The Newsletter and Church Communication05+Newsletter+NFS+v2.pdfThe Newsletter and Church Communication Communication is at the heart of everything we do. If communication goes poorly,

The Newsletter and Church Communication

Communication is at the heart of everything we do. If communication goes poorly, relationships suffer. Good communication fosters good relationships. In fact, we can think about Christianity almost completely as an exercise in communication: The Bible is communication from God to God’s people (history, laws, wisdom, prophets, ethics, etc.). Prayer is communication between the faithful and God. Jesus communicated in his teachings and in his actions (In fact, the Gospel of John refers to Jesus as “the Word,” a vessel of communication). The net result of Christ’s resurrection is an in-the-flesh message to humanity that our God is a God of life!

Church life involves communication. Most prominent is in worship: music, microphones, preaching, corporate confession and prayer. But just as important is how we communicate about items that take place outside of worship. In almost every instance, church communication refers to the carrying out of our mission. In short, our mission is to grow in the faith, support each other, and serve others. The elected church council oversees laying out that agenda. They envision, plan and execute leadership that enables the rest of the congregation to carryout the church’s mission. Crucial to this execution of mission is that the church needs to be informed of events that the council has a hand in planning. This is where church communications come in as a vital part of congregational life.

Church communication has changed dramatically over the last 20 years due to technological advancements. Out of seminary 20+ years ago in my first church, we did bulletins and a snail mail newsletter. Nothing else. Eventually, churches embraced using websites and communication via email. All for the sake of communicating the mission of the church.

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH OF SKIDAWAY ISLAND 1 WEST RIDGE ROAD, SAVANNAH, GA 31411

The Rev. Jason W. Talsness Cell: (770) 570-7407 E-mail: [email protected] Office Telephone: (912) 598-1188 Office FAX: (912) 598-1339 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.messiahsi.org

A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America May 2019

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.messiahsi.org

I bring this all up because we at Messiah are looking at church communications. Pam Allen has decided it is time to step down from doing the newsletter each month. Pam explained to me that there was no issue, it was just the right time to step back.

Since 2008, every month Pam has assembled the monthly newsletter: announcements, photos, birthday and anniversary lists, the calendar, lists of volunteers for monthly duties such as readers and communion assistants. All this as a volunteer, to the tune of 15-20 hours a month, year-round. All this during a span of time when Messiah went through many transitions. We all are indebted to Pam for her dedication and service. The newsletter has been valued for its photos as much as its content. The newsletter has given our ministry structure and guidance. We all say,“Thank-you” to Pam for these years of service.

The council will be looking at how we can best communicate. It may mean that there is no newsletter for a while . . . or ever. We have a website and a weekly email. Is that enough media? The congregation approved funds for a “Director of Communications” position for the 2019 budget, so we have resources to allocate to this function. We the leadership may intentionally solicit feedback from the church on the question of communication, but if you have thoughts you’d like to share informally, I welcome them. Through this time of transition, may we always be good listeners, to one-another and to God, and may our communication always build up the body of Christ.

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17

In the promise of the Resurrection, The Rev. Jason Talsness

MLC Newsletter ~ May 2019 ~ Page 2

Skidaway Caregiver Support Group

A new support group, the Skidaway Caregiver Support Group, now meets every Thursday from 1-2 pm at Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church. Formed to provide a safe place for caregivers to connect, ask questions, and learn from one another in a supportive environment, the group is led by RN Amy Pierce and other staff of Coastal Care Partners, a local company that assists with medical and non-medical care needs.

Good information is being shared weekly to help people who are walking with loved ones — or on their own — through changes in health, ability, and community engagement.

May Announcements

Copies of the May issue of THE LUTHERAN, the official news magazine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, as well as DAILY DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS for the 2nd quarter of 2019, are available on the table in the entrance foyer of the sanctuary. A limited number of LARGE PRINT devotionals are available.

CERTAIN SCHEDULED MEETINGS AND EVENTS IN MAY• Birthday Sunday is May 12. If your birthday is

this month, be sure to come to church on the 12th so that we can celebrate your birth!

•Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study will meet each Wednesday in May.

•Women’s Monday Morning Bible Study will meet May 6, 13, and 20 in May.

• Evangelism Ministry’s Faith Ambassador Training will be at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 at Lynn McLauchlan’s home.

•Outreach Ministry will meet at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 20 at the church.

•Worship & Music Ministry will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 16.

•Church Council will meet at 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21.

• Evangelism’s Caring Card Ministry will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18.

• Staff Support/Mutual Ministry will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS † Prayers of support for Barb Tinker as she embarks on an extended trip and grand adventure to Paris!

† Prayers of support for Terry and Milda Blaney, and the family and friends of Terry’s sister Emily Kay Kent, 76, of North Port, FL, who died on April 23, 2019 at her home.

† Prayers of healing for our members, friends, and relatives undergoing special care and treatment: Carr Baldwin, Ann Farr, Bob Farr, The Rev. Doug Fritz (hospitalized for seizures; father of Rob Fritz), Sarah Jacobson (a friend of Jim Dawson), Lindsay Hart, Christine Kumagai, Ray Kunsman, Bridget (Shirley & Phil Nack’s granddaughter), Gail and John Mauer’s son-in-law, Dean Martin (who had xchemo and radiation treatments through mid-February), Rachel Maloney, Lesley Michael, Judy Nord, Ellen Olson, Char Ramshaw, Tom Seipel, Linda Shadel, Vera (Andrea & Robert Felkins’ granddaughter), and Marguerite Weisemann.


This is Christ’s church. There is a place for you here.

We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person — questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world. SOURCE: www.ELCA.org

http://www.ELCA.org

http://www.ELCA.org

Chancel choir will rehearse at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, May 8 & 15. Women’s choir will rehearse at 10:05 a.m. on Sundays, May 5 & 12. Men’s chorus will not rehearse in May. All groups resume in September.

Handbells will rehearse at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 and play in church on Sunday, May 5. Then on summer break until August.

The last rehearsal before the summer break will be Sunday, May 5. The Children’s Choir will sing in church on Mothers’ Day, May 12.

Brass Plus will rehearse at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 11 and Saturday, May 25.


5/01 Larry Holst 5/05 Gerry Quirk 5/06 Ray Kunsman 5/06 Dan Meyer 5/06 April Patterson 5/07 Cheryl Liebgott 5/08 Mary Stewart 5/09 Roger Nord 5/11 Janet Reardon 5/12 Jerry Thorne 5/13 Ethel Baldwin 5/14 Ann Farr 5/15 Megan Boyden

5/15 Yona Haug5/19 Wes Peper5/19 Norma Stevens 5/21 Stephanie Williams 5/24 Dianne Franz 5/24 Fay Holst5/25 Milda Blaney 5/27 Sandy Schmoll 5/29 Ron Maner5/30 Harriette Koeller 5/31 Ed Hill5/31 Diana Wilson

5/05 Erin & Phil Haug’s 12th5/07 Tammy & Gerry Quirk’s 53rd 5/09 Mary & Fred Buck’s 49th5/17 Peggy & Parker Pearson’s 45th 5/29 Marcia & Greg Stinson’s 15th 5/30 Anne & Eric Gladden’s 21st 5/30 Grace & Olin Bockes’ 68th 5/31 Jane & Steve Holst’s 33rd

Mary Maner

Joy Olson, Director

Diane Boyd, Director


The Arts at Messiah

Our opening concert on Friday, May 3 was thrilling! Pianist Fei-Fei wowed the audience with her passionate and delicate playing of pieces as varied as Shumann’s Kinderszenen and Rachmaninoff ’s Moments Musicaux. Her encore was a rare treat — an excerpt from Rachmaninoff ’s Piano Concerto No. 2, the work she will play on May 12 for her debut at Carnegie Hall’s “big” Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage! She previously debuted at Carnegie Hall in its intimate Weill Recital Hall.

The three remaining concerts in this series are certain to delight just as much. Please mark your calendars for the following dates, and invite your friends and neighbors.

Friday, June 14 • 7:00 pmThe Charlestones

Last appearing in Savannah in June 2016, The Charlestones return due to popular demand. This unique a cappella quartet will present an exciting and seriously fun program — a smattering of everything from Renaissance to Broadway, spirituals to country, and jazz to pop. Formed in 2014, they have quickly made a name for themselves with their trademark flawless intonation, rocksteady camaraderie, and wide variety of vocal styles. Some locations the Charlestones have performed include the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, Charleston, SC (2015-2017), Tuesdays Music Live Concert Series, Augusta, GA, and City of North Charleston 4th of July Fireworks Display.

Friday, July 12 • 7:00 pm Jaedon Izik-Dzurko, Piano Rising Star Concert

Nineteen year old Canadian born Jaeden Izik-Dzurko is earning a reputation as an exceptional young artist. Winner of the Grand Award at the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals’ National Competition, Jaeden has been commended for his sensitive touch and thoughtful interpretations. Most recently, he was awarded third prize and the Peter Takács Classical Sonata award at the Hilton Head International Piano Competition. He currently is studying at the Juilliard School with Professor Yoheved Kaplinsky.

Friday, August 16 • 7:00 pm David Fung, Piano Joseph Pramberger Memorial Concert

Praised by The Washington Post for his “ravishing and simply gorgeous” performances, David Fung is widely recognized for interpretations that are elegant and refined, yet intensely poetic and uncommonly expressive. Mr. Fung garnered international attention as a winner in the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition in Brussels and the Arthur Rubinstein Piano International Masters Competition in Tel Aviv, two of the “top five” international piano competitions. In Tel Aviv, he was further distinguished by the Chamber Music and Mozart Prizes, awarded in areas in which Mr. Fung has a particularly passionate interest. Mr. Fung is the first piano graduate of the Colburn Conservatory in Los Angeles and is a Steinway Artist.

Ladies Night Out ~ A Joint Social Event of the Evangelism and Parish Life Ministries

All ladies of Messiah are invited to get together for dinner at the church on Thursday, May 30, at 6:00 p.m. The details are not quite finalized at this time. If you have any suggestions for food or for an activity, please e-mail Lynn McLauchlan ([email protected]). Look for the menu and activity in the Messiah Minute, and be sure to sign up for this event on the kiosk in the Narthex or e-mail Lynn.

Messiah Night at the Savannah Bananas ~ Thursday, July 11

The Men’s Group has organized a special ticket package for Messiah members and their friends at the Savannah Bananas game on Thursday, July 11. Cost per person is $18 per person. No charge for children age 3 and under. The cost includes a ticket for the game PLUS UNLIMITED food (hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, & dessert) and drink (sodas, water). Come one, come all ~ men, women, children, friends, and neighbors ~ all are invited. There is a signup sheet on the kiosk in the narthex. Plan to join your friends at the ball park for a fun evening.


SAVE THE DATE! The 16th annual Inspiritus (f/k/a Lutheran Services of Georgia) Savannah Golf Classic will be held on Monday, October 21, 2019 at the Crosswinds Golf Club. All proceeds benefit Inspiritus’s programs in the coastal region. Last year’s golf outing raised $12,500! Registration will be at 8:00 a.m.; shotgun start at 9:00 a.m.; lunch and awards at 1:30 p.m.; and announcement of raffle winners and closing of the silent auction at 2:30 p.m. Messiah had 29 golfers and sponsored 25 military players last year! Great job Messiah! Thank you for your continued support for Inspiritus. ~ Your golf committee: Jane Holst, Frank Liebgott, Pattye & Clarke Field, and Shirley & Phil Nack.

Please Join Us in Presenting Beautiful Music at Messiah

Your generous tax-deductible contribution supports the continuation of this wonderful series of summer concerts. Over the years, we have developed a reputation for presenting concerts of varied types, featuring a range of outstanding talent, from rising stars to winners of world class competitions. This is made possible by a community of supporters who have stood behind the series’ 18 years of stable growth and who continue to stand behind its mission. We invite you to support The Arts at Messiah. Please make your check payable to “Messiah Lutheran Church” and mark the memo line “The Arts at Messiah.”


We Welcome New Members

Becky and Buddy Martin and their three daughters are Charter Members of Messiah Lutheran, so we are overjoyed to welcome them home, so to speak! Becky served on the initial church council and was instrumental in calling Pastor Jim Peper to lead the mission. Buddy served on the church building committee and participated in the architecture and financing of the project. They moved to Charleston, SC prior to the church building being completed.

They have been married for 53 years. In addition to their three daughters, they have four grandchildren. Becky and Buddy worked as a team in the real estate industry for over 45 years in Savannah, Charleston, SC, and Wilmington, NC. They specialized in commercial, office, industrial, and residential sales construction and development.

Laura Michael moved to Savannah in 2017 to live with and help her mother (and Messiah member), Lesley Michael, who is now at Savannah Square. Laura was born in West Virginia and raised in the Midwest. She attended Purdue University and received a B.A. in Parks and Recreation. Later, she received a Masters Degree in Business from Webster University.

Laura has had an extensive, varied, and interesting career, ranging from managing a country club, a restaurant, and a retail department to being an Aircraft Maintenance Technician/Crew Chief with the US Air Force, a manufacturing technician and quality assurance analyst with Procter and Gamble Mfg Co., and a Corrections Officer. She has lived in several places, including Cleveland, OH, Pittsburgh, PA, Evansville, IN, Alexandria, LA, and a few places in Texas.

While working for P&G, Laura began part time work as a reserve deputy for the Rapides Parish (LA) Sheriff Department, and later full time for the Sheriff Department. After moving to Texas, Laura worked exclusively in the law enforcement field, as a Corrections Officer, Detention Officer, Trainer, Honor Guard, Mental Health Mental Retardation Specialist, Special Response Team Member. Laura retired in 2017. She has three dogs — two Miniature Schnauzers and a Chow Chow — and a Gelding Pinto Horse.

While Laura has not been a member of a church since her family’s church in Indianapolis in the 70s, she has been doing mission work in the jail system for the past 18 years trying to fight the evil inside people with the good inside herself. She tries to continue that mission everywhere she goes. “Evil wins when good men do nothing.”


News from the Education and Discipleship Ministry Barbara Tinker, Chairman

In May, we will begin a series entitled Twisting the Truth. In this six session group video, Andy Stanley exposes some common ways God’s truth gets twisted. Each one has the potential to destroy your relationships, cloud your decisions, and distort your perception of Him. Common but deadly deceptions impact you every

day. They can twist your thinking in ways you would never expect and leave you with a life you never imagined. This study will help us discover the ways the truth gets twisted in our lives and culture and, more importantly, how we can recognize and overcome them.

Grab a friend and a cup of coffee and join us at 10:20 a.m. in the conference room. The discussions are always interesting and you will be amazed how your faith grows when you share it!

Messiah Youth (middle and high) will meet at 10:20 a.m. on Sundays, May 12 & 19, and then break for the summer.

Pastor Jason will lead the Monday Morning Women's Bible Study group on May 6, 13, & 20. This will be part of a series he did with the Men's Bible Study. After May 20, the group will take off until June 10 when we begin a six-week Andy Stanley study entitled “What Makes You Happy.” If you are planning to be with us in June, please let me know so that the workbooks can be ordered.

The group meets on Monday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the church’s Conference Room. Interested in joining us or have some questions? Please contact Argerie Martin (912-598-8211; [email protected]).

The Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study group will meet each Wednesday in May, at 8:00 a.m. in the church’s Conference Room. This month they will begin a series that looks at the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis. All men of the church and visitors and newcomers are welcome to attend. No prior Biblical knowledge is necessary.



News from the Property Ministry Tim Andrews, Chairman

Here and There Around the Church

• Good news on the Columbarium. The granite will be delivered the week of May 5 and the foundation for the new columbarium will be poured sometime over the next two weeks. We look forward to installation the summer.

• At its March meeting, Church Council approved the installation of new locks on all exterior church doors. This update comes as we realize it has been 20 years since the original locks were installed, and also to ensure control of the keys and keyholders. This is being done merely as a precautionary measure, not in reaction to any incident. If any member, for whatever reason, desires a new key to aid in carrying out a given ministry, please contact the church office to make arrangements to get a new key. Please keep your current key if you need access to an internal door, as the new keys are strictly for the external doors. The change will occur the week of May 5. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Andrews, Connie Squibb, or Pastor Talsness.

If you see something around the church that needs attention, please tell Tim Andrews (612-868-5222; [email protected]).


“Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 NKJV

Messiah’s Prayer Lab A Prayerful Conversation Experience in Quiet Communion with God,

with One Another & with Community

† Would you enjoy to spend some quiet time in Messiah’s peaceful sanctuary? † Feeling called to develop your prayer life? † Do you have someone on your heart you would like to pray for or about?

Please join us as we explore and experience together the gift that is prayer and learn new ways to incorporate prayer into daily life.

Wednesdays, May 1 & 8 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Messiah Sanctuary

• Messiah member Lana Gilster is facilitating Prayer Lab. Lana received her MA in Pastoral Theology and Ministry at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota and studied there at the same time Pastor Talsness.

• Everyone is welcome • May 8 will be our final meeting for the season until we resume again in the Fall. • For more information please contact Lana ([email protected]) or Alexandra Talsness

([email protected]).






News from the Outreach Ministry Connie Squibb, Chairman

Just for Mothers’ Day On Mothers’ Day, Sunday, May 12, the Outreach Ministry will be gathering donated new kitchen items in honor and/or memory of our mothers. These items will be given to the Magdalene House, a project of Union Mission in Savannah that provides emergency shelter beds for women and their children. During the 90-day shelter stay, clients receive supportive services that help put them on the road to self-sufficiency.

The item/s that you donate will be used to “start a new life and kitchen” for a homeless woman and her children. Gather up that one item or a few that remind you of your mom and bring them on Mothers’ Day. The display and donation area is set up in the narthex.

Suggestions for donations: pots and pans, cutt ing boards , k itchen utensi ls , measuring cups, dish soap, can openers, oven mitts, small bowls, plates, cups, paper towel, paper towel holders.

If you have any questions, contact a member of the Outreach Ministry: Lynn Townsend, Argerie Martin, Amanda Ridberg, Sandy Schmoll, or Connie Squibb.

School Supplies IT’S NOT TOO SOON TO WATCH FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES! Our Annual School Supply Drive will take place in July! YES, JULY! The students return to the classroom in early August. So, if you see

school supplies on sale, start gathering them up! There will be boxes available in early July. Note: The Annual Teacher’s Treasure Chest Drive wi l l be in September.

Teachers’ Brunch The annual Teachers’ Brunch that we host for about 75 teachers and support staff at Coastal Georgia Comprehensive Academy (CGCA) will be on Wednesday, May 22.

If you would like to help (preparing and serving the brunch) with this really fun event, please sign up on the kiosk in the Narthex. If you would like to carpool, please be at the church at 8:30 a.m. on May 22. Otherwise, just meet us at the school. We expect to return about noon.

CGCA is an educational program within the Savannah-Chatham Public School System. It serves students in grades K-12 from both Chatham and Effingham counties who have been identified as having severe emotional/behavioral disabilities and students with significant autism.

Financial donations may still be made in support of the brunch. Your donation should include “CGCA” on the memo line and can be placed in the Sunday morning offering or dropped by the church office.

This brunch is our way of showing appreciation to these teachers for the outstanding work they do all year.


“We are not judged by the size of our churches, but by the way we inhabit them.” Sister Julienne, Call the Midwife, Season 7, Episode 7

America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia Contributed by Amanda Ridberg

Children will be home for the summer and we want to assure that there is food to feed them. For this month’s 4th Sunday Food Drive (May 26) to support America’s Second Harvest, we are asking for donations of BEEF STEW, SPAGHETTIOS, HEARTY SOUP — anything that is in a can and makes a meal. We will count the number of cans received as a measure of Messiah’s giving. Thank you for your ongoing monthly donations.

Report on April’s food drive: Messiah Members collected 134 jars of peanut butter in April. This number will surely help so many hungry people in our area. Thank you all so much.

The Health Ministry will be offering an opportunity for all Landings Residents to “get your yellow card.” The “yellow card” is an informational resource that First Responders use in the case of an emergency. The cards will be available after church in the fellowship hall. There will be someone on hand to give you a card and answer your questions. This is a valuable resource when you have a medical emergency in your home. Please plan to get your “yellow card” this month.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Outreach Ministry’s projects.

News from the Parish Life Ministry Jill Poole, Chairman

If you were born in May we want to celebrate you. Please join us in the Fellowship Hall after the worship service on May 12 for Birthday Sunday. Enjoy a slice of Birthday Cake and a Happy Birthday Serenade from your fellow church members.

Fruit and sweet treats are always welcome at the Sunday Morning Coffee Hour and Fellowship Time. Don’t bake or no time to bake? Store bought treats are welcome. The sign up sheet is posted on the kiosk in the Narthex.


Men’s Group

The Messiah Men’s Group has set the following dates for fun events this year:

July 11 Savannah Bananas baseball game (Open to all) October 11 Oktoberfest (Open to all) October 21 Inspiritus (formerly Lutheran Services of GA) Savannah Golf Classic at Crosswinds Golf Club

Thank you for the large response to participate in the 2019-2020 fellowship dinners. New groupings should soon be available. As we finish this year’s dinners, we look forward to starting the next season’s dinner groups in the fall!

VOLUNTEER NEEDED! Beginning in June, a volunteer is needed for the 2nd Sunday of the month in our nursery. Hours: 8:45 am to 10:15 am. You are welcome to try it out and see if it is a fit for you. If you are interested or have any questions, please e-mail, call, or text Kathy Fritz ([email protected]; (912) 665-9808).

News from the Worship & Music Ministry Katharine Marshall, Chairman

We will have another wonderful Hymn Sing for the Sunday, June 2 worship service (Pastor Jason will be attending the annual ELCA Southeastern Synod Assembly that weekend). There will be a shorter devotional rather than a traditional sermon to allow more time in the service to take hymn requests.


Contributed by Lana Gilster & Norrita Thorne


Looking Ahead

For Pentecost Sunday on June 9, we’re seeking congregants who speak a language other than English to participate in a special reading from Acts Chapter 2. This is the part where a violent wind comes and, through the Holy Spirit, people start speaking in another language. So far, we have volunteers for French and German. Each person will translate/speak just a few sentences. There will be a brief rehearsal on Saturday, June 8. We will provide the reading in English in advance. To volunteer, please contact Katharine Marshall ([email protected]; 610-413-0048).

Liturgical Colors

In the Christian tradition colors are used for vestments and paraments, but a unified system of colors developed only gradually and haphazardly until and through the Middle Ages. Today, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America provides a system of colors for use by its congregations; for the most part, the same system also is used by Roman and Anglican churches, at least in the United States, and by many churches around the world, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Many of the colors associated with the seasons are closely linked with the experience of Christians in the Northern hemisphere. Christians in the Southern hemisphere will experience the church year differently in that context, perhaps calling forth different color associations. It is also helpful to realize that colors have different associations across the globe, just as they have had different associations over the course of the church’s history. For example, white is the color North American and European Christians typically associate with Christmas and Easter, the color white signifying the purity of Christ, light or joy. In many Eastern cultures, however, white connotes mourning. Red, associated with energy, blood or fire among other things in Western culture, is the color associated with purity in India.

The colors serve to adorn the worship space, and to call attention to the nature of the season or festival being celebrated. A brief summary of the use of color in Easter (April 21 through June 9, 2019) and Time after Pentecost (June 10 through November 27, 2019) follows.

Color of the Season ✝ Sundays of Easter: White suggests the joy of the resurrection. ✝ Day of Pentecost: Red as the color of fire is used on this day when we remember the tongues of fire descended on the crowd in Jerusalem. In contrast to the color of scarlet, Pentecost’s red is a bright color. ✝ The Holy Trinity: White is suggested, the expression of joy in the mystery of the Triune God. ✝ Time after Pentecost: Green is used, to indicate our growth in faith as we follow the teachings and ministry of Christ. Some assemblies use differing shades of green throughout the Sundays after Pentecost, a lighter green in summer and a darker green in fall.

SOURCE: www.ELCA.org



http://www.ELCA.org

Highlights from Church Council’s Meeting on March 18, 2019

Please note the following highlights have been taken from the minutes that were approved at Council’s April 2019 meeting.

Pastor’s Report. Pastor Talsness reported the following: • Synod Assembly. The 2019 Assembly will be May 31 – June 2 in Chattanooga. John Duren will be

representing Messiah. This is particularly important assembly because we will be electing a new bishop as Bishop Julian Gordy is retiring.

• Council Book Discussion. Our next Council book gathering will be Sunday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. The group will discuss#2 in Lasting Impact by Carey Neuhoff.

• The Arts at Messiah. The festival had a solid 2018, financially, and plans for 2019 are complete. • National Day of Prayer. Plans are underway for the annual Skidaway Island National Day of Prayer

service on Thursday, May 2 at Skidaway Island Baptist church. This will have been his third year as the clergy representative for this group. Cheryl Liebgott is Messiah’s representative.

• Schedule. - Out of office May 23-26 (Memorial Day weekend: attending son Peter’s high school graduation). - Out of town May 31-June 3 (Synod Assembly, Chattanooga, TN)

• Visitation. 3 home visits, 2 evangelism visits, 4 hospital visits, and 3 outings (which includes leading a seminar on the bishop’s election for area Lutherans and attending a funeral at another church for a former neighbor).

President’s Report. Connie Squibb: • Discussed the use of the facility by outside groups. Council discussed whether we should approve or

deny groups which, from time to time, invite controversial speakers. Consensus was made to review the Building Use Policy and provide clearer guidelines to groups regarding facility use.

• Discussed the role of the Executive Committee.

Evangelism Ministry. Linda Jacla reported the following: • The Welcome Center plans are being finalized and construction should start soon. • The Lenten Prayer Tree is going well and over 60 people signed up for the Lenten Devotional

Challenge. • Our Easter ad for TWATL has our new logo and will run twice. • The ten members of the Faith Ambassadors class are halfway through their four months of training

and it is going well.

Property Ministry. Tim Andrews reported the following: • The Repair of the Sanctuary Stage Lights is complete at a cost of $2,700. • He is exploring the idea of switching telephone and internet service from AT&T to Comcast. The cost

is approximately the same, but we will have faster service.


Pages from our Photo Album

Wednesday, April 3: The Prodigal Son

Out cast had fun playing the swine who ate better than the prodigal son!


Sunday, April 7

Wednesday, April 10: The Lost Sheep

The sheep enter the sheepfold.

The shepherd counting his sheep. There’s one missing!


The shepherd searches for the one lost sheep.

The shepherd finds and saves his lost lamb. The sheep rejoice!


The cast of the parable of The Lost Sheep

Sunday, April 14: Palm Sunday



April 14: Birthday Sunday

Pastor Talsness with April’s Birthday Honorees (left to right) Connie Farmer Ray, Susan Whitaker, Jan Hazel, Geoff Wilson, and Grace Bockes.

Thursday, April 18: Maundy Thursday


Jim Peper, Pastor Emeritus, led the worship service on Maundy Thursday.


Sunday, April 21: Easter




Sunday, April 28

“Thy shalt not run in church” — unless you are re-enacting the part of Simon Peter and “the other disciple,” who, having been told by Mary Magdalene that the stone had been removed from the tomb, set out and ran toward the tomb ~ they ran to see risen Savior!

Tuesday, April 28: Men’s Beer & Food Tastings


Messiah Lutheran Church of Skidaway Island 1 West Ridge Road Savannah, GA 31411

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH - A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION

CHURCH COUNCIL Tim Andrews, Property Ministry Chair, [email protected] Linda Jacla, Evangelism Ministry Chair, [email protected] Lawrence, Stewardship Ministry Chair, [email protected] Marshall, Worship and Music Ministry Chair, [email protected] Jill Poole, Parish Life Ministry Chair, [email protected] Ridberg, Staff Support/Mutual Ministry Chair, [email protected] Connie Squibb, Outreach Ministry Chair, [email protected] Greg Stinson, Finance Ministry Chair, [email protected] Barbara Tinker, Christian Education Ministry Chair, [email protected] Jason Talsness, Pastor, [email protected]; Cell phone: (770) 570-7407

CHURCH OFFICERS (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2019) Connie Squibb, PresidentTim Andrews, Vice PresidentJill Poole, Recording Secretary Parker Pearson, Treasurer

CHURCH STAFFJason Talsness, PastorMary Maner, Choral DirectorDiane Boyd, Church OrganistSandy Cooper, Office Administrator (Mon–Fri, 9:00-12:00) Barbara Roush, Church Bookkeeper (Tuesday mornings)

Help Keep Our Records Current Have you changed your e-mail address? Moved? Have a new mailing address? New home or cell telephone number? New work telephone number? Please share updates with the church office by calling (912) 598-1188 or e-mailing [email protected].

Newsletter production by Parish Life Ministry












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The Newsletter and Church Communication05+Newsletter+NFS+v2.pdfThe Newsletter and Church Communication Communication is at the heart of everything we do. If communication goes poorly,