#MM349 - Dear Church, Though humility is often spoken of as being a virtue, it’s no easy thing being humbled by life’s harder moments, whether a medical event, job change, family situation, or other tough spot. The humility that the early Church spoke of was often linked directly to Jesus, who humbly took on death and crucifixion so that all of us might know that in the worst of times, God is with us and knows what it means to suffer. Come join this Sunday as we again are granted grace and love to share, that we might both talk the talk and walk the walk of faith.

• Bulletin for Sept 27th: https://bit.ly/4haKsr6
• Birthday Sunday Fellowship – Sept 27: Join us for Fellowship Hour after the service for our renewal of Birthday Sunday to honor everyone who celebrates a September birthday. All are invited for refreshments and fellowship.
• Blessing of the Pets – Oct 4: Our 10 am worship service will be held in the courtyard (weather permitting) or in the fellowship hall as the backup with a Pet Blessing Holy Communion Service. Bring your pet or picture of your pet for a blessing. Pets should enter the courtyard through the fellowship hall. Social Ministry will be hosting a coffee hour afterwards. 
• Collection for NE Ohio Coalition for the Homeless thru – Oct 11: Hoodies/sweaters, tents, sleeping bags, gloves, hats, batteries, hygiene products, sunscreen, socks, boots, long underwear, blankets, backpacks, blankets, towels and hand washcloths, tissues and baby wipes, hand sanitizer, masks, bug spray, 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.
• 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. More info: call or text Maria (440-552-1364) or email mariaphillips22@gmail.com.
• Book Club – Oct 13:  The book club meets on October 13 next month. The book is Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani.
• Intergenerational Game Night – Oct 17: Save the date for food & fun! Come anytime after 4:30pm. Bring yourself and also friends or family of all ages. We will have some games and food, but feel free to bring more to share!
• Reformation Day Potluck & Speaker – Oct 25: More details TBA.

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