Farewell Pipe Organ

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.

Sunday School Rally Day

From 2011

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.

From 2011

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.

From 2011

Groundbreaking Service For Sanctuary Expansion

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.

Church Picnic

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.

Blessing Of The Backpacks

From Blessing of the Backpacks August 7, 2011

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.

Disaster Relief Team

From 2011

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.

Youth Coffeehouse

From 2011

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.