Dignity at School Monetary Collection - Month of September

 The Community Outreach Ministry will again sponsor a fundraiser during the month of September for the two projects that focus on dignity for students.

    One is headed by Bernie Hartwig. Bernie goes to garage sales and thrift stores to collect sweatpants and other clothing items. She launders all of them and gets them ready for distribution by social workers or nurses in 11 local elementary schools and one middle school for students in need. She also purchases underwear and socks for distribution.

    The Dignity Project, led by June Nyhus, is the second group. Their portion of the money

collected will be used to purchase flannel fabric, 100% cotton batting, 2 inch safety pins, and underwear for when donations of these items do not cover the group's needs. We are now at the end of the flannel and batting we purchased before JoAnn Fabrics’ store closure so our need for donations will be greatly increasing.

    Both of these groups provide assistance for children. Please consider a monetary donation, allowing Messiah to continue supporting children in local schools and across the world. You may donate online, with cash or with a check indicating Dignity at School on the memo line. “Thank you” 

St. Stephen's Food Pantry - Item of the Month for September - Unsented Laundry Soap

If  you like to support the food pantry, they are trying something a little different.

They will have a monthly focus item that they are requesting along with the other items that you give so generously to support the pantry.

If you would like to see what they will be collecting in the months ahead, there are lists on the Kiosk, above the St. Stephen's Food Pantry Collection Bin in the Collection Area, and it will be in the Column Newsletter beginning in August.

SAM Season Opener Will Be Spectacular

Wednesday, September 30 - 12:00 noon

Mark September 30, 2026, on your calendar in pen. Do that right now before you forget. Use a pen so you cannot erase it. Move your doctor appointments. This is the date for Messiah SAM’s 2026-2027 kickoff!

We will enjoy a catered pig roast with all the trimmings. Even dessert and beverages will be provided. Our caterer- Stoddard’s Meat Market & Catering, age Grove, WI. 

Then sit back and enjoy the music of Toco Beach Steelpan. Their music will make you think you are smack dab on the beach in the Caribbean. Advance registration is NOT required. There is NO sign-up. There is NO charge for this event. Your admission ticket is plenty of non-perishable food items for The Empty Table.  

It is time to start signing up for the first SAM hike of the fall season!!

Messiah’s Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)

Invites you to go hiking this fall with our tour leaders Barb and Walt Herrod

To sign up for one or more hikes, please call or text Barb’s cell (518) 567-6816 or email her at bwhfam@gmail.com. Be sure to include your cell phone number in case there is a change in plans with the hike. Departure time for all hikes is 10:00 am.

Tuesday, September 22, McCarthy Park, 4841 Co Hwy TT, Cottage Grove, WI 53527. Fall starts today, so let’s celebrate with our first hike of the fall season! Meet in the parking lot at the park shelter. This is a favorite 1.5-mile walk on unpaved and uneven trails in woods and along fields with open views and gentle hilled areas. There is a non-flush comfort station at the parking lot.

Community Outreach Team Meeting - Thursday, September 24th at 10:00am

Community Outreach Team Collections

Please check out the Ongoing Community Outreach Collection webpage to see what Messiah collects to help local organiztions support their clients.

Paper copies of the Collections are available in the Collection Area at Messiah

(between the Gathering Space and the Community Room).

The weekend of September 26-27 is Spirit Weekend.

Where is the Holy Spirit calling you to be involved?

Wear your favorite team spirit, enjoy tailgate snacks and check out the different ministries to find your niche. Ministry leaders will be available before and after all the services to answer questions and sign you up.

You can:

• get your SAM calendar
• register for YOW, Sunday School and adult ed
• write an entry for the Lenten Devotional
• be an usher, reader, communion minister, etc. 
• join the choir or the pewkeepers.
• cook for those experiencing food insecurity
• learn how to put your knitting and sewing skills to work
• get involved with our social justice teams
• join a mowing or snow shoveling team
• help at the October work day
• join Messiah members for breakfast, lunch or yoga
• join the visitation team
• learn about the Craft Fair                   ETC.!!!
  

Sunday School Begins Sunday, September 27th

Please use this LINK to register for Sunday School

Click HERE for the Sunday School Schedule

YOW - (Youth on Wednesday Nights) begins on Wednesday, September 30 with a Welcome Dinner

In-person time is 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

Online times are:

Preconfirmation 6-6:45 p.m.
Confirmation 7-7:45 p.m.

The schedule for the year is available at

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xubCredmkKOUZ7kStnv-JKd63KUwBK5K7GJ9J3EAYiE/edit?usp=sharing

Register Now for 2026-2027 Youth on Wednesday Nights (YOW) - Please register by September 28. Cost is $40.00.

https://forms.gle/ndnGuEpUoc9XyL8v5

The YOW retreat is November 14-15 at Bethel Horizons.

Registration QR Code

The women of  Messiah's Boomerang Bag group are wonderful, creative and prolific! 

This past spring, we took over 400 bags to the ELCA Synod Assembly and almost all of these were given out at the Assembly.  Attendees were clearly thrilled to receive them. As a result of this effort, We been contacted by five churches who are interested in starting their own groups. Last week, Karen Dilley met with the quilting women at Lake Edge Lutheran and they were very receptive and appeared eager to get started.

In addition, we already have 348 bags set aside for the Bake Sale & Craft Fair. Every year that we have offered bags, they have all been given out. Last year, we had people return carrying the bags they had received the year before. That is our goal, to encourage more people to discontinue the use of plastic and reuse bags that are stronger and can easily be cleaned.

Barb Herrod went back to New York state this summer and gave out a large number of bags to family members. So, now we have bags on the east coast!

We also gave out bags at Pride Fest showing our support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The need for bags seems never ending! Food pantries need bags and as the church continues to grow, we need bags for new members and for those who can't attend in person. Every time Karen goes grocery shopping, she cringes at the number of plastic bags going out the door. We need to continue to give out bags.

We need to educate and facilitate the disuse of plastic. It is our duty to bestow to the generations that follow us with a healthy and vibrant planet.

Thank you for your continued support. We can always use more people willing to help out (especially those who sew). We will have a table at Spirit Weekend. If you can help out, come see us.

Messiah Book Collection Corner

We have three book collections which have been moved to a new location to make them more accessible. They are located in the hallway just outside the community room, in the corner by the windows. If you face the yellow collection bins and look to the right, there they are!

We have two low shelves of children’s picture books focused on social justice, identity and belonging. Help yourself, or, better yet, let your children help themselves! When you remove a book, you will see a small photo of the book taped to the shelf. This will enable you to put the book back easily and will let others know what books are out but will return soon. Inside the front cover is a summary of the book and optional questions to jump start conversations at home!

The two tall bookcases contain books related to spirituality and social justice themes. There are folders to use to sign out the books, but don’t let that step be a barrier to using them. Just return the books when you are finished reading them.

There are additional books in the prayer room which is up the staircase next to the yellow bins which goes to the left.

Craft Fair & Bake Sale News

The Annual Craft Fair and Bake Sale preparation is well underway. All Craft Fair spaces are SOLD OUT!  Ten spaces will have new vendors to the sale. Get ready to shop!

The Bake Sale and Gift Basket Sign Up Board is in the Gathering Space.   When signing up to donate Bake Sale items,  please check a column or two of items you will be bringing. Think about recipes which might be in the new Messiah Cookbook which will be sold at the sale. 



The Book Nook will start collecting books the weekend of September 26-27.   We are looking for donations you would like to receive or give as a gift or pick up for your winter reading list or read to your grandchildren.  Hard and soft covers welcome. The labeled collection bin will be in the Community Room bin area. 

On Spirit Weekend, September 26-27, the Craft Fair and Bake Sale team will be recruiting VOLUNTEERS to help with the Sale including preparation, sale, and clean up.  We are looking forward to chatting with you to match your skills with our volunteer opportunities. 

Craft Fair & Bake Sale - Gift Baskets

We are again running a gift basket cash and carry sale. It has been very successful that last two years and we received very favorable comments from shoppers.

For information on how the Gift Basket Sale is organized, click on the document buttons below:

If you still have questions or need more information, please contact Karen Verhagen at verhagen@charter.net  or 608-335-6304. Thank you for participating!

The 2027 Lenten Devotional Theme has been selected and we are looking for writers! 

The 2027 Lenten Devotional is anchored in the Gospel of Mark—the primary Gospel focus of the Year B Lectionary cycle—and the rich tradition of Old Testament covenants which find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

While Lent is often viewed through the lens of penitence, guilt, or the traditional practice of "giving up" something, this year’s Devotional invites us into a deeper journey, to explore how God’s ancient covenants continue to bind us in love and responsibility today.  We are called to reimagine penitence, beginning with honest inward reflection and using what we discover to turn purposefully outward. 

Here are the complete directions. New this year is the option to include a prayer or not.

Here are the verses. Contact Elizabeth with your choice and/or questions.

Constitutional Amendment Voter Guide

Wisconsin voters will consider three Constitutional Amendments on their ballots this November. The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin has created a Constitutional Amendment Voter Guide with explanations, recommendations, and context about the proposed amendments, made within the framework of the principles values, and commitments of the ELCA’s social statements and messages.

The three proposed amendments are:

• Question 1: Partial Veto Referendum
• Question 2: Freedom to Gather in Places of Worship During an Emergency Referendum
• Question 3: Governmental Entity Discrimination Prohibited Referendum

Please read the information linked below. If you are short on time, here are the recommendations from LOPPW, made within the framework of the principles, values, and commitments of the ELCA’s social statements and social messages.

Question 1-No Position

Question 2-Oppose

Question-Oppose

Visit  loppw.org/constitutional-amendments-2026 or use this QR code to access the Constitutional Amendment Voter Guide. 

Our Thursday morning Women’s Book Study will kick off on Thursday, October 1^st. We will meet from 10:30am - noon for six weeks. Together we will read and discuss Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith by Kathleen Norris

The books are available for pickup in the church office. You may pick up your copy from Judy during office hours or on Sunday mornings. We ask you to sign up on the Kiosk and leave a $10 donation (mark paid if you are leaving cash or check) to offset the cost of the book and replenish our fund for the next book. All women are welcome to attend this time of prayerful discussion, reflection, and support.

Here is the publisher’s overview of the book: Struggling with her return to the Christian church after many years away, Kathleen Norris found it was the language of Christianity that most distanced her from faith. Words like "judgment," "faith," "dogma," "salvation," "sinner"—even "Christ"—formed what she called her "scary vocabulary," words that had become so codified or abstract that their meanings were all but impenetrable. She found she had to wrestle with them and make them her own before they could confer their blessings and their grace. Blending history, theology, storytelling, etymology, and memoir, Norris uses these words as a starting point for reflection, and offers a moving account of her own gradual conversion. She evokes a rich spirituality rooted firmly in the chaos of everyday life—and offers believers and doubters alike an illuminating perspective on how we can embrace ancient traditions and find faith in the contemporary world.

It is time to start signing up for the first SAM hike of the fall season!!

Messiah’s Senior Adult Ministry (SAM)

Invites you to go hiking this fall with our tour leaders

Barb and Walt Herrod

To sign up for one or more hikes, please call or text Barb’s cell (518) 567-6816 or email her at bwhfam@gmail.com. Be sure to include your cell phone number in case there is a change in plans with the hike. Departure time for all hikes is 10:00 am.

Friday, October 2, Governor Nelson State Park, 5140 Co Hwy M, Waunakee, WI 53597. Meet at the beach parking lot (it is the second turn off the main park road. If you miss that turn, you will end up in the boat launch parking lot). We will walk the Woodland Trail. There are a couple of short hilly spots on the trail which require moderate exertion. There is a vehicle admission fee to the park. The day use fee is $3.00 per vehicle. If you have a current state park pass there is no additional charge.

Friday, October 16, UW Arboretum, 1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711. Meet at the large parking lot closest to the visitor center. This is a nice 90-minute walk, mostly through woods. Some years it is very colorful.

Monday, October 26, McCarthy Park, 4841 Co Hwy TT, Cottage Grove, WI 53527. We will have a picnic after the hike. Hike description listed previously.

Monday, November 9, Governor Nelson State Park, 5140 Co Hwy M, Waunakee, WI 53597. Hike description listed previously.

Adult Education Begins Sunday, October 4th

September 27 – Spirit Weekend

Adult Ed. Handouts/Rep for  Adult Education, Women’s Thursday Book Study, and  The Women’s Winter Retreat

October 4 – ELCA Faith and Civic Life – Kacy of LOPPW

October 11, 18, 25 – Christian Nationalism

What is it? - History and Today - A Biblical/Lutheran View – Pastor Renee

November 1 – Break – No Adult Ed.

November 8, 15, 22 – Soteriology (the study of Salvation)

Why did Jesus Die on the Cross? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 – Pastor Renee

Fall Work Day - October 10 -  9:00 - 12:00 noon

Pizza will be served for lunch

Sign up on the Kiosk.

Ladies Lunch Bunch - October 14th - 11:15 am

Norske Nook

  100 E Holum St - DeForest, WI 53532

Please sign up on the Kiosk. There will be space for 25 women this month.

Please be there by 11:15 am - 1:15 pm.    Orders will be taken at 11:30.

 For questions call Claire at 920-319-6731 or Mary at 262-716-4600

The Ladies Lunch Bunch September Gathering collected $90.00 for the Dignity at School Collection.

They also collected $60.00 to purchase unscented laundry detergent for St. Stephen's Food Pantry.

Women’s Conversation Group - Thursday, October 15th

We had a wonderful discussion in August when a dozen women gathered to discuss faith and life, and offer support and prayer for each other.

The Women’s Conversation Group will meet again on Thursday, September 17th - 10:30 am

All are welcome to gather from 10:30 am to noon for prayerful conversation and fellowship.

Staffed Nursery Is available from 8:00 - 9:20 am and 10:15 - 11:35 am

You are always welcome to be in the nursery with your children and watch the stream on the TV.

Also consider using the activity bags located near the coat rack in the Gathering Space.

Morning Bible Study – Gospel of Luke

begins Wednesday, at 7:00 am in the downstairs Meeting Room 

The Gospel of Luke invites readers to explore the story of Jesus as God's Chosen One (Messiah)

From the joyous account of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the images of his crucifixion at Golgtha, to the "eye-opening" meal at Emmaus, we are invited into a remarkable story. 

Contact person – Ray Robinson rayerobinson13@gmail.com    608-695-5591

Divine Yoga Fall and Advent sessions

All Messiah folks and their friends are invited to attend on Tuesdays from 6-7:15 pm in the community room.

Bring your own mat.

Fall Sessions: October 6, 13, 20, 27 and November 3

Advent Series: December 1,8, 15, 22

"Thank you" to those who prepared delicious meals for

August 30-September 5.

The next two Healing House weeks are:

October 11 - 17 and December 27 - January 2.

Please sign up on the kiosk if you are interested in preparing a meal. Contact Elizabeth at volunteer@messiahchurch.com if you would like more information.

Justice for a New Day Shareout from Monday, September 14th

“The best criminal policy is a good social policy.”

There are multiple systems affecting the likelihood of someone becoming involved in the criminal justice system including access to healthcare, housing, education and employment. Birth to age 7 are the most important years in human development. But children aren’t big business, prison is. Many families lack the resources to adequately provide what young children need, yet our society spends around $61,000 a year per person on incarceration. Additionally, people who are released from prison need wraparound services to help them succeed. Support is critical if  those released from incarceration are to successfully reintegrate into the community.This is not something a person can do on their own.

Whereas most countries incarcerate only the truly dangerous and violent, the US incarceration rate has continued to go up, even as the violent crime rate has gone down. Whereas many countries have embraced a model of using warnings, fines, community services and control of freedom as alternatives to incarceration, the USA has 5% of the world’s population, but 25% of the world’s incarcerated people. WI is a state that’s among the most incarceration-oriented. For example in WI, a Black person is 12 times more likely to be in prison than a White person. In Dane County, Black people make up 5% of the population but 51% of the county jail population.

WI has moved to a model of “truth in sentencing” which means that for many people, no matter what progress a person has made, they cannot be released before their whole sentence is served. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections does allow some incarcerated people who meet certain requirements and criteria (including their behavior while in prison) the ability to do programs that would enable them to have early release. 

One thing to consider is the impact that our language says about our expectations. Telling a child leaving the house to “Stay out of trouble,” sets the precedent in the child's mind that they are expected to get into trouble. Instead, we should be telling children, “Go be great today.” Our expectations often create the results we get.