New Information or Upcoming Events
The church office will be closed on
Friday, July 4, 2025
in celebration of Independence Day
Summer Office Hours
The office will be closed
on Monday for
June, July and August.
Judy will be working remotely and will be answering emails and phone messages until 2:00 pm.
If you call and no one answers, please leave a message and Judy will retrieve it and pass it along. You can also use the voicemail system and leave a message for staff that are listed.
Summer Service Times - Late service will not change
Our late service time will not change for the summer like it has in the past.
Late service will continue at 10:30 am for the summer.
Nursery will only be held during the 10:30 am service.
July 26 - 9:00 am
Women’s Self-Defense class opportunity offered HERE at Messiah!
Saturday, July 26, 2025 starting at 9:00am
Instructors: Brad and Sue Meng. Brad has 40+ years of Martial Arts experience, 25 years of Law Enforcement experience and has been teaching this course, with Sue’s assistance, for almost 20 years.
Please see the Kiosk in the Gathering Space for a flyer and contact Sue at smeng100@hotmail.com with questions and for registration.
Backpack Collection Through Sunday August 3rd
Printed Shopping Lists are available in the Gathering Space.
There are 3 different lists:
A combined list with all the supplies we need for the backpacks. (shown attached to this post)
A list for Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Backpack
A list for 3rd - 5th Grade Backpack
Some people like to buy supplies while others like to purchase a complete backpack for a specific grade.
We are once again going to provide backpacks and school supplies to local schools and organizations. Printed copies of the lists of what we need will be in the Gathering Space this weekend and the collection bins will be out from Saturday July 12th through Sunday August 3.
If you are able to shop for the actual items, that is most helpful. Many stores place limits on how much you can buy of any given item in one trip. However, if you cannot shop and would still like to contribute, we do accept cash or check donations.
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
This is always a well-funded collection.
The best way to reach our coordinator Pam Aldrich is an email to p-taldrich@sbcglobal.net
Due to some scheduling issues, Rock Greendeer was not able to speak at the 10:30 service over the June’s fifth weekend (June 28-29).
If you would like to make a donation to support his efforts to teach the Ho-Chunk language, you may donate via the Messiah website and choose “Racial Justice” or write in his name.
The Racial Justice team will be making a donation from their funds.
8th Annual
Michael Neill Memorial
No Fear All Fun 5K/1M
Registration - 8:00 am
Run/Walk - 9:00 am
Bread Breakers – All Adults Welcome
Sign-up by Labor Day to participate.
Call Barb & Walt Herrod 608-318-2129, text Barb at 518-567-6816, email bwhfam@gmail.com, or write your name and contact information on the sign-up sheet on the kiosk starting in July.
Contact us if you have questions.
Messiah’s Bread Breakers is an adult fellowship opportunity.
Whether you’re single, young, senior, partners, can’t drive, have a small living area, are going south for the winter – no problem – there is flexibility. It’s a fun way to get acquainted with fellow Messiah members.
The groups of (usually) 5-8 adults (couples and singles) host each other for meals at each other’s homes between late fall-early summer on a schedule determined by the group’s members. The host household provides a main dish and beverages, with others bringing items requested by the host to round out the meal, such as an appetizer, salad, side dish or dessert.
If you’re gone most of the winter, you can host first or last, and your group will keep meeting while you’re gone. When you host, the meal is however you want it to be – brunch or dinner, cook-out/fancy/casual, on a weekend or a weekday.
Two RIC Events
RIC Watch Party - The Movie 1946
Join us on July 16th at Messiah at 6:00 pm for dinner and a documentary.
We will be watching "1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted a Culture", a 2022 documentary film that investigates a mis-translation in the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible.
This mistranslation, specifically concerning the Greek word used in the Revised Standard Version, led to a misinterpretation that had lasting cultural and religious implications for LGBTQ+ people in the United States.
The film explores how this mistake shaped prevailing perceptions of homosexuality, arguing that the word "homosexual" was not intended to be in the Bible and was introduced much later.
The documentary uses never-before-seen archives at Yale University, showcasing an academic crusade to shed light on this issue.
Please sign up on the Kiosk if you are interested in joining us.
RIC Book Study
Transforming by Austen Hartke
9:25 - 10:25 am
September 14, 21, 28
October 5
Please join us for our 2nd RIC book study on Transforming by Austen Hartke.
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.
Last spring when we read
One Coin Found, we took several essential detours that were informative and important, but some people were disappointed that we did not discuss the book as much as we planned. Our intention with this book is to stick closer to the text and collect ideas for possible further study in the future.
Please sign up on the kiosk.
We will ask participants to pay $10, part of the cost of the book if possible. Books will be ordered August 15th.
Goodreads summary:
Many people―even many LGBTQIA+ allies―still lack understanding of gender identity and the transgender experience. Trans biblical scholar Austen Hartke brings a biblically based, educational, and affirming resource to shed light and wisdom on gender expansiveness and Christian theology.
The book offers updated terminology and statistics, weaving ancient and modern stories that will change the way readers think about gender, the Bible, and the faith to which Jesus calls us.
Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity, equipping them with the language, understanding, confidence, and tools to change both the church and the world.
Family Camp at Horizons
Saturday, September 20 9:00 am -
Sunday. September 21 at 12:00 noon
Cost is to be determined
Sign up is on the Kiosk
Open Your Home, Open Your Heart
Become a Host Family!
Commitment: 5–10 months (full academic year or semester)
Students attend your local high school
Students come with their own spending money
English-speaking and pre-screened students from 60 different countries
Ready to bring the world to your doorstep?
Contact Tracy today to learn more about becoming a host family!
cy Frank 608-220-7999
📧 jtracyfrank@me.com
🌐 https://greenheartexchange.org
Open Your Home, Open Your Heart – Become a Host Family!
Are you ready to make a difference in a young person’s life and bring the world a little closer to home?
Greenheart International is seeking caring host families to welcome international high school students into their homes for the upcoming school year. These students, ages 14–18, come from countries around the world, eager to experience American culture, improve their English, and build lifelong memories.
Host families with Greenheart speak very highly about their experiences and often develop long-lasting relationships with their foreign exchange students and their families, even sometimes traveling to visit them in their home countries years later.
As a host family, you will:
- Provide a safe and welcoming home environment
- Meals, family time, and cultural experiences
- Offer guidance and support as they adjust to life in the U.S.
You’ll receive
- 24/7 local support from a dedicated local coordinator
(Tracy Frank a Messiah member)
- A meaningful cultural exchange experience your whole family will never forget!
Hosting is perfect for:
- Families with or without children of any ages, empty nesters, non traditional...
- Anyone with a big heart and an open mind!
Solar Array Update and Prairie Invite
As of June 5th the solar panels have saved over 7600 lbs. of Carbon emissions which is equivalent to 58 trees planted!
And speaking of planting - make sure to take a peak at the prairie on the north hill and watch it grow!
Worship and Prayer Ministry
Worship Server Schedules are always available!
The schedules are also always posted at the top of the weekly news on the Messiah website.
It is possible that your email is starting to see emails from REALM as spam. One solution is to check your spam folder for any REALM emails and slide them into your email so they get delivered. You should also add notifications@onrealmmail.org to your address book.
Please contact Judy in the office for help if you cannot solve it the above way.
Children, Youth and Family Ministry
Sunday School Volunteers Needed!
Sunday School resumes September 28 and we are in need of teachers, assistants and substitutes to help educate our children about our faith. You do not have to be a certified teacher to be a successful Sunday School teacher! Lesson ideas and materials are provided. Working with our Sunday School Youth is a great way to build connections across generations within our congregation!
If you are interested please email. cfm@messiahchurch.com
Nursery Summer Hours - Memorial Day - Labor Day Weekends - 10:15 - 11:35am
Every Sunday unless specified. If nursery is cancelled for any reason there will be a sign on the church door.
There will be no nursery on July 5th.
If the nursery is not open, you may still use the space during services. The service can be streamed on the screen in the nursery room. Please wash any toys that become soiled-there are wipes in the cabinet. Thank you!
Adult Ministry
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 May Ladies Lunch Bunch
we collected $100.00
for CareNet
Ladies Lunch Bunch
Wednesday, July 9th
orders taken at 11:30
at The Rodeside Grill
6317 Rostad Dr, Windsor, WI 53598
off of County Highway 19 and Pepsi Way
If you have any questions or cancellations please contact Claire Gensch at (920) 319-6731
Women's Ministry Chat Group
You may have noticed a monthly event called “Women’s Ministry Chat Group” in the bulletin. This is an informal opportunity which organically emerged after the Loving Jesus Book Study this spring; we were having such good conversations that we wanted to keep the connection going.
We are definitely open to other women of Messiah and their friends joining us. Contact Elizabeth for more information. Our current plan is to meet monthly on the 3rd Thursday.
Women's Ministry Fall Retreat
Save the Date - Saturday October 11, 8:30-11:30 AM
Save the date for a Fall Retreat with Heather Rainwater
Knowing how much people enjoyed our time with Heather last year exploring spiritual practices, we have asked her to return.
Members of the Women’s Ministry Group on REALM received an email on May 1 listing potential topics. If you would like to be part of the group and get your vote in, please contact Elizabeth at volunteer@messiahchurch.com.
More details will come in later months. Keep watching the Weekly News or, better yet, become part of the Women's Ministry Group and get updates delivered to your inbox!
Senior Adult Ministry
SAM is taking a break for the summer.
Please check out the buttons below for more information about our programs.
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), The Green Team, Human Trafficking Awareness, Racial Justice 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!!!
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
Volunteering for Next Year
If you want to volunteer at Kennedy next year, you must register yearly through MMSD. If you are thinking of volunteering again next year, or getting started for the first time, consider registering now to speed up getting started in the fall!
Give Kids a Lift Important Update
We are so excited to let the Messiah congregation know we received the grant we applied for from the Madison Community Foundation!
The grant will enable us to fund the entire 25-26 school year of van rides from the shelter on Milwaukee Street to Kennedy as well as provide gift cards for families. These cards provide dignity and autonomy for families as they choose food, clothing and other necessities for their children while their family is in transition.
We can apply for this grant every 3 years, so we will come to the congregation again in the fall of 2026 to help with the 26-27 and 27-28 school years.
In the meantime, thank you for your support over the past 2 years.
Thanks to you living the Messiah mission to be the hands of Jesus to our neighborhood, we were able to keep the rides going beyond the initial grant and provide the data that encouraged the foundation to believe in the value of funding this project.
Thank you, Messiah!
Opportunities to provide meals to those in need in our community
Triangle Community Ministry July 7
Sign up is on the Kiosk to help prepare the meal or to go to TCM to serve and visit with the people.
Healing House
Our next meal preparation week is July 13-19
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 Kisok.
If you have any questions contact Elizabeth at volunteers@messiahchurch.com
Over the last 2 months, Healing House has helped families with 5 babies who were sent to the NICU, all born with very low birth weights. Within 2 weeks of coming to the Healing House, all 5 babies have exceeded their weight gain expectations!
Looking for a way to help support JustDane in continuing to assist families such as these through Healing House?
Healing House has a wishlist of items needed to continue providing care to guests and make their stay at Healing House comfortable and feel like "home," ranging from cleaning supplies, toiletries, and items for babies.
Please help by signing up to donate today! Click button below to go to their Wish List.
The Dignity Project Group
will meet Saturday, July 12, 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, July 15th 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, July 28th, 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 - Kathy Digman
Human Trafficking Speaker November 22 and 23rd during services
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 23 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.
You may be asking yourself “What is Human Trafficking?”
Human Trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception in order to be exploited. In every region of the world, traffickers exploit vulnerable women, girls, men, and boys of all backgrounds for profit. Even without knowing, we might have come across its victims. Traffickers often use violence, blackmail, emotional manipulation, removal of official documents, fraudulent employment agencies, and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick and coerce their victims.
Human trafficking takes place for many exploitative purposes:
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
Racial Justice Information
updated June 19
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!
