#MM283 - Dear Church, As we prepare for outdoor worship this weekend, our Sunday lectionary moves us into the long steady “green” season: Time After Pentecost (also called “Ordinary Time”). We will again be hearing Luke’s Gospel and a telling of an exorcism: a man delivered from “legion” oppression (perhaps a metaphor for Roman occupation?). It’s a tough story that asks us to look closely at systems which hold us, perhaps even some of our own biases. What good news might it hold?

• Bulletin for Sunday (6-22-25): https://bit.ly/June22ndBulletin-MLC25

• June 22 – 2nd Annual Messiah Summer Picnic: Please join your Messiah family for a morning of outdoor worship, food, and fun. We will meet at Wiley Park (610 SOM Center Rd by the Mayfield Village Police Station) at 10 am. First, we will gather in worship together under the pavilion. After worship we will enjoy a potluck lunch with hot dogs, burgers, and water provided by the Connections Team. Following lunch, there will be plenty of time for games and fellowship. The only thing you need to bring is yourself. However, feel free to bring a lawn chair, your favorite dessert or side dish for sharing, and/or a lawn game to enjoy. Wear comfortable clothes -- we might even put together a multi-generational kick-ball game!

• June 29 – Keep the Heat On! Can you believe that our current church boiler has been in service for 70 years? Unfortunately, it has finally come to the end of its serviceable life and we are looking to raise the funds to replace it before the cold sets in late this fall. Come join us for a special coffee hour on Sunday June 29th as we tour the boiler room, share treats, and learn more about our fundraising goals and a financial matching campaign to maximize our contributions.

• July 1 – Free Hillcrest Band Concert – 7:30 pm: Ice Cream Social during the concert. Sponsored by Social Ministry.

• July 28 – Shoes and Clothes for Kids: Please join us on Monday, 7/28 from 12-4 pm to volunteer with Social Ministry at Shoes and Clothes for Kids. This is a non-profit entity providing school supplies, shoes, and clothing to K-12 Cleveland area students. Transportation will be available from the church parking lot, leaving at approximately 11:15 am. Messiah volunteers will be helping to organize clothing and school supplies for the upcoming school year. Interested? Email Karen Dickerson at kdickerson630@gmail.com for more information and to add your name to the volunteer list!

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