1. Art and Diseño

MESSIAH MESSENGER
The Newsletter of
Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church
185 W. 5th Street
Constantine MI 49042
Our Vision: Messiah seeks to grow as a congregation of the ELCA called by Christ, gathered by the gospel, and sent
by the Holy Spirit into our communities to share and celebrate God's compassion and love.
Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church
Church Office: 269.435.9785
FAX: 269.435.2021
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.messiah-constantine.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Messiah.Constantine
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW
YOUR BIBLE?
BOOK OF 2 KINGS
What fell from Elijah as he was
carried into heaven?
his mantle
his staff
his water bottle
his sandals
A. his mantle. (2:14)
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
A.
B.
C.
D.
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OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
(or by appointment)
CHURCH STAFF
Dennis Smith, Pastor
Debby Painter, Church Secretary
Thom Britton, Worship/Music Organist
Theo Outman, Choir Director
COUNCIL OFFICERS
Vic Raul, President
Rick Jackson, Vice President
Cathy Jackson, Secretary
MINISTRY CHAIRPERSONS
Yvonne Kline, Treasurer
Deb Hart, Christian Ed.
Theresa Chrisman, Congregational Care
Roscoe Hassinger, Facilities Mgt.
Tegan Stuby-Hekter, Resource Mgt.
Berne Heign, Gospel/Mission
Eunice Outman, Invest Fund
Linda Walker, Financial Secretary
Cindie Rockwell, Altar Guild
Joyce Shidaker, Memorial Mgt.
Not long after, the removed log sputtered and went
out, turning from translucent pink to slate gray.
They both watched silently. Some minutes later
the pastor thanked the man for his hospitality and
left. The next Sunday the man was back among
the assembled worshippers. Following worship, he
thanked the pastor for her visit and her wise pastoral
counsel.
My Facebook friend was effusive about how
wonderful a story he thought this was. I had to
agree that it was a clever and memorable parable.
Upon further reflection, however, I began to
wonder about a less likely, but equally poignant
conclusion to the parable of the fireplace. What
if the otherwise well burning stack poofed to a
smoldering end along with the one log removed?
The flame is a common biblical symbol of life, joy,
and the Holy Spirit. Conversely, ashes denote
death and mourning. It is often taken as obvious
that we, as individuals, need to be in company
(communion?) with the whole body of Christ in
order to thrive, to be as whole and alive as God
intended us to be. Apart from the burning stack,
we soon sputter and spiritually die. But, what
if the opposite were also true? What if the body
suffers when we are not a part of it in some real,
present way?
Lent is a season of both quiet reflection and a
time to stoke our spiritual fires. We begin on
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PASTOR
Ash Wednesday, a reminder of our individual
A Facebook friend shared a story he
mortal limits. Yet we do so, in presence of the
found online that went something like
light of Christ, a candle flame reminding us that
this.
our lives belong to Christ, the light no darkness
A longtime, faithful member of the congregation can overcome. Lent is an invitation to experience
suddenly stopped attending services for no
the warmth of Christ’s love in communion with
particular reason, stated or implied. He was
the body of Christ. It is also a reminder that the
a quiet fellow, not given to long explanations.
body is not complete without you and me.
After a couple Sundays of his absence, the
Our Lenten observance begins on Ash Wednesday,
pastor determined that a personal call was in
February 18th, with two ecumenical services at
order. It was a cold, Michigan night. Upon
12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m. The noon service will
reaching the fellow’s house, the pastor was
be hosted by 1st Congregational Church. The
invited in and offered a chair next to the well
7:00 p.m service will he hosted by Messiah.
tendered and lit fireplace. Both sat there for
some time, silently gazing at the dancing flames Lenten Wednesdays begin with a meal at 5:30 p.m.,
and glowing logs. After a bit, the pastor reached followed by Lenten devotions at 6:30 p.m.
in with the fireplace tongues and moved one
Mark your calendars now to keep the fires of
the flaming logs off to the side, away from the
your faith burning.
burning stack, and sat back down.
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MONDAY NIGHTS AT THE MOVIES
February 2nd - If I Stay (PG-13)
While trying to choose between love
and a musical career, 17-year-old
Mia Hall finds her life upended by a
tragic car crash that puts her in a
coma. As she lies unconscious, Mia has a vision
of her life that leads her to another crossroads.
February 9th - The Judge (R)
Big city lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his
childhood home where his father, the town's
judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out
to discover the truth and, along the way,
reconnects with his estranged family. Stars
Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall.
Monday Movie suspended after February 9th
through Lenten Season and will resume again
Monday, April 13th.
LENT 2015 SCHEDULE
Theme: Learning to Walk in the Dark
Thanks to Barbara Brown Taylor)
February 18th - Ash Wednesday Services
12:00 Noon at 1st Congregational
7:00 p.m. Messiah
February 24th - March 25th Lenten Wednesdays
Meal at 5:30 p.m.
Lenten Devotion at 6:00 p.m.
Choir Practice at 7:00 p.m.
March 29th - Palm/Passion Sunday Services
w/Palm Procession
10:30 a.m.
April 2nd - Maundy Thursday Service
w/Communion
7:00 p.m.
April 3rd - Good Friday Services
12:00 Noon at Constantine Methodist Church
7:00 p.m. at Messiah
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Please remember that in order to
have events shown in the February’s
Messiah Messenger, it must be added
to the church calendar (located outside
the church office) or given to the
church secretary no later than
Monday, February 16th.
ALL TOGETHERS’ VALENTINE DINNER
Come join us for dinner at Essen
Haus on Saturday, February 14th.
ALL are welcome. Reservations
are for the buffet dinner at 6:00 p.
m. Cost is $14.50 per person plus
7% tax. Pie is extra. Please sign
up on the sheet on the Fellowship Hall Table
by Sunday, February 8th. Meet at the church
at 5:15 p.m. to carpool.
April 4th - Holy Saturday Service
6:00 p.m.
April 5th - Easter Sunday
Breakfast at 9:00 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt at 9:45 a.m.
Easter Service at 10:30 a.m.
Lenten Wednesday Dinner Hosts:
February 24th - Council
March 4th - W/ELCA
March 11th - Men’s Group/Christian Ed.
March 18th - 1st Congregational Church
March 25th - Choir
ANNUAL MEETING
2015 Annual Meeting Report and
Minutes are available in both print and
online at Messiah’s website.
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
Sunday February 8th after Worship
Services.
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WE PRAY FOR GOD’S
HEALING PRESENCE IN THE LIVES OF
THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE
Agnes Blough, Edward Brynes, Lillian
Carter, Brian Deller, Judy Elliott,
Lillian Farr, Heidi Feldman, Steve
Freese, Lincoln Hoffmaster, Edith
Howe, Shirley Lipscomb, Dale and Lois
Lucas, Linda Lytle, Norma Moord, Jake Persing,
Heather Philips, Nancy Preston, David Schafer,
Ron Schuen, Steve, Patty W., Marlyn Wigren,
and Sam Yacono
Watch, dear Lord, with those who wake or watch
or weep. Tend the sick, rest the weary, bless the
dying, and soothe the suffering. Shine your
light of love on them and walk with them, that
they may know the peace and comfort of your
presence. Amen.
WOMEN OF
THE ELCA MEETING
There will be a business meeting of
the W/ELCA Tuesday, February
10th at 2:00 p.m. in the library.
WOMEN OF THE ELCA PROJECT
FOR FEBRUARY
Our church women are sponsoring
an out-reach project for February.
Heartline is a 33-person residential
center that helps women in the
criminal justice system re-enter
society. It also serves homeless
women in the Detroit area. It is a Lutheran
Social Services of Michigan (LSSM) facility.
We are collecting toiletries for Heartline. Needs
include: deodorant, lotion, mini pads, nail polish,
Kleenex, shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes.
If you wish to donate items, please bring them to
church on or before February 10th.
SOUP KITCHEN
Messiah’s next turn at the Soup
Kitchen is Monday, February 16th.
THIS MONTH’S BIRTHDAYS
Jim Shidaker
Sally Stuby
Joshua Blough
Suzanne Smith
Charliece Miller
Devon Eley
Berne Heign
Dylan Newton
Katie Vandeburg
Sally Cook
Paige Brown
Marinda Moord-Stamp
Hailee Stears
Greg Bojanich
02/01
02/01
02/03
02/09
02/10
02/10
02/13
02/16
02/18
02/21
02/22
02/26
02/26
02/29
THIS MONTH’S ANNIVERSARIES
Victor and Margaret Raul
02/06
Christopher & Heather Harrison 02/11
Jim & Joyce Shidaker
02/23
Ray & Cindy Kline
02/24
BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, February 4 and 11th at
5:30 p.m. Bible Study will not be
held during the season of Lent but
will resume again on Wednesday,
April 8th.
FOOD BANK SUNDAY
The last Sunday of the month has been
traditionally Food Bank Sunday at
Messiah. Don’t forget to bring in a
non-perishable item for the Food Bank
Sunday, February 25th.
CHOIR PRACTICE
February 4th and 11th at 6:30 p.m.
There is not practice on Ash Wednesday,
February 18th. Through the Season of
Lent (February 25th - March 25th)
practice will be at 7:00 p.m. We will
resume our normal time of 6:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, April 8th.
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KIDZ KORNER
NOISY OFFERING
The Noisy Offering for February has
been designated for the kids’ Global
Mission Project: The Lutheran
Disaster Response, International and the U.S.
CHILDREN’S CHUCK WAGON
- SOUPER BOWL
Sunday, February 1st. Donations
will go toward the kids’ Global
Mission Project: The Lutheran
Disaster Response, International and the U.S.
For our Youth Mission Project Confirmation Camp”, we made $1,042.87
(total). This will pay for the majority of
our campers’ tuition. Thank you so much
everyone!!!!
The February 15th event for our youth is
bowling at Sturgis Bowl in Sturgis (on S.
Centreville Road). All must be there by
2:00 p.m. Hope to see you, both kids and
adults.
During our Lenten season we will be
collecting items for the Lutheran World
Relief. Our Youth Mission Project for
January through June is the Lutheran
World Disaster Response, both
international and U.S. So this will go
hand in hand with our project. (This is
similar to the “Buck-a-Chick” last year
during Lent, that went hand in hand with
our Heifer Project.)
I will be posting what items to bring for
each week of Lent, which starts February
22nd. Thank you all for your continued
support.
Thanks
Deb Hart
INTERNATIONAL RANDOM
ACT OF KINDESS WEEK
In the U.S., RAK Day is Tuesday, February
17th, internationally RAK Day has been
extended to a full week from February 9th16th. Anthropologist Margaret Mead once
remarked: “Never doubt that a small group
of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that
ever has.” Research confirms that people who perform
acts of kindness feel positive emotions and it can make
one feel happier. For more information on this growing
international movement and ideas for people big and
small, go to www.randomactsofkindess.org
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CONSTANTINE COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY
2014 ANNUAL REPORT TO CHURCHES
“Share with God’s people who are in need.” Romans 12:13 continues to be the
theme our local churches have with the Constantine Food Pantry. With your
generous support, we were able to help many people in our community in 2014.
· There were 715 walk-in clients representing 2307 family members in
their households. This number represents a total of 196 non-duplicative
households and 675 non-duplicative individuals.
· We averaged 59.5 clients per month (same as 2013).
· We registered 53 new clients from the Constantine geographic area.
· A new statistic: 89 clients who accessed the food pantry in 2013 did NOT
in 2014.
· 504.5 total volunteer hours were recorded (new record). This number
includes staffing; sorting/counting/shelving donated food; delivering food
from the four churches; or picking up food from the Centreville tailgate or
bread in Elkhart.
· Overall community donations of food and cash contributions were
increased in 2014.
Gentle reminder: please check expiration dates on food; I am not allowed to put
outdated items on the shelves at the food pantry
Summary of contributions from Messiah Lutheran Church in 2014:
Cash contributions
$ 843.00 (increase from 2013)
Food & supplies with estimated dollar value $1,553.63
Volunteer hours
271.50 (increase from 2013)
These donations allow us to continue to serve families in our community in time of
need. Thank You.
Susan Outman
Director, Constantine Food Pantry
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CROP WALK RESULTS
The final results have been released for the
2014 Constantine/White Pigeon CROP
WALK: $3612.50 was raised with pledges
from Messiah totaling $1644.50 and an
additional $150.00 donated by Thrivent.
Our local Constantine Food Pantry will
receive 25% of these funds.
CORRECTIONS TO
DIRECTORY:
Ann Gerst
C/O Patricia Connor
9264 Rosewater Lane
Jacksonville FL 32256
Mahaley Moord
608-B Dayspring Court
Middlebury IN 46514
CHURCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENT AS OF
DECEMBER 31, 2014
INCOME
$139,115.40
EXPENSES
$131,272.31
PROFIT/LOSS +$ 7,843.09
If you haven’t already, please fill
out the following pages and give to
the Church Secretary. If you have
already filled these out last year
and there are no changes, it is not
necessary to fill them out again.
BIG THANKS!!! Giving exceeded our expenses
for 2014. Thanks to all who have contributed
so generously to the ministry of Messiah.
Pastor Dennis Smith
Dear Messiah,
Many thanks for your cards
and prayers during my injury
and rehab. All is going well
and I hope to be home soon.
Love,
Norma Moord
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Messiah Lutheran Church
Time and Talent/ Service Opportunities
Volunteer Form – 2015
Check any opportunities in which you are interested. Complete one form per person. Please check
back and front. Please return this form to church secretary or place in labeled basket on the table in
fellowship area.
Worship and Music (GCM)
___ Lectors (read scripture during worship)
___ Assisting Minister (lead prayers, responsive readings during worship)
___ Acolyte - Child (assist with Communion, light and extinguish candles)
___ Audio Visual Technician (operate A/V control booth; microphone and projector controls)
___ Usher/Greeters (distribute bulletins, greet worshipers, assist with wheelchairs)
___ Communion Assistants (assist with the distribution of wine or retrieval of wine glasses)
___ Choir Member (designate section: Alto, Baritone, Soprano, Tenor)
___ Choir Administrator (help with music, cataloging, distribution, retrieval, ordering)
___ Instrumentalist (indicate instrument: Piano, organ, percussion, wind, strings)
___ Nursery Attendant
___ Nursery Coordinator (schedule nursery attendants, clean and organize nursery)
___ Worship Planner (new position: assist pastor with seasonal worship planning, hymn selection)
___ Altar Guild (Communion set up and clean up, order supplies, look after banners and paraments)
After Worship Fellowship:
____ Pick up donuts
____ Set up and clean up refreshments
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Christian Education (CED)
___ Open Space Teacher (Christian education leader/teacher)
___ Confirmation Instructor
___ Open Space Administrator (order supplies, coordinate schedules)
___ Music Leader (teach songs, lead singing during worship)
___ Vacation Bible School Coordinator (administer congregations role in vacation bible school)
___ Vacation Bible School Teacher/Helper
___ Adult Bible Study Leader/facilitator
___ “Mini Chuck Wagon” (cook, serve, clean up)
Facility Care and Maintenance (FM)
___ Weekly Church Cleanup (vacuum the floors, clean restrooms, tables and chairs)
___ Lawn and Landscaping (mow, water, weed control, plant)
___ Minor Maintenance (change filters, minor repairs)
___ Snow Removal (shovel sidewalks and entryways prior to worship)
Congregational Care and Community Ministry (CLC)
___ Home Communion Minister (take communion to the home bound)
___ Home Bound Assistant (provide rides, occasionally clean, grocery shop, visit)
___ Prayer Chain Caller
___ Funeral Luncheons Provider/Worker
___ Soup Kitchen (once per month, cook, serve, clean up)
___ Food Bank (assist with weekly distribution)
___ CROP Walk (recruit participants, promote event, coordinate event)
___ All Togethers (participate in recreational activities for adults)
___ Women of the ELCA (participate in women's service and social group)
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Administration (RM)
___ Serve as a member of Church Council
___ Newsletter (assist with printing, folding, distribution)
___ Offering Counter (count and record weekly offerings and special service offerings)
___ Communication and Promotion (create congregational brochures, oversee press releases,
promote activities and ministries)
___ Librarian (create and oversee a functional congregational library)
___ Memorial Committee
Standing Ministries of Messiah Include: Christian Education and Discipleship (CED), Gospel
Communication and Mission (GCM), Facilities Management (FM), Congregational Life and Care
(CLC), Resource Management (RM).
Name ________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone ____________________________
Cell Phone __________________________
Email Address _________________________________________________________________
Please return this form to church secretary.
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THOSE WHO SERVE IN FEBRUARY
February 1st:
Assisting Minister:
Lector Minister:
Usher Ministers:
Communion Ministers:
Coffee Ministers:
ATV Tech:
Acolyte and Communion Assistant:
Ray Kline
Sue Outman
Dale and Sally Stuby
Theresa Chrisman, Sue Outman
NONE - SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY
Leah Stiver
Madi Tulley
February 8th:
Assisting Minister:
Lector Minister:
Usher Ministers:
Communion Ministers:
Coffee Ministers:
ATV Tech:
Acolyte and Communion Assistant:
Deb Hart
Eunice Outman
Andy Rockwell, Tom Rockwell
Deb Hart, Sue Kantauskas
Sharlyn Craig, Janis Jones
NEEDED
NEEDED
February 15th:
Assisting Minister:
Lector Minister:
Usher Ministers:
Communion Ministers:
Coffee Ministers:
ATV Tech:
Acolyte and Communion Assistant:
Theresa Chrisman
Paige Brown
Roscoe Hassinger, Matthew Kantauskas
Veleta Smith - 1 NEEDED
Dorothy Hassinger, Jan Heign
Leah Stiver
Paige Brown
February 22nd
Assisting Minister:
Lector Minister:
Usher Ministers:
Communion Ministers:
Coffee Ministers:
ATV Tech:
Acolyte and Communion Assistant:
Cindy Kline
Theresa Chrisman
Dale and Sally Stuby
George Dieffenderfer, Deb Hart
Sue Outman, Sally Stuby
Brock Milachek
Sanctuary Ministers:
Altar Guild Ministers (All Month):
Donut Pick-up (All Month):
George Dieffenderfer and Friends
Kim Bojanich, Niki Tulley
Tom and Cindie Rockwell
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Sunday
22
Sheila Stears’ Baby
Shower 2-?
Open Space
Birth to 3 Class
15
Open Space
Council Meeting
8
Open Space
Souper Bowl Sunday Chuck Wagon
1
Open Space
Food Pantry Sunday
12
23
President’s Day
Newsletter Deadline
Soup Kitchen
16
Movie Night
9
Groundhog Day
Movie Night
2
Monday
24
International Random Act
of Kindness Day
17
W/ELCA Meeting
10
Card Night
3
Tuesday
Lent Midweek
Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
25
Ash Wednesday Services
12 Noon @1st Cong.
7:00 p.m. @ Messiah
No Choir Practice
18
Bible Study 5:30 p.m.
Choir Practice 6:30 p.m.
11
Bible Study 5:30 p.m.
Choir Practice 6:30 p.m.
4
Wednesday
Card Night
26
Chinese New Year
Card Night
19
Lincoln’s Birthday
Card Night
12
Card Night
5
Thursday
February 2015
27
20
13
6
Friday
28
21
St. Valentine’s Day
Alltogethers’ Dinner
14
7
Saturday