This year's Handemade Market will be on Saturday, October 22nd from 9 - 4.
Contact Jackie Myers for more information.
Drop off items and inventory on October 13, 14, 18, 19 at 9 am at Messiah. **The sooner you drop off the items the better, but on those days we will be at church pricing and tagging all of the items.
Baked items can be dropped off on Friday, October 21st at 2 pm, or Saturday, October 22nd at 8 am.
Proceeds from the Handmade Market are used to support our Lunches For Learning Ministry.
Last year, the talented artists and craftsmen of the Messiah congregation donated over 700 items. The donated items include every imaginable manner of handicraft including paintings, photographs, sewed and knitted items, woodwork, food, seasonal decorations and much, much more. A host of volunteers organized the donations and manned the cash registers. The community turned out in full force to support the event. In total, over $3,750 was raised. We can do even better this year.
Lunches for Learning exists to help break the cycle of poverty by providing nutrition and nutritional supplements to the very poor children in public schools in the Republic of Honduras. It costs approximately $15 per month to feed one child a nutritious meal each day of the school year. In the schools where the Lunches for Learning program have been in place, the results have been outstanding. The children are coming to school to receive a meal, but they are also receiving an education. And those children who receive an elementary school education in Honduras are much more likely to be able to get a well paying job and end the cycle of poverty.
On Saturday, October 8th, Messiah Lutheran Church conducted a Blessing of the Animals Service. At Messiah Lutheran Church, along with many other churches, it has become the custom to bless pets on St. Francis day.
St. Francis enjoyed a legendary relationship with animals, and stories about his experiences with them abound. It is said that St. Francis loved animals so much that he regularly bought captured birds and freed them.
Perhaps the best story about St. Francis concerns a wolf that was terrorizing an Italian town. St. Francis convinced the townsfolk to feed the animal regularly in exchange for its friendship. Though there were no wolves at Messiah's Blessing of the Animals Service, there were 10 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 Guinea Pig. The Guinea Pig was a little nervous with all of the bigger animals around, but the spirit of St. Francis prevailed and all of the animals were on their best behavior.
During the service, Randall Fields performed an excellent solo rendition of "God of the Sparrow" while holding his dog. It was very impressive.
Do you give special thanks for the animals who share your home? Do you count them among the blessings of this life?
Gracious Lord, thank you for the gift of animals. Thank you for making these dear creatures which have become blessings in our lives. May we see in them your unfailing love, and may we share with them your boundless compassion. Amen.
Special thanks to Jonianne Ridzelski McCombs who coordinated the Blessing of the Animals service and delivered a lovely meditation on why animals are important to her. The following is the text of her meditation:
Years ago I asked Pastor Scott if we could have a Blessing of the Animals at Messiah Lutheran Church. He seemed pleased as well as scared.
Pleased because he was and is well-versed in St. Francis Assisi. Scared because he is allergic to cats.
Many churches celebrate the Feast of St Francis of Assisi on October 4 each year. The feast commemorates the life of St Francis. It is a popular time for pets to be “blessed”.
Saint Francis was the First Advocate for Animals. He is known as the patron saint of animals and ecology (or environment). He is also known as the Promoter of Peace, Simplicity, and Harmony. In a time when animals were last in line to be treated with any respect, Frances understood the need that respect begins with all creatures.
These services are a powerful way to celebrate both Francis's and God's compassionate concern for all creatures.
She works like a dog. He eats like a pig. He eats like a bid. Or she gets my goat. They let out a wolf-whistle which really embarrassed her, because she's as timid as a mouse.
Where would we be without our animal friends? Our figures of speech would be so much less rich, for one thing. Animals have provided covering for our fragile skins, food for our empty bellies, bones for tools, oil for light, free labor for our fields and farms, subjects for scientific experiments that have benefited you and me.
And yet for most of us, our connection to the creaturely world comes exclusively through the companionship of those animal friends we call our pets. For the more politically correct animal advocates, "animal companion" is the preferred term, as it takes away the connotation of ownership. After all, do we really "own" our pets or do they own us? From my own experience as a caretaker of many animals in my life -- I would vote for neither. We' re responsible for their food, shelter and veterinary care -- and to that extent are their keepers -- but truth be told, they "keep" us just as surely as we keep them, but they keep us through bonds of unconditional affection. We keep them through care and they keep us by loyalty.
We love our animals. They ask so little. They respond to the simple pleasures of existence with such fullness of spirit.
For me, there was no question that this celebration or blessing was something that I want to do. Something I care about.
From my very first animal companion. As a little child. I still remember snuggling up to a poodle that nobody wanted because her body wasn’t the show-dog type of body. She was the runt. But she was my buddy. All the way through my teenage years. I remember when she died and how it hurt me more than anyones death before her.
To my two cats now. The snuggling with my animal friends is so therapeutic. Talking to my cats is so therapeutic. Playing with my cats is so relaxing. They are such a blessing.
But what is a Blessing?
I have talked about the blessing of the animals and how my animal friends are a blessing.
I looked up the definition on-line.
1.) God's favor and protection as in may God continue to give us his blessing
2.) A prayer asking for such favor and protection as in a priest gave a blessing as the ship was launched
3.) Grace said before or after a meal
4.) A beneficial thing for which one is grateful; something that brings well-being
5.) A person's sanction or support as in he gave his blessing for his daughter to marry.
But I like the verb of Bless, which is to honour something.
The animals in my life have brought me such comfort and joy. It is a way I could bring them into my spiritual life and honour them.
What looked like a pet show was actually a blessing in disguise.
We call this service the blessing of the animals. But of course, it is they who bless us.
A special welcome to the newest members of Messiah Lutheran Church. Terrence, Amy, Terrence and Lauren Chance, Lisa Evers & Kirk Hamlet, and Steve, Debbie, Taylor and Michelle Bono.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a deadly illness with no cure. But we are working to change that. This year Messiah Lutheran Church together with Thrivent and the rest of the Huntsville community came together with one goal in mind. Defeating ALS.
Thanks to you, the 2011 Huntsville Walk to Defeat ALS was a success!
You helped raise $151,127.60, critical funds that enable us to continue providing hope and courage to those living with ALS.
And in case you haven't heard. Two weeks ago a major breakthrough was made in the fight to defeat ALS. For the first time, the cause of all forms of ALS has been isolated. It's not a cure, but as long as ALS has been known, no one really had any idea what caused the disease. Now that a cause is known, researchers can begin work on treatments. http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2011/08/siddique-als-breakthrough.html
Thank you for your unwavering support to help us create a world without ALS.
This month we packed up the 1940's era pipe organ from Messiah Lutheran Church in order to make way for the sanctuary expansion. Though this organ has brought a lot of joy to Messiah Lutheran Church, it is not powerful enough for the expanded Sanctuary that we are constructing. We hope that this wonderful instrument will find a new home soon. Here is a video of the last few notes played for the Glory of the Lord by this instrument at Messiah Lutheran Church.
Here are some photos of the organ and its removal.
The 2011-2012 School Year was kicked off to a good start at Messiah Lutheran Church on Sunday. Gary Garrison, the Sunday School Superintendent opened the Rally Day with a number of activities including songs prayer. The Sunday School teachers were also installed into their new positions. We ask that God give them each wisdom, patience, discipline and humor. We ask that God makes them good examples for the children they will teach this year.
Sunday School is conducted every Sunday from 9:45 to 10:45. Please check the Messiah Website for the 2011-2012 school calendar. Contact the Church office or Gary Garrison if you would like to register your child. Click here for the registration form.
On Sunday, August 14th, Messiah Lutheran Church officially broke ground on our Sanctuary Expansion Project. This project will add 50% more seating and an expanded and raised Altar area. Construction is proceeding according to plan and is expected to take about six months to complete. During the construction period, we will meet in the Parish Hall for Worship Services.
On Sunday, August 14 the congregation of Messiah Lutheran Church gathered in fellowship during the annual Church Picnic. This event was more fun than a barrel of monkeys. Lot's of tasty food and plenty of activities for the young (and young of heart). The fellowship committee really outdid themselves. Many thanks to everyone who organized, cooked and helped make this such a fun and successful event.
The beginning of August means that it is time for the children to head back to school. One of the traditions of Messiah Lutheran Church is that the children of the congregation bring their backpacks to Church with them to be blessed. We ask our Gracious God to bless the students and their parents. Help us to know you walk with us each day. Bless our journeys, our schools, our friends, and our families. We ask that you make our teachers examples of your righteousness for the children they teach. Keep them and all of us steadfast in your Word. We ask Generous God, that you bless the books and school supplies, the lunches and snacks that these backpacks will hold. Thank you for the tools and nourishment you give for learning. Just as these backpacks will hold what is needed for school days, we look to You to securely hold each child forever.
Last week, Messiah Lutheran Church was truly blessed to be able to host a disaster relief team from Grace Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. This group of talented tradesmen came to Northern Alabama on a mission trip to help rebuild following the devastating tornado damage that occurred in April. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their hard work in 100 degree heat and 100% humidity to bring some relief to those in need.
At the end of their visit, they left the following thank you note to the congregation.
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your hospitality. The food and "Provisions" made our stay so much nicer. Your Church building is beautiful and we hope to see pictures of the finished project. We hope our small amount of help to your community aids your neighbors in returning to their normal lives. You are blessed with a great group, both here in your Church, and surrounding you in your community. The Harvest Youth Club is a wonderful group of people reaching out to those in need. We are happy to have met you and invite you to our church at any time.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace Lutheran Church
Disaster Relief Team 2011
Grace Lutheran Church
Salisbury, NC 28144
David Miller
David Diggs
Ashley Miller
Trey
Patti Aldridge
Shannon Moore
Randy and Sheila Basinger
Cassie and Adam Cowick
Donnie and Kim Stout
If you would learn more about Messiah Lutheran Church's disaster relief effort or if you have some time or talent to provide to this worthy cause, please contact Kay Spence.
Last Friday, members of Messiah’s youth groups participated in the Second Annual Youth Coffeehouse, which was sponsored by Lois Graff. The evening consisted largely of food, friends, and entertainment.
We were each invited to prepare an optional music performance for the coffeehouse. Before the music started, we gathered in the Parish Hall to catch up with friends that we hadn’t seen in a while. Members of both youth groups were present, as well as graduates from the last few years. We filled our plates at the nacho bar and snacked the entire night while enjoying each other’s company.
After some casual conversation amongst ourselves, we took a moment to introduce ourselves to everyone. Then the performances began. The performers delighted everyone with their talents in singing and on piano, guitar, bass guitar, recorder, and tenor saxophone. As the evening wore on, the solo or duet performances turned into humorous singalongs around the piano.
The coffeehouse was a wonderful opportunity to welcome new faces to the youth groups and say goodbye to those who are leaving for college soon. The casual environment put the performing musicians at ease. Some of us were pleasantly surprised by the talents that our friends had. The coffeehouse was a nice break from our back-to-school stress and the perfect occasion for us to be ourselves with our friends. Editor's Note: Thanks to Rebecca Mast for submitting this article.
During the week of 1-8 August, Messiah Lutheran Church will be hosting a team of volunteers from Grace Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. This group of skilled carpenters and masons will be helping to rebuild tornado stricken areas (most likely the Harvest area).
They will be arriving in Huntsville mid-afternoon on Monday, August 1 and will be staying in the Parish Hall. Arrangements have been made for them to have shower access at Hogan YMCA on Hughes road. They are bringing their own work equipment so we may have some trailers in the parking lot. They will also be providing their own sleeping equipment and supplies and have been given access to Parish kitchen and the washer and dryer. They may be cooking, and I have assured them that restaurants are very close for their convenience.
We are planning a congregation pot luck meal while they are here which will be conducted on Wednesday evening, August 3 at 6 PM.
If you would like to help volunteer with the rebuilding effort or would like to help make our guest feel welcome, please contact Kay Spence for more information.
Messiah Lutheran Church is a very busy place. In fact it's sometimes hard to keep up with all of the exciting ministries that are continuously taking place. Every once in a while though, it is important to sit back, relax, and just enjoy a little fellowship. And there probably isn't a better way to do that than by enjoying a fun family movie and a big tub of popcorn. Especially if that movie is being projected on a state of the art projection system with surround sound. Special thanks to Paul Zutter for turning family movie night into a theatrical extravaganza. Messiah Lutheran Church periodically hosts a family movie night which is free of charge event. Just bring a snack to share.
This Year's Vacation Bible School was titled, "Renew: The Green VBS" and was conducted July 11-15 at Messiah Lutheran Church.
Grounded in Jesus' Parable of the Sower, ReNew: The Green VBS brings together the Bible and environmental stewardship. From tiny towns to huge cities, kids grow in faith as they play, learn, sing, and work toward renewing their congregations and communities. By serving in the community and inviting the community into church, kids demonstrate that being green can be easy, faithful, and fun. Although current threats to our environment can seem scary, ReNew is about hope, opportunity, and service. Kids and congregations lead the way as stewards of the earth.
What happens when heads, hearts, and hands are in harmony? Kids grow in faith, have fun, and change the world. And did the kids have fun and learn a lot? You Betcha! Just look at the smiles on their faces and you can tell just how much fun it was.
Many thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who put so much of themselves into making this year's VBS such a success.
Here is a short video about what Renew: The Green VBS is all about.
