WHO WE ARE
Messiah Lutheran Church, ELCA
Our Story
In the mid ‘50’s some Lutherans settling in Ralston decided the town needed a Lutheran Church. So on February 12, 1956 Messiah Lutheran Church was chartered. In the beginning they met in a school, bought and converted a house into a worship place, and then in 1960 built the first building on our current site (what is now the education wing). As the congregation continued to grow, in 1967 our worship center was added, and in 1980 the fellowship hall and classrooms below completed what is the current facility. In 2008 a major remodeling of the worship center was completed. Through it all, the people of Messiah were guided and inspired by God’s Spirit blowing through their caring, outreach, worship and learning. We continue to believe that is our driving force.
OUR BELIEFS
We are united through Christ
What Lutherans Believe...
- Lutherans believe in the Trinity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
- Lutherans confess God as Almighty Father, creator of all things.
- Lutherans confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Good News of Jesus Christ is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, human beings are reconciled to God.
- Lutherans believe the Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, sanctifies, and keeps the whole Christian church on earth. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence among us as advocate and guide.
- Lutherans believe the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God. Inspired by God's Spirit speaking through their authors, they record and announce God's revelation centering in Jesus Christ. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of the church's proclamation, faith, and life.
- Lutherans believe all human beings are born in sin and cannot live the life God intends for us on our own. We believe we are justified by grace through faith on account of Christ. Faith is a gift of God.
- Lutherans understand that God comes to us through the Means of Grace, the Word of God and the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion. Through them, God helps us understand and receive the benefits of a relationship with Him.
OUR VALUES
We are here for you
We preach grace not guilt
We believe that Jesus extends grace to everyone and that we should follow in his steps. Who are we to pass judgment and not extend grace, when we ourselves have sinned? We believe we should love the sinner, not banish them.
We love to worship and pray
We believe that Jesus is central to everything. We believe that prayer is a direct line to God, and that we should speak to Him every chance we get. Worship is our chance to praise God and we take joy in doing so.
We believe in the power of fellowship
We are called to join in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We believe that reaching out to the lost and engaging with them will strengthen our bond with each other through God.
We are a church without walls
Jesus called us to go out and spread the word of God. We believe that this is not done enough. We make it a priority to go outside of the church walls to reach the lost and broken. We hope that you will join us in doing so.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Come as you are
We want you to come just as you are. When you walk through our doors you may see people in suits and ties, but you will also see people in jeans and t-shirts. We want to make sure when you visit you are comfortable and that is all that matters to us. As long you are come through our doors, we want to make sure you feel loved and welcomed. If you ever need anything, always feel free to connect with us. We love to hear from our new visitors.
Pastor Greg Berger
Pastor Greg has been at Messiah for a long, long time. His ministry passion is for others to know God's unconditional love and to be Christ to our neighbors. His wife Kim and their sons James and Jonathan are vibrant members of the Messiah family! He loves spending time with his family and especially his granddaughter!
Erin Judy
Erin directs Faith Formation. A member since childhood, she is deeply rooted in the Messiah Family culture and has a smile that will light up the room.
Jean Menard
Jean "makes it all happen" in the church office. She is the energy behind the newsletters, the slides on the screen in worship, pays the bills, and answers the constantly ringing phone. She and her family are long-time members. She loves spending time with her grandson, Issac!
Ron Alkire
Ron is the custodian of our building, and is dedicated to making the facility warm and welcoming to everyone who walks through the doors.
Ryan Pivonka
Ryan is the music director for the 11am worship! By day he is a school administrator. He enjoys working with the Sonrise team to bring contemporary music to worship!
Deacon Sue Simmons
In addition to playing the organ, Deacon Sue Simmons also directs the traditional hymm choir at 8:30am worship! She enjoys spending time with her husband John, and dogs! Sue is also a Hospice Chaplain.
Our Ministry Council
Kurt Garst--President |[email protected]
Ronna Zylstra--Vice-President |[email protected]
Stephanie Cutler-- Secretary |[email protected]
Elaine Chapin |[email protected]
Jim McGinnis | [email protected]
Dorothy Lange |[email protected]
Gary Stephan | [email protected]
Martin Malley--Treasurer | [email protected]
Randy Fox--Financial Secretary | [email protected]