Greetings in Christ to all,
Our Lenten theme this year is taken from the prayer attributed to St. Francis, “Lord, Make Us Instruments of Your Peace.” We will study this prayer with the help of a book by the same name written by Kent Nerburn. Due to a Thrivent Action Team grant, Messiah will give this book to the first 25 folks who call the church to reserve their copy. Starting on Ash Wednesday, in early March you are invited to hear a chapter read and discussed from 11:30-12:30 by Zoom filmed in the worship area. If COVID settles down, people could also come into the church.
Many of us first heard of Kent Nerburn through reading Neither Wolf Nor Dog. His book helped us see the need for ongoing learning and ongoing healing within relationships we have with our Native American sisters and brothers. Some of the history that never got told holds such deep wounds. We are discovering that unless the truth of the pain gets told, the healing is much less likely to happen.
This could also be true with African American history. During my January continuing education Civil Rights Pilgrimage, we got to hear Carolyn McKinstry tell us what it was like (at age 15) to be friends with the four little girls who were killed when members of the KKK bombed Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church in 1963. Similar to war veterans who rarely share war stories, but suffer silently; Carolyn told us that no one talked about this for 25 years within her church or at home. Her life changed forever when she received a phone call on the 25th Anniversary of the bombing (1988).
Carolyn, (now 73) is still dedicating her life to telling the story. Carolyn has refined her main message which is: our country is in ongoing need of reconciliation and forgiveness. She encouraged us to follow the Lord’s Prayer line, Forgve us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Be an ambassador for love, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Our Lenten theme (asking God to make us interments of peace) goes well with The last few lines of McKinstry’s book: While The World Watched:
"For many years we have seen the effects of hate on our world. Now is the time to prove what love will do. One day at a time, one individual at a time, and one act of kindness at a time, we can heal the world. We mist stop watching and begin healing."
I am grateful to have the opportunity every year to have continuing education. Thank you for “sending me” so to speak. By God’s grace and the Holy Spirit, may we all continue learning, being curious, saying we don’t know, and trusting God to open our hearts and minds.
Love in Christ, Pastor Nancy
Our Lenten theme this year is taken from the prayer attributed to St. Francis, “Lord, Make Us Instruments of Your Peace.” We will study this prayer with the help of a book by the same name written by Kent Nerburn. Due to a Thrivent Action Team grant, Messiah will give this book to the first 25 folks who call the church to reserve their copy. Starting on Ash Wednesday, in early March you are invited to hear a chapter read and discussed from 11:30-12:30 by Zoom filmed in the worship area. If COVID settles down, people could also come into the church.
Many of us first heard of Kent Nerburn through reading Neither Wolf Nor Dog. His book helped us see the need for ongoing learning and ongoing healing within relationships we have with our Native American sisters and brothers. Some of the history that never got told holds such deep wounds. We are discovering that unless the truth of the pain gets told, the healing is much less likely to happen.
This could also be true with African American history. During my January continuing education Civil Rights Pilgrimage, we got to hear Carolyn McKinstry tell us what it was like (at age 15) to be friends with the four little girls who were killed when members of the KKK bombed Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church in 1963. Similar to war veterans who rarely share war stories, but suffer silently; Carolyn told us that no one talked about this for 25 years within her church or at home. Her life changed forever when she received a phone call on the 25th Anniversary of the bombing (1988).
Carolyn, (now 73) is still dedicating her life to telling the story. Carolyn has refined her main message which is: our country is in ongoing need of reconciliation and forgiveness. She encouraged us to follow the Lord’s Prayer line, Forgve us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Be an ambassador for love, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Our Lenten theme (asking God to make us interments of peace) goes well with The last few lines of McKinstry’s book: While The World Watched:
"For many years we have seen the effects of hate on our world. Now is the time to prove what love will do. One day at a time, one individual at a time, and one act of kindness at a time, we can heal the world. We mist stop watching and begin healing."
I am grateful to have the opportunity every year to have continuing education. Thank you for “sending me” so to speak. By God’s grace and the Holy Spirit, may we all continue learning, being curious, saying we don’t know, and trusting God to open our hearts and minds.
Love in Christ, Pastor Nancy
Join us in the courtyard of Washburn City Hall for a weekly gathering to discuss next steps we can take in the fight for racial justice in our region.
This week we will hear brief educational presentations from local young activists and then transition to an “Open Space” gathering where we can self-organize into topics and actions that we’re most interested in. Our goal is to help spur the formation of affinity groups that can organize their own projects and actions while being supported by the broader group and by mentorship of local organizers.
Bring your ideas—for actions, study materials, and community needs that we can work to address. We encourage you to do some introspection before attending: Who are the voices in our community who remain unheard? How can we invite each other in to this shared work? How can you contribute? What are your own biases and emotional triggers? How can we be better listeners?
Feel free to bring a protest sign to show passersby why we are gathered. Please wear a mask. Invite others who may be interested in getting involved. We will be holding weekly gatherings in Washburn, so if you can’t make it this week, we hope to see you a following week! Thank you!
Next Meeting Thursday, June 25 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm.
https://www.facebook.com/events/555178252031006
This week we will hear brief educational presentations from local young activists and then transition to an “Open Space” gathering where we can self-organize into topics and actions that we’re most interested in. Our goal is to help spur the formation of affinity groups that can organize their own projects and actions while being supported by the broader group and by mentorship of local organizers.
Bring your ideas—for actions, study materials, and community needs that we can work to address. We encourage you to do some introspection before attending: Who are the voices in our community who remain unheard? How can we invite each other in to this shared work? How can you contribute? What are your own biases and emotional triggers? How can we be better listeners?
Feel free to bring a protest sign to show passersby why we are gathered. Please wear a mask. Invite others who may be interested in getting involved. We will be holding weekly gatherings in Washburn, so if you can’t make it this week, we hope to see you a following week! Thank you!
Next Meeting Thursday, June 25 from 5:00pm to 6:30pm.
https://www.facebook.com/events/555178252031006
Bill Maki's Messiah Memories
Written by Keith Holm
It was on a snowy wintery mix day when I met Bill for coffee at CoCo’s. We had never
met before. Fortunately he was the only customer in the place at the time, so it was easy for me to pick him out. We spent a little over an hour together. I am grateful for the time we spent together, and for the coffee. This is his story.
Bill and his wife Karen joined Emanuel Lutheran Church in1966. Emanuel was a mission church. It was struggling. There weren’t enough members to support the church. Bill was vice president of the Church council at the time merger was under discussion. Emanuel Lutheran was in a different synod than Christ Lutheran. While we laugh about the Norwegians merging with the Swedes, the vote was more about voting to stay with one Synod or another. Ultimately by a very narrow margin the decision was that Emmanuel would go with Christ Lutheran’s Synod and the merger was the result. When asked if there were “issues” between Norwegian’s and Swedes, he smiled and said, “Not really. And if there were any, they quickly went away after the merger.”
One of the stipulations of the merger was that both existing pastors would leave and that the new church would call a new pastor. Bill was on the call Committee that called Messiah’s first Pastor, Ron Hanson. “I was the first one from Messiah to talk to Pastor Ron when he was serving a church in Milwaukee.” Bill has great memories of Ron and spoke highly of his ability to bring people together and make the merger work.
“The merger was a success. Sunday services were filled,” he said proudly. He remembers often having to sit in the balcony because there were so many people at special services and sometimes regular services. Also he remembers placing chairs in the center isle for special services. He would like to see more people on Sundays in church.
Bill was very involved in the new church. He was Church Council President for two terms. Money was always tight and he would often make presentations to the congregation to help them understand
how money was raised and spent. He once suggested that the Church’s financial challenges could be solved if every member increased their weekly contribution by one or two dollars. It pleased him to see the checks that came in after that with one or two more bucks added on. He believes that a church has to be run like a business.
His favorite Messiah memory is the merger. He is very proud of having provided financial reports to church members and reports of Synod meetings as Messiah’s representative. He was very proud of
Messiah’s contribution to Synod missions. He said, “Messiah’s per-capita contributions to Synod missions were higher than any other congregation at the time.”
Bill and Karen moved out of the area in 1983 and returned in 1995. When asked if he considered joining a church other than Messiah when they returned, he replied, “Not for a minute.”
He’d like to see the congregation expand. In the future he would like to see more young families involved in the church. He made a point to mention young athletes who were in the final four and in pro football who were ELCA members. He would like to see more of these stories shared with young people. He suggests that it would be nice for members to hear more about Messiah’s ministries from current committee members. “It’s great to let folks know what’s happening in and around the Church. Members like information. It helps keep the church viable.”
met before. Fortunately he was the only customer in the place at the time, so it was easy for me to pick him out. We spent a little over an hour together. I am grateful for the time we spent together, and for the coffee. This is his story.
Bill and his wife Karen joined Emanuel Lutheran Church in1966. Emanuel was a mission church. It was struggling. There weren’t enough members to support the church. Bill was vice president of the Church council at the time merger was under discussion. Emanuel Lutheran was in a different synod than Christ Lutheran. While we laugh about the Norwegians merging with the Swedes, the vote was more about voting to stay with one Synod or another. Ultimately by a very narrow margin the decision was that Emmanuel would go with Christ Lutheran’s Synod and the merger was the result. When asked if there were “issues” between Norwegian’s and Swedes, he smiled and said, “Not really. And if there were any, they quickly went away after the merger.”
One of the stipulations of the merger was that both existing pastors would leave and that the new church would call a new pastor. Bill was on the call Committee that called Messiah’s first Pastor, Ron Hanson. “I was the first one from Messiah to talk to Pastor Ron when he was serving a church in Milwaukee.” Bill has great memories of Ron and spoke highly of his ability to bring people together and make the merger work.
“The merger was a success. Sunday services were filled,” he said proudly. He remembers often having to sit in the balcony because there were so many people at special services and sometimes regular services. Also he remembers placing chairs in the center isle for special services. He would like to see more people on Sundays in church.
Bill was very involved in the new church. He was Church Council President for two terms. Money was always tight and he would often make presentations to the congregation to help them understand
how money was raised and spent. He once suggested that the Church’s financial challenges could be solved if every member increased their weekly contribution by one or two dollars. It pleased him to see the checks that came in after that with one or two more bucks added on. He believes that a church has to be run like a business.
His favorite Messiah memory is the merger. He is very proud of having provided financial reports to church members and reports of Synod meetings as Messiah’s representative. He was very proud of
Messiah’s contribution to Synod missions. He said, “Messiah’s per-capita contributions to Synod missions were higher than any other congregation at the time.”
Bill and Karen moved out of the area in 1983 and returned in 1995. When asked if he considered joining a church other than Messiah when they returned, he replied, “Not for a minute.”
He’d like to see the congregation expand. In the future he would like to see more young families involved in the church. He made a point to mention young athletes who were in the final four and in pro football who were ELCA members. He would like to see more of these stories shared with young people. He suggests that it would be nice for members to hear more about Messiah’s ministries from current committee members. “It’s great to let folks know what’s happening in and around the Church. Members like information. It helps keep the church viable.”
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!
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.
Past Messages from Pastor Nancy
Dear friends in Christ,
On Sunday morning after the January 23 Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser we heard Carol Salminen say how overwhelmed with gratitude she was. At this writing over 6000 dollars have come in. I hear comments like these: “We are so happy that as a community we can make a difference in someone’s life. We are so thankful we had an opportunity to be part of the body of Christ through Messiah.”
Within our hearts is a desire to give. Carol would say it is by the grace of God, that she is able to give each day. When she is making blankets for animals or tying quilts, or coordinating the monthly second Thursday group who meets on Tuesdays, she finds meaning. She leans on God’s Holy Spirit to help her through each day. She is a giver. Being the receiver is harder; however; to be the body of Christ, it is probably best when we are both! Too much giving or too much receiving feels out of balance. Carol says that she has received more than she could ever give. I disagree. When Carol smiles at someone at the IGA, or gives a sincere thank you to her drivers, Carol is giving back. The driver goes home thankful! Please pray that we can grow in learning about this circle of giving and receiving as a body of Christ.
May we remember that we love and give because God first loved and gave for us! To keep on living and giving, it is vital to stay connected to God, the Source of Love! You will have a new chance to grow in Christ’s love and light during the upcoming Lenten season. As you read this, please go to your calendar and circle February 10! This is Ash Wednesday! Messiah hosts Ash Wednesday worship where you will start your Lenten journey by hearing choir music and a reflection by Rev. Teena Racheli and by receiving the sign of the cross in ash on your forehead.
What is new about Lent this year? Rather than midweek Lenten worship services, we will have midweek Lenten Bible studies! We will watch Rev. Adam Hamilton deliver a message (on DVD) about the gospel of John. Then, the group will discuss a portion of John’s gospel. We are doing this along with Washburn United Methodist and Saint Louis Catholic Churches. Come to the first study which will be before Ash Wednesday worship, at 5:30 pm in Messiah’s basement. There is no Wednesday with the Word on Ash Wednesday. Families are encouraged to come to Messiah for the Ash Wednesday Worship at 7:00 pm., to the Bible Study that starts at 5:30 pm or both!
Lent is a time to intentionally journey with Christ to the cross. Easter Sunday is so much richer when we spend more time in the Bible, in prayer, in silence and in fellowship. Prayerfully ask God how you can make this Lent a time when you are the closest to Christ you’ve ever been.
Love in Christ, Pastor Nancy
P.S. Please also Mark Your Calendar so you attend the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 14. The church council members have been praying over a new mission action plan and will share some of this with you on February 14! Stay for potluck coffee fellowship!
(February - March 2016)
On Sunday morning after the January 23 Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser we heard Carol Salminen say how overwhelmed with gratitude she was. At this writing over 6000 dollars have come in. I hear comments like these: “We are so happy that as a community we can make a difference in someone’s life. We are so thankful we had an opportunity to be part of the body of Christ through Messiah.”
Within our hearts is a desire to give. Carol would say it is by the grace of God, that she is able to give each day. When she is making blankets for animals or tying quilts, or coordinating the monthly second Thursday group who meets on Tuesdays, she finds meaning. She leans on God’s Holy Spirit to help her through each day. She is a giver. Being the receiver is harder; however; to be the body of Christ, it is probably best when we are both! Too much giving or too much receiving feels out of balance. Carol says that she has received more than she could ever give. I disagree. When Carol smiles at someone at the IGA, or gives a sincere thank you to her drivers, Carol is giving back. The driver goes home thankful! Please pray that we can grow in learning about this circle of giving and receiving as a body of Christ.
May we remember that we love and give because God first loved and gave for us! To keep on living and giving, it is vital to stay connected to God, the Source of Love! You will have a new chance to grow in Christ’s love and light during the upcoming Lenten season. As you read this, please go to your calendar and circle February 10! This is Ash Wednesday! Messiah hosts Ash Wednesday worship where you will start your Lenten journey by hearing choir music and a reflection by Rev. Teena Racheli and by receiving the sign of the cross in ash on your forehead.
What is new about Lent this year? Rather than midweek Lenten worship services, we will have midweek Lenten Bible studies! We will watch Rev. Adam Hamilton deliver a message (on DVD) about the gospel of John. Then, the group will discuss a portion of John’s gospel. We are doing this along with Washburn United Methodist and Saint Louis Catholic Churches. Come to the first study which will be before Ash Wednesday worship, at 5:30 pm in Messiah’s basement. There is no Wednesday with the Word on Ash Wednesday. Families are encouraged to come to Messiah for the Ash Wednesday Worship at 7:00 pm., to the Bible Study that starts at 5:30 pm or both!
Lent is a time to intentionally journey with Christ to the cross. Easter Sunday is so much richer when we spend more time in the Bible, in prayer, in silence and in fellowship. Prayerfully ask God how you can make this Lent a time when you are the closest to Christ you’ve ever been.
Love in Christ, Pastor Nancy
P.S. Please also Mark Your Calendar so you attend the Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 14. The church council members have been praying over a new mission action plan and will share some of this with you on February 14! Stay for potluck coffee fellowship!
(February - March 2016)
From Our Council President
I’m amazed by all that is done by our little church! Clearly all of the accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without our hard-working dedicated members. In the past two months over $10,000 was raised to support members in need of help. Our serving groups help with meals for funerals and other events. Heaven’s Helping Hands provides meals to those who often can’t make them on their own. They provide financial help to veterans groups. They provide rides to doctors and hospitals when they can. Our Youth ministry is touching the lives of young people and their families. There are potlucks, chicken dinners, youth events, education programs on timely topics, Sunday services, our wonderful choir and so much more happening at Messiah.
Good things happen at Messiah because there are many helping hands. It also takes cold hard cash to pay the bills and keep our doors open. This year, the Council approved a deficit budget. We have cut expenses everywhere we can. So we have a job to do. You will be seeing a few more fundraisers this year and new events that will help get us in the black. Messiah relies on the generosity of our members through their financial gifts. After doing the math on our budget, If everyone increased their weekly giving by one or two dollars, we would go a long way to eliminating the deficit. We also have capital expense needs. On March 15th the council approved using some money from the memorial fund to pay for needed items in the basement including, paint, speakers and a new stove along with some needed updates to the parsonage. The total cost for these projects is $8,000. We have raised $3,600 in contributions to pay back the memorial fund. Donations are always welcome!
Speaking of fundraisers, we have decided to participate in Washburn’s annual community garage sale on June 18th. As spring approaches now is the perfect time to do some house cleaning and box up those items that you no longer need or use to donate them to the garage sale. We will let you know when to bring them to the church. We are also thinking about selling picnic lunches that Saturday. There’s still lots of planning to do. We will keep you updated.
On May 1st we are planning a Spring Fling Sunday. We have some great ideas in the works.
We continue to work on developing policies that will guide us in the operation and administration of Messiah’s activities. As such, the Council approved new policies regarding fundraising, the memorial fund and the endowment fund. We hope these new policies will help insure the continued success of each of these program activities. You can check out all of our approved church policies on Messiah’s website.
I’m not exactly sure how I ended up with the job of Council President. I honestly have to tell you that so far it’s been a lot of fun. I get to work with wonderful council members, volunteers, and staff. We are truly blessed! 2016 promises to be an exciting year for Messiah.
Keith Holm
(April - May 2016)
Good things happen at Messiah because there are many helping hands. It also takes cold hard cash to pay the bills and keep our doors open. This year, the Council approved a deficit budget. We have cut expenses everywhere we can. So we have a job to do. You will be seeing a few more fundraisers this year and new events that will help get us in the black. Messiah relies on the generosity of our members through their financial gifts. After doing the math on our budget, If everyone increased their weekly giving by one or two dollars, we would go a long way to eliminating the deficit. We also have capital expense needs. On March 15th the council approved using some money from the memorial fund to pay for needed items in the basement including, paint, speakers and a new stove along with some needed updates to the parsonage. The total cost for these projects is $8,000. We have raised $3,600 in contributions to pay back the memorial fund. Donations are always welcome!
Speaking of fundraisers, we have decided to participate in Washburn’s annual community garage sale on June 18th. As spring approaches now is the perfect time to do some house cleaning and box up those items that you no longer need or use to donate them to the garage sale. We will let you know when to bring them to the church. We are also thinking about selling picnic lunches that Saturday. There’s still lots of planning to do. We will keep you updated.
On May 1st we are planning a Spring Fling Sunday. We have some great ideas in the works.
We continue to work on developing policies that will guide us in the operation and administration of Messiah’s activities. As such, the Council approved new policies regarding fundraising, the memorial fund and the endowment fund. We hope these new policies will help insure the continued success of each of these program activities. You can check out all of our approved church policies on Messiah’s website.
I’m not exactly sure how I ended up with the job of Council President. I honestly have to tell you that so far it’s been a lot of fun. I get to work with wonderful council members, volunteers, and staff. We are truly blessed! 2016 promises to be an exciting year for Messiah.
Keith Holm
(April - May 2016)
Dear Members and Friends of Messiah,
In April of 2017 I hope to submit a proposal to the Lily Foundation for a sabbatical that would happen in 2018. A sabbatical is an intentional period of time that provides renewal for the pastor and the congregation. It is a time for a pastor to rest, study, reflect and sometimes travel in order to return to the congregation refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit. The topic of study will be cross-generational ministry.
Cross-generational ministry is ministry that includes all ages! The importance of cross-generational ministry hit home to me during a discussion at our June 5 church council meeting. We are thankful that our 2014-2015 strategic mission action plan goal of involving more young people is happening! While celebrating the fact that an average of 54 youth and adults attended last school-year’s Wednesday-With-the-Word youth program, Carol Salminen said, “May I say something? I am feeling quite left out in this conversation. I have nothing against youth and I understand we have to reach out to youth and young families, but what about people like me? Do we matter?” Middle-aged Carol has no spouse or children and both of her parents have died.
As soon as Carol spoke, we all knew that she was right. Travis Tulowitzky, a father of two young children, spoke up and said, “What I like best about being a part of Messiah is that here I have an extended family. Actually, I want my kids to be in a place with people of all ages and abilities, not just young families. So Carol, thank you for speaking up!”
The church council members created a 2016-2017 strategic mission plan with three areas of focus: evangelism, youth and stewardship. As we pray on how to fulfill God’s mission at Messiah, may we look for ways to include people of all ages. Notice that our upcoming Carnival on Sunday, August 14 is an “Intergenerational Carnival” at Jackie’s Field in Washburn. There will be a photo booth where you can use yours or our camera to photograph your family and friends. The more age groups represented, the more chances you will get to win the raffle prizes! There will be games for kids, but all ages can play. Jack and Arlene Peterson will be the Carnival Royalty since this field was named after Jack!
The Daniel Plan Bible study group is dreaming of having monthly Wednesday night meals with two new focuses. Not only will these meals be for kids and their parents, but also we’d love it if people of all ages would come and eat. We hope to receive a Thrivent Action Team Grant to help us buy food that is a bit more heathy which often times costs more. The dream is that we find richness in being together. Kids who don’t have grandparents near by may discover you! Younger parents may ask people who have already parented for advice. As we eat, pray, celebrate and grieve together, we will grow closer to Christ. That is the beginning of the dream. Let’s keep praying and see where God will lead us.
Love in Christ, Pastor Nancy
In April of 2017 I hope to submit a proposal to the Lily Foundation for a sabbatical that would happen in 2018. A sabbatical is an intentional period of time that provides renewal for the pastor and the congregation. It is a time for a pastor to rest, study, reflect and sometimes travel in order to return to the congregation refreshed and renewed in body, mind and spirit. The topic of study will be cross-generational ministry.
Cross-generational ministry is ministry that includes all ages! The importance of cross-generational ministry hit home to me during a discussion at our June 5 church council meeting. We are thankful that our 2014-2015 strategic mission action plan goal of involving more young people is happening! While celebrating the fact that an average of 54 youth and adults attended last school-year’s Wednesday-With-the-Word youth program, Carol Salminen said, “May I say something? I am feeling quite left out in this conversation. I have nothing against youth and I understand we have to reach out to youth and young families, but what about people like me? Do we matter?” Middle-aged Carol has no spouse or children and both of her parents have died.
As soon as Carol spoke, we all knew that she was right. Travis Tulowitzky, a father of two young children, spoke up and said, “What I like best about being a part of Messiah is that here I have an extended family. Actually, I want my kids to be in a place with people of all ages and abilities, not just young families. So Carol, thank you for speaking up!”
The church council members created a 2016-2017 strategic mission plan with three areas of focus: evangelism, youth and stewardship. As we pray on how to fulfill God’s mission at Messiah, may we look for ways to include people of all ages. Notice that our upcoming Carnival on Sunday, August 14 is an “Intergenerational Carnival” at Jackie’s Field in Washburn. There will be a photo booth where you can use yours or our camera to photograph your family and friends. The more age groups represented, the more chances you will get to win the raffle prizes! There will be games for kids, but all ages can play. Jack and Arlene Peterson will be the Carnival Royalty since this field was named after Jack!
The Daniel Plan Bible study group is dreaming of having monthly Wednesday night meals with two new focuses. Not only will these meals be for kids and their parents, but also we’d love it if people of all ages would come and eat. We hope to receive a Thrivent Action Team Grant to help us buy food that is a bit more heathy which often times costs more. The dream is that we find richness in being together. Kids who don’t have grandparents near by may discover you! Younger parents may ask people who have already parented for advice. As we eat, pray, celebrate and grieve together, we will grow closer to Christ. That is the beginning of the dream. Let’s keep praying and see where God will lead us.
Love in Christ, Pastor Nancy
Sunday School Schedule:
Remember to pass the word that all youth ages 3 to 4th grade are wanted on Sunday mornings. Parents and kids can come together for 9:00 am worship. After the children’s sermon, the youth go to the basement for Sunday School. These upcoming topics come from the Sunday morning Bible readings which are the same themes taught on Wednesdays with 5-7th graders.
February 15 Transfiguration
February 22 God’s Covenant with Noah
March 1 The Faith of Abraham
March 8 The Ten Commandments
March 15 Moses and the Bronze Serpent –Plus, skit practice starts on this day.
March 22 Jesus Predicts His Death
March 29 Palm/Passion Sunday
Youth Sunday is April 19. Sunday School youth will present a skit and song.
The last day of Sunday School this year is Sunday, May 17.
February 15 Transfiguration
February 22 God’s Covenant with Noah
March 1 The Faith of Abraham
March 8 The Ten Commandments
March 15 Moses and the Bronze Serpent –Plus, skit practice starts on this day.
March 22 Jesus Predicts His Death
March 29 Palm/Passion Sunday
Youth Sunday is April 19. Sunday School youth will present a skit and song.
The last day of Sunday School this year is Sunday, May 17.
Stone Soup
Stone Soup has been an interesting and vibrant addition to Messiah's ministry. Katherine Morrisseau coordinates this outreach program. It meets every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Each week, 20 - 25 kids and a half a dozen parents come. Under Katherine's supervision, kids and parents together prepare the meal - and learn some basic cooking skills along the way.
Remembering Irwin A. Flaten
Irwin A. Flaten passed away on March 7th in Eau Claire at the age of 87. He was Pastor at the former Christ Lutheran Church from 1956 – 1965 at which time he received a call to Colfax Lutheran at Colfax and later served the Augusta-Foster congregation. Irwin also
served as Chaplain to AODA programs in the Dunn County area. He officially retired in 1989, but then began a long Intentional Interim Ministry career, serving many congregations in the Eau Claire area and also in his home congregation in Minnesota. After 58 years of active ministry, Irwin preached his last sermon in January of 2012.
If you knew Irv, you would remember his Norwegian accent. He and his wife, Edith returned to Washburn and Messiah many times during Washburn Homecomings and they attended Lucille Nelson’s 100th birthday in April, 2011. On visits back to Messiah, our pastor would welcome him and he was always happy to stand up and greet everyone, saying, “You know it’s dangerous asking me to say a few
words…..,” well, you know the rest, but we loved to hear him.
As Pastor Flaten began his sermon, we would often hear the familiar words of the Apostle Paul, “Grace and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” and prayers began with “Heavenly Father…..” Irv and Edith were the parents of five sons, Paul, Daniel, Timothy, Mark and James. We were blessed to have had his ministry in Washburn. Our family would look forward to receiving the Flaten’s annual Christmas letter, which sometimes came in Advent and some years, it became an Epiphany letter, keeping us up to date on their sons and their families and always reminding us of God’s love and grace.
Submitted by
Shirley Haugen
served as Chaplain to AODA programs in the Dunn County area. He officially retired in 1989, but then began a long Intentional Interim Ministry career, serving many congregations in the Eau Claire area and also in his home congregation in Minnesota. After 58 years of active ministry, Irwin preached his last sermon in January of 2012.
If you knew Irv, you would remember his Norwegian accent. He and his wife, Edith returned to Washburn and Messiah many times during Washburn Homecomings and they attended Lucille Nelson’s 100th birthday in April, 2011. On visits back to Messiah, our pastor would welcome him and he was always happy to stand up and greet everyone, saying, “You know it’s dangerous asking me to say a few
words…..,” well, you know the rest, but we loved to hear him.
As Pastor Flaten began his sermon, we would often hear the familiar words of the Apostle Paul, “Grace and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” and prayers began with “Heavenly Father…..” Irv and Edith were the parents of five sons, Paul, Daniel, Timothy, Mark and James. We were blessed to have had his ministry in Washburn. Our family would look forward to receiving the Flaten’s annual Christmas letter, which sometimes came in Advent and some years, it became an Epiphany letter, keeping us up to date on their sons and their families and always reminding us of God’s love and grace.
Submitted by
Shirley Haugen
I was saddened and rejoicing to hear of Edith Flaten’s death. What a lovely person we have lost, but what a blessing for those greeting her in heaven. Edith was the pastor’s wife when I was confirmation age. She was there every Sunday morning with a string of little boys. The littlest one she usually held securely on her lap as he squirmed nonstop.
I hadn’t seen her for many years. Recently she visited and I ran into her downstairs while having coffee. I told her who I was. She told me that when she and Irv first came to Washburn, that my Grandma Naomi Cook approached her and informed her that she would be her prayer support. She added that that was a comfort to hear and she never forgot it.
That story was so wonderful. I thought leave it to Mrs. Flaten to bring kindness and warmth to me. She was like that; love, compassion, Godliness from a woman who walked quietly and humbly with our God.
May God bless her His good and faithful servant.
Written by Tom
Cook
I hadn’t seen her for many years. Recently she visited and I ran into her downstairs while having coffee. I told her who I was. She told me that when she and Irv first came to Washburn, that my Grandma Naomi Cook approached her and informed her that she would be her prayer support. She added that that was a comfort to hear and she never forgot it.
That story was so wonderful. I thought leave it to Mrs. Flaten to bring kindness and warmth to me. She was like that; love, compassion, Godliness from a woman who walked quietly and humbly with our God.
May God bless her His good and faithful servant.
Written by Tom
Cook
“It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” –
St Francis of Assissi
An Open Letter to the Congregation of Messiah Lutheran Church....
From the deepest parts of my heart, mind and soul, I give thanks to each and every one of you for everything Messiah has done for me and my family in the past 7 years.
I give thanks to a congregation who has accepted and celebrated my children and their special needs.
I give thanks to the drivers who have brought me to church and my daughter to Lions Camp.
I give thanks for the love, support and encouragement we received each time we faced a crisis.
I give thanks to Tom, our choir director, for his unflappable patience.
I give thanks to the three young ladies in Anakin's Confirmation class for the compassionate way they tried to include him in everything the class did, regardless of how difficult it was at times.
I give thanks for the opportunity to attend the Lay School of Ministry's 2 year course of study. LSM was an incredible experience that deepened my faith, strengthened my convictions, and gave me a source of comfort and support when I needed it the most. Also for the opportunity to develop and share my gifts through sermons. Each time I have given a sermon, it has been a trigger for personal and spiritual growth.
I give thanks to Heavens Helping Hands for the food, gifts and words of support our family has received over the years. Your kindness and thoughtfulness has helped me through many small moments of crisis where I felt alone and uncared for.
I give thanks to those I've had disagreements and arguments with, as you helped me learn to understand and accept the validity of points of view different from my own. I ask forgiveness of anyone I have offended.
I give thanks to Pastor Nancy, for her unfailing example of what it means to live in gratitude and grace.
I give thanks for being allowed to share my gifts through service to this congregation. I consider doing so a blessing, not a burden.
I want you all to know that I am truly grateful for every kind word and thoughtful gesture, every act and gift that has been given to me and my family.
I have only my time and my gifts to offer in return, but those are offered freely and with gratitude for
all that I have received.
Thank you.
Michelle Lampson
I give thanks to a congregation who has accepted and celebrated my children and their special needs.
I give thanks to the drivers who have brought me to church and my daughter to Lions Camp.
I give thanks for the love, support and encouragement we received each time we faced a crisis.
I give thanks to Tom, our choir director, for his unflappable patience.
I give thanks to the three young ladies in Anakin's Confirmation class for the compassionate way they tried to include him in everything the class did, regardless of how difficult it was at times.
I give thanks for the opportunity to attend the Lay School of Ministry's 2 year course of study. LSM was an incredible experience that deepened my faith, strengthened my convictions, and gave me a source of comfort and support when I needed it the most. Also for the opportunity to develop and share my gifts through sermons. Each time I have given a sermon, it has been a trigger for personal and spiritual growth.
I give thanks to Heavens Helping Hands for the food, gifts and words of support our family has received over the years. Your kindness and thoughtfulness has helped me through many small moments of crisis where I felt alone and uncared for.
I give thanks to those I've had disagreements and arguments with, as you helped me learn to understand and accept the validity of points of view different from my own. I ask forgiveness of anyone I have offended.
I give thanks to Pastor Nancy, for her unfailing example of what it means to live in gratitude and grace.
I give thanks for being allowed to share my gifts through service to this congregation. I consider doing so a blessing, not a burden.
I want you all to know that I am truly grateful for every kind word and thoughtful gesture, every act and gift that has been given to me and my family.
I have only my time and my gifts to offer in return, but those are offered freely and with gratitude for
all that I have received.
Thank you.
Michelle Lampson
Welcome our Newest Members!
Left to right: David and Darlene Anderson, Janice Allen, and Otto Korpela.
Tree of Sharing
Our Tree of Sharing is set up in the narthex and hopes to make some Christmas wishes come true. We are participating again in the AngelTree program that seeks to provide children of prisoners with a Christmas message and gift from their parent. There are tags for needy in the area with items that the person would appreciate receiving. If you want to help- Take a tag containing a 'gift wish' from the tree (angel tags for AngelTree prison ministry, Christmas tags for others), and sign your name next to the item on the clipboard. Pick up the item while you are out shopping and return the unwrapped gift with its tag by December 13. If you would like to donate some money to purchase a gift you may turn it in to the office by December 6th and we will buy the gift. It is our hope that we at Messiah can help these kids and families feel God's love at Christmas. Questions-call Linda Leis 715-373-0187.
Thank you to everyone that worked at and attended the benefit breakfast last Sunday for Bob Wolfram. You generously donated about $2400 to help Bob and Kathy. Kathy wanted to share this with all of us and posted on Facebook last week. "Alex Wolfram wrote: Thankful for all the support shown at the benefit breakfast this morning. It is great to see the lines of people waiting for a delicious breakfast provided by Thrivent Action Team and Messiah's Helping Hands. Thank you all again for the unwavering support, it really makes a a huge difference for my family!"
This Lenten community evening started with a free pizza supper at 6pm followed by an intergenerational bird feeder making event hosted by Jared and Sarah Myers. Then author Steve Schram read from his new book, Underwater Adventures with Louis and Louise. At 7pm Lenten worship began with the theme Reconciliation with Nature.
Lenten Service Began with Pizza and Bird Feeders!
Left to right: David and Darlene Anderson, Janice Allen and Otto Korpela
Messiah Votes to Become a Reconciling in Christ Congregation
February 1, 2015, At the annual meeting of the membership of Messiah Lutheran Church, members voted to approve a new welcoming statement for the Church and become a Reconciling in Christ Congregation. Messiah's new Welcoming Statement is as follows:
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 believe that God values and embraces each person as a beloved child, that the Spirit gives a diversity of gifts for the common good, and that Jesus Christ calls us to work for justice. The ministries of RIC Congregations embody, inspire, and support the acceptance and full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, their families, friends and allies, within the Lutheran communion and its ecumenical and global partners.
Messiah has a proud history of welcoming all. Being an RIC Church makes a clear, public statement that all does in fact mean all. Messiah has been ministering to the LGBT community for several years. Yet we continue to hear that there are those who are still discriminated against, still bullied at school, still estranged from family members, and there are those who still contemplate suicide because of their sexual orientation. Our statement of welcome offers these individuals a safe place of worship. They will know if something hurtful is happening in their lives that Messiah will provide help and support as part of our ongoing ministry.
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 believe that God values and embraces each person as a beloved child, that the Spirit gives a diversity of gifts for the common good, and that Jesus Christ calls us to work for justice. The ministries of RIC Congregations embody, inspire, and support the acceptance and full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, their families, friends and allies, within the Lutheran communion and its ecumenical and global partners.
Messiah has a proud history of welcoming all. Being an RIC Church makes a clear, public statement that all does in fact mean all. Messiah has been ministering to the LGBT community for several years. Yet we continue to hear that there are those who are still discriminated against, still bullied at school, still estranged from family members, and there are those who still contemplate suicide because of their sexual orientation. Our statement of welcome offers these individuals a safe place of worship. They will know if something hurtful is happening in their lives that Messiah will provide help and support as part of our ongoing ministry.
Messiah Property Owners,
We would first like to thank everyone who enabled us to raise the $20,000 for the Parsonage windows. The windows have been installed and we have enough remaining window fund money to complete the exterior electrical supply work that will be about a thousand dollars.
The windows have been ordered to replace the rotting windows in the basement of the church. These necessary window repairs will be paid for with Memorial fund money. We will also be replacing the deteriorating windows in the parsonage basement. It is hoped that this window work will be completed by early spring so that adjacent flowerbeds will not be trampled.
It is now time to turn our attention to the hallway and office carpet. This carpet is shabby and buckled. The buckling of the carpet could be looked upon as a safety hazard as come people have tripped on it. Still this project is not considered to be essential so it will not happen until the funds are raised. We will try to raise the funds for carpeting in a similar way as we did for the parsonage windows. When the funds are raised the carpeting will be installed. We have a price quote of $5,900 to replace the carpet, which includes the basement steps, all hallways from the West entrance to the South entrance, the office and the vestry. If we remove the old carpet we save $900. The support team has agreed to attempt to remove the carpet. The paint for the hallway walls has been donated by Sondra Walsh and Eric Novachek of Novaesthetics Painting has volunteered to paint the walls for free. This is good news and will be done before the carpet is installed.
Now for more good news, a matching source of funding up to $2,500 has been secured. The donors of this money have agreed to match your giving dollar for dollar up to $2,500. So if we can raise $2,500 it will be matched to equal the $5,000 needed. If we break down the 157 sq. yards of carpet needed a sq. yard would cost $31.78 installed. So why don’t you please consider paying for one or more yards of carpeting and remember with the match when you buy one yard it is like buying two. The matching money stays in effect until Memorial Day. Even if you can only buy part of a yard of carpeting it will all add up. There are two more rooms upstairs that need carpeting and that would be $1,375 more so if we exceed our $5,000 goal we would apply the excess to the two other rooms, which are rooms 104 & 107.
Please give what you can and we know Messiah can do it. If you write a check please indicate it is for the carpet fund. Cheryl Follis will keep us updated on where the fund stands. Let’s try and make this happen before this year’s Washburn homecoming.
May God Bless Messiah and you,
Support Team
We would first like to thank everyone who enabled us to raise the $20,000 for the Parsonage windows. The windows have been installed and we have enough remaining window fund money to complete the exterior electrical supply work that will be about a thousand dollars.
The windows have been ordered to replace the rotting windows in the basement of the church. These necessary window repairs will be paid for with Memorial fund money. We will also be replacing the deteriorating windows in the parsonage basement. It is hoped that this window work will be completed by early spring so that adjacent flowerbeds will not be trampled.
It is now time to turn our attention to the hallway and office carpet. This carpet is shabby and buckled. The buckling of the carpet could be looked upon as a safety hazard as come people have tripped on it. Still this project is not considered to be essential so it will not happen until the funds are raised. We will try to raise the funds for carpeting in a similar way as we did for the parsonage windows. When the funds are raised the carpeting will be installed. We have a price quote of $5,900 to replace the carpet, which includes the basement steps, all hallways from the West entrance to the South entrance, the office and the vestry. If we remove the old carpet we save $900. The support team has agreed to attempt to remove the carpet. The paint for the hallway walls has been donated by Sondra Walsh and Eric Novachek of Novaesthetics Painting has volunteered to paint the walls for free. This is good news and will be done before the carpet is installed.
Now for more good news, a matching source of funding up to $2,500 has been secured. The donors of this money have agreed to match your giving dollar for dollar up to $2,500. So if we can raise $2,500 it will be matched to equal the $5,000 needed. If we break down the 157 sq. yards of carpet needed a sq. yard would cost $31.78 installed. So why don’t you please consider paying for one or more yards of carpeting and remember with the match when you buy one yard it is like buying two. The matching money stays in effect until Memorial Day. Even if you can only buy part of a yard of carpeting it will all add up. There are two more rooms upstairs that need carpeting and that would be $1,375 more so if we exceed our $5,000 goal we would apply the excess to the two other rooms, which are rooms 104 & 107.
Please give what you can and we know Messiah can do it. If you write a check please indicate it is for the carpet fund. Cheryl Follis will keep us updated on where the fund stands. Let’s try and make this happen before this year’s Washburn homecoming.
May God Bless Messiah and you,
Support Team
Messiah would like to welcome the Martinez family - Christian, Tracy, Beverly and Mitchell; Craig Schowalter; Jim and Ginny Pederson; and Bonni Gary and Linnea Gregoire.
Summer Fun at the
Playground
Hey WWW Families! Do you want to stay connected with other church families throughout the summer? Do your children want to play with their church friends? How about if we get together on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at a playground for a bit each week? This will be an informal gathering. Come when you can. We aren’t planning food or a formal program. This is a time for the kids to blow off some steam and for the adults to say “hi” to each other. We expect lots of people to attend some weeks and on other weeks, there might not be many. Watch the weather. If you feel like the weather isn’t good for the playground, it is ok not to attend, but official announcements about cancelling the event due to the weather might not occur. We want this to be a low stress, fun activity.
We will start on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at 6:30 p.m., at the playground at the Washburn Elementary School.
This isn’t just for WWW families….any families can attend. Invite your friends!
Hey WWW Families! Do you want to stay connected with other church families throughout the summer? Do your children want to play with their church friends? How about if we get together on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at a playground for a bit each week? This will be an informal gathering. Come when you can. We aren’t planning food or a formal program. This is a time for the kids to blow off some steam and for the adults to say “hi” to each other. We expect lots of people to attend some weeks and on other weeks, there might not be many. Watch the weather. If you feel like the weather isn’t good for the playground, it is ok not to attend, but official announcements about cancelling the event due to the weather might not occur. We want this to be a low stress, fun activity.
We will start on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at 6:30 p.m., at the playground at the Washburn Elementary School.
This isn’t just for WWW families….any families can attend. Invite your friends!
Wednesday's With the Word
WWW or Wednesday’s With the Word is Messiah’s Wednesday night programming for youth and families and anyone young at heart. Our evenings begin with a free community meal at 5:30pm. After dinner, kids, age three through confirmation age (and their parents), head up to the sanctuary for a family-friendly worship that starts at 6:00pm. At 6:30pm, we finish up the evening with a half hour of classroom activity time. The focus of the sessions vary each year. All are welcome. We gladly welcome new faces to join the group. Come for part of the evening or all of it.
As always, WWW could use a few more volunteers. We especially need people who can commit to a full month or more of service. We need help in the kitchen cooking or cleaning. We need volunteers who would be interested in teaching second through fifth grade classes. Please prayerfully consider helping out in this ministry that is vital to Messiah.
As always, WWW could use a few more volunteers. We especially need people who can commit to a full month or more of service. We need help in the kitchen cooking or cleaning. We need volunteers who would be interested in teaching second through fifth grade classes. Please prayerfully consider helping out in this ministry that is vital to Messiah.
Dear Pastor Nancy,
Hi, my name is Ben Roob and I wanted to personally thank you for the special LGBTQA service held this past Thursday, February 7th. I have never attended a service like this and I loved it. Never have I before felt so welcomed within a church setting. It was a great change of pace.
I have strayed away from religion recently without any specific reason, but I think I now know why. I just couldn't participate in something where I knew I was unwelcomed. With last Thursdays
service, however, I can see myself again becoming involved, and that is truly saying something.
I especially enjoyed the presenters' readings. The grandma's poem was really something special and hit home in a big way. The other reading written by a male attendee was also very eye opening and
enjoyable.
The service as a whole, from the song choices, to the Confessions and Forgiveness, to the Affirmation of Faith, and Prayers, were all
especially geared toward the love and acceptance of all and it was so
appreciated.
I think that what you are doing is an incredibly hard task, but one that must be carried out, and I know it can be. These services held once monthly would have my attendance and is important to keep the momentum of this movement going. We are all equal, and it is about time a church was willing to recognize it.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ben Roob
Hi, my name is Ben Roob and I wanted to personally thank you for the special LGBTQA service held this past Thursday, February 7th. I have never attended a service like this and I loved it. Never have I before felt so welcomed within a church setting. It was a great change of pace.
I have strayed away from religion recently without any specific reason, but I think I now know why. I just couldn't participate in something where I knew I was unwelcomed. With last Thursdays
service, however, I can see myself again becoming involved, and that is truly saying something.
I especially enjoyed the presenters' readings. The grandma's poem was really something special and hit home in a big way. The other reading written by a male attendee was also very eye opening and
enjoyable.
The service as a whole, from the song choices, to the Confessions and Forgiveness, to the Affirmation of Faith, and Prayers, were all
especially geared toward the love and acceptance of all and it was so
appreciated.
I think that what you are doing is an incredibly hard task, but one that must be carried out, and I know it can be. These services held once monthly would have my attendance and is important to keep the momentum of this movement going. We are all equal, and it is about time a church was willing to recognize it.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ben Roob
Dear Pastor Nancy and Congregation of Messiah Lutheran Curch,
My name is Taylor Mickelson and I am a student down the bay at Northland College. I would love to thank you for the Healing Worship
service held last Thursday, February 7th.
Born, raised, and confirmed ELCA Lutheran I thought I had known church and its community. After coming out, I made a strong, distinct line between myself and the church, thinking that every small town church had no room in their hearts for me. I bounced around non-denominational churches, who insisted "to pray away the gay," which drew me further from Christ.
After attending multiple PFLAG meetings, I took a special interest in Messiah. I have never met someone in my life who radiates as much love as Pastor Nancy. After hearing about the Healing Worship via PFLAG email, a friend and I decided we'd take one last go at church and attend.
Wow--and what a breath taking experience it was! My favorite part about church is its love and sense of community, and Messiah's Healing Worship had a whole heaping lot of it. I've never come out of church feeling so positive, refreshed, rejuvenated! The sermon and hymns were so appropriate and welcoming--it was great relief.
I just wanted to thank you all so much for having the kindness and love in your gracious hearts for an all encompassing service. I would love to return, and would be so very happy if they became monthly. I can honestly say that I have gushed to my friends about this worship and they are interested in it as well, and maybe a possible service being held on Northland's campus!
Thank you again. Best,
Taylor Mickelson
My name is Taylor Mickelson and I am a student down the bay at Northland College. I would love to thank you for the Healing Worship
service held last Thursday, February 7th.
Born, raised, and confirmed ELCA Lutheran I thought I had known church and its community. After coming out, I made a strong, distinct line between myself and the church, thinking that every small town church had no room in their hearts for me. I bounced around non-denominational churches, who insisted "to pray away the gay," which drew me further from Christ.
After attending multiple PFLAG meetings, I took a special interest in Messiah. I have never met someone in my life who radiates as much love as Pastor Nancy. After hearing about the Healing Worship via PFLAG email, a friend and I decided we'd take one last go at church and attend.
Wow--and what a breath taking experience it was! My favorite part about church is its love and sense of community, and Messiah's Healing Worship had a whole heaping lot of it. I've never come out of church feeling so positive, refreshed, rejuvenated! The sermon and hymns were so appropriate and welcoming--it was great relief.
I just wanted to thank you all so much for having the kindness and love in your gracious hearts for an all encompassing service. I would love to return, and would be so very happy if they became monthly. I can honestly say that I have gushed to my friends about this worship and they are interested in it as well, and maybe a possible service being held on Northland's campus!
Thank you again. Best,
Taylor Mickelson
Archive
Forty Days of Love - Washburn Ecumenical Lenten Worship
Our Lenten Journey this year is based on the book The Love Dare, by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. As the title suggests, The Love Dare, “dares” us to examine, challenge, and with some courage and persistence, deepen our relationships with the ones we love.
With that in mind, this book is written specifically for marriages between one man and one woman with rather traditional roles for each within the marriage. Reading through this book some of us may recognize many parts of ourselves, or we may be turned off by the authors’ points of view. Our Love Dare is written for many kinds of relationships: between spouses, between partners, between children and parents, between friends, between any loving relationship through which the Love of God flows. Our dares are drawn directly from the book; despite its possible flaws (and these are a matter of opinion) it is a valuable resource. For each week in Lent, the service will reflect one of these dares and you will have the opportunity to accept one (or more) of the dares that we have chosen for that week. We’ve created three categories: The Love Dare for Partners, The love Dare for Singles, and the Love Dare for Kids.* So take the journey. I dare you. Hans Veenendaal Click here for the program introduction. Click here for week one worksheets. Week two Introduction click here. Click here for week two worksheets. Click here for week five worksheets. From Pastor Nancy: Greetings to all. This idea of doing the Love Dare for Lent has been one of my dreams. To make this dream a reality, I realized I needed help! I am so thankful that Hans Veenendaal said YES when asked to take my dream and create worksheets that would be totally inclusive. The Love dare was written for a married man/woman couple. As Hans has illustrated, “Our Love Dare is for everyone!” Please prayerfully and playfully take these challenges each week. Notice that like me, you may have a dream and realize that your dream could happen if you asked for help! Let God’s Holy Spirit lead you on this journey with Christ. It is my prayer every time Lent comes, that THIS Lent will be one of our best! May you give God time and God will take care of the rest. Love and prayers in Christ, our risen Lord, Pastor Nancy. |
Ecumenical Lenten ServicesOur Ecumenical Lenten Journey, “Forty Days of Love,” will begin on Wednesday, March 12 with worship at 6:30pm at the United Methodist Church. Please see the box below for a full schedule of all Lenten Service dates.
ECUMENICAL LENTEN SERVICE DATES
ALL SERVICES BEGIN AT 6:30 PM Wed. March 5 — Ash Wednesday Worship at Messiah Wed. March 12 — Lenten Worship @ United Methodist Wed. March 19 — Lenten Worship @ Messiah Wed. March 26 — Lenten Worship @ St Louis Wed. April 2 — Lenten Worship @ Messiah Wed. April 9 — Lenten Worship @ Methodist |
