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November 2014

CONNECTIONSMessiah Lutheran Church & School

In November we will be exploring a new series entitled 4 Things Jesus Didn’t Die For. Ask a child “Why did Jesus die on the cross?” and I bet you’ll hear those beautiful words: “To wash away my sins.” We should all know that Jesus died in order to be raised back to life on Easter to win for us forgiveness of our sins and the certainty of salvation by His grace. But sadly there are also some misconceptions out there that often lead to deceitful teachings that creep into our lives and our churches as to why Jesus died and what was accomplished through His death and resurrection. During November we will unpack four of those misconceptions – things Jesus didn’t die for. What are they? Make sure you’re here to find out; you might be surprised…

NOVEMBER SERMON SERIESNOVEMBER 2 To Be the Poster Boy for Your Cause 2 Timothy 4:1-5

NOVEMBER 9: To Merely Raise Your Moral Standard Ephesians 2:1-10

NOVEMBER 16: So You Wouldn’t Have to Change Romans 6:1-14

NOVEMBER 23: For Your American Dream Deuteronomy 6:10-15

A LEGACY OF LOVE

As we studied the book of Nehemiah over these past few months, we learned of a community of people who, by God's grace alone, persevered through many hardships. As they s t ruggled da i ly th rough bankruptcy, homelessness, near starvation, persecution, slavery, and even defending their very lives, they came together with one heart and voice to build not just a wall, but a legacy of God's love to the next generation. By His grace and guidance they became passionate about coming together as a community to BE the people of God in a world so desperate for hope. What a powerful story of faith, courage, leadership, and love.

As a family of Messiah, we celebrate 25 years of God's faithfulness as we have sought to grow in faith and pass along a legacy of His love to our family, our community, and the world around us. As we look forward, our ongoing prayer is that more and more lives would be transformed by the love of Jesus through the people and ministries of Messiah.

Therefore, we are very excited to unveil a four-year strategic ministry plan entitled "A Legacy of Love" which will guide us in carrying out our mission and vision for ministry. This four-year plan helps bring about a God-sized vision for Messiah, which is great, because God's

vision for His people is always bigger than what we can do on our own. By God's guidance, each part of the four-year plan is a stepping stone to the next goal and we need the whole family of Messiah to come together with one heart and one voice as we seek to carry it out.

Please plan to be a part of this exciting time as we come together to share His love:

November 2 - 9:30a - Sharing the 4 year Strategic Plan - between worship services. November 9 - 9:30a & November 10 - 6:30p (childcare provided) - Informational Meetings. These meetings help prepare us for the Voter's meeting. We will discuss LLB nominations, Ministry Plan (budget), and Q&A as time allows.

November 16 - Voters’ Assembly meeting at Messiah on Sunday, November 16 at 12:30p. Child care will be provided and lunch will be served directly following the 10:30a worship service. The menu will be cold cuts, sandwich meats and cheeses, salads, desserts and beverages.

Always in His Service, Pastor John Kunze Pastor Rick Mensing

November 9, 9:30a between worship services & November 10, 6:30p (childcare will be provided)

INFORMATION & FEEDBACK MEETINGS:

VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY MEETING:

November 16 at 12:30p - Lunch following 10:30 service & childcare will be provided

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

T h e H u m a n C a r e C o m m i s s i o n a p p r e c i a t e s y o u r contributions to the Lutheran Food Pantry. P l e a s e l e ave yo u r donations in the tote, located in the north closet in the Great Hall.

NEEDS FOR NOVEMBER:

• Fruit• Juice • Pasta• Vegetables• Canned Meals• Macaroni & Cheese

Messiah Lutheran Church is seeking an Executive Administrative Assistant. The position is full-time with office hours of Monday - Friday, 8:00a - 5:00p. For more information, an application, and a detailed job description, please contact Erik Borgmeyer at 402.489.3024 or stop by the Welcome Center Desk.

Messiah Lutheran School Childcare is currently seeking to hire staff for before and after school care. Job Qualifications: Must be 19 years of age & preferably have at least 1 year of experience working with young children or have credit hours in the area of education. If you are interested and would like more information, please contact Lindsey Knox-Director of Childcare Ministries at lknox@messiahlincoln.org

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY

NOW HIRING - EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

LUTHERAN FOOD PANTRY

HAVE YOU MET BETHANY WERNER?Bethany Werner grew up in Honey Creek, IA.  With a pastor for a father and a teacher for a mother, Bethany has a passion for Christian Education. She studied Theology in the Director of Christian Education program at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.  Bethany’s first call was to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Louisville, Kentucky where she led the youth groups, taught confirmation, trained small group leaders and directed Sunday School.  Bethany married Michael Werner on June 15, 2013. Michael grew up in Hamberg, MN.  He attended Concordia University Chicago to study music education.  Michael and Bethany moved to Lincoln upon Michael receiving a call to teach band at Lincoln, Lutheran.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:The Sunday School Christmas Program, grades Pre-school through 4th grade, will be Wednesday, December 17 at 6:30. We will be rehearsing during part of the Sunday School hour throughout the month of November.  

SUNDAY SCHOOL NAMETAGS:During the month of November, the Sunday School will roll out new drop off/pick up procedures. Each Sunday School name tag will consist of two parts, one for the parent and one for the child. As you drop your child off at Sunday School, you will take your half of the name tag.  When you pick your child up, you will check in with their teacher and reunite the two parts of the name tag. The intent of this practice is to ensure the reunion of parent and child, prevent children from wandering the building and to prevent a child leaving with the wrong person.

God Has More - We’re Settling for Less! The Bible is clear from the beginning that God intends for His people to experience life abundantly. So why are things such a mess - even for Christians?

In this 12-session Bible study, Recovering Redemption, we will get to the root of brokenness and our destructive patterns of behavior. With relentless grace, we will unpack such topics as repentance, jus t ificat ion , adopt ion , and sanctification.

It is time to start living like we believe in the ongoing power of redemption. Join the journey on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary at 9:30a beginning November 23.

NOW HIRING - MESSIAH SCHOOL CHILDCARE STAFF

The Messiah Middle and High School Youth Ministry has launched an app to make it easier for everyone to know what is happening in the youth ministry of Messiah.  The app is available for Windows Phone, Android devices and iPhones. You can also get it on your tablet. Just scan the QR code relevant to your device or visit your app store.

If you are a youth or the parent of a youth, please download this free app and turn notifications on so you can stay connected with all of the events happening in middle and high school youth ministry.

JANUARY 16-19Sign up now before it’s too late!

For the 13th straight year, the high school youth will be heading to Colorado for 2 days of skiing and snow boarding in the Rocky Mountains. This year, we’re partnering with Christ Lutheran and we have a 56 passenger motor coach that is waiting to be filled.  All high school youth are invited to attend, regardless of their church or school, so invite some friends and enjoy some time in the mountains.

Head to messiahlincoln.org/ski  to sign up and to find all of the info you need about this trip.  It may already be filled up, or close to it, so hurry and and act now.

Lincoln Lutheran’s boys’ basketball program will host a bowling tournament at Sun Valley Lanes on Sunday, November 9, at  2:00p.  Teams of 4 or 5 members will compete in a two-game tournament.  The $25/bowler entry fee will cover the bowling and shoe rental.  All proceeds will go directly to the basketball program.  Come join us for an afternoon of fun!  Themes and costumes are encouraged! Contact the Lincoln Lutheran office 402.462.5404; Jason Glines glinesj@lps.org, 402.440.0349; or Mike Holle mdholle@gmail.com, 402.770.5662 for a registration form or more information.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH SKI TRIP

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GLEANINGS MISSION TRIP

BASKETBALL FUNDRAISER

The Messiah Middle and High School Youth Ministry has launched an app to make it easier for everyone to know what is happening in the youth ministry of Messiah.  The app is available for Windows Phone, Android devices and iPhones. You can also get it on your tablet. Just scan the QR code relevant to your device or visit your app store.

If you are a youth or the parent of a youth, please download this free app and turn notifications on so you can stay connected with all of the events happening in middle and high school youth ministry.

MESSIAH YOUTH MINISTRY APP

WHEN: NOVEMBER 11, 8:45a WHERE: MESSIAH LUTHERAN

Messiah school students will lead an annual celebration, and community veterans are invited to attend. Highlights of the assembly include the singing of patriotic songs and a live interview with a World War II veteran. Veterans are welcome to attend in uniform.

Goals of this project: • Instill in children an appreciation for those who have

served our country in the military. • Help the children of this generation understand how

important these people are and were to our country. • Help children understand the cost and blessings of the

freedoms that we have in our country. • Communicate to the veterans of our community that the

students of Messiah Lutheran School care about them and pray for them.  We do this in gratitude for what they have done.

• Help students understand why there is a holiday set aside for veterans.

For more information on this, please contact: Matt Stueber, MLS Principal, at 402.489.3024 or mstueber@messiahlincoln.org

November 14-23We are very excited about our book fair! Come explore our large selection of books and find great reads for every person in your family. Start your Christmas shopping early! All funds raised will go towards the purchase of new books for the Messiah school library. We will be open on both Sundays, November 16 and 23 from 9:00a-10:30a, and Monday-Friday from 8:00a- 4:00p

SCHOOL BOOK FAIR

You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Parents and grandparents: Bringing our kids and grandkids to church, Sunday school or enrolling them in Christian education is important. That said, WE are called to be the primary faith developers of the children in our life. Deuteronomy 6 gives us a pretty lofty goal; in essence, teach your children about God's love when out and about, at home, in the morning and at night. Pretty much...all of the time! For busy parents, that can be a daunting task. That's why we started the Family Box ministry - to provide a monthly box of faith-building crafts and lessons that are so easy for parents, and so fun the kids are begging for more. Pray over subscribing your family or gifting a subscription to the ones you love this holiday season!  www.thefamilybox.org

Messiah exclusive: use the code MESSIAH during the month of November to receive 25% off a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription or gift subscription! Plus, 10% of your subscription dollars goes back to Messiah. www.thefamilybox.org

We need seasonal drivers. Can you help?November and December are extra busy for the Scrip team, with extra runs to our local vendors for inventory. We’re looking for two extra drivers who can help us meet the demand by picking up orders from local stores during this time. Please contact Pam Ovwigho pcovwigho@yahoo.com 402-419-8733 or Darla Andersen darla.andersen@gmail.com 402-304-3315 if you’re interested in serving. MyScripWallet: Easy Access to 250+ ScripNow e-cards & 75+ Reload cardsMyScripWallet™ is the new mobile scrip website. Login to www.MyScripWallet.com and you'll be able to easily order ScripNow® eCards, reload existing plastic cards, pay for these products using your PrestoPay™ account, and redeem them directly from your smart phone. March to a Million: We’re almost there!We’ve crossed the $900,000 mark in our March to a Million! Thank you to all the families who are helping us reach our million dollar sales goal. Each time we reach another $100,000 in sales, one participating family wins a $50 Scrip gift certificate. Congratulations to our $900,000 winners: Quentin & Denise Farley.

MESSIAH STUDENTS HONOR VETERANS

NOVEMBER SCRIP NEWS

Tom and Nancy Osborne founded the TeamMates Mentoring Program in 1991 in an effort to provide support and encouragement to school aged youth. Spending the last 23 years in Colorado and Florida, I was not aware of this program until relocating back to Lincoln. I was exposed to the TeamMates Program thanks to the Iron Man Breakfast a few months ago. After applying to become a Mentor, and after a few forms and background checks, I have been approved and assigned a young man just entering the 6th Grade. What a positive experience this has been. I must admit that the first time we met I was a little concerned (afraid) of the responsibility of making a

“Positive Influence” on my Mentee. As we have continued to meet we both gain a little more trust in each other. Thanks Iron Man for introducing me to this great program.

From Tony Sanchez: Mike and his wife Gwen Schell are both active members at Messiah, involved in Seniors, Men’s, Women's and Small Group Ministries.  We thank God for Mike’s missional heart, serving as

a mentor for the community based TeamMates program! Both Mike and Gwen truly embody God’s calling and mission for Messiah members to Love God, Love Others and Share Christ!

Matt Blankenbiller has been an integral part of our Iron Man Ministry efforts here at Messiah for many years, serving our Lord and helping men grow deeper in their faith. Matt leads a group of men every Friday morning in the study of God’s word. This group calls themselves ‘A Band of Brothers,’ and they truly are! Just as a team of men fighting in war, these men are growing closer with God as they share life together, supporting and encouraging one another through the challenges and celebrations of life. Since the beginning of Band of Brothers, several other new Band of Brother groups have multiplied out from this original group and are also meeting in the community.

Matt and a team of other committed men from his original Band of Brothers also help organize and host the Wild at Heart Weekend Retreats for Men. After seven years, dozens of Messiah men, and men from other churches across the region, have experienced tremendous healing and blessing through these

weekend retreat adventures!

Matt has also been instrumental in leading the charge in our Iron Man’s Strength Training 1:1 Mentoring Ministry. Over the past four years, over 120 men have been connected, walking through

powerful Biblical discipleship materials that are having a tremendous impact in their lives while blessing marriages and families alike.

Over this past year, Matt has sensed a call by God to turn his attention to more regional ministry. Matt has raised up a team of other local Lincoln men and begun ‘The Strengthened Heart Ministry.’ Matt now regularly sets out to visit other churches in the region, helping them learn more about intentional discipleship ministry for men!

Thank you Matt for your servant heart! God is using you for mighty purposes in the lives of men, both here at Messiah and in our community!

MATT BLANKENBILLER

TEAMMATES ~ MIKE SCHELL

WILD AT HEART MEN’S RETREAT

Celebrating the Wild at Heart Advanced Retreat, held October 10- 12Several Messiah men and other men from local area churches enjoyed the 1st Annual WAH Advanced Retreat. Going even deeper into the heart of a Christian man’s journey, this year’s advanced retreat gave men the opportunity to explore topics on, Walking with God, Warfare - Advanced, The Wound and Healing, The Poser - Advanced, Calling - Advanced, Suffering and Loving Jesus. Enjoying our Lord’s creation on trail hikes, alone time with God, pistol shooting range and four wheeler riding were also part of this weekend adventure for men. Thanks to Matt Blankenbiller and CJ Cooper for their leadership of these amazing retreats for men! Keep checking the Iron Man calendar for dates of our next Wild at Heart Retreat Adventure!

Iron Man Happenings • Men Serving Women - Refreshing the Heart

Dinner - February 21 • Iron Man Breakfast - March 14  • Father-Daughter Date Night - April 17 • Father-Son Camp Out - May 15, 16 & 17“Hi, how are you?”

“I’m fine, how are you?” “I’m doing great, thanks for asking…”

Sound familiar? These are great conversation starters, yet Messiah Small Groups are intentionally designed to help us journey past superficial exchanges and into real relationships. Messiah Small Groups include Bible study, fellowship and much more. People connected in groups are ‘Doing Life Together,’ by lift ing one another up through  prayer, authenticity, encouragement and support. Small Groups are forming now! Contact Tony Sanchez for details: 402.489.3024

SMALL GROUPS DOING LIFE TOGETHER

Royal Family KIDS' Camp launched in Lincoln in the summer of 2001 and I was one of the original volunteers. I served as a counselor for two years, then moved into the role of Drama Director for five years, then co-director of the Lincoln camp for five years and then became the sole director of the Lincoln camp in 2013. We finished our 14th camp in July, 2014. I've been the coordinator of RFKC at Messiah pretty much since the start. There are five churches in Lincoln that provide most of the volunteers and a lot of the funds to put on the camp. We take the kids (usually 45-65 of them) from Lincoln to a campground near Hordville where we spend about 100 hours surrounding them with loving adults to help encourage them, uplift them, and be "Jesus with skin on" to the best of our abilities. The kids experience swimming in a pool and lake, fishing, climbing tower, zip line, arts/crafts, drama, singing, prayer walk and a birthday party for everyone on Wednesday night. We have a talent show on Thursday night and some of these kids really come out of their shells then.

Royal Family KIDS' Camp was begun in California in the mid-80s as a ministry to abused and neglected kids, between the ages of 6-12, who are in foster care. The local ministry changed in 2013 when we added Royal Family Club and a mentorship program, and I have been a mentor for one of our kids during each of the last two years, following camp. The Club meets one Saturday

afternoon each non-summer month for two hours and the mentors are supposed to spend at least another four hours per month with their camper. It does a lot to help reinforce the relationships that we established at camp, and helps keep kids connected to Christ, too. One cannot participate in Royal Family Club or be a mentor without going to camp, though. That's the common relationship.

Marty Hein has been involved with camp for the last several years and can tell you more. I could talk for hours about the miracles we see each summer. It's what keeps me (and lots of others) coming back again and again.

Other guys that have volunteered for the week with RFKC (that I can recall right now) – Larry Elias, Mark Kunz, Jeff Bockoven, Lance Krueger, Mike Pegram, Ryan Incontro, Todd Gutzmer, Brian Earl, Gary Dunker, James Polk, Andrew Polk, Justin, Mason and Chris Van Nostrand. There are probably more people who have come out and spent a day helping us with special activities. Even with some kids coming back a second or third year, we have impacted approximately 500 kids since the local launch.

More volunteers are always needed. It's all about the kids and getting Christ into their lives. Currently, we’re in need of a Child Placement Coordinator and a Bookkeeper. ~Kevin C. Van Nostrand

ROYAL FAMILY TESTIMONY ~ KEVIN VAN NOSTRAND

SAVE THESE DATES!

WHAT’S A SNIPPET EVENT?Women's Ministry’s Snippet events are an opportunity for women to learn something new, connect with other women and invite others to an enjoyable activity. These “Snippet” events will be scheduled throughout the year and each will focus on a specific topic, ranging from anything from cooking to construction. Snippets are generally offered on two different dates - a Thursday evening and a Saturday morning - to accommodate many schedules! Snippet events are not limited to Messiah Members, so bring your neighbor, friend, or relative!

If you find that you enjoyed a particular Snippet and would like to form a group that meets around that topic on a regular basis, we encourage you to do so!

SAVE THESE DATES FOR UPCOMING SNIPPET EVENTS:

BEGINNING KNITTINGThursday 11/6 - 6:45p-9:00p

or

Saturday 11/8 - 9:00a-11:15a

BEGINNING QUILTINGThursday 1/15 - 6:45p-9:00p

or

Saturday 1/17 - 9:00a-11:15a

SPRING CARD MAKINGThursday 3/19 - 6:45p-9:00p

or

Saturday 3/21 - 9:00a-11:15a

Thursday, November 6 in Berea 6:45p-9:00p & Saturday, November 8 in the library 9:00a-11:15a. Registration forms may be found and submitted at the Welcome Center Desk. Deadline for registering is November 3.  There will be a $5 cost for class supplies, which may be paid the day of class.

BEGINNING KNITTING SNIPPET EVENT

Sandy Lark Joyce Kunert

Darlene Fischer

Current grants we’re supporting include: • 15 Student Scholarships ($32,000) • 2015 Orphan Grain Train Shipment to the Baltics $10,000 • Mercy Meals of Southwest Nebraska $16,000 • Trinity/HOPE ($5,000), His Kids Camp/Camp Luther $8,000 • Training Evangelists for the Vietnam Lutheran Church $7,000 • Evangelism Materials in the Russian Language $5,382 • Concordia Theological Seminary Food and Clothing Co-op $5,000 • Lutheran Braille Workers’ Lutheran Library for the Blind $5,000 • Human Care/Gospel Outreach Muslim Immigrants – Lincoln $5,000 • Trinity Lutheran Church Kids of HIS Kingdom Early Childhood

Development Center – Auburn $1,618

What are Mites? Mites are pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters that are collected and submitted to the Women in Mission district to support numerous Mission Grants. Do you have loose pocket change lying around? The Nebraska South District has recently selected new mission grants for the 2014-2016 year totaling $100,000. If you are interested in collecting change for these grants please pick up a Mites box by the front doors. You can also turn your Mites offerings into the wooden LWML box on the slat wall by the main entrance doors.

THE MIGHTY MITE!

Quilt tying will be November 3 at the home of Joyce Kunert, 4820 Mandarin Circle, 9:30a - 11:30a and/or 1:00p - 3:00p. Come for either or both sessions, whichever works for your schedule. Come for fun & enjoy the company of others while working on quilts for those in need. We meet the 1st Monday of each month unless there is a holiday. Also, any help sewing quilt tops is always welcome!

We could use filler such as clean, used blankets. Donations can be left in the wooden LWML box by the north gym doors. Our quilts go to the following charities: Royal Family Kids Camp Auction, Baby Dresser, Christian Heritage Children's Home, City Mission, Friendship Home, Prison Ministry, and other missions as needed. If you have questions please contact Joyce Kunert 402.489.5769

Joan Brink Jan Beck

Marie Faas

JOIN US FOR QUILT-TOP TYING!

Thanks to the generosity of members of Messiah and the University Lutheran Chapel, six young women from China and Iran, whose husbands are UNL

students, were recently blessed with gift baskets of items for their newborns. A fall get-together and baby shower was held at the home of Kirk and Trula Jamison, where lots of laughter, fellowship and growth in learning the English language was shared. The new mothers and soon-to-be mothers were all very appreciative of the gift baskets. Two extra baskets of items were also given to the Crisis Pregnancy Center. Thank you to everyone who blessed these young women through your donations to the Baby Dresser Project.

Messiah Women in Mission are still collecting  Christian/Biblical materials to send overseas to those in spiritual need. Items  may may include Bibles, reference books, Bible Study Guides, Sunday School materials, devotionals, etc. The items can be placed in the wooden box located next to the north coat room.  All of the items are sorted, packed, and then sent overseas  via the Orphan Grain Train.  Any help you can provide to this ministry will be appreciated. If you have questions, please call Donna Redinbaugh, 402.486.1801.

The People’s City Mission Distribution Center at 26th & O Streets is one of the outreach missions of Messiah. Volunteers work on the second Monday of each month from 1:00p to 3:00p sorting clothes, handing out food, etc. Men and women are both needed and may volunteer once a year or every month. Our next date is November 10. Call Liz Patton 402.465.4174 or Geri Meyer 402.580.2725 for more information.

Elisabeth Bible study will meet on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:00p in the home of Suzanne Johnson.  Lina Gatzmeyer will lead a lesson from the Fall Quarterly. Please bring your Bibles, Fal l Quar ter ly and mites. Contact Jan Beck 402.488.1203 jnalbeck@gmail.com.

ELISABETH BIBLE STUDY

Martha Circle LWML Bible Study will be at Darlene Fischer's home on November 17.  Bring your Bible, mites money, and fall Quarterly. We will meet at 1:00p for Bible study and Christian fellowship. Contact Geri Meyer 402.580.2725 gerim59@windstream.net

MARTHA CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY

NOVEMBER 21 5 :00p - 10 :00pWould you like to start, or get caught up on, some scrapbooking? Join us one a evening a month for a fun, free evening with friends and a chance to scrapbook. Our next scrapbooking session is November 21. We’ll meet downstairs, here at messiah, in the commons area. Please contact Amanda Ernst 402.328.8125 or tigerernst@yahoo.com if you plan to attend and we’ll make certain we have enough room. ALL ARE WELCOME!

JOIN US FOR SCRAPBOOKING!

BABY DRESSER PROJECT

BIBLICAL MATERIALS NEEDEDPEOPLE’S CITY MISSION

Messiah will be gathering food donations to prepare Thanksgiving meals for Messiah families in need. We appreciate the donation of items such as the following: Frozen Turkeys, potatoes, stuffing, canned vegetables, gravy, pumpkin pies, dinner rolls.

• Turkeys and other frozen items will be kept in the freezer at church. • Non-perishable items may be placed in the tote by the north gym doors • Perishable items may be donated during the week of November 17-23.

On the morning of November 23, donated items will be assembled into Thanksgiving meal “baskets”, to be delivered after the 10:30a service. This is a great outreach to these families and it is a neat experience for the deliverers, too!  Last year we provided meals for 19 families! If you are interested in delivering a basket, please contact Kevin & Sarah Kohlhof 402-540-8514. 

THANKSGIVING MEALS FOR THOSE IN NEED

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD ANGEL TREE MINISTRY

Angel Tree Preparations in full swing!For the last two Sundays during the Sunday School hour, First through Fourth grade student were hard at work painting the ornaments that will hang on the Angel Tree.

Angel Tree is a ministry that reaches out to Messiah families in need, to share Christ’s love by providing Christmas gifts to families that may otherwise not have any. If you are aware of any Messiah families that would benefit from this ministry I encourage you to contact the church office 402.489.3024; Helen Kampfe, 402.310.3121 hkampfe52@yahoo.com; or Pastor John 402-489-3024.

The Angel Tree will be on display by Wednesday, December 3 in time for the Advent service that evening. You will see a creative display of nativity ornaments, each with a tag indicating a child’s age, gender and gift request. Adults are also included in this ministry. Members are then invited to select an ornament, purchase the requested item and return the wrapped gift (with the original ornament and tag) under the Angel Tree. Whether the request is for a specific gift or gift card, the limit is $25 per item. If you select a gift card, our Scrip team will be ready with a plentiful supply of gift cards you can purchase right at church!

Secondly, “Messiah’s Angels” are volunteers who work with a specific family to identify their needs, and once all the packages have been returned, they have the joy of personally delivering the gifts to the family. If this is something that interests you please contact me.

Lastly, this ministry would not be successful or even possible without all the support from our entire congregation…the volunteers, those who select gifts and those who pray for this ministry to help families understand the unconditional love of our Lord and Savior.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse.   Its purpose is to demonstrate God’s love to hurting children in a tangible way by partnering with churches worldwide to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes and the Good News of Jesus Christ.  During the month of November, the Tuesday morning Bible study group along with the Messiah Lutheran School children will be coordinating Operation Christmas Child for Messiah.   You can help in one of two ways:

(1) Pack a shoebox (or more) and return it to Messiah between November 1 - 17, or (2) Purchase items that are appropriate for this project and return them to Messiah between the same dates, and we will pack shoeboxes.   Items and/or shoeboxes can be dropped off beginning November 1 at Messiah in the wooden LWMS box by the north gym doors. Messiah School kids will bring their items to their classrooms.

Packing day will be Tuesday, November 18 between 9:00a and 11:00a.

Please pick up an Operation Christmas Child brochure from the Welcome Center Desk. It has a packing label, detailed instructions, and list of suggested items to pack. They ask that shoeboxes be accompanied by a $7 donation to cover shipping costs. Thank you!

Questions?  Contact Lindy Karlin at 402.483.1904 tkarlin@neb.rr.com Thank you!

DO YOU NEED SOME HELP AROUND YOUR HOME?

Helping Hands is a ministry where volunteers will help take care of minor needs around the house: raking leaves, moving snow, touch-up painting, or changing light bulbs. We encourage you to contact the church office to see if we can help you, or if you’d like to join us by helping others.

FALL POTLUCK LUNCHEONThe Senior Ministry Team is hosting its Fall Potluck Luncheon on November 7, at 12:00 in the church narthex. Nate Schmidt, representing Thrivent, will lead us in a presentation on how to avoid identity theft. This is a timely and appropriate topic for this time. You will find it very informative and useful. Come, bring your favorite dish, enjoy lively conversation, and arm yourself against identity thieves.

Health Ministry team will do blood pressure

screening between services Sunday,

November 9 in the office by the Nursery.

Screenings are done on the second Sunday of

each month.

Sometimes these little blue fruits are called “brain berries” and “youth berries” for good reason.  Just one serving of of blueberries provides as many antioxidants as five servings of carrots, apples, broccoli or squash. In fact, 2/3 cup of blueberries gives you the same antioxidant protection as 1,733 IU of vitamin E and more protection than 1,200 milligrams of vitamin C.  

The positive health and anti-aging benefits of blueberries include their role in lowering your risk for cardiovascular disease and, most likely, cancer. They also help in maintaining healthy skin and reducing sags and bags brought on by age.  After eating a cup of blueberries, the increased levels of antioxidants in the blood play an important role in the prevention of diabetes, senility, cancer (especially breast cancer) and degenerative eye diseases.  These studies are based on eating the whole

food rather than extracts or supplements. One exciting new study found that eating blueberries seems to reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Anthocyanin pigments give blueberries their intense blue-purple color. The darker the berry, the higher the anthocyanin content. Wild blueberries have at least five different anthocyanins concentrated in their skin.  These protect the fruit from sun and other environmental assaults by concentrating antioxidants in this key location.  If the berries immune system is strong, eating the berries will make your immune system strong.

Blueberries can be found fresh or frozen. Frozen berries will last longer. Wild blueberries and organic varieties offer higher antioxidant benefits.

FROM GOD’S FARMACY: BLUEBERRIES

DO YOU NEED A LITTLE TIME TO

YOURSELF?If you or anyone you know needs respite care, just to get away for a few hours from the caregiving needs of a loved one, please contact our Senior Ministry and we will provide the help. Contact Randy Lube at 402.421.3024.

NOVEMBER HEALTH TIP:

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage and other health problems. Nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 86 million Americans have pre-diabetes or are at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. It’s estimated that the total national cost of diagnosed diabetes in the United States is $245 billion.

Here are some risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes:

• Physically inactive • High blood pressure of 140/90 or greater • Being overweight or obese • Having a parent or sibling with diabetes • Having a prior history of gestational diabetes or birth of

baby weighing more than 9lbs.

MEN'S STUDY GROUPS MONDAY: 7:30 - Romans, Dave Schwartz 402.489.0619 or Dean Cook 402.432.8741 MessiahTUESDAY: 6:30a - Marty Haniszewski - 402.416.3490, at Messiah7:00a - Young Men’s Study Group, Chase Reihmann - 402.489.3024, McDonald’s 65th & ‘O’7:00a - Men of Character, CJ Cooper - 402.560.5600, Hy-Vee 70th & Pioneers6:30p - Matthew (LifeLight) Brian Meyer - 402.430.6815, Randy Cecrle, 402.477.7760, at Scooter’s 84th & Van DornTHURSDAY: 6:30a - Romans, Stan Fehlhafer at Village Inn 66 & O)7:00a - Young Men’s Study Group, Chase Reihmann - 402.489.3024, McDonald’s 65th & ‘O’ 6:30a - Hebrews, Ron Kuehn - 402.421.2414, at Scooter’s 84th & Van DornFRIDAY: 6:30a - God’s Word for Today: 1 & 2 Kings (Lifelight), Quentin Farley, 402.304.7748, Clyde Davis, 402.730.6734 Amigos 70th & ASATURDAY: 7:00a - True Spirituality: Becoming a Romans 12 Christian, Bob McCoy 402.730.8476, Messiah Kitchen Extension8:00a - Wild at Heart (John Eldredge) Roger Conrad, at Messiah Basement Commons

WOMEN'S STUDY GROUPS MONDAY: 1:00p - Martha Circle Bible study - October 20th, 1:00p  at the home of Wilma Mook, 1632 Urbana Lane. Geri Meyer 402.580.27255:30p - Children of the Day (Beth Moore). LuAnn Ebke, 402.489.1359, keebie4@aol.com, Messiah Berea7:00p - Receiving God’s Goodness (Women of Faith). Barb Meyer, 402.466.5650, busygalbarbie1000@hotmail.com7:00p - Set Free & Standing Tall (Jackie Oesch) September 8-October 13, Sherry Thimijan 402.643.7376TUESDAY: 9:00a - Children of the Day (Beth Moore). Lindy Karlin - 402.483.1904, tkarlin@neb.rr.com, Messiah Berea9:00a - Children of the Day (Beth Moore) Katherine Ruder - 402.475.9375, kruder@messiahlincoln.org, In Katherine’s home7:00p - Elisabeth Bible study - November 18 in the home of Suzanne Johnson with Eunice Awalt leading a lesson from the Fall Quarterly. Contact Jan Beck 402.488.1203 jnalbeck@gmail.comWEDNESDAY: 9:30a - Baptism (Life Light) Nylene Bartels - 402.476.1494 Meets in members’ homes.1:30p - James (Beth Moore) Rita Overton - 402.489.1887, robotk@windstream.net, Messiah Berea4:00p - God’s Call; Our Deliverance (Jackie Oesch) Liz Patton - 402.465.4174, lz_patton@yahoo.com, Messiah Kitchen Extension6:30p - Children of the Day (Beth Moore) Vicki Schulenberg - 402.467.1860, vschulenberg@gmail.com, Messiah Berea7:00p - Falling in Love with Jesus (Dee Brestin) (2nd & 4th Wed) November 5 at Geri Meyer's and November 19 at Eunice Awalt's - Contact Heidi Crawford - 402.450.5362, hcrawford777@gmail.comTHURSDAY: 6:30a - God’s Promise; Our Blessing (Jackie Oesch) Connie Johnson - 402.421.3604, conniej@eastmonttowers.com, Village Inn 66 & O9:00a - Children of the Day (Beth Moore) Kari Neth - 402.430.1326, kari@clubkicks.com, Messiah Berea - Childcare AvailableSATURDAY: 7:00a - Becoming a Woman of Strength (Cynthia Heald) at Deb Elias’ home - 402.429.6081, debraselias@gmail.com - Every other week9:00a - Trusting God:  A Life without Worry (Women of Faith) Shelly Hlavaty - 402.423.2091 or cshlavaty@juno.com, Scooter’s, 56 & Pine Lake

MIXED STUDY GROUPS THURSDAY: 7:00a - The Story, Rev. Ken Sype, 402.328.2712, Messiah BereaFRIDAY: 9:30a - Leaders of the Reformation, Rev. Rick Mensing, 402.489.3024, Messiah Berea

SUNDAY MORNING STUDY GROUPS Pastor-Led - SanctuaryMixed Adult - Stan Fehlhafer - Romans Basement Commons Parents Encouraging Parents -Doug Nannen - Acts BereaHigh School 9th-12th Grade Basement Youth RoomMiddle School 5th-8th Grade 5/6 - north basement classrooms, 7/8 - portablesChildren's Sunday School 1st-4th Grade (Gymnasium) Kindergarden & Preschool Upstairs South Hallway of the School

ALL STUDY GROUPS WELCOME NEW FACES AT

ANY TIME! For more information feel free to

contact the leader of any group, or call the church office at

402.489.3024 for help in finding your fit.

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