Messages as we continue the current Church closure:

With the update from the Governor earlier this week, the closure of Messiah has now been extended to April 13. Sadly this means Holy Week services and activities will not take place at church (sorry, we will not have drive through or delivery service available for Easter breakfast 😊). However, we can offer you the opportunity to enjoy midweek Lenten services and Sunday worship at the time you choose! With our services now being available online, you have the flexibility to ‘attend’ a Lent service at 6:30pm if 7:00pm was just too late. How about a true Easter sunrise service (6:00am, 7:00, 8:00 ?). It will be there waiting for you.

The services can be found at: 
Messiah website:   
www.messiahlutheranholt.org 
(click the ‘SERMONS’ link on the top menu bar)    
Messiah Facebook page: 
Messiah Lutheran Church Holt  
 
During recent conversations with members, one of the statements heard repeatedly is ‘isn’t it amazing how appropriate the daily flip-card prayers and Lent devotions have been for us today’! I absolutely agree with their vantage point. Fellow graduates of the ‘Joining Jesus on His Mission’ Bible study will fully understand what is meant by ‘how has Jesus been messing with you’? I’m pretty certain even those that haven’t had the chance to attend the study yet will get the gist of the catch phrase as well. Current circumstances at Messiah, both the vacancy and pandemic, have resulted in action that I’m not sure would have happened otherwise. Certainly not with the expedited sense of urgency. Prayer cards, daily Lenten devotions, online worship services, prayer ‘hotline’, increased check-ins with family and fellow members. That’s a pretty impressive – and not all inclusive – list. So yes, He is certainly messing with us. Let’s be aware of His presence and look for the opportunities he is giving us to join Him in any way we are able. As always, pray, pray, pray.
- The Board of Elders 

Update March 27:  Easter Flower Sale Cancelled
At this time, it appears Easter services will not be held, therefore the spring Easter Lilly and flower sale has been cancelled. Donations made and not used for Easter flowers will be returned to everyone after the stay in place order has been lifted. Thanks to all who participated. If you wish your payment be donated to Messiah’s Flower Fund to offset floral expenses for the remainder of 2020, e-mail Chris Gilliland at mrscmgilliland@att.net and she will see the donations are properly routed.

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Planned Giving Board Update
PGB met March 9 and welcomed new board members, Jon Harmon and Sherri Nunheimer. Importantly, the board is excited to announce the amount available for grants this year. Once this global crisis passes, we encourage all Teams to gear up and take advantage of the $15,930 that is available.

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Update: Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast
Due to the church closure unfortunately these events are cancelled.

G-Board Terms Ending in May, 2020
The G-board is announcing the opportunity for members of Messiah to make known their interest in being a member of the Governing Board. There are four positions whose term is ending May 31, 2020. If anyone is interested in being considered for one of the positions, please let the office know by April 16. Your name will be placed on the May ballot to be voted on by the congregation at the Voter’s meeting to be held (at this time) May 17. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve and we as a Board encourage anyone to let their interest be known.
Blessings. 
Your Governing Board

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Introducing the Dedicated Prayer Line
Messiah's phone system has been tweaked to include a special line on which callers can leave prayer requests. During the day, Pam will still take requests over the phone or by email and forward them to the Prayer Team and/or include them in the published prayer list. If Pam is not available to answer the phone, or if the call is made during non-office hours, the caller will be given a list of options, including "Press 4 for the Prayer Request Line." Once that line is reached, the caller will be given further instructions. Messages are checked during office hours and will be forwarded to the Prayer Team.
- Prayer Initiative Team 

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Stitches From the Heart
Pastor Tom and Sara received the personalized quilts that were made for each of them. They really like them and are thankful to Messiah for the gifts.
- Kay Winegar

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​Deadline for Bulletin Submissions
If you have submissions for either the weekly or the e-mail bulletin, please provide the information to the church office no later than 11:00 a.m. on Thursday. Thank you.

​Sign up for the Email Announcements
The weekly announcements are sent out in an email every week. If you do not receive it and wish to subscribe, just click here and enter the email address where you want to receive the announcements.

​Monthly Calendar and Room Usage
​Our monthly calendar only highlights ministry events here at Messiah, but there are many other groups and individuals who use our facilities throughout the week. If you would like to hold a meeting or event at the church building, please contact Pam in the church office (517-694-1280 or office@messiahlutheranholt.org) 1-2 days in advance to make sure that the space you would like to use is not already reserved. Thank you!

Pastoral Care
Please contact the office for an appointment.  If you have something that needs to be brought to an elder's attention, please call them at their number as listed in Messiah's Directory.

Altar Flowers
​If you wish to dedicate flowers for an occasion or just want to be able to take home some color on a Sunday, take a look at the flower chart in the hallway by the church offices. There are many openings available between now and the end of the year.

There are now two ways to give to Messiah through our website.
You may use the black Donate button at the bottom of the page to give through Kindrid or the yellow button below to give using PayPal. Thank you for continuing to support the ministry of Messiah Lutheran Church.