December 18, 2009

Dear Messiah Congregation,
Each Sunday morning in worship, we are hearing beautiful music that touches my heart. The Christmas Choir Concert last Sunday afternoon was a wonderful musical expression of Christ’s birth. I enjoy Christmas music. I enjoy hearing it everywhere I go. Even the mall is playing this music. I suppose I could listen to it all year long, but there is something about listening now that opens my heart to the gospel message. And that’s what I appreciate most – an open heart to experience anew what God wants to do in me. If, like me, you are tuned to the music, join me in this prayer:

Dear God, there is so much wonderful Christmas music. Plant your song in my heart this season, and then help me keep it alive. Help me to sing your praise as honestly and joyfully in February and June and August as I do during the Christmas season. Amen

In this week’s email, I will cover the following:
1. This Sunday
2. Children’s Christmas
3. New members
4. Stewardship Update
5. Peter Larson still outside
6. Christmas Eve

1. This Sunday
We continue our series based on the songs that are found in Luke 1-2. These songs help us understand what God was doing in the birth of Jesus. The question for each of us is “What song will you sing this Christmas?” We know there are many choices. Through Jesus, God offers us one important song. This Sunday, we will listen for that message and ways to share the Song of Christmas with others. I hope you be present.

2. Children’s Christmas
I miss the excitement and enthusiasm that filled our home when our children were younger. This is a special time for young children. I am looking forward to capturing that spirit once again this Sunday at 4:00 in the Children’s Christmas Pageant. The last few years, this experience was part of the Christmas Eve children’s worship, but many children had already traveled elsewhere for Christmas and were unable to participate. They have been rehearsing for weeks. Have you ever wondered what the angels thought on the night Jesus was born? The children will help us imagine. What a wonderful way to begin the week of Christmas.

3. New members
In the past two months, we have been blessed by the number of people who have made a deeper commitment to follow Jesus by being members of Messiah Church. Persons find this church in many different ways. By far, most people receive a personal invitation from someone already attending Messiah. The second most frequently mentioned way of finding Messiah Church is through our website. At the bottom of this email, I am listing the name of those who have joined. Look for them when you are at church, welcome them, and invite them into ministry with you.

4. Stewardship Update
This last week many more of you returned your commitment cards in our annual stewardship campaign. Thank you! So far a total of 312 households have returned their commitment cards - almost 63% of the commitment cards that have been mailed. We have surpassed the amount committed for 2009. We are still a ways from the number of commitments we hope to receive, but we are so grateful for all who returned your cards. By returning your estimate of giving card you help us to plan our ministry for the coming year. If you would like to make your commitment card right now, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

5. Peter Larson still outside
Peter is a student in our congregation who has been sleeping outside every night since the middle of November in an effort to raise the awareness of persons in the west metro area who lack adequate housing or are at risk of losing their housing. Peter’s personal goal is to raise $100,000 and to sleep outside until that amount is raised. To date, he has raised $35,000. Let’s help bring Peter inside by Christmas. This is also one of our Christmas offering opportunities. You can contribute in worship or by clicking here.

6. Christmas Eve
Even persons who do not usually attend worship are thinking about Christmas and are open to an invitation to discover what the music and the story of Christmas really means. Who do you know that you could invite? This year, there are three options.
4:00 p.m. Children and Family Worship
6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship with Candlelight and Carols
9:00 p.m. Traditional Worship with Candlelight and Carols
Don’t miss the Fourth Sunday of Advent as we listen for the Song of Christmas. In Christ’ love,

Steve Richards
www.messiahchurch.org

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