Messiah Lutheran Church

10/18/2026

Good morning, Beloved Church. When we think about stewardship, we often talk about giving from the variety of gifts we have been given already, for the sake of others. Our time, our talent, and our treasure often are the operative words we use. Although we may think of these as gifts that are indeed ours, the truth is that at the end of the day all of it already belongs to God, because it has all come from God in the first place. How might that sort of a perspective change the way we think about the gifts in our care? Join in worship today as we hear about Jesus with the leaders of his day, trying to work through a bit of a social trap full of landmines at every turn and listen for what good news might be amidst it all.

We invite you to follow along with us online this Sunday with this bulletin: https://bit.ly/OCT18thBulletin-MLC26

10/17/2026

– Beloved Church, When we think about stewardship, we often talk about giving from the variety of gifts we have been given already, for the sake of others. Our time, our talent, and our treasure often are the operative words we use. Although we may think of these as gifts that are indeed *ours*, the truth is that at the end of the day all of it already belongs to God, because it has all come from God in the first place. How might that sort of a perspective change the way we think about the gifts in our care? Come join in worship on Sunday as we hear about Jesus with the leaders of his day, trying to work through a bit of a social trap full of landmines at every turn and listen for what good news might be amidst it all.

• A special thanks to Michael and Anthony who spoke with us last weekend about the work of Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH). Please see this following video as we continue to think about stewardship of this important relationship in the year ahead: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdmG5GVChfG/?cplk=amk5eWI2cTQ2bmNq

• SCAM WARNING - Pastor Paul will never text you for gift cards, financial gifts, or cash. If you receive a message that seems odd please report it to the church office.

• Intergenerational Game Night – TONIGHT: Looking for a fun, free evening with the whole family? Grab your favorite tabletop game, invite a neighbor, and join us on Saturday, 10/17 starting at 4:30 PM. Whether you love classic strategy games or quick card games, there’s a table waiting for you! We will have some games and food; but feel free to bring more to share!

• Birthday Sunday Fellowship Hour – Oct 18: Join us for Fellowship Hour after the service for our renewal of Birthday Sunday to honor everyone who celebrates an October birthday. All are invited for refreshments and fellowship.

• Thanksgiving Food Drive Oct 18 – Nov 15: Benefits the student Food Pantry at Tri-C, Eastern Campus. Items needed include canned food, mac and cheese, cereal, paper products. Also, items for Thanksgiving dinners such as stuffing mix, canned sweet potatoes, etc. Please place food donations on the table in the church back lobby.

• Reformation Day Potluck – Oct 25: Join us for a potluck in the fellowship hall after service on 10/25. We will have an activity for the kids to enjoy while adults listen to a prevention on Law and Gospel from Grant Eckhart, campus pastor at Jacob’s Porch, OSU. The connections team will provide sloppy joes. Bring your favorite side dish to share, but don’t bring dessert – the kiddos will be in charge of that! And don’t forget to wear red!

• Mobile Scooter for Use! There is now a mobile scooter in the lobby outside the Sunday School wing and council room. This is its charging station; but it is available to anyone who may need it. Just have someone alert an usher, and they will get the key for you. My only ask is that after use, it's taken back to the charging port. The ushers will make sure it's plugged back in and the key is returned to the office. The speed goes from turtle to rabbit, so you are able to go as slow (or as fast) as you'd like. This was my grandma's scooter and I'm sure she'd be happy knowing that it's being put to good use. If you have any questions, just reach out to me (Kristy Bohinc).

• November 10th - DISAGREE BETTER: Constructive Conflict? Is that even possible? Pull up a chair with Braver Angels and learn how to Disagree Better—Practical skills to bridge political divides and turn clash into conversation. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30pm, Messiah will be hosting a workshop by Braver Angels entitled “Skills for Disagreeing Better”. Braver Angels is a nationwide organization dedicated to bridging the divide between “reds” and “blues” politically. This is a FREE event and open to all...but registration is appreciated. NOTE: Use the promo code BRAVER when registering. Click link for more information and to register via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/skills-for-disagreeing-better-registration-2001204329019

10/16/2026

Looking for a fun, free evening with the whole family? Grab your favorite tabletop game, invite a neighbor, and join us on Saturday, 10/17 starting at 4:30 PM. Whether you love classic strategy games or quick card games, there’s a table waiting for you!

What's your all-time favorite board game? Let us know in the comments below! ⬇⬇⬇

10/12/2026

See you at Pub Theology this evening! Check out the blog for the topic: https://pubtheologyeast.wordpress.com/

10/11/2026

Dear Church, "Love God, Love Neighbor" is a common distillation of the teachings of the faith, and is even sometimes called "the Greatest Commandment." Today, we get the chance to hear from the Northeastern Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, our partners in ministry, as we look ahead towards the good and faithful work of loving our neighbors that we might grow in together as 2027 beckons.

We invite you to follow along with us online this Sunday with this bulletin: https://bit.ly/OCT11thBulletin-MLC26

10/09/2026

– Dear Church, "Love God, Love Neighbor" is a common distillation of the teachings of the faith, and is even sometimes called "the Greatest Commandment." This Sunday we get the chance to hear from the Northeastern Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, our partners in ministry, as we look ahead towards the good and faithful work of loving our neighbors that we might grow in together as 2027 beckons. They will have a longer time of sharing during the 9am Adult Sunday School class, and a shorter moment during worship as we listen for the Good News of what God is up to among us. Please join for it all as you are able.

!!! SCAM WARNING - Pastor Paul will never text you for gift cards, financial gifts, or cash. If you receive a message that seems odd please report it to the church office.

• October 11th - COLLECTION for NE Ohio Coalition for the Homeless: This weekend is the final chance to donate Hoodies/sweaters, tents, sleeping bags, gloves, hats, batteries, hygiene products, sunscreen, socks, boots, long underwear, blankets, backpacks, blankets, towels and hand washcloths, tissues and baby wipes, hand sanitizer, masks, bug spray, sunscreen, rain ponchos, hand warmers.

• October 13th - BOOK CLUB: The book club meets on October 13 next month. The book is Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani.

• October 17th - INTERGENERATIONAL GAME NIGHT: Looking for a fun, free evening with the whole family? Grab your favorite tabletop game, invite a neighbor, and join us on Saturday, 10/17 starting at 4:30pm. Whether you love classic strategy games or quick card games, there’s a table waiting for you! We will have some games and food; but feel free to bring more to share!

• October 25th - PLEDGE SUNDAY: Plan to bring your completed blue pledge card as we plan to grow financially in support of Messiah's ministry in the year to come.

• October 25th - REFORMATION SUNDAY: Potluck & Speaker – More details TBA

• November 10th - DISAGREE BETTER: Constructive Conflict? Is that even possible? Pull up a chair with Braver Angels and learn how to Disagree Better—Practical skills to bridge political divides and turn clash into conversation. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30pm, Messiah will be hosting a workshop by Braver Angels entitled “Skills for Disagreeing Better”. Braver Angels is a nationwide organization dedicated to bridging the divide between “reds” and “blues” politically. This is a FREE event and open to all...but registration is appreciated. NOTE: Use the promo code BRAVER when registering. Click link for more information and to register via Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com/e/skills-for-disagreeing-better-registration-2001204329019

10/04/2026

Church, Archaeological evidence seems to suggest that people have had animal companions for at least 15,000 years. These relationships have taken many forms, but we especially give thanks for the pets in our lives and the love and care they give. Today, we gather for a “Pet Blessing Eucharist” service with an abbreviated communion liturgy, short message, and blessing for our animal buds.

We invite you to follow along with us in worship with this bulletin: https://bit.ly/OCT4thBulletin-MLC26

10/02/2026

- Church, Archaeological evidence seems to suggest that people have had animal companions for at least 15,000 years. These relationships have taken many forms, but we especially give thanks for the pets in our lives and the love and care they give. Come on Sunday as we gather for a “Pet Blessing Eucharist” service at 10am following Sunday School, with an abbreviated communion liturgy, short message, and blessing for our animal buds. If your pet doesn’t travel or play well with others, you can bring a photo or simply share their name when we recognize God’s blessings for them during worship. See you there!

• Additional announcement: October is Stewardship Month at Messiah! Keep an eye on your mailbox for a letter focusing on ways we can grow in giving together this coming year.

• Blessing of the Pets – Oct 4: Our 10am worship service will be held in the courtyard (weather permitting) or in the fellowship hall as the backup with a Pet Blessing Holy Communion Service. Bring your pet or picture of your pet for a blessing. Pets should enter the courtyard through the fellowship hall. Social Ministry will be hosting a coffee hour afterwards.

• Collection for NE Ohio Coalition for the Homeless thru – Oct 11: Hoodies/sweaters, tents, sleeping bags, gloves, hats, batteries, hygiene products, sunscreen, socks, boots, long underwear, blankets, backpacks, blankets, towels and hand washcloths, tissues and baby wipes, hand sanitizer, masks, bug spray, sunscreen, rain ponchos, hand warmers. NOTE: Donated items will be collected on the table near the back entrance of the church. The donations will be moved to a secure location following services for safekeeping.

• Book Club – Oct 13: The book club meets on October 13 next month. The book is Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani.

• Intergenerational Game Night – Oct 17: Looking for a fun, free evening with the whole family? Grab your favorite tabletop game, invite a neighbor, and join us on Saturday, 10/17 starting at 4:30pm. Whether you love classic strategy games or quick card games, there’s a table waiting for you! We will have some games and food; but feel free to bring more to share!

• Reformation Day Potluck & Speaker – Oct 25: More details TB

• Disagree Better – Nov 10: Constructive Conflict? Is that even possible? Pull up a chair with Braver Angels and learn how to Disagree Better—Practical skills to bridge political divides and turn clash into conversation. Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30pm, Messiah will be hosting a workshop by Braver Angels entitled “Skills for Disagreeing Better”. Braver Angels is a nationwide organization dedicated to bridging the divide between “reds” and “blues” politically. This is a FREE event and open to all...but registration is appreciated. NOTE: Use the promo code BRAVER when registering. Click link for more information and to register via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skills-for-disagreeing-better-registration-2001204329019?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/30/2026