Messiah Lutheran Welcomes New Members, Sends off Seniors

It was a busy Sunday morning at Messiah Church on May 18th.

Four new families were received as members of Messiah Lutheran Church at the 8:30 am service.  The Carters, Collins, Leeper and Rydbom families were introduced to the congregation.  A reception was held in their honor in the Fellowship Hall following the service.  We are excited to see our church family continue to grow in this way.

Sunday, May 18th was also our Senior Recognition day!   Messiah church members have been collecting items for Messiah Lutheran's graduating high school seniors for the past few weeks.  Seniors were given an opportunity to update the congregation on their post-high school plans at both the 8:30 am and 11:00 services.  Kert Reedstrom, Messiah's Director of Youth & Education Ministries, read a poignant blessing for these precious young adults.   Outreach Director Claire Strand presented them with their laundry baskets of helpful items (towels, peanut butter, printer paper, etc.) as they departed.

Lunches for Learning Fiesta, 27 April 2014

Today, Messiah Lutheran Church held a Taco Lunch and Spring Handmade Market as a fundraiser for Lunches for Learning.  Traditionally, Messiah holds a fund raiser in October for this worthy program.  But if once a year is good, then twice a year must be even better.

Special thanks to everyone who helped make this event successful.  The food was delicious and authentic!

Since 2004 Lunches for Learning has helped break the cycle of poverty in rural southwest Honduras. Our success is proven, our strategy is simple, and our method is cost effective. By providing children a lunch at school, enrollment increases; access to nutritional supplements and rudimentary health care improves; and families join together to build and enhance community facilities.

Click here to see some additional photos from this great event.

Taco Lunch, April 27, 2014

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity 2014

Today, Messiah Lutheran Church in partnership with Thrivent Financial, Habitat for Humanity and seven other local churches kicked off our 2014 Habitat build.  The weather was great and a lot of work was accomplished.  Starting with just a foundation and a stack of 2x4s, we managed to get the walls raised and the project well underway.  We are building this house on the foundation of a house that was damaged during the 2011 tornado outbreak.

Next week will be putting the roof on this house.  Volunteers of every skill level are needed.  Work starts at 8 am on Saturday.  The address for this house is 1075 Yarbrough Road, Harvest Al 35749.  If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office at (256) 721-0041.

For the ninth consecutive year, Thrivent Financial is committing millions to stabilize, strengthen and secure communities in 2014 through its unique partnership called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity.

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans announced that in 2014 it will fund the construction and rehabilitation of 126 Habitat for Humanity homes in 35 U.S. states through a $7.8 million contribution. Additional funds will support the Thrivent Builds Repairs and Thrivent Builds Worldwide programs. From the partnership's inception in 2005, Thrivent and its members have now committed more than $200 million and more than 4 million volunteer hours.

Habitat for Humanity of Madison County is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization. We are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Our ministry was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent place to live in dignity and safety.

Click this link for some additional photos from this year's build.

Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity 2014

Annual Easter Egg Hunt, 12 Apr 2014

On Saturday, April 12th, Messiah Lutheran Church conducted its annual Easter Egg Hunt. This event is one of the highlights of the Easter season for our youngest members. And it was a glorious day to run around the Church ground hunting for brightly colored Easter Eggs.

Special thank to everyone (Especially the Youth Groups) who help prepare the eggs and hide them for the kids.

Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLS) Outing, 13 Apr 2014

The OWLS are the Older Wiser Lutherans of Messiah Lutheran Church. This group gets together each month for some type of activity. Their latest outing on Sunday, April 13th was a brunch at O'Charley's restaurant. They all had a wonderful time and enjoyed the fellowship. If you would like to learn more about the OWLS, please contact Jan Murphy or the Church office.

30 Hour Famine, March 14-16, 2014

From 30 Hour Famine, March 16, 2014

This weekend, 23 Junior and Senior Youth members of Messiah Lutheran Church participated in the 30 Hour Famine. The 30 Hour Famine is an annual event that lets the participants see what it was like to be hungry.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of Messiah's participation in this program.  This event provides an opportunity to raise money and awareness for children suffering during a famine. Here are some highlights from the weekend's events:

• During the event, for 30 hours, participants abstained from eating food, and instead they drank only water and juice. 
• The youth slept on the cold, hard Church floor.
• They also participated in games and activities to raise their awareness of child hunger.
• The youth hung hundreds of crosses in the narthex to symbolize the children who have perished from starvation.
• They youth fully led both Worship services on Sunday including, greeters, ushers, worship leaders, music and sermon.  They did an awesome job leading Worship Service on Sunday.

From 30 Hour Famine, March 16, 2014

Did you know?
19,008 children under the age of 5 die of starvation every day.
That's one child every 4.5 seconds
$1.25 can feed one child for a day
$35.00 can feed a child for one month

Learn more about the 30 Hour Famine at the 30 Hour Famine Website.

Click here to see more photos from our 30 Hour Famine Event.

30 Hour Famine, March 16, 2014

Sunday of Love, 2 Mar 2014

From Sunday of Love, March 2, 2014

On Sunday, March 2, 2014 Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison, Alabama celebrated the "Sunday of Love". This multi-generational Sunday School and Fellowship event brought the entire congregation together including Children, Youth and Adults to learn some of what scripture teaches us about love.  Additionally, we enjoyed a wonderful potluck of sweets including cookies, snacks and fresh fruit.

Click here to see some additional photos from this event.

Sunday of Love, March 2, 2014

Wheelchair Ramp Build, 1 Feb 2014

From Wheelchair Ramp Build 2014-02-01

Today, the carpentry team from Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison, Alabama completed another wheelchair ramp for a very nice lady in Gurley, Alabama.

Our ministry is to provide a means for those are homebound to be able to safely enter and exit their homes. We try to build about one ramp per month.  And we have a lot of fun doing it.  If you would like to help us with this very fun and very rewarding ministry, please contact the Messiah Church Office at (256) 721-0041.

From Wheelchair Ramp Build 2014-02-01

Messiah Lutheran Church builds these ramps in partnership with CASA of Madison County.

CASA (Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound) is a non-profit agency located in Huntsville, Alabama that provides services to individuals age 60 and older and to the homebound (wheelchair and bed bound) of all ages.

CASA's mission is to provide needed services to aging/homebound individuals that allow them to remain at home and age in place. Our programs are designed to enable the elderly and homebound to maintain their independence, dignity, health and safety by providing services that specifically address their special physical and emotional needs.

Here are some additional photos from today's build.  Click on photo to see the album.

Wheelchair Ramp Build 2014-02-01

Help Wanted: Youth and Education Director

Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison, Alabama, is seeking a full time Youth and Education Director.  The Director of Youth and Education will oversee all ministries in the congregation relating to youth (nursery through grade 12).  This person will recruit youth and adult leadership, support existing ministries, develop new programs, provide needed curriculum and resources, and ensure our youth experience a safe, Christian, nurturing environment grounded in our Lutheran beliefs.  Salary will be commensurate with experience. 

Here is the link to the position description.

If interested please submit resume to: youth&ed@mlutheran.com

Ring and Sing 2013

Sunday, December 8, 2013 was the 15th Annual Ring and Sing concert at Messiah Lutheran Church. Each year the various musical groups at Messiah present their selections of Christmas favorites. The musical groups include the Notabella Bell Choir, Cherub Choir, Adult Choir, Handbell Quartet, Instrumental Ensemble, and Audience Participation.

Music director: Lois Graff.
Notabella director: Rhonda Gaede
Adult Choir Director: Randall Fields
Cherub Choir Director: Claire Strand

Here are some links to previous years' ring and sing concerts

• 2012 Ring and Sing
• 2011 Ring and Sing

Wheelchair Ramp Build, 23 Nov 2013

Completed Wheelchair Ramp, 23 Nov 2013

The mighty Messiah Carpentry Team braved the elements today to build another wheelchair ramp.  We had a hard deadline to complete this build. The owner's granddaughter is coming to town this week to take her shopping and there would be no way for her to get out of the house without this ramp.  The owner was very excited and thankful for our efforts.

As always, we had a great time and great fellowship.  The Messiah Carpentry Team loves doing this work. We truly believe it is what we are called to do.  If you would like to learn more about the carpentry team, please contact Joe Stuart or Owen Wasmoen.

Messiah Lutheran Church builds these ramps in partnership with CASA of Madison County.

CASA (Care Assurance System for the Aging and Homebound) is a non-profit agency located in Huntsville, Alabama that provides services to individuals age 60 and older and to the homebound (wheelchair and bed bound) of all ages.

CASA's mission is to provide needed services to aging/homebound individuals that allow them to remain at home and age in place. Our programs are designed to enable the elderly and homebound to maintain their independence, dignity, health and safety by providing services that specifically address their special physical and emotional needs.

Here are some additional photos from today's build.

Wheelchair Ramp Build, November 23, 2013

Huge turnout for Messiah's Halloween Chili Cook-off and Costume Party

Messiah's annual Chili Cook off  was combined with a good old fashioned Halloween Party this past Sunday, the 27th. What a fun event it was for many members who attended.   Fellowship Co-Chair  Hillary Warren and her costumed crew gave our Parish Hall quite the makeover with the wall streamers, banners, and hand-made table laterns and decorations. A fun playlist of spooky / silly songs playing in the background kept the kids wiggling and toes tapping.  

DJ and Hillary Warren

The event began with the "hotly" contested Chili Cook off.  Messiah taste testers had to whittle their favorite chili recipe down to just two entries and cast their vote for Best Chili  and Hottest Chili.  This was no easy task as each of the twelve chili contenders that were brought were delicious and had their own unique personality and flavor.  The chili was served with all the fixins; cheese, cornbread, sour cream and Fritos for a little crunch.  First place for Best Chili was awarded to Michelle Strand  (her name will be engraved on the impressive trophy shown below). Second place was awarded to Larry Ryan's chili recipe.  Bragging rights stayed in the Strand Family with Stephen Strand taking home the prize for Hottest chili.

"Harry Potter" Samples several Chili recipes.

Our Chili Cook off trophy and prize table.

As folks finished dining, the youngsters were led away to enjoy some organized fun and games led by members of the Messiah Youth team while the rest of the diners finished their meals and enjoyed some fellowship time.  A photo area was set up so that we could capture the wonderfully creative costumes from the party.  Note: A link to view the rest of the pictures from the event will be sent out with this week's MLC E-News Message. 

We're seeing Double!  The Cella Family

Prize winning couple! The Strands

The kids returned and took the stage for the costume contest and then the votes were collected and tallied.  Prizes for children's costumes were given to Chelsea McCarthy, Hanna Seitz, Abigail Warren and Bridie Ryan.   Prizes for the adult costume contest went to Stephen Strand (tied with DJ Warren) for Best Male,  Claire Stand for Best Female; Ben Cella won Funniest Male (tied with Greg Kilby) and Leigh Cella  took home the prize for Funniest Female.

It was wonderful to see our Parish Hall bursting with life, laughter and a joyful spirit. It was after all Reformation Sunday, a day to celebrate our church heritage and Martin Luther's teachings about Christian faith.  Our faith in Christ Jesus is a precious gift God gives us freely to help us live our lives to the fullest. So take the Gift. Unwrap it! Use it! Enjoy it.  When we reflect the true light of His Holy Spirit we are beacons of hope and grace to others during times of darkness, so remember to shine!

Photos and Text by Meredith Kilby

Messiah Men Work - Fish and Explore at Lutheranch

The Men’s retreat was held October 24-26, 2013 at Lutherranch.  The theme was “Fish, Work, Explore” and all these were accomplished!  We probably should have added fellowship to the theme!  Nine fellows went on the retreat.  We fished, we worked, we studied, we ate, and we explored.

Our work project included removing significant amounts of dead wood from around Holy Trinity House at Lutherranch.    Everyone at the retreat pitched in on the task to pile the dead wood. 

Then, a crack team of hired muscle (Pastor Scott, Martin Campbell, Ed Brunner, Mark Zesinger, and Greg Kilby) hauled the wood away.  It will make an impressive bonfire for a future group at Lutherranch.  What did we learn from the task?

You get what you pay for…. and when you need a huge pile of wood moved fast, you hope Martin Campbell’s on your (free) labor force!

Our other task was to “organize” building materials in the Lutherranch shed.  The Messiah team’s skilled labor force, headed by Richard Webb, decided to construct a much needed wood crib for the ranch.  Lee Smith, Bill Murphy and Bob Loshuertos built the set of shelves seen in the shed photos. 

Our host, Mark Allen, greatly appreciated the efforts of the team!

Our study for the weekend consisted of a brief look at Simon Peter’s ministry.  Of course it culminated with the great fishing story from John: 21. 

Despite all the productive work, we had plenty of time to fish, eat, and explore Lutherranch.  What a facility!   For our Friday dinner, we were treated to Pastor Scott’s blackened fish (prepared from his 3^rd place (still pretty big…) fish from a summer fishing trip).  No doubt, it was better than Walter!  If you don’t know who Walter is … come to Pastor Scott’s annual Fishing Sermon.

Stay tuned and get your name in for next year’s trip!  There is room for you at Messiah!

Greg Kilby

On the fifth day of Creation

On the fifth day of October we celebrated the fifth day of Creation

It was a beautiful fall day to gather and sing praises for God's creation of the heavens and the earth and the animals.  

Amid mums and sunshine, an assortment of pets (and their owners) arrived for a special blessing at Messiah Lutheran Church.  

There were 26 animals in all with an unusual visit by 2 ferrets.  

Together, accompanied by Bob Davis, we sang "All Things Bright and Beautiful" and celebrated and gave thanks for the blessings we have been given through the gift of animals.  

Terry Frakes shared her personal experiences as animal lover quoting Job 12 verses 7-10.  Special thanks to Michelle Strand for pushing through a beautiful oboe solo although the wind blew her sheet music away. After the service families enjoyed water and snacks provided by Gary and Juli Langford and were treated to a portrait sitting by Meggy deJong.  O praise Him! Alleluia!

Here are some additional photos from this event.

Blessing of the Animals, October 5, 2013

Here are some related articles

• Blessing of the Animals 2009
• Blessing of the Animals 2011

Wheelchair Ramp Build 7 September 2013

Today the Carpentry Team of Messiah Lutheran Church built another wheelchair ramp in partnership with CASA of Madison County.  This was our biggest wheelchair ramp to date.  The ramp was 62 feet long.  It was also our biggest build in terms of attendance.  Thankfully, we had a crew of 18 carpenters on the job today.

The family we built this ramp for was very grateful.  The ramp took a bit longer than normal because of the size of the project and the build lasted 7 1/2 hours including load-up time.  The attached video is a time lapse of those 7 1/2 hours.  Many thanks to everyone who participated in today's build.