Upcoming Events

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 make special offerings online if you wish. Just designate them as such. At our congregational meeting last Sunday there was a question about "Why the shortage of younger pastors?" One reason is simply the cost of education. Back in my uncle's day (he went to seminary in the 1940s) the church paid all seminary related costs for future pastors. That is no longer the case. Now pastors, like other graduate level students, face significant education costs both for college and their four years or seminary education. Of course, students do have help. Many of...

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 you know the story. You can read it in Mark 9:2-9. The disciples are confused by this vision. They don't know how to behave in the shadow of such an experience. I'm not sure I would have either. But what's most interest to me is the fact that having appeared, Moses and Elijah then ​dis​appear leaving only Jesus and his disciples. And then there is a voice from heaven, ​​"This my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him!"​​ All their lives these disciples have been taught to listen the Moses - the Law - and Elijah - the prophets. Now this! So this...

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 are able, please bring a food item to share for the potluck. Last Name A-G Salad H-N Dessert 0-Z Main Dish

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... Original author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Dave Brauer-Rieke)

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... Original author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Ben McCarty)