MESSIAH MESSAGE Love God. Love People. Serve Others.
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
APRIL 2022
MESSIAH MESSAGE Love God. Love People. Serve Others.
Hidden Gems
Michigan, here we come! While I’ve driven through, I’ve never visited before. Soon, we’ll be spending a
week near Traverse City, so I’m excited to see the beauty that I hear so much about. The fact that we’ve
never been there is exactly why we’re going with family this summer. Whenever we travel on vacation,
Alex and I have a lot of unwritten rules that would probably drive most people insane. For instance, we
can’t stay in the same place twice, no matter how much we liked it. I drive to the destination, while she
drives after we arrive. Sometimes, we even go out of our way to drive through towns with funny sounding
names. It seems that after every trip, we wind up with another quirky rule for the next vacation. My
favorite one is that we never eat at chain restaurants, which forces us to experience local favorites.
I’ve never resonated with the idea of being “busy” on vacation. We take the scenic route. We take our
time. We are also complete suckers for all the tourist traps. Sometimes, I wish I could apply this vacation
mentality to my life when I’m back home. As my personality dictates, I’m always on the move. I wonder if
also you feel like you’re moving from one activity to another, while juggling a hundred balls in the air? It
can be challenging to slow down and appreciate the details of God’s creation. The beauty around us is
often easy to miss. But for some reason, I don’t miss it on vacation. Why? I think it’s because I’m
intentional about slowing down. Decisions are made that I normally wouldn’t make. For example, we
might pull-over and pick wild owers, which is something that I would never do if I had somewhere else to
be.
God travels with us always, but we feel God’s presence a whole lot more when we seek it. God smiles
when we turn onto a road that we’ve never been down. God is with us when we try something new and
go somewhere di erent. For me, torture looks like days that are stuck on repeat. Worship, where God
promises to meet us, is most life-giving when we are expected to seek God through a variety of
experiences and styles that we may never have experienced before. At Messiah, we try new things. We
get excited about experiencing God in new ways. We don’t experiment with new ideas because there’s
anything wrong with how things have been done before, but because the Holy Spirit thrives outside the
ruts that are created by routine. Let’s pick a Sunday to Worship at the Rotary Camp, let’s grove to a
Motown inspired hymn, let’s build solar panels in our blackout and provide energy for the surrounding
community. It’s up to us what we do. What dictates which direction we go is our passions. I hope you’re
listening for where the Holy Spirit is calling us. All I’m certain of is that we can’t play it safe. I know that
doing the same thing will produce the same results.
The thing about eating at local dives, staying at di erent places, and visiting new towns, is that
sometimes it is a major disappointment. We choose the familiar because we know what to expect.
Sticking with the same-old, same-old is comfortable. However, in my experience, the hidden treasures
are worth it. We’re seeking the gems, where God is easily accessible. It can be tough to nd, but Christ
will lead us there. God will light our path so that we never have to be afraid of the unknown and the
destinations yet to be seen. Listen, listen God is calling.
Peace,
Pr. Lucas McSurley
Email: pastor@messiahlutheran.cc
Cell: 937-725-5587
Blog: revre ections.com
fl
ff
fl
ff
fi
Messiah Message
At a Glance...
Lenten Soup Supper - Wed, Mar. 9 - April 6 at 6pm
Fish Fry - Fri, April 8 from 4-7pm
Make it & Take it Crafting - Sat, April 9 from 2-7pm
Community Expo - Sat. April 2 from 10am-4pm
Youth Bread Making - Sun, April 3 from 11am-2pm
Church Clean Up - Sun, April 10 from 11am-2pm
Cooking Class - Mon, April 11 from 6-7:30pm
Good Friday - April 15 at 7pm
Easter Potluck Breakfast - Sun, April 17 at 9am
Church Movie Night “Father Stu” - Wed, April 20 at 7pm
Bridal Fair Expo - Sat, April 30 from 10am-4pm
Pub Theology - Thurs, May 5 at 7pm
Mother’s Day Brunch - Sat, May 7 from 10:30-2:30pm
Make it & Take it Crafting - Sat, May 14 from 2-7pm
Music Recital - Sun, May 15 at 3pm
Messiah’s Constitutional Convention - Sun, May 15 at 11am
Memorial Day Parade - Mon, May 30 at 9am
Memorial Wall Fundraiser - Sun, June 12 at 11am
Recurring Ministries
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
10am - Warm-up 10am - Bible 8am - Serving at 11:00am - Women’s 8am - Men’s 9am - Learning
Portage Lakes Green Good Neighbors Brunch Bunch Bible Study Hour *Social Hall
Study *Social Hall
9am - Property *2nd Thursday *3rd Saturday
6:30pm Children Maintenance 10am - Conversations
9am - Choir
of Alcoholics Gathering *Sanctuary
12pm - AA
6pm - Steps Beyond 10am - Worship
7:00 Boy Scouts 5:30pm Grief
*Sanctuary
Support
* 1st of the month
6pm - AA
Sunday Youth Bread
April 10 Making
11am-2pm Sunday, April 3rd
From 11am-2pm
Friday Fish Fry
April 8th from 4-7pm, $15
Bring your family with you on Easter Sunday!
Together, we’ll enjoy a pot-luck style breakfast at
9am. We’re encouraging people to either bring a
breakfast casserole, quiche, or a bowl of fruit. Good Friday Gather for a
Worship of
April 15 @ 7pm darkness as
our Choir
carries us
EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP through the
heaviness of
APRIL 17 @ 10:00am the Cross.
Community Easter Egg Hunt!
Saturday, April 16 Hunts, games, snacks,
From 11am-1pm egg Decorating, and FUN!
* Note time change
HOME COMMUNION
Pastor Lucas is more than happy to bring
communion to our shut-ins. As you can
imagine, this list of people has gotten a lot Monday April 11. 6-7:30pm. Led by D&M Grill
longer since Covid. Once you’re put on the
list, pastor tries to see
everyone once a
month. You’re always
welcome to give him
a call. Even if you’re
not a shut-in, give
him a call. If you have
a prayer concern,
give him a call. You Lenten Wednesday
just want to say hello,
give him a call. He’d Join us Wednesday nights! during
love to hear from There is no doubt about it, hybrid
you! ministry is here to stay. Together, we will
discuss ways to take advantage of this new
ministry context as we move forward.
Soup - 6pm, Discussion - 6:30pm
Conversations Worship - 7pm (finished by 7:30pm)
This is for you! What is it? It’s a time to enjoy
yourself in conversation with friends… even Pastor Lucas would love to have
some you haven’t met yet. It’s for women, a couple people from Messiah
men… people. If you are a, “people”, you join him for Worship at St. Luke’s
qualify. It will be fun! Just two rules #1. No Wednesday mornings at 11am. It
politics #2 no religion. If you want to defend can be as simple as sitting with
your favorite food … have at it. them. Let Pastor know if you’re
interested in serving in this way.
When? Thursday from 10am-11am. We meet
right here at Messiah. Who to blame or contact:
Darryl Kinion 406-551-3812.
Shine Our Light Campaign Music
Council leadership has plans to initiate a campaign to shine our
light! At our Council’s Leadership Advance, we focused on our
Recital
goal to welcome new folks, which involves making sure our
outdoor facility is as welcoming as it can be. Thus, we’re adding
lights! Be on the lookout for more information about raising funds
to add lighting around the parking lot and building. We’re also
planning to add new lighting in the Community Rec Center. Sunday, May 15 @ 3:00pm
Lighting not only makes our space more inviting, it keeps our
members and guests safe. In addition to lighting, we’re hoping to Moriah Sprit’s students are working
repair our Air Conditioning Unit in the Sanctuary. We also are hard preparing enjoyable music. You’re
preparing a long-term solution to our parking lot. We’re
anticipating a goal of raising $150,000. More details soon! invited to come and support them!
Grief Support Group Sharing is Caring!
Otherwise known as “Not
By Choice,” we will meet As you know, we have a lot of ministry groups that use
on the rst Wednesday of our space. We also have a lot of people renting our
each month at 5:30pm. We building. It’s deeply important that we foster a
are all grieving. We are all community that values generosity. The Fellowship
seeking closure and ways Committee holds the responsibility of keeping our
to process.
cabinets lled with the supplies that we need to do
ministry. We ask outside groups renting our building to
provide their own supplies. For the bene t of the
Co ee Collection community, it is much preferred that members give the
As always, Messiah money that they would otherwise spend on speci c
continues to collect coffee items, to the Church. Though last-minute planning can
for Haven of Rest. Don’t sometimes happen, but everything bought should done
forget to bring coffee with you on Sunday through the committee process. If you do buy
or drop it in Gathering Grounds during something, please submit a reimbursement form. This
of ce hours. helps us keep track of how much it costs to do ministry.
It also is a way to signify that what you purchased now
belongs to the Church. If it belongs to the Church, that
Brunch Bunch WMLC means it is no longer ours and belongs to God.
The women of Messiah’s next meeting
will be Thursday, April 14 at 11:00am.
Lunch at the Ramp
Cookie Sunday
Men’s Bible Study Beginning on April, we’ll begin having Cookie Sunday every week
after Worship. Some of our ministry groups will each take a Sunday
We will meet in the Community Rec Center to provide cookies (or snacks). Fellowship is more important now
at 8am. Stay tuned for an email giving a than ever!
date. We’d love to welcome you for
breakfast and fellowship. Please connect Schedule:
with Mark Ludrosky with further questions.
1st Sunday - Youth & Choir
2nd Sunday - Women’s Group
3rd Sunday - Men’s Bible Study
New Church Office Hours! 4th Sunday - Adult Sunday School &
MON, TUES, WED, THURS, 8am - 4pm Tuesday Morning Bible Study
5th Sunday - Council & Pastor
fi
ff
fi
fi
fi
fi
Sunday, May 15
at 11:00am Constitutional
Convention
Every few years, it’s important
for Messiah to come together
and make sure our Church
Constitution still applies to our
context. Some adaptations are mundane and
Parade! Monday, May 30th straightforward, others have to do with shifting an
emphasis in structural architectural. Join us as we hold
a vote. You will receive a detailed list of constitutional
adjustments soon. If you’d like a full Constitution, one
can be provided to you.
Messiah’s Military
Service Wall & Memorial
Join us on Sunday, June 12 after Worship. Church
We are holding a fundraiser event for our Movie Night!
memorial wall (located outside by the Tune into Q&A as we
memorial garden) and our member service Father Stu explore social,
wall (located inside on the wall leading into theological, and
the Community Rec Center). You’re invited Wednesday, April 20 everyday issues
to add a name of a loved one outside, and if @ 7:00pm
related to faith.
they are/were a member of Messiah, they RSVP with Pastor Lucas
will get a picture hung indoors. On Sunday Currently found on
June 12th, we will hear a courageous life our Facebook page.
story and enjoy a light lunch together. In
your email, and through the Church O ce,
you will receive a form that asks for the
service member’s information.
Learning Series
Gender & Sexuality
Sundays @ 9am
June 12 - July 31
In-person & Zoom (RSVP for a Zoom invitation). Beginning in May, join
A Church that does not address the Pastor Lucas on the rst
current issues of its time is an irrelevant Thursday of every month
Church. Together, we will listen to one at 7pm! We’ll gather at
Valor Home is a local charity that supports another, grow, and share our ideas on how
Caston & Main to wrestle
veterans in nding and retaining permanent Jesus might respond to our evolving
world. with theology and enjoy
housing. Each name that is added to our
a beverage!
wall, Messiah will make a donation to
support their mission. We hope to hear from
a Valor Home representative on June 12th.
Come, Make a Friend at These Events!
Make It & Take It Crafting (RSVP)
APRIL 9
Eagle Scout Flag Project
Take home 15” Lazy Susan, catered lunch. 2-7pm, $40
Bridal Fair Expo
APRIL 30 Over 40 vendors, lunch available. 10am-4pm
Recently, Church Council approved Luke
Ludrosky’s upcoming Eagle Scout Project to
Mother’s Day Brunch
place an impressive American ag beside our May 7
Catered lunch & pampering vendors. 10:30-2:30pm, $40
memorial garden. We’re excited to support him
and more details will be shared soon! Make it & take It Crafting (RSVP)
May 14 Charcuterie Table and desserts. 6-9pm, $30
fi
fi
fl
ffi
Messiah Lutheran Church
Appreciation Reception! Council Agend
March 2022
You’re invited you to show our appreciation for Becky Pataki on Devotions (Lucas
Sunday, May 1st at 11am. Recently, Becky shared that she will Eagle Scout Project (Luke)
of cially be stepping down in her role as Of ce Administrator. She - Approve ag pole proposal
has added a great deal of work ethic, attention to detail, and spirit Director Of Community Engagement (Shelly
of hospitality around the of ce. As a teammate, she will be deeply - Quarterly update
missed and impossible to replace. However, we’re looking forward
Stewardship (Jeff, Carl
to watching her thrive in other areas of the church, such as Church
Council and Evangelism Chair. We are extremely grateful that she’ll - Next step with Capital Campaign
- Update on Stewardship software
be staying on through Holy Week. Her last day in the of ce will be President (Laura
Wednesday, April 27th. Please join us on May 1st to show our
- Staff Evaluations at the end of April
sincerest gratitude for her dedication to Messiah over the years.
Transitions are always challenging, but I’m con dent that God will Fellowship (Mark
be at work while we make adjustments. - Cookie Sunday every wee
- Reception for Becky on May 1st
A Word from Becky Social (Dianne)
- Interest in backpack ministry
- Scheduling Food Bank volunteering
Dear Messiah Family, - We had one person utilize our donation
station, there is an interest in people
I am thankful for the kind consideration and opportunity to be wanting to donate
employed at Messiah. After thoughtful prayer, I believe God has led
Evangelism (Becky
me to the decision to step down from my position as Of ce
- Process for following up with visitors
Administrator. After having my income tax completed for the rst
time in 50 plus years, I was limited to the deduction I was able to Property (Jack)
- Campus cleanup
use. I was able to take only my church offerings when ling my - Fix our two leak
taxes. With the new laws, this makes the most sense for me. I was - Replacing carpet with complete
told it would be even more next year. Also, my sisters and I recently - Lighting project is in motion for CRC
sold my parents home, which poses another tax consideration. The - Social remode
timing of Easter works well for my schedule and the church’s to Worship & Music (Beth)
wrap up my responsibilities. - Holy Week Schedule
I have thoroughly enjoyed working here and appreciate all the help Discipleship (Jim)
- Changing to “Discipleship” to “Youth &
and encouragement that each of you have given me in this role. I
Education
am not leaving the church and I will continue to serve on Church - Easter Egg Hunt, April 16th from 1-3pm
Council and as the Evangelism Chair. In fact, I believe this move - VBS one-day on July 24
will free up my time to volunteer, travel, and serve the church in Pastor (Lucas)
other ways that I enjoy. Once again, thank you for the opportunity! - Date for Council Installment Managing
- Pastoral care needs
- Of ce dynamics post Becky
Sincerely,
Becky Pataki Prayer
SUMMER SERMON SERIES
Each sermon from June through July will explore the story of the Prodigal Son from
the perspective of each character. By the end, we will know by heart Luke 15:11-32.
June 12 - The Pharisees & Scribes June 19 - The Younger Son
June 26 - The Father July 3 - The Older Son
July 10 - The Farmer July 17 - The Slaves
July 24 - The Prostitutes July 31 - The Friends
fi
fi
fl
a
”
)
)
)
l
)
s
)
k
fi
)
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
fi
Worship Attendance Worship Readings HAPPY
February
April BIRTHDAY!
3 - 1st Reading: Isaiah 43:16-21
6 - 65 online 44 in-person 2nd Reading: Phil. 3:4b-14
13 - 103 online 51 in-person Gospel: John 12:1-8 April
20 - 55 online 40 in-person 2 Florence Putz
10 -1st Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a8
27 - 49 online 40 in-person 2nd Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 3 Don Spear
Gospel: Luke 5 Brittany Zager
March
2 - 61 online 33 in-person 17 - 1st Reading: 9 Allison Hughes
6 - 104 online 52 in-person 2nd Reading: Avery Sanders
13 - 57 online 40 in-person Gospel: Luke 10 Presley Reed
20 - 103 online 55 in-person 14 Tyler Pellikan
27 - 67 online 51 in-person 24- 1st Reading: Acts 5:27-32
2nd Reading: Revelations 1:4-9 15 Jaclyn Cain
Gospel: John 20:19-31 17 Kelly France
Ralph Burkey
18 Brian Richmond
Messiah Lutheran Church Finances January - February 2022
19 Courtney Bennett
Income Expense Income - Expense
John Riddle
$400,000
Income is $3,800 less than budget. Primarily, Building Rental fell short. 20 Seth Stennett
Expense is $900 over budget. Primarily Utilities over budget Linda Wine
Balance is $4,700 deficit vs budget.
$350,000 $350,000
23 Kelly Ward
$350,000
Jordan Pellikan
24 Erin Jackson
26 Owen Cain
$300,000 29 Kelly Sanders
30 Bill Freund
Bob Porter
$250,000
Anniversaries
$200,000
APRIL
8 Dr. David & Stacey Jackson
27 Bill & Vikki Schmeidel
$150,000
What is Pastor Reading
This Month?
$100,000
After Jesus, Before Christianity
by Erin Vearncombe
$48,600
$50,000
$38,400
$47,700
Church of the Wild by Victoria
$34,600
Loorz
$0 Voices Long Silenced: Women
$0
Biblical Interpreters Through
($14,000)
($9,300) the Centuries by Joy
Schroeder & Marion Ann
($50,000) Taylor
Year To Date Actual Year To Date Budget Annual Budget
You can also read
