Sunday, July 6, 2008 marks the 8^th Sunday after Pentecost.  The mystery of God’s ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent.  Jesus associates with the lowly and those often excluded from the religious community.  Like Paul, we struggle with our own selfish desires and seek God’s mercy and forgiveness.  We gather this day to be refreshed by Christ’s invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens.”  In the Christian community gathered around word, water, and meal, we find rest for our souls. (© CELEBRATE July 6, 2008, Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis, MN.  2008)

Mid-Week Holy Communion

The Mid-week services of Holy Communion will be celebrated each Wednesday in July on the following dates:  July 2, July 9, July 16, and July 23.  There will be no service on July 30th. The services are held from 12:00 Noon until 12:30pm and are informal spoken services with no music or singing.  These services provide a mid-week spiritual boost and are a great way to spend part of your lunch hour.

Your Help is Needed

As the upcoming school year grows near, we still have many tasks to complete before Messiah Lutheran Academy is ready to accept our students.  Mainly, at this point, we need to assemble furnishings and toys.  If you are able to assist in the assembly, please call Anndra in the church office.  You are welcome to work at anytime that is convenient for you!

Book Drive

New and slightly loved children books are needed for Messiah Lutheran Academy Classrooms.  Books should be appropriate for children ages 2-5.  A collection box will be placed outside of the sanctuary.  Please consider showing your support for MLA by donating books!  The Book Drive will continue through the month of July.  In August, we will begin collecting school supplies.

New Volunteer Ministry

An Office Volunteer Ministry is being developed here at Messiah.  Our goal will be to provide a welcoming and caring first impression of Messiah, through trained volunteers who man the church office alongside a paid office assistant.  Duties of the volunteer will include answering the phone, taking and distributing messages, sorting mail, helping with occasional special projects, greeting visitors and other responsibilities as each individual is comfortable.  Volunteers are being sought to work one time per month from 9 am until 12:30 pm, although you can volunteer more often!  We are asking that volunteers make a one year commitment to this new ministry.  This volunteer ministry will support Messiah Lutheran Academy as it is getting off and running, through the addition of another person in the church office.  A sign-up form will be place in the bulletin each week during the months of July and August, or until all of the volunteer spaces have been filled.  The new ministry will begin in September.  Please prayerfully consider offering your service to Messiah and MLA through this special new opportunity.  A training session will be held to help volunteers be comfortable in the church office.  You may contact Anndra with any questions.

Church Council Meeting

The church council will meet on Tuesday, July 8th at 7:00pm in the lounge.  All members of MELC are invited to attend these meetings which are open and last approximately 90 minutes.  Members of MELC who attend the council meetings will have voice but no vote.

Liturgy for July

Beginning on July 6th and continuing throughout the month of July, we will be using “Of Land and Seasons” as the liturgy for our Sunday morning worship services.  We used this liturgy frequently prior to the arrival of the Evangelical Lutheran Worship so it will be familiar to most of the members of the congregation.  Please return the worship booklets to the ushers at the conclusion of each worship service as we re-use them.

Lutheran Prayer Beads

Rebecca Hoop is holding a workshop on July 12th at 5:00 p.m. to make Lutheran prayer beads. The beads will then be delivered to Christian Iraqi children and any U.S. service people who would like them. Join us for an evening of fun. Rebecca is bringing all of the required supplies. If you have trouble seeing small objects, you may want to bring a magnifier and/or a bright light.  You are also welcome to bring a friend! Can't make it this month? Can't wait for the next one? Mark your calendars now for the next beading night... Saturday, August 9!

Game Night at MELC

Friday, July 11 beginning at 7:00pm The Next Generation will be hosting a game night in the fellowship hall.  Bring you sharpest, silliest, or most creative mindset and join us for a fun night of games.  You need only bring your favorite game/s and a snack to share for an evening of fun and fellowship.  For additional information contact Kristen.  See y’all there!!!