MESSIAH MESSENGER - OCT 2017 PAGE 1 PASTOR’S PAGE by Pastor Scott Peterson [email protected]Dear Friends of the Living Messiah, WE ARE LUTHERAN. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? That is a good question to ask this month as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting the 95 Theses in Wit- tenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517. Luther was an Augustinian Monk and Roman Catholic Priest with his doctorate in Biblical studies. Luther was called by the church to teach the Bible as a professor in a new university being established by Prince Frederick the Wise in the province of Saxony. DR. LUTHER DID NOT WANT TO START A NEW CHURCH, he wanted to reform God's church. He took very seri- ously his calling to teach God's people God's Word. In his studies, he saw practices in the church which were not consistent with the Bible. Reforming these practices is what Luther sought to do, and that is when the trouble started. WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT BEING LUTHERAN? Here are 10 things that make me say, "It is good to be a Lutheran." 1.) WE ARE CHRISTOCENTRIC. Jesus Christ is at the center of what we preach and teach. We worship God the Father and God the Holy Spirit too. But, we see and understand God most clearly in the actions and words of Jesus. 2.) WE ARE PEOPLE OF THE WORD. The Bible is God's inspired word for us (2 Timothy 3:16). We strive to have what we say and what we do in mission based on God's Word. 3.) WE ARE EVANGELICAL, that is WE ARE GOOD NEWS PEOPLE. Sadly, the word 'evangelical' has taken on a po- litical meaning in recent decades. 'Evangelical' means 'Good news'. Lutherans believe God's Word is above all, good news. 4.) WE ARE CATHOLIC with a small 'c', as we confess in the creeds. Catholic is a Greek word meaning 'universal'. God has just one Church. We rejoice that we are not alone, but have Christian sisters and brothers with dif- ferent traditions. 5.) WE ARE GRACE CENTERED. We believe (and sing) "God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." 6.) WE ARE WORSHIP CENTERED. God's gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation are bestowed in worship. Worship is the fountainhead from which flow all our other ministries. 7.) WE ARE LITURGICAL. We embrace rich forms in worship which have been handed down to us by our ancestors in the faith. One tradition is embracing variety in forms of worshiping God. 8.) WE CELEBRATE BAPTISM as God's gracious action upon us, not our action to earn God's favor. (see Titus 3:5-7) 9.) WE CELEBRATE THE LORD'S SUPPER as the real presence of Jesus' body and blood in the bread and wine. The benefits of the Sacrament are forgiveness, life, and salvation (see Luther's Small Catechism). 10.) WE CELEBRATE BEING TOGETHER AS DISCIPLES . Our Lutheran confessions call this 'the mutual conversation and consolation of the brothers (sisters too!)' It is good to be Christian and Lutheran. It is good to be loved by God. And, it is good to care for others just as our Lord cares for us. Jesus loves you, this I know… Grace and peace, Pastor Scott Peterson Sundays at 8:30 a.m. Oct 1 Now the Feast w/LS Oct 8 Chicago Folk w/LS Oct 15 WOV Service of Word & Prayer Oct 22 LBW Setting 1 w/LS Oct 29 LBW Setting 2 w/LS Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Oct 1 WOV Service of Word & Prayer Oct 8 LBW Setting 2 w/LS Oct 15 Contemporary Service Oct 22 Now the Feast w/LS Oct 29 LBW Setting 2 w/LS OCTOBER SERVICES OF WORSHIP LBW = Lutheran Book of Worship | WOV = With One Voice ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship | LS = Lord’s Supper
WE ARE LUTHERAN. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? That is a good question to ask this month as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting the 95 Theses in Wit-tenberg, Germany, on October 31, 1517. Luther was an Augustinian Monk and Roman Catholic Priest with his doctorate in Biblical studies. Luther was called by the church to teach the Bible as a professor in a new university being established by Prince Frederick the Wise in the province of Saxony.
DR. LUTHER DID NOT WANT TO START A NEW CHURCH, he wanted to reform God's church. He took very seri-ously his calling to teach God's people God's Word. In his studies, he saw practices in the church which were not consistent with the Bible. Reforming these practices is what Luther sought to do, and that is when the trouble started.
WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT BEING LUTHERAN? Here are 10 things that make me say, "It is good to be a Lutheran."
1.) WE ARE CHRISTOCENTRIC. Jesus Christ is at the center of what we preach and teach. We worship God the Father and God the Holy Spirit too. But, we see and understand God most clearly in the actions and words of Jesus.
2.) WE ARE PEOPLE OF THE WORD. The Bible is God's inspired word for us (2 Timothy 3:16). We strive to have what we say and what we do in mission based on God's Word.
3.) WE ARE EVANGELICAL, that is WE ARE GOOD NEWS PEOPLE. Sadly, the word 'evangelical' has taken on a po-litical meaning in recent decades. 'Evangelical' means 'Good news'. Lutherans believe God's Word is above all, good news.
4.) WE ARE CATHOLIC with a small 'c', as we confess in the creeds. Catholic is a Greek word meaning 'universal'. God has just one Church. We rejoice that we are not alone, but have Christian sisters and brothers with dif-ferent traditions.
5.) WE ARE GRACE CENTERED. We believe (and sing) "God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."
6.) WE ARE WORSHIP CENTERED. God's gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation are bestowed in worship. Worship is the fountainhead from which flow all our other ministries.
7.) WE ARE LITURGICAL. We embrace rich forms in worship which have been handed down to us by our ancestors in the faith. One tradition is embracing variety in forms of worshiping God.
8.) WE CELEBRATE BAPTISM as God's gracious action upon us, not our action to earn God's favor. (see Titus 3:5-7)
9.) WE CELEBRATE THE LORD'S SUPPER as the real presence of Jesus' body and blood in the bread and wine. The benefits of the Sacrament are forgiveness, life, and salvation (see Luther's Small Catechism).
10.) WE CELEBRATE BEING TOGETHER AS DISCIPLES. Our Lutheran confessions call this 'the mutual conversation and consolation of the brothers (sisters too!)'
It is good to be Christian and Lutheran. It is good to be loved by God. And, it is good to care for others just as our Lord cares for us. Jesus loves you, this I know…
Grace and peace,
Pastor Scott Peterson
Sundays at 8:30 a.m. Oct 1 Now the Feast w/LS Oct 8 Chicago Folk w/LS Oct 15 WOV Service of Word & Prayer Oct 22 LBW Setting 1 w/LS Oct 29 LBW Setting 2 w/LS
Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Oct 1 WOV Service of Word & Prayer Oct 8 LBW Setting 2 w/LS Oct 15 Contemporary Service Oct 22 Now the Feast w/LS Oct 29 LBW Setting 2 w/LS
OCTOBER SERVICES OF WORSHIP LBW = Lutheran Book of Worship | WOV = With One Voice ELW = Evangelical Lutheran Worship | LS = Lord’s Supper
MESSIAH MESSENGER - OCT 2017 PAGE 2
OUTREACH
LIFE PASSAGES Births Arjen Jonah van der Meer was born to Nic and Christine van der Meer on
September 12th. Grandparents are Scott & Bonnie Jane Peterson.
Thomas Arthur Collins was born on September 19th. He weighed 8 lbs and 1 oz and was 21 1/4 inches long. His parents are Josh and Kristian Collins. Grand-parents are Steve and Sheila Collins.
Baptism Nathaniel Micah Galyon, son of Philip and Sara Gaylon, was Baptized into the
Body of Christ on September 17th.
Deaths Clara Amundson, Greg Kilby’s grandmother, passed away on August 23rd.
Chris Wasmoen, son of Owen and Song Ae Wasmoen, passed away on September 21st.
Contact Claire Strand if you would like to
announce significant transitions in the life of our community of faith, including birth, death, Baptism, gradu-
MINISTRY SPOTLIGHT: Handmade Market by Claire Strand
THIS MONTH
PANTRY ITEM
Cans of Cake
Frosting
____
KIT MINISTRY
Toothbrushes
Messiah’s 8th Annual Handmade Market to benefit Lunches for Learning will take place on Saturday, October 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The sale will con-tinue between Services of Worship on Sunday, October 22nd.
Over the course of 2016-2017 the generosity of Messiah Lutheran Church has:
• Bought the materials to build and dedicate a new kitchen for Benito Mon-toya School.
• Sponsored a second School, Jesus Tadeo Flores
• Funded the distribution of multivitamins for one year to all the children in Lunches for Learning Schools.
• Enabled electrical service to Benito Montoya School
To learn more visit:
lunchesforlearning.org
MESSIAH MESSENGER - OCT 2017 PAGE 3
MUSIC NOTES Replacement of Sanctuary Piano Thank you to the MLC Dinner Theater Troup and all who bought tickets to the event in support of the Sanctuary Piano fund. Gifts now total $17,235. We have now begun the search for a piano that will best fit our sanctu-ary. If you have questions please talk to Lois Graff or John Shriver.
Music at Messiah The Samford String Quartet will perform on November 5. This group was organized in 2011 and features Jeffrey Flaniken, Caroline Nordlund, Angela Flaniken, and Samuel Nord-lund. These talented and versatile performers have held positions in major sym-phony orchestras and are professors at Samford Uni-versity. The concert will include works by Haydn, Mendelssohn, and Davis.
Music at Messiah Classical Concert Series 2017-2018 Season Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, 4 p.m. Samford String Quartet Sunday, May 20, 2018, 4 p.m. Adam Cobb, pipe organ
The Music at Messiah Classical Concert Series is only possible through your donations. Sponsorship forms are available online at www.musicatmessiah.org.
Reformation Sunday - 500 Years
On Sunday, October 29, we will celebrate 500 years since Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany. In addition to the spoken Word of God and the Lord’s Supper worship at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. will include hand bells, instruments, choir and pipe organ.
Around 1528, Martin Lu-ther penned this power-ful hymn. These words from Psalm 46 were his inspiration. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult … Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us;
To learn and hear more, visit www.samfordquartet.com
or click the photo above if viewing the digital edition.
The Senior Youth (grades 9-12) have started their Getting Ready
curriculum, which focuses on preparing them for the National Youth Gather-ing in Houston, TX, next summer. We are focusing this month on how we function as a community and how we learn to serve others though building relationships. October is a busy month for the Senior Youth. On October 8, the youth will have a bonfire at the Ryan’s home from 6-8pm. October 25 will be our Wednesday night to serve dinner. On October 28, the Senior Youth will attend the Chili Supper and Back to the Reformation party at church, and then head into Huntsville for the Ghost walk. More info on that will be coming out via email.
New Wednesday Night Class for Emerging Adults to meet at Starbucks. Are you in 11-12th grade or in your first few years of college? Are you looking for a place to connect at MLC? Then this opportunity is for you!
Led by Sara Galyon, the study begins on Octo-ber 4, and will use Adam Hamilton's Half Truths.
Here's a look at the subject matter of this study.
True or false:
1. Everything happens for a reason.
2. God helps those who help themselves.
3. God won’t give you more than you can handle.
4. God said it, I believe it, that settles it.
5. Love the sinner, hate the sin.
All true? Not so fast. We’ve heard these phrases all of our lives, but in Adam Hamilton’s new book, Half Truths, you’ll learn that although they capture some element of truth, when compared to the wisdom found in the Bible, they’re really just popular sayings.
The study will meet Wednesday evenings at Starbucks at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to join us at church for dinner before the study as well.
Our first meeting will be a chance to get to know each other better and introduce the book. Don't worry if you aren't sure whether you can read the book- show up anyway because we want to hear what you have to say! Please join us! Contact Sara Galyon for more information.
Sara Galyon Director of Youth and Christian Education Ministries [email protected]
Join us every 2nd and 4th Sunday* from 5-6:30 p.m. The Junior Youth meet from 5-6 and then play big group games with the Senior Youth from 6-6:30 p.m. *meeting dates can change due to holidays or other scheduled youth events. These will be an-nounced via Sara’s weekly Youth updates.
Last month, the MOEs (Messiah Older Elementary) met for Mini
Youth Group. We started off with a scavenger hunt around the church for items that began with every letter of the alphabet. (Miss Sara did not anticipate there not being a xylophone in the nursery, so X was pretty hard!) We discussed how much easier it was when they helped each other out, because God created us to work together in commu-nity. Then we read Genesis 1 and brainstormed ways we could help take care of God's creation by taking care of ourselves, the earth, ani-mals, and other people. Then we put those ideas into action by collecting all of the cans from around the building, rinsing them, taking off the pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House, and crushing them so they could be taken to be recycled. This month, the MOEs are looking forward to serving the people in our community through House of The Harvest mission on October 21 at 8 a.m. Parents are encouraged to stay and serve with their kids, but if you need to leave them just let Sara know.
MOEs is open to all kiddos in 3rd through 5th grades.
Join us! Meetings are as scheduled.
The Junior Youth (grades 6-8) have been doing a lot of
group building lately with lots of laughs. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays from 5-6:30 p.m. From 5-6 p.m., we play games and have discussion with our small and mighty group of middle school-ers, and then from 6-6:30 p.m. we join our high school friends for some big group games and ice breakers. Also, there will be NO Junior Youth Meeting on October 8th, and the Junior Youth Movie Outing will be moved to October 15 instead. Time is TBA.
PARENTS - WANT TO
SEND YOUR KID AWAY?
A meeting about the 2018 Sum-mer trip to the National ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas was held August 27th.
Any parents of current 8th through 12th graders who have students interested in attending this event should contact Sara Galyon for more information.
The Young Adult Lutheran League (YALL) will be having an 80's Prom mur-der mystery on October 7th at 5:00 p.m. at the Gipners’ home. YALL is a fellowship group for adults ages 25 to 40 (ish). Newcomers welcome. POC Gipners & Burtons.
COUNCIL NOTES Greg Kilby, Church Council Secretary [email protected]
The Church Council met on September 14, 2017. Here are a couple of highlights from the meeting:
• The Audit Committee has submitted their final report from the 2016-2017 audit. Thanks to the committee for their time and efforts! Committee members are Jay Perry (chairperson), Ann Tippie, Adam Neely, and Matt DeMarsh. The Council will act on the report in the next few weeks.
• Commitment Sunday is October 1st. The theme for Stewardship this year is John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
The next regular council meeting is Thursday, October 5th, at 7:00 PM. (This is one week earlier than usual) If you wish to attend, please do! Council meetings are open to all and you are welcome!
A Special Note of Thanks
Bob McMillin and family would like to express our sincere
thanks for all the prayers, concern and well-wishes on his
recent knee replacement surgery. It means a lot to us. It’s
wonderful to be a part of such an amazing congregation!
This serene photo of horses grazing was captured by Pete Woods
during the recent council retreat at Novusway’s Lutheranch Oct 21-23.
MESSIAH MESSENGER - OCT 2017 PAGE 8
Did we miss something? Please call the office at 256-721-0041. Thank you!
We are a branch on the vine of Christ. Everything that we
accomplish is through Christ, so it makes sense that being
centered on Christ in all aspects of our lives would
“produce” the best fruit. He enables and strengthens us,
and from Him we are given resources of time, talent, and
treasure.
This year, Commitment Sunday is on October 1st. This is
when we receive estimates of financial giving to MLC for
2018 on the pledge cards that congregation members (yes,
that’s you) fill out and put into the offering on Sunday, Oc-
tober 1st. This is a chance to give back a portion of the fi-
nancial “produce” of your life that has been made possible
through Christ, which in turn allows Messiah Lutheran to
pass on these blessings to others.
Whatever you choose to give, I hope that giving will be a
joy for you as it has been for me.
Yours in Christ,
Heather Neely Heather Neely Church Council Stewardship Representative [email protected]
col·um·bar·i·um Columbarium, noun: a room or building with niches for
funeral urns to be stored. Messiah’s Columbarium is
situated on the western wall of the Sanctuary. If you have
questions or are interested in purchasing a niche, please
1 8:30 am Worship: Now the Feast w/LS 9:45 a.m. No Pre-K thru 12 Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship: WOV Service of Word & Prayer 6:00 - 7:30 pm Sr. Youth
7:00 pm Kit Ministries 7:00 pm Council Meeting 7:00 pm I Used to Play Instrumental Workshop
6
7 5:00 pm YALL
80’s Prom at
Gipners
5:30 OWL Beer
and Bratwurst at
Heidemans
8
8:30 am Worship: Chicago Folk w/ LS 9:45 a.m. No Pre-K thru 12 Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship: LBW Setting 2 w/LS 12:15 p.m. Instrumental Ensemble 6:00 - 8 p.m. Bonfire for Sr. Youth at Ryan’s
9 7:00 p.m. Womens
Book Club at home
of Deb McDaniels’
10 9:00 am
Comforters
11 7:30 pm Adult Choir
12
7:00 pm Kit Ministries
13 7:00 pm Bridge Club
14
ALZ Walk
10:00 am check-in
11:00 am Walk
begins.
15 8:30 am Worship: WOV Service of Word & Prayer 9:45 am Sunday School for All Ages! 11:00 am Worship: Contemporary Service Jr. Youth Movie Outing 6:00 - 7:30 pm Sr. Youth
7:00 pm Kit Ministries 7:00 pm I Used to Play Instrumental Workshop
20
21 8:00 a.m. MOEs Serve at House of Harvest Food Pantry
9 am— 3 pm Handmade Mar-ket Parish Hall
22 8:30 am Worship: LBW Setting 1 w/LS 9:45 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages 11:00 am Worship: Now the Feast w/LS 12:15 p.m. Instrumental Ensemble 5:00 - 6:30 pm Jr. Youth 6:00 - 7:30 pm Sr. Youth
23 .
24
9:00 am
Comforters
5:30 pm Men of Messiah Meet (Details to be announced via e-news)
Messiah Lutheran Church 7740 Highway 72 West Madison, Alabama 35758 Return Service Requested
Non-Profit
Organization US Postage
PAID Huntsville, AL
Permit No. 454
Messiah Lutheran Church (ELCA) is located at 7740 Highway 72 West, just east of Hughes Road. Sunday Services of Worship are at 8:30 am and 11:00 a.m. Sunday School is at 9:45 a.m. A nursery attendant and Children’s Church is provided. All are welcome. Our website is www.mlutheran.org. Church office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 pm, staffed by our Office
Managers. The Pastor is Rev. Scott Peterson. The Church telephone is (256) 721-0041. Email: [email protected]. Newsletter submissions may be sent to Rebecca Mast at [email protected]
Submissions are typically due the 3rd Sunday of every month! Submit photos to [email protected]
Contact Information Messiah Lutheran Church
7740 Highway 72 West Madison, AL 35758 Phone: (256) 721-0041
Office Hours: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Monday – Friday Staff Rev. Scott Peterson……………………………….………..………...Pastor
Devonee Woods, Meredith Kilby…….….…….Office Managers Claire Strand………………....…...Director of Outreach Ministries
Lois Graff……………………….………..Director of Music Ministries Sara Galyon………..Director of Youth & Education Ministries
Randall Fields………………..…..…….………….Adult Choir Director Meredith Kilby… ………………………...Communications Director
