Messiah Lutheran Church 14920 Hutchison Road Tampa, Florida 33625

Statement of Mission

We, the members of Messiah Lutheran, in grateful thanksgiving for the blessings of forgiveness, life and salvation through

Jesus Christ our Lord:

~ Consecrate ourselves to grow in faith

~ Devote ourselves to grow in service

~ Dedicate ourselves to grow in witness outreach

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Messiah Lutheran Church August ~ 2018

14920 Hutchison Rd. Tampa, Florida (North of Ehrlich) 33625-5507

Mark Adrian, Pastor 444-3147 (C) pastormark@messiahtampa.com

Tammy Nunes, Office Administrator 961-2182 (Office)

tnunes@messiahtampa.com 968-8895 (Office)

Fax 961-0592

Abby Moss, Family Life Minister 789-7143 (C)

www.messiahtampa.com

Joan Brannan, Preschool Director 968-9534

Kim Capsas, Minister of Music/Organist 948-2767

Worship:

8:30 AM (Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays) Christian Education:

9:45 AM Contemporary (Holy Communion 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays) 9:45 AM

11:00 AM (Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays)

Dear Messiah Lutheran Church,

Have you ever had the privilege of being an insider, where you get all the perks

of being a VIP?

When I was growing up I had the experience of being an insider at the Daytona

International Speedway. My father had a colleague at work, who owned one of

the race teams that was racing in the Rolex 24 hours race. The Rolex 24 hour

race, was a race that lasted for 24 hours that used more of the European style of

race cars. Before the race started, my Dad somehow had hooked us up with the

race team’s all access pass. We got to go to the garage to see them work on the

car, we got to go to the pit box as they were prepping for the race, we met multi-

ple drivers and crew chiefs! During the race, all that was off limits to us was the

track! It was all access! We were insiders at the Daytona International Speed-

way!

It’s a great feeling, being an insider. We are also insiders with God! So many

times, we take it for granted. We have that same access I had at Daytona Inter-

national Speedway to God and His kingdom.

We’ll be starting a new series on August 12th called Insiders: Bringing All Things Together, where we will look at the book of Ephesians. Paul’s letter to

the Ephesians emphasizes one point: we are In Christ. Out of God’s incredible

grace, He has extended to each of us the gift of salvation and forgiveness. We,

who were once outsiders with respect to a relationship with God, are now insid-

ers. And as a result of God’s grace, not only do we know what it means to be

connected to God (In Christ), but we also know what it means to be connected

to one another (In Christ).

This sermon series will unpack Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:17-19: “And I pray

that you, being rooted and established in love, may have the power, together

with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled

to the measure of all the fullness of God.” We will dig into what it truly means to

be “In Christ”, to be fully and maturely rooted in His body, the church.

We’ll also have our Rally Day Pep Rally that kicks off on Sunday, August 12! I

hope you join us as we experience being insiders!

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mark

SERVING MESSIAH IN AUGUST

8:30 AM 11:00 AM ACOLYTES:

5 Tristan Clark Sean Rozell

12 Laura Vest Francesca Aldrich

19 Kyra Straily Kent Daniels

26 Katie Heidelberg ALTAR GUILD:

Norma & Walt Halfmann Janet Booth ELDERS:

5 Mike Mekelburg & Tim Hohl Phil Mattice & Vic Riveiro

12 Erik Peterson Jack Jensen

19 Erik Peterson & Phil Mattice Brian Owens & Bob Robertson

26 Brian Owens Jack Jensen GREETERS:

5 Lorraine Eden Dorothy Biegert

12 Jon and Kris Johnson Paul Dworkin

19 Earl and Dixie Meyer Frank and Pat Scalise

26 Suzanne Powell Tim and Julie Hohl LAY READERS

5 8:30…Mike Mekelburg 9:45…Bob Robertson 11:00…John Dufresne

(1 Samuel 2:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:15-22, Mathew 6:5-13)

12 8:30…Erik Peterson 9:45…Dale Laxton 11:00…Paul Riffel

(2 Samuel 22:21-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 17:6-19)

19 8:30…Gayle Carlson 9:45…Vic Riveiro 11:00…Cliff Yarosh

(Psalm 148:1-14, Ephesians 2:11-22, John 17:20-26)

26 8:30…Mike Castro 9:45…Wendy Huss 11:00…Dale Laxton

(Ezekiel 36:24-30, Ephesians 3:14-21, John 16:5-15) COFFEE:

5 Gwen Salt 12 Kris & Jon Johnson

19 Volunteer(s) Needed 26 Donna Bartholomew & Pat Greene CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 9:45 a.m. USHERS ELDERS ACOLYTES

5 Floyd Skeins Bob Robertson Jacob Nicol

12 Volunteer(s) Needed Dale Laxton & Tim Hohl Gracie Skeins

19 Ron Dial & Angelina Dial Vic Riveiro Ethan Thacker

26 Steve & Gaylene Gay Mike Mekelburg & Paul Riffel AJ Mantei

Ministries & Activities

Adult Bible Study (Sunday 9:45 a.m.)

Mark Lemke - “Books of the Bible” - Ministry Center Room 201

Bible Study - Ministry Center Room 202

Altar Guild - Lois Draper, 961-8287

American Heritage Girls - CLC - Donna Peachey, dpeachey31@gmail.com

Angel Stitches - CLC - Room 1 - Lynn Turke, 960-7289

Assimilation - CLC - Conference Room - Bruce Noyes, 264-0760

Bakalyar’s Neighborhood Bible Study - At her home - Beverly, 300-3085

BAMOMS - CLC - Middle

Boy Scouts - Ministry Center - Room 204 & Gym - Jeff Bohren, jbohren@yahoo.com

Carrollwood Care - CLC/Rm 1 - 3rd Wednesday monthly - Mary Plotkowski, 813-960-9220

Choir - Sanctuary - Monday - Kim Capsas, 598-8160 or Facebook

Christian Education Mtg. - Copier Room - Ernie Munzen, 510-3636

Cub Scouts – Pack 18 - CLC - Middle - Joe Bartolotta, 933-9245

Feed Your Neighbor - Bobbie Packer, 614- 937-4005

Florida Suncoast Decorative Artist - CLC - Middle

Handbells - Sanctuary - Monday - Kim Capsas, 598-8160 or Facebook

LifeLight Bible Study - CLC - Middle - Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m.

LWML - Nancy Lemke, 264-5095

Memorial Garden Committee - Cry Room - Lu Heine, 569-9377

Men’s Bible Study - CLC - Conference Room ~ Wednesday Morning 7:00 a.m.

Messiah’s Followers Forever - Ministry Center ~ Barbara Packer, 428-6204

Narcotics Anonymous - Ministry Center - Youth Room ~ Thursdays @ 8:00 p.m.

Pinochle - contact David West at 817-4446 or westbaysol@hotmail.com; play monthly

Preschool Fellowship - Ministry Center - Gym

Senior Adults - Lois Dworkin, 727-648-4365 or Dorothy Biegert, 961-0659

Social Ministry - CLC - Conference Room ~ Beverly Fisher, 961-6290

Stephen Ministry Support - Ministry Center - Rm. 201- Walt Halfmann, 792-8406

Trail Life - Ministry Center - Joe Gabriel, 765-2196

Wednesday Evening Adult Bible Study ~ 6:45 - 7:45, Ministry Center #201

Youth Choir/Flag Team - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook

Youth Sunday Afternoon - Ministry Center - Gym & Youth Room - Abby Moss, 789-7143

August Birthday Blessings!

May God Bless each and everyone of you on your special day!

1 Jay Hanjian Michael Martin Yvette Pullara 2 Patricia Harding 3 Gene Fricke 4 Jon Johnson Jean Jones 6 Kristin Jones

7 Amy Lewis

8 CoCo Arango Jeff Petzold Sandra Robertson

9 Jacob Bohren Fran Kelly

10 Heather Dial Denise Kassel JoAn Simpson

11 Matthew Garcia Kailyn McClutchy Grace Watters

12 Rick Larson Ashley Mantei Jake Scheidter

13 Aidan Neal 14 Princess Bowen Bill Hilbmann 15 Taylor Carlton Anna Eicholtz Anna Nerio-Warner Nancy Wijas 16 Selena Daniel Sean Rozell 17 Brenda Letellier Amanda Lewandoski Richard Vollrath 18 Ann Gillett Dublin Podosek Debra Rice 19 Dan Paton 20 Jonathan Martin Jen Nicol 21 Sandy Hansen Bill Haupt Karen Nester 22 Sue Hanlon Julie Moll Susie Olds

23 Marianne Vollrath Anne Wall 24 Janet Holstein Anthony Wright 25 Jennifer Aldrich Marge Clegg Brandy Neal 26 Tess Carlton Fiona Wall 27 Julie Schafer Jan Umbaugh 28 Pamela Foster 29 Amy Adrian Koda Daniel Ann Ferguson 30 Mitzie LaForm 31 Jeff Bohren Michael Grilli Ben Letellier Robert Plotkowski

Summer Christian Education Hour at 9:45AM

Concludes on Sunday, August 5, 2018.

Newsletter Information ~ All directors, committee members, and anyone else desir-ing to place announcements in the September Newsletter, please e-mail to Tammy at tnunes@messiahtampa.com by Wednesday, August 15th.

BLOOD DRIVE ~ Sunday, August 19th at 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. It's fast! It's easy! Sign up on the board in the Breezeway or visit www.fbsdonor.org to make an appointment for your next donation. Use Sponsor Code 02271.

Senior adults will meet for lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 23rd at Bally Hoo located at 7604 Ehrlich Road, Tampa. Please have your reservations in by Monday, August 13th to Dorothy Biegert at 961-0659 or Lois Dworkin at 727-648-4365 or email at lrdmom@gmail.com.

Help Needed: Tom Windsor is looking for additional help with playground equipment and light touch up painting. If you are interested, please contact Tom at 813-598-1563 or email him at: tomsan43@verizon.net

CPR Training

Messiah Preschool staff will be going through CPR training. They invite you to join them in the CLC on August 7th from 12:30-2:30 PM. Cost for the class is $35. RSVPs are required so the instructors can prepare the needed space and materials. Please RSVP to Preschool Director, Joan Brannan, at preschooldirector@messiahtampa.com or 968-9534.

Please RSVP no later than Sunday August 5th.

CARROLLWOOD CARE

We will not be doing our regular monthly birthday parties during the summer

months (June, July and August) so our volunteers can enjoy the summer

vacation. Look for us to return Wednesday, September 19 at 2:15 PM to

resume our birthday parties for the residents of Carrollwood Care.

Please continue to keep the residents of Carrollwood Care in your prayers

during the summer months and you can place gift donations in the box labeled

Carrollwood Care in the narthex. Suggested gift items (unwrapped) are: slipper socks,

mens collared knit shirts (size M or L), small stuffed animals, small lotions, small

bedside decorations. We thank you for your help for this wonderful ministry.

FINAL DAYS of SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES! Bored? Want to make the most of your time off? Join us for some final days

of summer service and fun!

Thursday August 2 Youth Laser Tag (Grades 5-12) @ Q-zar 6:45-8:45PM

7807 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL

All youth grades 5-12 meet us at Q-zar or contact Abby Moss ahead of time for a ride from church. You must sign-up to attend this event. Sign up sheet can be found on the youth bulletin board. Cost is $10/person for 2 games we must have a minimum of 10 people for this event to occur. Deadline to sign-up is July 29.

Tuesday August 7th Youth Serve (Grades 5-12)

Meet at Messiah at 10:45AM. We will depart for a day of serving @ Feeding Tampa Bay and spend the day sorting, stocking, and organizing donations.

Closed toed shoes are a must. Wear clothes that can get dirty. No tank tops. Parents may complete a waiver by going to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/

e/1FAIpQLScCicLueXmq4WAFS4nYbre4Ga3FTlKY9YF118OLJLvrjEpThA/viewform Or getting a paper copy off the youth bulletin board. We will depart by 4:30PM and return to Messiah by 5PM. Sign up to attend. We will need

additional adult /parent drivers. Lunch provided. Deadline to RSVP is August 5th.

Youth Parents (Grades 5-12)! With the start of a new school year, we need a new general emergency medical release form for EACH and EVERY student. This is good for the whole school year and any events, it just ensures we have up to date contact information and medications and health stuff and permission/decline for use in PR stuff. Forms were emailed and snail mailed with Fall mailings during July and there are copies on the youth bulletin board

in the narthex. You can email your forms to abbymoss@messiahtampa.com or print and return. Thanks for your help!

Youth School Year Calendar of Events for the whole school year were also sent out with July mailings. Copies are available on the youth bulletin board so you know (at least tentatively) what will be happening when for the school year. Take a look and see how you can get involved and help!

Attention Parents of 3rd Graders!

You are invited to a special event on EITHER Wednesday August 8th from 7-8PM OR Saturday August 11th from 10-11AM on the second floor of the Ministry Center in Room 202. You will have an opportunity at this event to inscribe a special Bible verse or note to your third grader in the Bible that will be presented to your child at worship on Sunday August 12. This will be a great time for the parents to get together to have a time of devotion and fellowship and to really focus in on what this Bible presentation is all about and how we can support you as parents in raising Godly children. This is mandatory for all of our third grade parents. If you would like to participate and neither of those dates work please let us know.

Messiah traditionally gifts our incoming 3rd graders with Bibles on Rally Day. This year, we would like to make this a special family milestone as a part of worship on August

12th. Please contact our Director of Family Ministry, Abby Moss, at abbymoss@messiahtampa.com or 813-961-2182 with questions.

Middle School & Post Confirmation Youth Group

We resume August 1 & 8 6:45-8PM.

August 15th will be Confirmation Orientation.

7th & 8th graders & Post Confirmands, Save the DATE, coming Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 6:45-8PM, in the youth room. this group will be starting Wednesday

September 5th and is open to and those who are through the Confirmation program. Watch for more information coming next month.

“Feed Your Neighbor”

Thank you for all your support of feeding our neighbors. Over the summer we had a very successful gathering of items for the children. This month we are gathering peanut butter and jelly for the pantries. This is

a real staple to help stretch meals for families in need. Let’s make this a full court press. We look to collect 500 pieces. Thanks again for your support. Feed Your Neighbor Committee

Messiah Pinochle Fellowship

We will soon be starting the 2018-2019 season. We play once a month, September thru May. Don’t have a partner, can’t play every month, would like to be a substitute? All welcomed! If you’re interested in being a part

of this Christian fellowship group, please sign up on the bulletin board or contact David or Annie West 727-623-0149 or westbaysol@hotmail.com.

Sunday August 5th Congregational Service Day

& Discipleship Training starting at 9:45AM

Our high school youth had a great opportunity to serve and witness in Atlanta as a part

of our summer mission trip 2017. We would like the opportunity to share what we

learned with you and implement it here, in Tampa. Caring for the others including the

homeless is a lot like caring for anyone. People can be spiritually homeless and have

a house and be houseless but have a heavenly home. God can use us to help those

with either need. Join us for 8:30AM worship. Then, adults and teens, join us Sunday

August 5th at 9:45AM in the youth room for a special training and time of sharing by

our youth and Pastoral Leadership Group before we hit the streets and serve some of

those in our midst who have a need. Dress comfortably for walking and being outside,

and if you have a back pack bring it along. Younger children may

attend with parents or as families. We will return to Messiah

around 1PM. We hope you will join us. This is a follow up to our

November 2017 event and a reschedule following Hurricane Irma

last September.

Adult Inquirer’s Class - If you are interested in becoming a member of Messiah Lutheran Church or just want to learn more about what we as Lutheran Christians believe, teach and confess, Messiah is offering a one day Inquirer’s class on Saturday, August 18th.

• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Ministry Center, room 201.

A New Member Orientation class for all who desire to join Messiah including by transfer or reaffirmation of faith, will be held the same day from.

• 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. in the Ministry Center, room 201.

New Member Sunday is scheduled for August 26th.

If you are interested in attending the Inquirer’s Class email or call our church office, tnunes@messiahtampa.com, 961-2182, so materials can be prepared for you.

When: Sunday August 12

All Church Opening in the Sanctuary at 9:45AM followed by our Sunday School launch in the CLC

at 10AM. Church picnic will be from 11am-2pm

Celebrate the start of the school year with

games, bounce house, dunk tank, & activities for all ages.

Where: Messiah Lutheran Church Ministry Center & Gym

Messiah Pep Rally Day

Children and adults of al l ages are welcome for a t ime of fel lowship and fun!

Playgroups at Messiah

Playgroup Registration Form 2018

Child’s name DOB

_________________________________________________________ ___/____/____

Home church (if any): ___________________________________________

Adult participating with child in playgroup _______________________________________

Child’s Address Home Phone Number

_______________________________________ _____-_____-_____

_______________________________________

Mother’s Name Contact Number

________________________________________________ _____-_____-_____

Father’s Name Contact Number

_________________________________________________ _____-_____-______

Allergies, Medications or limiting conditions that we should be aware of for the safety of your child ...

___________________________________________________________________________

Emergency contact Name Phone Number

_________________________________________________ _____-_____-______

I give permission to use photos of my child and myself in future promotional literature (circle one) YES NO

I give permission for my child to participate in Playgroups at Messiah.

Parent Signature ______________________________________ Date ____/____/____

Email address (optional): _________________________________________________

Senior High Youth Rock the Universe! We’ve heard the request due to Friday night football and band, Join us on SATURDAY September 8 for this great night of concerts and rides at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. Cost will be $60/person. You must commit to the whole event (no late arrivals or early departures unless your family is going together and staying separately overnight and just wants to go in on discounted tickets). We will depart from Messiah at 1:30PM on Saturday September 8th and return around 3AM Sunday morning. Due to our late/early arrival we will have a devotion and camp out in the ministry center. Our event will end with early worship together at 8:30AM. Younger youth may attend at the discounted price with a parent. Deadline to sign-up and for payment is Sunday August 12th. Your spot is not confirmed until payment is received. Please let us know if you would like us to check for “banked” payment from this event last year as it was cancelled due to Irma. Parents, we are in need of drivers for this event.

Are you entering 5th or 6th grade? Are you a youth who has not yet been Confirmed?

Then we invite you to the Confirmation Parent & Youth Information Meeting! This is for 1st & 2nd year students!

Wednesday August 15 from 6:45-8PM in the Ministry Center. This meeting is mandatory for all Confirmands and parents. If you cannot attend, please

contact Pastor Mark or Abby Moss so we can include you in the roster and make sure you get all the necessary information. If you have questions or know of anyone else who might be interested in Confirmation classes please contact Pastor Mark or Abby. The first Confirmation Class will be Wednesday August 22 from 6:45-8PM.

New Confirmation students will receive their catechisms as a part of the worship service on Sunday August 12th at whichever service you attend, so we encourage you to attend worship that Sunday.

*******************************************************Special Thanks to those Volunteers who helped with youth activities During

the Month of July. Thanks to…. Open Gym Helpers: Paul Dworkin, Tim Schultz, & Steve Jones

Special Event Helpers: Jennifer Aldrich, Donna Rozell, Steve Jones, Paul Dworkin, and Tim Schultz

We appreciate you and couldn’t do it without you!

******************************************************* August 19th Mission Trip Sharing at all Services!

Join us for worship on August 19th to hear more about RESTORE, the June

2019 mission trip participants’ experiences and stories. We thank you for

your support and look forward to sharing with you our photos, stories, and

experiences from this event.

PRESCHOOL NEWS

Open Registration for the 2018 - 2019 Year continues!

Registration fee is $80.00 5 - day a week 4 year old class - VPK Program No cost to parents

5 - day a week non VPK class - $295.00 per month

3 - day a week 3 year old class - $240.00 per month

2 - day a week 3 year old class - $200.00 per month

3 - day a week 2 year old class - $240.00 per month

2 - day a week 2 year old class - $200.00 per month

Please continue to tell your friends and neighbors about our awesome Preschool.

For a tour of our Preschool or for more information, please call Joan Brannan, Director at (813) 968-9534 or preschooldirector@messiahtampa.com.

Check out our Preschool Website: www.messiahpreschool.org.

Child abuse prevention class coming. Do you work with children or teens? Would you like to in the future? Are you involved in VBS? Then we need you to attend a child abuse pre-vention training so we can run a background screen on you! This is a requirement for all adults (over 18) working with teens and children for their safety and for yours. Volunteers need to be rescreened every 5 years. We have several date and time options. Please RSVP to our secretary, Tammy Nunes, at tnunes@messiahtampa.com with what date and time you will be there so we can plan materials for you. Options are:

Tuesday, July 31st, at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 4th, at 10:00 a.m. or

Monday, August 6th, at 7:00 p.m.

All classes will meet in Ministry Center Room 202. Thanks for your partnership and willing-ness to serve at Messiah.

Messiah Lutheran Board of Christian Education

This Fall, commit your family to regular worship and Sunday School. Ernie Munzen has

stepped up to become the Director of the Board of Christian Education. Several team mem-

bers have come off our board. We are in need of some additional team members to serve on

the Board of Christian Education and to help us prepare for Fall programming, Sunday School,

and special events like Fall Festival, Rally Day, Easter Egg Hunt, and Christmas program-

ming. If you love children and Christian Education and would like to learn more about this

opportunity for service, please speak to Ernie Munzen, Pastor Mark, or Abby Moss.

Listed below are the current Church Officers, Elders and members of the PPC. Thank you for serving.

Council: President: Wayne Jackson Vice President: Jim Gardner Secretary of Council: Magda McKay Treasurer: Tim Schultz Financial Secretary: David Pergande

Elders: Tim Hohl, Jack Jensen, Mike Juliano, Phil Mattice, Mike Mekelburg, Brian Owens, Erik Peterson, Vic Riveiro and Bob Robertson

Directors of: Assimilation: Mike Castro Public Relations: John Dufresne Education: Ernie Munzen School Board: Nancy Umbaugh Elders: Mike Mekelburg Social Ministries: Beverly Fisher Evangelism/Outreach: Diane Wawrzyniak Stewardship: Mark Scheimann Memorial Garden: Sandi Windsor Youth: Paul Dworkin Properties: Ken Cyrus

You’re Invited to a Baby Shower!

Join us Sunday, August 19th from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. at Messiah’s Ministry Center to celebrate the anticipated

arrival of Pastor and Amy Adrian’s twin girls!

They are registered on Amazon.

Please RSVP by 8/12/18 in the Narthex or email Julie Hohl at jhohl@hohlaccounting.com. If you have any questions, please contact: Julie Hohl; 813-240-6538; jhohl@hohlaccounting.com or Anna Eicholtz; 813-404-3005.

Sunday School Pep Rally Day!

Sunday August 12th at 9:45AM

Help us celebrate the start of another school year and the kick off for our Sunday School year in the CLC! Join us in the Sanctuary for ALL CHURCH

OPENING. Then bring your whole family for a special project and join us for our opening program and meet your teachers and classmates in the CLC. Stay at 11AM or join us after worship at noon for a special church picnic

and games (event will run 11AM-2PM)!

Everyone is welcome!

Youth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth Night For youth grades 5-12 -Sundays from 4pm-6pm

We begin with a short devotion. Parents we need your help as chaperones Open Gym dates for August are 5, & 26!

No Open Gym Youth Night August 12th due to the Pep Rally Day picnic. August 19th will be a congregational baby shower for the Adrians from 2-4! Join us for that

and then stay later in the youth room till 6PM for a board game afternoon and devotion.

Senior High, join us for the 2nd Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night August 12th at 6:30PM in the youth room! This month we will feature BBQ. Meet in the youth room

for a time of fellowship and study. Bring your favorite appetizer, salad, side dish, beverage, or dessert to share!

Teens, The Men’s Club would like to have a few helpers with

games and food service for the Pep Rally Day picnic on Sunday August 12th. Talk to Jerry Hansen or Abby Moss if interested.

YOUTH AND Parent Supper & NYG Planning August 26th!

2019 National Youth Gathering

We will have an informational meeting and family supper on Sunday August 26th. The youth gathering is open to all high school students. If you are at least 14 and will be a freshman-senior during the 2019-2020 school year or a 2019 high school graduate you are eligible to attend the gathering in Minnepolis, MN on July 11-15, 2019. We encourage everyone to at least attend an informational meeting and then decide whether or not you would like to attend the gathering. If

this date/time does not work for you, we can look into recording the meeting or having an alternative meeting on Sunday September 9th. Talk to Abby with questions. This will replace

the high school 4th Sunday dinner this month. RSVPS encouraged for food planning purposes!

August 15 Back to School Fall Schedule & Confirmation Orientation

First Confirmation Class. August 22, 6:45-8PM

August 25 Youth Leadership Training We will meet at Messiah at 9AM for the leader training and goal setting. We will join with congregational leaders and fill the time with Devotions, activities, planning the upcoming year, project, and lunch. We will wrap up around 4pm. Please let Abby know if you plan

to attend. Lunch included.

From Abby… (Not to be confused with Dear Abby,) “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at

work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh

and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature

deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.

And

God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

For we are God’s

handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:1-10

It is truly a privilege to be able to work with youth/students. It is a blessing to work with them over several years as I get to be a part of seeing their transformation from tiny preschoolers to Confirma-tion students or youth group participants or awkward/hyper middle schoolers to helpful and accom-plished young adults. I was reminded of this and it became even more clear as I had the opportunity to both witness some of our students serve in Vacation Bible School here or on the mission trip this summer. Transformation also becomes clear as we prepare for Fall transitions and leadership roles and changes as students move up a grade level. God’s grace is an amazing thing. The faith and faith growth He works in us is truly remarkable. He even takes incomplete and imperfect versions of us and prepares and uses us to do good so that the Gospel can be spread. This isn’t accomplished in any way where we get to praise ourselves or pat ourselves on the back but in such a way that it is undeniable that Christ is there and at work. This section of the Bible comes to life when I see students who helped with Messiah’s VBS program in early June jump into action during a technology crisis during VBS on the Mission trip. When all the music videos and movies were not visible, I watched a group of teenagers jump into action with their own songs and motions, prayers, and Bible themes because they had been prepared weeks be-fore. God used these experiences so that His Word could be shared with children who had never heard it before. I saw a teenager who as a child used to get into a little bit of mischief and need to be reminded to listen and follow instructions, now leading a group of rowdy young students, encouraging them to listen and follow. God’s transformative power was evident in this student. We had the privilege to have several guests help with our VBS program. These teenagers were amazed by what they could bring to and contribute to the program and how much fun serving could really be. They saw grace and kindness and Christ at work in peers and how serving here was different than serving elsewhere. It is always a joy when community leaders in service organizations who often work with volunteers notice, “something different” about “our “ teenagers. Christ is alive and at work and is visible in those who serve in His name, even if they are still young and goofy. This is not meant to boast as students aren’t the ones doing the work. Christ is doing the work. He uses all kinds of vessels. It is just a privilege to see Him use those who are here, those who are young, and those who are still “works in progress.” He produces, He prepares, and He extends His grace, we are just blessed to be His hands and feet.

College & Young Adults (mid twenties)

We will be having our FALL 2018 group launch on Sunday August 19th! Join us from 6:30-?PM at Mission BBQ at 3612 Bruce B. Downs S. Blvd. University Plaza Tampa, FL 33615. Dinner is on us if you RSVP in advance (still come join us last minute if you are able)! Invite a friend and join us for food and fellowship.

Following our launch, we will have a night out every first and third Sunday of the month at a different location as well as trying to offer one other opportunity during the month for service, fellowship, and/or recreation/fun. Please contact Abby Moss for more information or to get involved. RSVPs can be emailed to abbymoss@messiahtampa.com or texted to 813-789-7143.

If you know another college student or young adult IN THE AREA that might like to be included, please make sure we have their cell number and social media contacts so we can include them in upcoming events and communicate in a relevant way!

Scavenger Hunt! We will be having our next group get together, August 5th! Join us from 6-?PM at Messiah Ministry Center for food & scavenger hunt! Invite a friend and join us for food and fellowship. Feel free to bring a favorite appetizer, snack, or dessert to share, contributions to share welcome but not required. RSVPS encouraged but not required.

Our goal is to offer a night out every first and third Sunday of the month at a different location as well as trying to offer one other opportunity during the month for service, fellowship, and/or recreation/fun. Please contact Abby Moss for more information or to get involved. RSVPs can be emailed to abbymoss@messiahtampa.com or texted to 813-789-7143.

July Registration Opens for Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs) for the National Youth Gathering (NYG) in 2019!

Do you like orange? Are you a young adult between 19 & 25 who wishes you had the opportunity to participate in a National Youth Gathering by serving? Here’s the opportunity for you! It takes around hundreds of volunteers to make the National Youth Gathering happen! Fill out an application at http://www.lcmsgathering.com/yav/. If accepted you will be called to serve as an orange shirt during the Gathering event of July 9-16, 2019 in Minneapolis. For more information check out the website or talk to Abby Moss.

DELICIOUS CUBAN SANDWICHES

Cost: $5.00

Sunday, August 19th, the Hispanic Ministry of the Messiah Church will offer after each Worship Service, delicious Cuban Sandwiches to collect funds needed for our Ministry.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU

!!! ENJOY GOOD FOOD AND SUPPORT US !!!

Consider Helping with our Sunday School this fall: We are recruiting teachers and assistants for the 2018-2019 school year starting August 12, 2018 and ending May 26, 2019. Please pray about your involvement to volunteer to be a Sunday School teacher or assistant. Why should you get involved? Many teachers, year after year, keep returning to teach our children the Bible. We need some new adult teachers/helpers to commit to teaching for the coming year. We need enthusiastic participation by our adults if we are to remain a Bible based church. How can members know we are growing to touch lives if we are complacent about the Word of God? Being a teacher is partaking in a needed ministry right here in the mission field. Being a teacher allows you to give back of the salvation that you believe. Being a teacher causes an impact on your students to be moved by the lesson and to have fun and fellowship in the classroom. Pray about being a teacher or assistant. Can’t help every week? No problem! While we love consistency, but our curriculum is set up with some flexibility so that you can help every week, for a series of weeks, or even one Sunday a month (like every 3rd Sunday).

Why would you want to be a Sunday School teacher or helper?

It is our duty and responsibility to teach our children the Word of God.

It is a joy and privilege and it is fun and exciting to minister the Word.

The Word, once administered, will not return void.

Sunday School is a fundamental ministry of the congregation; we would not be a Bible based church without it.

Teachers and assistants become evangelists by proclaiming the Word.

By preparing the lessons, you become knowledgeable of the Bible.

Teachers and assistants leave a lifelong lasting impression on their students.

Teaching Sunday School puts your faith into action.

Plus, it is a lot of fun!

We are especially looking for help with our two year old class, our 1st-4th grade class, and our middle school class. It is required that all teachers and helpers attend a child abuse prevention seminar. Our upcoming training dates are Tuesday, July 31st @ 7:00 p.m. Saturday, August 4th @ 10:00 a.m., or Monday August 6th @ 7:00 p.m. Can we count on you? Please sign up today on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Please join this ministry: We must be in the Word in order to Grow to Touch Lives. Talk to Ernie Munzen, Abby Moss, or Pastor Mark for more information or with questions.

MUSIC MINISTRY NEWS

Sing for Joy!

We delight in music created for the glory of God! Please join in congregational singing at every worship service regardless of your vocal quality—we are convinced the Holy Spirit reshapes those sound waves to make beautiful music! CHOIR PRACTICE Resumes Monday at 7:30 p.m. on August 20th. Come and sing! There are no auditions…we love seeing new faces! High school age and up. Choir alternates early and late services, it is ok if you travel sometimes, we sing about 75% of Sundays. BELLCHOIR resumes August 27h at 6:30 p.m. Ringers please let me know if you are returning! Some musical experience is necessary, if you would like to play or learn we may have a spot available. Children’s Choir K-5th Please let me know if you are interested. We need at least 6 children. Girls Choir–Girls 6th grade and up who wish to be included please let Kim know, we practice on Sundays at 12:15 as necessary. (not every week) FLAG TEAM Girls --we will contact you whenever we are practicing. We typically practice on Sunday afternoon after church/girls choir. Make sure I know you are interested! High School and Adult Instrumentalists/Actors if I do not know who you are please introduce yourself, we enjoy enhancing worship with drama and music.

Kim Capsas Home: 948-2767 Cell/text 598-8160 capsas@verizon.net