#MM318 – Church, When life is difficult, we are tempted to turn inward and focus only on ourselves. In God’s mercy, we get the chance to be uncurled from this state and to be renewed in the relationships around us. We get the chance to meet one another’s needs, and in this connection new life is found. As we hear of Christ’s temptation this weekend, perhaps we can spend some time listening for the ways God is active among us in our midst, especially when our myopic tendencies get the better of us.

• Bulletin for this coming Sunday: https://bit.ly/FEB22bulletin-MLC26

• New Adult Sunday School Class – Feb 22: Have you ever wondered why we say the words of creeds together in worship sometimes? At 9am in the council room this Sunday, the adult class will begin studying the Nicene Creed and why it’s still a part of our lives after 1701 years of use in the Christian faith.

• Birthday Fellowship Hour – Feb 22: Join us for Fellowship Hour after the service for Birthday Sunday to honor everyone who celebrates a February birthday. All are invited for refreshments and fellowship.

• Lent: Midweek Lenten Vespers (Holden Evening Prayer) Feb 25, Mar 4, Mar 11, Mar 18, Mar 25 (7:00pm).

• Lent: New for 2026 – Slow Down Sundays Feb 22 – March 22. The Connections Team invites you to join us for Slow Down Sundays. This is a time of Lenten fellowship and connection after worship each Sunday in the Gathering Area. Slow down together as a community! Stay as long as you're able, as light lunch hors d'oeuvres will be provided. These will be in lieu of Wednesday midweek soup suppers this year.

• Lenten Personal Care Item Drive – Feb 22 thru Mar 29: The Lenten Drive will benefit the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM). They are requesting that the congregation donate the following items: towels, washcloths, bar soap, body wash, shampoo (travel size), lotion (travel size), toothbrushes, and toothpaste (travel size). Please drop off contributions on the table by the rear entrance of the church. Thank you for supporting Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry.

• Messiah Ministry Spotlight 2026: This spring, the Connections Team will be organizing spots for the Messiah Ministry Spotlight, where on Sundays beginning this fall we will shine a spotlight on a different aspect of ministry. Our goal is for more church members to find their "spot" within a Church committee that can use their talents! Each committee will have a fall Sunday slot to make an announcement during worship about their team (what the team does for the Church/goals) and the committees will have a table after service in the library to continue discussions and display/share more info. All committees will have the summer months to prepare what/how to share their information. A Connection team member will be reaching out soon!  

Dear Church,

I hope this letter finds you well in the new year. As most of you are aware, Messiah has gone through some changes lately as we adjust our staffing to fit our budgetary commitments for 2025. I would like to take a moment to update you on the status of some of the different positions and how we can use your help as a congregation moving forward. 

First, Sheryl Trost volunteered to step down from the Community Faith Facilitator position in favor of focusing on Christian Education with our Sunday School program. While this will take her away from the Connections Team leadership, this has yielded a salary savings as part of the revised budget. The Connections Team will continue their mission with the existing committee members. 

Second, we parted ways with our long-time Custodian, Steve Newcomer. While we have really appreciated his years of service, the required budget cuts made it difficult to sustain a dedicated custodial position. Snow removal will continue under our current contract and the Council has an action item to explore lawn care alternatives. For inside the church, we've contracted with a professional cleaning company that will be in twice a month for a thorough review of the church. This new schedule will require a bit of an adjustment so I'd like to empower the entire congregation to take action to keep our church and building clean if you see an opportunity to do so. 

Third, the Council has authorized the search for a Property Manager/Rental Coordinator position. This new position will help coordinate the property and maintenance activities at the church as well as providing a meaningful focus on generating revenue from our outstanding facilities that will help support our congregation and mission into the future. The job description will be available in the church and online if someone you know is interested in this exciting opportunity. 

Finally, the rest of the church staff took a small pay cut so that we could maintain the important positions that directly affect worship. You may see changes to our bulletin, order of service and music presentation. I'd encourage you to reach out to the Council with any questions about these changes as we navigate our budget for 2025 and beyond. 

In order to better keep the congregation in the loop, I've started posting financial information and the Pastor's report on the bulletin board in the hallway outside the library. In addition, the new job posting can be found there as well. 

As always, your church council is available to answer any more particular questions. 

Best, 

Ben Johnson / Church Council President