MESSIAH MISSIVE NO. 265

Dear Church,

The coming Sixth Sunday after Epiphany draws us deeper into the revelation of Jesus to the world, with a story of blessings and woes from Luke’s Gospel. How might Jesus’ sermon “on the level place” speak blessing into our lives?

• Bulletin for 2-16-25: https://bit.ly/FEB16thBulletin-MLC25

• Movie Night & Stuffed Animal Drive – Everyone is Invited: Friday, February 21 at 6pm; get ready for an epic evening with INSIDE OUT 2 – featuring the new emotion Anxiety. But that’s not all – we’re combining fun and kindness with a Stuffed Animal Drive for The Teddy Bear Brigade! The Teddy Bear Brigade has brought joy to children in tough situations worldwide, distributing over 575,000 stuffies in the last two decades. Bring your gently used or new stuffed animals to Movie Night on February 21. If you can't make it, the Lenz Family will be collecting your animals through March 2 – they'll ensure your donation reaches The Teddy Bear Brigade. This is a fantastic way to enjoy a movie while easing anxiety and bringing comfort to others. Let's show the world how a small act of kindness can make a big difference!

• Social Ministry Meeting – Date Change: The next Social Ministry meeting has been rescheduled to Sunday, February 23 (previously February 16) after the Worship Service – approx. 11:45am.

• Grace Note Changes: Messiah’s Grace Note Newsletter will be changing in format from a monthly publication to a seasonal offering. We will thus be issuing the Grace Note four times per year – in association with Lent/Easter (February – April), Pentecost (May – June), Advent (November – December), and Christmas/Epiphany (December – February). Of course, we may revise this schedule as needed. Nevertheless, the weekly Messiah Missive email will be a bit longer so that we can keep you apprised of church happenings.  

• 2025 Flower Chart: The 2025 flower chart is up on the board in the hallway. Please sign up for whatever Sundays you would like to bring flowers for the altar to beautify our church. Please call Karyn Schmidt (216-382-7397) regarding what you would like written in the Bulletin for your chosen date(s).

• Save the Dates – Join us as we walk through the Lenten season together:

- Fat Tuesday Sunday – Potluck after church – March 2.

- Lenten Soup Suppers & Conversations – 6:15pm on March 5, March 19, and April 2.

• Book Club: We will meet next on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 7:00pm at the home of Nancy Pittard. Our book will be Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano.

• Faith Circle: Faith Circle will not meet again until May, when it is warmer, and our snowbirds have returned to Cleveland. Our next meeting will be May 15, 2025, and Jill Snellman will be our hostess.

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