1 First Impressions.............................1 Council Highlights……………...…..2 Prayer for Peace..............................3 Saturday Suppers…………………….3 Announcements…………………....4-7 Youth & Family News......................8 WELCA News………........................9 Treasurer’s Report.........................10 Remember in Prayer……………....11 Birthdays/Anniversaries…………..12 Insert: Messiah Calendar / Schedule The Messiah MESSENGER MISSION: “Share God’s Love with All People” First Impressions Thank you for this opportunity to join Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church during your interim ministry. I am excited for this new endeavor with you and to see what God will accomplish! I was born and raised in Salisbury, North Carolina. My Chrisan faith journey began at Salem Lutheran Church where I was bapzed and confirmed. I graduated from Lenoir- Rhyne University (ELCA) in 2000 with a degree in Biology. I aended and graduated from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (ELCA) in 2004. I served my seminary internship at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in College Staon, Texas (2002-2003). My first parish was St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Pilger, Nebraska and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Stanton, Nebraska from 2004-2008. My second call was to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Hasngs from 2008-2020. Courtney and I married in 2005 and our son Andrew was born in 2010. Courtney is the Director of Markeng and Sales and Resource Development at Good Samaritan Society—Hasngs Village. Some of my interests include late model automobiles, commercial aviaon, travel and playing tennis/exercising. As I learn my way around Messiah’s neighborhood, I know I can find my way back to Messiah by looking to the bell tower and the lighted cross at the top of the spire, and listening for the hymns playing through the new carillon . From our family, thank you for your warm welcome to Messiah and your Chrisan hospitality. I give thanks to God for you, the life-changing ministry God is doing here and the future of Messiah! Thank you for being Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church! In Christ, Rev. Steven Peeler March 2020 Volume 137 No. 3 Monthly Newsletter 2/27/2020
Transcript
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First Impressions.............................1 Council Highlights……………...…..2
MESSENGER MISSION: “Share God’s Love with All People”
First Impressions Thank you for this opportunity to join Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church during your interim ministry. I am excited for this new endeavor with you and to see what God will accomplish! I was born and raised in Salisbury, North Carolina. My Christian faith journey began at Salem Lutheran Church where I was baptized and confirmed. I graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University (ELCA) in 2000 with a degree in Biology. I attended and graduated from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (ELCA) in 2004. I served my seminary internship at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in College Station, Texas (2002-2003). My first parish was St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Pilger, Nebraska and St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Stanton, Nebraska from 2004-2008. My second call was to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Hastings from 2008-2020. Courtney and I married in 2005 and our son Andrew was born in 2010. Courtney is the Director of Marketing and Sales and Resource Development at Good Samaritan Society—Hastings Village. Some of my interests include late model automobiles, commercial aviation, travel and playing tennis/exercising. As I learn my way around Messiah’s neighborhood, I know I can find my way back to Messiah by looking to the bell tower and the lighted cross at the top of the spire, and listening for the hymns playing through the new carillon . From our family, thank you for your warm welcome to Messiah and your Christian hospitality. I give thanks to God for you, the life-changing ministry God is doing here and the future of Messiah! Thank you for being Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church! In Christ, Rev. Steven Peeler
March 2020 Volume 137 No. 3 Monthly Newsletter 2/27/2020
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MESSIAH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Congregational Leadership Team Meeting
February 10, 2020—7:00 pm
Council Highlights…
Present: Erich Fruehling, Alice Elstermeier, Brenda Kucera, Jill Lenners, Rick Stueven, Jim Elrod, Jim Fandry. Call to Order/Agenda Approval: Erich Fruehling called the meeting to order and reviewed the agenda. Addition to the agenda: Bike Repair Workshop. Jim Elrod moved to approve the agenda with this addition. Second by Alice Elstermeier. Motion Carried. Devotions: Brenda Kucera read from a devotional book called God Calling. Erich Fruehling also read a devotion about Meadowlark Moments, and recited the Messiah Mission Statement. Prayers and Correspondence: Prayers raised by Erich Fruehling: Penny Plambeck and Stu Kucera. Correspondence: thank you card from Lorraine, notecard from Georgia Stettner about how smooth and positive the Annual Congregational Meeting was, thank you note with a prayer from Father Chuck Peek and Nancy. Guest Brian Whitecalf presented idea to use Messiah as site for a spring Bike Clinic. Requested to use our storage shed for approximately 35 bikes that are currently in his yard. Career Pathways students will help with repairing bikes. In spring there will be a block party with bikes given away and repaired, and safety demonstrations. Erich Fruehling made a motion to move forward with the Leonard Bialy Bike Clinic. Second by Jim Elrod. Motion Carried. Contact Brian at: 308-390-6560 Financial Reports: Karen Niedfelt presented and discussed the financial reports. Highlights: January weekly offerings=$20,338.50. Ending balance of cash reserve=$141,952.19. January disbursements include $299.00 to the newspaper for advertising, and reimbursement for guest pastors. Committee Reports and Action Requests Alice Elstermier moved to accept the committee reports. Second by Brenda Kucera. Carried. Old Business: Feedback from the Synod Road Show was very positive! It was an excellent experience, and we shared some of the things we learned in our work-shops. Everyone enjoyed the message by Bishop Maas during the worship service at the close of the day. Many of the synod staff stayed to help with Saturday Supper following the workshop.
New Business Welcome, Jill Lenners and Rick Stueven, to Messi-
ah Church Council! Our interim pastor, Pastor Steven Peeler is going to
start moving some items into the parsonage this week.
Feb. 15 – Loads of Love, Courtney can use help Tuesday at 5:30, and Saturday from 3 - 4 pm
Feb. 16 – Carillon Bell Dedication, with history on Dr. Flippin
Feb. 16 – Fellowship Dinner, tickets available at the church office
Feb. 23 – Pastor Peeler’s 1st day. Brenda will contact HyVee about catering brunch/breakfast.
Feb. 25 – Shrove Tuesday Pancake Feed Feb. 26 – Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 pm Lenten services & meals on Wednesdays in March.
Meal starts at 5:30 pm, Services at 6:30 pm March 4 – Men’s Group March 11 – WELCA March 18 – Outreach & Social Ministry March 25 – Youth April 1 – WELCA April 9 – Maundy Thursday service at St. Stephen’s Mar. 14 – Council Retreat in the Centennial Room
9 AM—noon (invite, Laura, Karen, Courtney, & Pastor Steven)
Next Regular Council Meeting: Monday March 9 at 7 pm. Devotions will be by Jill Lenners. Adjournment/Lord’s Prayer: Jim Elrod moved to adjourn the meeting. Second by Jim Fandry. Carried. Respectfully submitted, Brenda Kucera
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SATURDAY SUPPERS “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25
Messiah Lutheran Church opens the door for a free meal every Saturday, 4:30-5:30 PM.
Volunteers Thank you to all of our volunteers from Messiah, St Stephen’s, and other churches. Your help makes this ministry possible. We will always welcome more volunteers, to either help serve at the church or deliver to the homebound 4pm—6pm each Saturday. The sign up poster is downstairs in the Fellowship Hall, near the coffee. We are currently requesting more volunteers to help deliver meals to those who are homebound. Money Gifts This ministry relies on monetary donations, which provide for a substantial part of the meal. If you would like to donate, just mark your donation “Saturday Suppers.”
Saturday Suppers is accepting Adult Clothing Only
No Children’s Clothing No Shoes
No Miscellaneous Items
St Francis Medical Center, Super Saver, Panera Bread, Hiland Dairy, Hy-Vee We are so grateful to all of these businesses, who provide supplies for the meals. With these supplies, and with your monetary donations, there is often enough food for take-outs. Thank you to our regular volunteers, Captains: Jim & Janice Elrod Hosts: 2nd Saturday: Nate and Danielle Helzer, Mike and Andrea Persampieri 5th Saturday—Courtney Berg and the youth. Clean Up: Richard Lorance
Thanks be to God—and thanks be to all who support Saturday Suppers!
PRAYER FOR THE DECADE OF NONVIOLENCE
I bow to the sacred in all creation. May my sprit fill the world with beauty and wonder. May my mind seek truth with humility and openness. May my heart forgive without limit. May my love for friend, enemy, and outcast be without measure. May my needs be few and my living simple. May my actions bear witness to the suffereing of others. May my hands never harm a living being. May my steps stay on the journey of justice. May my tongue speak for those who are poor without fear of the powerful. May my prayers rise with patient discontent until no child is hungry. May my life's work be a passion for peace and nonviolence. May my soul rejoice in the present moment. May my imagination overcome death and despair with new possiblilty. And may I risk reputation, comfort, and security to bring this hope to the children.
Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB
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IF YOU CANNOT DRIVE TO SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP, Messiah provides free transportation to and from Messiah. Simply call ACTION CAB AND COURIER (308-381-1010) to make arrangements, and tell them to bill Messiah for your fare. IF YOU NEED A RIDE to a doctor’s appointment or to the grocery store please call Bob Krohn (308-380-6575) or Connie Krohn (381-8234) This is an ongoing ministry from “Faith in Action”/ “God’s Work Our Hands”. VIDEO MINISTRY: If you cannot come to worship on Sunday mornings, we offer a video of the worship service that you can watch at home. Just call the church office (308-382-3471) and let us know. The videos are also regularly uploaded onto MESSIAH’S WEBSITE: www.messiahgi.org Like us on Facebook too!
MESSIAH SINGERS rehearse at 8:00 am and then sing at Worship on the 1
st and 4
th Sundays of every month.
They will sing on March 1st and 22
nd. Anyone who loves
to sing is welcome!
THE CHRIST IN OUR HOME DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS for the 1st quarter are
available by the doors to the Sanctuary, for anyone who would like to take a copy home. THE MEN’S BIBLE STUDY GROUP will meet at Messiah on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm. EXERCISE CLASSES are Saturdays at 10:00 am in the fellowship hall downstairs. All are welcome to join us to stretch, tone and condition, and to chat over coffee before and after class. PRAYER REQUESTS: If you know someone you would like to put on the prayer chain, please call the church office (308-382-3471). Thank you!
OFFICE HOURS
Monday—Thursday 8:30-3:30, Friday 8:30-12:00 The church doors may be locked during office hours.
Just knock at the north doors or press the button at the south doors, and someone will let you in.
August 9________________________ 16________________________ 23________________________ 30________________________
September 6________________________ 20________________________ 27________________________
October 4________________________ 11________________________ 25________________________
November 8________________________ 15________________________ 29________________________
December 13________________________ 27________________________
The Bulletin Chart for 2020 is posted on the east wall of the narthex, just before you enter the Sanctuary. Anyone can sign up to give bulletins on a Sunday, and can include a brief dedication in honor or in memory of someone. The cost is $15.50. We’ve been a little short on volunteers this year, so just as a reminder, here are the dates still available to you.
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The Men’s Bible Study Group will meet at Messiah Wednesdays at 7:00 PM Bring your Bible and join us! All men are welcome!
We meet the 2nd Wednesday
of each month at
Farmer’s Daughter Café
at 7:00 am
Come join us March 11th
Good Food & Good Fellowship
All Are Welcome!
A Thank You Note to Messiah Lutheran
Can’t thank you enough for the warm hospitality that you and so many offered in hosting the Road Show on Saturday! Thanks so very much. We know that it took extra time out of your schedules, and those of many others. It was delightful to meet you and a joy to work with you in planning for the day.
We heard lots of good things from those who attended who were grateful for the opportunity to gather and be in conversation together. The food was fabulous—even a Road Show cake! And the added bonus of being able to spend some time with you at your Saturday Supper was really wonderful. The sense of energy and caring among those who make that ministry happen was so evident. Thanks for the ministry that you do!
Peace and blessings to you all, Diane
Diane Harpster Administrative Assistant to Bishop Maas Nebraska Synod ELCA
Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health
screenings, is pleased to offer a preventive health event at Messiah Lutheran Church on
4/2/2020. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related
to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms
which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong
predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied
to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk
of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and
osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings
take 60-90 minutes to complete.
There are three ways to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any
package priced above $129, please call toll-free 1-888-653-6441 or visit
http://lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle or text the word circle to 797979.
COUNCIL RETREAT Saturday, March 14, 2020—9:00 am
All Council members please plan on attending the 2020 retreat. In our monthly meetings, we often get distracted by small details or by discussions of events that have already happened. At this retreat, we want to look at the big picture. What do we hope to accomplish in 2020—for our church family and local community, and for the ELCA?
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YOUTH / FAITH FORMATION
March 2020
Thank you to everyone who donated products & time to our “Loads of Love” event! This event is a great way to reach out and help the community. This year we were able to help over 150 families by providing laundry detergent, toilet paper, tooth brushes, toothpaste & other personal hygiene products. A special thank you to Sam’s Club for donating a pallet of toilet paper and Mellissa Anderson for applying for a Thrivent Grant and supplying over 70 bottles of detergent with that money. This event could not have been possible if it weren’t for each and every person who helped make it happen. THANK YOU!
The 2020 Mission Trip is currently being planned, and we have 13 youth & 2 adults who will be heading to Nashville this summer to be God’s hands. I ask that you keep the youth, adult leaders, and those who are finishing the planning preparations in your prayers.
Habitat for Humanity Build Day! Messiah & St Stephen’s have been asked to join together and help on the construction of the next house going up in the new development on Nelson Lane. April 4
th from 7:45am to noon, our two churches can
start the foundation for a new family. Volunteers must be at least 16 to volunteer on the job site.
Upcoming Events: March 8
th: Ignite 6:30-8pm at the Anderson’s house. Dinner will be
served.
Blessings, Courtney
Habitat Work Day April 4, 2020
7:45—12:00 noon
We’re asking volunteers from Messiah Lutheran and St Stephen’s Episcopal to come together for a build at
2082 Nelson Ln. (The new sub-division) We’ll need 4 volunteers from each church. If you’re interested in helping out, please
Messiah Women Messiah Women met on Thursday, February 20, 2020. Six members attended our meeting. The Bible lesson this month examined how Jesus called his disciples during his earthly ministry and then called Paul after his resurrection and ascension. Finally, we reflected on Jesus’ invitation to all of us to take up the cross and follow him. After Bible study, we held our business meeting. Minutes were read from last months’ meeting. No corrections or additions were made. Treasurer’s report was given by Alice Elstermeier. Beginning balance was $483.26. After collections and payouts, the ending balance was $505.16. On March 7
th, there will be a Spring Gathering at Salem Lutheran Church at Stromsburg, Nebraska
beginning at 9:00 am. We will carpool to attend. They have an exciting day planned for us. WELCA will be serving soup and pie—or chili and cinnamon rolls, we haven’t decided yet—for our Lenten meal on March 11
th. We will also provide the Lenten meal on April 1
st. All Lenten meals will begin at 5:30
pm. A church service will follow at 6:30 pm. Our Welcome Bags, which are given out to visitors, have gone over well. We filled a few more bags at our meeting. Our hostess for February was Alice Elstermeier. Thank you for the delicious dessert! The Nebraska Synod Roadshow that was hosted here at Messiah went very well. We have an open invitation to all Messiah Women to join us for our Bible study each month. Respectfully submitted, Lorraine Kohtz Calendar March 7—9:00 am Spring Gathering at Salem Lutheran, Stromsburg, NE March 11—5:30 pm Lenten Meal & Service at Messiah March 17—2:00 pm Messiah Women at Lebensraum March 19—1:30 pm Bible Study & Monthly Meeting at Messiah
“Creation and Praise”: Central Conference Spring Gathering Saturday, March 7
th
Salem Lutheran Church, Stromsburg, NE
Registration, 8:30 am Program, 9:00 am-3:00 pm: Bible Study by Pastor Sarah Ruch “Helping Hands Angel Gowns” by Kim Ziegler (repurposes wedding gowns) Tri-Faith Initiative information by Deb McCollister Laundry / paper products will be gathered for the Genesis House supporting women and children. Monetary gifts will also accepted. “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with Thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer”. 1
st Timothy 4: 4-5
Pre-Registration is $18.00
Interested parties see church office or contact Linell Schultz (308-379-2421) Registration fee is transferable, not refundable.
11. Family Life/Youth Ministry $733.04 $733.04 $8,264.00 $7,530.96
Total Expenses $10,625.69 $10,625.69 $235,711.00 $225,085.31
Income Less Expense $ 0.00 $ 0.00
Beginning balance of cash reserve 1/1/2020 $132,239.38
Plus year to date net income $9,712.81
Ending balance of cash reserve 12/31/2019 $141,952.19
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Web Site: www.messiahgi.org Email: [email protected] Office Phone: 308-382-3471 Shared Ministry: Messiah Lutheran St. Stephen’s Episcopal Saturday Suppers served 4:30-5:30
WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Morning Worship: 8:30AM at Messiah Coffee Fellowship: 9:30AM Youth Forum, Adult Bible Study: 9:40 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:00AM at St. Stephen’s Sandwich Sunday: 11:30 am at St. Stephen’s
REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Military and Families: Gabe Rother, Levi Schutz, Tim Gregory Tiffany Square: Leola Gosda, Lois Helgason, Esther Rosacker Primrose: Myrtle Raile, Marge Roberts, Darlene Schultz Riverside Lodge: Helen Boysen, Sylvia Happold, Art & Gerri Stelk, Heritage at Sagewood: Victor Gosda, Dan & Lois Niemoth, Lois Redman, Don Reher Lebensraum: Joan Head, Ellen Schritt
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MESSIAH STAFF
Shared Ministry: Messiah Evangelical Lutheran St. Stephen’s Episcopal Director of Family Life Ministry: Courtney Berg Parish Administrator: Laura Gregory Finances: Gary Phillips Bookkeeping Service Custodian: Lorraine Jensen Organists: Jared Hansen& Lorraine Kohtz Wedding Coordinator: Lorraine Kohtz
COUNCIL
Erich Fruehling: President, Personnel, Endowment Jill Lenners: VP, Outreach Brenda Kucera: Secretary, Social Ministry, Scholarship Jim Elrod: Christian Education Alice Elstermeier: Memorial Jim Fandry: Property Rick Stueven: Property
M E S S I A H E V A N G E L I C A L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H 122 W. 7th Street, Grand Island, NE 68801-4323
OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30-4:00, Friday 8:30 to Noon
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES—If you have changed phone numbers, email address, etc., please let the church office know. We want to keep this information current so we can stay in touch with you all.
*DEADLINE for bulletin announcements is Thursday morning each week. *DEADLINE for the Messenger is the 20
th of each month!
*COMMITTEES WILL MEET the 1st
Tuesday of each month. *CHURCH COUNCIL WILL MEET the 2
