#MM256 - Rejoice, Beloved Church! Oftentimes the Third Sunday of Advent is called the Sunday of Joy, Gaudete in Latin. The joy of Christ’s soon-arrival is building, and we get the chance to share that joy with each other in the days ahead. Where are you finding joy this week? Together we follow John the Baptizer’s call and turn towards the God whose presence is joyful good news for the world! (bible.oremus.org/?ql=506099149)

✝️ Bulletin for 12-15-24: https://bit.ly/DEC15thBulletin-MLC

✝️ 2nd Annual Carols & Cocoa – December 15: Sunday, 12-15 at 2:00pm. Join us for a festive afternoon of Christmas carols, special music, and refreshments.

✝️ The Longest Night – December 18: You are invited to a simple healing service of scripture, prayer, and song on Wednesday, 12-18 at 7:00pm, Celebration Lutheran Church, 10621 Auburn Road, Chardon. Pastor Paul will be among those presiding. Light refreshments will follow the service. See flyer below.

✝️ CHRISTMAS EVE UPDATE – TWO SERVICES – December 24: Celebrate the Incarnation — God’s arrival amidst humanity! Christmas Eve family friendly festival worship begins at 5:00pm on December 24 (with pre-service music ahead); 7:00pm worship will be a brief “Contemplative Christmas Compline” (night prayer) focused on God’s calming presence among us. Both services will feature candlelight Silent Night.

✝️ Hat & Mitten Tree: The annual Hat & Mitten tree is up in the library and ready to decorate. This year our donations will be going to Hands, Hearts, & Homes Outreach (www.handsheartshomes.org). Each month they distribute necessities to the homeless. This winter they need men’s hats, gloves and especially socks. We will be working in tandem with Advent Lutheran church in Solon. Let’s fill the tree and pass along some Christmas cheer to those in need.

Dear Congregation Members of Messiah Lutheran Church,

Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we approach the end of the year, I am writing to share an important update regarding Messiah Lutheran Church’s financial situation and to invite your prayerful reflection and support as we look toward 2025.

Last year, the congregation approved a 2024 budget with a planned $40,000 deficit. Despite our best efforts to manage expenses and encourage giving, we are on track to realize that full deficit in the final months of this year. While we have reserves to meet this challenge for 2024, we are not in a position to sustain a similar shortfall in 2025 without significant adjustments to our staffing, ministries, or programs. Please consider the following as we head into our Congregational Meeting on December the 8th.

The solution to this challenge lies in the hands of our congregation, and I want to share a clearer picture of what is required. Messiah currently enjoys a monthly average of about 130 contributions. If each donor were able to increase their giving by $22 per month — approximately a 20% increase per giver — we could fully address the expected budget deficit for 2025 without making reductions to our staff or ministry efforts.

This is a moment for us all to come together, to prayerfully reflect on how we might each play a role in sustaining the work and witness of Messiah Lutheran Church. Here are three ways to engage:

1. Prayer: Please pray for our church, for our leadership, and for discernment as we navigate these financial challenges together.
2. Giving: If you are able, please consider increasing your monthly contribution to help us close the gap. For some, $22 a month may feel manageable, while others may be able to give more or less depending on individual circumstances. Every gift makes a difference.
3. Feedback and Ideas: We are committed to transparency and collaboration. If you have suggestions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The Council will continue to keep the congregation informed as we move forward.

We remain steadfast in our faith that God provides, and we believe that through the generosity and commitment of this congregation, we can rise to meet this challenge together. Messiah Lutheran Church has been a place of worship, service, and community for so many, and with your support, it will continue to thrive for years to come.

Thank you for your attention, prayers, and continued dedication to the ministry we share.

In Christ’s Service, 

Ben Johnson / Church Council President