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.



Safe Gun Disposal - March 21 - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm - St. Paul AME Church

Messiah is a partnering organization for this safe gun disposal event at St. Paul AME church.



For more information scan the QR Code or speak with Pr. Jeff  Pr. Dan, Elizabeth Crummy, Tracy Frank or Tara Von Dollen.

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".

SYNOD LEAD EVENT - February 7, 2026 - 9:00am - 3:30 pm - at Messiah

Registration Opened January 5, 2026

Get ready! Registration for the 2026 LEAD Conference will open on Monday, January 5, 2026 and will CLOSE January 26th, 2026!

The 2026 LEAD Conference for rostered and lay leaders is:

Our keynote speaker is Grace Pomroy, Director of the Stewardship Leaders Program at Luther Seminary and author of the excellent book, Funding Forward: A Pathway to More Sustainable Models for Ministry.

LEAD Workshops are being finalized but will include: Grace Pomroy, a chance to dive in deeper with her and her book. Former Governor, Marty Schrieber, will be helping guide congregations and caregivers forward when it comes to the rising rates of dementia. Racial Equity Ministry Team, Queer Justice Ministry Team, Guns to Garden Tools, Constitutional Updates, and others will be present with us as well. Look for more information in the coming weeks. Register now!

LEAD is the SCSW's annual conference for both rostered and lay leaders, offering an opportunity to come together for learning, worship, fellowship, and more. Many more details are yet to come, including the line-up of workshop opportunities. Stay tuned!

Women’s Book Study - now through Thursday, January 29th

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.

We will meet for approximately 90 minutes, allowing time for fellowship, prayer, snacks, and perhaps a song or two.

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 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 

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. 

Dates and Topics for Upcoming Adult Education Offerings

January 18     Racial Justice Book Study

January 25     Racial Justice Book Study

February 1     Speaker - Jennifer Ginsburg from Safe Harbor

February 8     Speaker - Jeff Wild from Guns to Gardens

February 15   No Adult Education (Sacred Circle for Visitation Ministry)

February 22   TBD

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!

More information on the Men's Ministry Page

High School Sunday Suppers - January 25 - 6:30 - 7:30 pm

FOOD, FAITH, FUN Valentine  & Cookies

Ladies Valentine Lunch Bunch - February 14th - at Messiah

Please sign up on the Kiosk for the Ladies Valentine Lunch Bunch gathering to be held at Messiah. 

There is no number limit for this event.

Catered Lunch Menu: 

Hot Shredded Chicken Sandwich

Calico Beans, Pasta Salad, Potato Chips,

Crackers & Cheese, Relishes, Lemon Bars

punch, wine, water

$15.00

The Ladies Lunch Bunch January Gathering collected $115.00 for Badger Childhood Cancer Network.

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

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!

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).

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 - January 18, January 25 - 9:20 - 10:20 am  When Thoughts and Prayers are Not Enough

Information on topics below are always available on the Adult Education webpage for you to read on your own time.

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 (not while the book study is meeting)

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 Messiah - February 14th at 11:15 am   No number limit for this event

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