Messiah Lutheran Church January ~ 2015

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

Rev. Dr. Dennis Goff - Vacancy Pastor 763-614-9585 dennis.goff@lcef.org

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

Jody Schweichler, Preschool Director/Teacher 968-9534

Kim Capsas, Minister of Music/Organist 948-2767

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! At the start of the New Year the Scripture verse that comes to mind is: “Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See, I’m doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19)

As one year comes to a close and a new year begins, maybe there are a few thoughts and feelings that we have that this verse can address.

Forget the former things. Perhaps there are some things that have happened this

past year that you wish had not happened, things you regret. Choices you’ve

made or situations that have happened that did not go well. That’s not uncommon

since we live in an imperfect world. But that is why it is important to dwell not on

our mistakes, but on God’s actions despite our mistakes. Here is what God does:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new

has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Every day, you are a new creation in Christ. It

doesn’t matter who you were, it matters who you are and you are made new in

Christ. So don’t let the mistakes of the past define who God says you are today in

Christ.

Do not dwell on the past. Yet, not everything in the past is bad. Perhaps much of

this past year has been filled with joy, achievement, great memories. So why

would you want to forget those things? You don’t need to forget them. But in mov-

ing forward into a new year don’t let the good things of the past cause you to feel

like things have to stay that way or that nothing “new” or good can happen moving

forward. As great as some things have been in the past, there is no limitation to

what God can do in the future. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more

than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him

be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and

ever.” (Ephesians 3:20-21). Regardless of how great things have been, as you

move forward God is able to do immeasurably more.

God is doing a new thing! The exciting thing about a new year is what God can do.

What new opportunities, new experiences, new blessings will this new year bring?

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” (Psalm 40:3). The

new thing that we all pray for God to do here at Messiah is to reveal who Messiah’s

next pastor will be. Even as you read this newsletter, the Call Committee has the

list of candidates in hand and are prayerfully reviewing them. Interviews will begin

soon. We look forward to God doing a new thing here in Messiah’s ministry as we

make our way through the year 2015.

For several reasons, I’m thankful for the words of Isaiah 43:18-19. Maybe you are too. Happy New Year! Pastor Goff

Messiah Lutheran Church

14920 Hutchison Road

Tampa, Florida 33625

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Tampa, FL.

Permit No. 3341 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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

Praying this year you find

Hope

Joy

Peace

Love

through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior

Happy New Year! Jeremiah 29:11

Ministries & Activities

Adult Bible Study (Sunday 9:45 a.m.)

Mark Lemke - “Books of the Bible” - Ministry Center Room 201

Bible Study - “Book of Concord” - Ernie Munzen - CLC - Middle

Altar Guild - Lois Draper @ 961-8287

Angel Stitches - CLC - Room 1 - Contact Lynn Turke @ 960-7289

Assimilation - CLC - Conference Room - Contact Bruce Noyes @ 264-0760

Bakalyar’s Neighborhood Bible Study - At her home - Contact Beverly @ 300-3085

BAMOMS - CLC - Middle

Blind Ministry Luncheon - CLC - Middle - Contact Diane Wawrzyniak @ 962-3585

Boy Scouts - Ministry Center - Room 204 & Gym

Center for Hispanic Studies - Ministry Center - Room 204

Choir - Sanctuary - Monday - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook

Christian Education Mtg. - Copier Room - Contact Loraine Eden @ 732-3078

Cub Scouts – Pack 18 - CLC - Middle, Room 1,2,3 & Conference Room

Florida Suncoast Decorative Artist - CLC - Middle

Girl Scouts - CLC room 2

Handbells - Sanctuary - Monday - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook

LifeLight Bible Study - CLC - Conference Room - Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m.

LWML - Contact Nancy Lemke at 264-5095

Memorial Garden Committee - Cry Room - Contact Lu Heine @ 569-9377

Men’s Bible Study - CLC - Conference Room ~ Wednesday Morning 7:00 a.m.

Messiah’s Followers Forever - Ministry Center ~ Contact Barbara Packer @ 428-6204

Narcotics Anonymous - Ministry Center - Youth Room

Pinochle - contact David West at 972-8861 or westbaysol@hotmail.com; play monthly

Preschool Fellowship - Ministry Center - Gym

Senior Adults - Lois Dworkin - 727-648-4365 or Dorothy Biegert - 961-0659

Social Ministry - CLC - Conference Room

Stephen Ministry Support - Ministry Center - Rm. 201- Walt Halfmann, 792-8406

Trail Life - CLC, Ministry Center

Wednesday Evening Adult Bible Study ~ 6:45 - 7:45, Ministry Center #201

Young Adults 20’s - 30’s - Abby Moss, 789-7143

Youth Choir/Flag Team - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook

Youth Sunday Afternoon - Ministry Center - Gym & Youth Room - Abby Moss, 789-7143

January Birthday Blessings!January Birthday Blessings!January Birthday Blessings!January Birthday Blessings!

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

A New Year to give thanks to God… seek the Lord…trust in Him…spread the Word...

1 Pam Beaver

Rudy Cabina

Nancy Lemke

Teddy Rose

2 Jaline Arango

Emma Decker

Beverly Hladky

Steve Ruth

3 Robert Harrigan III

4 Joan Brannan

Emelina Brown

Emily Gafur

Steven Turke Jr.

Becky Vollrath

5 Dennis Gafur

7 David Anderson

Jimmie Rice

8 Cyndy Kilpinen

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

Barbara Bellott

19 Jacob Amerson

Paul Smith

22 Peyton Simspon

Jan Skeins

Nathan Watters

23 Marilyn Link

24 Brittny Buckner

Nicholas Daniel

John Lloyd

25 Avery Burnett

Tony Gain

Roger Rice

Nancy Umbaugh

Kenneth Vollrath

26 Linda Keyes

27 Lu Heine

28 Debra McGuire

Grant Walters

29 Emil Vollrath

31 Jackson Beaver

Carsten Hilbert

Newsletter Information ~ All directors, committee members, and anyone else desiring to place announcements in the February Newsletter, please e-mail to Tammy at tnunes@messiahtampa.com by Thursday, January 15th. Angel Stitches, Messiah's crocheting, quilting and crafting group will meet Sunday, January 11th at 2pm. Visitors always welcome. If you have any ques-tions please call Mary Plotkowski (813-960-9220) or Lynn Turke (813-833-9598). Morning LWML Meeting ~ Tuesday, January 13th at 10:30 a.m. in the CLC.

Evening LWML Meeting ~ Thursday, January 15th at 7:30 p.m. at Cathy Most’s home. Carrollwood Care Center Birthday Parties ~ The monthly birthday for this month will be held Wednesday, January 21st at 2:15 PM at Carrollwood Care Nursing Home (located right behind Messiah). Any questions? - call Mary Plotkowski at 813-960-9220. Senior adults will meet for lunch at 11:30 on Thursday, January 22nd at Bally Hoo's on 7604 Ehrlich Rd., Tampa. Please have your reservations in by Monday, January 19th to Dorothy Biegert at 961-0659 or Lois Dworkin at 727- 648- 4365 or email at lrdmom@gmail.com.

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. Messiah is looking for a part time, on commission facilities coordinator to start January 2015. If interested in applying contact Joel Mathews or Wayne Jackson. 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.

New Year’s Eve Worship ServiceNew Year’s Eve Worship ServiceNew Year’s Eve Worship ServiceNew Year’s Eve Worship Service w/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communion

5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.

WINTER JAM: January 10

Winter Jam is an awesome Christian concert where a bunch of Christian artists and bands like Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Francesca Battistelli, Building 429, For King & Country, Newsong, Family Force 5, Blanca, Veridia and more con-verge. The best part is it is open seating and only costs $10 at the door! This year it is at Times Forum or 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.

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

Special Thanks to those Volunteers who helped with youth

activities During the Month of December.

Open Gym Helpers: Paul Dworkin, & Steve Jones

Special Event Helpers: Doris Hogan, Paul Dworkin, JJ

MacFarland, Sara Skeins, Claudia Bohren,

and Jeff & Gwen Salt

We appreciate you and couldn’t do it without you!

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

SERVING MESSIAH IN JANUARY

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

ACOLYTES:

4 Blake Saylor Jake Amerson

11 Delanie Matson Pierce Rodrick

18 Evan Munzen Kyle Mavrides

25 Alvin Forte Colin Gabriel

ALTAR GUILD:

Kathy Wagner & Christian Moll Janet Booth & Allyson Kessler

ELDERS:

4 Dan Carlson & Mike Mekelburg Mike Healey & Dale Laxton

11 Dan Carlson Dale Laxton

18 Mike Castro & Ed Picillo Bill Meyer & Gary Weber

25 Mike Mekelburg Bill Meyer

GREETERS:

4 Lois Draper Stuart & Pam Dalton

11 Lorraine Eden Wayne & Cynthia Jackson

18 Walt & Norma Halfmann Dale & Luann Laxton

25 David & Anne West Cliff Yarosh

PROJECTIONISTS

4 (8:30) Michael Cox (9:45) Nathan Nester (11:00) Kathy Larson

11 (8:30) Michael Cox (9:45) Annette Ryan (11:00) Michael Bohren

18 (8:30) Teresa Klicker (9:45) Nathan Nester (11:00) Mark Lemke

25 (8:30) Kevin Garriott (9:45) Annette Ryan (11:00) David Pergande

COFFEE:

4 Gwen Salt

11 LWML

18 Ernie & Gail Munzen

25 Lu Heine

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 9:45 a.m.

USHERS: ELDERS: ACOLYTES

4 Floyd Skeins & Sara Skeins Ron Dial Emma Irwin

11 Joni Daniel & Jolianna Daniel Bob Harrigan & Paul Riffel Aryn Nester

18 Ron Dial & Sarah Parker Paul Riffel Angelina Dial

25 Steve & Gaylene Gay Ron Dial & Bob Harrigan Tyler Matthews

2015 ~ Flower Charts

Flower Charts for 2015 are posted on the portable bulletin board. If you would like to honor a loved one, have a celebration, 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 arrangement is $20.00

The cost for the eternal candle is $15.00

payable to “Flower Fund ~ Messiah Lutheran”

LED Sign News

Our LED Sign installation and adjustments to the surrounding habitat is nearly finished. Now is time to provide your help by improving communication with our surrounding communities and commuters. Using our signs opens up our ability to interest others in Messiah Church activi-ties. Our mainstay of listings currently covers Worship times, Seasonal events, Musical attractions and Preschool. We need additional information covering other church activities of sign presenta-tions. Currently under consideration are: Hispanic Sunday School @ 11:30 a.m,; Hispanic Worship @ 1 p.m.; Hispanic Ministry Fellowship @ 2 p.m.

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 11th at noon (or right after the 11AM service) for a time of food, family fellowship, and exploring 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.

MESSIAH SOCIAL MINISTRY wishes to thank all members and friends who partici-pated in our annual, Hope Children’s Home Christmas outreach and party. Because of your generosity, our sweet children at Hope Children’s Home were recipients of beautiful gifts which were delivered to them on December 29th. The gymnasium at Hope was filled with excitement and happy smiles as the children opened their gifts

after enjoying a few sweet treats and punch. We Social Ministry servants and friends were then treated to a mini-concert of Christmas songs performed by the kids. Your gift selections from each child’s own “wish list” brought bright smiles and much joy to these special kids. Thanks for your expressions of love. Thanks and praise to God for His many blessings which allowed us to care and share through this and other MESSIAH SOCIAL MINISTRY’s outreach opportunities in 2014. The Minis-tries’ project plans for 2015 will be successful with your continued love and support.

Women of Messiah – LWML

Thank you, thank you to everyone who helped to make the Advent by Candlelight

tea a huge success. The ladies who hosted tables did a wonderful job decorating

their tables beautifully. The entertainment was great and we had a good atten-

dance. Also, a big thank you to whoever donated the live table wreaths and candles to each of the

table hostesses, what a lovely surprise. Pay it forward ladies.

The ladies also hosted the Advent supper in December. We made our delicious home-made

soups. Thanks to all the ladies for making soups and bringing the extras.

We are already making plans for January. Another year already past. They sure do go by

fast. In January we are collecting fabric kits for Lutheran World Relief. This project gives people a

chance to make clothes for their families in poverty stricken areas. Each kit only consists of fabric

and thread. Do not add anything else and do not put in plastic bags. Our ladies will assemble the

kits as we are instructed by LWR. The material should be cotton or cotton blend (no knits or 100%

polyester.) The sizes are as follows: 60” width, 21/4 yards, 44” width, 3 yards, or 36” width, 4

yards. Also include 2 spools of neutral colored all purpose thread, 250 – 300 yards each. That is it

just the fabric and the thread. If you would like to donate items for the kits please put in a bag

and place on the LWML cart in the narthex or bring to the January meeting or give to Nancy

Lemke. Please bring your items by Sun. Jan. 25. We are doing this project in Jan. because we can

deliver the kits to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where they will be picked up by truck and

taken to Lutheran World Relief warehouse and we can save a lot of money on shipping.

The morning LWML group will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 13th at 10:30 a.m. in the CLC conference

room. The evening group will meet on Thursday, Jan. 15th at 7:30 p.m. at Cathy Most’s home,

7103 Halifax Ct. All ladies are always welcome.

Kid Sit Registration Form

Suggested donation of $30 for the evening per child (or $6/hour if not staying the

whole time) or 2 children for $40. (Discounted rates for pre-registering to attend

ahead of time by turning in this form are $20 for one child or $25 for 2 ($5 for each

additional child)). Registrations for January 24th must be turned in by Friday

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: _________________

Kid Sit is back!

Our next event will be Saturday January 24 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 & Bike Riding Time

If you have a bike/trike and helmet you would like to bring from home,

we have a great open parking lot space for some riding. If you prefer to

leave the bike at home there will be plenty else to do. (We will not ride if

weather is inclement).

6:30-7PM Dinner

Menu for January will be Pizza, carrots & grapes

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

tary restrictions, please feel free.

7-8PM Free Play & Organized Games

8-8:30 Craft & Game Time

8:30-10PM Movie & Popcorn

10PM Everyone Goes Home

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

Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 13th at 7:30 p.m. Agenda items include:

● Update from Call Committee

● Approval of 2015 Ministry Work Program

● Reports from staff and committee directors

PRESCHOOL NEWS On December 17th, family members and friends attended our annual Christmas presentation. 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.

Registration for the 2015/2016 school year will begin Monday, February 2nd at 8:00 a.m. for members of Messiah Lutheran Church and for the students already enrolled or their siblings. Open registration will begin on Wednesday, February 4th at 8:00 a.m. This year we will be offering a 3 day program for three year olds which will meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and a 2 day program for three year olds that will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Our 5 day a week program will be offered to four year olds eligible for VPK. Beginning in January we will be offering tours of the school on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. Please call Jody Schweichler at (813) 968-9534 to schedule your tour. This will be our tenth year participating in Florida’s VPK program. Children who will be four by September 1st, 2015 will be eligible to participate in the VPK pro-gram. Parents need to attend registration to fill out enrollment forms. Preschool classes fill up quickly. We cannot guarantee placement for your child for the 2015/2016 school year until registration is completed. If you have any questions please call Director Jody Schweichler at (813) 968-9534. Our next school board meeting will be January 12th at 1:00 pm in the Ministry Center. New members are needed and always welcome.

A prayer for your personal witness outreach in 2015:

Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,

And love that soul through me;

And may I nobly do my part

To win that soul for Thee.

~ Tucker

Stewardship/Commitment Update

1. As a matter of background, our congregation received pledges for 2014 from 157 giving units. 2. This year Response Cards/Estimate of Giving Cards for 2015 were collected from 111 giving units (husbands and wives or single persons) out of 263 giving units. This count might not be final since more commitments might have been submitted since these cards were recorded. 3. This 111 is a decrease of 46 giving units or 29% fewer than last year. 4. Of the 111 however, 70 giving units or roughly 63% increased their financial

commitment. 5. In Summary, the 111 giving units who filled out the Response Cards/Estimate

of Giving Cards committed an annualized total of $427,762.40 for next year. This is an increase of $57,827.40 or approximately 16 %. 6. We encourage those of you who have not yet submitted commitments for next year to provide them so that we can more accurately estimate our income for next year. Thanks for your support of the mission and ministry of Messiah. David Pergande Financial Secretary

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

We begin with a short devotion. Parents we need your help as chaperones, Open Gym dates for January are 4, 11, 18 & 25

Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Lets get together on Sunday the 11th at 6:30PM at Messiah for food and fellowship. Bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share, main course/drinks provided! Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night will be will be will be will be

Sunday the 25th.Sunday the 25th.Sunday the 25th.Sunday the 25th. • Meet at Anthony ’ s Coal Fired Pizza at 1901 S Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL

33629 at 6:30PM. Bring at least $5 to contribute to the bill. Please RSVP if you can so we can reserve a large enough table.

Friday January 30 Middle

School Game Night 7-9:30PM!

All youth grades 5-8 join us for a game night in the youth room. There will be several game choices and rounds. Vote on your favorite and enjoy some snacks

and fellowship and competition with youth group friends.

From Abby… (Not to be confused with Dear Abby,) My family long has had a tradition of writing and sharing Christmas letters. It has been a

great way to touch base and share what has been happening with those second cousins you don’t get to see very often. Writing this letter is also a great exercise personally because it

allows me to reflect and see God’s hand in the past year and look to the New Year as a fresh start and set new goals and make resolutions in order to better life or accomplish something

in the year to come.

Certainly our church family has had a lot of transition and uncertainty during the last year and a lot to look forward to as we get a new Pastor in the new year. As I reflect on all that has been and all that will be, I’m drawn to God’s Word, history or His Story where God’s faithfulness and perfect timing is demonstrated no matter the circumstance taking place and no matter how desperate the situation at the time seems. I find the book of 1 Samuel and the story of David (perhaps because there are very few people in the Bible like him where so much , virtually all of his life is recorded and documented) especially intriguing. I further enjoy

looking at this book as I realize how much of the book of Psalms was written by David and the thoughts and emotions behind the songs and prayers come out of the events that take place in 1 Samuel.

In 1 Samuel 16 David, the youngest son of Jesse, the brother not even present for the sacrifice is anointed king of Israel. Samuel is certain each of the older brothers is a better fit but God urges him, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” To everyone present, David seemed the

least likely choice, but in the long run, he was the BEST choice for Israel. On an even larger level, God saw how David was included in Jesus’s family line and how David would fit into God’s even bigger plan for sal-

vation.

David was promised he would succeed Saul, but he had to wait a long time before he actually got to reign. It must have been a challenge for David to remain humble and faithful knowing he would be king. With God’s

help he did. He served Saul faithfully and respected his role as the current king. David put God first in all things. When the giant Goliath came around and everyone was afraid, the boy who was too small for the ar-

mor went into battle out matched because he knew God’s strength and hand of provision was with him.

David eventually had to go on the run for his life because of Saul’s fear of and hatred towards him. God pro-tected David. David remained faithful as well by not killing Saul when he had an opportunity to do so. David was chosen and set apart to be king but he had to go through some stuff, much of it unpleasant, and a lot of it

not his fault, before the glory years of his reign came to be.

David was not a perfect king or family man. Some could describe him as the worst of human beings as he was guilty of both murder and adultery. Yet neither of these are what David is remembered for, despite these things he is known as a man after God’s own heart. Certainly, he endured some consequences for his actions. He is also an example of true repentance and God’s great ability to forgive anything if we repent. David died

a Bible hero and a big part of God’s plan for salvation.

We too can look at life and our experiences and see negative actions or carry guilt for past sins and missed opportunities or we can see God being faithful. We can see a God who loves and forgives. We can see a God who keeps his promises and whose timing is perfect. As we head into a new year and a new chapter is Mes-

siah Lutheran Church’s history, may we as individuals and as a church praise God for his faithfulness, look to Him for guidance and strength, repent and learn from our mistakes, and finish strong with the work He has

prepared for us to do. Blessings in 2015!

Playgroup will not meet on January 19th due to it

being Martin Luther King Junior Holiday.

In January, the Hispanic Ministry is starting sev-eral area community outreach classes in several area apartment complexes. The goal is go to where people are at, to teach a skill such as handcrafts or computer skills, make a connection, and then pre-sent the Gospel and an invitation to worship and to church fellowship functions. The Hispanic Congre-gation is looking for some English speaking partners from Mes-siah’s Anglo congregation who would be willing to come along side them and teach the English version of these classes (so that classes can be offered in these communities without bias or dis-crimination). If they cannot find partners from our congregation, they will be forced to cancel these classes.

If you have computer or handcraft skill, have a heart for people and sharing Jesus please contact Abby Moss (abbymoss@messiahtampa.com) or Pastor Miguel Sanabria (migueldarios@hotmail.com). This is a great way to partner with our Hispanic brothers and sisters, to reach out into our community, and to be a witness to those around us who speak English or Spanish. This fits

with Messiah’s mission to Grow in Faith, Service, and Witness Outreach and to put an emphasis on Outreach in the coming year.