Our Story
Our Story
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.
We believe in the power of fellowship
We intentionally seek to create welcoiming and inclusive relatonships with those who desire to grow in faith and build community.
We are a church beyond our walls
Jesus called us to go out and spread the word of God. We believe this is not done by being a country club with a cross. We are called and led by the Spirit to go out into the world to proclaim the good news of Christ Jesus, practice mercy and seek justice.
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 don't draw lines of separation; we prefer circles of inclusion.
We love worship and prayer
We believe that Jesus is at the center of everything we preach and practice. 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.
OUR MINISTRY TEAM
Get to know the Messiah staff
The ministry team at Messiah is made up of passionate people that care about those in and outside of the church walls. The staff here at Messiah want to lend support in helping those in need around us, and to assist in the deepening of our faith lives'.
Our Ministry Council
Stephanie Cutler--President
Kylene Abraham--Vice President
Lynn Smith--Secretary
Bruce Gilles
Kathy Loewens
Dorothy Lange
Skyler Brouwer
Martin Malley--Treasurer
Randy Fox--Financial Secretary
If you'd like to reach out to our Ministry Council, please contact them, here!
Pastor Erick Hill
Pastor Erick Hill is in his first call at Messiah Lutheran Church, and has a background in Psychology. He enjoys spending time with his wife Kim, daughter, Grace and son, Daniel.
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. Erin loves spending time with her husband and son, Lane.
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 grandchildren, Issac and Ella!
Anne Miller
Anne is our choir director and traditional music leader.
Jonathan Berger
Jonathan is our contemporary worship leader! A long-time member, Jonathan found his niche in the church's music and technology early on. By day, he is a technical sales rep, husband to Megan, and father to Leni. Jonathan enjoys working with the Sonrise team and Tech team to produce a quality worship experience on Sunday Mornings!
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.