Summer Youth and Adult Boundary Water’s Canoe Trip!

If you are interested in participating in the Boundary Waters Canoe trip in 2026 please sign up on the Kiosk or use the button below to follow it to a registration form.

Canoe Trip - August 2-9, 2026  $900 Adult - $600 Youth

Island Camp - August 6-9  $550 Adult

Annual Meeting Zoom Link



Messiah Annual Meeting - Sunday, January 25, 2026

after the 10:30 service in the Sanctuary. NO Child Care at Annual Meeting

Printed Annual Reports are available in the Gathering Space on the Rolling Cart.

Digital Annual Report without Financials Click Here.

Digital Annual Report with Financials Click Here. If you are not logged in to your REALM account it will prompt you to  sign in to REALM to access the page. Only Messiah members have access to this document online.

With the change in the Messiah Lutheran Church Constitution which was voted on at our Congregational Meeting on June 23rd, 2024, members of Messiah who worship virtually will be able to attend and vote at our January Annual Meeting via Zoom.

To be eligible to vote, you must be a full member of this congregation and attend the meeting in person or on the virtual call. In order to be a full member of Messiah you must have complete the   "New Member Form". If you have not done so but have been worshipping at Messiah and would like to join, please complete the form and return it to the church office. If you are not sure if you are a member email the office at ourchurch@messiahchurch.com and Judy will let you know if you need to complete a form for membership.

Online Church Directory Photos - Saturday Feb. 7 and Sunday Feb. 8

We are trying to get every member of Messiah to have a picture in the directory and we need your help!

On Saturday, February 7 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, and Sunday February 8 from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM we will have members of Messiah taking individual pictures for our photo directory.

These photos are only accessible to staff and members of Messiah and they very much helps everyone get to know other members of the congregation.

If you are not able to come to have your picture taken you can:

1. send a photo to the church office at ourchurch@messiahchurch.com
2. add your own photo to your profile page yourself
   

Phishing Emails are on the Uptick Again

Scammers are always scouring church websites for emails to use to try get members and staff to give them information they can use to scam unknowing people.

Please do not get caught! The pastors and staff of Messiah will never email you and ask you to purchase gift cards, send money or handle a request for them.

If you are not sure if it came from someone at Messiah, be sure to check the email and make sure it has come from one of our specific emails or call the person who it is from directly to check.

Here is one received just this week -   "Do you have a moment I have a request I need you to handle discreetly. I am currently busy in a prayer session, no calls so just reply my email."  It was signed by "Pr. Jeff".

Does this really sound like an email Pr. Jeff would send.  If it sounds "fishy" it probably is "phishy".

Mitten Collection

Between pairs that were brought to Messiah and $440 that was donated, we obtained 61 pairs of waterproof gloves and mittens which went to Elvehjem, Kennedy, Henderson, Lake View, Schenck and Lori Mann Carey (formerly Southside) Elementary Schools.

Thanks for helping to keep kids warm and dry this winter!

Women’s Book Study - Beginning Thursday, January 8, 2026

We  meet every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room (downstairs near the nursery) to discuss What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey.

This book offers a thoughtful exploration of God’s radical, life-changing grace. Yancey contrasts grace with the judgmentalism and “un-grace” often present in modern church life, inviting us to rediscover grace as the heartbeat of Jesus’ ministry—grace that welcomes prodigals, forgives enemies, and heals broken lives.

A reading guide with reflection questions is attached.

We will meet for approximately 90 minutes, allowing time for fellowship, prayer, snacks, and perhaps a song or two. With 20 women signed up, it promises to be a lively and enriching discussion!

Books may be picked up from Judy in the church office during office hours, or I can distribute them on Sunday mornings. There is no charge for the book, though donations are welcome to help offset the cost.  All are welcome!

Adult Education / Racial Justice Book Study - Gun Violence - January 11, 18, and 25

We are reading and discussing the book on gun violence: When Thoughts and Prayers Aren’t Enough. 9:20-10:20 AM on January 11, 18 and 25. 

If you have not yet picked up a book, they are available in the office during office hours, and also at the Saturday and Sunday services.

Please see Judy, Tracy, Tara, Renee or Elizabeth for a book. 

If you cannot come to the sessions in person, here is a zoom link:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83935979171?pwd=6IF0s7TEugGKkjpZyWMkWzIxO3haC4.1#success.

We will meet in the Social Hall, which is on the lower level, directly under the Sanctuary. There is an elevator to the right of the Sanctuary, and there are steps to the left of the fireplace outside the Sanctuary.

Don’t worry if you haven’t read the book, you will be able to participate in our discussions either way!

1/11 Part I: Survivor’s Journey

1/18 Part II: Societal Challenge

1/25: Please be ready to talk about steps for Moving Forward

Please come as often as you can, no matter what you read or don’t read!

For a summary of the book from Goodreads go to the Racial Justice Webpage. 

Wednesday Morning Bible Study - Book of Daniel

 Wednesdays, January 21 - February 25 at 7:00 am

Ray Robinson is leading a new study on the book of Daniel. The study-guides are in the church office and available for pick-up. 

We will begin our first session on Wednesday, January 21st at 7 am in the Meeting Room downstairs.  All are welcome!

Explore the stories of Daniel and his friends in this rich and inviting study. The course provides an opportunity to ponder our calling as faithful disciples in troubling times. Additionally, each session begins and ends with a devotional component inviting participants to reflect on what they hear in the text and what the message of the text means for us in our calling to discipleship.

This 6-session course explores selected passages from Daniel.

1. Daunting Dream: What Does It Mean? (Daniel 2:25-49)
2. Feet in the Fire: Taking the Heat for Our Faith (Daniel 3)
3. Reading the Signs: Writing on the Wall and in Our Hearts (Daniel 5)
4. Nightmarish Dream: What Does It Mean? (Daniel 7)
5. Neck in the Noose: Paying the Ultimate Cost of Faith (Daniel 10:1,18-21; 11:1-35)
6. Reading the Signs: Written in the Book and on Our Hearts (Daniel 12)

Ladies Lunch Bunch - January 14th - Tully's II

Please sign up on the Kiosk for the first Ladies Lunch Bunch gathering for the new year!

They will have lunch at Tully's II Food & Spirits located at 6401 Monona Dr, Monona, WI 53716 

The Ladies Lunch Bunch December gathering collected $75.00 to be put toward the Waterproof Glove/Mitten Collection for the Madison Schools.

Visitation Ministry Retreat - January 17th, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm

Pastor Dan invites all current and interested Visitation Ministers to our annual Retreat/Workshop! This year, we will be joined by Deacon Jessica McCarty, an ELCA Rostered Leader whose focus is Visitation Ministry, to share resources, skills, and practices to help us be the best we can be. 

To sign up, click here

Women's Winter Retreat at Fort Wilderness Resort - January 30 - February 1

The women of Messiah are invited to join the women of St. Luke’s Lutheran (Middleton) for a Women’s Winter Retreat!

 
When: Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1
Where: Fort Wilderness Resort, Rhinelander, WI
Why: To praise God, grow in faith, renew friendships, make new friends, and enjoy time together

Cost: $183 per person, which includes lodging; all meals on Saturday; Sunday breakfast; and access to all camp activities. No cooking required! Women often bring snacks or beverages to share in the evenings.

St. Luke’s has been holding this retreat for many years and return again and again—it’s clearly a joyful time of connection and renewal.

Visit the  Women's Ministry webpage for more detailed information

Our next dates for preparing meals for Healing House are:

February 1-7, 2026 

March 1-7, 2026

Check the Kiosk for Sign Ups.

For more specific information about preparing meals, check out the Community Outreach Team Webpage under Community Meals.

Here is a link to Ryan's cases website if you would like to see what the organization is doing. 

CASE FOR SMILES

Three different 100% cotton (coordinating) fabrics, pre-washed and pressed. Please no flannel. Please don't use any heavily scented detergents or fabric softners. Try to find fabrics that you think a child would like. My 5 year old great nephew only wants to sleep on the Green Bay Packer pillowcase I made for him.

Please make sure that your fabric is at least 42" wide. We will be using the entire width of the fabric.

For the main part of the pillowcase you will need 27" after washing. Because cotton shrinks, I recommend that you purchase at least 30".

For the cuff you will need 9" after washing.

For the flap, you will need 2" after washing

Whatever your skill level, we're excited to meet all of you! If you have any questions, please contact Karen Dilley at: 608 238-1076 (Home phone) or 608 698-6135 (Cell phone).

Mardi Gras Celebration - Sunday, February 15 at 11:30 am

Messiah's Family Ministry team invites you to our Mardi Gras Party.

We will enjoy a pizza lunch, crafts, and a concert with Ken Lonnquist, the same performer who brought us Old Befana last year.

Please sign up so we know how much pizza to order. The signup will be on the Kiosk, or you can email Elizabeth at volunteer@messiahchurch.com.

Even if you don’t sign up, please come, we always have extra!

February 20, 2026 Blood Drive - Noon - 5:00pm at Messiah

Messiah Lutheran Church and Gunderson Funeral Home are hosting a winter Blood Drive on February 20th from noon-5 pm at Messiah. Our goal is to collect 46 units of blood.

CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

As a thanks for your donation, you will receive a $20 e-gift card to your choice of merchant.

Check out the  Children's Ministry Webpage to learn more about:

Nursery - Sundays 8:00 - 9:20 am and 10:15 - 11:35 am

Sunday School - Sundays 9:20 - 10:20 am

Children's Choir  - at the beginning of Sunday School starting at 9:15 AM

Some future events including First Communion Instruction and Celebration, Summer Camp, Bible Blessing

Some past events including Trunk or Treat, Children's Christmas Program (pictures included).

Check out the Youth Ministry Webpage to learn more about:

YOW (Youth on Wednesday Night - Wednesday nights 6:00 pm. Check the calendar to see if YOW is online, or in person at Messiah.

Some past events including a Field Trip to UW Lutheran Campus Ministry, the Fall Retreat at Horizons, October's Activity Night, the 2025 Mission Trip, and the 2025 Confirmation Group (pictures included).

Check out the  High School Ministry Webpage to learn more about:

Waffle Wednesdays including October Pumpkin painting, and Friendsgiving (photos included)

Senior Recognition

Joan Shropshire Grant Information

Check out the  Family Ministry Webpage to learn more about:

Mardi Gras  - February 15, 2026

Breadbreakers

Boundary Waters Canoe Trips

Family Camp

Summer Camp

Some past events including Trunk or Treat, Old Befana.

Check out the  Adult Education Webpage to learn more about:

Sunday Morning Adult Education - 9:20 - 10:20 am  When Thoughts and Prayers are Not Enough

Martin Luther, The Reformation and Lutheran Heritage

Check out the  Women's Ministry Webpage to learn more about:

Women’s Ministry Conversation Group  meets the 3rd Thursday of the month - 10:30 am -12:00 noon

Women’s Book Study - beginning Thursday, January 8, 2026 - 10:00 am

We will begin reading and discussing Philip Yancey’s book, What’s So Amazing About Grace?

Ladies Lunch Bunch at Tully's II - January 14th at 11:15 am

Women's Winter Retreat at Fort Wilderness Resort  - January 30 - February 1

Check out the  Men's Ministry Webpage to learn more about:

Men's Bible Study - Study on the Book of Daniel begins January 21st - 7:00 am.

Check out the  Senior Adult Ministry Webpage to learn more about:

7th Annual Virtual Pie Sale

SAM Hikes

Volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank

SAM Pot lucks

SAM Trips