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
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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What's up with the Parsonage?
If you feel like you have been out of the loop for the past couple of months, I hope this message will fill you in. There has been a lot of stirring going on and whenever that happens, I’d like to think that the Holy Spirit is using a great big spoon to stir us up and remind us of who we are and what we are charged to do to fulfill our Mission.
In May, Pastor Nancy announced to the council that she and Robert would be buying a home of their own. Three years earlier the Finance Committee had looked into this situation and had made the recommendation that in such a case, the church should sell the parsonage. But the current council wanted to take some time to learn more about the advantages of selling vs renting our property. They asked the Finance Committee to re-evaluate their earlier findings.
In June, Tom Murphy, representing the Finance Committee, addressed the council and submitted a current reassessment of the parsonage question. The committee had looked once more at the financial concerns and again they recommended selling. The council expressed appreciation for the committee’s work, but decided to solicit feedback from the congregation through a number of “listening sessions” where the finance committee could relay their research and recommendation directly to the congregation and answer questions and concerns face-to-face. Also, some members of the council agreed to do some investigations of their own on the feasibility of renting.
The listening sessions occurred following worship on June 23rd, on Wednesday evening, June 26th, on Tuesday morning, July 2nd, and again following worship on July 14th. At the July 16th council meeting, the council voted to rent the parsonage. A parsonage committee was appointed to further research the rental picture and to report back to the full council at a special meeting to be held on July 30th. At that July 30th meeting, the council voted to give the parsonage committee authority to move forward with plans to rent the parsonage.
When our council meets again on August 20th, we hope to have the rental situation underway. The parsonage committee has been busy exploring different paths to finding a good renter and they have enlisted the help of a property manager to advise them.
So, that gives you a recap of the process so far. At this point, you might be feeling the “stirring” of the Holy Spirit within your own heart! This is a big decision for Messiah. At every step of the way, we have prayed for guidance. The council reminded ourselves of the promises we made to each other and to the congregation to be good listeners, to be honest and forthcoming, to pray for God’s help, and to support the decisions made by the council as a whole. So, yes, we have struggled, we have been perplexed, but we were always in the presence of that Holy Spirit, who not only “stirs,” but who also “soothes.” Praise God!
I want to thank the members of Messiah who attended a listening session, the finance committee members who gave countless hours in preparing their report/recommendation, the parsonage committee who have worked enthusiastically to find the best path forward, and to the council itself for the extra time that was required of them these past few weeks. Finally, I thank everyone who prayed, thanking God for sending his Holy Spirit among us.
Ginny Pedersen, Council President
In May, Pastor Nancy announced to the council that she and Robert would be buying a home of their own. Three years earlier the Finance Committee had looked into this situation and had made the recommendation that in such a case, the church should sell the parsonage. But the current council wanted to take some time to learn more about the advantages of selling vs renting our property. They asked the Finance Committee to re-evaluate their earlier findings.
In June, Tom Murphy, representing the Finance Committee, addressed the council and submitted a current reassessment of the parsonage question. The committee had looked once more at the financial concerns and again they recommended selling. The council expressed appreciation for the committee’s work, but decided to solicit feedback from the congregation through a number of “listening sessions” where the finance committee could relay their research and recommendation directly to the congregation and answer questions and concerns face-to-face. Also, some members of the council agreed to do some investigations of their own on the feasibility of renting.
The listening sessions occurred following worship on June 23rd, on Wednesday evening, June 26th, on Tuesday morning, July 2nd, and again following worship on July 14th. At the July 16th council meeting, the council voted to rent the parsonage. A parsonage committee was appointed to further research the rental picture and to report back to the full council at a special meeting to be held on July 30th. At that July 30th meeting, the council voted to give the parsonage committee authority to move forward with plans to rent the parsonage.
When our council meets again on August 20th, we hope to have the rental situation underway. The parsonage committee has been busy exploring different paths to finding a good renter and they have enlisted the help of a property manager to advise them.
So, that gives you a recap of the process so far. At this point, you might be feeling the “stirring” of the Holy Spirit within your own heart! This is a big decision for Messiah. At every step of the way, we have prayed for guidance. The council reminded ourselves of the promises we made to each other and to the congregation to be good listeners, to be honest and forthcoming, to pray for God’s help, and to support the decisions made by the council as a whole. So, yes, we have struggled, we have been perplexed, but we were always in the presence of that Holy Spirit, who not only “stirs,” but who also “soothes.” Praise God!
I want to thank the members of Messiah who attended a listening session, the finance committee members who gave countless hours in preparing their report/recommendation, the parsonage committee who have worked enthusiastically to find the best path forward, and to the council itself for the extra time that was required of them these past few weeks. Finally, I thank everyone who prayed, thanking God for sending his Holy Spirit among us.
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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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.
