Messiah Lutheran Church 14920 Hutchison Road Tampa, Florida 33625

Statement of Mission

We, the members of Messiah Lutheran, in grateful thanksgiving for the blessings of forgiveness, life and salvation through

Jesus Christ our Lord:

~ Consecrate ourselves to grow in faith

~ Devote ourselves to grow in service

~ Dedicate ourselves to grow in witness outreach

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Messiah Lutheran Church January ~ 2019

14920 Hutchison Rd. Tampa, Florida (North of Ehrlich) 33625-5507

Mark Adrian, Pastor 444-3147 (C) pastormark@messiahtampa.com

Tammy Nunes, Office Administrator 961-2182 (Office) tnunes@messiahtampa.com 968-8895 (Office)

Fax 961-0592

Abby Moss, Family Life Minister 789-7143 (C)

www.messiahtampa.com

Joan Brannan, Preschool Director 968-9534

Kim Capsas, Minister of Music/Organist 948-2767

Doris, Facility Coordinator facilitycoordinator@messiahtampa.com

Worship:

8:30 AM (Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays) Christian Education:

9:45 AM Contemporary (Holy Communion 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays) 9:45 AM

11:00 AM (Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays)

Happy New Year!

As we roll into the new year at Messiah, we will dig deeper into the Gospel of Luke. Luke provides this interesting account of Jesus through the eyes of eye witnesses. At the very beginning of Luke, he introduces us to his reason for writing this letter about the life of Jesus and the experience we receive.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly ac-count for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4)

Luke desires to write “an orderly account” so that we “may have certainty con-cerning the things you have been taught.” Jesus is always important to study, especially as we are his followers.

As we see through the eye witnesses the experience of Jesus, we will see that the way of Jesus is often not how we would expect. He uplifts the poor and lowly. He humbles the proud. Ultimately, he shows us the way of God’s King-dom of that of a cross and serving one another.

Often, we find ourselves doubting how God is working in our life, especially when things don’t seem to be going our way. As we dig into Luke, we see that in those tough circumstances, that is exactly where Jesus works best. Jesus works in our experiences that seem backwards and broken. He works for-giveness and restoration. This message, Luke proclaims as he describes the Life of Jesus.

I pray that you will dig into this deeper with us so that “you may have certain-ty in the things you have been taught,” truly grasping the love of Christ for you in all circumstances. Read along with us. Questions to help you reflect on Luke will be posted each week at messiahtampa.com/read and will be in your bulletin. Take them home, think about them and talk about them as you dig deeper into this incredible story. God’s Peace, Pastor Mark

SERVING MESSIAH IN JANUARY

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

ACOLYTES:

6 Payton Davis Ian Gilsinger

13 Kyra Straily Kent Daniels

20 Lucas Cordt Sadie Irwin

27 Kyra Straily Sean Rozell

ALTAR GUILD:

Dick Erickson & Susan Olds Jennifer Aldrich, Lillian Aldrich & Kim Methfessel

ELDERS:

6 Phil Mattice & Erik Peterson Mike Mekelburg & Jack Jensen

13 Brian Owens Jack Jensen

20 Erik Peterson & Phil Mattice Tim Hohl & Vic Riveiro

27 Brian Owens Mike Mekelburg

GREETERS:

6 Lorraine Eden Jim & Dianne Gardner

13 Bill Hilbmann Dorothy Biegert

20 Earl & Dixie Meyer John & Linda Dufresne

27 Chris & Bente Smith Matthew Wood & Susan Wood

LAY READERS

6 8:30…Gail Carlson 9:45…Wendy Huss 11:00…Matt Wood

(Jeremiah 1:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Luke 4:16-30)

13 8:30…Brian Owens 9:45…Paul Riffel 11:00…John Dufresne

(Isaiah 61:1-11, Galatians 5:1-15, Luke 6:20-26)

20 8:30…Mike Castro 9:45…Dale Laxston 11:00…Cliff Yarosh

(Joshua 2:1-7, Galatians 2:15-21, Luke 7:36-50)

27 8:30…Ed Picillo 9:45…Tim Hohl 11:00…Alex Capsas

(Isaiah 55:6-13, James 1:19-27, Luke 8:4-18)

COFFEE:

6 Barb & Mike Castro 13 Judy Gordon VanLoon

20 Volunteer(s) Needed 27 Donna Bartholomew & Pat Greene

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 9:45 a.m.

USHERS ELDERS ACOLYTES

6 Floyd Skeins Mike Juliano Jacob Nicol

13 Volunteer(s) Needed Chuck Burnett & Mike Juliano Ashley Mantei

20 Ron Dial & Angelina Dial Chuck Burnett Ethan Matthews

27 Steve & Gaylene Gay Mike Juliano & Tim Hohl Ethan Thacker

Kid Sit Registration Form

Suggested donation of $40 for the evening per child (or $8/hour if not staying the

whole time) or 2 children for $60. (Discounted rates for pre-registering to attend

ahead of time by turning in this form are $30 for one child or $35 for 2 ($5 for each

additional child). Registrations must be turned in by Wednesday January 16th

to qualify for the pre-registration. Thanks for your support!

Parent’s Names: _______________________________

Contact Phone Number: ___________________

Emergency Contact Name: _________________________

Emergency Contact Number: __________________________

Child Name: ___________________ Age:__________

Allergies/Medical Conditions: __________________________

Child Name: ___________________ Age:__________

Allergies/Medical Conditions: _________________________

Child Name: ___________________ Age:__________

Allergies/Medical Conditions: _________________________

Child Name: ___________________ Age:__________

Allergies/Medical Conditions: _________________

January Birthday Blessings!

May God Bless each and everyone of you on your special day!

1 Pam Beaver Rudy Cabina Nancy Lemke Teddy Rose 2 Beverly Hladky Steve Ruth 3 Robert Harrigan III 4 Joan Brannan Rachal Ellerbee Emily Gafur Steven Turke Jr. Becky Vollrath Graeme Woodbrook 5 Dennis Gafur 7 Ginger Derenthal 8 Frank Scalise Christopher Smith 9 Wayne Plager

10 Alex Kessler Julie Scheidter 11 Caroline Daniels Nicky Nicol Jr. Matthew Wood 12 Margaret Rudsinski Barbara Walters 13 Stephanie Hernandez 14 Nicolas Arango 16 Walt Halfmann Mary Marrs Rodney Swilley 17 Donna Rozell Chuck Sumpter 18 Keith Bakalyar 19 Jacob Amerson Jennifer Mills Paul Smith 20 Jan Holzschuh

22 Peyton Simpson Jan Skeins Nathan Watters 23 Marilyn Link Sara Wijas 24 Nicholas Daniel John Lloyd 25 Avery Burnett Tony Gain Roger Rice Nancy Umbaugh 27 Lu Heine 28 Debra McGuire Grant Walters 29 Shirley Adams 30 Jackson Beaver Tim Schultz 31 Kristine Johnson

The staff of Messiah Lutheran Church & Preschool would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to the

congregation for your generous gifts and expressions of love during the Advent and Christmas season.

Blessings in 2019!

~Pastor Mark, Abby, Kim, Tammy, Ben, & Joan

Semi-Annual Congregation Voters Meeting will be held on January 8th, at 7:30 p.m. in the Christian Life Center. During this meeting we will be discussing Our Ministry Plans, 2019 Budget, and other important topics. Please consider putting this on your calendar and attending, it is important to us that your voice be heard. Our Lord has truly Blessed Messiah, come join us as we get ready for what He has in store for us in 2019. Confirmation Classes Resume, Wednesday January 9th, at 6:45PM. Angel Stitches, Messiah’s crocheting, quilting and crafting group will meet on Sunday, January 13th at 2pm in Classroom 1 of the CLC. New members are always welcome. We are always happy to teach and we are interested in your skills too. Call Lynn Turke (833-9598) or Mary Plotkowski (960-9220) for further information. Newsletter Information ~ All directors, committee members, and anyone else desir-ing to place announcements in the February Newsletter, please e-mail to Tammy at tnunes@messiahtampa.com by Tuesday, January 15th. Carrollwood Care Center Birthday Parties ~ The monthly birthday party for this month will be held Wednesday, January 16th at 2:15 PM at Carrollwood Care Nursing Home (located right behind Messiah). Any questions? Please contact Mary Plotkowski at 813-960-9220. Portals of Prayer for January ~ March are available on the table in the narthex. These devotionals are helpful to your spiritual growth. Please take home a copy and read the devotional for each day. Large print editions are also available. Box top for Education and Campbell Soup Labels. We are still saving Box Top for Education and Campbell Soup labels for Lutheran schools in the area. Please put them in the can on the table in the narthex.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 8:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Worship Service w/Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.

Everyone is Invited to SAVE THE DATE, and join us for…

3rd Annual Trivia Night

Saturday February 16th at 6:30PM in the Ministry Center

Come one, come all, come alone or bring a team of 8 to join us for a night of competition and trivia. All ages are welcome. Bring a whole team or we will assign one to you when you arrive. This is designed to be a fun night of fellowship and competition, bring a neighbor or a friend.

It is also partially offered as a youth fundraiser. If you work with a company who might be interested in donating goods or services to our event or to our prize package, please contact

Abby in the youth office. Thanks for your support!

Kid Sit is back!

Our next event will be Saturday January 19 from

5-10PM in the Christian Life Center.

Children must be potty trained and between 3&10 years of age to attend. Since this is a

fundraiser, we are going to encourage a specific donation as well as an RSVP ahead of

time (for food planning purposes) but will not turn anyone away that cannot contribute

at our level or joins us last minute the night of (discounts available for pre-registering).

Evening Schedule:

5PM-6:30PM Arrival & Playground Time

Due to another event going on simultaneously, please leave the bike/trike

and helmet at home this month.

6:30-7PM Dinner

Menu for January will be chicken nuggets, mac n cheese, and carrots

If you would like to provide your own food because of allergies or

dietary restrictions, please feel free.

7-8PM Free Play & Organized Games

8-8:30 Craft & Game Time

8:30-10PM Movie & Popcorn (PJs &/or sleeping bag/blanket a good idea)

10PM Everyone Goes Home

This is offered by youth & parents partially as a youth fundraiser.

Playgroups are coming to Messiah! “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done.” Psalm 40:5

Monday Mornings, 9-10:30AM

Spring Session resumes January 28, 2019

1/28/19-5/20/19 NO Class: 2/18, 3/18, 25, or 4/8, 22

Activities are designed to be readily accessible to two-year-olds. We could have chil-dren from newborn to 4, depending on the group dynamics.

Our philosophy focuses on providing an environment that fosters opportunities for young children to develop social skills of sharing, helping, and interacting with each

other with support of their parents and teachers. Ultimately, it is our objective that children see themselves as special individuals created and loved by God.

Why Playgroups?

• Foster rich social experiences for children.

• Encourage children to explore their own interests while gaining opportunities to par-take in diverse play and learning experiences.

• Provide parents the opportunity to share philosophies and experiences related to child rearing.

• Playgroups are fun!!

Playgroup Schedule

9:00 - 9:35 Free Play A time for children to pursue their own interests as well as broaden their experiences. Favorite ac-

tivities include playdough, building blocks, and a kid-size tool kitchen

9:35 - 9:40 Clean Up Everyone helps move the toys out of the way for the following activities.

9:40 - 9:55 Snack and Story Time Small snack and beverage are provided by parents on a rotational basis.

9:55 - 10:10 Craft An age-appropriate project. Throughout the session, we will use a wide variety of media.

10:10 - 10:20 Large-group activity A time for children to experience more structured group activities that will foster cooperation,

friendship, and respect.

10:20 - 10:30 Circle Time A time for songs, finger plays, and announcements. See you next time! Hope to see you there.

Registrations accepted on a space-available basis. Forms also on our website!

Contact Program Director, Abby Moss, with any questions or ideas!

2019 ~ Flower Charts

Flower Charts for 2019 will be posted soon on the portable bulletin board. If you would like to mark a celebration, honor a loved one or want to place flowers in memory of someone, you may do so. You can also give the eternal candle for the month by signing the line under each month. We ask that you please give us the following information:

● Please print your name (legibly)

● The Occasion

● If the line is taken, please choose another date.

The cost for each flower arrangement is $20.00

The cost for the eternal candle is $15.00

Make checks payable to “Flower Fund ~ Messiah Lutheran”

CHURCH HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

The church office will only be open from 8:30 AM to 12 PM on December 24th, 26th, 27th and 31st.

The church office will be closed completely December 21st, 25th and January 1st while our staff are on vacation. Please plan your church

needs around these office hours. Thank you!

Blessed celebration of the birth of our Lord!

Did your family have an infant/toddler baptized in the last two years?

Then, please contact our Director of Family Ministry, Abby Moss. This year, we would like to commemorate Baptism of our Lord Sunday and

make this a special family milestone celebration. We want to invite your family to join us on Sunday January 13th at 12:15PM (or right after the 11AM service) for a time of food, family fellowship, and ex-ploring the best ways to encourage faith development in infants and toddlers. RSVPs are encouraged for food planning purposes. Abby

can be reached at abbymoss@messiahtampa.com or 813-961-2182.

Christian Education Reminder!

January 6th Normal worship & Sunday School & Bible Classes resume!

A LONGER LOOK AT THE LESSON is the title of our Adult Bible Class led by Pastor Redmann during the 9:45 AND 11:00 hours. This topic will begin on January 6. We meet in room 204 . We will ransack Holy Scripture by digging deeper into the lessons that Pastor Adrian selected for his sermon. We will mine the treasures of God's Word in context and marvel at how the Holy Spirit weaves together the Old Testament with the Gospel and how the Epistle lesson provides application of saving grace. For those who have already heard the sermon it will be complimentary and for those who have not yet heard the sermon it will be foundational. In BOTH cases it will be enriching and rewarding! Hope to see you there!

MESSIAH SOCIAL MINISTRY TEAM wishes to thank all members and friends who generously supported two special Christmas projects focused on underprivileged children in our community.

1. Your gifts of love for 61 sweet children at Hope Children’s Home were received with joy and big smiles at the December 18th Christmas party held on their campus. The gymnasium at Hope was filled with

excitement as the children opened their gifts after enjoying a few sweet treats and punch. As has become the custom, the Social Ministry servants and friends were then treated to a mini-concert of Christmas carols performed by the kids. Your gift selections from each child’s own “wish list” were perfect!

2. Your gifts of love for the LSF Christmas Kids were delivered in time for Christmas Day. We thank you for participating by taking a child’s name or two off the special Christmas tree display. Your gifts represented God’s love and care to the children who received them and to their parents.

Thanks and praise to God for His many blessings which allowed us to care and share through this and other MESSIAH SOCIAL MINISTRY outreach opportunities in 2018. Watch for Messiah Social Ministry and other Messiah ministry project plans as they unfold through-out 2019. Our abiding faith in God’s help along with your love and continued support will ensure success.

Adult Inquirer’s Class - If you are interested in becoming a member of Messiah Lutheran Church or just want to learn more about what we as Lutheran Christians believe, teach and confess, Messiah is offering a one day Inquirer’s class on Saturday, January 19th.

• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Ministry Center, room 201.

A New Member Orientation class for all who desire to join Messiah including by transfer or reaffirmation of faith, will be held the same day from:

• 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. in the Ministry Center, room 201.

New Member Sunday is scheduled for January 27th.

If you are interested in attending the Inquirer’s Class email or call our church office, tnunes@messiahtampa.com, 961-2182, so materials can be prepared for you.

Playgroups at Messiah

Playgroup Registration Form 2019

Child’s name DOB

_________________________________________________________ ___/____/____

Home church (if any): ___________________________________________

Adult participating with child in playgroup _______________________________________

Child’s Address Home Phone Number

_______________________________________ _____-_____-_____

_______________________________________

Mother’s Name Contact Number

________________________________________________ _____-_____-_____

Father’s Name Contact Number

_________________________________________________ _____-_____-______

Allergies, Medications or limiting conditions that we should be aware of for the safety of your child ...

___________________________________________________________________________

Emergency contact Name Phone Number

_________________________________________________ _____-_____-______

I give permission to use photos of my child and myself in future promotional literature (circle one) YES NO

I give permission for my child to participate in Playgroups at Messiah.

Parent Signature ______________________________________ Date ____/____/____

Email address (optional): _________________________________________________

WINTER JAM: January 12

Winter Jam is an awesome Christian concert where a bunch of Christian artists and bands like Skillet, Building 429, Newsong, Kari Jobe, kb, Jordan Feliz, Dan Bremnes, Westover, Mallory Hope and more come together. The best part is it is open seating and only costs $15 at the door! This year it is at Amalie Arena in Tampa. Seating fills up fast and we have to get there early. We will meet at Messiah at 12PM and depart. We will do a tailgate dinner in line and just hang out as a group. Feel free to bring card games, a beach blanket, or a Frisbee. Doors will open a little before 5PM with the pre-concert entertainment. The concert starts at 6PM. We will return to Messiah between 10:45 & 11PM. Parents, we need drivers/chaperones for this event. All participants need to sign-up ahead of time so we have enough rides. This event is open to all 5th-12th grade youth or interested adults or families.

Disclaimer: Although we are getting there early, seating is not a guarantee, could fill up fast, and the possibility exists of not getting in.

****************************************************************

Special Thanks to those Volunteers who helped with youth activities During the Month of December.

Open Gym Helpers: Paul Dworkin, Tim Schultz, & Steve Jones Special Event Helpers: Paul Dworkin, Jean Jones, Liz Davis, Sherri Irwin,

Marc Thacker, Brian & Fran Owens, Donna Rozell, & Tim Schultz We appreciate you and couldn’t do it without you!

****************************************************************

Confirmation and Middle School Youth, SAVE THE DATE OF Saturday January 26

for the Holy Land Experience!

All youth grades 5-8 join us for a day of experiencing the Bible in a new and interactive way. We will meet at Messiah at 8AM and depart for a day of sights and experiences in Orlando. We will return around

9PM. Cost is $30 per person (discounts and assistance available). Adults if you would like to drive and chaperone, we will be happy to take care of your ticket. Sign

up or talk to Abby to attend.

College & Young Adults (twenties)

Italian Cuisine! We will be having our next group get together, Sunday January 6th! Join us from 6:30-?PM at Messiah Ministry Center for food and discussion! Invite a friend and join us for food and fellowship. Feel free to bring a favorite game to share. Main course provided. Salad, side dish, dessert, appetizer, or beverage contributions to share welcome but not required. RSVPS encour-aged but not required.

Dinner, drinks, and discussion! Join us at Red Robin 7982 Citrus Park Town Center Mall, Tampa, FL 33625, Sunday, January 20th starting at 6:30PM. Please bring $5 cash to contribute to the dinner bill (plus funds for any drinks on you). Join us for a time of fellowship and friendly dis-cussion as we tackle current events and issues from the day from a theological perspective. Friends

welcome. RSVPs STONGLY encouraged in advance so we have enough seats for everyone.

Our goal is to offer a night out every first and third Sunday of the month at a different location as well as trying to offer one other opportunity during the month for service, fellowship, and/or recre-ation/fun. Please contact Abby Moss for more information or to get involved. RSVPs can be emailed to abbymoss@messiahtampa.com or texted to 813-789-7143.

“Feed Your Neighbor” JANUARY

Many thanks to all who helped for Thanksgiving and Christmas with the bags of blessings. It was once again a success. The Lord has blessed us as a congregation and we have shared the blessings with those in our neighborhood.

We are halfway through the school year and our closet is getting a little empty. We need your help to fill the weekend bags for the children, for the balance of this school year. For the month

of January and February we will be collecting all of the small items for the school program. The items needed would be individual cereal boxes, Entrées ie. Mac and cheese or small pastas, crackers, fruit, cookies, and snacks.

Remember these are the individual sizes so that the children can have two meals each day over the weekend. Refer to the school chart out in the narthex for individual items that we can use to complete this school year. We look forward to fulfilling our commitment to the Citrus Park school. Should you have questions regarding the program, please get in touch with one of the committee members or Barbara Packer.

Abby Moss has been accepted into an Emergent Leadership Training program for continuing education. She will be out of the office for several weeks throughout early 2019 in order to participate in this

training. Thanks to Messiah congregation and leadership for providing this opportunity for Abby.

Abby will be out of town and out of the office at her first training Monday January 14-Friday January 18th. Thanks to all those who are covering

areas while she is away.

Meet the Preschool Staff

To continue our series of Preschool Staff Biographies, is the three-year-old team of Jessica Pille (teacher) and Sherrie Aquilino (three-year-old assistant).

My name is Jessica Pille. My family and I attend Messiah Lutheran Church. I am the teacher in the 3-year-old class at Messiah Lutheran Preschool. This is my second year at Messiah. Last year I was the assistant in the two-year class. I am currently earning my CDA and furthering my early childhood education. I was born and raised in Tampa. My husband Matt and I have been blessed with two wonderful children, Hannah (9) and Mason (4). I attended Messiah for preschool, my daughter attended Messiah for preschool/VPK and my son attends Messiah currently for VPK/preschool. I enjoy spending time with my family. We enjoy going to the beach, fishing, bike riding, bowling and going to the movies.

I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity to help the little children grow. I look forward to teaching many years at Messiah and sharing the love of Jesus with the children.

Hello, I'm Miss Sherrie. I was born in Buffalo, New York. I graduated high school, then attended a two-year college (Erie Community) and then married my high school sweetheart. We moved to the Tampa Bay area in 1986. I worked for Eastern Airlines and then had our first son Joel. Joel was born with a disability (Down syndrome), and he lives at home and is now 28. We were blessed again with another son Nick, who is 23 and will be graduating from USF in December and we are very proud, GO BULLS! I have worked in the child care field since 1988. I have my CDA and have taught pre-k three and four-year-old VPK classes. As life changed with giving care to my elderly parents, I then

returned as a Teacher's Aide. I left and came back to my Messiah family. Thanks for letting me be a part of your children's life. It feels good to be home again. Sincerely, Sherrie Aquilino

Youth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth Night For youth grades 5-12 -Sundays from 4pm-6pm ~

We begin with a short devotion. Parents we need your help as chaperones Open Gym dates for January are 6, 13, 20 & 27

Senior High, join us for the 2nd Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night! Let’s get

together on Sunday the 14th at 6:30PM at Messiah for food and fellowship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share, main course/drinks provided! We will be serving ham.

This will also be a time for our informational meeting on National Youth Gathering and spring events, so parents plan to join us.

Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night will be Sunday the 27th. Join us at Tijuana Flats 10019 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33618 at

6:30PM for dinner. Bring at least $5 to contribute to the bill. Please RSVP if you can so we can reserve a large enough table.

Youth Bowling (5th-12th grade). Thursday January 3rd, 3-5PM

All Youth (grades 5-12) Celebrate Christmas

Break by joining us for bowling!

Pin Chasers – Veterans Location, 5555 W. Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, FL, 33634

Please bring $10 which will cover drinks, shoes, and games. Meet us there or talk to Abby to

schedule a ride. Sign up to attend. RSVP deadline is December 23rd. If we don’t have at least

8 people, we will not have an event! Talk to us if cost is an issue, as we don’t want anyone

unable to participate due to cost.

*Let us know if cost is an issue, we don’t want anyone to not be able to attend because of cost. *

Middle School & Post Confirmation Youth Group

7th & 8th graders & Post Confirmands, join us, Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 6:45-8PM, in the youth room. This group is open to middle schoolers and those who are through the

Confirmation program. We will meet January 16th! There will be no group on January 2nd due to Christmas break, join us for bowling on the 3rd instead.

From Abby… (Not to be confused with Dear Abby,) “Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewit-nesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excel-lent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-4 Our congregation is going through a challenge that started in December with Advent through Easter to go through the book of Luke. As I was preparing for all the ramifications this has on Sunday School, planning, and youth studies, I began reading Luke. I noticed the introduction, Luke 1:1-4. Although it isn’t included in our reading and may seem LESS important as these verses don’t contain any of the events of Jesus, I found them intriguing. (Plus the Holy Spirit must be at work because Pastor and I didn’t talk at all and yet were struck by the same verses while reading Luke). Dr. Luke might be like a lot of us, liking details and getting to the bottom of things. His Gospel reflects how he has taken the time to investigate and be historical and to talk to eyewitnesses who heard and saw all the things recorded. He was likely a Gentile or not part of the Jewish faith, yet acknowledges that Jesus fulfills Scripture and prophecy long foretold by Jewish prophets. He was educated and likely had a different (Roman) audience. Luke’s account is orderly and points to Jesus as the way to be saved (from the birth account all the way until Jesus’ Ascension). Luke can see the Holy Spirit at work but also wants people (Theophilus) to know that they can rest assured in the things they have been told and taught about Jesus and the difference He makes. I think this is most striking to me because I wonder what if Luke had never bothered to share at all? What if he had kept to himself and not bothered to record all the eyewitness accounts he had heard and researched? We would be missing a great deal of what we know about Jesus, including the Christmas story. I know that as we study Luke together, God is going to teach us many things. Jesus is going to be at work. Will we share them? How often do we see God at work? Hopefully daily. Do we bother to share and reflect on where and how we see that happening? By not sharing do others miss out on experiencing or understanding God differently? By sharing, could God be as work amongst us to draw others closer to himself and to saving Jesus? Who are the unique people we come into contact with because they are OUR families, or neighbors, friends, teammates, or coworkers where we can play a role in helping them know with certainty what they have been taught or help teach and explain what may never have been taught. May we add to our list of resolutions this year, with God’s help and power, to share with others what God is teaching us and how Jesus is at work. Happy New Year! Blessed 2019!

Preschool Registration for the 2019 - 2020 Year

Registration for current preschool students, alumni and church members will be February 4th & 5th from 8:00am-2pm. Open Registration begins February 6th.

Registration fee is $85.00 5 - day a week 4 year old class - VPK Program No cost to parents

5 - day a week 3 year old class- $375.00 per month

3 - day a week 3 year old class - $300.00 per month

2 - day a week 3 year old class - $230.00 per month

3 - day a week 2 year old class - $300.00 per month

2 - day a week 2 year old class - $230.00 per month

For a tour of our Preschool or for more information, please call Joan Brannan, Director at (813) 968-9534 or preschooldirector@messiahtampa.com.

Check out our Preschool Website: www.messiahpreschool.org.

Please continue to tell your friends and neighbors about our awesome Preschool.

Preschool Service Project The preschool has partnered with the Guardian ad Litem-Voices for Children program to provide individual hygiene bags to the children who are placed in a safe home at a moment’s

notice. How can you help us? Please collect un-used hotel shampoo, conditioner, soap and cream bottles and place them in the bin in the Narthex. The preschool children will group them together and make the hygiene bag. This will be an ongoing project, so please keep us in mind as you travel.

Playgroup restarts on

January 28, 2019.

Please contact us if you

would like to get

involved.

PRESCHOOL NEWS

Thank you! Family members and friends attended our annual Christmas presentation on December 19th. What a wonderful program it was! We wish to thank you parents and grandparents for attending and also give a special thanks to our wonderful students for such a great performance. Our Silent Auction was also a huge success. We would like to give a very special “Thank you” to all the

church members, school parents and friends of Messiah Lutheran Preschool for all the hard work and financial support. We cannot do it without you!