congregational resources for education, faith formation, and more. Come meet her and learn more during the adult Sunday School time, 9am in the conference room by the back door.

• Halloween Movie Night: Saturday, October 14 at 6:30pm at the church. Come join us for an all-ages fun evening. Come in costume – we dare you! 

• Save the Date – Faith Circle Presentation with Pastor Paul: October 19, 1:00pm, Fellowship Hall. Pastor Paul was fortunate to tour Israel with a group of Ministers from varying denominations. Pastor Paul will share photos and recollections from his journey through the Holy Lands. All are welcome. Faith Circle is excited to host this interesting talk and will serve dessert, coffee, etc. Please let us know if you are able to attend so we can plan accordingly. Look for the sign-up sheet on the board by the Sanctuary.

• LMM Immersive Experience: October 18, 8:30 – 11:30am. Join fellow Messiah members to visit LMM sites and see the community impact firsthand. We will carpool from Messiah’s parking lot at 7:45am. The deadline to RSVP to Jill Snellman is September 30.