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MESSIAH MEMOS Messiah Fairview Park Issue 8: November 2019

FAMILY NEWS

BAPTISMS

Maximus John Jacob Geyer Baptized: 8/17/19 DOB: 5/7/19 Parents: Micheal & Andrea Geyer

Nicholas Mitchell Baptized: 8/18/19 DOB: 3/24/94 Parents: Katherine Palmer & Todd Mitchell

Mack Thomas-Eugene McGreal Baptized: 9/8/19 DOB: 10/25/18 Parents: Martin McGreal & Kendall Elliot

WEDDINGS

Kelsey Moran & James Dawson 8-24-19

Daniel Main & Jane Lesiak 9-28-19

Bethany Roman & Adonai Henderson 10-5-19

Hannah Stock & Nicholas Mitchell 10-12-19

Breanna Coreno & Ceth Johnson 10-19-19

IN MEMORY

Cheryl Kucera June 30, 1962 - September 24, 2019

Welcome New Members

This fall we welcomed our newest members into the congregation:

Kendall Elliot w/ Mack Amanda Hawkins w/ Ezra, Maria, & Isabella Arthur & Bettina Karls Deborah Lamb w/ Xavier & Wells Jay Machado Dan & Nadine Thomas w/Cohen, Lachlan & Nolan Adonai Henderson

OUR SAINTS

WE HONOR AND REMEMBER THOSE WHO, IN DEATH, HAVE JOINED THE CHURCH

TRIUMPHANT THIS PAST YEAR.

Name Date of Date of Birth Death

William Bound 01/16/1954 04/20/2019 Virginia Hemsath 04/18/1924 01/18/2019 Holly Krause 04/06/1946 12/31/2018 Cheryl Kucera 06/30/1962 09/24/2019 William Manthey 08/24/1927 05/03/2019 Richard Quentmeyer 09/09/1933 05/03/2019 Rita Ruggles 02/04/1932 04/19/2019 Wilmer Schuett 10/09/1934 05/23/2019 Brenda Schuster 07/26/1947 07/18/2019 Doris Werblak 12/19/1932 02/24/2019

90 YEARS OF MEMORIES

"My favorite Messiah memory is that I became a member this year!” -Dawn Hilt

"My favorite Messiah memory is Pastor Burce in the dunk tank!”

-Julie Moomaw

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FROM THE PASTOR

God’s enduring love… O give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his steadfast

love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

What a story! 90 years. 90 years’ worth of people gathering, singing, worshiping, serving, caring, baptizing, burying, marrying, and confirming; not to mention simply just sharing life

with one another. And what a story God has and is and will continue to work through this community of flawed but faithful people known as Messiah Lutheran Church!

Now, I love a good story. Who doesn’t? And the story which is recorded, persevered and transmitted though the Biblical scriptures are some of the very best of the very best good stories. The bible is even known to be called “the good book” by some. Martin Luther said “The Bible is the cradle wherein Christ is laid.”

As we celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Messiah, we do well to remember the stories of God. During the weekend sermon way back on September 15th, I shared “The Story of God in 52 Words.” You might say to yourself, “Is that even possible?” Can the Holy Scriptures of God be summed up in 52 words? Some anonymous, creative person thought so.

Most would agree the Bible can be a pretty intimidat-ing book. From Genesis to Revelation, there are 66 books in all; 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. One could literally study it for a life-time or more, and still have more yet to discover and glean from the Story of God.

But here…. here is the Story of God summed up in just 52 words! I share it here for your edification, and enjoyment (I hope!).

GOD MADE ADAM BIT

NOAH ARKED ABRAHAM SPLIT JOSEPH RULED JACOB FOOLED BUSH TALKED

MOSES BALKED PHAROAH PLAQUED

PEOPLE WALKED SEA DIVIDED

TABLETS GUIDED

PROMISE LANDED SAUL FREAKED DAVID PEEKED

PROPHETS WARNED JESUS BORN

GOD WALKED LOVE TALKED LOST FOUND

ANGER CRUCIFIED HOPE DIED LOVE ROSE

SPIRIT FLAMED WORD SPREAD

GOD REMAINED

Underlined, earmarked, and highlighted, we can barely articulate how truly grateful we are for the Word of God which sets us free …..FREE each and every day! Honestly, where would any one of us be without Christ plus the Story of God found in the scriptures. God’s enduring love….. Indeed!

As we continue celebrating 90 years together, let us continue moving into the coming future with newness of life and the profound realization that each of us are the hands and feet of Christ through which God’s enduring love continues pouring and spilling out into the world.

We look forward to worshipping and serving along-side you in the coming weeks!

In Christ

+ Pastor Seth

MESSIAH’S 2019 CHURCH COUNCIL

Messiah is led by a council made up of the pastors, the school principal, and 15 elected members who serve a three-year term. For the sake of continuity, up to five council members are elected in any given year.

New council members for 2019: Lindsay Baker Cathy Zalac

Returning for the continuation of their terms or re-committing to a new term are: Brian Pajer Josh Koza Jim Quayle Alan Parrott John Hayduk Don Braun Frank Petak Ron Coulter Mike Allan

Trish Kvasnicka Jared Waugaman Steve Swanson Lindsay Rados

Our thanks for faithful service to the following persons who are concluding terms on council:

Peggy Schauer Janice Snyder

The Rev. Seth Bridger

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Education Opportunities Sunday Mornings this Fall

Weekend Worship Service Times

Saturday 5:30 pm—Holy Communion

Sunday 8:30 am—Holy Communion

9:30 am—Coffee and Conversation 9:50 am—Education Hour

11:00 am—Holy Communion

EDUCATION HOUR OFFERINGS

SUNDAY SCHOOL Preschool - 4th Grade

Sunday School is for children in pre-school thru 4th grade. The class meets in the 4th Grade Classroom located close to the double door entrance to the Gym. Join us as we go through classic Bible stories this year! Registration forms are available on the table outside the Church Offices. Questions? Drop a note to Colleen Parrott at munchkin_cw@hotmail.com.

GOD’S WORD FOR CHILDREN

A special offering for younger children during the 11 am service on the third Sunday of the month. Join us November 17 & December 15.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Teacher’s Lounge

All are welcomed for a time of fellowship and prayer while knitting or crocheting. This group is for those with beginning to advanced skills. Patterns and materials are provided if needed.

SECOND SUNDAYS

2nd Sundays are a monthly inter-generational, family friendly event. They are designed to provide service, learning, and fellowship opportunities for people of all ages. Join us in Messiah's Fellowship Hall from 9:50 to 10:40am.

2019 Second Sunday Dates: * November 10 * December 8

CONFIRMATION 5th Grade

Beginning in November, all 5th grade learners of Messiah are invited to attend Mr. David Ressler's Confirmation Class on Church History. This is a continuation of the 1st communion class which has been taught this fall. Fifth grade confirmation meets in the 5th grade classroom on Sundays from 9:50 am—10:40 am.

No class sessions on Nov. 10th or Dec. 8th.

CONFIRMATION 6th Grade

The 6th graders meet each Sunday morning during the Education Hour ( 9:50—10:40 am ) in Room 107 (next to Principal Casselberry's office); and is taught by a team of amazing adult disciples.

Here are the dates for upcoming class sessions: Oct. 27th Reformation Breakfast Nov. 3 Class in Room 107 Nov. 10 2nd Sunday in Fellowship Hall Nov. 17 & 24 Class in Room 107 Dec 1 No Class Dec. 8 2nd Sunday in Fellowship Hall

CONFIRMATION 7th & 8th Grade

Please continue to check the Confirmation Sign-Up Genius website for updates on upcoming classes.

Worship Notes: Confirmation students are filling out "worship notes" for each worship service they experience. These "worship notes" are found in the 3-ring binder located at the Usher's Stand in the Narthex outside the main worship space.

Lutheran Identity “Who are we as Lutheran Followers of Jesus”

Sunday Classes OR Wednesday Classes 12:15—1:30 pm 6:00—7:15 pm (Session 1) November 13 November 6 (Session 2) November 10 November 13 (Session 3) November 17 November 20

ADULT EDUCATION For adult education opportunities, turn to page 4.

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EXPLORING THE WORD THIS NOVEMBER

Sunday mornings, 9:50 - 10:40am In the Commons

How to Come Out All Right: A Study of Romans Think of St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans as God’s direct answer to the universal human drive to be “as good as you can be,” or at least better than somebody else. “He who sits in the heavens laughs them to scorn,” as the Psalmist says. Then God turns right around and invites Americans of 2019 to join first century Jews and Greeks in finding their life and hope in Christ. Seriously, the days of having to prove your own worth and secure your own future are a thing of the past.

Wednesday mornings, 10 - 11am North End, Fellowship Hall

Jesus’ Parables: What Do They Mean? A lively, thoughtful group has been meeting on Wednesday mornings this fall to explore the parables of Jesus. These are the stories and verbal pictures Jesus used as a matter of course to describe what he was doing and what this means for us. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke are filled with them. Many are famil-iar even to people whose acquaintance with the Bible is not very strong. A lot of them leave even diehard Bible readers scratching their heads. Whatever is Jesus trying to tell us, we wonder. That’s the question we’re explor-ing in this class. Our focus right now is on the parables in Luke. We’ll get to Matthew after Christmas. This month we’ll work through a few of the most famous of them all, including the Prodigal Son.

Wednesday evenings, 6:30 - 7:45pm North End, Fellowship Hall

What to Listen for on Sunday A second group, as lively as the first, is meeting on Wednesday evenings to practice the art of listening for good news when we hear the Scriptures read in church every Sunday. God’s good news in Christ is at the heart of Christian life and identity. What we often catch in-stead are rules and prescriptions to follow in an effort to please God and sort out our lives. Our goal in this class is to grasp what these rules and prescriptions are really meant to do, and to listen for the life-giving promise that replaces them.

No class on the night before Thanksgiving.

WATCH MESSIAH SERVICES ONLINE

NEED HELP TRYING TO DO THIS?

We have a unique gift at Messiah for everyone. Can’t make it to church? Want to hear a sermon again? Want to hear a choir sing again? Want to hear the Easter message again? All of Messiah’s services are online. Not only for live streaming on Sunday mornings, but any time of day or night. You can watch the services live or anytime following the services. The hymns and music are scrolled for you to participate. Our weekly News & Announcements are included. You may even make a donation during the offering collection.

Visit messiahfairview.org and click on “Watch Services Online” at the top to stream the services. You can find the bulletin and news and announce-ments under the “Communications” tab.

Confused? Don’t know how to get to our web page? Let us help you. Please call the church office at 440-331-2405 and a two member team will come to your home and help you get set up.

ONLINE STREAMING PRAISES

“As a shut in, I am most grateful for live streaming of the Sunday services. Live stream allows me to feel part of the worshipping community at Messiah and as the result, less isolated.”

- Judy Gahl

“I watched the Messiah Sunday service on a week I was unable to come to church. It was a spectacular experience. In addition to the audio and video, the order of service, the readings, prayers and hymn verses scroll at the bottom of the screen and I was able to fully participate in the worship experience. The sermon is zoomed in close and as I sang along and prayed with those present, I was so grateful that this experience is available. I would encourage any-one who must miss the service in person to tune in. The services stay online and can be experienced when it is convenient.

- Paula Brinkman

Adult

Education

Opportunities

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Principal Memos

November 2019

In November, we gather with our families to celebrate God’s many blessings and give thanks. Here in the Messiah School family, we do the same thing. Firstly, we thank God for His generosity through faithful saints here at Messiah who support one of the best schools in the state of Ohio. If you aren’t here during the week, you might not realize just how many wonderful things are happening at Messiah Lutheran School! Are you eager to tell others about Messiah School? Here are some things that everyone in Fairview Park and the surrounding cities should know: Messiah School is here to help grow world-

changing people. Ultimately, we’re not here to help kids score well on tests, or win ball games, or have fun, but all of those things happen naturally when we set our eyes on what’s really important: equipping and empowering young people to go into the world and serve in a way that makes the love of Jesus known to all.

Messiah students are well-equipped with knowledge and skills. Our students learn in small class sizes and make great gains in a variety of content areas, including the arts, PE, and technology. Our test scores are some of the highest in the state, even though we, as a school, do relatively little test-focused preparation. Good scores grow out of great learning experiences, in our classrooms, on trips (to the farm, the theater, Washington, DC, etc.) and in unique, authentic learning opportunities like our school garden and service projects.

Messiah students are empowered by faith. Messiah students worship together on Wednesday mornings, and each child is taught by Christian teachers who model and provide guidance for faithful living. Students participate in daily classroom devotions, prayer, and religion instruction. Real giving and service opportunities are provided throughout the year.

Your support throughout the year is an incredible gift for which we give constant thanks! If you’re moved by God’s contagious generosity to support this ministry further, read in the next column..

No Cost Gifts: Volunteer to tutor a Messiah student. Email hcasselberry@messiahfp.org for more info.

Write a review of Messiah Lutheran School and post it on facebook (Messiah School of Fairview Park), Google, or Great Schools. Not sure how to use those? Just send your review or testimonial to school@messiahfp.org.

Like our facebook page (Messiah School of Fairview Park) and share our posts.

Invite a friend to our Open Houses (Thurs., Nov. 14 and Sun., January 26). Our preschool through first grade classes may fill early in the coming year, so tell your friends to apply early!

Low Cost Gifts: Buy your Christmas gift cards through Messiah

School. The price is the same, but a portion of your payment benefits Messiah School. Choose from hundreds of popular brands, and buy in the school office on weekdays, on the second Sunday of each month in the atrium, or online at https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/Login/Enroll using the enrollment code BCA23F787278.

Apply for a Thrivent Action Team grant to sponsor a classroom learning activity, project, or field trip. Each grant is valued at $250, and teachers are always ready with a project you can support!

Life Changing Gifts: Sponsor a student’s tuition, book fees, or

lunches. We serve an increasingly diverse community, and your donation may make it possible for a student to attend Messiah School, which can change the course of their life.

Messiah School’s staff and students are thankful for the ministry of Messiah Lutheran Church. We are blessed to be supported by you, and we celebrate our unity in the body of Christ. Pray that our joint ministry continues to bless everyone it touches! Yours in Christ, Helen Casselberry, Principal

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SATURDAY EVENING POT LUCKS!

Everyone loves a good pot luck! Over the course of the last year, there have been several pot lucks held after the Saturday evening 5:30 pm worship service. Join us for a time of good food and fellowship; and join us for worship before! Bring your favorite dish to share. Mark the following dates on your calendar:

December 7, 2019 March 7, 2020 June 6, 2020

Here’s What’s Happening At Messiah

FAIRVIEW HUNGER CENTER

Helping the Fairview Hunger Center is one of Messiah Lutheran’s outreach ministries. The Hunger Center is located at New Hope Church on 22974 Lorain Road. Hours of operation are Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 – 3 pm.

The center is looking for volunteers to work once a month for a two hour commitment. If you would like to know what the job entails ask Priscilla Hinsch, Marilyn Edwards, or stop by the Hunger Center. Call Carol Napp, director of the Hunger Center, at 440-665-8834.

UPCAM'S TRIVIA NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA Friday, November 1, 2019

5:00 - 9:30 pm Messiah Lutheran Church

Play Trivia! Cheer on a Team! Dinner by Bomba & Gourmet Desserts by Alisha

On-site Childcare for 11 and younger 50/50 raffle, Basket Auction & more!

Happy Hour & After Party at Gunselman's Tavern

Visit eventbrite.com/e/upcam-trivia-night-extravaganza-tickets-71100241737?aff=ebdssbdestsearch to register or for more information.

Proceeds to benefit the

United Protestant Campus Ministries.

THANKSGIVING DAY WORSHIP SERVICE

Thursday, November 28 @ 9:30am

We invite you to start your Thanksgiving by joining us for a special worship service at Messiah at 9:30 am on Thursday, November 28 to thank and praise God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us!

REDEEMER CRISIS CENTER Sunday, November 10

Volunteers are needed on Sun., November 10 to serve a supper at Redeemer Crisis Center, West. 30th & Walton in Cleveland. Their free communi-ty meal is offered once a month and Messiah is providing their supper in November. Preparing food at 3:30 pm; supper served 5-6 pm and clean-up is at 6 pm. Interested? Please contact Jeanette Rebeck at djrebeck@roadrunner.com.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATIONAL DINNER

Do you have a passion for your community? Are you looking to make a difference in the lives of others?

Love In the Name of Christ of Cuyahoga County is seek-ing volunteers. Please join us to learn about opportuni-ties to serve your church and community. A light dinner will be included. Opportunities available include prayer support, practical needs, drivers, office support, one-on-one coaching and more.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019 6:30—8:30 pm

Rockside Church 4100 Rockside Road

Independence, OH 44131

RSVP required by November 14 loveinccuyahoga.org or (216)459-0302

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EMERSON UPDATE

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since our journey to Emerson’s new heart began. September 24 marked one year since finding out Emerson was in heart failure. There have been so many instanc-es of God’s timing and miracles

we are still seeing. This summer was filled with soak-ing up moments with Emerson as we watched her personality take shape and her curiosity continue to grow. There is nothing stopping her. Our cardiolo-gist continues to say her heart is in perfect shape and could not be any better, only needing a check-up once a month. As always, thank you for following our journey and continuing to lift us up in prayer. We truly appreciate it and are forever grateful. God is always good and merciful.

+ Andrea (Waugh) & Brandon Buskirk

Dear Dr. Burce and Congregants,

It is so heartwarming when we receive a gift from you that allows us to say “yes” to one more child, family or adult in need who turns to St. Vincent de Paul Society’s hunger centers for emergency food.

Your kind donation of $170 from your “People Feed-ing People campaign” will help nourish neighbors in need. It’s heartwarming to know that there are people like you willing to help someone you don’t know fight the pains of hunger.

Because of the generosity of people like you, St. Vincent de Paul Society's multiple hunger centers across Northeast Ohio are able to provide hunger relief to 17, 000 children, women, men and seniors each and every month. And your donation goes a long way because every dollar of your gift feeds four people.

Thank you again for your kindness, and may God bless you and your loved ones.

In Gratitude, Ed Leszynski Board president

TRUNK OR TREAT

Thank you to everyone who helped to make our 4th annual Trunk or Treat event a great success! Thank you to Nicole Holliday for organizing, to the trunk hosts, those who donated food, the cooks, and to all the families who came out to support this family friendly event.

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GOD’S ENDURING LOVE A Fall Celebration

Stewardship is on our minds and hearts this month. What is a steward? A manager. A person in charge of someone else’s resources with the primary job of using them for the owner’s benefit. One piece of the task is to keep these resources from going to waste through loss or neglect. The greater challenge is to invest and spend them in such a way that the owner’s interests get the biggest boost possible.

“You are not your own,” St. Paul writes. “You were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God….” He ends that sentence by saying, “with your bodies.” He could just as well have said “with your minds; your hearts; your inclinations and interests; your special-ties.” And, for sure, “your stuff.”

God gets glorified best when the best thing God did and is doing still gets shared with other people. That best thing ever is the love of Christ he bathed us in when we got baptized and wraps us in all over again whenever we get together in Jesus’ name.

Our church exists to leak or drip or even gush this wondrous love into a world thirsty for it. Each of us has a steward’s role to play in making this happen.

Take stock this fall of the resources in your care. Your income is a big piece of this, but only a piece. Your time—the moments, hours, and days God gives you—is precious too. So are your fresh ideas about new ways to push God’s “love project” forward at Messiah. Your expertise matters too—and each of us has a dose of this.

And now the questions: How can I put my Lord’s resources—those entrusted to my care and manage-ment—to their best possible use in 2020? How for the sake of Jesus and his mission can I improve on my performance as a steward in 2019? How can we grow together at Messiah to make God’s love in Christ more widely known next year?

Pray about this, please. Then get ready in the Sundays of November to offer God a sketch of your plans, a proposal for how you hope in coming months to serve the Lord who so serves us all.

YEAR END GIFT PLANNING

It’s that time of year to plan for your year end gift to a charitable organization. Messiah has been blessed over the years with a variety of employer matching gifts. Charitable giving is a timeless tradition. Below are a variety of options to help with planning. Please consult your financial advisor for further details.

Write a Check: Cash is probably the easiest way to make a gift and may already be part of your annual giving tradition. Your gift qualifies for a charitable deduction (up to 60 percent of your adjusted gross income in the year of the gift), with five carryover years for unused deductions.

Tip: Double your impact! Ask your employer about their matching gift program

Gift Marketable Securities: Donating appreciat-ed stocks, bonds or mutual funds held more than one year may provide two helpful tax benefits. First, the gift qualifies for a charitable deduction for the current full market value. Second, you avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation.

Tip: You can also donate appreciated stock to fund a gift that pays you income for life.

Make an IRA Charitable Rollover: If you are 70 1/2 or older and take required minimum distribu-tions from your IRA, you pay income tax on those distributions. A charitable alternative may be to ask your IRA custodian to make a direct transfer from your IRA to Messiah. This tax-free gift is available up to $100,000 each year.

Tip: Consider using the IRA charitable roll over to make your annual gifts, create an endowment or satisfy your pledges.

Make the Most of Your Charitable Deduc-tions: The standard deduction increased signifi-cantly under the tax law passed in December, 2017. Bunching your charitable contributions is a tax strategy where you alternate between taking the standard deduction one year and itemizing the next year. This strategy may be beneficial if you can plan the timing of your contribution and itemized expenses to exceed the standard deduction in a given year.

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

* Visit smile.amazon.com and designate Messiah Lutheran Church as your preferred charity. Log onto smile.amazon.com to make purchases thereafter.

* Give Online at messiahfairview.org; look for the “Donation” tab.

* Text Donations to 440-574-5039 or 855-913-1744 with the amount you would like to contribute (make sure to include the $ before the amount).

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September 29 was a day of joy at Messiah as we thanked God for our

congregation’s 90th anniversary. Our thanks to everyone who

planned the event; who helped and served to make it unfold; and espe-cially to every person, young or old,

who joined the celebration. Here are a few memories of the day—

Messiah Lutheran Church

1929 - 2019

90 Years of God’s Enduring Love

O give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1

Messiah’s 90th

Anniversary Celebration

During our celebration, Jared Waugaman shared a video with us showing footage of

Messiah’s church history. To view the video, please visit MessiahFairview.org.

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REFORMATION SPECIAL: LUTHER’S SEAL

Three years ago our Messiah School art teacher, Amy Roman, organized a team to paint Martin Luther’s seal on the blacktop near our main east door. (You can see it these days in Google Maps if you click on the satellite view.)

In case you’ve wondered what the seal is meant to represent, here’s how Luther explained it himself in a letter to the man who designed it:

“There is first to be a cross, black [and placed] in a heart, which should be of its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. For if you believe from the heart he will be justified. Even though it is a black cross, [which] mor-tifies and [which] also should hurt us, yet it leaves the heart in its [natural] color [and] does not ruin nature; that is, [the cross] does not kill but keeps a person alive. For the just person lives by faith, but by faith in the Crucified One. Such a heart is to be in the midst of a white rose, to symbolize that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace; in a word it places the believer into a white joyful rose; for [this faith] does not give peace and joy as the world gives and, therefore, the rose is to be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and of all the angels. Such a rose is to be in a sky-blue field, [symbolizing] that such joy in the Spirit and in faith is a beginning of the future heavenly joy; is it al-ready a part [of faith], and is grasped through hope, even though not yet manifest. And around this field is a golden ring, [symbolizing] that in heaven such bless-edness lasts forever and has no end, and in addition is precious beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal.”

From Luther’s Works, Vol. 49

REFORMATION SERVICES MUSIC

Most Midwestern people start to think of leaves falling, apple cider, Oktoberfest celebrations, and pumpkins when October rolls around. Lutherans enjoy plenty of these Autumn joys as well, but of course, we add another to the list: Reformation Day celebrations! This year our Reformation Day services will include our full brass ensemble as well as choirs at each service. The Messiah Adult Choir will sing at the 8:30 service, and the Messiah School 4th-8th grade Choir will sing at the 11:00 service under the direction of Kate Ilg. Please greet and welcome the Messiah School families you see at the breakfast in between services. This is a great opportunity for us as a congregation to get to know and invite back the Messiah School families who are directly benefitting from Messiah Lutheran Church’s generous support of a joyful, challenging, world-changing education at Messiah School.

In Christ, Connie Triplett, Director of Music

REFORMATION SUNDAY October 27, 2019

Reformation Breakfast 9 - 11:30 am

Freewill Donation

***Sponsored by Messiah School’s 7th & 8th grade students visiting Washington D.C. in the spring***

Lilah Beebe Camille Johnson

Aadan Brady Kendall Lewis

Eli Henry Lydia Sayers

Adam Brown

A day to celebrate God’s best and greatest gift, the Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

8:30 am: Messiah adult choir & brass 11 am: Messiah school 4—8th gr. Choir & brass

First Communion for Messiah’s 5th Graders We thank God for welcoming the following students at

the Lord’s Table for their First Communion on

Reformation Sunday, October 27, 2019.

Wear Something Red!

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IT’S TIME TO ORDER CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS!

The deadline for ordering Christmas poinsettias is Sunday, Dec. 15. The cost continues to be $10 and you may indicate your purchase in honor of or in memory of a loved one(s). Poinsettias can be taken home after the Christmas Day service.

Given by ____________________________________________________________________________

In memory (or in honor) of: ___________________________________________________________ No. of plants ($10/ea) ____________

Tear off and drop in offering plate, at the church office or email orders to church@messiahfp.org.

ADULT AND CHILDREN DEVOTIONALS COMING LATE

NOVEMBER

MITTEN TREE

It’s that time of year! Messiah will be collecting warm hats, mittens, and

gloves for the Messiah mitten tree. The Mitten Tree will be located by the Messiah School office door. Look for the tree right after Thanksgiving. Donations will be given to children in need.

CHRISTMAS STORE OF HOPE

Building Hope in the City and Scranton Road Bible Church are asking area churches for support of their Christmas Store of Hope. Messiah will be collecting items during the month of November. You can pick up a list of desired items outside the church office starting at the beginning of Novem-ber. Please place unwrapped items in box outside the church office by Monday, November 25.

CHRISTMAS BOXES

Messiah families have been assembling shoe-box sized gifts for the House of Miracles Kids Church on the

near west side of Cleveland for several years. Our continued gift this year is to assemble and collect boxes for these children. Look for the board outside of the church office, where you’ll be able to take a child’s name for which you can shop and offer a blessed Christmas. The due date will be late November/early December.

ADVENT PREPARATIONS

HOW SHALL WE SERVE THE LORD?

Here’s a little exercise for your saintly imagination this month. Is there something you wish our church was doing, or doing better, in its service to each other or to our neigh-bors? Is there a project—small or large, short- or long-term—that you’d like to undertake in Jesus’ name with the backing

of your church? If so, ask God to nudge you into it—and tell one of our pastors about it so they can connect you with others at Messiah who might be glad to help.

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Gourmet Prayer with Priscilla Hinsch

A prayer for Justice and Unity in Christ by Ray and Delaine DeHainaut (twentieth century)

Dear Jesus, Prince of Peace, I am disturbed by the existence

of so much violence in our world, which is tearing nations apart and damaging the lives of our youth. I pray that you will touch my

heart with the urgency of your message of love and that you will enable me to become an effective ambassador of your peace.

Give me the courage, the will, and the wisdom I need to neutralize the causes of violence. Help me find ways to counteract the

glorification of violence with the message that the way of Christ is the way of peace. Amen.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

Wednesday, October 30 9 am Chapel 10 am Bible Study 7 pm Adult Choir

Saturday, November 2 & Sunday, November 3 * All Saints Weekend *

Thursday, November 28 9:30 am Thanksgiving Day Worship Service

Saturday, November 30 * NO Saturday Evening Worship *

ADULT CHRISTMAS CHOIR

“Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation; sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!” (ELW 283 st.3) Messiah’s Adult Christmas Choir has the delight every year of lifting our voices to join with all the angels and saints in heaven and on earth to celebrate the birth of our dear Savior, Jesus! Do you love singing Christmas music? Join the Adult Christmas Choir and sing for festive Christmas Eve services! If you love singing, but are unable to commit for the full choir season, you are in-vited to join seasonally. Christmas rehearsals will follow immediately after Wednesday evening Advent services (services run from about 7:00-7:40pm) December 4th, 11th, and 18th. Contact Music Director, Connie Triplett (ctriplett@messiahfp.org), with questions.

In Christ, Connie Triplett, Director of Music ctriplett@messiahfp.org

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP GROUP Sunday, November 10

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Calling all women! We are starting a Women's Fellowship Group. All are

welcome! This is a chance to get together and get reacquainted with the women of Messiah - young and old. We are meeting on Sunday, November 10th from 5 - 7 pm in the atrium for wine, cheese and dessert.

RSVP by email to Ann Coulter at ann.m.coulter@gmail.com or to Trish

Kvasnicka pkvasnicka@summersrubber.com.

RSVP is not necessary but appreciated

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November 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 5p UPCaM Trivia

2 5:30p Holy Communion

3 8:30a Holy Communion 9:50a Education Hour 11a Holy Communion 12:15p 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation (Session 1) 7:30p AA

4 7p Joy Ringers

5 Election Day!

6 9a Chapel 10a Bible Study

6p 7th & 8th Gr. Confirmation (Session 1) 6:30p Bible Study

7 Early Dismissal 7p Choir Rehearsal

8 NO SCHOOL

9 5:30p Holy Communion

10 8:30a Holy Communion 9:50a Second Sunday/Education Hour 11a Holy Communion 12:15p 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation (Session 2) 7:30p AA

11 7p Joy Ringers

12 6p PTL Meeting 7p Church Council Meeting

13 9a Chapel

10a Bible Study6p 7th & 8th Gr. Confirmation (Session 2) 6:30p Bible Study

14 7p Choir Rehearsal

15

16 5:30p Holy Communion

17 8:30a Holy Communion 9:50a Education Hour 11a Holy Communion 11a God’s Word for Children 12:15p 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation (Session 3) 7:30p AA

18 6p School Board Meeting 7p Trustees Meeting 7p Joy Ringers

19

20 9a Chapel 10a Bible Study

7th & 8th Gr. Confirmation (Session 3) 6:30p Bible Study

21 6p Laundry Love 7p Choir Rehearsal

22

23 5:30p Holy Communion

24 8:30a Holy Communion 9:50a Education Hour 11a Holy Communion 7:30p AA

25 7p Joy Ringers

26 27 Church Office Closes at 12p

28

Happy

Thanksgiving

9:30a Thanksgiv-ing Worship

29 Messiah Church

& School Offices

CLOSED

30 No Saturday

Service

NO SCHOOL—THANKSGIVING BREAK

14

Non-Profit Org. US. Postage

PAID Cleveland

Ohio 44126 Permit No. 3829

Messiah Lutheran Church & School

21485 Lorain Rd,

Fairview Park, OH 44126

Phone (440) 331-2405

www.messiahchurchfairview.org

Dated Materials

November 2019

Drawing in to Christ . . . Building up in Christ . . . Sending out for Christ. . .

To the glory of God, through the strength of the Spirit.

Messiah Memos

Insert Label Here

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

AT CHURCH THIS NOVEMBER—

We are suddenly closing in on the end of another church year. It ends on Christ the King Sunday, November 24. These are grand days of hope and promise as God gives us a picture of the future he has in store for the creation he cherishes and the people Jesus died for.

Here’s what to look forward to—

November 2/3: All Saints Sunday, when we remember friends and family members who are now with the Lord. A bell will toll as names are called. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh!”

November 9/10: “I know that my Redeemer lives…and in my flesh I shall see God.”

November 16-17: “For you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise!” (At 11 a.m.: God’s Word for Children, a special event for children in grades Pre-K to 4.)

November 23-24: Christ the King Sunday. “The LORD of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our refuge.”

Thursday, November 28: Thanksgiving Day. Start the day well with a classic service of Word and Prayer. 9:30 a.m.