Sunday August 6th, 2017 was Messiah’s annual Rally Day! Rally Day marks the beginning of Messiah’s 2017-2018 Sunday School year and the transition to the academic year activity schedule for a some of Messiah’s educational activities such as Confirmation and Pastor’s Wednesday evening study.
At both services, Pastor Scott called Messiah’s children to the Altar with their backpacks, many of them stuff and ready for Monday, August 7th when the local City of Madison Schools resumes. He read Love You Forever by Robert Munsch, and followed with the annual Blessing of the Backpacks responsive prayer. Each student received their “official” MLC Backpack Blessing Tag; a small, but powerful reminder that where-ever they go, God’s love goes with them and endures. Several Messiah teachers also brought their work totes for blessing.
Between services, the dedicated leaders of Messiah’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team held a bake sale to support this year’s Walk which will take place on Saturday, September 9th at the Huntsville Botanical Garden. To join or support the team visit this link.
Sunday School Teachers and Substitutes for MLC this year include (L – R) Diane Davis, Kari Pitchko, Rebecca Alferink, Abby Woods, Michelle King, Sharyn Lewis, Glen Long, Sara Galyon, Larry Ryan. Not Pictured: Chris Berry, Juanita Florio
Sunday School for grades Pre-K through 12 held an opening in the Sanctuary at 9:45 a.m.
Devonee Woods, who serves as Messiah’s Sunday School Superintendent, introduced this year’s Teachers and Substitute Teachers, thanking all for their energy and commitment for the year ahead. It was great to see so many students registered into the year for the Sunday School program. Enrollment in Sunday School at Messiah Lutheran Church is open to children of members, and non-members alike! Friends are always welcome. For more information, please call or email the church office. After the children familiarized themselves with their new rooms, they enjoyed a number of outdoor games organized by Woods with the assistance of parents and youth helpers.
For Adults during the Sunday School hour, there were new offerings as well.
Conversation Cafe is studying Luther’s Small Catechism in six parts and is now meeting in Room 11 & 12. This is led by Dick Azzam and no materials are required. Copies of the Small Catechism are free to anyone. Pastor Scott is also focusing his Sunday School class on the writings of Martin Luther. His class meets in the Parish Hall. This year Messiah will join millions of Lutherans world-wide in recognizing the 500th Anniversary of Luther’s 95 Theses which was set in the Reformation in 1517. Dottie Hanson’s Adult Class continues in Room 1 to study the Book of Matthew. If you enjoy knitting, crocheting or crafting in support of Messiah’s various outreach ministries, stop by Classroom 3 where the Mission Crafters meet.
Annual “Rally Day Picnic” takes a turn for the “Wurst”
While recent Rally Day picnics have been centered around American style hot-dogs, as a nod to the Reformation celebrations underway, organizers Greg Kilby and Sonja Pedersen decided to go with a decidedly German theme. “The Very Best Wurst Rally Day Picnic” plan was put in place and wonderfully executed by Kilby, Pederson (who serves as MLC’s Council Representative for Fellowship) and scores of dedicated and talented kitchen volunteers and cooks who prepared the German wursts, baked pretzels, broetchen and Kartoffel puffers.
Volunteers brought German Steins from their home collections, which were filled with fresh and silk flowers. About 110 people attended the event. Thanks to everyone for their generosity of time in preparing the meal, bringing side dishes and desserts as well as the generous monetary donations that were given which helped fully fund the church-wide event.