Welcome!
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“Living in God’s grace, we reach out to welcome All with Christ’s love”
Messiah Lutheran Church was formed in March of 1973. Messiah is the result of a merger between two Washburn Churches. Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church was founded by Swedish settlers in the late 1800’s. The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church was also founded in the late 1800’s. After years of operating independently, the two churches proposed a merger. After several years of discussion, the two churches finally completed the merger in March of 1973. The new church was named Messiah Lutheran. Messiah now has over 200 members.
Messiah is also a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Church, meaning that we welcome people of every age, color, culture and political persuasion, every sexual orientation and gender identity, socio-economic status and ability as we celebrate together our unity in Christ. We welcome you to join us for worship or one of our many special community or ministry events. |
Sunday Services
Messiah Sunday Service with Holy Communion - 8:30 a.m.
Our services are open to everyone. We love making new friends. Whether you live in the area or are here visiting friends or relatives, or are enjoying a vacation in the northland, we welcome you to join us! You are also invited to enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack during Coffee Fellowship following most Sunday Services. 231 West 5th Street, Washburn, Wisconsin 54891 First Lutheran Port Wing Sunday Service with Holy Communion - 10:45 a.m. We welcome everyone to join us. 83105 Washington Avenue, Port Wing, Wisconsin 54865 |
To access the Member Directory click on the image above. Once you enter your user name and password be patient, the site takes a little while to load.
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What's Happening at Messiah
Sunday, May 20, Pastor Heather Kistner of New Scandinavia Lutheran Church in Dallas, WI will be our guest preacher! She will talk about her Kentucky cross generational mission trip.
Wednesday, May 23, last GIFT for this school year. 5:30 pm at Memorial Park for a picnic!
Pictured below: Kaylee, Cadigan, Lainey, Nola, Chloe, Saylor, Annalee, Bas, Will, Bradley, Brian, Mitchell, Erik, Nathan, Beverly, Deb and Janasia at Recharge at Luther Park Bible Camp on March 3!
Wednesday, May 23, last GIFT for this school year. 5:30 pm at Memorial Park for a picnic!
Pictured below: Kaylee, Cadigan, Lainey, Nola, Chloe, Saylor, Annalee, Bas, Will, Bradley, Brian, Mitchell, Erik, Nathan, Beverly, Deb and Janasia at Recharge at Luther Park Bible Camp on March 3!
Dear People at Messiah,
We are so happy, honored, and excited about coming to be with you and to serve once again in partnership in ministry and mission while your Pastor Nancy is on an important sabbatical leave. We pray that this will be a time to mutually grow and keep the vital life and work of Messiah continuing forward until Pastor Nancy returns. We are planning to be with you to celebrate our Lord’s victory for us and for the world on Easter Sunday.
In Service to our Risen Lord,
Pastor Ron and Connie Hanson
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A Message from Pastor Nancy
Dear People at Messiah,
It is such an honor and joy for me to know that Pastor Ron and Connie said yes to be here while I am gone. I have one concern. He might work too hard! So, when you see him still at the office or doing another visit, simply remind him to ENJOY his time here! I’ve talked with so many folks who were in Washburn when Ron and Connie were here serving from 1973 to 1985. Everyone tells me that they felt God’s love and passion through them. Introduce yourselves by name often, and remember that they are here for only three months. It has taken me almost ten years to learn everyone’s names and I still forget! Ron and Connie have family in the area and what a JOY to finally be close to their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren!
P.S. If you still wonder about what this sabbatical is all about, do find the Frequently Asked Questions brochure by the usher’s station.
We are so happy, honored, and excited about coming to be with you and to serve once again in partnership in ministry and mission while your Pastor Nancy is on an important sabbatical leave. We pray that this will be a time to mutually grow and keep the vital life and work of Messiah continuing forward until Pastor Nancy returns. We are planning to be with you to celebrate our Lord’s victory for us and for the world on Easter Sunday.
In Service to our Risen Lord,
Pastor Ron and Connie Hanson
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A Message from Pastor Nancy
Dear People at Messiah,
It is such an honor and joy for me to know that Pastor Ron and Connie said yes to be here while I am gone. I have one concern. He might work too hard! So, when you see him still at the office or doing another visit, simply remind him to ENJOY his time here! I’ve talked with so many folks who were in Washburn when Ron and Connie were here serving from 1973 to 1985. Everyone tells me that they felt God’s love and passion through them. Introduce yourselves by name often, and remember that they are here for only three months. It has taken me almost ten years to learn everyone’s names and I still forget! Ron and Connie have family in the area and what a JOY to finally be close to their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren!
P.S. If you still wonder about what this sabbatical is all about, do find the Frequently Asked Questions brochure by the usher’s station.
To learn more about The Divine Spark or to order a copy, click here. Copies are also available for purchase at the Church office.
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Have you heard about The Divine Spark? This book is a product of Pastor Nancy Sabbatical. It is a collection of inspirational stories from members of the LGBTQ community.
"This collection of stories beautifully illustrates the power of radical truth-telling and vulnerability as tools to foster change and understanding in community. Leonard Cohen wrote is his song Anthem, “There is a crack, a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in.” These storytellers have embraced their authentic selves (cracks and all) and have become beacons of light in a world that desperately needs illumination." Mary Dougherty Mother, Photographer, and Author Creator of the Words for Water project Co-founder of FarmsNotFactoriesWI.org |
Save the Steeple - Much Needed Repairs to Our Church. Can You Help?
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Dear Messiah Family,
For over 125 years, our church building has served our congregation well. We have gathered here. We have worshipped here. We have celebrated, laughed, ate, prayed, played, sang, learned, hugged, cried, said hello, said good-bye here…..It has been a part of us. To many of us, it has been like a second home. Many of us couldn’t imagine our community without our church building. It is loved. Our church building is a great structure. It is sound. It has stood the test of time. As the times have changed, and the congregation has changed, the building has changed to fit our needs. Additions were added, the elevator was installed, spaces have been rearranged and adapted, repairs were made. Like any great structure, the church building has needed care and attention. We need to continue to invest in our building so it can serve our future generations, as it has served us and those who came before us. Our church building is in dire need of a new roof and exterior paint. Without a new roof and paint, the building’s integrity will be compromised in the near future. Roofing and exterior paint is estimated to cost $70,000.00. Our goal is to replace the roof during Summer 2018. This is the first phase of our building improvement project and Capital Campaign. Please see the reverse side of this letter for additional information. We need your help maintaining and improving our church building. Please consider donating a financial gift towards this project. Your financial gift is tax deductible. We sing a hymn, "The Church's One Foundation is Jesus Christ Her Lord." The church is not the building; the church is the people, the body of Christ. We maintain our building so we can continue to minister to people inside our structure and beyond for years and decades to come. Thank you all for your prayerful consideration. Sincerely with the Grace of God, Messiah Lutheran Church Council—Keith Holm, President Click here to see the list of needed repairs |
Provided by CoolFundraisingIdeas.net If you would like to donate to Save the Steeple Repairs, click the Donate button above.
To print your Messiah Contribution Form Click Here. |
Project Update:
Full Speed Ahead! All of the needed repairs will now be completed by February 2019! This is great news! A decision was made to finance the total project. We have submitted a loan application to the ELCA for $110,000. The more money raised between now and construction will lower the amount of the financing that we will need. If you have been waiting to see if the project will get off the ground before making a donation, wait no longer! We are committed to moving forward. Several contracts have already been signed. Please consider making a contribution now. It will also help us budget loan payments if you would consider making a pledge for contributions over the next three years. Contact the church office to make your donation or pledge.
You're Invited!
2nd Tuesday Group at North Coast Coffee from 11-12:15. This event has had up to 19 participants who enjoy a light lunch and socialization at each meeting. Consider joining them this spring.
It’s OK that You’re Not OK discussion gathering is every Thursday at 1:00 in the church basement. All are welcome. Discussion gathering is every Thursday at 1:00 pm in church basement. Come! RIC
Here's a riddle: What's old and new?
Answer: Messiah’s welcoming and diverse family! Messiah has always extended an open and loving welcome to all. And a few years ago we became even more committed to this welcoming nature by becoming a "Reconciling In Christ" congregation. We joined a larger community of churches who reach out to those who have felt left out. Our adopted welcoming statement reads, "We welcome people of every age, color, culture, and political persuasion, every sexual orientation and gender identity, socio-economic status and ability as we celebrate together our unity in Christ." So that is our identity and our tradition. That is the “old.” The "new" part is that now we have a group of church members who are working to bring forward our commitment to welcoming diversity in new ways. In April we showed part of the National Geographic film, "Gender Revolution" and invited a neighbor, Carri Hoagland, to share her personal story of discovering her transgender identity. We also attended the April meeting of PFLAG where Pastor Nancy was awarded Person of the Year by that group for her work on diversity in our local communities. In June we plan to help with the annual Chicken Dinner fund-raising Sunday by working on a special celebratory service that will intentionally reach out to invite community members to join us! So again, "What's old and new?" Messiah's tradition and Messiah's re-emphasis of Christ's message of love and acceptance. Let's celebrate! ~Ginny Pedersen, RIC Committee Thrivent Choice Dollars Help Messiah
Are you an eligible Thrivent member with Choice Dollars available to direct?
Each year, eligible Thrivent members are designated Choice Dollars based on their qualifying insurance premiums, contract values and volunteer leadership. If you're an eligible Thrivent member with Choice Dollars available to designate, you can help strengthen our community by directing them to Messiah Lutheran Church. Thank you to those members who participated in the program and helped support our church's mission by directing Choice Dollars! Visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to learn more and find program terms and conditions. Don't miss this opportunity to recommend where Thrivent Financial should distribute some of its charitable outreach funds. Woman's Book Club News
Women’s Walking Book Club meets on Monday nights at 6:00. Call or text Sarah Myers at 715-685-4177 to get on the list for their next date. The book they are currently studying is “For the Love” by Jen Hatmaker.
Cleaners Needed
If anyone would like to pull a month (or more) stint on helping clean the church, please contact Bob Leis at 715-373-1087. By utilizing volunteers to clean the church we are saving considerable money by not hiring a janitorial service. There are cleaning jobs available that would only take about an hour a week!
Hospice Grief Group to Meet April 20 - May 25
Hospice Grief Support Group will meet Thursdays from 6:00-7:30pm at the Presbyterian Church, 214 Vaughn Avenue in Ashland. Anyone seeking a safe, supportive environment following loss is welcome to attend. Call 715-685-5151 for more information.
Heaven's Helping Hands News
Recently Heaven's Helping Hands decided to send $100 to 12-year old Emma MacArthur. Emma lives in Ashland and has Cerebral Palsy, Hydrocephalus and other medical issues. The money goes to help make her home accessible for her wheelchair (Her mother works at the IGA in Washburn), $200 went to the Bayfield County Veterans' Service Officer Special Fund for Veterans needs and $500 went to the Wolframs (Kathy/Ryan) to help with expenses associated with Ryan's Illness.
A couple of items and outdated medicines were disposed of for home bound members at the Hazardous and Electronic Waste and Medication Disposal Day on July 15. Assistance was given to moving out an old couch and in a newer one for a member in July. Upcoming event: Heaven's Helping Hands is sponsoring a Veterans Ecumenical Service and Appreciation Picnic on Wed., August 2, 2017 at Memorial Park in Washburn. The Ecumenical Service will be held at 6:00 pm followed by a bratwurst picnic for Northern Bayfield County Veterans. This event is sponsored by Messiah Lutheran Church and a Thrivent Action Grant. Thank you for your service Veterans! Tremendous Thanks Due!
You are always doing more than I am aware of, so please forgive me for not mentioning everyone. It is just that I must express gratitude for Two Big Things!
First, so many thanks to the members of the Stewardship and Finance Committee. They have put in more hours than we know, pondering and praying to find ways to help Messiah be financially sound. They came up with the March 5th Giving Sunday idea along with talks, pledge sheets and detailed information. You can still turn in your sheet to the church office. Second Thank You goes to ALL of you who are responding! So far we have received over forty replies. You are telling us how you plan to give back to God through your time and talents. THANK YOU SO MUCH! Your responses are amazing! God Bless You Richly for taking the time to pray about how you want to give! Love in Christ, Pastor Nancy Join Women's Walking Bible Study
Women’s Bible Study meets periodically. Please text or call Sarah Myers at 715-685-4177.
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Easter Breakfast is the church basement “between the services” at 7:30 am,
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Dear members and friends, Let’s All Be Pilgrims!
By now, most of you know that my sabbatical begins on Wednesday, April 4, with Messiah hosting a supper at 5:30 pm with a send-off worship to follow. If anyone asks you about my sabbatical, I would LOVE it if you said something like this:
Pastor Nancy’s time away is a pilgrimage, not a vacation.
Rather than be a tourist, I hope to be a pilgrim with an overall theme,
Be still and know that I am God.
My particular learning questions are: “Where is God when people gather cross generationally? And, where is God when LGBTQ people feel safe, loved and welcomed?”
Would you please join me in having a pilgrim mindset? How? Have prayer and devotions as often as possible. Please keep Robert and me in prayer. We will keep you in our prayers. May our sense of community grow, even while we are apart. Visit the blog sabbatical2018.blogspot.com
True pilgrimage changes lives whether we go halfway around the world or out to our own back yard. Martin Palmer
On a pilgrimage, we let go of our normal routine and busyness to spend time with God. While I am gone, I hope you take at least one pilgrimage to a place such as: Madeline Island, Bayfield, Cornucopia, the open water or shores of Lake Superior. Be still and see God as you hike, beach walk, or picnic with family and friends. Most of you already spend time with people of a variety of ages. Make an extra effort to be with people who are at least ten years younger or older than you. See God in these experiences. Journal!
My purpose for this sabbatical is to walk with God and to renew my spirit. I want to connect with people, first with pastors and congregation members at Pilgrim, St. Michael’s and University Lutheran churches in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. When choosing our lodging on the Greek island of Patmos, we intentionally selected a place within walking distance to the main street of a small village. We hope to get to know some of the local people. I also want to be OK with being alone and quiet, or, to just be with Robert! Pray that we are open to how the Spirit nudges us to create the balance of visiting, exploring and being still.
Pilgrimages often offer something that is to be gained or given to another. On this pilgrimage, it is my delight to share copies of the complete book, The Divine Spark, Personal Stories of LGBTQ Discovery, and a two-chapter version printed in Greek. What a joy for me to bring you along with me through this book. Thank you so much for supporting this idea of sabbatical. I thank Christian Theological Seminary who selected to fund almost all of this experience. And, I am so thankful that Pastor Ron and Connie Hanson will be such faithful leaders at Messiah while I am gone.
Much love and prayers,
Pastor Nancy
In her blog www.healthyspirituality.org retired nurse Jean Wise from rural Ohio wrote about the difference between a vacation and a pilgrimage. She has given me permission to use her ideas listed above.
By now, most of you know that my sabbatical begins on Wednesday, April 4, with Messiah hosting a supper at 5:30 pm with a send-off worship to follow. If anyone asks you about my sabbatical, I would LOVE it if you said something like this:
Pastor Nancy’s time away is a pilgrimage, not a vacation.
Rather than be a tourist, I hope to be a pilgrim with an overall theme,
Be still and know that I am God.
My particular learning questions are: “Where is God when people gather cross generationally? And, where is God when LGBTQ people feel safe, loved and welcomed?”
Would you please join me in having a pilgrim mindset? How? Have prayer and devotions as often as possible. Please keep Robert and me in prayer. We will keep you in our prayers. May our sense of community grow, even while we are apart. Visit the blog sabbatical2018.blogspot.com
True pilgrimage changes lives whether we go halfway around the world or out to our own back yard. Martin Palmer
On a pilgrimage, we let go of our normal routine and busyness to spend time with God. While I am gone, I hope you take at least one pilgrimage to a place such as: Madeline Island, Bayfield, Cornucopia, the open water or shores of Lake Superior. Be still and see God as you hike, beach walk, or picnic with family and friends. Most of you already spend time with people of a variety of ages. Make an extra effort to be with people who are at least ten years younger or older than you. See God in these experiences. Journal!
My purpose for this sabbatical is to walk with God and to renew my spirit. I want to connect with people, first with pastors and congregation members at Pilgrim, St. Michael’s and University Lutheran churches in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. When choosing our lodging on the Greek island of Patmos, we intentionally selected a place within walking distance to the main street of a small village. We hope to get to know some of the local people. I also want to be OK with being alone and quiet, or, to just be with Robert! Pray that we are open to how the Spirit nudges us to create the balance of visiting, exploring and being still.
Pilgrimages often offer something that is to be gained or given to another. On this pilgrimage, it is my delight to share copies of the complete book, The Divine Spark, Personal Stories of LGBTQ Discovery, and a two-chapter version printed in Greek. What a joy for me to bring you along with me through this book. Thank you so much for supporting this idea of sabbatical. I thank Christian Theological Seminary who selected to fund almost all of this experience. And, I am so thankful that Pastor Ron and Connie Hanson will be such faithful leaders at Messiah while I am gone.
Much love and prayers,
Pastor Nancy
In her blog www.healthyspirituality.org retired nurse Jean Wise from rural Ohio wrote about the difference between a vacation and a pilgrimage. She has given me permission to use her ideas listed above.
Information about Pastor Nancy's Sabbatical - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sabbatical? A sabbatical is a time for pastor to receive spiritual nourishment and a change in perspective, to deepen her relationship with God, herself, and her family – a season of spiritual growth.
This special time will also be a season of growth for the congregation.
How long will Pastor Nancy be gone? The sabbatical begins on the Thursday after Easter, April 5. She returns on Thursday, July 5. Her first Sunday back will be July 8. Nancy will be gone thirteen weeks.
What will Nancy do on her sabbatical? The sabbatical, Forming Life-long Faith in a Loving God, connects our congregations and pastor in growing understandings of how life-long faith in a loving God is formed. During the sabbatical Nancy will: a) learn how churches support cross-generational faith formation within the church and at home; b) learn how churches support the LGBTQ community; c) discover ways church people of all ages, sexual orientations and gender identities can help each other form faith in a loving God;
d) have quality time with her husband, mother and other family and friends.
What is the sabbatical itinerary?
April 4 Messiah hosts send-off supper and worship service starting at 5:30 p.m.
April 5-8 Celebrating Twelve Holy Apostles’ Holy Week and Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday
April 10-20 Studying cross-gen ministry & intentional LGBTQ welcome in MSP & St. Paul churches.
April 23-May 30 Studying cross-gen ministry & LGBTQ welcome in Greek churches and homes.
May 31-June 3 Doing follow-up interviews with Twin Cities churches.
June 4-July 4 This last month used to read, write, rest and visit with husband, family and friends. Nancy will start writing a cross-generational devotional booklet.
July 15 First Lutheran hosts worship and welcome home party for Pastor Nancy and Robert in Port Wing followed by a showing of slides and movies in church basement.
Who will cover Nancy’s responsibilities during her absence? Pastor Ron Hanson will provide worship services and pastoral care for Messiah Lutheran. Pastor Neal Milam will do the same for First Lutheran.
Other area clergy and lay persons are also available to help.
Whom do I call for special prayer requests, family or personal crisis or any other pastoral concern?
Messiah people should call parish administrator Tracy Martinez at (715) 373-5378 who will pass on prayer requests to the first name on the prayer chain and also to Pastor Ron. First Lutheran people should call Pastor Neal Milam at 715 372-8358.
Who pays for this Clergy Renewal Program? Most of the funding is provided through Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana by Lilly Endowment Inc. Pastor Nancy is paying for a portion of the sabbatical.
Will Nancy be in contact with parishoners during her sabbatical? No. An important part of a sabbatical is to make a complete break from the day to day work of the church. She will be posting on a blog, however.
How can I learn more? Go to the church office and see a copy of the sabbatical proposal or click here.
Is there a book associated with this sabbatical? Yes! Through the writing of this proposal, the idea came to create a book with stories from members of First Lutheran, Messiah Lutheran and others who are LGBTQ. See Messiah website for book updates.
Want to follow Pastor Nancy during her Sabbatical? You can! Follow her on her Sabbatical Blog! Check it out! CLICK HERE!
This special time will also be a season of growth for the congregation.
How long will Pastor Nancy be gone? The sabbatical begins on the Thursday after Easter, April 5. She returns on Thursday, July 5. Her first Sunday back will be July 8. Nancy will be gone thirteen weeks.
What will Nancy do on her sabbatical? The sabbatical, Forming Life-long Faith in a Loving God, connects our congregations and pastor in growing understandings of how life-long faith in a loving God is formed. During the sabbatical Nancy will: a) learn how churches support cross-generational faith formation within the church and at home; b) learn how churches support the LGBTQ community; c) discover ways church people of all ages, sexual orientations and gender identities can help each other form faith in a loving God;
d) have quality time with her husband, mother and other family and friends.
What is the sabbatical itinerary?
April 4 Messiah hosts send-off supper and worship service starting at 5:30 p.m.
April 5-8 Celebrating Twelve Holy Apostles’ Holy Week and Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday
April 10-20 Studying cross-gen ministry & intentional LGBTQ welcome in MSP & St. Paul churches.
April 23-May 30 Studying cross-gen ministry & LGBTQ welcome in Greek churches and homes.
May 31-June 3 Doing follow-up interviews with Twin Cities churches.
June 4-July 4 This last month used to read, write, rest and visit with husband, family and friends. Nancy will start writing a cross-generational devotional booklet.
July 15 First Lutheran hosts worship and welcome home party for Pastor Nancy and Robert in Port Wing followed by a showing of slides and movies in church basement.
Who will cover Nancy’s responsibilities during her absence? Pastor Ron Hanson will provide worship services and pastoral care for Messiah Lutheran. Pastor Neal Milam will do the same for First Lutheran.
Other area clergy and lay persons are also available to help.
Whom do I call for special prayer requests, family or personal crisis or any other pastoral concern?
Messiah people should call parish administrator Tracy Martinez at (715) 373-5378 who will pass on prayer requests to the first name on the prayer chain and also to Pastor Ron. First Lutheran people should call Pastor Neal Milam at 715 372-8358.
Who pays for this Clergy Renewal Program? Most of the funding is provided through Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana by Lilly Endowment Inc. Pastor Nancy is paying for a portion of the sabbatical.
Will Nancy be in contact with parishoners during her sabbatical? No. An important part of a sabbatical is to make a complete break from the day to day work of the church. She will be posting on a blog, however.
How can I learn more? Go to the church office and see a copy of the sabbatical proposal or click here.
Is there a book associated with this sabbatical? Yes! Through the writing of this proposal, the idea came to create a book with stories from members of First Lutheran, Messiah Lutheran and others who are LGBTQ. See Messiah website for book updates.
Want to follow Pastor Nancy during her Sabbatical? You can! Follow her on her Sabbatical Blog! Check it out! CLICK HERE!
Quick Clicks to Navigate Through the Website
It's pretty easy to find your way around Messiah's website. Scroll over any of the tabs on the top of the page. Drop down menus will appear. Just click on anything you are looking for. Another way is to click on any of the links below to be taken directly to the page you are looking for.
