#MM346 — Church, Nearly every Sunday as God gathers us in worship, we sing the “kyrie” — one of the oldest songs of the church — which proclaims God’s perpetual mercy. This ethic is at the center of God’s self, and we often talk about God’s mercy flowing from Scripture and the sacraments into our own lives. We get the chance to live mercifully, too, as we endeavor to live as members one of another, in the community of the Church, as people so dearly loved by God. So come again and be turned toward this merciful love that softens our hearts and transforms our minds.

• Bulletin for Sunday, Sept. 6th: https://bit.ly/Sept6thBulletin-MLC26

• Home Day of Service – Sept 13: Come at 9:00am to help assemble 150 lunches for Project Hope for the Homeless. Stay after church to represent God’s love felt and shared at Messiah as we march in the parade. We will be collecting water, single serve bags of chips, fruit cups, cups of apple sauce, granola bars, and fruit snacks between now and Sept 6. Please see the Sign-Up Genius (below) for donations for the Day of Service:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4CA9AB29A1F49-65274980-elca

• New Member Sunday – Sept 13: We will welcome new members to join Messiah. If you have interest, please connect with the church office.

• Collection for NE Ohio Coalition for the Homeless Sept 13 – Oct 11: Hoodies/sweaters, tents, sleeping bags, gloves, hats, unused batteries, hygiene products, sunscreen, socks, boots, unused underwear, long underwear, blankets, backpacks, warm blankets, towels and hand washcloths, tissues and baby wipes, hand sanitizer, masks, bugspray, sunscreen, rain ponchos, hand warmers. NOTE: Donated items will be collected on the table near the back entrance of the church. The donations will be moved to a secure location following services for safekeeping. Last spring, several donations went missing before they could be delivered.

• Sunday School – Sept 20: Sunday School will start on Sept 20, 2026 at 9:00am sharp. Students will be ready for pick-up at 9:50am. NOTE: We are looking for another teacher. If you feel called to participate in the faith journey of our youth, either weekly or as an occasional substitute, please get in touch! Talk to Sarah Dellinger, Lisa Halberg, or Allison Schreiber to learn more.

• ATS Branch 33 Clambake – Sept 26: At Messiah – 3pm social hour – 4pm dinner. Reservations and payment due by Sept. 20. Full dinner (clams plus chicken) is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Chicken only meal and children’s dinner also available. Checks payable to ATS Branch 33. For more info: call or text Maria (440-552-1364) or email mariaphillips22@gmail.com.

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