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Full Circle Parenting Class - Wednesdays this Fall

A five-week series to assist parents in challenging tasks of raising children | 6:00-7:00p |  Each session features a guest presenter on a specific topic about raising children. November 7Navigating Adolescencew/Justin FarrellNovember 14Raising Healthy, Active Childrenw/Karis and Matt Cooper November 28Childhood Griefw/Julie Backous ...
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Tuesday Morning Small Group studying Luke’s Gospel - Newcomers welcome!

New study began October 23 |  In preparation for the year of Luke gospel readings during worship that begins in December, the Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Small Group is starting a new 8-session read-through of the Gospel of Luke on October 23. No study guides, no commentaries, no outside experts, the group will simply read and reflec...
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Brewed Theology - Tuesday, October 23 - 'Take and Give: The Paradox of Generosity'

TO REGISTER - CLICK HERE  |   Two Opportunities on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 | 4:00-5:30p and 7:00-8:30p   SynopsisIn a culture of give and take, what does it mean to live life in the reverse order? Are we born as takers or givers? As we age, do we become more, or less, generous? We will explore these questions, the interse...
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Needs: Our Reason to Give

"See What 'Yes' Can Do" Devotion for Oct. 13-14 | by the Rev. Steve Olson, Capital Campaign Consultant for Messiah |  I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that th...
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Megan Dilitto resigns as Dir. of Children's and Family Ministries

Messiah Congregation and Families,  As I am expecting my second child in March, I feel called from my position serving Messiah's families to focusing on my own. With happiness that is tempered with the knowledge that I must step down from my duties as Director of Children and Family Ministries, I inform you all that my last day will be Christm...
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Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO) Flapjack Fundraiser, Saturday, Oct. 27

at three Applebee's locations from 8:00-10:00a |  Hazel Dell | Orchards | Mill Plain (@SE 2nd Circle)   $10 tickets are available before and after worship each weekend at both Messiah campuses from Hope Quinn, Brenda Gardner, and Christine Quinn. If you would like to buy tickets, but do not plan to attend the breakfast, you...
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Mission & Ministry: Our Opportunity to Give

"See What 'Yes' Can Do" Devotion for Oct. 6-7 | by the Rev. Steve Olson, Capital Campaign Consultant for Messiah |  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. - Mt. 28:20 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to dr...
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Creation: Our Need to Give

"See What 'Yes' Can Do" Devotion for Sept 28-29 | by the Rev. Steve Olson, Capital Campaign Consultant for Messiah |  So God created humankind in his image. - Genesis 1:27 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. - John 3:16 The story of creation p...
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If We Are the Body

Janet Borst reflects on being the arms, hands, and words of Christ and the role of a mission developer | I thought I might enjoy some music today as I lay down for a short nap. So, I fired up my Kindle and found a Christian music channel. The first song on the playlist was "If We Are the Body" by Casting Crowns. I was frankly a little put...
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First Communion Class for Parents and Children

6:35-7:30p  |  Wednesday, October 2  |  Hazel Dell Campus  |  Led by Pastor Kathy, this educational event is to help children learn about Holy Communion and prepare them for their first participation in it. People of all ages are welcome to the Lord's table at Messiah. A child's readiness to receive Holy Communion is l...
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Redeeming Risk - Wednesday Adult Bible Study this Fall

Identical sessions at 10:00a and 6:00p on Wednesdays | Led by Intern Pr. Joel and Pr. Peter         Sign up by emailing Sally Dost, Administrative Assistant or leaving a voicemail at 360-574-7081. This seven-week course will use scripture, theology, and insights from the business world to ...
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Brewed Theology - Sept. 25 at 4:00 and 7:00p - "'I'm Sorry': Good, Bad, and Misguided Forms of Apology"

​Register here.​   Synopsis  Saying "I'm sorry" was probably one of the first lessons you learned at your parents' knee. But what does it really mean and how do we cheapen ourselves and the deep gift of confession by either "over-apologizing" or simply passing off our deeds as "mistakes." We'll ponder these and other aspects of ...
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God in the Clouds

a "Travel and Arrival" blog by Joel Hinck, Pastoral Intern  |   For days we never saw the sky. As we drove west the smoke from blazing forest fires covered the landscape in a dull grey, stinging in our nostrils and hiding all but the vaguest shapes of the mountains around us. The mountains were lurking giants, hiding just out of...
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FL!p (Faith Life in Progress) programs for Children, Youth, and Adults every Wednesday

Preschoolers through 5th GradersActivities include Bible storytelling, games, crafts and music—Praise Patrol, NewSong, and Chaos! Three Years Old–First Grade4:00–4:40p Godly Play Rm 1054:45–5:15p Praise Patrol (choir) Rms 205-2075:00–6:00p Dinner $2.00 Lower Level Second-Fifth Grade 4:00–4:30p NewSong (choir) Sanctuary4:35–5:15p...
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Digital Media Coordinator Job Posting

Applications are now being accepted for a part-time Digital Media Coordinator at Messiah. The Digital Media Coordinator is responsible for the church's digital presence. Duties include oversight and updating of the congregation's websites, social media channels, weekly digital newsletter The Northern Highlights, and parts of digital content fo...
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Anticipating the Start of a New School Year

The scent of a fresh box of crayons, newly-sharpened pencils, the "whoosh" of school bus doors opening, children laughing and greeting one another after the summer break, school bells ringing, playground whistles blowing, lunchbox notes from home, meeting new classmates ... For a number of us, these signs and sounds represent one thing, the start o...
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Forum Summer Intern Ben Hogue (2009) will be ordained as an ELCA Pastor

Ben has been called to serve as Associate Pastor at Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Washington, D.C.  Ben served as a summer intern at Messiah in 2009. At the time he was a student at California Lutheran University. He graduated with dual degrees in Advertising/Public Relations and Sociology. Upon graduation, Ben joined the Peace...
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Godly Play Sunday School in full swing

Children three years old to 5th grade begin Godly Play® at 9:30a while parents go to worship. Children are escorted to the sanctuary by teachers after the sermon to finish worship with their families. Children participate in the children's message followed by Communion and a closing hymn. Godly Play®Godly Play® is a method of Christian educati...
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Meet Sally Dost, New Administrative Assistant

The Church Leadership Team, Personnel Committee, and pastors are pleased to announce that Sally Dost has accepted Messiah's offer to serve as its Administrative Assistant and "first voice" in the front office of the Hazel Dell campus. Sally has over 35 years of experience in administration, management/supervision, program development, training/inst...
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Pastoral Intern Mary Beenken ('16-'17) completes her year as preaching fellow of Luther Seminary

During the spring of Mary's internship at Messiah (2016-17), she was awarded a graduate preaching fellowship by the faculty of Luther Seminary. This fellowship allowed her to travel this past year to study the religious life of communities that have experienced Genocide—particularly, how they hear and experience the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At the s...
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Pr. Kathy's Book Club will discuss "The Women of Christmas" by Liz Curtis Higgs on Jan. 2

First Wednesday of each month | 10:00-11:30am | 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 has ...
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Tuesday Morning Small Group continues reading “The Vanishing Neighbor” on Jan. 8

The Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Small Group just began an 7-week study of Marc Dunkelman's book "The Vanishing Neighbor." 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 wo...
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God has prepared you for the journey—He will be with you to the end

Reflections by middle school students Hailey Gerdts and Shaylin Murphy from this summer's MS Mission Trip Lapwai, Idaho. The Land of Butterflies, a small town but large in history. While the capitol of the Nez Perce Indian Reservation is called Lapwai, the residents call themselves Nimiipuu, meaning "the people." This small town was the destin...
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Pastors Peter and Kathy return from Sabbatical

Dear Members and Friends of Messiah, We are so grateful for your gift of a 12-week sabbatical. We were blessed in more ways than we can count. Here's a quick recap. Visits with Mission DevelopersWe visited mission developers in Seattle, Portland, and Bend, each of whom are leading different kinds of ministries with different approaches to growing G...
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Anna Countryman Recaps her time at the Augsburg Youth Theology Institute

by Anna Countryman This summer I had the opportunity to attend the Augsburg Youth Theology Institute in Minneapolis. This was a week long camp where we took classes, explored the city and grew closer to God. Throughout the week I was able to learn new things, make new friends, and best of all strengthen my relationship with God. Throughout the...
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Meet Cynthia Morales-Hartin (Interim Administrative Assistant)

It is with pleasure that we introduce to you our Interim Administrative Assistant, Cynthia Morales-Hartin. Cynthia will be at the helm of the front office at the Hazel Dell campus as Cheralyn transitions to another full-time opportunity and we begin the search for our next candidate.Cynthia brings a host of talents and gifts to the position. She's ...
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Intern Ryan receives Call of the Texas-Lousiana Gulf Coast Synod to serve as Mission Developer Pastor

Ryan met last week with members of Celebration Lutheran Church, Cypress, TX, where he will serve as full-time pastor. His farewell weekend at Messiah is this Saturday and Sunday Pastoral Intern Ryan returned last week from a two-day, whirlwind trip to Cypress, TX (near Houston), where he met with th...
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National Youth Gathering Recap

 "It was amazing!" I think I heard that line at least 3 times on Sunday morning from youth that were asked by church members how their trip was to Houston for the ELCA National Youth Gathering. This year the Gathering brought together 31,242 high school youth and adult chaperones. It was pretty awesome to be gathered in the NRG Stadium (site o...
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VBS Culmination Sunday

VBS has been a week packed with science, stories, and God sightings, and the children would like to share it with you! Come to the Hazel Dell campus this weekend to hear about what the kids were up to, learn some fun VBS songs we rocked out to, and get an idea of how Vacation Bible School really brings God's love close to the children in our commun...
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What's In A Name?

Perhaps more than meets the eye. It can define us, represent us, frustrate or please us. "North County" - the name we've often used for our presence at Tri-Mountain Golf Course - has been a source of frustration. It means nothing, or perhaps suggests we gather in Yacolt (a lovely place, but far from accurate). Some have suggested we call ourselves ...
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Holy Helping Hands

Hands. Hands? Yes, hands. What about hands? First of all, most of us have them and they are pretty useful. Think about it. We use them to open doors, to feed ourselves, to drive the car, to turn the pages in a book, to flip the channel with the remote. We use them to cook, type, paint, build, write, and to drive. We use them to motion, to wave, to ...
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Anna Countryman Accepted To Augsburg Youth Theology Institute

Anna Countryman will be attending the Augsburg Youth Theology Institute (AYTI) at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN this July! This is a week-long immersion experience where high school students get to study theological questions relevant in today's world while also learning more about community leadership for the common good. Please hold her ...
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Greg Rhodes is Moving to China

In October 2016, Greg Rhodes joined the Messiah community as the North Country Project Manager. This move was made with the intention of a new building being built for our worshipping community gathering in Ridgefield.  With Greg's leadership, he helped lead Messiah through an extensive discernment process about the future of not only North Co...
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Vacation Bible School - by Megan Dilitto

What do you get when you mix 136 kids, 52 adult volunteers, 68 bananas, 200 pool noodles, several miles of tulle, several THOUSAND miles of butcher paper, 20 first aid kits, a precarious tower of Costco pizzas, and the sweat and lifeblood of the Director of Children and Family Ministries? You get VBS, my friends; a glorious combination of paint, wa...
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Betsi Eki Reflects on Guatemala Trip

When I was asked to write this article for the church newsletter, along with my son Kellen, I was honored. Honored, then very quickly... panicked. Panicked because I wanted the two of us to do our very BEST job at attempting to represent our group and what we experienced on this once-in-a-lifetime trip! Also panicked, as this trip was a tapestry of...
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Kellen Eki Reflects on Guatemala Trip

When Joy asked my mom and me if we wanted to write an article for the church newsletter, my mom said yes without checking with me first. Of course, I was at school at the time and couldn't answer for myself! But, I'm really happy to do it. I'm very happy to just share with everyone about this amazing experience. It really meant a lot to me tha...
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Material Girls North's - Period of Purple Crying Caps

Messiah's Material Girls North met for the first time in May and decided to start a project called, Period of Purple Crying Caps program. The group will make individual hats for newborns to donate to the program that helps raise awareness for the Period of Purple Crying and help prevent shaken baby syndrome. New parents often discover the frustrati...
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Neural Paths And The Church

​I'm writing this blog post from the public library in Olympia, WA. I came here to help my daughter get settled temporarily as she begins a 6-week practicum. I'm not even sure I know what a practicum is, but it's necessary for her master's degree. In any case, the two-hour drive to Olympia and its reversal back to Vancouver are a blur for me. I've ...
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Volunteer Appreciation Weekend

Messiah is one church, two campuses, and a village of volunteers. So many have given their time in a wide variety of ways to keep our church running smoothly and our ministries full of energy. We want to say thank you! Come to either campus on ​May 19/20th​ and let us show you how much we appreciate the work of our volunteers' hands. No effort is t...
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Seeds of Faith

by Janet Borst   I first came to Messiah as a visitor from another ELCA church in the county. And although I liked the other church just fine, I found myself wanting to transfer my membership. It wasn't the music – although the music was impressive. And it wasn't the people who are lovely and whom over time I have come to know and respect and ...
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New Administrative Assistant Hired

The Church Leadership Team and pastors are pleased to announce that Cheralyn Hann (pronounced like "Marilyn" with a "Sh") has joined Messiah's staff as the congregation's new Administrative Assistant. Cheralyn brings over 10 years of administrative experience and a diverse skill-set to this front office position. Cheralyn's office hours will be 9:0...
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Sabbatical Sending for Prs. Braafladt | Sabbatical Welcoming for Pr. Martha Maier

Saturday, May 12 at 5:00p, Sunday, May 13 at 8:30 and 9:45a, Hazel Dell Campus  |   Messiah congregation will bless and send off Pastors Peter and Kathy as they begin a 12-week sabbatical leave. The sending will occur during all weekend services at the Hazel Dell campus, May 12-13. While away, Prs. Braafladt will rest as well as...
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Registration for VBS is now open. Preschool and Elementary programs July 9-13, 15.

Click here to register.  There is a wait list for the Preschool program Two Programs  Preschool Program – Children entering as pre-kindergarten students must be 4 years before August 31, 2018 through those entering kindergarten. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes will be held in the Dorothy link building on the west ...
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Pastoral Intern Joel Hinck will be introduced this weekend during all Hazel Dell services

Joel is a Duke Divinity School graduate and Luther Seminary student. He will be Messiah's '18-'19 pastoral intern, arriving in late August."I feel weird about this, and I don't normally do this sort of thing, but…I feel like God wants me to tell you something." Christine, the church secretary, normally bursting with energy, looked embarrassed ...
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Children's Craft Table at Saturday Evening Worship - Hazel Dell Campus - 5:00p

If you have been to worship at Messiah North meeting at TriMountain Golf Course, you know that one of the special additions to 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. Not long ago, the same kind of activity space was added to Satu...
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Sowing Seeds of Faith

by Angie George-Pendleton  "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." – 2 Corinthians 9:6  Each spring, my children Molly, Jack, and Everett eagerly help with our garden. They love to plant the seeds, push the dirt around, and overwater. I know through the many years we have...
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Calling all Volunteers for VBS – Online Sign-Up Happening Now – Choose Your Favorite Place to Serve!

by Megan Dilitto, Dir. of Children and Family Ministries |  Vacation Bible School will be here before we know it (July 9-13), and we need YOUR help! Do you love being around God's youngest children? Then we have a place for you! Whether you have a heart for teaching, decorating, making a mess, having fun, singing, dancing, being silly, telling...
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Personal Dimensions of Cancer Seminar begins this Monday, April 9

3-sessions focused on helping cancer patients and loved ones navigate the medical, emotional, relational, and spiritual dimensions of cancer   Monday Evenings, April 9, 16, 236:30-8:30pm Messiah Lutheran Church905 NW 94th STVancouver, WA 98665-6842360.574.7081 SynopsisWe all know someone who is facing cancer—a friend, relative, neighbor, or ev...
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How We Got the Bible - A new 7-week Adult Bible study on Wednesdays, beginning April 11

Sessions at 10:00a and the 6:00p each week. FREE CHILDCARE during both sessions!​ See the weekly topics below. Are you curious how we got the Bible we hold in our hands today? In our new 7-week adult class, we will hear from leading voices in the Christian faith like: Rachel Held Evans, Phyllis Tickle, and Nadia Bolz-Weber. Drop in o...
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Brewed Theology twice on Tuesday, April 10 - "My Story. Your Story. God's Story."

Confidence in telling. Respect in listening. Experiencing God in the midst of it. |  Click here to register for 4:00-5:30p   Click here to register for 7:00-8:30p  Synopsis In a world where 144 characters often become "the story," in this Brewed Theology we will be expanding our understanding and awareness of stories. Stori...
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Brief Report of the Special Meeting of the Congregation - 03.18.2018

Voters approve a threefold capital campaign and, if needed, authorize a short-term loan to begin work on the church's roofs. |   At a special meeting of the congregation this past Sunday members of Messiah approved two matters. The first supported a capital campaign to fund a mission developer, to make capital repairs at the Hazel Dell campus,...
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Julie Backous hired as Messiah's North County Campus Site Coordinator

This past week, Julie Backous began her new role as the congregation's North County Campus (NCC) Site Coordinator. Already a faithful attender and contributor at NCC, Julie will serve in a part-time job that includes organizing volunteers, keeping the Sunday experience one of warm welcome and high quality, and extending the congregation's...
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"51% Christian" – Tuesday Morning Small Group begins study of highly acclaimed book on March 13. Led by Intern Ryan.

The Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Small Group will begin an 11-week study of Mark Stenberg's new book "51% Christian: Finding Faith after Certainty." It's a perfect time to jump in, try it on, discover how once-a-week Bible study can enhance your spiritual health. The Tuesday morning small group meets at 6:00am at Panera Bread on Highway 99...
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Links to all things Capital Campaign

Start here for brief introductions and links to the latest information and background to the Church Leadership Team's proposal to conduct a Capital Campaign   Special Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, March 18, 11:00am, in the Hazel Dell sanctuary.Pre-Meeting ForumsWednesday, March 7, 6:30pm in rooms 205-207 at the Haz...
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A Whole New World

So [the women who were told of Jesus resurrection] went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid. Mark 16:8, NRSV   "See, I am making all things new." Rev. 21:5, NRSV   We are so used to the joy of Easter that the fearful reaction of the women who first...
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The Rev. Martha Maier will serve as Sabbatical Pastor

Pr. Martha Maier will serve Messiah as lead pastor during Prs. Peter and Kathy's 12-week sabbatical leave this May, June, and July. Prs. Peter and Kathy's request for a sabbatical was granted by the Church Leadership Team in November and announced at the Meeting of the Congregation in January. This will be the second time that Pr. Martha ...
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40 days of Lent - Reflecting on 40 years at Messiah and Its Future: Capital Campaigns - The Mission Developer - The Wilderness - The Command of Jesus

by Doug Ruecker, current CLT member, and 40-year member of Messiah |  In 1978 Lisa and I moved to Vancouver to begin my career. A new job, a new city, a new home, and the search for a new church. Both being raised in the Lutheran church, we narrowed the parameters and finally decided on Messiah. It was only natural that church would be pa...
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Frequently Asked Questions about a Capital Campaign at Messiah

Q & A provided by the Church Leadership Team.  Q: When would the Capital Campaign take place?   A: The Campaign would be conducted in the Fall of 2018; beginning in September with detailed information about the maintenance and building improvements needed at Messiah and the expansion of the congregation's ministries that wou...
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Of Pastoral Interns and Mission Developers

Although I've only worked at Messiah for about 16 months, I've actually met at least five of your pastoral interns at various times. As a group they're impressive, and I feel excited imagining the future of the Church in their hands. At the recent congregational meeting Intern Ryan said something to this effect: "Y'all talk about past interns like ...
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Brewed Theology on Feb. 26 - Wisdom of the Generations: Parent-Child-Grandparent Relationships

Two Opportunities on Monday, February 26, 2018    4:00-5:30pm and 7:00-8:30pm   To register, click here.   Synopsis Leonardo da Vinci said, "Wisdom is the daughter of experience." Saint Augustine wrote, "Patience is the companion of wisdom." And Homer Simpson said, "I think the saddest day of my life was when I realized I c...
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Surrender ... I Give Up: A Lenten Midweek Series, Wednesdays, February 21 - March 21

"I give up" are three very powerful words—hard to say, hard to accept, and hard to live by. "I give up" will be the theme of our Lenten discipline together. Lent is a "giving-up" season when we confess our failures and examine our shortcomings. It is a period when Christians intentionally resign themselves to God's will and not their own. It h...
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Megan Dilitto hired as Director of Children's and Family Ministries

Megan Dilitto today rejoins Messiah's staff as the congregation's new Director of Children's and Family Ministries. Megan previously served in the preschool as both a teacher and classroom assistant until giving birth to her son last spring. She has and continues to serve in the nursery.Megan brings a passion...
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Reflections on the past year. Hope for the future.

What follows is the text of the address Pr. Kathy made to the Congregation at its Semi-Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 28. 2018. |  I want to thank the Church Leadership Team members for all their hard work over the past year. I want you to know they gave a lot of time to the discernment process, devoting themselves to prayer and deep l...
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The report of Congregation President Kris Ann Bial regarding the CLT's year-long Discernment Process and its Outcomes

What follows is the text of the address Kris Ann Bial made to the Congregation at its Semi-Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 28. 2018. |   I've had the opportunity for the last year and a half to lead a group of really amazing faith-filled people. In the six months since I stood here the last time, we've attended to the bus...
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Pr. Kathy's Book Club will read "Small Great Things" for February 7

First Wednesday of each month (September - June) 10:00-11:15am 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 theological perspective. Lack of discussion is never a challenge as eve...
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Seminar on "How to Have Difficult Conversations" this Thursday, Jan. 18 - Everyone Welcome

Hosted by Messiah's Stephen Ministry Team  |   Location – Rms 205-207, Hazel Dell Campus Time - 6:00-8:00pm Guest PresenterThe Rev Dr. William DeLong, Ed.D., M.Div. Director of Spiritual Care at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Randall Children's Hospital SynopsisThe last time you rode in a car with your aging parent driving ...
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Brewed Theology - Twice on Tuesday, January 30

4:00-5:30pm and 7:00-8:30pm  |  register here for the 4pm session | 7:00pm is "sold out"   Brewed Theology (formerly known as Theology on Tap)   TopicWhat will you do with your one wild and precious life?A conversation about God and vocation. SynopsisMany people identify what they do as who they are. They equate t...
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Final Forums to Discuss a Call Process for a Mission Developer and a Capital Campaign this Wednesday 01.24.2018

​The forums are in preparation for the Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, January 28, 2018.   Dear Fellow Messiah Members,  Just a year ago we were about to embark together on a journey of discernment as the people of Messiah. We reported to you in June that, in listening to each other and the Holy Spirit, the community of Messia...
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Alison Treichel hired as Regional Homelessness Coordinator for Polk & Marion Counties, OR

It is with a sense of gladness and sorrow that the Church Leadership Team and Pastors have accepted Alison Treichel's resignation as the congregation's administrative assistant. During her nine months in the position, she swiftly learned the tasks, generously shared her technical and people skills, and quickly became part and parcel of the&nbs...
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Introducing Julie Bracken, new Minister of Welcome volunteer

Julie Bracken has joined Messiah's staff as a volunteer, serving as part-time Minister of Welcome. Her role will be to connect and follow up with guests, make connections between newcomers and regulars, and to train everyone in the fine art of hospitality. You will see Julie circulating in the lobby of the Hazel Dell campus before and after service...
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Six-Session Adult Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark

Wednesdays with Pr. Peter and Intern Pr. Ryan. Classes at 10a and 6p |  Pr. Peter and Intern Pr. Ryan invite you to join them for a six-session Bible study through the Gospel of Mark. Attend either the morning or evening session on Wednesdays starting January 3, 2018. Drop in on any week. Mark is the gospel appointed reading for the ...
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Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Group spending time in the Gospel of Mark - Newcomers welcome!

The Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast Small Group is starting the new year with a new 10-session study of the Gospel of Mark. It's a perfect time to jump in, try it on, discover how once-a-week Bible study can enhance your spiritual health. The Tuesday morning small group meets at 6:00am at Panera Bread on Highway 99 in Hazel Dell. Fa...
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Comfort and Hope Service Tonight, Wed., Dec. 20 at 6pm. Free transportation provided.

The Comfort and Hope Service began as a ministry for people who were hurting, especially during the holidays. The season and its festivities often make people acutely aware of their losses. Decorations, Christmas carols, the empty chair at the dinner table often serve to remind those in grief of the loved ones who will not be with them for the...
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Growing through Darkness

by Alison Treichel, Administrative Assistant.  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. – Isa.9.2.  I'm a self-proclaimed worrier, and I have had many bouts of anxiety in my life time. Though, none as bad as during my senior year of undergraduate colleg...
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Family Drop and Shop, Saturday, Dec. 16

byline: Joy Studer   Parents may bring their children of all ages to Messiah on Saturday, December 16th any time between 10a-1:30p for arts, crafts, stories and games. Suggested donation of $10 per child all goes toward the intergenerational Guatemala trip next May sponsored by Lutheran Partners in Global Mission. The nurse...
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IRA Charitable Rollover – A Wonderful End of Year Gifting Opportunity

by Beth Adams, Messiah member and Charitable Gift Planner for the ELCA Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana The Rollover helps you make direct gifts to your congregation and other ministries of the ELCA, and save on taxes. Made permanent December 18, 2015, the IRA Charitable Rollover allows individuals who are 70 ½ or older to direct gif...
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What Nimble Ministry Looks Like

Fr. Dale Johnson, the Syriac Orthodox Priest who preached and shared his ministry with Messiah in May, has assembled an emergency assessment team to help evaluate post-earthquake conditions in Iraq. A 7.3 magnitude quake struck the border between Iraq and Iran on Sunday, November 12, killing more than 500 and injuring nearly 8,000 at last report. I...
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Go "tail" it on the mountain - Shopping can change lives

Americans spend over $300 billion on Christmas shopping each year. This year, consider giving gifts that fight hunger and grow the church with ELCA Good Gifts. Select from more than 50 gifts – from goats to water filters to school fees – to help people in need. All gifts can be given in honor of friends and loved ones, and each gift comes with a fr...
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Theology on Tap - Monday, December 4, 2017 - "Can you hear me now?"

Uptown Barrel Room in downtown Vancouver for an exclusive, ToT patrons' only event | 7:00-8:45pm | register here You are welcome to arrive early to order dinner or hor d'oeuvres ... the earlier the better. This is a "Bring a Friend" EventConsider this a Christmas party to which you may invite a friend or two ... or more*! The mo...
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Messiah will host Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO), Feb. 23–28, 2020. Online volunteer sign-up and schedule here.

by Brenda Gardner  |  ​click here to sign up​  |    Our congregation will be participating in providing staffing for the Winter Hospitality Overflow shelter at St. Paul Lutheran Church. This ministry provides overnight housing for 24-30 homeless men during the winter months. It is a truly ecumenical ministry....
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"Christmas Presence" Cantata - December 8-9

Performances on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 5:00p and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 8:30 and 9:45a   Messiah Lutheran Church has a rich tradition of presenting a full-on concert early in December. It's an annual kick-off to the Advent and Christmas season. While Messiah is by no means a mega-size church, the quality of the concert always surprises ...
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Thankfulness

​Messiah member, Barbara Gibson, connects Living in Gratitude, the Thanksgiving holiday, and something like Messiah's One Mile Mission. Read on.   During this Thanksgiving Season we tend to think about all that we're thankful for, but maybe, just maybe, there's room to think about what it is to be thankful. A long time ago, in a...
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Baptisms, Confirmation, and Money

We have had some great weeks at Messiah. Three households presented their newest little ones to be baptized, a Messiah preschool student introduced his new baby brother during Preschool Chapel and received a baby blanket on his behalf, we commemorated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with the fanfare of orchestral accompaniment, and ye...
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Pr. Kathy's Book Club will read "Astoria" for January 3

First Wednesday of each month | 10:00-11:30am | 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 theological perspective. Lack of discussion is never a challenge as everyone has the oppo...
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Hiking Group will trek this Sunday, November 12

Frenchman's Bar Trail with Family Friendly Happy Hour following.   To register, click here.   Frenchman's Bar Trail  9612 NW Lower River Road  People of all ages and abilities are welcome on this hike. Invite your friends! Elevation changes are minimal and the entire trail—3.9 miles—is paved (see photo below). You may ...
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Former Summer Intern in the News

Remember summer intern Hannah Norem? She's in a 4-minute piece produced by a Sioux Falls television station about millennials, social justice, "nones," and the Lutheran Reformation. See if you can identify another former summer intern in the background. Hannah's part begins at 1 minute, 55 seconds (1:55). Watch it here »
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Living in Gratitude: Seeking to Commitment

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. ...
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Messiah Music Opportunities for Children

Praise Patrol: Three year olds to grade 1  4:45-5:15pm (Rooms 205/207)   Young children experience dance, song, and rhythm at an age when these gifts most need to be fostered. This is a great confidence building experience for your children. The Praise Patrol's efforts are not pointed toward performance as much as building enjoyment and a...
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New Hiking Group's next trek this Sunday, October 22

Whipple Creek Trail with Happy Hour for everyone at 3 Peaks Brewery in Ridgefield. To register, click here. Whipple Creek Trail People of all ages and abilities are welcome on this hike. Invite your friends! Participants can choose the "easy" or more "difficult" hike. These are easy – moderate options. Dress for the weather, eat...
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Special Invitation to participate in the Choir for its annual Christmas Cantata

Do you enjoy singing Christmas music? If so, you are invited to join rehearsals of the choir starting this Wednesday, October 18, and continuing through the performances of Messiah's Christmas Cantata on December 2 and 3. This short-term stint with choir involves participating in limited Wednesday evening rehearsals from 7:00-7:35-ish. There is no ...
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First Communion Class for parents and children, Wednesday, November 1

6:00-7:00p | Room #103  |   Synopsis: An educational event led by Pastor Kathy to help children learn about Holy Communion. People of all ages are welcome to the Lord's Table at Messiah. A child's readiness to receive Holy Communion is left up to the child's parent(s) or guardians. While there is no theological reason to rush a child from...
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Living in Gratitude: Scarcity to Abundance

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Rom. 8:38-39As those named and claimed in the abundant promises of baptism, we have God's ...
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Volunteers needed to help build retaining wall in the HD courtyard

​part of the courtyard beautification & water diversion project | Saturday, Oct.14 | 9:00-11:00a | volunteers may simply show up. Please bring heavy work gloves. Volunteers are needed to help build a two-course and capstone concrete block retaining wall in the Hazel Dell campus courtyard. The new wall will run ...
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A Month Filled with Tragedy - Messiah’s Stephen Ministers are here to help

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28  |   This last month set a record for disasters: fires in the west, Hurricane Harvey in Texas, followed by Irma in the Caribbean and Florida, and Maria in Puerto Rico, an earthquake in Mexico, and now the unimaginable loss of life in Las Ve...
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Tuesday Morning Small Group reading "Beyond the Offering Plate: A Holistic Approach to Stewardship"

The Prayer Breakfast Group is reading Beyond the Offering Plate: A Holistic Approach to Stewardship (© 2017) edited by Adam Copeland. The group is led by Pr. Peter and Intern Pastor Ryan. Everyone is welcome to participate ... and Pr. Peter pays for breakfast for all first-time guests! Questions? Want to know more? Contact Pr. Peter....
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Who is Listening?

a reflection by Norma Moore, Stephen Ministry Leader  We all have stories we need to share. We may not have been through a flood or fire or hurricane recently, but we all have life stories to tell and someone needs to listen to us tell them. We all have faced change and challenge, loss and grief, joy and sorrow. We all have stories. We all nee...
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Blessing of the Pets this Wednesday, October 2 - 4:30-5:30p

Pet owners are invited to bring their pets (or a photo of their pet) to church on Wednesday, October 2, from 4:30-5:30p for a blessing from the pastors. Weather permitting, the blessings will be on the north lawn along NW 94th ST. If it is raining, the blessings will be under the breezeway leading to the front doors of the church.&nb...
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New Group for Parents meeting as part of Faith Life in Process (FL!P) on Wednesdays

Justin and Carrie Ferrell, both of whom are mental health counselors at Real Life Counseling, invite you to be a guest of a new group for parents that they have formed at Messiah. The group meets weekly from 6:00-7:00p as part of Messiah Lutheran Church's midweek Faith Life in Progress (FL!P) progra...
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Re-Thinking Church - a special first session of the new Adult Bible study on the Book of Acts with Greg Rhodes, Pr. Peter, and Intern Pr. Ryan

Wednesday, September 27  |  Presentations at 10:00am and 6:00pm  |  Hazel Dell Campus    Greg and Pr. Peter will be sharing how they (and many others) are seeing the ground shift in regard to the church's work, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how these may impact Messiah and its future minist...
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New Adult Bible Study on the Book of Acts. Wednesdays with Pr. Peter and Intern Pr. Ryan. Classes at 10am and 6pm

Pr. Peter and Intern Pr. Ryan are co-teaching this new adult Bible class on the Book of Acts. Attend either the morning or evening session. The course began with a special first session titled "Rethinking Church." Greg Rhodes, Intern Pr. Ryan, and Pr. Peter discussed the challenging future for the C...
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