The Sunday School Singing Schedule

Ash Wednesday - February 17

(Youth group 7th-1-th grades singing and hand bells)
(6:30 soup supper, 7:00 rehearsal, 7:30 service)
Anthem: "From Depths of Woe I Cry to Thee"

Palm Sunday - March 28

(Pre-K-2nd grades. 3rd- 6th grades singing,
youth group hand bells)
(9:45 line-up for procession with palms) Anthem: "Hosanna"

(pre-k-2nd grades hand chimes, youth group hand bells)
Anthem: "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"
Song (following the service) "For Mother's Tender Care"

Song Packets are available from Linda. Please notify Linda ASAP if your child cannot participate on one of these Sundays.   Phone 925-682-5673

Call for Palms

Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 17th this year, marks the beginning of the Holy Season of Lent. As is Messiah's tradition, we are asking the members of Messiah to bring their palm fronds from last year that you have at home next Sunday, so that they may be burned and used for the Imposition of Ashes in the Ash Wednesday Liturgy.

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Liturgical Glossary

Frequently one encounters unfamiliar terms related to worship. The following glossary provides some basic definitions and explanations to key terms that one may encounter.

Doxology - From the Greek for "words of praise." It is an expression of praise to God, usually in a Trinitarian formulation. The Gloria Patri ("Glory be to the Father and to the Son..."), is a common doxology used to conclude psalms and many canticles. Many hymns have a concluding, doxological stanza that praises the Holy Trinity. The most familiar of these stanzas is known as the Common Doxology ("Praise God from whom all blessings flow...")

Easter Vigil - Occurring on the eve of Easter, the structure of this service dates back to the second century, making it one of our most ancient services. The service is constructed in four parts: light, Word, Baptism, and Lord's Supper. The Vigil serves each year as the church's first celebration of the resurrection.

Flowers in the Sanctuary

The flowers in the Sanctuary have been placed there to the glory of God by the members of Messiah.

Sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the church office, and please remember to place your $45 check (noted flowers) in the offering plate. Thank you!

The work of Friends of Mercy, a Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, is all about how Lutherans are making a difference by bringing hope and mercy to the people who are suffering from the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the brunt of which is borne by AIDS widows and AIDS Orphans. With the context of the Gospel and God's presence in His word and the sacramental life, the people of Kenya are able to follow through with HIV testing, medicines, and helping others because of the forgiveness and mercy which they first enjoyed.

Please keep Friends of Mercy in your prayer, the best ways to support the work of the Meekers, Pastor Chuchu, the ELCK deaconesses, and so many people who need the basic staples of life.  Americans presume these staples which are elementary to the privileges and technology we take for granted.

Our mission project is a 3 year commitment for all those members of Messiah who wish to support, in prayer, this work of mercy by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kenya.

If you appreciate the financial hardship of the AIDS victims, as well as the ministry of the deaconesses providing them spiritual and physical care, fill out a pledge card.  Messiah has a goal to involve at least half our congregation in the support of this program for the next three years.  The pledge forms are available from the ushers, or see Dick Klotz after the service.  Please donate so that we can keep the work of mercy in the context of Christ and His blessings.

Get more details about the program at http://www.thefriendsofmercy.org