#MM352 – Beloved Church, When we think about stewardship, we often talk about giving from the variety of gifts we have been given already, for the sake of others. Our time, our talent, and our treasure often are the operative words we use. Although we may think of these as gifts that are indeed *ours*, the truth is that at the end of the day all of it already belongs to God, because it has all come from God in the first place. How might that sort of a perspective change the way we think about the gifts in our care? Come join in worship on Sunday as we hear about Jesus with the leaders of his day, trying to work through a bit of a social trap full of landmines at every turn and listen for what good news might be amidst it all.

A special thanks to Michael and Anthony who spoke with us last weekend about the work of Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH). Please see this following video as we continue to think about stewardship of this important relationship in the year ahead: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdmG5GVChfG/?cplk=amk5eWI2cTQ2bmNq

We invite you to follow along with us online this Sunday with this bulletin:
https://bit.ly/OCT18thBulletin-MLC26

!!! SCAM WARNING - Pastor Paul will never text you for gift cards, financial gifts, or cash. If you receive a message that seems odd please report it to the church office.

• Intergenerational Game Night – Oct 17: Looking for a fun, free evening with the whole family? Grab your favorite tabletop game, invite a neighbor, and join us on Saturday, 10/17 starting at 4:30 PM. Whether you love classic strategy games or quick card games, there’s a table waiting for you! We will have some games and food; but feel free to bring more to share!

• Birthday Sunday Fellowship Hour – Oct 18: Join us for Fellowship Hour after the service for our renewal of Birthday Sunday to honor everyone who celebrates an October birthday. All are invited for refreshments and fellowship.

• Thanksgiving Food Drive Oct 18 – Nov 15: Benefits the student Food Pantry at Tri-C, Eastern Campus. Items needed include canned food, mac and cheese, cereal, paper products. Also, items for Thanksgiving dinners such as stuffing mix, canned sweet potatoes, etc. Please place food donations on the table in the church back lobby.

• Reformation Day Potluck – Oct 25: Join us for a potluck in the fellowship hall after service on 10/25. We will have an activity for the kids to enjoy while adults listen to a prevention on Law and Gospel from Grant Eckhart, campus pastor at Jacob’s Porch, OSU. The connections team will provide sloppy joes. Bring your favorite side dish to share, but don’t bring dessert – the kiddos will be in charge of that! And don’t forget to wear red!

• Mobile Scooter for Use! There is now a mobile scooter in the lobby outside the Sunday School wing and council room. This is its charging station; but it is available to anyone who may need it. Just have someone alert an usher, and they will get the key for you. My only ask is that after use, it's taken back to the charging port. The ushers will make sure it's plugged back in and the key is returned to the office. The speed goes from turtle to rabbit, so you are able to go as slow (or as fast) as you'd like. This was my grandma's scooter and I'm sure she'd be happy knowing that it's being put to good use. If you have any questions, just reach out to me (Kristy Bohinc).

• November 10th - DISAGREE BETTER: Constructive Conflict? Is that even possible? Pull up a chair with Braver Angels and learn how to Disagree Better—Practical skills to bridge political divides and turn clash into conversation. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30pm, Messiah will be hosting a workshop by Braver Angels entitled “Skills for Disagreeing Better”. Braver Angels is a nationwide organization dedicated to bridging the divide between “reds” and “blues” politically. This is a FREE event and open to all...but registration is appreciated. NOTE: Use the promo code BRAVER when registering. Click link for more information and to register via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/skills-for-disagreeing-better-registration-2001204329019