#MM315 - Dear Church, Time after Epiphany continues this weekend in our worship life, drawing us into the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew’s Gospel with the Beatitudes. We’re used to such a litany, which can obscure the radical nature of Jesus naming blessedness in places we might not expect. Why is this the scheme? What might it offer to our wearied hearts in this day and age?

(NOTE: the education wing and sanctuary are warm and ready for Sunday activities, while the north hallway, choir room, and library continue to remain cold. We are actively working on a fix.)

• 📖 Bulletin for this coming Sunday: https://bit.ly/FEB1stBulletin-MLC26

• 🥳🎉🎂 Happy Birthday Bette Schmidt: Bette Schmidt recently turned 100 and while phone calls are welcomed at her home, she does not hear very well, so cards would be most welcomed!

• 🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️ Support LMM + Messiah Member! Christian Maier is running in the Cleveland Marathon in support of Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries and the important work they facilitate in the city. If you would like to support the endeavor please follow the link for more information: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/105382/2026-university-hospitals-cleveland-marathon/pledge/participant/42484674

• 🍲 Souper Bowl of Caring – Now thru Feb 8: Social Ministry is sponsoring the “Souper Bowl of Caring” soup/food drive to benefit the Tri-C East Campus Food Pantry. Please bring your donations (cans of soup or other food items) to the table by the rear entrance of the church.   

• ✝️ Save the Date – Fat Tuesday Sunday Potluck – Feb 15: Please join the Connections Team after worship for a time of fellowship and feasting prior to the Lenten season. More Lent info will be forthcoming.

• ✝️ Lent Begins: Ash Wednesday Feb 18 – Soup Supper (6:15pm) and Worship with Imposition of Ashes (7:00pm).
  Lent Begins: Midweek Lenten Vespers (Holden Evening Prayer) Feb. 25 (7:00pm).

• 🌼 UPDATE / 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