Worship Service: January 17
Order of Worship: January 17
 

Worship Services

A Prayer in a Time of Sickness
Almighty and merciful God, you are the only source of health and healing; you alone can bring calmness and peace.  Grant to us, your children, an awareness of your presence and a strong confidence in you.  In our pain, our weariness, and our anxiety, surround us with your care, protect us by your loving might, and permit us once more to enjoy health and strength and peace; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.  Amen.
 

Pastor’s Message

As we begin a new calendar year, we also begin the church season of Epiphany on January 6^th. Epiphany means ‘manifestation’; it is the revelation of Christ to all nations. Epiphany begins with the Magi bringing gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ child. In worship during the Epiphany season we will also hear the Biblical stories of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, Jesus calling the disciples to follow him, Jesus healing people, and the Transfiguration of Jesus. Epiphany focuses our faith on the means by which God is made manifest in the world through Jesus Christ. These various manifestations, beginning with the nativity and the visit of the magi, continuing through the various miracles of Jesus and concluding with the Transfiguration, demonstrate that God being revealed to the world brings transformation. The eternal Word, proclaimed on Christmas Day is revealed through these earthly events and continues to be revealed today through Word and sacrament, faith, and the ministries of Messiah and St. Stephen’s. 
 
How will Christ be revealed to us in this season of Epiphany? How will Christ be revealed to the world through us in Epiphany? This past week I saw Christ revealed in two specific ways. Before Christmas, a family from Grand Island purchased and delivered food from Super Saver for Messiah to distribute through the ministries at the congregation. They made real for me Christ who is the bread of life (John 6:35). At the most recent Saturday Supper food distribution, one of our Latina guests provided the prayer for the volunteers in Spanish before I spoke the prayer in English. For me, it was an epiphany of Christ, who is the light of the world (John 8:12).
 
As we make our way into a new year, may you be blessed to experience everyday epiphanies of Christ for your faith! As you do experience epiphanies of Christ, I welcome your reflections on how Christ was made real for/through you. Call the church or visit with me in person about how Christ   is/was manifest for you! Peace be with you in the new year!
 
In Christ,
Pastor Steven

COVID-19 Response*

With the outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States and around the world, our church and its leaders continue to  minister to its members, to those who are hurting and searching for peace, and to those in need. You can help the ministries of the ELCA by supporting your local congregation and making a gift to the ELCA’s COVID-19 Response Fund. Your donation will provide funds to the ministries of the ELCA most in need and best positioned to help. This includes our congregations as well as local and churchwide ministries capable of reaching and assisting those in need. Additional resources for congregations and members regarding worship, stewardship and assistance programs are available at ELCA.org/PublicHealth.


*Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. “Re: [Seeds Monthly] Churches responding to COVID-19 .” Message to Laura Gregory. 23 April 2020. Email.

Coat Drive

We are still welcoming your donations of men’s and women’s coats. Messiah’s Coat Drive will take place during the Saturday Supper serving hour (3:00-4:00 p.m.) through the winter, or until we run out of coats.
Thank you for your generosity!
 

Youth / Faith Formation

Faith 5 Meetings
Every Sunday at 7:00-7:45 pm via Zoom

This program is designed for all ages, and will include times of guided discussion and prayer.
Discussion:
          *Highs for the week
          *Lows for the week
          *A Bible verse & how that verse relates to us
Prayer:
          *Pray for One Another
          *Bless One Another
We’re looking into ways to keep our youth connected during these difficult times. Please contact Pastor Steven, Father John, or Courtney Berg if you have any questions or concerns, or would like ideas on faith practices you could use at home.

Faith Lens Meetings
11:30 am, 2^nd Sunday of every month

This program is designed for middle/high school aged youth who want the challenge of connecting world events with the Bible & their faith. We will gather at a new location (spacious enough for us to comply with social distancing guidelins) for each meeting.

Messiah Church Monthly Messenger: January 2021
Messiah Lutheran Church Picture Book
Volunteer for Saturday Suppers Sign-up