Messiah Lutheran Church Seattle - LCMS

Search the entire site:

Messenger: Archive

Click here to go back to recent Messenger posts.

February 2011

Click here to go back to recent Messenger posts.

From The Desk of Pastor Lassman

My Fellow Redeemed in Christ,

“I wish they could have heard this sermon”

As the Pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church, I have a love and a concern for all of you, the members of Messiah. I try to serve you as a servant of Jesus Christ Who has shed His precious blood for you on the cross. To serve you is to serve Jesus Who died for you. How can I not care for you and be concerned about you and your welfare? Daily, I am thinking about someone and what is going on in his or her life. Perhaps there is a sickness or surgery; increasing frailty due to old age; a troubled marriage or tensions between parents and teenagers; someone is unemployed and starting to worry if he or she will ever find a job; someone else is having a mid-life crisis; another person is overwhelmed with the guilt of sin; still another is depressed and despondent. Life is filled with all kinds of problems and as your Pastor I share you burdens and pray for you. And often I take these thoughts and concerns home with me and sometimes to my bed with prayers.

And there are times that I notice that one or more of our members are not with us on a Sunday morning at the Divine Service and I think “I wish they could have heard this sermon.” I hope this does not sound arrogant on my part. I am not so much emphasizing me as I am emphasizing the Word of God that I preach. I preach God’s Word not only because I am compelled to preach it, but also because I love you and care about you and want you to know how much God loves and cares for you even more in His Son.

And so there are times when I think of those who were not in attendance on a particular Sunday but needed to hear what was said in the sermon. Perhaps they needed to hear the Law of God and about sin in their life and what is pleasing to God. But more often than not I regret that they did not hear the wonderful Gospel of Jesus Christ and about God’s love and forgiveness in Him. Maybe the sermon could have helped them in the midst of what they were suffering. Maybe they could have found comfort that God is with them, giving them hope in the midst of sickness or death, or comfort for a guilty conscience, or peace, or joy, or…….

Whatever led me to think “I wish they could have heard this sermon,” the fact is….they didn’t hear it. And I wonder “why?” Why weren’t they there to hear that sermon? What was it that caused them not to be there? And then I think, “If I wish that they had heard this sermon, doesn’t God feel that way?” Didn’t God want them to hear that sermon too? But they didn’t.

They were not at the Divine Service. And why not? Well, I might know the answer to that question or I might not know. But they didn’t hear it. And it frustrates me. “Why can’t God cooperate here?!” On the one hand, I have such thoughts because I do care about people. And I truly think that a particular sermon could have helped someone in some way, had they only been at the Divine Service. But then, does not God love them more than I do? Yes. Did not His own Son die for them on the cross? Yes. Have they not been baptized and taught the faith? Yes. And so then, I must leave them in God’s hands. And I still think about them and pray for them. But I have no power to make them come to the Divine Service to hear a sermon that I think would help them.

For me as a Pastor, this is one of those mysteries of our faith. Perhaps I am over estimating what that sermon would have done in the life of the person who was missing that Sunday. And even if they had heard it, maybe it would not have made any difference in their life. That is possible. But on the next Sunday that you are thinking about not attending the Divine Service would you please pause and think: “Maybe I need to hear the sermon that Pastor will be preaching this morning.” And if you come, it would be my hope and prayer that you would leave the Service thinking: “I am so glad that I heard this sermon today.”

In Christ,

Mark your calendars!

On the weekend of March 26-27^th, Messiah will have the joy of having the Wind Ensemble from Concordia University in Portland, Oregon. Concordia is one of the ten universities/colleges of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. On Saturday, March 26^th we will host 35-40 students in Messiah’s Fellowship Hall for an early supper and then enjoy a concert in the early evening. On Sunday, March 27^th, the Wind Ensemble will participate in our worship by accompanying hymns and the liturgy. We will be asking members to house these students Saturday night and prepare a sack lunch for their departure Sunday after the Divine Service. There is a sign up sheet located on the upstairs bulletin board if you can house a student.

Prayer is a big, fat waste of time.

There. I said it. Prayer is an arbitrary exercise imposed upon us by an inscrutable God. Our God is a God who assigns these tasks to remind us that we are His own, and He uses us as He wills. I'm sure God has better things to worry about than our wants and desires. God will do what He will do regardless of how much time I spend on my knees. I can beg and plead, but if God doesn't want to do it, He won't. So really, prayer is the most pointless and fruitless exercise under the sun. God will do what He does, I'll do what I'll do, and ne'er the twain shall meet.

At least, that's what my flesh is screaming at me right now. Did I get your attention with that previous paragraph? All of us have probably gone through a period of thinking like this, or something similar. Lately, I've found myself thinking along these terms, thanks to the devil and my sinful flesh. It's a temptation for us all. After all, God's got better things to do than worry about us, right?

Wrong. We are the pinnacle of God's creative efforts, the only things created to bear His image. He has a special place in His heart for humanity. That is why He became one of us, walked our road, and suffered and died for our sins. If He loves us that much, don't you think He'd listen to us when we speak to Him?

Moreover, the lies the devil tells me are revealed as lies when subjected to the test of Scripture. The Scriptures proclaim that God desires our prayers, and that He listens to them earnestly. James 5:16 says “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” We know we are righteous through the Christ who died for us, and so James is talking about our prayers! They have great power! Prayer isn't a waste of time!

Now, we must of course avoid the other extreme. Our prayers are not the Force of Star Wars fame. They do not make us able to throw things about or do fancy gymnastics (a shame, that). The power of our prayer is that God hears it. God hears and takes our prayers seriously because Christ died to make us righteous. So the power James speaks of is not a power we have, but a power that has been given to us by Christ, and that is the power to approach Almighty God and bring to Him everything we are.

One of the unique difficulties of prayer is that it is a matter of faith. We cannot receive tangible proof that God hears our prayers, we do not have a lightning bolt and voice from heaven that we can hear. We have only what He says in His Word. That Word tells us that the remarkable figures of Scripture spent much time in prayer. We have instances of the Lord moving to answer the prayers of His saints time and time again. Our prayers even seem to change God's mind! Look at Genesis 18:22-33 and Exodus 32. God was ready to act, but He was halted in that action by the prayers of His saints.

The beautiful thing about the Lutheran faith is that it constantly emphasizes the objective truth of God's Word. Regardless of how we feel, God's Word remains true. So, if God promises through His Word that He always hears our prayers, that always remains true, no matter what. We may feel close to God when praying, we may not. It doesn't matter. God hears us.

How then should we pray? The Bible contains dozens of prayers, and we can learn a great deal from how the saints of the past addressed our Lord. Look at the Magnificat in Luke 1:46-56, the Song of Moses and Miriam in Exodus 15, the entire Psalter, Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17. Each of these has something to teach us. In each we can learn how to come before God. Prayer does not have to be fancy or poetical or elaborate. It should be honest, and there are good and bad habits regarding prayer, as there are with many other disciplines of the faith. Spending time in prayer is like taking the Sacrament and reading His Word.

While prayer isn't a Sacrament, it doesn't give us grace, it does nonetheless benefit our faith. Any relationship requires communication. You married folks know that. Our relationship with God is no different. He speaks through His Word, we speak through prayer.

I encourage you to make time for prayer and God's Word this month, preferably together. There are literally dozens of resources for both. May the Lord bless you as you do,

By His Word,

Vicar Fremer

Youth & Youth Adult Corner – Jim Pierce

The Lenten season of the church year is upon us and the youth at Messiah have many fun and exciting activities up and coming. If you haven't heard by now, there is a signup sheet outside the youth room for this year's Higher Things Conference to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 5^th — 8^th.. The last Higher Things conference was an amazingly good time as our confessional Lutheran youth from around the country came together to learn about their faith, to meet new friends, and to be reacquainted with old friends. Please visit the youth room bulletin board for more details about the conference and if you have any questions about the trip, contact Jim Pierce.

Senior and Junior High Youth are invited for a fun time of bowling and fellowship at Spin Alley, Sunday February 20th. We have booked a lane from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. We will be leaving from the church at 2:30 PM. Shoe rentals and games are included. Bring along some money for food served at the bowling alley. Sign up for the event is on the bulletin board outside the youth room.

Coming up on April 24th will be the annual Easter Morning Breakfast hosted by the youth at Messiah. We are looking for volunteers to help us set up the Fellowship Hall, prepare food, heat food, and clean up after breakfast. Saturday, April 23rd will be our "prep day" when we set up the Fellowship Hall. All volunteers are invited to a pizza dinner following the setup up and preparation of the food for the breakfast. On Sunday morning prior to serving food, all volunteers are invited to the youth room for Top Pot doughnuts and a beverage. A signup sheet to volunteer is posted outside the youth room on the bulletin board. Please keep an eye open for more details to come in the Sunday morning bulletin. We thank you and appreciate your assistance.

Thank you! The office staff wishes to express their sincere thanks for the kindness shown to them by the congregation this Christmas Season. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Congregational Meeting

At the congregational meeting last Sunday, January 23, 2011, former Vicars Matthew Zickler and Trevor Mankin were nominated for consideration as Assistant Pastor. The call meeting to consider and vote on these nominations will take place on Sunday February 13^th at 6 pm.

You will be receiving a special letter this week which will explain Messiah’s call process in more detail and personal biographies of these two individuals.

Please make sure to mark your calendar for the meeting on February 13^th.

As usual, we ask that members bring a dessert and we will bring the coffee. May the Lord bless our meeting and our congregation.

Yours in Christ,

Neil Strege

Messiah President

DEACONESS DIARY

We’ve started on Romans in my Pauline Epistles class which is being taught by the seminary’s resident classics professor, Dr. Nordling. With his reputation as a really thorough teacher, I’m looking forward to what he has to say about my favorite epistle.

Chaos is reigning on campus for the next two weeks. This week we have Symposia 2011—a series of lectures by experts in both exegetical theology and the Lutheran Confessions. I’ve heard that almost 500 people are expected to attend. As part of the event, the seminary mixed choir, Schola Cantorum (of which I’m a member), is singing the Brahms Requiem on Jan. 19. Next week there is Phoebe Academy (for teenage girls considering church work), an SMP intensive and the deaconess intensive (for the distance learning students). Despite the frenzy, it’s so much fun to meet and talk with people from all over the country.

When I got back from winter break, I began work as a volunteer tutor for Burmese refugee children. The ministry was started by a deaconess graduate of this seminary and is part of my second-year field work. In January, I was also privileged to attend the installation of a new deaconess, Gillian Bond, in Peoria, Illinois. One of our professors, Dr. Gieschen, preached at the service, and she received blessings from her new pastor, the Central Illinois District president, and four fellow deaconesses (2 commissioned, 2 students). It isn’t often that we have the opportunity to be present at such a special occasion—but it was only a five-hour drive from Fort Wayne, so I couldn’t miss it.

May God continue to keep you in His care. Valentine’s Day reminds me how much I love and miss you.

Your sister in Christ,

Gail Ludvigson

LITURGICAL

NOTES

The liturgy (which comes from the Greek word for “a public work”) is built around God’s Word and the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. God speaks to us through hymns, readings and proclamation and we speak to God, extolling His mighty works in our lives, praising and thanking Him and beseeching Him. The liturgy ensures that God always has the first and last word. The liturgy places Christ in the center of everything, helping us to hear His voice and allowing us to eat and drink His body and blood.

There is no way to say everything that could be said but in the next several issues of the Messenger, we will give at least a general explanation to each part of the regular Sunday morning liturgy. In this Messenger, we will discuss the Invocation and Confession.

May God bless you in your worship as you join in singing what the church has sung for nearly 2000 years, the Church’s song, the Holy Liturgy. Soli Deo Glori.

INVOCATION AND CONFESSION

We begin with THE INVOCATION and THE CONFESSION OF SIN. The INVOCATION (from the verb “to invoke/call”), “In the Name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit,” is first spoken over us at our Baptism; thus, it is appropriate to make the sign of the cross (as the Lutheran Service Book indicates with the sign of the †). With the INVOCATION we also confess that it is the Triune God Who we worship and Who calls His baptized people together by Word and Sacrament. We come because He has called us through the Holy Spirit Who also keeps us in the truth faith. While non-Christians might be present, still, the INVOCATION reminds us that Sunday morning is a gathering of Christians called to faith by Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit and baptized “IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.”

In the CONFESSION OF SIN we come in the context of our Baptism to confess our sins to God our Father and to receive the forgiveness which is given to us in our Baptism. We confess both our original sin, which is our sinful nature, and our actual sins, which are our sins of thought, word and deed. In this act we show that we are dependent on God’s grace and not on our own goodness. The pastor then forgives us our sin in the Name and authority of Jesus Christ and the Triune God. We are to believe these words of forgiveness with all confidence, for this forgiveness comes from God and is announced by His servant, the pastor. Again, this emphasizes our Baptism, for confession and forgiveness is nothing more than returning to the promise of our Baptism – God’s forgiveness.

In INVOCATION and the CONFESSION are part of the preparation for worship. Worship proper begins with the INTROIT, which we will discuss next month.

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
(LWML) News

Ladies’ Guild

“Anything Goes” Luncheon
Wednesday, February 9^th, 2011
12:00 noon
Bring a casserole or salad or ?
Dessert & Beverages provided
Don’t forget your Mites!
Project Day
February 23^rd, 2011
9:30 am – 2 pm
Don’t forget your sack lunch
Olympic Zone LWML Prayer Service at Epiphany Lutheran Church
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Registration at 10:30 am
Prayer Service at 11 am
Smorgasbord Sandwich lunch after the service
Please bring 1 sandwich to share,
Soup, dessert and beverage provided
Epiphany Lutheran Church
16450 Juanita Drive NE, Kenmore
Mary Martha Ministries
Our monthly Women’s Bible study continues on February 7^th at 7 pm in the choir room. We are studying the Gospel of John. All women are welcome!! The class is being taught by Kathy Lassman.
Mite Boxes - Don’t forget the last Sunday of the month is the day to bring in your mite boxes. Drop your box in the basket at the back of the Sanctuary and pick up another one. Your change goes a long way in supporting Lutheran mission activities around the world.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS – Bob Guthrie

Our next teachers’ meeting will be on February 6th, right after late service. Vicar Fremer will cover lessons 11, 12 and 13. The teachers at Mekane Jesus are invited to study with us.

The February lessons are Dorcas Glorifies God, Onesimus and Philemon, Ananias Cares for Saul and Jesus Teaches Us to Trust. These lessons will help us realize that God can use our lives to point others to Himself; and through teaching of Law and Gospel Jesus will show us that He is worthy of our trust in Him.

When your child attends Sunday School regularly, over time he or she will look at most of the major events recorded in the Bible. Each lesson is important. If your child is ill or has a scheduling conflict that will keep them from Sunday School, please stop by and pick up the lesson. If they need to be away for two weeks, we will send the lessons to your child. Please take the time to go over the missed lessons with them. It can be a good learning experience for both of you.

God loves us dearly! See you next Sunday.

New Education Opportunity --- LAW AND GOSPEL

Taught by Jim Grant

How To Read And Apply The Bible (Reader's Edition)

C. F. W. Walther

In this upcoming class, we will use the newly released book (see above title) where, in addition to Walther's unedited, complete lectures, the editors have included a large (valuable) introductory section detailing the history of how Law and Gospel was understood/misunderstood -- how Luther finally brought them back to full clarity -- how Rationalism, Pietism, Revivalism, Philosophy, etc. --(particularly in Walther's era) -- threatened and challenged the truth of the true way of Justification, of true faith, --- the truth of Ephesians 2: 8-9.

This added information is essential for a real appreciation and understanding of Walther's lectures, -- of the crisis, the battle for the preservation of the TRUTH in Walther's time --(today, even!!). Therefore, we will use this newly released book in our class.

Proper distinction between (understanding of) Law and Gospel is critical to a correct understanding of the Bible --absolutely crucial when we interact - witness - with our fellow man (child of God - or enemy of God). It is of paramount importance that we know when and how to effectively speak Law -- when to speak Gospel! Walther states (and Luther would agree!), that after a proper understanding of the foremost and most important doctrine of JUSTIFICATION, -- how to distinguish (understand and apply) Law and/or Gospel follows right behind in importance.

Some of you may have taken this class when we used the booklet: God's No and God's Yes - The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel. That booklet is a condensation of the "Black Book" (original book) -- in that it contains all of Walther's thesis' and his full explanation of them -- but omits his introductory and summary remarks as well as other remarks (lessons) related to the subject at hand.

If you plan to be part of this upcoming class (beginning Thursday, Feb. 17, 7-9 pm,) please sign up on the upstairs bulletin board and purchase your copy of the book (check with the office or CPH).

Note: Everyone should have this book (Pastor's Nov. 2010 Monthly Book Suggestions) right beside your copy of THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS.
Social Ministry– WE SHARE BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT OTHERS
News
from Sue Hewitson
Used eyeglasses may be put into the lounge box. They will go to the Lion’s Club which will distribute them.
Bags for University Food Bank – For those of you who do not know about our plastic and paper bag collection for the University Food Band, we collect bags for the food bank in the big wooden box in the Fellowship Hall. When the box is full, they are taken to the food bank. They are always so appreciative. Keep those bags coming!

Lenten dinners will be coming up soon, watch (mid February) for a sign up sheet to help with prep work, serving and clean up. Many hands make light work and it is fun.

Missing items in the kitchen. The teaspoons (we have a few) have vanished from the spoons drawer in the kitchen. If you know where they might have gone, will you help them find their way back to the drawer.

Also 2 of the black aprons are not in the cupboard and need to be returned. If you have items at home that belong in the church kitchen would you please return them. Thank you.

Now this is a real mystery; the dinner forks used for special occasions, that are locked in the Ladies’ Guild room, are no longer there. If you know where these are would you please contact Margie Longan or return them to the Ladies’ Guild room.
Donation News from Jackie Wold –
In February, we will be collecting Shampoo. I know the recipients at Immanuel Lutheran Community Services and Compass Cascade Women’s Center are always grateful to receive toiletries! Please place these items in the lounge basket!

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 2011 Messenger Deadline is February 20^th.

Men’s Night Out - Monday, February 7^th at 6 pm at “Chinook’s, 1900 W. Nickerson St. (Salmon Bay). RSVP to Brian Danforth.

Women’s Monthly Bible Study – Mary/Martha will meet on Monday, February 7^th for our study on John led by Kathy Lassman. We meet in the choir room and all women are invited to join us. Join us at 7 pm!

The Altar Guild will be holding their winter meeting at 7 pm on February 21^st.

From Dave Meyer

I heard a message about communication this Sunday in church. The communication topic can be very complicated. I have learned over 18 years of marriage that sometimes what I actually say and what is actually heard by my wife are a bit different. So any time a title like communication is presented I perk up the ears and try to grab a few nuggets. On Sunday evening as my wife and I reflected on the message, my wife mentioned one statement that resonated with her, “If you truly love someone, you must communicate and share truths with them”. This was from a church sermon so the underlying theme here is communication about the truth of Jesus Christ and how much He loves each of us. I quickly made the connection of this message about communication to Concordia and how much I really appreciate our teachers’ kindness and love, shared everyday with students and our caring families that continue to support and love each other. This phrase, “If you truly love someone, you must communicate and share truths with them,” takes the thought a step further, using words. Karin Irigon, our Red Team teacher, mentioned to me last week that she absolutely loves to teach religion. Why? Well, this is an opportunity for her to use words to share with her students the undeserved love of God.

You have an opportunity, to tell someone you care for about Concordia. We have the opportunity to invite people to join our loving Multiage approach in the day school and our caring individualized approach in our Preschool. With His guidance and your help, in my opinion we are becoming the best “little” school in Seattle.

Upcoming Concordia Events:

L.E.S.T Chili Cook-Off - February 4^th at 5:30 pm in the gym

This event helps support our students who are participating in the Lutheran Elementary Schools Tournament (LEST) in Portland OR. in mid-February. Everyone is welcome to join us for a fun evening of good food and fellowship!

L.E.S.T. - February 17-19^th. Good Luck Cardinals!!!

A big THANK YOU to everyone who purchased gift cards through Concordia's Scrip Program this past Christmas. We would like to remind you this is a year-round program of the school! Although we do not sit at a table in the lower hall weekly, the scrip bag is always here on Sunday mornings.

You can find it with Robin Danforth before and after adult Sunday school. You can also email or call Cheryl Kohring with questions or orders.

Purchasing these cards for your weekly gas and grocery needs as well as eating out, shopping and Starbucks is a simple way to support the school on a regular basis. Since the beginning of this school year, the school has made $2,547.95 of which $626.36 can be attributed to sales here at Messiah!! Thank you for your past and continued support!

Lutheran Ministry Services Northwest
Many of you know the name Ruth Kratzke. Some of you may have had the opportunity and privilege to hear her play the piano.

This past year, the Kratzke family had her professionally recorded, playing 28 of your most treasured Lutheran hymns. Each rendition is both an art presentation and a voice accompaniment.

The stanzas are included in a booklet that accompanies the CD. The Kratzke family has designated all proceeds from the CD to support the Chaplains, Deaconess and volunteers who provide visitation and pastoral care in area hospitals, care centers and retirement homes.

A copy of this CD is being given to anyone making a donation of $20 to LMSN. (This would be a wonderful gift for a relative or friend who may no longer find it easy to attend services on a regular basis.)

If you are interested please contact Cheryl Kohring.

CURRENT AND UPCOMING BIBLE STUDIES

************************************************************************
FELLOWSHIP HALL BIBLE CLASS
WHAT: “Zechariah”
WHEN: Sunday Mornings 9:20 am
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
************************************************************************
HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE CLASS SUNDAY MORNINGS
WHAT: “Growing in Christ”
WHEN: Sunday Mornings 9:20 am
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Fremer
************************************************************************
YOUNG ADULTS
WHAT: Devotion and Dinner
WHEN: 1^st and 3^rd Sundays, 5:30 pm
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Fremer
************************************************************************
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH NIGHT
WHAT: Devotion and Fellowship
WHEN: 2^nd and 4^th Sundays, 7 pm
WHERE: Youth Room
INSTRUCTOR: Vicar Fremer
************************************************************************
MONDAY EVENING MARY/MARTHA BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: Women’s Bible Study “Gospel of John”
WHEN: February 7^th, 7 pm
WHERE: Lounge
INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Lassman
************************************************************************
MONDAY EVENING STUDY
WHAT: “Lutheran Confessions”
WHEN: Every Monday Evening, 7 pm
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
LEADER: Jim Pierce
************************************************************************
THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd John”
WHEN: Thursday Mornings, 10:30 am
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
*************************************************************************
THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
WHAT: “Law and Gospel”
WHEN: Thursday Evenings, 7 pm Class starts February 17^th
WHERE: Youth Room-Room 202
LEADER: Jim Grant
*************************************************************************
ADULT INFORMATION CLASS
WHAT: A 15-week course on basic Christian teachings
WHEN: Thursday Evenings, 7 pm Next class starts on February 10^th
WHERE: Fellowship Hall
INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Lassman
SCHEDULES FOR FEBRUARY

Altar Guild Workers Children’s Message FLOWERS
6 Debbie Viets, Laurie Mendes 6 Vicar Fremer Boy Scouts
13 Jean Mindemann, Gloria Schy 13 Jenny Lueck
20 Debbie Viets, Gloria Schy 20 Eva Hansen
27 Karen Scott, Gloria Schy 27 Lee Cohrs
Transportation Readers
8:00 am 10:45 am
6 Don Dunavant 6 Harry Edmon Curt & Stephanie Colbert
13 Doug Hanson 13 Albert Lirhus Henry Hurley
20 Carol Johnson 20 Robin Melvin Sue Hewitson
27 Joanne Warner 27 Dave Manion Dan Lassman
Acolytes Ushers
8:00 am 10:45 am 8:00 am 10:45 am
6 Victoria Peterson Alex Miller 6 Steve Haverstock Steve Miller
13 Zoe Anderson Alex Knudson 13 Harry Edmon Jerry Tiersma
20 Elizabeth Cohrs 20 Jim Hewitson Dan Lassman
27 Tristan Pierce Amanda Adams 27 Lee Cohrs Curt Colbert
Elders
8:00 am 10:45 am
6 Lee Cohrs, Jim Mendes Doug Hansen, Mike Boomhower
13 Dick Hillmann, Ken Deaver Randy Martens, Jim Grant
20 Jim Mendes, Lee Cohrs Mike Boomhower, Doug Hansen
27 Dick Hillmann, Robin Melvin Jim Grant, Randy Martens
Greeters
Upstairs Downstairs

6 Ron & Dea Pearce (10:45)

13 Lourann Radosevich (10:45) Dorothy Bellin (10:45)

20 Cora May Gray (10:45) Lourain Schmidt (10:45)

27 Jane Krueger (10:45)

Would you like to “meet & greet” people on Sunday as they come through the door? Please contact Cora May Gray. She can add you anytime during the month!

Prayer Tree

All members of Messiah’s Prayer Tree Ministry (as well as interested others) are invited to the annual Prayer Tree Ministry Luncheon

When: Sunday, February 20^th at noon

Where: In the Fellowship Hall

Please bring your Prayer Tree Ministry notebook

RSVP to Stephanie Colbert

Some Facts about Messiah’s Prayer Tree Ministry

What is The Prayer Tree Ministry? The Prayer Tree Ministry was established by Mary Martha Ministries (the evening LWML group) to meet the “prayer needs” of the congregation. It currently consists of 22 members who serve by praying about requests ranging from illnesses or upcoming surgeries, to prayers of joy and thanksgiving. All requests are considered confidential unless otherwise specified.

How does it work? A member with a prayer request calls Pastor Lassman. Pastor calls the coordinator (Jane Krueger) who passes the request to the four “branch leaders”. These four individuals call the members of their “branch” (usually four or five people). Branch members make no calls -- their only responsibility is to pray for a specified amount of time, along with the rest of the Prayer Tree members. (Please note: Prayer Tree requests are distinct from prayer requests for Sunday morning services.)

How can I learn more about the Prayer Tree Ministry? You are invited to attend our annual meeting and luncheon (see above). RSVP’s are helpful, but not required.

From The Desk of Pastor Lassman

Archives

2008 Complete Archive

2007 Complete Archive