Greetings Blessed Church!

What a wonderful Easter season we're having! If you haven't been witnessing our worship services, you've missed: 19 (or is it 20?) new members, many of whom are of the "younger generation", making Pastor Paul's children's sermon a lively midservice event. Even younger folks – babies in arms – are making a joyful noise in worship. These new members are finding food for their spiritual journeys, just as those of us "old timers" are as well! Our choir and music programs are generating even more joyful noise too! Flute, piano, trumpet, trombone, organ and vocal music abounds! It is a tremendous blessing to have these lively and joyful times in worship! And it's such a blessing to celebrate the Eucharist with everyone; as your pastor says, week after week, the Lord invites us all to the meal of grace.

Let us give thanks for the abundance of joy in our times together.

Our social ministry committee hosted a really nice coffee hour in honor of Earth Day and in memory of one of our distinguished former pastors, Rev. Joseph Sittler. His theology of redemption for all creation, formulated in the early 1950s is a clarion call for us to pursue environmental causes today. As usual, the social ministry committee furnished recyclable cups and coffee that is organically grown and fair trade certified. We'll be sharing "Sittler sayings" during the coming months, reminding us of the important message of redemption not only for all people, but all creation. Along with Sittler, we may even give thanks for Polish sausages along the way.

We also had some care of the earth theology for the Sunday school during this past Sunday, with a number of experiential activities. Children made the traditional pretzels and many were 'egged' on Easter eve.

So lots of things are happening! Your church council keeps moving forward with managing both the short and long term needs of the property, staff and programs. A word about our safety policies during the time of covid is in order. Every month, the safety of our members and our response to the changing landscape of covid. protocols and procedures is an agenda item for our council meetings. I am now inviting our members to be part of the discussion. If you have a strong YEA or NAY opinion regarding masks, please drop me an email stating your preference. Don't bother to give your reasons, I think during our cussing and discussing the problem over two years and more, I've heard all sides of all sides. My email is jpaulus3@yahoo.com. I'll bring the opinions to next month's meeting for the council's consideration.

Keep a sharp eye to things as they are getting done – I hope you noticed the shine on our sanctuary and fellowship hall floors and the families taking advantage of the 'prayground' at the north end of the narthex. There will be improvements and needed maintenance to the exterior of the building and the grounds.

After the long silence of the pandemic quarantine, it is just wonderful that our congregation has become an active place where we're making joyful noises to the Lord! 

Blessed spring to everyone!

c/o Jon Paulus, Council President 

Messiah Missive - #121

Dear Church,  It is no secret that we as members of the human family are social in nature. We seek the support and affirmation of others, while also sharing in the difficult times. Part of our social development often includes the organic formation of affinity groups as we gravitate towards others with similar interests, skills, and worldviews. But when our affinity groups become rigorously exclusive, we often get ourselves into trouble. The early Church movement struggled with this (as many groups have and do), and we hear a bit about it this week in the scripture readings appointed for this coming Fifth Sunday of Easter. What might it mean that Jesus calls his disciples to fully love one another, even when we struggle with inclusion and exclusion? Read the First Reading and the Gospel ahead of our gathering: Acts 11:1-18 (bible.oremus.org/?ql=519281871) and John 13:31-35 (bible.oremus.org/?ql=519281909).  

• Bulletin: Here you will find the bulletin for this coming Sunday: https://bit.ly/May15Bulletin_MLC

• Reserve the Date – Celebration of Life for Nancy Durst: Saturday, May 21 at 12:00pm; Luncheon followed by music and remembrances. We hope you will be able to attend and celebrate the wonderful, loving, caring, and Christian life led by Nancy. If you know you can attend…please phone Chris Nuss or Vaughn Wingfield. RSVP is appreciated…but please come either way.

• Sign-Ups: We now have a single link that can take you to sign-ups for Readers, Altar Guild, Ushers, Assisting Minister and Special Events: https://messiahlyndhurst.org/sign-ups

• Pub Theology will meet on May 9th & May 23rd at 6:00pm. Please watch the blog pubtheologyeast.wordpress.com for updates regarding location and topic.

• Ukraine Crisis: There are two ways to help if you are able. (1) Ukraine Relief Supply Drive in Cleveland: https://www.medwish.org/ukraine/ (2) Lutheran Disaster Response: community.elca.org/eastern-europe-crisis-response 

• Prayer Requests: We encourage you to make prayer requests for the weekly Bulletin and monthly Grace Note by sending these to the church via email: office@messiahlyndhurst.org. Please send by Wednesday at noon for Bulletin inclusion the following Sunday.