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 invite and 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 |
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What's Happening at Messiah
Sunday Service at Port Wing
Sunday, August 11 worship is at Port Wing Town Hall, starting at 10:45 am. There is no worship in Washburn at Messiah on August 11. Please join us in Port Wing for Good Shepherd Sunday. Worship theme will be the 23rd Psalm. Come for outdoor worship, stay for potluck meal. First Lutheran folks provide the brats, condiments and drinks. Bring a potluck item if you are able. Hope to see you at 10:45 am on August 11 in Port Wing! Love in Christ, Pastor Nancy
Messiah Lutheran invites all to The Blanket Exercise, Tuesday, Aug 20, 1:30 pm Synodically Authorized Minister Mary Meierotto is the leader. This teaching tool raises awareness of a history of the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples that most people never learn. People of all ages are invited to attend.
Messiah Lutheran invites all to The Blanket Exercise, Tuesday, Aug 20, 1:30 pm Synodically Authorized Minister Mary Meierotto is the leader. This teaching tool raises awareness of a history of the nation-to-nation relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples that most people never learn. People of all ages are invited to attend.
New Cross Installed on Messiah's Steeple
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Special Announcement!Your church council is reviewing the three year old policy concerning selling the parsonage. Three informational listening sessions have been scheduled for members: Sunday, June 23rd following worship, Wednesday, June 26th, 6:00 pm, and Tuesday, July 2nd, 11:00 am. Council members and members of the Finance Committee will share the most recent information that has been gathered. Keeping Christ in our deliberations, we pray for wisdom and open hearts and minds. May we be led forward together for the sake of Messiah’s mission to bring Christ’s message of Love to All.
Ginny Pedersen, Council President Congratulations Confirmands!
Pictured: Bas, Kaija and Beverly were confirmed on May 26.
Thank You!Many thanks to the Don Haugen family who generously donated $300 in memorial money for the purchase of shrubs and plants in Don’s memory. A magnolia and burning bush have already been planted and a forsythia and hostas will be planted upon completion of the church renovation. These plants will serve as a lasting tribute to Don’s love for Messiah and his love of gardening.
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New Book Study starts Tuesday, June 18, 1:30 pm at MessiahWe will study Neither Wolf Nor Dog, On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder by Kent Nerburn. The American Indian College Fund says it is “One of those rare works that once you’ve read it, you can never look at the world, or at people, the same way again. It is quiet, forceful and powerful.”
Save the Steeple UpdateThe exterior painting is done except the steeple which will be done when we are able to get the LIFT which is behind schedule. Dick Olson is working with Matt Tetzner who is creating a cross for the steeple top. The flat roof is scheduled to be washed & completed by June 17.
The project would not be nearly this far if not for a host of volunteers. Over two years ago Dede Maki organized a Save the Steeple committee who have invested many hours of work. So many of you have contributed. Truly a group effort. When volunteer project manager Troy Schmidtke is away, we have the eagle eyes of Bob Follis and Bob Leis to oversee. Keep all in prayer that these improvements glorify God! ~Pastor Nancy |
Join Us for VBSJuly 15—18, 12:30 to 5:00 pm
This year’s theme is “Where All are Blessed: The Kingdom of God” VBS at Messiah is for kids entering grades 1—6 in the fall. Counselors from Luther Park Bible Camp will lead again this year. There is music, skits and learning about God! Registration forms available in the church office. 16 Kids are Going to Camp!Beverly, Brooklyn, Hawken, Sam, Nathan, Brian, Erik, Mitchell, Bradley, Kaylee, Annora, Cadigan, McLaine, Marissa, Annalee and Saylor will be attending Luther Park this summer. Beverly will attend P.A.L.S. (Partners Actively Learning and Serving), a service and learning program where participants spend several hours each day serving and helping provide a welcoming atmosphere at camp. Please keep all these youth from Messiah in prayer!
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Goal REACHED!!!!We have reached our fundraising goal of $190,000. The total amount raised for the Save the Steeple project is just over $200,000. After a detailed analysis of project expenses, those completed and those yet to be done, we now estimate the final cost for the project will be $201,000. Here are a few common questions and answers:
Is $201,000 enough to complete the project? It should be unless there are unforeseen problems with the replacement of the flat roof, or rotten wood discovered when painting is completed in the spring. We do have some contingency funds built into the budget. What will happen with the loan that was taken out for the project? The majority of the loan will be paid off immediately. We will maintain a $10,000 balance just in case something unexpected comes up until everything is completed. What should people do about financial pledges they made for the Save the Steeple project? While we met our goal, we hope members still fulfill their pledges. We are still a bit shy of what we need to finish everything and pay off the remaining loan balance. What’s next? The Save the Steeple Committee will meet in mid-March to discuss the remaining issues to complete this project. If members have questions, put them in writing and drop them off at the church office or give to a committee member: Dede Maki, Keith Holm, Troy Schmidtke, Dick Olson, Travis Tulowitzky, Bob Leis, Wendy Murphy, Ginny Pedersen and Cheryl Follis. The project has been a great success! When we presented this to the congregation the estimated cost was between $175,000 & $200,000. We went slightly over the projected budget because a number of items came up during construction such as: *Repair and replace a sewer line discovered during construction. *Added ceiling insulation in the fellowship hall to help with sound. *Electrical outlets added to the sanctuary. *Added outdoor faucets to facilitate watering plants and the yard. *Repair floor joists to prevent collapse of the choir loft. *Added access door to the elevator. We have extended the life and use of our beautiful church building by undertaking the Save the Steeple project. We know that there are many additional items that could be improved or updated based on our original C & S Design report. Those will be the responsibility of the Building and Grounds Committee, the Church Council and ultimately the congregation to consider in the future. The current Save the Steeple Committee will sunset most likely by June. We can’t thank them enough for all they have done. We especially want to thank our project manager, Troy Schmidtke, for all of his work and oversite. Sincerely, Keith Holm, on behalf of the committee. Thank You Luncheon for our Renovation TeamThere's nothing like a nice hot lunch! Thanks Donna, Mary, Lorraine, and Bob for making lunch for our renovation workers!
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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. |
Construction Photographs
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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 |
To learn more about The Divine Spark or to order a copy, click here. Copies are also available for purchase at the Church office.
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. Serving Group Leader Needed
Are you interested in co-chairing a serving group? Group 2 needs one more leader to help out Sally Toepfer and Ruth Carlson. Please contact the church office if you can help.
Business Card Bulletin Ads Now Accepted
The Council approved a policy allowing one business card ad in each Sunday Bulletin. If you would like to place an ad, you need to provide a camera ready business card size ad. The cost is $25.00 per ad. Drop your ad and the cash at the church office by the end of the day on Thursday. Please share this information with area businesses that may be interested in buying an ad.
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Opportunities To Give, Serve and Learn
Host a Sunday coffee fellowship. Those who plan to send their child to bible camp, this is a great way to do a fundraiser. Call Angel at 715 685-8130 if you need training in using the kitchen.
Help with Easter Sunday Breakfast. The proceeds from this free will offering also goes to Bible campership fund. Call the church if you can help or bring an egg bake! How to Donate to Messiah
2018 Giving Envelopes are here. If you haven't picked up yours, please contact Cheryl Follis.
Simply Giving - Electronic Giving Thank you so much to all who have started giving their church offering electronically. We are now receiving over $1200 per month by direct deposit through either Simply Giving or through individual bank accounts. Prayerfully consider giving this way. When you miss a Sunday you can continue a steady offering to Messiah. We sure appreciate you. Call 715 373-5378 to receive the Simply Giving form. Sincerely, Keith Holm - Stewardship and Finance committee To view and print the electronic giving form, click here. PayPal or Credit Card - Here's an easy option for those of you who prefer to make your donation(s) using your PayPal or Credit Card. Simply click the Donate Button below. An Advent Appeal for GivingDear Messiah Members and Friends,
As we all prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ in this Advent season, may we practice love and patience in waiting for our Savior. In the glitter and thrill of the holidays, may we find quiet time to reflect and remember our commitment to each other and to sharing God’s message of forgiveness for all. As our fiscal year at Messiah comes to a close, please consider a monetary gift to help support our church and it’s many ministries. In 2018 our overall giving has not been meeting the weekly and monthly budget. At this time, we are in need of $7,000 to meet our expenses for this year. Please help as you are able. Remembering the “Reason for the Season,” Peace and love to you all, Ginny Pedersen, Council President 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!
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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.
