#MM355 — Church, Time After Pentecost is nearly drawing to a close, and these final weeks of the season find us considering scripture readings about endings. “Keep awake”, Jesus instructs his disciples, while telling a story of anticipation, anxiety, and waiting. What does it mean for us to “keep awake” in these liminal days of autumn? 

We welcome you to follow along with us in worship with this bulletin for 11/8: https://bit.ly/NOV8thBulletin-MLC26

• Let’s Connect: From now until November 29, Pastor Paul has extra availability to meet one-on-one with members to share final stories, transition feelings, unfinished business, and support. Reach out to pastorpaulmoody@gmail.com or call him directly to make an appointment 614-400-9180.

• Farewell Reception for Pastor Paul – Nov 22: Please join before (9am) and/or after (11am) the worship service in the Gathering Space. Bring your memories and stories to share, and if able, some food as well as we celebrate our ministry together and wish Pastor and Katie “grace along the way” (PLEASE NOTE: Pastor Paul’s final Sunday at Messiah will be 11/29).

• Pledge Envelopes: The 2027 pledge envelopes are available for pick-up in the lobby outside the sanctuary. If you can't find yours, please let Tom Griffith or Kate Funkner know and we'll follow up.

• Disagree Better – Nov 10: 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

• Book Club – Nov 10: The Book Club will meet on November 10 at 7pm; we will discuss Go as a River by Shelley Read.

• Thanksgiving Food Drive – Now thru 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.

• Poinsettia Plants – Nov 22:  Poinsettias will be purchased to decorate our church. If you would like to purchase one in memory of a loved one, red-flower donation envelopes are in the pews. Please clearly print your name and the name of the person(s) being remembered with this gift to the church. The cost is $10.00 per plant. Orders need to be completed November 22.

• Greening of the Church – Dec 5: Please join us on Saturday, December 5, at 10:00 AM to decorate our church for the Christmas season. There are plenty of assignments for all types of ability especially the ability of fellowship. While we are generally working only a couple of hours, we appreciate whatever amount of time you can spare. Also please remember we will need to de-green the church on Saturday, January 9 at 10:00 AM.

• Annual Congregational Meeting – Dec 6: Immediately following worship. We will vote on the 2027 budget and elect council members.

• ATS Branch 33 Annual Sausage Sale – Dec 5: Homemade Saxon Wurst out of Eastside Cleveland branch. $5 per pound – Garlic or no Garlic – in casing or loose – 2 and 3 pound packages. Pick-up is 1 to 4pm  at Messiah Lutheran Church. Call orders to Ema Litschel before November 23 (440) 479- 9334.

• 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).