#MM328 – Dear Church, This Sunday, John's gospel opens to us another story of promise in our cycle of Eastertide resurrection life. They are words we commonly hear at funerals, memorials, and graveside services; yet today they are framed in light of the new beginnings God makes out of death. “Do not let your hearts be troubled”, Jesus presses. “I am the way! I am the truth! I am the life!” This testimony has carried through ages, reminding us that God still is making a home for us here, still is making a way for us here, still is making life for us here. So come and be joined in divine hospitality as we are sent to share such love.

✝️ Bulletin for this Sunday: https://bit.ly/MAY3bulletin-MLC26

✝️ Morrey Nuss Funeral Service – May 2: A funeral service will be held for Morrey Nuss on Saturday May 2, 2026 at 10:30am at Messiah.

✝️ Social Ministry Coffee Hour – May 3: Social Ministry is hosting a coffee hour today to promote their Mother’s Day clothing drive for the ladies in Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s Chopping for Change program.

✝️ Interfaith National Day of Prayer Vigil – May 6: The Hillcrest Interfaith Association is hosting its annual spring prayer vigil at St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Parish in Highland Heights on Wednesday at 7:30pm, based on the lovely Holden Evening Prayer service. All are encouraged to come, sing, and pray as we remember the call to love and serve our neighbors.

✝️ Mother’s Day Clothing Drive – Now Thru May 10: LMM is requesting donations to support the women in Work Force Development. The women need basic, everyday items. See page 22 of the Bulletin for suggestions. NOTE: The items listed are guidelines. If you find a less expensive or different brand of one of the items listed that you would prefer to donate, feel free to do so.

✝️ Messiah Movie Night is Back – May 29: The Connections Team is hosting a movie night on Friday, May 29. We will enjoy the animated film Zootopia 2 on the big screen, and light snacks/drinks will be provided. All are welcome; moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own pillows, blankets or whatever makes you comfortable! Arrival time at Messiah is 6:30 pm and the movie will start at 7pm. See you there!

✝️ Hillcrest Band Concert / Ice Cream Social – June 9: Hosted by Social Ministry, 7:30pm. Please invite your friends and neighbors. 

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