Messiah Blog & News

News at Messiah

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North County, Preschool, Hazel Dell, Messiah

Easter and Holy Week at Messiah 2024

All are welcome to join in celebrating Easter and Holy Week at Messiah, the week of March 24-31, 2024.  Holy Week begins with Palm/Passion Sunday March 24 with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and then the story of his Passion. Services will be at 9am at Messiah North and 10:30 am at Messiah Hazel Dell. On Maundy Thursday, March 28, Messiah wi...

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Call Committee Update-March 2024

Since the update provided at the annual meeting, the Call Committee has received 4 additional Rostered Minister Profiles (RMP) to consider. We have conducted initial interviews with all 4 of the candidates. We conducted a second onsite interview with one of the candidates. That candidate withdrew from consideration as they felt they needed more tim...

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An Evasive Lure ...

If you were a part of our "Internship Process Progress Potluck" February 25, or if you read our summary of that event in last week's Northern Highlights, you may have noticed that several groups said they looked forward to "new, fresh or alternative" perspectives a new pastor might bring. Really?! You shouldn't encourage me. I can do alternative pe...

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Supporting New Pastors

As you may already know, our Lenten Offerings this year go to the ELCA Fund for Leaders. (By Lenten Offerings we mean those specially designated for The Fund.) What you may not know is that a request has been made to Messiah's Endowment Fund to match your gifts, up to $1,500 total, for this worthy cause. If you missed worship this past Sunday, Marc...

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Getting Ready for our new pastor

Sunday, February 25, 2024, Rev. Rebecca Shjerven from the SWWA Synod came down to be with us for worship and a potluck. Thank you to Pr. Rebecca for sure, but THANK YOU to all the great cooks. We had a wonderful meal!  It was great to have so many of us in conversation and just good fun together. Besides fellowship, part of the effort was to g...

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Messiah looking for Easter candy and plastic egg donations for Easter Egg hunts

Lent is in full swing, and Easter Sunday will be here before we know it! We are collecting small, individually wrapped Easter candy that can fit into plastic Easter eggs.  Please ensure that all candy donations are nut-free and not processed in a facility that processes nuts.  Our supply of plastic Easter eggs has also depleted a bit over...

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Discuss patron saints at the next Hop Topics March 19 at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House

The next Hop Topics will be March 19 at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House. Doors will open for the event at 5:30pm and discussion will begin at 6:30pm. Feral Public House is located at 1109 Washington St, Vancouver. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to help give an accurate head count. RSVP here »For the March rendering of HOP TOPICS we will look...

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A thank you from Columbia River High School for Care Closet support

Dear Messiah Family,  For the last ten years I have substituted at Columbia River High School as an administrator.  This affords me the opportunity to work with them and their Food Pantry and Clothes Closet. Our Messiah family has always played an integral role in this operation. We provide them with family gift cards for Thanksgiving and...

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Dave Moore to retire March 31

Dave Moore, Messiah's Facility Coordinator, will be retiring from his role on staff on March 31, 2024.  We are so thankful to Dave for his years of dedication. Watch for an upcoming announcement about how we will celebrate his time on staff.  If you or someone you know is interested in this kind of role, please talk with Jessica Potts.&nb...

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From Seed to Harvest gardening group meets March 9 at Messiah Hazel Dell

From Seed To Harvest, the vegetable gardening group, will be holding a meeting on Saturday, March 9 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the Hazel Dell campus. We will be having a guest speaker. Lori Wick is a certified Master Gardener with extensive experience in many facets of gardening. She will be teaching us about Mason bees. Mason bees are fantastic p...

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Lent in Wonder: A program for children Wednesdays during Lent

Throughout the season of Lent, Wednesdays at Messiah will look a little different.  One of these changes is that our Wednesday children/youth programs are on a break until after Easter. In lieu of Godly Play, we are excited to offer a children's program that will allow kids an opportunity to engage with the season of Lent in a meaningful and c...

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Potluck to follow Pr. Rebecca Shjerven visit at Messiah Feb. 25

Pr. Rebecca Shjerven from the synod office will be visiting and preaching at both Messiah locations on February 25. Following the 10:30am service at Messiah Hazel Dell there will be a potluck and opportunity dinner table discussion. All are invited to be a guest at the potluck and to join in welcome Pr. Rebecca as she takes time to visit. If you ar...

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How do we respond?

This coming Sunday, February 11, is known as the Sunday of the Transfiguration. Our Gospel Lesson is the story of a vision seen by three of Jesus' disciples - Peter, James and John. The vision was of Jesus transfigured into a glowing, bright white, luminous figure - appearing with the Old Testament prophet Elijah and Moses. Perhaps y...

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Lenten Offerings - ELCA Fund for Leaders

It is our joy, privilege and choice during the season of Lent to direct our Wednesday evening offerings to some special project. While we won't be passing the plate on Ash Wednesday, nor during our Holden Vesper Evening Prayer services February 21-March 20, there will be an offering box available at the back during these services. You may also...

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Why we read the Bible in Worship

Reading the Bible is a good thing. Just let me put that out there. Many of us read short Bible passages along with daily devotions and prayer. What a super way to begin or end our day! Some of us enjoy Bible study like we do Wednesday afternoons. Or, you may be part of other study opportunities. Outstanding! For me, devotions are mor...

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What?! Valentine's Day AND Ash Wednesday Together?

By a quirk of the calendar, Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday both fall on February 14 this year. At first blush they seem sort of incompatible to me.  According to Wikipedia, 'Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valenti...

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One Mile Mission requests for new alternative learning portable at Jason Lee and Columbia River High School Care Closet

The One Mile Mission at Messiah has requests to assist with two area schools this month: Jason Lee Middle School is in need of donations for its new alternative learning portable and the Columbia River High School Care Closet has need for many shelf-stable items. Donations may be brought to any worship service or items can be dropped off in the fro...

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New Messiah website coming soon!

Messiah is excited to announce that it will soon be launching a revamped website for the church! After utilizing the same website design for the past decade, Messiah's website is getting a needed facelift, with a launch planned in the coming weeks. The new website will feature a brighter, more welcoming design, and make it easier for guests, member...

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An invitation to consider volunteering at St. Andrew Lutheran for Winter Hospitality Overflow

Thank you to everyone who volunteered (or attempted to volunteer) for Winter Hospitality Overflow at St. Paul Lutheran last week. They had a Covid outbreak, and ended up sending some folks away. We are so sorry if anyone made the trip there just to be turned away. The good news is that the shelter at St. Paul seems to be doing very well under the o...

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Ash Wednesday Services

  Messiah will have two services on Ash Wednesday to mark the beginning of the season of Lent.  The first will be at 12pm at Messiah Hazel Dell to allow for guests to attend over lunchtime if they prefer to receive ashes during the day. The second will be at 6pm at Messiah Hazel Dell.  The 6pm services will be preceded by a soup supp...

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Messiah North music team at both services January 28

The music team from Messiah North will be leading worship at both services this Sunday, January 28. This will begin a quarterly series of sharing our worship styles between our two locations, which reminds us that we are one congregation, one community, and that the Holy Spirit invites us to live as the church in new and exciting ways. It is my con...

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Annual Meeting of the Congregation February 4, 2024

Messiah will hold its annual meeting of the congregation February 4, 2024.  The meeting will include financial reports, updates from the Church Leadership Team and Interim Pastors as well as elections for Church Leadership Team, Nominating Committee and Endowment Committee. All members are encouraged to attend.  Read reports and agenda he...

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21st Century Discipleship

It will be a gift to be back in worship this Sunday, January 21, 2024, and - finally - be free of icy streets. (He said hopefully!!) This Sunday's Gospel Lesson is Mark 1:14-20. You my know this text for its familiar "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." statement. Midweek Bible Study was snowed out, but if we had met ...

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Hop Topics at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House Jan. 30

The next Hop Topics will be held at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House on January 30. Discussion will center around the idea of "Who? What? When? Why? Where? Me? A Prophet!?!?" Gather at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House, 1109 Washington St., in Vancouver. The room will be available as early as 5:30pm and food may be ordered at the bar. Discussion...

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In person worship services cancelled January 14 due to inclement weather

Please click here for the link to the Zoom service» Due to hazardous winter weather conditions, Messiah is cancelling in0person worship  for Sunday January 14, 2024 at the Hazel Dell and Messiah North campuses.  Instead, an informal worship service will occur over Zoom at 10:30am. All are invited to participate.  Please click here fo...

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Volunteering for Winter Hospitality Overflow

This year Messiah is volunteering for shifts at St. Paul the week of January 20-25. Please consider signing up for a shift. ● Two volunteers are requested Saturday-Thursday from 6-9 pm. ● On Saturday and Sunday there are two volunteers needed from 11 am-2 pm (in addition to the two volunteers needed from 6 - 9 pm). ● There are NO volunteers needed ...

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MLK Day of Celebration for Kids and Youth Rescheduled to January 27

Update 1/22/24: This event has been rescheduled to January 27! Updated details below. Messiah is partnering with Majek NW to host a MLK Day Celebration for Kids and Youth on Monday, January 27 from 1pm-3pm The event is designed for kids and their family members to meet friends, learn about social justice themes, and build community. The theme for t...

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Christmas Eve at Messiah 2023

Thank you to all who made Christmas Eve at Messiah special this year. From the choir, to the decorations, to those who portrayed the Holy Family, to all those who attended any of the Christmas Eve services, it would not have been possible without you.

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Young Adults invited to celebrate the New Year January 7

All young adults are invited to get together after the holidays on Sunday, January 7 from 6-8pm for food, fellowship, and fun. We will catch up, play board games, and enjoy pizza and snacks together. This is a free event, but everyone is encouraged to bring a snack/side dish to share with the group. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Please meet at...

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Thank you to all who purchased Christmas Poinsettias

Thank you to all who purchased Poinsettias this year to decorate at both campuses during Christmas Eve services. Rick and Sheri Backous In memory of family who have gone before us and in honor of our daughters and their families Rita Finnegan In memory of Ron Finnegan, Lillian and Slim Williams, Elmer Wirkman and other family members Lynne Flanders...

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A thank you from Winter Hospitality Overflow to all its supporters

To the Volunteers and Supporters of WHO, As we approach the end of 2023 and almost halfway through season 21, we reflect on the warmth and compassion that has defined the Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO) program at St. Paul and St. Andrew Lutheran Churches. It is with immense gratitude and joy that we extend our most profound appreciation to each ...

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Vegetable gardening group meeting Jan. 20

From Seed to Harvest (the vegetable gardening ministry), will be meeting on Saturday, January 20 at 9:30 AM in the Sanctuary at Hazel Dell. The meeting will conclude at 11:30 AM. This gathering is open to anyone. If you'd like to learn more about growing veggies at home or contribute some of your knowledge to others, we'd love to see you. If you wo...

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The Christmas Creche - Timeless

We had a Christmas creche, a manger scene, in my house growing up that came out every year. I remember it well. The angel was white plastic and didn't match the rest of the figures.  The three wisemen I would parade around the living room on their way to see the baby Jesus. The stable was wood with moss growing on it. That felt right to me liv...

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Learn more about Messiah's efforts in Caring for Creation

Jim Dawson appeared at Messiah's November Church Leadership Team meeting, and presented the further work he has done in looking into Caring for Creation at Messiah. Jim has done an extensive amount of work in understanding Messiah's energy consumption and facilities as a part of this work.  Please click here to see Jim's work in its entirety. ...

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All are welcome December 20 to help get the church sanctuary ready for Christmas

Christmas is a special time of year where we welcome family and friends to our home and our church. We give our homes an extra polish to prepare for the guests. Would you consider helping give our sanctuary a special polish too? We will meet on Wednesday, December 20 at 10:30am to deep clean.  The church has a special vacuum to clean the pew u...

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Christmas Eve worship at Messiah for 2023

Christmas Eve worship at Messiah Lutheran Church in Vancouver will include services at both Messiah North at Windy Hills Winery in Ridgefield and at Messiah's Hazel Dell campus. At 10:30am on December 24th there will be a candlelight service with traditional carols and communion at Messiah Hazel Dell. Click here for the livestream link for the 10:3...

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Christmas in Bethlehem 2023

Pr. Muther Isaac is a Lutheran pastor in Palestine. He is a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and Holy Land. He lives in Bethlehem and is the Academic Dean of Bethlehem Bible College, and Director of Christ at the Checkpoint.  Hear Pr. Isaac in this Al Jazeera news piece (above). The YouTube link below is the same. ...

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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

Update 12/4: We are so excited about the amount of people interested in decorating gingerbread houses, but that unfortunately means that this event is currently at full capacity. If you are hoping to participate in this event, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible to be put on the waitlist. We will let people in as spots becom...

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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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  287 Hits

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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  725 Hits

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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  466 Hits

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! 

  505 Hits

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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  688 Hits

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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  334 Hits

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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  410 Hits

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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  570 Hits

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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  382 Hits

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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  538 Hits

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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  288 Hits

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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  312 Hits

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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  418 Hits

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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  385 Hits

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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  406 Hits

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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  403 Hits

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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  316 Hits

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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  532 Hits

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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  374 Hits