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Messiah Weekly News
September 12 - September 21, 2025
2025 Saturday worship server schedule
2025 Early Sunday worship server schedule
2025 Late Sunday worship server schedule
New Information or Upcoming Events
Join your SAM friends on
Wednesday, September 24
starting at 12:00 noon
as we kick off the 2025-2026 SAM season
by celebrating our neighbors to the south—Mexico!
We will start with a catered Mexican lunch.
Afterwards, we will all enjoy the music of Mariachi Corcel de Madison.
There is no cost to attend, and you do not need to sign up in advance. Your “admission ticket” is non-perishable food items for The Empty Table which benefits the Extended Hands Pantry.
Let’s fill up The Empty Table and Dave’s car!!
Writers Needed for the Lenten Devotional
Please consider being a writer for the 2026 Lenten Devotional, a booklet of daily reflections written by and for Messiah members and friends.
This year's theme is "Abundantly Called."
We have been abundantly blessed. Our country and communities are so richly blessed, allowing us to take much for granted - clean water, food, fuel for our cars, jobs, homes - the list is long and full. How do we view our abundance as a Call to Action?
- Messiah calls us to action with this year’s Stewardship Campaign - Mission in Action.
- The wider Lutheran Church calls us to action with the 2025 Churchwide gathering theme "For the Life of the World."
- Jesus calls us to action over and over again.
Our Lenten Devotional booklet will feature a focus word and Bible verse for each day. As a writer, you reflect on what these mean to you; your personal stories and lived experience, your gifts and your call to action, anything you do to share God’s love in action. Every time you share love in this broken world, your action creates healing and strengthens community.
If you are interested, contact Elizabeth at volunteer@messiahchurch.com for more guidance and information.
As days are taken, a name will be added. This is a live document and will be updated as requests come in.
Submissions are due October 31st.
Spirit Weekend - Previously called Rally Day!
September 27-28, 2025 -- date clarification
The weekend of September 27-28 is Spirit Weekend. Where might the Holy Spirit be calling you to serve?
Wear your favorite team spirit wear, enjoy tailgate snacks and check out the different ministries to find your niche.
Ministry leaders will be available before and after the Saturday service and before, after and between the Sunday services to answer questions and sign you up.
Nursery hours have returned
8:00 - 9:20 am and 10:15 - 11:35 am
Ages 6 weeks- 6 years old, downstairs in the Nursery Room
No Nursery September 21st
Craft and Bake Sale News
Save the Date
The Craft & Bake Sale will be held on
Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025
from 9:00am - 3:00pm
_______________________________
Lunch items will be available
for sale by
Messiah's YOW Group
from 11:00am - 1:00pm
All proceeds this year go to:
Babies & Beyond
Briarpatch and
Moving Out
If you have questions, please contact Karen Verhagen
(608-335-6304 or verhagen@charter.net)
Cash & Carry Gift Baskets for Craft & Bake Sale
The baskets were a big hit last year and we are asking for donations for our 2025 sale. Here are the details:
- Decide on a theme: some suggestions - coffee, date night, Mexican meal, Italian meal, chocolate, kid’s activities, coffee, pet, garden, kitchen, spa, store gift cards, etc.
- Sign up on sheet on the kiosk (will be posted September 13)
- Value of the basket needs to be at least $30
- Include a list of all items with the basket
- Wrap (use clear plastic wrap or get premade basket wrappers (at Dollar Store)
- Deliver to church between October 19 and 26 (we cannot take baskets before the 19th)
Last year we sold 18 baskets x $30 = $540
x Gundlach Family Fund match = $1080!
Let’s see if we can sell more!
Kris Kringle Shoppe Returns
Kids Shop for Family Gifts Each Under $5
Kris Kringle is looking for handmade crafts, NEW small toys, games, books, puzzles, painted rocks, birdhouses, ornaments, cards, jewelry, craft & art supplies, socks, calendars, stress balls, coasters, etc. Paper gift bags are also needed. Join the Fun!!!
Place your donations in the Kris Kringle Box in the collection area starting September 1st.
Women's Ministry Retreat - Wisdom Literature of the Bible - October 11 - 8:30 am - Noon with Heather Rainwater
Sign up on the kiosk or contact Elizabeth at
volunteer@ messiahchurch.com by October 4th
The Women's Retreat with Heather Rainwater will be held on October 11, 2025 from 8:30 - Noon.
8:30 breakfast retreat 9-12
An overview of wisdom literature touching on Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job.
We will briefly explore each book separately and then analyze how the books work together to give a full picture of God’s wisdom. This study will help to explore why different parts of the Bible seem to contradict each other. It also opens discussions of the question “why do bad things happen to good people?”
Participants will engage in question asking as a method of interacting with scripture. We will also learn through videos, slides and interactive group activities.
Takeaways:
- Gain comfort with asking questions of scripture
- Discover what the Bible means by “wisdom”
- Explore scripture through Bible Project materials
- Practice holding different perspectives of truth presented by conflicting scripture passages
There is no cost for this retreat, however, you are welcome to make a donation to offset our expenses.
RIC Book Study
Transforming by Austen Hartke
Please join us for our 2nd Reconciling In Christ (RiC) book study on Transforming by Austen Hartke.
9:25 - 10:25 am
September 21, 28, October 5
Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86877779995?pwd=oWF2RhgDXaQQ08zajojEYU8ocCb8S8.1
If you signed up for this book study on the Kiosk, your book is available for pick-up in the church office.
We will ask participants to pay $10, part of the cost of the book if possible.
We will meet between the services 9:25-10:25 AM on Sunday September 14, September 21, September 28 and October 5.
Our facilitator will be Pam Shellberg, who holds a PhD in New Testament studies and who was our guest presenter at our book study in the spring.
If you signed up for the book study on the Kiosk, your book is available to be picked up.
They are in the church office.
We will ask participants to pay $10, part of the cost of the book if possible.
Family Camp at Horizons
Saturday, September 20 9:00 am -
Sunday. September 21 at 12:00 noon
Cost is $50.00 Saturday Only
$120.00 Overnight/Family
Sign up is on the Kiosk
If you haven't signed up at church yet, you can sign up via the link below:
Thirty (30) Messiah members participated in the Dane County Landfill tour on Wednesday afternoon.
Thirty –eight (38) came to the recycling presentation Wednesday evening.
We had a very successful learning experience about trash and recycling in our community. On August 26th, 9 Messiah folks took the tour at the Dane County Landfill, on September 10th, 30 more people took the tour and that evening we had 40 people come for pizza and salad from Ian’s pizza and learn about recycling. Thank you to Jim Stolzenburg for suggesting this fun and informative opportunity!
Below is a "Renew Wisconsin" blog article about Messiah's Solar Panels
Messiah Lutheran Church Celebrates a Bright Future with Solar Energy
by Lucia Wiggers | Sep 5, 2025 | Solar, Solar for Good
On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Messiah Lutheran Church celebrated the completion of a 64-kilowatt solar array on its rooftop with a heartfelt dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, signifying a bold investment in creation care and the future of its ministry.
The ribbon-cutting and dedication service reflected the joy and hope behind the project. Lead Pastor Jeff Vanden Heuvel and Associate Pastor Dan O’Brien led the congregation in prayer and blessing, dedicating the panels to God’s work of renewal and stewardship. Members of the Building Team, including John Nerad and Business Manager Tim Coulthart, were recognized for their leadership, along with the Parish Council, which supported the vision from start to finish.
A Mission of Service, Extended to the Earth
For more than 60 years, the church has been a place of welcome, service, and love for its Madison community. Guided by the mission “to be the heart and hands of Jesus to our neighborhood, city, and the world,” Messiah has long lived out its values through food and supply drives, youth and senior programs, and partnerships that strengthen local schools and organizations.
“We’ve come to realize one huge aspect of our faith is advocacy,” Pastor Dan said. “Advocating for social justice is vital, but none of that will matter if our world becomes too toxic to live on. Taking real steps to improve the health of this planet is so important, and this solar project is one way we are responding to our responsibility as stewards of the earth.”
Powering Ministry with the Sun
The new rooftop solar array, installed by Eagle Point Solar, consists of 121 panels and is anchored with concrete blocks to protect the roof. The system will generate approximately 85,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and offset 98 percent of the church’s annual energy use.
In addition to powering the church itself, the panels also power compassion, learning, and justice for neighbors near and far. The roughly $9,000 annual utility bill savings will flow back into Messiah’s many community partners, including Goodman Community Center, Porchlight, Second Harvest Food Bank, and many others. These organizations provide year-round support to local children and families in need.
Funding a Sustainable Future
The church approached the decision to invest in solar with both practicality and financial benefits in mind. Solar will reduce operating costs, protect against rising energy prices, and free up resources for mission-driven programs while serving as a public testament to the congregation’s values. Messiah utilized its capital funds project reserve and a Focus on Energy incentive to develop its solar project. The Couillard Solar Foundation, through the Solar for Good program administered by RENEW Wisconsin, helped offset costs further by donating half the solar panels for the project.
“As we move into the future, we at Messiah feel that a part of our calling is to be good stewards of the earth,” Pastor Dan said. “Being the heart and hands of Jesus, in our vision, is to both respond to the direct needs of our communities and to work toward dismantling systems that have caused harm to people and the world. This solar project is one way we hope to do this in a positive way.”
Faith Through Action for Generations to Come
Messiah’s commitment to sustainability is deeply intertwined with its broader work. From supporting students at Kennedy Elementary School with backpack drives and bus funding, to hosting a robust Senior Adult Ministry, to providing rental assistance and aid through the Gundlach Family Fund, the church consistently meets community needs with creativity and compassion. Messiah also actively engages in racial and social justice work through partnerships with Nehemiah and MOSES, book groups that challenge bias, and its public stance as a Reconciling in Christ congregation welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals.
As the sun now powers Messiah Lutheran Church, its light shines beyond the walls of the sanctuary, fueling ministries that nurture children, comfort the elderly, advocate for justice, and uplift neighbors in need. The solar project is a legacy that will serve generations to come, proving that faith, action, and sustainability can work hand in hand to bring healing to the world.
Some Fun Sun Facts from Sun Day
Look at what Messiah is a part of and an opportunity to learn more!
Sun Day is a day of action celebrating solar and wind power, and the movement to leave fossil fuels behind.
We need your help to make SunDay a success! Chip in here to support our work - every dollar you give means we can create more art, register bigger events, and reach more
people to talk about the power of clean energy.
Madison East Side solar walking tour
Start: Friday, September 19, 2025 5:00-6:30 PM
Garver Feed Mill
3241 Garver Green, Madison, WI 53704
Click here to RSVP for Sun Day in Madison.
Ever since we announced Sun Day, we’ve been talking about the historic progress being made with clean energy across the globe.
Here are the 6 most exciting clean energy facts we've found:
- 90% of the new power being installed worldwide is solar power. Millions of people are getting electricity for the first time thanks to the sun, or shutting off dirty generators forever.
- Clean energy now employs more people than fossil fuels - over 36 million jobs globally are connected to the clean energy economy.
- Solar and wind are now more affordable than ever. 95% of the new wind and solar projects deliver power cheaper than gas or coal ever could.
- Coal and gas plants are turning off because of renewables. European coal consumption has dropped by 61% thanks to the growth of wind and solar.
- Clean energy is 3 times more efficient than fossil fuels. In fact, coal and gas power plants waste $4.5 trillion worth of energy in heat, transportation, leaks, and other pollution.
6. Whole economies are now relying on solar. California was powered by 100% clean energy for more than 100 days this year, and solar was the biggest source of energy in the EU last month.
The only problem? Not enough people know that clean energy is working. Politicians are backing down from fighting for solar and wind because they don’t realize how big it is.
That’s why we need your help on Sun Day. The bigger Sun Day is, the more momentum we’ll be putting back into the clean energy economy we need.
We want you to be a part of the first ever national celebration of clean energy - and there’s an event near you in Madison!
Worship and Prayer Ministry
Senior Choir Resumes with a New Season
Senior Choir resumes with our first rehearsal
on Thursday, September 18th.
We meet at 7:30pm in the Community Room.
We provide music at the 8:15am worship service two to three Sundays per month, from October through May.
If you are interested in joining, have musical gifts you would like to share, or would like to hear about other music opportunities, contact Clyde Nyhus, Coordinator of Worship and Music, at (608) 516-4926
Children, Youth and Family Ministry
Trunk or Treat - Sunday October 26th
at and after the Late Service
Here is the full event. Choose what parts apply to you and your family:
- Sunday School meets at 9:15 AM and will have a special lesson on All Hallow’s Eve and All Saint’s Day.
- Those people who signed up to provide treats, provide a trunk in the lower level parking lot or to decorate a classroom in the education space arrive whenever it makes sense in order to be ready on time. If you want to set up the night before, please contact Elizabeth.
- Over the past few years, we’ve seen a decrease in the number of people passing out candy and treats. Please know that you do NOT have to decorate a trunk or even wear a costume. Just bring a bag of treats and you’re good to go!
- Attend the late service (in a costume if you like!) for a prayer and glow stick blessing/remembrance of those who have died.
- Join us for a pizza lunch at 11:30 (please sign up on Kiosk so we order enough!), with trunk or treating to follow.
If you have questions or can’t come in to sign up, please contact Elizabeth at
volunteer@messiahchurch.com
or call/text her at 608-235-6910.
Is your information up to date?
Families with children who will be 3 years old by September 1st should have received information about their being eligible for Sunday School.
Families of children who are entering 2nd-5th grade should have received information about communion instruction.
Families of children who are entering 3rd grade should have received information about receiving a Bible.
If you did not receive this information, please contact the office to update your records.
Enrollment for the 2025-2026 Sunday School Year
is now open!
The first day of Sunday School is Sunday, September 28th.
All children ages 3 through 4th grade are welcome!
Sunday School meets from 9:20 to 10:15 and the schedule is attached below.
Please use the link below to register and reach out to Brittany at cfm@messiahchurch.com with any questions you may have!
Thank you-- looking forward to seeing you all in September!
YOW Begins October 1
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Family Dinner
Overview of the year, Welcome
Register Now for 2025-2026
Youth on Wednesday Nights (YOW)
YOW is the religious education and faith formation program for youth in grades 5-9 and encompasses both Pre-Confirmation and Confirmation.
Pre-Confirmation -two-year program for students in 5th and 6th grades -
6-6:45 p.m.
Confirmation - three-year program for students in 7th-9th grades -
7-7:45 p.m.
Building relationships and connecting with the youth is key to encouraging faith formation and exploration. We have had much success with a hybrid model of zoom lessons (Zoom invite info will be provided) along with in-person activity nights and community field trips. The times for online lessons are:
ALL YOUTH ARE WELCOME.
For more information, please contact Teresa at youth@messiahchurch.com
Waffle Wednesdays
High School Students
Faith, Food and Fun! We are launching a high school get together/bible study on the last Wednesday of each month. We are calling it Waffle Wednesdays as there will be waffles with toppings, sausage, and bacon along with an activity and faith discussion.
The time is roughly 6:30-7:30 or 8:00 p.m. We will let the youth gage how late they can stay.
Our first Waffle Wednesday is coming up on Wednesday, September 24 with a plant-your-own teacup succulent activity.
Please RSVP in order to have enough materials and food available.
Adult Ministry
Divine Yoga Returns in September
Divine Yoga Meets in the Community Room from 6-7:15 pm
Tuesdays: September 16, 23, 30 and October 7
All women of Messiah and their friends are invited to attend.
The sessions are free.
There is an optional free-will donation to the Beacon which will be matched by the Gundlach fund.
Women's Ministry
Below are opportunities to gather with other Messiah women and their friends.
These opportunities are sponsored by the Women's Ministry.
At our September Ladies Lunch Bunch
we collected $_____
for the ___
Ladies Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, October 8th
Doors open 11:15, orders taken at 11:30
at Rodeside Grill & Inn
6317 Rosted Circle
Windor, WI 53598
If you have any questions or cancellations please contact Claire Gensch at (920) 319-6731
Women's Ministry Chat Group
Meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday 10:30 am - noon
“Women’s Ministry Chat Group” is an informal conversation opportunity which organically emerged after the Loving Jesus Book Study this spring. Women were having such good conversations that they wanted to keep the connection going.
The group is open to all women of Messiah and their friends.
Contact Elizabeth for more information.
Women's Ministry Book Study - Chosen - A Study of Esther
Wednesdays, September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15
4:00 - 5:30 pm in the Meeting Room
Esther is one of the most fascinating books of the Bible because in all of its words, God's name never appears, yet God is ever present, weaving the Divine plan through every part of Esther's narrative. Set at a lavish feast in the Persian Empire and following a beauty contest, you can see how God uses Esther to save an entire nation from annihilation.
Updated information
Please pick up your books and read your email for what to read for September 10.
Please come even if you haven't read it all!
We anticipate asking participants for around $10 a book, but we never want cost to be a barrier to attendance. Please pay what you can.
Men's Ministry
From Beginning to End
Studies in Revelation
The Men's bible study continues beginning September 10
Wednesday mornings at 7:00 am
For many in the church, Revelation is a confusing book. Martin Luther himself thought the images in Revelation were incomprehensible and found the book's meaning unclear. It is a book that disturbs us and, especially given many popular interpretations, frightens us.
The bizarre, confusing images, however, have inspired poets and artists, musicians and movie-makers. They also offer us glimpses into who Jesus is and who we are called to be in response.
The 6 sessions in this Bible study explore the following images of Christ found in Revelation.
- The Freeing Jesus
Revelation 1:4-8
- The Slain Jesus
Revelation 5:11-14
- The Cleansing Jesus
Revelation 7:9-17
- The Renewing Jesus
Revelation 21:1-6
- The Enlightening Jesus
Revelation 21:10, 22—22:5
- The Coming Jesus
Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
Groups using this study during the Lectionary will find it emphasizes readings from 2-7 Easter in Year C.
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)
SAM’s Fall Color Tour
is Heading to Oklahoma! October 16th
Mark your calendar for Thursday, October 16, when SAM heads to The Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson, WI for the production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s production of Oklahoma!
We will arrive at the theater aboard a Kobussen motorcoach. Upon arrival, we will share a meal together and there will be time to visit the theater’s impressive shops! This is a matinee performance. We will leave the church at 9:45 am and return at approximately 5:30 pm.
Please note that ticket sales started on Saturday, July 26, and SAM tours have a history of selling out very quickly. If you are interested in this tour, pick up the tour application form from the kiosk at church or request one from
SAM@messiahchurch.com
If the tour is sold out, you can add your name to the waiting list.
SAM Fall Hike Schedule!!!
Wednesday, September 17 - Governor Nelson State Park, 5140 Co Hwy M, Waunakee, WI 53597
10 AM departure time
We’ll walk the Woodland Trail. There are a couple of short hilly spots on the trail but overall it requires moderate exertion. Meet at the beach parking lot- 2nd turn off the main park road .
There’s a vehicle admission fee. The day use fee is $3 per car (age 65+), $13 under age 65. If you have a 2025 state park pass ($13 per vehicle for age 65+) there is no additional charge.
Thursday, September 25 --- UW Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711
10 AM departure time
This can be a very colorful walk of about 90 minutes through the woods. Use the west entrance to UW Arboretum on Seminole Highway, just north of the Beltline (exit 258A).Meet in the big parking lot in front of the visitor center.
Wednesday, October 22 -- CamRock County Park, 68 County Hwy B, Cambridge, WI 53523
10 AM departure time
This park is about 20 miles from Messiah and has a mix of woods and prairie areas that should take us two hours to hike about two miles. There are benches along the trail.
Meet at the CamRock Park Area 2 parking lot. A shelter and restrooms are available here. Those who wish can stay and picnic if it’s not too chilly.
Directions: Drive to Cambridge on Rt. 12/18. Once in the downtown, turn right onto Spring Street/County Hwy AB. Go about 2 miles and turn when you see the sign for Area 2 on your right. Follow the road to a large parking lot. You will see a playground and the large picnic shelter on the left side of the parking area.
Friday, October 31 – Owen Conservation Park, 6021 Old Sauk Rd., Madison, WI 53705
10 AM departure time
This park on Madison’s west side has both wooded and prairie trails. We’ll do a wooded loop (and maybe spot deer and turkeys) before we head down the hill onto a trail that encircles a large prairie.
It is about two miles with some hilly areas, but we’ll take it slowly, and there are benches along the way.
Meet in the parking lot, where restrooms are available,
Monday, November 10 - McCarthy Park, 4841 Co Hwy TT, Cottage Grove, WI 53527
10 AM departure time
This is a favorite 2.5 mile walk in woods and along fields with open views and gentle hilled areas.
Note: there are non-flush comfort stations in the parking lot where we will meet for the hike.
Directions from Messiah: Go left on Cottage Grove Road past Metro Market and turn left at the light on Sprecher Road. Continue through the
Milwaukee St. intersection then turn right at the next intersection onto County Rt T. Continue straight when it becomes CO Rt TT. Proceed through the traffic circle and stay on TT.
The park entrance is about a half mile ahead on your left. To see the route mapped out, go here:
https://goo.gl/maps/kzVCofdQ2sqtZML89
A GPS might try to put you on Pierceville Road, but that will take you past the park entrance and out of the way.
PLEASE NOTE: We ask you to notify us if you are coming, so in case of change or cancellation we can let you know.
Call or text Barb’s cell 518-567-6816 or email bwhfam@gmail.com
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SAM Kick Off Luncheon
Join your SAM friends on
Wednesday, September 24
starting at 12:00 noon
as we kick off the 2025-2026 SAM season
by celebrating our neighbors to the south—Mexico!
We will start with a catered Mexican lunch.
Afterwards, we will all enjoy the music of Mariachi Corcel de Madison.
There is no cost to attend, and you do not need to sign up in advance. Your “admission ticket” is non-perishable food items for The Empty Table which benefits the Extended Hands Pantry.
Let’s fill up The Empty Table and Dave’s car!!
Social Justice Ministry
Social Justice Ministry is the umbrella for several teams working together to promote the work of justice through acts of charity and advocacy. For example, we need to feed people when they are hungry, while we simultaneously need to address the root causes of their hunger.
The teams that make up the Social Justice Ministry are: Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Team, Green Team, Human Trafficking Awareness Team, Racial Justice Team and the Community Outreach Team.
We encourage the congregation to explore this section of the column to find opportunities to educate, affiliate and donate.
Educate - learn about justice issues facing our community and their root causes.
Affiliate - with Messiah members and local and ELCA partners to advance the work of justice.
Donate - your time, talents and resources
Community Outreach Opportunities - All are invited!!!
Our next meeting will be September 18 at 2:00 pm
Contact Person - Karen Verhagen - verhagen@charter.net
Contact Person - Elizabeth Crummy - volunteer@messiahchurch.com
Community Outreach Groups and Leaders
Adopt a School "Kennedy Elementary School" - Paula Darr
Blood Drive - Elizabeth Crummy
Community Meals - Scott DeBroux and Elizabeth Crummy
Craft and Bake Sale
Craft Sale - Dawn Olson
Bake Sale - Louise Fosdick
Kris Kringle Shoppe - Louise Uttech
Gift Baskets - Karen Verhagen
Dignity Project - June Nyhus
Habitat for Humanity - Jim Stolzenberg
Prayer Shawl Ministry - Kathy Digman
St. Stephen's Food Pantry - Dee Schwoegler
Community Outreach Monthly Collections
February/March - Goodman Thanksgiving Baskets
(foil pans) & Easter Baskets
May - Mountain of Food
June -
July - Backpacks for Schools
August - Dignity at School Collection
September -
October/November - virtual pies for "Share Your Holidays" (Second Harvest Food Bank)
November - Craft/Bake sale
November/December - Road Home (Christmas Fund), YWCA, Triangle Ministry, East Side Community/Truax
Crayons Needed
We will need 30 boxes of crayons to complete our Easter Baskets that we will provide to our community this coming spring. If you’d like to purchase them, now would be a great time with school supply sales.
Clothes for Kennedy
Message from Bridge, the social worker
We are in desperate need of clothing for kiddos, both to stock our health office as well as to have clothing to send home to families in need. Items we are most in need of:
Underwear--Youth size XS-XL
Socks--Youth size XS-XL
Sweatpants--Youth size XS-XL
Leggings--Youth size XS-XL
T-Shirts--Youth size XS-XL
Sweatshirts--Youth size XS-XL
We will also take adult and little kid clothing as well as we have families reaching out for those sizes as well.
Volunteering for This School Year
Once teachers and students have had the opportunity to establish routines, Kennedy will be ready to welcome volunteers into the school in a variety of capacities such as helping in classrooms, working in the lunchroom, etc. You can be ready to volunteer by completing The Volunteer Training for the current school year.
Kennedy Elementary is looking for Big Brothers and Sisters!
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County is getting ready to launch our School Friends mentoring program for the fall! And we are excited to announce the addition of the program at Kennedy Elementary!
We are looking for volunteers to be a School Friends mentor. As a mentor, you’ll spend one hour each week during lunch or after school with a student. It’s simple, flexible, and impactful for both mentor and mentee. Please see the attached flyer for more details.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ld0ycB-mCDSzM47KXFS2wUKC2OmiiT3k/view?usp=sharing
Community Outreach Team's
Dignity at School Fundraiser "Thank you!"
Community Outreach Ministry sponsored a fundraiser during the month of August to help two long-term projects focused on dignity for students.
Money raised from this project will be used to purchase clothing for the schools and fabrics, pins and underwear for the Dignity Project, thus providing immediate assistance to children as well as making a long-term investment in their education.
Thank you to everyone who donated to this very worthy cause.
Donations for "Dignity at School" fundraiser totaled $3,410.00
Opportunities to provide meals for those in need in our community
Thank you to the 9 volunteers who prepared and delivered meals in September.
Our next meal preparation is October 5 – 11.
Messiah prepares meals for Healing House for one week several times a year.
If you are interested in this ministry please sign up on the Kiosk.
If you have any questions contact Elizabeth at volunteers@messiahchurch.com
Triangle Community Ministry October 13
The next opportunity is October 13th and there will be a signup on the Kiosk. You can: prepare food at Messiah around noon and/or set up, serve, eat with residents, clean up 4-6:30 PM, and/or prepare dessert ahead of time - lots of options to be involved!
Please contact Elizabeth at volunteer@messiahchurch.com or call/text 608-235-6910 to be added to the meal groups in REALM to receive updates about these opportunities.
The Dignity Project Group
will meet Saturday, September 13,
at 9:30 am
We will meet in the last education room on the right. Anyone is welcome to come to see how easy it is to help. You do not need to own a sewing machine or be able to use one to help with the project. Enter on the lower level of church at door C and follow the sign upon entering the building.
We have been able to send 4,284 pads and 1,058 panties this year to Little Dresses For Africa where they are distributed to help girls remain in school to finish their education. Thank you for your part in providing these girls with dignity.
Anyone seeking information on the project contact June Nyhus at 608-516-4364 05 at jnyhus1@yahoo.com
Boomerang Bag Group will next gather to sew Boomerang Bags on
Tuesday, September 16th from
10:00 am - 12:00 noon
in the Social Hall.
We are looking for clean cloth or other type of material bags that we can transform into grocery type bags for St. Stephen’s Food Pantry.
There is a collection bin in the collection area for these items.
Contact Person - Karen Dilley
The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet
Monday, September 22nd at 1:00 pm
Most of us see the work of the prayer shawl ministry at baptisms, but the ministry's reach extends beyond that.
They provide shawls for high school seniors, for those visited by the visitation ministry and for various places outside Messiah so people know that our community cares and prays for them.
See the webpage for more details and how to get involved.
Contact Person -
Maren Anderson - quilter49mba@sbcglobal.net
Human Trafficking Speaker November 22 and 23rd during services
Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center speaker coming to Messiah:
Jennifer Ginsburg, Director of Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center, will speak at all the services on November 22 & 23, 2025. Jennifer will also have a chat session Sunday, November 23rd from 9:20am-10:20am in the Community Room.
The mission of Safe Harbor is to reduce trauma and promote healing for children and adults with intellectual disabilities who are victims of or witnesses to crime. Safe Harbor provides a trauma-informed, safe, child-friendly environment for best practice forensic interviews; immediate and ongoing advocacy for affected children and families; coordination and support of multi-disciplinary investigations and responses.
Update from Jevon Diming (Messiah members voted in 2025 to support Jevon in her counseling of Black teenage women from our end of year excess revenue along with 9-other non profits).
I've had a busy summer with our families! The POSSH collaboration with families helped us graduate seven young women experiencing challenges who are now registered for college in Madison and Green Bay. I am so proud and excited for our girls.
We continue to work with Dane County Schools. We submitted POSSH’s proposal to MMSD again. I'm patiently waiting for a response regarding a collaboration with MMSD schools. Hopefully, we can make our mission happen this year as our families and girls are critically in need.
With our social well-being lab being a success, POSSH has been working on expanding by moving into its own space within its own infrastructure for wellness for the families that would not seek any form of therapy.
I am on the job, and I continue to provide the best care to serve the needs of our girls and our families.
We are grateful and proud of the work that goes beyond therapy.
Contact Person - Tracy Frank -
jtracyfrank@me.com
Contact Person - Tara Von Dollen -
tlvondollen@gmail.com
Contact Person - Elizabeth Crummy - volunteer@messiahchurch.com
Bingo Cards are due on November 1st
Educate and Affiliate:
The Justified Anger Systems Change Symposium: 10 Years of “Our Madison Plan” marks a pivotal moment in Madison’s journey toward racial equity and systemic transformation. On Friday, May 30th, 9:00am-4:30 pm, community leaders, stakeholders, and supporters will gather at the TruStage Lighthouse Building to reflect on the decade-long impact of the Justified Anger Movement and the implementation of Our Madison Plan. The symposium will feature discussions led by Black leaders on economic development, education, criminal justice, and family & community wellness—highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain.
More information and registration can be found here: https://nehemiah.org/symposium/
Donate:
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture is a Black cultural center led, designed, and inspired by over 700 Black influencers. We knew then and we know more than ever today, that a unique, beautiful space that supports Black joy, Black innovation, and Black creativity will ignite a dramatic increase in Black wellness and Black wealth.
Thanks to many of you and over 1,200 individuals, businesses, and foundations, we’ve raised $30 million to make this vision a reality and we’re just $1 million away from a debt-free building. We are so close. Now is the time to join us, give today! Whether you can donate $10 or $10,000, every dollar counts!
Stone Catchers Retreat at
Holy Wisdom Monastery
Racial Justice Information
updated September 8
Petitions to sign and share
Wealthy corporations like ICSolutions and fear-driven politicians have pushed policies that prioritize punishment and profit over healing and hope. Wisconsin now has some of the highest incarceration rates for Black and Indigenous people in the country. Meanwhile, investments in mental health care, food programs, and treatment alternatives—things that actually keep us safe—are being slashed.
From the crumbling prisons in Waupun, Green Bay, and Milwaukee, to the heartbreaking cases of people like Israel Saldana and James (Shareef) Williams—men who’ve spent 30 years behind bars despite growing, mentoring others, and being ready to come home—it’s clear that the system is broken.
We are calling on Governor Evers to:
- Shut down the failing prisons that endanger people inside and drain state resources
- Commute excessive sentences and bring people like Israel and Shareef home
- Invest in real community safety—affordable housing, mental health care, diversion programs, and opportunities for all
Sign both petitions now to tell Governor Evers: the time for bold action is now. Our communities are watching—and so are the future leaders who want our votes.
Sign to close Wisconsin’s dangerous prisons and fund real safety
Sign to commute excessive sentences and bring our people home
After you sign, take one more step: forward these links to 5 friends or family members who believe in second chances and real community safety. Together, we can welcome our neighbors who have served their time back home, and fund the things that help every community thrive, like mental health care and treatment alternatives and diversion programs.
Journey to Justice Bus Tour
You’re invited to a powerful community event, the Journey to Justice Bus Tour in Madison hosted by Unlock The Box - The National Campaign to End Solitary Confinement, MOSES and FREE.
📅 Sunday, October 12
⏰ 12–3 PM (CST)
📍 Madison Christian Community (7118 Old Sauk Rd.)
The afternoon features a panel discussion including Rep. Ryan Clancy, Rep. Darrin Madison, survivors of solitary confinement, and faith leaders on the urgent need to end the use of solitary confinement in Wisconsin. There will also be a conversation led by FREE about the impact of solitary confinement on women.
🚍 Explore the Journey to Justice Bus, an immersive mobile museum connecting mass incarceration, solitary confinement, and other justice issues and get a chance to view a replica solitary confinement cell created by WISDOM's Talib Akbar.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and take action. Register in advance today. Together, we can build a more just Wisconsin.
