Consecration Sundayis Coming!

Sunday, October 30th, at both 8:15 and 11:00 Services 

Mark that date on your calendar as a time of spiritual growth, fellowship, and commitment here at Messiah Lutheran Church. October 30th will be “Consecration Sunday,” the culmination of a biblically based stewardship education and commitment emphasis called Consecrated Stewards that focuses on raising people in Christian discipleship, not just raising money for the work of the church.To understand the Consecrated Stewards approach, you need to know that it is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. It is not based on the budgetary needs of the church, but on the desire to have each person grow in discipleship. Opportunity for growth in discipleship will take place during all five Sundays in October.The personal witness of some of our members.Encouragement and resources for prayer.Celebration of the various ministries of our congregation.A series of Bible studies on Sunday morning led by Rev. Ron Wiese in the Fellowship Hall beginning October 2nd and going through the 23rd.   Consecration Sunday activities on October 30th, including:* Rev. Richard Runge as our guest proclaimer on Consecration Sunday.* Opportunity to make a faith-based commitment during the worship service.* A special fellowship and Celebration Brunch following each service for all the Messiah Family.The encouragement to commitment on Consecration Sunday takes place within the context of the morning worship service. Our Guest Leader/Proclaimer will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, and then ask our attendees and members to respond to God’s leading through a financial commitment that will enable our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world.Every attendee and member who completes a response card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We also urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card. Consecrated Stewards works with people where they are and when they are ready. Members make their commitments as a confidential act of worship.We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in our Consecrated Stewards events.