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'Jesus Clean Freaks' small group forming

A new small group people who love Jesus, like to clean, and enjoy food  |   Janet Borst and Julie Bracken invite you to a new small group for a monthly lunch and dessert. The price of admission is a few moments sprucing up the sanctuary. Everyone is invited to be part of a crew that thoroughly vacuums the floor and pew...
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Newcomers' Orientation - Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020

6:35-8:00p  |  HAZEL DELL CAMPUS  The Newcomers' Orientation is an opportunity for newcomers to Messiah to learn more about its mission, ministries and culture, and how the congregation is moving into the future. It is also an opportunity for guests to ask questions (nothing is off limits), share concerns, and meet others who are sim...
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Women's Breakfast Club headed to C'est La Vie French Cafe - Jan. 31

Next meeting - Friday, January 31 Facilitators: Liz Bailey and Tiffany Brogan Come to recharge and get a little "me time"! Relax with coffee, tea, and French cuisine. Let us know if you can make it and we'll save room. No worries if it is last minute though, we would love to see you and hear about the holidays! Participants: Women Day & Ti...
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"Dialogues on Race" Tuesdays at the Morning Prayer Breakfast Group

Pr. Peter invites you to a new 7-week study based on essays by North American theologians and thinkers in a collected work titled "Dialogues on Race." The compilation is a resource that encourage honest talk about this difficult subject. The goal of the readings and conversation is to bring hope and healing out of the church and into...
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Stewardship – What does it mean?

A message from Financial Secretary Doug Ruecker and Pr. Peter |  It is that time of the year again when at church, we hear the word stewardship. My guess is when most people hear stewardship, they hear, "They want more of my money." Or they hear – time to make a pledge to the church. What are your thoughts and beliefs about stewardship? A quic...
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A Fond Farewell to Bev Gray, Chief Wednesday Night Cook

Thank you to Bev Gray, who has headed up the kitchen for the Wednesday night FL!P dinners for the last few years. Bev has gotten a new job and will no longer be able to help on Wednesday evenings. January 15 will be her final Wednesday, and she is making homemade pizza. You won't want to miss it! Jessica Potts (Dir. of Youth and Young Adult Ministr...
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Pr. Kathy's Book Club reading "Educated: A Memior" for Wednesday, February 5

10:00-11:15a  Hazel Dell campus  Pr. Kathy facilitates stimulating conversation among Messiah's book club participants each month, always drawing upon overarching themes from various storylines in each book. She also provides a theological perspective. Lack of discussion is never a problem as everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Re...
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Year-end Giving at Messiah

Messiah is a community that worships and welcomes passionately, teaches and engages faithfully, serves generously, and comforts compassionately. "We are what he has made us," a growing, giving, and grateful people created in Jesus Christ for good works (Eph. 2:10). Your financial support of Messiah's ministries is an important way that you share in...
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Pr. Lenny Duncan accepts call to servce as Messiah's Mission Developer Pastor

It is with great gratitude and joy that the Church Leadership Team announces that Pr. Lenny Duncan has accepted the call of Messiah Lutheran Church to serve as our Mission Developer Pastor. Pr. Duncan will begin his work at Messiah on February 1, 2020. Please keep Pr. Duncan, his family, and the people of his current congregation, Jehu's Table in B...
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"Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White" – Winter Adult Class

Staring this January 8, Pr. Peter and Intern Pastor Taran's Adult Bible Class (and Pr. Duncan when he arrives) will engage in a 7-week study based on the book Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White by Adam Hamilton. Sessions will be at 10:00-11:30a and 6:35-7:30p each Wednesday, January 8–February 19 at the Hazel Dell campus. Books for the ...
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Giving to Messiah

by Doug Ruecker, Financial Secretary |  As the Financial Secretary at Messiah congregation, I am responsible for monitoring, tracking, and recording the financial gifts that the congregation receives and the tuition and fees the Preschool collects. I would like to take a few moments of your time to share some observations about our giving patt...
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Comfort and Hope Service, Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7:00p

Decorations, Christmas carols, the empty chair at the table often serve to remind those in grief of the loved ones who will not be with them for the holidays, creating great sadness in the midst of others' who are celebrating. It is common among those who have lost a spouse, a parent, a child, or a close friend, to even dread the holidays. Mes...
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Family Advent Fun for All - Sunday, Dec. 1 at 11:00am

11a (following worship) in the Hazel Dell campus gym |  No Godly Play December 1st. Families are encouraged to worship together at the 9:45a service where children are always welcome at the 'Pray Area' in the front of the sanctuary. The Family Advent Event will begin immediately after worship. Come celebrate the b...
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Church Leadership Team announces a Special Meeting of the Congregation to Vote on a Call to a Mission Developer Pastor

Read the Candidate's Biographical Profile here | Read the Mission Candidate's Proposal here | The Church Leadership Team of Messiah Lutheran Church is pleased to announce that it is recommending a candidate for Call to the congregation for the position of Mission Developer Pastor. It has scheduled a Special Meeting of the Congregatio...
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Ladies' Night Out this Friday, Nov. 22 at 5:30p

Liz Bailey and Tiffany Brogan invite you to Ladie's Night Out at the Pacific House in Vancouver. The restaurant is known for its regionally inspired menu and decor. Ladies' Night Out is an extension of Messiah's Women's Breakfast Club. The breakfast club meets on the final Friday of each month at 9:00a. The group has been rotating through a variety...
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Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO) 2019-20 - An Opportunity to Serve

There are two Lutheran churches in Vancouver that provide overnight shelter for the homeless that cannot fit into another shelter. They are St. Paul Lutheran Church in downtown Vancouver, which takes only men and St Andrew Lutheran Church in Orchards that accepts single women and families of mixed genders. These facilities are staffed by volun...
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Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Grp to study "Microaggressions in Ministry" starting Nov. 26

Pr. Peter invites you to a new 8-week study of Microaggressions in Ministry: Confronting the Hidden Violence of Everyday Church by Cody Sanders and Angela Yarber. The study will start November 26 in the weekly Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Small Group. The group meets at 6:00a at Panera Bread Company on Highway 99 in Hazel Dell. Facilitated by P...
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2020 Summer Intern Program for College Students is Underway

Messiah is again providing two, full-time internships for college students this coming summer. Pastors Peter and Kathy and Pastoral Intern Taran will serve as their mentors. This 10 to 12-week summer internship is characterized as a "full-immersion" experience into the daily life of Messiah's dynamic, active, and adaptive congregation. Th...
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You Are God’s Mosaic

by Jessica Potts, Dir. of Youth and Young Adult Ministries |  The One Mile Mission Statement is "That every child age 0 – 18 living or attending school within one mile of Messiah Lutheran Church campuses would have everything that they need to learn and thrive." To thrive means to grow, develop, or be successful. It means to prosper and flouri...
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Thanksgiving Eve Worship and Pie Fest - 6:00p

Start your holiday by giving thanks to the Giver of all good gifts and enjoy delicious pie immediately after the service. Delight in a foretaste of the feast to come! Not required, but you are invited to bring your favorite pie (pre-cut) to share. The Pie Fest is hosted by Messiah's youth in the Lower Level Dining Hall. Everyone welcome!
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Seeds of Faith - Money that Matters

​by Janet Borst - How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? – 1 John 3:17 |  This is a complicated world. It's often difficult to know who really needs help and who might be "milking the system." While there are those among us who can freely give without r...
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Reflections on Seeds of Faith

Janet Borst reflects on the arc of her life and the seeds that took root. | He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. – 2 Cor. 9:10 I often wonder how and why I have been granted the gift of faith. My mother believed in God, but not religio...
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Women's Breakfast Club brings Women Together

Next meeting - Friday, Dec. 27   Facilitators: Liz Bailey and ​Tiffany Brogan​   Come to recharge and get a little "me time"!  relax with coffee, tea or mimosas.  Let us know if you can make it and we'll save room.  No worries if it is last minute though, we would love to see you and hear about...
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Treat Street 2019 is this Wednesday

6:00-7:00p | October 30 | Hazel Dell Campus  No Wednesday Worship Service the night of Treat Street   All children 5th grade and under, and all Messiah Preschool households are invited to this super-fun annual event. Games, crafts, snacks and trick-or-treating in Messiah's classrooms all led by the middle school a...
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"'Yes.' Your Legacy Matters" seminars to dovetail with Messiah's ongoing stewardship theme

Your passion … your plan … your gift for those you love … and for God's work in the world!  You are invited to consider another way to say 'yes' by exploring how you can make a difference to ministry locally and globally, now and/or in the future through legacy giving. Consider attending any of three remaining Messiah hosted seminars...
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First Impressions

by Intern Pr. Taran | Here it is! |  "How long have you been at Messiah Lutheran Church? What drew you to Messiah?" Those have been my two greeting questions as I meet and greet so many of you for the first time. As you can imagine, the answers to both of those questions are incredibly diverse. The length of time folks have been at M...
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Women's Breakfast Club first meeting this Friday, Sept. 27 at 9:00a

Facilitator: Liz Bailey | Participants: Women | Day & Time: Once-a-month breakfast group meeting the last Friday of every month at 9:00a with Ladies Night Out happening quarterly. Location for ​Sept. 27:​ Syrup Trap1104 Main St, Suite 111, Vancouver, WA This is a once-a-month group for women that meets for breakfast at ...
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Hiking Group takes on Larch Mtn. Crater Trail - Wednesday, Sept. 18

Messiah's new midweek hiking group explore challenging trails in Washington and Oregon. Its next hike will be the Larch Mountain Crater trail on Wednesday, September 18. The trek also include a post-hike stop for refreshments at a suitable pub. The group makes its treks on the third Wednesday of the mont...
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Summer Survey Results

by Julie Bracken, Minister of Welcome and Hospitality  |   Thank you to the 81 responders to our recent survey. The results are in, and the experiment was a summer hit! What did we like the best? "Coffee and Italian sodas at the bistro tables and children in the sanctuary." The average response to the question of the service provided...
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No Worries Adult Bible Study: A Survey of the Gospel of Matthew

Wednesdays, thru Nov. 20 | 10:00-11:30a and 6:35-7:30p | Hazel Dell Campus | Led by Pr. Peter and Intern Pr. Taran These are anxious times—read any news feed or watch any news broadcast. What might we take from the Gospel where Jesus says five times, "Do not worry?" Pr. Peter and Intern Pastor will lead a survey of Matthew's bes...
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Falling for Fall

a blog by Liz Bailey, Co-Lead Dir. of Children's and Family Ministries |  As I sit down to write this, I have many feelings in my heart. Most of these feelings are familiar and positive because this season is so comforting and nostalgic. But there are also feelings of anxiety and anticipation of change and the unknown. This is part o...
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Ministry Showcase: Time for Messiah to Shine

Sept. 8  |  11:00a  |  Hazel Dell Campus An opportunity for everyone to learn about all of Messiah's programs and ministries at an all-congregation BBQ after worship. Everyone welcome. You are invited to attend Messiah's Ministry Showcase Sunday September, 8th at 11a (following our 9:45a service). This is a BBQ to...
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6:00p Wednesday Worship - a popular choice for many

An ideal option for those who may miss weekend worship due to work, other commitments, or travel plans Messiah has introduced a new 30-minute midweek worship service to its schedule of weekly worship opportunities. The new service is from 6:00-6:30p, which dovetails nicely with other Faith Life in Progress (FL!P) activities on Wednes...
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For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I recently read about a training session where the facilitator asked participants to identify the item they had with them at that moment that was most precious to them and asked them to place it on the table in front of them. Many people chose a wedding or engagement ring, other jewelry, or a picture of a loved one. The facilitator then explained t...
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"Re-counting" VBS

Storyteller, humorist, and Messiah member Kathy Hoffman "re-counts" her 2019 VBS experience in journal form.    Glory to God Who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by God's power at work within us. Day 1 – Go beyond with Faith – Daniel in the Lion's DenThe Tall Assistant looks at her clipboard. It was the ...
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Singers, Ringers, and Instrumentalists Welcome Back Party - Wednesday, August 28

Everyone is invited for David Teeter's final two-month season of directing before he retires. Don't miss this opportunity to sing, ring, blow, or bow with the talented Mr. Teeter. What: Musicians' Welcome Party Where: Rob and Cathy Ramer's home 1702 NW 109th St, Vancouver, WA  360.573.7162 When: Wednesday, August 28, 7:00-8:30p Bring...
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Pastoral Intern Joel's final weekend has come

Joel's farewell weekend is August 10-11 at the Hazel Dell campus. He and his family are headed to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Overland Park, KS, where he will serve as full-time mission developer at the congregation's second campus. This WeekendIt is customary for congregations hosting pastoral interns to offer an opportunity to give a ...
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Changing the Light

A farewell post from pastoral intern Joel Hinck |  When Liz Bailey (Messiah's fantastic Co-Director of Children's and Family Ministries) ends a Godly Play session, she puts out a candle that has been burning the whole time and says something quite striking. Instead of telling the children that she is "putting out" the candle, she tells them th...
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Meet Charles Reinmuth - Messiah's next full-time director for worship, music, and technology

The Church Leadership Team and pastors are pleased to announce that Charles Reinmuth has accepted their invitation to succeed David Teeter as Messiah's Director of Worship and Music (0.8 FTE) and Director of Information Technologies (0.2 FTE). From now through December, Charles will only be accompanying worship on the weekends at the Hazel Del...
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Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Grp reading "Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White"

The Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Small Group is engaged in a 9-week study of Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White​ by Adam Hamilton. The group meets at 6:00a at Panera Bread Company on Highway 99 in Hazel Dell. Facilitated by Pr. Peter and Intern Pastor Taran, each session begins with prayer and ends when the first participant leaves ...
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Intern Pr. Joel Hinck's farewell weekends are here

Joel and his family are headed to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Overland Park, KS, where he will serve as full-time mission developer at the congregation's second campus. His farewell weekends at Messiah are Sunday, August 4 at Messiah North, and Saturday and Sunday, August 10-11 at the Hazel Dell campus. Joel's move to Kansas is an exciting opport...
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Nona King - Messiah's New Bookkeeper

The Church Leadership Team and pastors are pleased to introduce Nona King as Messiah's new part-time bookkeeper. Nona began her work for the congregation in June. Nona is married with two children, 11 and 13, and lives in the Felida neighborhood. She attended both Pacific Lutheran University and North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene where she studie...
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Christ Bearers Invite You to Wonder

Detra Swenson and the entire Christ Bearer team invite you to consider a holy experiment, i.e., to commit to a-one-time-only experience of accompanying one of our congregation's Christ Bearers. Christ Bearers have the duty and delight of bringing Holy Communion to persons unable to attend worship on the weekends. This ministry is fully an extension...
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Midweek Hiking Group's 3rd Trek of the Summer Season on Tap

Messiah's new midweek hiking group has formed and is exploring challenging trails in Washington and Oregon. Its next hike will be the Lewis River Falls trail on Wednesday, August 21. The group has also planned a post-hike stop for refreshments at a suitable pub. The group makes its treks on the third Wednesday of the month. To sign u...
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Pastoral Intern Joel Hinck and family are headed to Holy Cross LC in Overland Park, KS

After completing his internship at Messiah, Joel will be a full-time Campus Pastor/Mission Developer |  Intern Pastor Joel has accepted a position with Holy Cross Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Overland Park, Kansas. He will be serving as the campus pastor/mission developer for a new location that Holy Cross is launching. It is ...
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David Teeter Is Retiring

A celebration of his service to the church is planned for October 20   I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. - Psalm 104:33 David Teeter will be retiring from his position as Minister of Worship and Music effective Sunday, October 20, 2019. He has held this full-time position for eighteen y...
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Brunch Potluck to celebrate remodel of the Lower Level Dining Room on June 23. Everyone Invited.

Sunday | June 23 | 10:00a |  Everyone is invited to celebrate the remodel of the Lower Level dining room and kick-off of the new summer Sunday worship schedule at the Hazel Dell campus. This will be an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to people from the other service. Please bring the following food to share based on the first lette...
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Midweek Hiking Group Formed - First hike to Falls Creek Falls

A new midweek hiking group has been formed to explore some challenging trails in Washington and Oregon. The group will hike on the third Wednesday of the month, with each hike to be followed by refreshments at a suitable watering hole. The first hike will be Falls Creek Falls on Wednesday, June 19, with a post-hike stop at Walking Man Brewing in St...
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Thomas Sather becomes an Eagle Scout

Son of the congregation, Thomas Sather, was recently recognized at a ceremony on June 2, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Thomas is an active member of Troop 479 which meets at Family of Christ Lutheran Church in the Felida neighborhood. Thomas completed his Eagle Scout project by building a barn owl nesting box, installing signs and making o...
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Brewed Theology - Talking about Death as a Faithful act of Living: A Conversation about Advance Care Planning - Tuesday, June 18

Jointly hosted with The Vancouver Clinic |  One-time-only on Tuesday, June 18, 2019, 7:00-8:30p (you may arrive as early as 6:00p)  Click here to register for this event » Synopsis We should familiarize ourselves with death during our lifetime, inviting death into our presence when it is still at a distance and not on the move.– from...
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New Summer Worship Time Experiment at Hazel Dell campus has begun

Hazel Dell Campus 5:00p Saturday worship (remains the same), 9:00a Sunday worship |  Messiah North at TriMountain Golf Course 10:00a Sunday worship (remains the same)  Beginning June 23, Sunday morning worshippers at the Hazel Dell campus will have the opportunity to get to know each other with a combined worship time ...
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Children's Craft Table available during all services at both campuses throughout summer

If you've been to Sunday worship at Messiah North at TriMountain Golf Course, you know that one of the special elements within the worship space is a craft table for children. The table allows busy hands to be creative while still listening, watching, and participating in worship. Starting this weekend, craft tables will be available for all childr...
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Zach Croonquist headed to Cental Europe with Young Adults in Gobal Mission - an ELCA ministry

Zach served as a summer intern at Messiah in 2017 |   Greetings |  I am so excited to announce that I have accepted the opportunity to serve as a Young Adult in Global Mission (YAGM) volunteer in Central Europe starting this August! YAGM is a year-long service program operated by the ELCA that sends 70+ young adults into service in 9 diff...
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Mission Team from Messiah leaves this week for Puerto Rico

This Saturday a group of members and friends of Messiah will leave on a Mission Trip to Puerto Rico. They will be working with Lutheran Disaster Response to do much needed hurricane relief work. You are invited to keep you to keep these people in your prayers over the next couple of weeks. Kylie BrownAnna CountrymanChase Mattson Eisenhaue...
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Introducing Tiffany Brogan, Co-Director of Children's and Family Ministries as a job share partner with Liz Bailey

The Church Leadership Team and pastors are pleased to introduce Tiffany Brogan as Messiah's newest staff member. Tiffany will be serving the congregation as Co-Director of Children's and Family Ministries in a job-share arrangement with current director, Liz Bailey. Tiffany currently serves as a substitute teacher and classroom assistant within Mes...
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Messiah Posts Part-Time Bookkeeping Position

Messiah Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time bookkeeper at 20 hrs/week to serve at the church's Hazel Dell campus. Experience in non-profit bookkeeping and church-related accounting software is preferred. Core work schedule includes Monday and Tuesday mornings with flexible scheduling for remaining weekly hours. Job Description Applicat...
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Pr. Kathy's Book Club will discuss "Follow the River" by James Alexander Thom, Sept. 4

First Wednesday of each month | 10:00-11:30a | Hazel Dell campus |  Pr. Kathy facilitates stimulating conversation among Messiah's book club participants each month, always drawing upon overarching themes from various storylines in each book. She also provides a theological perspective. Lack of discussion is never a challenge as everyone ...
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Capital Campaign Update: “See What ‘Yes’ Can Do”

Lower Level Dining Hall Renovation is Underway | Mortgage Paid Down Substantially | Work on the Lower Level Dining Hall has begun. This week painting of the walls and ceiling will be complete. The new floor has been ordered and will be installed as soon as the walls and ceiling are completed. Research on new tables and chairs is underway ...
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Brewed Theology - "Truth. Fake News. Gospel." - Monday, April 29

Sessions at 4:00-5:30p and 7:00-8:30p | Fortside Brewing, Vancouver |  Reservation is required. Click here to register. SynopsisSince the election of Donald Trump to the presidency, the term "fake news" has been hurled at just about every news agency and power broker in US politics. Sometimes it is used to combat blatantly false or mislea...
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Wednesday Connect Group engages in Godly Play®

weekly at 4p through May 22 | led by Pr. Kathy | each Wednesday in May, the Wednesday Connect group will be hearing a Godly Play® story and wondering about it together. All women are invited.  Wednesday Connect is a new small group for moms of all ages to gather around books and prayer for connection with each other and wit...
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Wallowa Backpacking Trip - Reflections and Invitation

July 26-31, 2019 | by Ron Klump, Wallowa trip veteran, botanist, CLT member |  "Be still and know that I am God!" Psalm 46.10a  This year's Wallowa backpacking trip will take the group to Echo Lake. This beautiful alpine lake is located at an elevation of 7,240 in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of the Wallowa Mountains in the northeast cor...
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Wednesday Adult Class studying “Liturgy of the Ordinary”

Sessions at 10:00-11:30a and 6:00-7:00p | April 24, May 8, 15, 22 | AM session at Latte Da Coffee House | PM Session at Grapes and Growlers in Felida  Pr. Peter will lead the Wednesday Adult Bible study in a 4-week spring session class based on Tish Harrison Warren's book "Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life."&...
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Introducing Taran Denning, Messiah's '19-'20 Pastoral Intern

Taran Denning is a Gonzaga University graduate and Luther Seminary student. He will be Messiah Lutheran's 2019-20 intern. He and his wife, Curyn (an elementary school teacher) will arrive in late August. Have you ever really put yourself in Joseph's shoes? Consider Joseph's side of the Christmas story. He must have thought he had his life planned o...
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3-Session Seminar on Grief

An in-depth study hosted by the Messiah's Stephen Ministry Team | Mondays | April 29 | May 6 | May 13 |6:30-8:30p  Messiah Lutheran Church905 NW 94th STVancouver, WA This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The Stephen Ministers of Messiah Lutheran Church, Vancouver, invite interested community members to attend an In-de...
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An Introduction to SoulCollage® will be hosted at Messiah with Pr. Martha Maier - May 2

Thursday, May 2, 6:00-8:30p | Fellowship Hall | led by Pastor Martha Maier and Patricia Skinner Patterson |  Pre-registration is required. To register, email Pr. Maier. The group size is limited to 20.  Suggested donation: $5 to cover supplies Come experience SoulCollage®, a creative process to access your inner wisdom! No artis...
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Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Mission Developer is now live in the "religiosphere"

​Update on "See What 'Yes' Can Do" Capital Campaign projects |  Mission Developer | Messiah's Mission Developer Search Team has written a "Request for Proposal" (RFP) with which it hopes to attract mission developer candidates from coast to coast. The team forwarded the RFP to The Rev. Melanie Wallschlaeger, the Director of Evangelical Mi...
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A Lenten Pilgrimage

by Joel Hinck, Pastoral Intern  |   I've been reading John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress during Lent this year. Written in 1678, the book is an allegorical description of the Christian life. The main character, named (appropriately enough) Christian, encounters a series of dangers, monsters, and peculiar characters, all of whi...
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VBS begins Monday, July 15-19. Preschool program – 9:00-11:30a; Elementary Program – 9:00-noon

To get on the wait list, contact Liz Bailey.  Get ready to launch into Mission to Mars! We are so excited to welcome you to a galactic experience of learning and growing with God through music, crafts, science, food, and lots of fun! One Curriculum - Two Programs - One start time - Two pick-up timesPreschool ...
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Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Group to read C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” starting April 2

The Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Small Group will begin an 8-week reading of C.S. Lewis' classic The Screwtape Letters on April 2. The group meets at 6:00a at Panera Bread Company on Highway 99 in Hazel Dell. Facilitated by Pr. Peter and Intern Pastor Joel, each session begins with prayer and ends when the first participant leaves for work...
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Let Us Not Be Too Rushed to See

by Liz Bailey | "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." – Rev. 4:11 "Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." - Lao Tzu. This Lao Tzu saying has been taped to my fridge for a year now, right by my calendar. It ...
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Lenten Wednesday Worship "Cross Examinations" with FL!P (Faith Life in Progress) Schedule

Wednesdays, March 13-April 10​ |  Midweek Schedule for Lent 4:45-5:30p - Godly Play (3 years to 5th grade)5:00-5:45p - Soup supper in lower level6:00-6:30p - Worship6:30-7:00p - Service project for all ages6:30-7:00p - Quiet prayer time in chapel7:00-8:30p - Messiah Worship Choir Sundays during Lent8:30-9:40a - Youth Ensemble​ 
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Tax Season and Tithing

a guest blog by Justin Farrell | As tax season is upon us, I reflect back to the earlier years of our marriage when Carrie and I tried different ways to prioritize and increase our giving. One thing we enjoyed in the past was tithing our tax return. We made it a priority to be intentional about tithing that amount as a gift beyond what our nor...
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See What 'Yes' Can Do - Capital Campaign Projects Update

Good things are happening because of your gifts to Messiah's "See What 'Yes' Can Do" capital campaign. Thank you!  To date, 108 households have participated in the campaign. Gifts and pledges total $639,425. Here are how your gifts are working. Building ImprovementsRoof ReplacementsLast summer roof replacements were completed on...
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Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Chocolate

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, March 6 | Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed.– 1 Peter 1:13 NRSV Sandra Jacobson was Messiah's church secretary when Kathy and I first arrived at Messiah. She was one of God's gifts to this congr...
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Meet Messiah's College Summer Interns for 2019

Ruby Lindgren | University of Portland - currently studying in Salzburg, Austria | Hometown - Sacramento, CA | Major - German Studies | Graduation - Spring 2021  Hello! My name is Ruby Lindgren, and I am incredibly excited to be joining your church family this summer! I am originally from Sacramento, California, where I gre...
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Instructions for Living a Life

Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it. -- Mary Oliver | What astonishes you? What makes you surprised, impressed, amazed? I can honestly say for me I continue to be astonished by how God is at work in Messiah's One Mile Mission (that every child 0-18 living within 1 mile of Messiah's campuses would have everything they need to learn and ...
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Tuesday Morning Small Group reading “Liturgy of the Ordinary”

The Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Small Group just began a 6-week study of Tish Harrison Warren's book "Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life ." The group meets at 6:00a at Panera Bread Company on Highway 99 in Hazel Dell. Facilitated by Pr. Peter and Intern Pastor Joel, each session begins with prayer and ends when the...
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Mindfulness Meditation Class | Thursdays | 5:30p | Free onsite childcare!

All are welcome to this free meditation course that is co-led by Liz Bailey, Director of Children and Family Ministries and Catherine Loverti. Both have been practicing different forms of meditation for many years and are excited to share their practice with you. The book, Where You Go There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn, is the focus of this cour...
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Nursery Attendant Job Posting

Messiah Lutheran Church is seeking a part-time Nursery Attendant. This person is responsible for assisting the Lead Nursery Attendant in the care of children during church events. A full job description may be viewed and downloaded. Application packets and hard copies of the job description are available in the church office. To send a resume, requ...
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One Mile Mission Midyear Report

The One Mile Mission team has been busy over the last few months, thanks to the generosity of Messiah members. Below is a list of ways that Messiah has support our schools, children and families. Thank you for making this outreach of the congregation possible by providing both human resource and financial support. If you would like to learn more ab...
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Wallowa Mountains Backpacking Trip slated for July 26-31, 2019

Do you enjoy hiking and the outdoors? If you have never experienced the Wallowa Mountains, then this is your opportunity! Messiah will be hosting a backpacking trip this summer. Cost is $85. Your non-refundable payment reserves your spot. Please email, text, call Jessica Potts at 608-469-4785 to register and for more information.
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Team from Messiah will join Lutheran Disaster Relief (LDR) effort in Puerto Rico this Spring

May 25 – June 2, 2019 | Information Mtng this Sunday, January 20 | Hazel Dell Campus The congregation will be sending a group to Puerto Rico to help with the hurricane relief efforts. The team will stay at a Lutheran Camp outside of San Juan and work with Lutheran Disaster Response to assist where needed most. To learn more, please attend...
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Brewed Theology on January 29 - "Democracy and Civility: Can the first exist without the other?"

Tuesday, January 29, 7:00-8:30p - The Sportsman's Pub in Ridgefield |  An RSVP registration is required for this event. To register, click here. SynopsisAs our political leaders blowtorch each other on Twitter and create TV spots and soundbites that are fiercely unkind and ridiculing, it's hard not to notice that the rhetoric of American ...
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Yoga with Karri is back on Monday evenings with Free Childcare

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…you are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." - 1 Corinthians6:19-20 You have a great opportunity to invest in your health and your temple! Come explore all of the benefits of a Christ-centered yoga practice. A few of these benefits include:...
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Year-End Giving | Creative Ideas

Thank you for your year-end giving! Messiah Lutheran Church documents year-end gifts in accordance with IRS regulations. This means that any contributions you'd like to deduct for tax purposes in 2018 must be received by the Church office before the office closes at 3:00p on Monday, December 31, or online by midnight. Offerings sent via m...
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New 6-week Adult Study—The Bible as God’s Inspired Word

Wednesdays, Jan.9-Feb. 27 at 10:00a and 6:00p | Course text: "Inspired" by Rachel Held Evans |  You are invited to join Pr. Peter in an examination of what it means to say the Bible is inspired. Along with reviewing some of the Bible's more memorable stories, students will participate in a guided reading of Inspired: Slaying Gia...
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Gullibility and Open Hearts

In her Erma 'Bombeckesque' kind of way, Messiah's Director of Children's and Family Ministries, Megan Dilitto gets to the heart of the matter about children, Christmas, and what it means to live with a heart wide open. I have a friend with two kiddos in elementary school who we like to have over for Movie Night Fridays, where we throw a movie into ...
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Comfort and Hope | Tuesday, Dec. 18 with music by Celtic Muse | 7p

by Jim Dawson | I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the earth rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. - John 16:20  For some, Christmas is a time of good cheer and generous giving. Yes, a time of glad tidings and wishful thinking. Yet for others Christmas is a time of loneliness and bewilderment. Not al...
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The Cantata: Find Your Place to Be

A story written by Kathy Hoffman and presented at the Women's Advent Luncheon at Messiah Lutheran Church on November 18, 2018. |  They had consumed copious amounts of coffee. Their vocal chords were steamy .The Singers were ready. They had each surreptitiously slipped by the cookie table for a quick pick-me-up.  And now, they were pr...
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"See What 'Yes' Can Do" Comprehensive Campaign Update

Monday, November 19 | THANK YOU to all who have made their pledges for our "See What 'Yes' Can Do" comprehensive campaign. We are excited to report that 69 households have pledged a total of $528,075. This is almost 70% of our Cornerstone Goal, and over half-way toward our 3-year challenge goal. We also anticipate many more pledges to be made in th...
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Wednesday Connect Group for Moms of all ages reading "Help, Thanks, Wow"

weekly at 4p | led by Pr. Kathy |  Wednesday Connect is a new small group experiment for moms of all ages to gather around books and prayer for connection with each other and with God. Led by Pastor Kathy, the group gathers from 4:00-5:00p as part of Wednesday's Faith Life in Progress (FL!P) activities. The g...
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Advent Festival Sunday, Dec. 2

Meeting in the Gym | 11a | for children and families |  by Megan Dilitto | Sunday, December 2 marks the beginning of the season of Advent, when we are all on the way to Bethlehem to meet the baby in the manger. Join us as we experience the journey to the stable and meet all of those who were there so many years ago to welcome the new...
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Thanksgiving Eve Worship and Pie Fest - 7:00p

Start your holiday by giving thanks to the Giver of all good gifts and enjoy delicious pie immediately after the service. Everyone is invited. "Food on the 4th" offerings will gladly be accepted along with extra canned goods for the $1,000 Thrivent Challenge. Pie Fest immediately afterward in the Lower Level Dining Hall. Enjoy a foretaste of t...
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Food on the Fourth November Challenge Grant

This month, Messiah has the opportunity to participate in the Thrivent "Give Thanks and Give Back" Food Bank Challenge. In order to receive a $1,000 challenge grant from Thrivent, Messiah donors need to give 1,000 cans of food as part of the congregation's ingathering this month. Dave and Lynne Radke, Messiah's Food on the Fourth facilitators ...
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Welcome to Liz Bailey, Messiah's new Director of Children and Family Ministries

The Church Leadership Team, Personnel Committee, and pastors are pleased to introduce Liz Bailey as the Director of Children's and Family Ministries. Liz began her work alongside former director, Megan Dilitto, in November. Starting in January she is flying solo as the person leading this important ministry. Liz w...
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Asking: Our Invitation to Give

"See What 'Yes' Can Do" Devotion for Nov. 10-11 | by the Rev. Steve Olson, Capital Campaign Consultant for Messiah |  Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. - Matthew 7:7   What would you rather receive in the mail – a court subpoena or an invitation to a joyful celebrati...
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Learning to Share

"See What 'Yes' Can Do" Devotion for Nov. 3-4 | by the Rev. Steve Olson, Capital Campaign Consultant for Messiah | Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. - Hebrews 12:1 Among our ...
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Women's Advent Luncheon - Nov. 18

Sunday | 12:00p    This year's Advent Luncheon is early—fully a week or two earlier than typical—so make your reservations soon. $5 tickets are on sale before and after worship at both campuses and available weekdays in the front office. The theme is "Fall on your Knees" with storyteller Kathy Hoffman serving as the guest presen...
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Scripture and Money

"See What 'Yes' Can Do" Devotion for Oct. 27-28 | by the Rev. Steve Olson, Capital Campaign Consultant for Messiah | Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce ...  Proverbs 3:9-10 As we celebrate the Reformation, we remember the important work of Martin Luther in making sure all people had access to ...
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Faith: Our Desire to Give

"See What 'Yes' Can Do" Devotion for Oct. 20-21 | by the Rev. Steve Olson, Capital Campaign Consultant for Messiah | For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes, he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 2 Cor. 8:9 REFLECT: Someone once defined stewardship as "Everyth...
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