Rise Up Shepard

The Luthermen Quartet presents "Rise Up Shepard" during Worship Service at Messiah Lutheran Church on December 30, 2012.

The Luthermen began singing together as part of the choir at All Saints Lutheran Church. Over the years the group drifted apart, but get together occasionally to make some incredible music. We were blessed today by this particular reunion.

The Luthermen Quartet includes, Joel Williamsen, Jim Ganoe, Jim Rider and Bob Gustafson. They are accompanied by Audrey Gustafson.

Rise Up Shepard is a Christmas Plantation Song, said to have been first published in Slave Songs of the United States, edited by William Francis Allen, Charles Pickard Ware, and Lucy McKim Garrison in 1867 and also printed in Religious Folk Songs of the Negro as sung on the Plantations, edited by Thomas P. Fenner, Virginia, 1909. The songs in this collection were collected during the American Civil War from slaves in Georgia and South Carolina. It could be called an American shepherd carol, resembling a European shepherd carol, with the principal singer giving out the line and the chorus repeating the refrain (a 'question-and-answer' carol). The American soprano Dorothy Maynor popularized this and other African-American spirituals, and the Harlem School of Music in New York City. She also helped familiarize Americans with several other Negro spirituals about the birth of Jesus.

To learn more about the music programs at Messiah Lutheran Church, please visit the Music Ministries Page or speak with our Lois Graff, our director of Music Ministries.

Senior Youth and Young Adult Coffeehouse

Young adults and members of the Senior Youth gathered Thursday night to catch up with friends and show off their talents at the Coffeehouse last night. Nachos and holiday-themed snacks were provided. The Coffeehouse was especially a treat for the young adults who haven't seen their friends in a while because of school. The occasion gave them an opportunity to share news and tales of their current adventures while reminiscing on good times from their high school days. Many of the youth and young adults put on performances throughout the evening, ranging from silly singing to serious sonatas. Everyone had a wonderful time having food and fellowship with their church family.

Pastor Amanda

We were blessed last Sunday to be visited by our Missionary to ILAG Pastor Amanda Olson de Castillo and her husband Pastor Horacio Castillo.  ILAG is the Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala) was founded in 1991 by Horacio's father Bishop Horacio Castillo and his family. 

Pastors Amanda and Horacio have visited us often and we consider them part of our family.  On this visit, Pastor Amanda preached the sermon at both worship services and she and Pastor Horacio led a forum between services to let us know of the progress of our brothers and sisters in Guatemala.

Guatemala suffered through a 36 year internal war. This war ended in 1996 with the signing of the peace accords. Padre Horacio Castillo helped write and later was among those who signed the peace accords.

The first churches of the ILAG were formed in Guatemala City among the internally displaced, those who fled into the City during the war, who were (and still are) living in the ravines of the City.  The ILAG also operates two elementary schools which serve children and families in these marginalized areas of the City.

As refuges began to return from Mexico, they contacted Padre Horacio as they had known him from his visits to some of the camps.  Through these contacts the ILAG grew in the rural areas of the country among the resettled refuges.

The ILAG continues to grow each year by a few mission sites and churches as communities hear that the ILAG walks with people delivering the gospel freely to all people and visits the communities regularly.

The philosophy of the ILAG is to provide pastoral accompaniment and holistic development.  The center of the ILAG is Christ and from this center we seek to provide for all aspects of the life of our members and their communities – the spiritual, physical, emotional and material.

The church now has about 3,000 members in 19 congregations spread throughout Guatemala.  ILAG also operates one elementary school in Guatemala City.

They still have a lot of work ahead of them, so we ask that you keep them in your prayers as they do the Lord's work.

If you would like to provide financial support to this ministry, you may do so by indicating "Pastor Amanda" on you offering envelop.  

Elfin Magic (with a twist)

On December 7th from 5-8 pm, The Elfs of Messiah Lutheran Church conducted their annual Elfin Magic Workshop.  Elfin Magic is a fun evening where children, ages 2 and up, create beautiful crafts to give as Christmas gifts. They also have a tasty dinner and watch a movie.  

So, you are probably asking yourself, what is the "Twist" part of this activity?  Well, in the past Elfin magic required the parents to hang around and supervise their children.  Lauren Gray, our Director of Youth Ministries had a great idea.  What if Messiah's Senior Youth provided the supervision? Then the children's parents could have some time to themselves.  And there you have the twist.

If you would like to know more about the Youth Ministries of Messiah Lutheran Church, please visit their webpage or talk with Lauren Gray.

Sing a Song of Joy

Beth Gloe presents "Sing a Song of Joy" during Worship Service at Messiah Lutheran Church.  Her rendition of this song proves once again that Messiah Lutheran Church is overflowing with musical talent.  

To learn more about the music programs at Messiah Lutheran Church, please visit our Music Ministries Page or speak with our Director of Music Ministries, Lois Graff.

Mary Did You Know?

The Christmas Season would not be complete without hearing Jeanine Pesto sing "Mary Did You Know?"

"Mary, Did You Know?" is a Christmas song with lyrics written by Mark Lowry and music written by Buddy Greene. Mark Lowry wrote the words in 1984 when his pastor asked him to write the program for the living Christmas tree choir presentation. The music was written by Buddy Greene. Michael English was the first recording artist to record and release 'Mary, Did You Know?" on his debut album titled Michael English which was released on January 1, 1992.

The lyrics to this song are simple but powerful.  Especially when sung by a talented vocalist like Jeanine.

Mary did you know that your baby boy would some day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when your kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.
Oh Mary did you know The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will walk again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am

To learn more about the music programs at Messiah Lutheran Church, please visit our Music Ministries Page or speak with our Director of Music Ministries, Lois Graff.

Building Homes at the Top of the World

Habitat for Humanity
Everest Blitz Build II, Nepal
October 7–12, 2012

By Susan Burrer

Namaste! ...why go half way around the world to one of the poorest places on earth to build a house, some ask? I don’t think it is as much a reason as a feeling. ...if not you, then who? It was obvious once we got to Nepal ...462 volunteers from 14 countries...coming together to build 40 houses in a week!

There were several teams there from the United States; our team was a Thrivent Builds Worldwide team, comprised of 23 people from 10 different states! We would all find our way to Kathmandu in time to get to Bhakapur Durbar Square for the Blitz Build Opening Ceremonies that Sunday evening. What a grand outdoor opening event it was in the setting of the ancient temples, complete with Habitat Nepal visions for the week, cultural singing, dancing, and modeling, along with a giant buffet of authentic food!

From here we would go on to our hotel for the duration of the Build, the Himalayan Horizon, built up on the mountain side in Dhulikhel overlooking the beautiful valley (elevation: 5,026 ft). On occasion we would ‘forget’ where we were, and as we’d fling open the shutters in the morning, there would be the most beautiful panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayans with the sun shining on them, bathing them in gold and rose, to even enhance their beauty!

Per the sign in the courtyard, brecfast (eggs, porridge, fruit, etc.) started at 6:15 a.m. and dinur (boiled rice, curried vegetables, or spicy lentil soup) is served at 6:30 p.m.—both meals were eaten in the hotel! Each morning the grounds keeper would be out sweeping the big courtyard with his little rice broom!

By 7:30 a.m. our entire team was on the bus for the ride down the mountain. The bus ride going anywhere deserves to be a part of the story, but especially up and down the mountain! The narrow, curvey road is shared with trucks, bicycles, cars, many motorcycles—some with the whole family of five on, one with a goat between the two people, ‘walking cornstocks’—a woman, always, with a whole bunch of corn strapped to her back, and holy cows—you surely don’t want to hit a holy cow! If you want to pass—yes, PASS— you simply toot your horn twice! If you get by with an inch of room, you’ve done good!
Since there are no protective guard rails, if you are by the window and look down, the tire is just inches from the edge of the cliff it seems!

Thirty minutes later we arrive at Panchkhal, Kavre, where all volunteer teams were preassigned a house number and location where they would be building...our team’s houses were in the first of three house ‘clusters’ lowest on the slope.

As we wind our way along the dirt path through the already established settlement, probably a half mile or so, there are no words to describe the feeling...it is like you were absorbed into a documentary from ancient times...the adobe houses with corn hung to dry, water buffalo tied up by the barn which doubles as a house, chickens of all sizes, women working...always...cutting/picking/gathering/shelling/grinding corn/rice, fetching water from the well, washing clothes, sewing plates and bowls out of leaves, tending goats, walking miles carrying something on their back; the children, in a slight bow, folding their hands ‘prayerfully’, greeting you with “namaste” in a rather quiet way...it all seemed so reverent ...that walk... I will forever remember it...





We arrive at houses 13 and 14 and are greeted by the families we will be working along side with leis made from large marigold blossoms and a dot of red between our eyes (a tika) (I believe a mixture of rice, curd, and vermilion) signifying a blessing for abundance and victory of good over evil. Seems it might be more of a challenge to communicate since no one on our team knows Nepalese, but as the week progresses, it is proven that words once again are not always necessary. Around this little dirt, oblong-shaped ‘courtyard’ resides the related Danuwar families.



The two new houses we are building belong to sisters, Jamuna and Maili; their mother lived in one of the current houses on the courtyard. House 14 was the one Virgil and I worked on, the home of Maili (45),
a son Azay (19), two daughters, Saumilai (15) and Laxmi (20), and her husband Gyanbadoor. Kumari (11), a niece, also helped work in the mud pit. Jamuna’s little three year-old daughter, Roshani, captured everyone’s heart...she was the most photographed subject there!

Roshani

Maili

Azay

Saumilai, Kumari & Laxmi

Gyanbadoor

The foundation (stone and mud mortar), structure of the house (sundried adobe block and mud mortar with bamboo vertical posts for reinforcement), and cement over compacted mud floor were built several weeks before we arrived to give them cure time.

Our first tasks would be to ‘sand’ the dried mud mortar on the entire house using the roughest side of a broken brick as sandpaper, making the walls smooth for the ‘stucco’ application, and build the gable part of the house. The stucco was made of mud, cow dung (increases adhesion), and rice hulls (reinforces the mix) (4:1:1) and applied in two coats both inside and out. The three children were the main ‘stucco mixers’ in the pit...they would mix it with their bare feet and pass up the huge filled bowl with ease...where we would be struggling to lift it! The mud/cow dung mix helps the dwelling remain cool in summer and retain warmth in winter. A third coat would be put on by the homeowners once this cured. As it turns out, the color was about the same as the accent wall in my living room!

Sanding

Applying Stucco

The roof was the top priority and an interesting concept as well...bamboo rafters, which involved sizing, cutting, and drilling through bamboo that was about 3 inches in diameter, building the frame on top of the house, one bamboo stick at a time, attaching that to the house with J hooks, and to 26-gauge corrugated galvanized iron sheets with nuts and bolts! We also sanded, primed, and painted the wooden shutters (no glass windows) and doors that were built in the mill just a few blocks away.

   



The homeowners get to pick the design based on their needs and size based on their ability to pay. Jamuna, for example, had a combined monthly family income of 8,000 rupees (US$92). These two houses were very small, just two rooms approximately 10 ft by maybe 12 ft each; each room had one window and one doorway leading to the outside; there was no connecting opening between the two rooms inside. The bamboo toilet (squat pot!) was built separately just off the house.
There would be no running water here...and so the work of the women continues! At least the well was just a half block away! A very common site was to see a woman with her aluminum vessel (gagris) riding on her hip and the top nestled in the crook of her arm fetching water—they are not light even empty!

All too soon the week was over and time for the dedication of the two houses...always a very touching moment. Some of the creative team members made a large banner out of the materials we had...our unused blue and yellow rain ponchos and a utility knife! There were no official ‘keys’ to pass but, with the family gathered round, Saumilai cut the ribbon and through an interpreter, her mom expressed their extreme gratefulness for helping them build their home...so little, it seems... just a humble little house they can now call home...but so life changing, and SO thankful...

The celebration commenced over under the big tree with the children doing several action songs the team members taught them. The women and children sang their native songs and danced, with one lady accompanying them with the madal, Nepali drum. All of the teams then gathered down by the giant tent where all the noon meals were served for the official Closing Ceremonies...what a week...and an experience of a lifetime...

Getting There...Prebuild —After we said we could join the team to Nepal, we are...where really is Nepal, knowing it was over in Asia by Tibet some place! You don’t have a real picture until you find it on an actual globe...literally, half-way around the world—China to the north and India on the other three sides. When you fly straight north of Atlanta, up over the Arctic Ocean, and drop in on the other side of the world, you know you’ve come a long way! We landed in Kathmandu, Nepal, via Seoul, Korea. Good thing there were days lapse before the return trip so the memory faded...

After getting our visiting paperwork work taken care of, we met up with a few of our team members and our local contact and guide, Tanka, for the trip to Hotel Samsara, not that far mileage wise but time wise! Our first visual of Kathmandu...so many people...motorcycles...trash...dust (many locals even have a cloth dust mask)...buildings that look like they were bombed out...but then the oldest dated building in the Valley is 1,992 years old! In contrast, all of the school children we pass have on uniforms in various colors for various schools and look very nice...it is a privilege to go to school and learn English.

Always in all of that is the bright spot...the women in their brightly colored guniu, a form of sari...they always look nice and well dressed amidst their surroundings—even in the pit. Later in the week, many of us would have our personal gunie sewn for us after a visit to the fabric store just down from the giant lunch tent—you pick out the material kit, they measure you, and the next day, you pick it up—top, pants, and scarf...all for less than $13! ...business was good that week...I bet they didn’t sleep a wink!

Since there are no elevators in any of the hotels because of the earthquake possibility and expense, how do we get our now 50-lb suitcases up to the 6th floor? ...no problem, a small bellboy pops one on his shoulder and the other in his hand and away he goes...very strong they are! He is scarcely out of breath while we are huffing and puffing! He needs extra rupees for this!

The Himalayans

We joined up with all of the team at Hotel Samsara, knowing only three of them from past builds, so it was fun to get to know everyone throughout the week. That evening (Friday) we experienced shopping down in the ‘tourist hub’ of Thamel where there is shoppe after shoppe outdoors and everything is bargained for! If you so much as moved your eye to look at something, they just knew you needed it and did their best to sell it to you. If you didn’t need the scarf, then the prayer wheel, or the singing bowl, or the knive...like you were going to get a 12-inch bladed knife home! Saturday morning the team boarded a small Budda airplane for the Mount Everest trip, the highest mountain in the The Himalayans world at 29,029 feet! Once you are that close to the majesty, it is hard to grasp the reality of how high the mountains are because there is nothing to compare it to—oh SO beautiful were the white mountains against the blue sky!

Several other temples were visited including the Swyambhunath Stupa (Buddist). We drove to Nargarkot for the night to watch the beautiful sunrise above the clouds and have breakfast overlooking the valley.

Postbuild —After driving back to Kathmandu we visited the Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu temple in the world—cremation takes place here. Monks live in the earth caves to the right. This large complex is located along the Bagmati River, considered highly sacred with many bathing spots for use by pilgrims. Each year on the anniversary of the cremation, the family must return here for the celebration, so you see many families sitting around eating; all of whatever is left of the food and leaf bowls must be dumped into the river. The cremations are ceremonious and several are taking place visually at the same time. Whatever ashes remain are then washed into the river as well. There are so many beliefs in Hinduism. I am coming to realize that the animals, the symbols, every shape and creature carved into these temples tells a story. However, I am thankful to be born into Christianity.
We took a small plane to Pokara, the starting point for most famous treks in Nepal, situated at the base of the Himalyans. Only foothills separate the town from the full height of the mountains and magnificent 26,400-ft peaks of the Annapurna Range. We first went to the upper end of Devi’s Falls and then underground through Gupteshwor Cave to see the falls thundering through the rocks. Nepal’s most beautiful and mystic location is here on Lake Phewa Tal, where the snow-capped mountains are reflected in this sheltered lake. An early morning canoe ride on the lake let us observe the breath-taking views of the mountains...so majestic!

From here we took a 4-hr bus ride through the beautiful mountains, past waterfalls, along the turquoise-colored, deepest river in Nepal to the Royal Chitwan National Park, which lies in the subtropic lowlands. In the country you can see how the poor people make do—perhaps they don’t know that they are poor—it just is what it is.

We check into the Rhino Hotel just in time for lunch! Maybe on occasion but it’s not every day you look up and down the street and see elephants coming and going! The elephant-back safari into the jungle was a must in quest for a siting of a Bengal tiger, so four at a time jumped into the ‘saddle’ while the mahout steered the elephant by digging his toes in behind the ears! No tigers were to be seen but it was pretty cool to see a one-horned rhino in the wild, up close! Many of the trees in the jungle are Sal, the big leaves used to sew the plates and bowls in the village! If only I had a split rice straw I could stitch a plate, which is much less complicated than making a bowl, because I now have experience in making tableware, thanks to the women of the village !

Our guide took us on a bird watching walkabout and to see a baby rhino they were nursing back to health after his tiger attack. That afternoon we went upstream and canoed the Rapti River, powered by a strong young man with a pole, Nepal’s version of Venetian gondoliers. ...wait a minute, aren’t we here looking for crocodiles in a dugout canoe where we are only a foot out of the water...just saying! ...a very peaceful ride without incident as the crocs stayed on the banks of the river! We climbed out of our canoe and hiked through the jungle and across a few makeshift log bridges that required balance-beam skills to see a couple of rhino’s in the lake...truly in their natural habitat...it was nice to absorb the ‘quiet’ of the jungle.

Another thing we did was elephant bathing...you got on the back of the elephant in the river and with the mahout’s instruction, the elephant would pick up water in his trunk and spray everyone on his back—a tug of the ear did this! His other trick was to lay down, dumping you off his back! It was alot of fun, AND felt pretty good on the 80-some degree humid day! How hard is it to stay on the back of a wet elephant with him just standing still? VERY hard!

An oxen-drawn cart ride through the Tharu village to the elephant breeding centre took us back in time also. Here, they used mostly thatched roofs on their buildings. I find it most unusual that the children are never really ‘playing’; however, in this village, there was a little girl with a ball and a boy playing hopscotch!

We learned ALL about elephants and viewed elephants of various sizes, including babies and twins to grandfathers with long ivory tusks. One baby ellie standing by his mama was obviously sleepy—or dirt got in his eye—as he took the end of his baby trunk and rubbed his little eye..it was so sweet! I also learned that baby elephants nurse behind the front legs of their mama instead of in the back—the things you learn on a safari!

It was much more complicated visiting Nepal...the time spent just getting there and back, the time change was 10.45 hours ahead, the money was 85.5 rupees = $1, the language, the power conversion had to be dealt with, the power in general was turned off for hours at a time in some places, one could not use the water—you could not nonchalantly go about your day without staying focussed! It sure made one appreciate life in the USA and all that we take for granted.

Conclusion—As you can see, the prebuild and postbuild tours were fun, but if you ask any team member, they will always tell you the Build was the best part!

All of these 40 families are building their dream home...each one has a story...and they all realize without the help of Habitat for Humanity and all the volunteers, their dream of decent, affordable housing for their family would never come true. Like all of us, they just want better for their children! It is a lesson in humility for me...like I said in the beginning...it is a feeling...an addictive feeling, which is why most volunteers sign up for trip after trip once they’ve experienced it.

“People will forget what you said; People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you
made them feel.” …even though we couldn’t share ‘words’, perhaps along the way these families will always
remember that someone cared and came to make their biggest dream come true—a simple roof over their head.

Find a way to pass on your blessings and I know that you will be richly blessed in return!

Reaching Out Through Music

At Messiah Lutheran Church we have a rich tradition of music.  And music at Messiah Lutheran Church isn't just for special occasions like the recent Ring and Sing Concert.  It is also part of our daily lives and it is one of the things that makes us special.  To quote Martin Luther,

“Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music.”

The congregation at Messiah Lutheran Church has many different styles of praising God through music.  These styles range from our Adult Choir which sings many classic hymns to our Contemporary Worship Band which praises God with contemporary christian music.  We also have a Youth Choir, Instrumental Ensemble, Youth Praise Band, Bell Choir, Children's Choir and much more.  Visit our Music Ministries page or speak with our Director of Music Ministries, Lois Graff to learn more.

Here are two recent performances

But Who May Abide the Day of his Coming
Solo presented by Mike Boyer on December 9, 2012

And the Glory of the Lord (Handel)
Sung by the Adult Choir on December 9, 2012

2012 Ring and Sing Concert

Each year, the talented musicians of Messiah Lutheran Church take part in a festival of Joyful Noise titled "Ring and Sing".  This year's Ring and Sing Concert was a smashing success.  Messiah is blessed with an incredible array of talent including the Cherub Choir, the Seraph Chime Choir, The Instrumental Ensemble, the Notabella Bell Choir, the Youth Choir and a wide array of other soloists and ensembles.  Even the audience got into the act.  The performances from this years concert are below. Please enjoy the video recordings and share them with your friends.  We look forward to seeing you at next year's concert.  Special thanks to the Ring and Sing Director Rhonda Gaede, our Director of Music Ministries Lois Graff, our Choir Director Randall Fields and all of the staff and musicians who worked so hard to make this year's Ring and Sing such a success.

Seraph Chime Choir (and some friends)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel............................... France 15th Century

Cherub Choir
Jingle Bells ............................................................James Lord Pierpont
Feliz Navidad.........................................................Feliciano

Audience Participation and Instrumental Ensemble
Hymn #71: Angles We Have Heard on High............French Carol

Notabella Bell Choir
On Christmas Day in the Morning ...........................arr. Gramann
Troike.....................................................................arr. Wagner

Audience Participation
Infant Holy, Infant Holy...........................................Polish Carol
O Christmas Tree...................................................German Carol

Elvis (Yes the Real Elvis. Unfortunately we couldn't publish these videos because of copyright issues, but trust us when we say Elvis never looked and sounded so good!)
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas....................Martin
Blue Christmas.........................................................Hayes

Handbell Duet
Jingle Bell Rock........................................................arr. Hascall

Audience Participation and Instrumental Ensemble
Hymn #60: Hark the Herald Angels Sing...................Mendelssohn

Youth Choir
Still, Still, Still............................................................Ledger

Handbell Quartet
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.................................arr. McChesney
Caroler's Hoedown...................................................arr Stephenson

Audience Participation and Instrumental Ensemble
Hymn #39: Joy to the World.....................................Handel

Adult Choir
And the Glory of the Lord (from the Messiah) ..........Handel

Notabella Bell Choir
We Wish You a Merry Christmas..............................arr. Cheek

And in case that wasn't enough Ringing and Singing for you, here are the videos from the 2011 Ring and Sing.

Advent Fellowship

The season of Advent marks the beginning of the church year and comprises the four weeks before Christmas.  This year at Messiah Lutheran Church we are celebrating Advent with special fellowship events.  Last Sunday, we enjoyed a Asian/Pacific Islands fellowship event.  The food from this event was provided by our friends in the Holy Hill congregation and others in our congregation who helped with the Indonesian and Korean food.

We invite you to join us during the next several weeks for our upcoming Advent Fellowship events.
December 9th: Bountiful America - Food will be provided
December 16th: German - Check Welcome Center for Recipes
December 23rd: Mexican - Food will be provided

December 2012 Newsletter

The December 2012 Issue of the Messiah Messenger is now available for download.  In this issue:

• Pastor’s Page: Seeds and Hands
• Christmas is Coming
• Advent

• Ring and Sing Concert
• Meet the Seitz Family

Wheelchair Ramp Build, 1 December 2012

The Carpentry Team of Messiah Lutheran Church completed another wheelchair ramp for a local person in need.  The Carpentry Team builds approximately one wheelchair ramp per month in partnership with CASA of Madison County.

CASA builds wheelchair ramps for needy individuals regardless of income or age and at no cost to the client. Wheelchair ramps provide CASA clients the mobility necessary for safely entering and leaving their homes, while promoting a sense of independence and freedom and access to the outside world. Each ramp is custom designed for each client and built by CASA volunteers. By providing wheelchair ramps, we are providing our clients with the knowledge that there are people in the community who truly care about their well-being.

The team can always use a few hands to help build the ramps. No special skills or tools are required.  If you would like to help with the next build, please contact the Messiah Carpentry Team Leaders, Joe Stuart and Owen Wasmoen.  

Check out the rest of the photos from this build.

Wheelchair Ramp Build, December 1, 2012

Christmas Spirit

This Christmas season, consider helping out someone who really needs some help. There are many to help. Here are a few options.

1. This year we have 30 children on our Angel Tree in need of gifts this holiday. Select the child you would like from the tree, fill out the sheet provided indicating which child you have selected, then find the corresponding bag with your child’s number in it. You will return your child’s bag with their UNWRAPPED gifts in it to Messiah by December 10. (A note – many children have requested bicycles or other expensive items. Please don’t feel compelled to purchase these expensive items for your child if you do not wish. Other age-appropriate gifts are welcomed. You may also go in with another family to purchase for a child.)

2. There is also a spot for you to donate new or like-new books to a local HEALS Clinic. HEALS is a school-based health center that provides free medical care, dental care, and social services for eligible economically disadvantaged children at local schools. Your books will be donated to children served from Madison Crossroads Elementary.

3. Messiah’s Gifts for Mission gives you an opportunity to help support many of Messiah’s Outreach Ministries. Fill out the form, place it with your check in the box provided or the offering plate, and take a card to let your loved one know you have purchased a gift for them in their honor.

4. Finally, we have the favorite ELCA Good Gifts Catalog, with over 50 different giving options, from vaccinations for a child, or 10 baby chicks for a family. (Or my favorite, an Alpaca!) Again, fill out the form and take a card to send to your loved one to let them know you have done this in their honor.

Lunches For Learning Mission Trip

Please pray for our missionaries Jackie Myers, Janell Zessinger, and Sue Doubleday who are traveling to Honduras this week to attend the annual graduation ceremony at the Benito Montoya school. Benito Montoya is Messiah Lutheran Church's adopted school  through the Lunches For Learning Program.  This program provides the students with a lunch meal each day at school in order to encourage them to stay in school where they can receive an education.  

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Oct 20, 2009

Trunk or Treat and Chili Cookoff 2012

Trunk or Treat and the Chili Cookoff are two annual traditions at Messiah Lutheran Church. These events are a lot of fun for kids of all ages. Trunk or Treat offers a safe environment for the youth to dress up and poach a little candy. The Chili Cookoff offers a great opportunity for fellowship and eating some tasty food. And it also offers a chance to compete for the culinary top prize, "King of the Chili Pot".  Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this year's event such a success.

Wheelchair Ramp Build, 20 Oct 2012

There are quite a few teams building wheelchair ramps for CASA of Madison County. Unfortunately, most of them seem to afraid to build ramps in Gurley, AL. The Messiah Carpentry Team however has no such fear. The last four ramps that the Messiah team has built have been in Gurley, AL including our latest ramp. On this build we had the added complexity of small children on the work site. Not to fear, Lauren Gray and the Messiah Youth came to the rescue to help entertain the children and help keep them safe during the build. The Messiah Carpentry Team builds a wheelchair ramp each month. If you would like to learn more about the wheelchair ramp ministry, please contact Owen Wasmoen or Joe Stuart.

Church Council Retreat, September 2012

Last week, the Messiah Lutheran Church Council attended a retreat at Camp Lutheranch.  Here are a few photos from the retreat.

Youth Praise Band

Youth Praise Band (Photo Credit Claire Strand)

The Messiah Lutheran Church Youth Praise Band debuted this week at the contemporary service.  They were awesome.  The spirit was truly moving through this group of talented teenagers.  The band led the congregation in the contemporary hits, "Lord, I lift Your Name on High," "Jesus Messiah," "Forever," and "Your Grace is Enough".  

Pictured are Katrina, Meggy, Claire, James,  Walter, Ashlyn, Lauryn, Michael, and Kyle.  Way to Go Praise Band!  If you would like to learn more about the Youth Praise Band, please contact Lois Graff, Director of Music Ministries.

Wheelchair Ramp Build, Sep 8, 2012

On September 8, 2012 the Messiah Carpentry Team constructed another Wheelchair Ramp in support of CASA of Madison County. The lady who received this ramp was in desperate need of assistance. She had no way of exiting her trailer home without being physically carried down off of a rotting porch. Thanks to the carpentry team and your support, she can now safely cruise down a nice solid ramp. Way to go Carpentry Team!

The carpentry team tries to build about one ramp per month. If you would like to learn more or would like to assist the team please contact Joe Stuart or Owen Wasmoen. The team meets Wednesday evenings to build ramp components and installs the ramps on Saturday mornings.

CASA of Madison County’s mission is to provide needed services to aging/homebound individuals that allow them to remain in their homes and age in place*.

Walk to Defeat ALS 2012

Messiah Lutheran Church participated again this year in the Huntsville Walk to Defeat ALS. Thanks to all of our walkers and everyone who supported the team.

About the Walk to Defeat ALS 
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people across the country bring their determination, energy, and passion to the Walk to Defeat ALS® . More than just a few mile trek, it’s an opportunity to bring hope to ALS patients, to raise money for a cure, and to join together to fight for something we care about. The Walk to Defeat ALS® is our biggest annual event which raises funds to sustain patient care and support research for much of the following year. Approximately 165 walks are held around the country each year. Since 2000, the events have raised over $137 million toward our mission – a world without ALS. The Walk to Defeat ALS® empowers patients, friends, families, and the business community to fight back against a disease that leaves many feeling powerless. 

About ALS

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe. The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis.

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose their battle against this disease. ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries.

This crippling disease can strike anyone. Presently there is no known cause of the disease yet it still costs loved ones an average of $200,000 a year to provide the care ALS patients need. Help make a difference and donate or join a walk today.

Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser
You can still help.  Messiah Lutheran Church will conduct a spaghetti fund raiser on Wednesday,  August 5th.  Please contact Mary Mast for more details.

Previous Years
2011 - Walk to Defeat ALS
2010 - Walk to Defeat ALS

Ordination of Charles Ronald Underwood

Congratulations to our very own Charles Ronald Underwood. On Sunday, August 5th Messiah Lutheran Church hosted his Ordination Ceremony. The Ceremony was presided over by Bishop Julian Gordy.

Wheelchair Ramp Build, 4 Aug 2012

Today the Messiah Carpentry Team built a wheelchair ramp for a gentleman in Gurley, Alabama. This man is a Vietnam Veteran and is facing some health challenges that are keeping him in a wheelchair. Thanks to the Messiah Carpentry Team and CASA of Madison County, this gentleman can now get out of his house and into his car a lot easier. If you would like to learn more about the carpentry team and our missions, please contract Joe Stuart, Owen Wasmoen, or the Church Office. We are always looking for new members to joint the carpentry team. No expert skills required.

Sunday School Rally Day, August 19, 2012

SUNDAY SCHOOL RALLY DAY

AUGUST 19, 2012

9:45 AM IN THE SANCTUARY

Jesus Blesses Little Children

¹³  Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ But Jesus said, “^[i] Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ¹⁵ After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL INVITES YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR WORSHIP AND STUDY OF GOD’S WORDS.

Practice Discipleship

Saturday started with bright eyes as the activity was only two blocks from our hotel and it we were due there at the relatively late time of 8:30. Besides we were going to interact with our fellow Lutherans from the Southeastern Synod. As we waited outside the ballroom waiting to go in, we chatted with Pastor Keith Cook from All Saints. Upon entering the ballroom for worship, we were greated by the music of the Starboarders.



There were boxes set up in the middle of the room that, as the service progressed, were taken down and rearranged to form a cross. A recurrent theme of the gathering was "breaking down the walls".



During the worship we had two reflections from Bishop Julian Gordy. One comment that he made that really resonated with me is that no matter how old we get and no matter how many bible studies, worships and other church activities we attend, we are still always learning about God and "practicing our faith" in the sampraye way we practice piano or some other endeavor. We heard the words of grace from Bishop Gordy and I agreed as Randall said "everyone ought to be Lutherans". After all, we believe in the grace of God, we are saved by what he has done for us because nothing we can do will ever be good enough. We proudly watched Rebecca Kolowe, Diaconal minister, assistant to the bishop and raised in the community of Messiah also led worship.



She led us in a prayer exercise that Randall and I participated in (Apparently Diane was not as involved in it as she had time to take this picture). After worship was over, we moved into small group study. I had agreed to be a small group leader but thought I was off the hook until I came upon a group of 14 when all groups were supposed to be 10 or smaller. Four of our youth seized upon this opportunity telling me "We love you, miss Rhonda". The cynic in me said sure they can stay with familiar people rather than mingling with the others.



We did have Anne, an adult from Messiah Lutheran Church in Knoxvill, Tennessee join us to discuss the faith practices of 1) worship, 2) invite, 3) encourage, 4) study, 5) serve, 6 )give, and 7) pray. We only made it to five, however, before our time was up.



I wandered out of the ballroom for a break at one point and found Randall in conversation with Bishop Gordy. I think they were talking about resources available for worship that was similar to the worship we were experiencing at the gathering. I joined them and Rebecca told us that she was looking for a reason to visit Messiah but that she only visited congregations in trouble. I asked her what kind of trouble that was required as I could probably cause some. Before we left the Marriott, we took a picture outside of our worship space as part of our discipleship tour.

 
Anyway, we went from the Marriott Convention Center to our lunch location where we had the room upstairs that had an extra place set for Jesus.



After lunch, we headed to Jackson Square in the van to see the cathedral and do a little shopping. We had no rain on Saturday and the Jackson Square area was packed with Lutherans that had done the bare minimum in the rain but now seized the opportunity to sight see.





I dropped the group off at Cafe Du Monde and arranged to meet them at 4:30 so that they could get to the dome at 5:00 because it was our night to get in early to dome activities. Unlike other gatherings, they assigned three different color wristbands to each group so that each group got an opportunity to sit on the floor and Saturday was our day. I drove back to the hotel then walked over to the mall to make a purchase for Kay Spence and then got back in the van to pick the group up. I got to the agreed upon spot a little early, had to do some circling around and ended up following a horse and carriage to the pickup spot. As i pulled over, I watched another carriage start to pull off from the curb after dropping off passengers. All of a sudden, the horse didn't want to go where the driver wanted to go, pulled over to the left, stumbled, and the carriage fell over dumping the driver on the ground! The crowd reacted quickly: one man quieted the horse, another picked up the man, a large group of people righted the carriage. I tried to let Diane get out as she is a medical professional but she couldn't open her door because of cars next to us. The driver got up on his own so we hope he is okay. Needless to say, we were all shaken by this episode. We collected ourselves as best we could and proceeded on to the dome. I dropped them off, drove back to the hotel and proceeded on my walk to the dome. As I walked, I got a text from Randall that said "God be with us" and thought that's a weird text so I texted back "Context?". When I got to the dome, however, and saw the scene there, I understood. The doors would open and the crowd surged forward only to have the doors close again. I had only myself to worry about but keeping a group together was an extreme challenge. Our kids were great about protecting Claire in this situation which could be life threatening to her. When I got in, I made my way to the floor to meet the group. Sitting on the floor was amazing. We were mightily entertained by the junior Preservation Hall jazz band with renditions of I'll Fly Away and the quintessential New Orleans anthem When the Saints go Matching In. Switchfoot played for more than half an hour and rocked the house. It was past 9:30 by the time we got out of the dome so we decided to skip Community Life activities and go back to our hotel and had some pizza. We were then sad that the gathering would end after worship the next day.