Messiah Blog & News

News at Messiah

Subcategories from this category:

North County, Preschool, Hazel Dell, Messiah

Giving Sunday December 3

Giving Sunday is this Sunday at Messiah. Please complete your 2024 pledge of financial support to Messiah by Sunday and return it to the offering plate in worship. What does it mean to be generous? From Pastor Dave Brauer-Rieke For me being generous means, a) stopping to consider all I have been given with thanks; b) honestly considering what among...

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Come decorate Gingerbread houses Dec. 20

Save the date for Wednesday, December 20 at 4pm for a gingerbread house decorating event.  There will be homemade gingerbread houses pre-assembled and ready to decorate. T here is a suggested donation of $4 per gingerbread house to help cover the cost of ingredients, and participants are invited to bring a candy/food item (nut-free and no spri...

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Live generously: What does it mean to be generous?

What does it mean to be generous? From Mark 12: 41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, where people came to bring their offerings, and He watched as they came and went. Many rich people threw in large sums of money, but a poor widow came and put in only two small coins] worth only a fraction of a cent. Jesus, calling His disciples together, to...

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Hop Topics to examine "A Jewish Perspective," responses to growing antisemitism, Jewish fear in our reactive culture and understanding of "The Lonely People of History Nov. 28

On Tuesday, Nov 28, 2023 HOP TOPICS will convene at Ghost Runners Brewery at 6pm. Ghost Runners is located at 4216 NE Minnehaha St #108, Vancouver. Come and order food if you would like and we will begin a discussion at 6:30. A private room is being offered so we are encouraging you to RSVP online or call the church office. Please RSVP by Nov. 24 s...

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LIVE GENEROUSLY: Be generous in all that you do.

Stewardship 2024 has begun. Church members should look in your email box for information. There is a link in the email to connect you to Messiah's pledge website portal. There you can complete your financial commitment to Messiah for calendar year 2024. If you prefer, paper pledge forms are available at church. This year's stewardship theme is Live...

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Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve service at Congregation Kol Ami Nov. 22

In lieu of the traditional Thanksgiving Eve service and Pie fest the day before Thanksgiving, Messiah is doing something a bit different this year. Houses of worship and faith communities across numerous faith traditions have been invited to take part in an interfaith worship service at Congregation Kol Ami, a reform Judaism congregation as part of...

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Volunteers sought for Winter Hospitality Overflow program

Messiah has helped support the Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO) program in Vancouver for over 20 years. The program was created in 2003 when the Council for the Homeless and Share partnered with the Greater Vancouver Interfaith Association. At that time, the shelter was operated 100% by faith partner volunteers. Since 2020, Share has provided case...

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Messiah Stewardship 2024 - Live Generously

Stewardship 2024 - Live Generously Trust in God, who richly provides us with us with everything to enjoy. Do good. Be rich in good works. Be generous and ready to share.  1 Timothy 6:17-18 How much should I give? It is stewardship time at Messiah. Usually every autumn, we put together a packet of materials for members to read and hopefully be ...

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All are welcome at a free, family friendly movie night Nov. 18

All are welcome to come to a fun and free movie night on Saturday, November 18 at 6pm!  There will be plenty of free snacks and cozy spots available to enjoy the movie in the sanctuary at Messiah's Hazel Dell campus.  You are welcome and encouraged to wear pajamas or comfortable clothes and bring blankets/anything that will help you relax...

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Thank you to everyone who visited Treat Street 2023!

Treat Street 2023 was a huge success! Thank you to all who visited and helped with Treat Street this year, and Messiah looks forward to doing it again next year!

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Confirmation/Reformation Worship October 29, 2023

Sunday we have a great celebration coming up. First of all it is Confirmation Sunday for two of our Messiah high school youth. These are Samantha L and Ryan McP. Each has completed their three year confirmation studies and look forward to sharing their faith statements with you. Their confirmation will take place at our Hazel Dell campus at th...

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Native American Heritage Month

November is National Native American Heritage Month The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum all join in paying tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions...

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Gaza and Israel - Part 2

I suppose it could go without saying why the Evangelical Lutheran Church cares about the history and current situation in the Middle East. We care because God's love and hope for Peace extends to all people. We care about Palestine, the Holy Land, because as Christians our history lives there in a unique way. We care because as Lutherans we have a ...

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Endowment committee distributes over $7,000 in third quarter

The Endowment Committee meets every quarter to review grant proposals. The committee then recommends grants to the Church Leadership Team for approval and the funds are distributed accordingly.  This month the following requests were granted: $430 Granted to purchase additional, new, Food on the Fourth bags. $2200 Granted to purchase vacuum cl...

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Halloween Hop Topics October 26

HOP TOPICS will meet in the Church House on Thursday, October 26th at 7pm. Bring a favorite brew (witches?) and snacks will be provided. No costumes needed, but if you have a fun Halloween fact or Halloween story to share that would be splendid! How did a church-sanctioned holiday come so far afield? What is the meaning of ancient rites and what si...

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Gaza and Israel - Part 1

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Faith, Last week we included a link to ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's pastoral letter on the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas. You may know that I served as bishop of the Oregon Synod for 12 years, from 2007-2019. Bishop Eaton was both a synodical bishop collogue and then my presiding bishop du...

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Hannelore Waizmann Reinecke Tweed teaches three session series on the Holocaust and Anti-Semitism at Camas Public Library Oct. 16, 23,30

Hannelore Waizmann Reinecke Tweed (Pr. Tom's wife) is teaching a three session series on the Holocaust and Anti-Semitism at the Camas Public Library October 16, 24th and 30 from 1:30-3:30pm each session. The sessions are free and open to the public. Holocaust: Lessons for a Broken World 2023 Camas Public Library - 2nd Floor 3 Sessions, Mondays Oct....

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Last chance photo day for directory October 29

Have you had your picture taken for the new Messiah directory or submitted a photo for the directory? If so, good job! If not, no need to panic, you still have another chance! The last chance photo day for the directory will be before and after worship at Messiah Hazel Dell on October 29. If you haven't had a picture taken and the last chance date ...

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Messiah North worship band plays at Hazel Dell this Sunday

The band from Messiah North will lead worship at the Hazel Dell service on October 15. Come sing along with a blend of classic spirituals and contemporary worship tunes! If you are interested in hearing more of the band, join us for worship at beautiful Windy Hills Winery in Ridgefield at 9am on Sunday mornings.  If you are interested in playi...

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Treat Street Returns October 25

Treat Street is back Wednesday, October 25 from 6:00 - 7:00pm, beginning in the Sanctuary.  Children up to 5th grade are encouraged to come dressed in a non-spooky costume and bring a treat bag. There will be Trick-or-Treating, crafts, photo op, games and more!  Friends are welcome! A kid-friendly meal will be served in the lower level di...

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Endowment Grant Deadline September 21

The submission deadline for Endowment Grant requests is Thursday September 21, 2023. For more information and to apply see the "About Messiah" tab on messiahvancouver.org or visit messiahvancouver.org/endowment. Grant requests are considered quarterly. The next deadline will be in December of this year.

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Messiah North Volunteers at Ridgefield Family Resource Center

Last week numerous Messiah North attendees took time out to volunteer at the Ridgefield Family Resource Center.  The volunteers helped to assemble snack packs for kids and also wrote notes of encouragement to go along with them. "What a marvelous experience it was to volunteer at the Ridgefield Family Resource Center," said interim Messiah Nor...

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Godly Play Open House September 20

All interested in learning more about the Godly Play program at Messiah Lutheran are invited to "Godly Play 101" on Wednesday, September 20 from 6-7pm. The event will be held at Messiah's Hazel Dell campus in the downstairs Godly Play Room (#105). Children and their parents or guardians are invited to check out the Godly Play space and walk through...

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New Church Directory!!

In the 'old days' churches used to have professional Church Directory companies come in, take family pictures, sell family pictures (to you,) and then make church directories for free out of the proceeds.  That was all well and good, but not what most of us do anymore. Now churches (like Messiah) have more sophisticated membership softwar...

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Indictments (and other poisons)

If you read or study the New Testament much you are probably used to having the Apostle Paul in his letters tell people what they should and shouldn't be doing, and what it means to be the church, or live a godly life. I, at least, think of the Gospels more as books that tell the story of Jesus. They are stories and histories, if you will, as oppos...

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Heart Hands: Wrapped in Love

What a difference a year makes! Last September Pr. Tom and I were just getting to know you. We were working on our Ministry Site Profile and looking forward to a Spring/Summer formation of your call committee. Check, check and check. We've done great so far. Thank you! The theme we used for last Fall's work was "In Holy Hands." We talked about how ...

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Messiah Fall Kickoff September 10

All are invited to attend Messiah's Fall Kickoff on September 10. Join in for a ministry fair featuring tables and information on all of the various ministries, activities, opportunities, programs and small groups available at Messiah. It all takes place after worship beginning with the fair and being followed by a potluck and ice cream from Chill3...

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Introducing Hop Topics: Friends, Theology, and Beer Sept. 14

You've had Brewed Theology and Theology on Tap so let's not go against the grain and introduce HOP TOPICS! It's time to reprise some of the great conversations that can be had around a cold one and see what is mashing around in your world. What ales you? We'll kick off HOP TOPICS on Thursday, September 14 at the Messiah Church House backyard, the f...

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Wednesday Evening Youth Programs Resume Sept. 13

All Wednesday night children and youth programs resume on Wednesday, September 13! The following programs meet weekly at Messiah Lutheran's Hazel Dell campus on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 PM. Godly Play (3 Years Old - 5th Grade): Meets Wednesdays 6:00-7:00PM in the downstairs Godly Play Room #105 Confirmation (Middle Schoolers): Meets Wednesdays 6:0...

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Flesh and blood have not revealed this to you.

Our Gospel reading for this Sunday, August 27, 2023, is Matthew 16:13-20. In it Jesus asks his disciples who people think he is - for which there are lots of answers. And then Jesus asks them who they think he is, and Peter says, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!" Right you are, Peter. And you didn't come up with that one a...

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Beginning September 17-A 3-session book study on 'Gift of Empathy' offered by Stephen Ministry

Join us in reading and talking about The Gift of Empathy book published by Stephen Ministries. It takes an in-depth look at empathy as a learnable skill, showing how it can enhance relationships, improve communication, and help people better connect with one another. "I used to get too wrapped up in other people's issues and emotions, or I'd avoid ...

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Sample Messiah's choir offerings at "Taste of Choir! A musical Potluck" Sept. 6

All are invited to Taste of Choir! A Musical Potluck The event will include great food, guided part-singing, and plenty of time to catch up with friends. For returning choir members, it will be a fun way to get back in that singing swing after taking the summer off. For new folks, it's a great way to sample the choir commitment-free, so bring your ...

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Dance, Dance, Wherever You May Be!

August 9, 2023 Dear Friends and Members of Messiah Lutheran Church, Thank you for a wonderful summer, and all the prayers, work and involvement you have offered for VBS and Wild Wednesdays, as well as the ongoing work of our quilters, study groups, Stephens Ministries, etc. Worship attendance has also been strong and energetic through the summer. I...

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Messiah North brunch on the 2nd at Country Cafe August 13

Messiah North "Brunch on the 2nd" will be held August 13 at Country Cafe in Ridgefield.  Country Cafe is located at 6370 Pioneer Street. This month we'll be joined by Worship and Music Director Maria Kramer. Those interested in attending this month should contact Messiah North site coordinator Ingrid Maddox by August 12 so that they can be add...

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Ridgefield Family Resource Center School Supply Drive

The Ridgefield Family Resource Center is conducting a back to school supply drive. Items may be brought to worship services at either campus by August 20.  The following is a list of supplies they could use. Empty backpacks (elementary to highschool age appropriate), college ruled spiral notebooks, wide ruled spiral notebooks, college ruled co...

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Top vote getting songs for "You choose the songs Sunday"

Thanks to all who voted for their favorite songs for the music team to perform on You Choose the Songs Sunday July 30. The top vote getting songs were: Messiah North top three, tied for 1st place with 2 votes each: Child of Love10,000 ReasonsAmazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)Hazel Dell top four, ranked:1. Beautiful Savior (6)2. How Great Thou Art (...

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Wild Wednesdays for kids ages 3-11 continue August 9, 16

Wild Wednesdays return beginning August 2 and run through August 16. The three sessions will be for children ages 3-11 on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11am.  It's free fun with bible stories, games, crafts, music, snack and play time.  Drop off will be at the church gym and pickup at the preschool playground. Since there was a great turno...

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Messiah members pack bins for Lutheran Refugee Services

Last week 16 Messiah Members helped pack 40 bins with kitchen bath and bedroom items to help benefit refugees. The bins will be used locally to help refugees who are settled in the area through Lutheran Refugee Services and to help give them essentials to get started. Money for the event came from an Endowment grant of $6,500 dollars.  You may...

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Vacation Bible School a big success

Dozens of kids ranging from preschool to fifth grade flocked to Messiah last week for the annual Vacation Bible School. Volunteers from the church and Lutherhaven were on hand to invite kids to gather around "The Big Table" and engage in faith building stories and lessons as well as numerous fun activities. Things were capped off with a celebration...

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Endowment Committee Dispersals for 2023

This calendar year the Endowment Committee has a little less than $27,000 to disperse to requests that come to our committee and, if approved, are also approved by the Church Leadership Team. We've received fewer grant requests this year than at this time last year. The second quarter ended in June with the following monetary requests approved: $50...

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Chatter books meets July 12

The Chatter Books group has decided to continue to meet through the summer. Here are the upcoming books and dates for future meetings: July 12 The Flight Girls by Noelle Salazar August 2 Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty September 6 All That She Carried by Tina Miles October 4 Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan All meetings begin at 10:00 a....

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Jubilee Collective joins forces with local ELCA congregations at Pride in the Park

Jubilee Collective joined with five other ELCA congregations for Pride in the Park at Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver this past weekend. The annual event celebrates the Southwest Washington LGBTQ+ Community.  "It was such a magnificent event and so fun working side by side with other Lutheran churches," said Carie Wright of Jubilee Col...

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Snacks sought for Vacation Bible School

Snacks are needed for Vacation Bible School, and  donations are much appreciated.Please bring to worship or the Messiah front office no later than Wednesday, July 12. Snack list:  6 boxes of Rice Krispies4 boxes of Graham Crackers3 bags of Pretzel Thins3 boxes of Goldfish*2 boxes of Honeycomb cereal2 bags of Pretzel Rods2 bags of Pretzel ...

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You pick the songs for worship on July 30

July 30 is You-Pick Song Sunday! The last Sunday of July will feature crowdsourced hymns and songs at both Messiah North and Hazel Dell's worship services. Messiah's worship team deeply values your feedback and inspiration, and this is a wonderful opportunity to make your voice heard. Votes will be collected through July 23. You may enter up to thr...

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Call Committee Update

The Call Committee has been meeting weekly since being formed in early May. We have reviewed the three candidate profiles that were forwarded to us by the Synod, and have conducted introductory and first round interviews with two of the most promising candidates. We are now moving forward and planning to conduct a secondary interview in person with...

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Church office will be closed, other schedule changes during Independence Day week

During the week of Independence Day there will be many closures and changes as staff and group leaders take a well deserved break. The church office will be closed July 3-7. The voicemail in the office will be checked daily to provide call backs in the event of emergencies. Other closures: There will be no Wednesday bible study.Faith and Fibers are...

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Laurie Sykes joins Messiah staff as Administrative Assistant

Laurie Sykes has accepted the position of Messiah's Administrative Assistant, working in the front office. Laurie recently moved to Vancouver and has been very involved in the Lutheran Church.  Please stop in and say hi the next time you are at Hazel Dell.  Welcome Laurie! 

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Marcella Gowan on her 'exciting and fruitful' trip back to Africa

Marcella Gowan attends services at Messiah North and currently works at Linfield University as an associate professor in the School of Nursing. Over the past 40 years she has spent significant time in Africa. " In my former life I was a long-term missionary nurse-midwife living and working in East Africa, even raising our kids abroad. We adopted tw...

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Kathy Hoffman book signing after worship June 25

Kathy Hoffman will be signing copies of "Christmas at Two Ponds, "the second book in her Two Ponds trilogy after worship services on June 25. Kathy Hoffman's second book of the Two Ponds trilogy is now available. You laughed through the first book. The second book has 75% more funny stories for the same low price: $20 donation to ELCA World Hunger....

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Ingrid Maddox named interim Messiah North Site Coordinator

Ingrid Maddox has accepted the role of Interim Messiah North Site Coordinator, taking over for Julie Backous beginning June 21.  Ingrid is very welcoming, knows the Messiah North community well and lives near the winery.  Ingrid will have the opportunity to work with Julie Backous before she leaves to help aid in the transition....

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Departing Messiah North coordinator Julie Backous ready for what comes next after watching community grow and thrive

When the 9am service comes to an end at the Messiah North County location at Windy Hills Winery this Sunday, June 18, it will mark an end of an era. Julie Backous, the site coordinator for Messiah North for the past five years, is stepping down as she and her husband Todd move to Arizona later in the month. Julie has been involved with Messiah Nort...

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Join Jubilee Collective for "First Round" June 21 at Trap Door Brewing

Thank you for celebrating Pride Month with Jubilee Collective at both campuses last Sunday.  Jubilee Collective is excited to announce our upcoming gathering opportunity, entitled First Round.  This is a chance for ALL people interested in Jubilee Collective and its mission to hang out, share some food, and get to know each other, often i...

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Passing of the Peace reintroduced to worship beginning June 11

Traditionally, we have a pattern for worship, our practice of Holy Communion, that has four basic elements - gathering, word, meal, and sending. This structure allows for freedom and flexibility in the ways worship may be shaped locally, while focusing on what the church holds in common: the means of grace: the saving word of God and the sacraments...

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One Mile Mission updates: Items needed for Jason Lee Calming room, preschool needs bicycles

 Jason Lee Middle School is opening a calming/focusing room for students and is in need of some items for the room. They may be dropped off at the church office during business hours or brought to any worship service.  Contact Jessica Potts (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more information.  Items needed include: Drawing/art suppl...

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COVID Update

My wife Gretchen and I live in a co-housing condominium. There are 39 of us, 55+, living in intentional community. You'll not be surprised to hear that we've been having the same kinds of COVID conversations Messiah Lutheran has been having over the past three years. Gretchen, with her Masters Degree in Nursing, has been an active and interest...

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Wild Wednesdays - Kids' Summer Program Starts May 31

Messiah is excited to kick off Wild Wednesdays starting May 31!  Wild Wednesdays will be held on Wednesday morning from 9:30-11am in two different 3-week series during the summer (see schedule below). Each Wednesday will look a little different, but will include a combination of Bible stories, music/art, snack, and time to run and play! Please...

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Call committee update: Committee set to review candidates

The Call Committee continues to meet weekly, and has committed to keeping the congregation informed as to our actions and progress. In our meeting held on May 15th, we asked Pastor Rebecca of the Synod to provide us with the list of candidates and their statement of qualifications and interest (RMPs) for our consideration. We also are in the proces...

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Sanctuary prayground open to children this summer

Beginning May 28, the Prayground in the Sanctuary will be staffed by a nursery attendant.  The nursery itself is closed for the summer.  Parents are welcome to drop off their child and sit wherever they would like in the Sanctuary.  The Prayground is refreshed regularly so there are always new activities! 

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Wallowa Backpacking trip planned for August 4-8

A Wallowa backpacking trip, the first since Covid, is being organized for this summer.  The plan is to go to Echo Lake in the Eagle Cap Wilderness of Northeastern Oregon for a 4-night 5-day trip from August 4-8.  The cost is $95 and payment is needed to hold your spot. Participants are responsible for carrying all of their own gear plus u...

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Semi-Annual meeting of the congregation June 4

The Messiah Semi-Annual meeting of the congregation is June 4 in the Hazel Dell Campus sanctuary at 11:45am. This meeting will be an in-person event. Agenda items include staff reports, a report on the recent synod assembly, financial reports, church leadership team reports and the presentation of the 2023-24 operating budget. Reports and agenda it...

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Endowment Committee seeking grant requests before June 21

The Endowment Committee is seeking grant request submissions in these areas: National and International Outreach, Ministries, and Missions (examples: World Gospel mission feeding children, Messiah Mission trip support)Local Community Outreach, Ministries and Missions (examples: Winter clothing for local school children, emergency refugee fund, shut...

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Pastoral Call Nominations Due May 19

The Call Committee continues to meet weekly. In our meeting held May 1st, we finalized and distributed the forms to be used by the congregation to nominate candidates for consideration. Those forms are available from Tom Zimmer or Julie Backous at the North County site, and at the church office in Hazel Dell. There are instructions to follow with t...

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Cookies for Sundays

Do you want to help with worship? Do you like to bake cookies? Do your kids or grandkids like to bake cookies?  Saturday, June 24th, is the next opportunity to help bake cookies for coffee time on Sunday mornings.  We will meet in the downstairs kitchen at Hazel Dell campus. All ingredients will be provided. Fun and laughter will be share...

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Graduate recognition Sunday June 4

Graduate recognition Sunday is coming up on June 4, 2023 at the 10:30am service at Hazel Dell and the Messiah community wants to acknowledge all those who are graduating this year. If you are a graduate, or the family member of one, Messiah invites you to submit the following information, as well as a recent picture of the graduate and a picture fr...

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Worship helpers welcome

If you are new to Messiah, just coming back to in-person services, or want to try something new, we can use your help. I am looking for worship helpers. We need greeter/ushers, readers, and communion servers. Any instruction is gladly given. Most of our current helpers serve every 6 to 8 weeks. You are welcome to try it once and see how it goes. If...

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Call Committee update for April

The Call Committee held its initial meeting on April 27 as well as another meeting on May 1.   The congregation has already indicated an interest in nominating potential candidates, and the form and process to be used for this purpose is being established, and will be announced very shortly. The Call Committee is preparing to conduct inte...

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Qigong class meets Saturdays in the gym

Did you know that here is a Qigong class meeting weekly at Messiah?  It meets 9:30 to 10:30am on Saturdays in the gym. The class is led by Liz Bolza. Liz has been leading Qigong classes for over 20 years.  According to Liz, "Qigong was developed in China thousands of years ago as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qigong practice ...

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Can-Am Book Club Reads Embody - Five Ways to Lead with Integrity by Karoline Lewis

The Can-Am (Canadian-American) book club has started reading "Embody" by Karoline Lewis, which focuses on church leadership. This group meets via Zoom each Wednesday at 10 a.m. They just finished reading another book by the same author, "Belonging" which focused on discipleship, featuring the story of the Woman at the Well. This grou...

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Messiah North to begin meeting for Brunch after church in May

Beginning May 7, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Messiah North will start a new adventure of meeting for Brunch after church at local restaurants in the Ridgefield area. This idea was suggested at a meeting for Messiah North to brainstorm ideas for fellowship and is now about to become a reality! The May 7 brunch will be held at Sportsman's Public Hou...

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Synod Assembly May 5-6

What's a Synod Assembly? (For that matter, what's a "synod"?!) Well, the "Synod" is the 88 congregations and 30,000 some ELCA Lutherans in SW Washington. There are 65 synods in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and each synod is served by a bishop and the bishop's staff. Our bishop is Rick Jaech, and the Bishop's Associate is R...

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Register today for Vacation Bible School 2023!

Vacation Bible School is just around the corner!  Vacation Bible School will take place July 17-21, and the program is available for all children ages 4-years-old* (*must be 4 by August 31, 2023) - 5th grade.  VBS for 1st-5th grade will run in the church building from 9am-12pm, and VBS for preschoolers and kindergartners will take place a...

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Sung Liturgy at Hazel Dell

Did you notice a lot more singing than usual during the Easter Sunday service at Hazel Dell? The liturgy that the Messiah worship team is using throughout the Easter season is a setting called "Now the Feast" by contemporary composer Marty Haugen. In addition to short liturgical music, it contains two of Haugen's standalone hymns, As the Grains of ...

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Call Committee Prayer Support

One of Messiah's members, Hope Quinn, has suggested that she would like to organize and support a Prayer Team specifically focused on our Call Committee members and their work. Thank you, Hope. What a wonderful gift! Hope's vision is that this is something anybody who feels called could do from home on their own schedule. She'll keep the Team ...

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Call Committee Update

Dear Friends, We are off and running with the Call Committee - and I'm excited to be moving into this phase of our congregational transition. Thank you all for your prayers, trust and support! Wednesday evening, April 12, our Call Committee met together for the first time via ZOOM with SWWA Synod Bishop's Associate Rev. Rebecca Shjerven. I was able...

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Thank you to all who donated towards Easter flowers and spring landscape plants

Ellen Andres. in memory of Arnie Andres Loretta Babbitt. in honor of A Great Family Julie Backous and Todd Dugdale in memory of Lily and in honor of our children Wes, Jennifer, Joel, Crystal and Amanda Rick and Sheri Backous in memory of our daughter, Sara, as well as other family members who have passed away; in honor of our daughters and their fa...

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Are you a Messiah Member? (Please read.)

"Jesus loves me, this I know!" A common response to the call of God in Jesus Christ is baptism. When baptized the pastor traces the sign of the cross on an individual's forehead and says "'Bob,' child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever." To be baptized is not only to ...

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Catch "Encanto" at Messiah Movie Night April 14

The votes are officially in, and we will be showing the film Encanto!  All are invited to a free movie night at Messiah Lutheran Church on Friday, April 14th at 6:00 PM!  The film will be shown in the sanctuary where there is plenty of seating available as well as space to lounge on the floor if preferred.  You are also invited to we...

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Godly Play now on Wednesdays

Godly Play has returned at a new time, Wednesdays from 6-7pm. Godly Play will occur weekly on Wednesdays through May 24th.All children ages 3 years old - 5th grade are welcome! Godly Play meets in the downstairs Godly Play classroom 105.If you have any questions, or if you would like more information about the Godly Play program, please contact Tor...

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Pastor Dave's Book/Bible Study Schedule

Holy Week is a pause in the usual routine of our lives. Functionally it's a pause because our focus and time moves to the special services of the season - Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter!. Spiritually it is the same. I encourage you to set other things aside as much as possible and spend time internally focusing on what the death and r...

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Call committee announced

The Church Leadership Team (CLT) met March 28 and created the Call Committee from the many members of the congregation who came forward to volunteer for service. The CLT had many more candidates than they were able to place on the committee.Thank you to all who came forward and were willing to serve. The Call Committee is: Vicki Taylor-Roskopf, Cha...

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  250 Hits

On the Brink of Everything

We are now in the middle of Holy Week. Sunday we raised Palms and sang "Hosanna!" This is the beginning of the week that was. In the party (and politically charged) atmosphere that was Passover - with everybody who was anybody in Jerusalem - Jesus rode into town as a Fan Fav who hailed him as a prophet and the promised "Son of David." This was our ...

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  330 Hits

Inviting All Men . . .

Saturday, May 20, Lutheran Men in Mission is sponsoring a "Bold Gathering" for men. It will be at Trinity Lutheran Church Parkland in Tacoma, WA. There is no cost other than a freewill offering basket with lunch. I'm curious about the event and plan to attend personally. If you wish to make a day of it with me I'd be glad to have company. Time...

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Holy Week and Easter 2023 Schedule at Messiah

All are welcome to join in participating in worship throughout Holy Week at Messiah Lutheran Church. On  Maundy Thursday, April 6, at Messiah's Hazel Dell location,  worship will be at 6pm. On Good Friday, April 7, services will be at Hazel Dell at 10:30am and 6pm. The 6pm services on both days will also be livestreamed on the Messiah web...

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Prayer Shawl group meets March 30

Messiah's new prayer shawl group, Faith in Fiber, will meet next on March 30 at 6:00 p.m. in the Narthex at Hazel Dell. The group meets every other Thursday at 6:00 p.m. for devotions, prayer and "knitting in the round", making prayer shawls and lap blankets for those in need of a caring touch. All are welcome! Knitters (and crocheters) knit whiche...

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  195 Hits

Pass the plate please

I consider giving and gifting to be sacred acts. They are sacred because giving and gifting are woven into the very fabric of life. We are "given" life from the outset. Parents give so much to children as they grow, and children learn to give in return - smiles, a helping hand, trust, faith. We share a sandwich at lunch, give time to help a neighbo...

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  202 Hits

Messiah Movie Night April 14

All are invited to a free movie night on Friday, April 14 at 6pm! This is a fun, free, and family-friendly event for people of all ages to enjoy, so share the news and invite your friends! Snacks will be provided, but guests are encouraged to eat dinner beforehand. You are also invited to wear your pajamas, bring a blanket, and whatever else will h...

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  352 Hits

Easter flower sign ups

Orders are now being taken for Easter flowers. The deadline to order is March 29. Cost is $16/plant.  There will be both Easter lilies and spring flowers, but we cannot guarantee what type of plant you will receive. Plants may be picked up after Easter worship. To order, please fill out the sign up form at the link below: Easter flower sign up...

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  193 Hits

Clothing Drive for Jason Lee Middle School

New and gently used clothing (all sizes) is now being collected. Donations can be brought to church during office hours or to any worship services. Donations are being collected through April 5. Please contact Jessica Potts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

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CALL COMMITTEE - The Next Step!

The CLT is beginning it's process of putting together Messiah's Call Committee, a significant group in the calling of a new pastor. This communication is designed to 1) Explain the process, 2) Allow members to volunteer for service, and 3) Outline the responsibilities of the call committee and the timeline they will follow. 1. How Does this Wo...

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  397 Hits

People of a Certain Age

The 6:00 AM Tuesday morning book group has just finished Bill McKibben's The Flag, the Cross and the Station Wagon and is now in recess until April 11. (The Tuesday after Easter.) Sometime between now and then I'll get a "vote" form out for you about our next book or focus. There are no space limitations on ZOOM so we'd love to have you! ...

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Messiah Hosts Parkinson's Support Group

The West Vancouver Parkinson's Disease Support Group meets the third Friday of every month in the Fellowship Hall. This support group is sponsored by the Parkinson's Resources of Oregon and SW Washington, headquartered in Beaverton. This group meets in person, but also has on-line attendees via Zoom. The group used to meet at Legacy Hospital before...

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  279 Hits

Can-Am book group reads "Belonging"

The Can-Am book group is starting a new book study. This small group meets weekly via Zoom, connecting Messiah with friends in Christ in Saskatchewan, Canada. The group is now reading Belonging: 5 Keys to unlock your potential as a disciple by Karoline Lewis.  The group meets Wednesday from 10-11:30am via zoom  Contact Julie Backous at ju...

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  241 Hits

Messiah partners with Jason Lee Middle School for day of service

This past week Messiah partnered with Jason Lee Middle School for a day of service.  Messiah volunteers helped with eight service projects, five at Jason Lee and three onsite at Messiah.  The projects at Messiah included packing personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief, packing snack bags for Ridgefield Family Resource Center, pa...

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  394 Hits

New Prayer Shawl group meets Thursdays at Hazel Dell

A new caring/crafting ministry has been formed!  Beginning Thursday, March 2 at 6pm in the chapel at the Hazel Dell campus, knitters, crocheters, and weavers will meet together to create prayer shawls and/or lap blankets to give to those in need of prayer (shut ins, people on hospice, recovering from major illnesses, those who are grieving a l...

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  225 Hits

High School and Middle School Youth Night March 3

High School and Middle School Youth Night (includes Night Games!). This is a combined event with youth from area Lutheran Churches. Friday, March 3 from 5:40pm – 10:00pm Meet at Messiah…the group will be traveling to Trinity the event. Pick up is at Trinity Lutheran (309 W. 39th St, Vancouver) at 10:00pm. Cost: A Snack Item to Share. Come dressed t...

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  160 Hits

Midweek Lenten Worship - the Gift of Lament

"Lament" is the gift of giving voice to our anguish, pain or anger without the need to place blame or "fix" something. Many of the Old Testament Psalms are Psalms of Lament and they are given us for a reason. Psalms of Lament are given to us so that we, too, might find words for pains too deep to understand.  How long O Lord?! During the ...

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  291 Hits

A Caring Closet – a local resource you should know about

A Caring Closet is a non-profit place that accepts durable medical equipment from anyone and then gives the equipment away, free, to anyone.You don't have to donate to take.Things like bath benches, grab bars, hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, canes, Depends & Adult briefs are all available to anyone who wants them.They also accept donations...

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Messiah office, preschool closed Feb. 23 due to snowy conditions

The preschool and church office are both closed today, Feb. 23, due to snowy weather conditions. The staff of the preschool and church hope everyone stays safe and warm and enjoys the snow!

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Cancelled: Soup supper, 6pm Ash Wednesday service cancelled due to snow

Due to adverse weather conditions the 5pm Soup Supper and 6pm Ash Wednesday service at the Messiah Hazel Dell Campus have been cancelled. All are invited to join in Sunday worship throughout Lent as well as participate in midweek soup suppers, worship and inter-generational service projects which will begin March 1. 

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Want to garden, but don't have much room? Learn about container gardening at next From Seed to Harvest Meeting

Want to grow stuff - but short on space? Then you need to come to the next meeting of From Seed to Harvest, the Messiah Gardening Ministry. . Many people would like to grow a few veggies, herbs or flowers, but don't have the space to have a garden. Or perhaps you'd just like to try growing a few things without investing a lot of time or money. From...

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  225 Hits