Stories of Hope
February 25, 2021
"Some things are starting to bloom in our yard."
WATCH FOR DEVOTIONALS
on WEDNESDAYS
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Each Wednesday throughout Lent, we will be sharing a weekly Lenten Video Devotional as well as Family Resources via email. You can also access them on our website.
FEBRUARY 28 WORSHIP
Choose one of THREE options!

  1. On the Lawn at 10am (Messiah Kids at 10am)
  2. Drive-in at 10am
  3. Online anytime

Hear the next message in our new series, What are you Looking For? The Spiritual Discipline: Scripture. Find messages for various ages, prayer requests and much more online on our Worship Now page. Don't forget to check-in to let us know you were with us!
2ND GRADE BIBLE CLASSES
These 2nd graders gathered the last two Sundays to learn about the Bible and how to use it. They will be celebrated on Sunday during the 10am service and given their very own Bible. Congrats on this important step in your faith journey!
WOMEN'S HIKE THIS SATURDAY
We're meeting on Saturday, February 27 at the large fountain in the front of Hillcrest Park in Fullerton at 7:45am. From there we will go up Skyline Drive to just above the Summit House Restaurant and then back. The hike is about 6 miles round-trip with some mild inclines. If you are already a member of the Women's Hiking Group, you should have received an email invitation to RSVP. If you are NOT already in the group, click here to join and receive future information. Questions? Email Jeannie Mooney.
PRESCHOOL PUPPET SHOW
Our Preschoolers learned about Zacchaeus with the help of Sally and Ms. Adrine. They learned that they can always ask for forgiveness and Jesus is always with them.
DRIVE THRU MONDAYS
Thanks to Messiah's LIVING VINE Women's Bible Study for helping at our Drive Thru this week. They were very patriotic! Thanks also to all who came and donated food for Caring Hands Food Pantry!

Come see us next Monday March 1 between 9-11am. COFFEE FOR A GOOD CAUSE will be hosting and selling coffee so plan to stock up! Looking forward to seeing many of you!
SAVING LIVES
Thank you to everyone who came and donated blood last week at our Red Cross Blood Drive. We collected 30 pints of blood saving up to 90 lives! You are a blessing!
NO SEW BLANKETS
LENTEN SERVICE PROJECT
We've already started receiving blankets! Thank you! All ages can get involved with this fun and easy no-sew blanket project and support kids and teens through Crittenton Children & Family Services. We are collecting blankets through the end of March. Drop off on Sunday mornings or Mondays at our Drive Thru. Thank you for you support!
BOOK GROUP MEETING MAR 13
All are invited to join Messiah's Book Group on Saturday, March 13 between 2-4pm on the patio near the Joy Center. They will be discussing the book Tales of a Female Nomad: Living at Large in the World by Rita Golden Gelman. Please let Lynda Baker know if you would like to attend if you haven't already. You can email Lynda by clicking here.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN!
This new study led by Pastor Jay will be Part 1 of a series of Old Testament (OT) studies: Jesus' Bible. The studies will focus on how the OT helps us understand Jesus. Part 1 of the study will be on Genesis, Promises and Problems.
 
Join us on Zoom on Tuesdays at 7pm. Next meeting is March 2. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
CARING HANDS FOOD PANTRY
SEE WHAT HAPPENS MONDAY-WEDNESDAY
Watch this behind-the-scenes video to see how your food donations make their way to Caring Hands Food Pantry and help feed hundreds of families each week. Thank you for your continued support. Remember, we collect food on Sunday mornings and Mondays at our Drive Thru 9-11am.
Pick up extra when you SHOP & DROP in your trunk!

HELPING VETERANS WITH JOY and HOPE
"So I did a thing today. Most of you know I was diagnosed with Depression, Severe Anxiety, PTSD & OCD about 3-4 yrs ago. My life has been very different since then. I’m definitely not the person I once was, but I promised myself I would try to be involved in the outside world despite my anxiety and my own fears and excuses I make due to my anxiety. Well a few days ago, a complete stranger(Michelle Ficklin) reached out to me from a Facebook Buzz page and saw how I was helping hundreds of people trying to donate thru Venmo for Operation Water Drop. She told me “I want this complete stranger to co-chair a special project with me!” Normally something like this would cause me guilt for saying no as I typically do for any event (parties, weddings, any gatherings) or really just anything that caused me to leave the house. But this time, I told her yes, BUT explained my situation. Her and the PVV manager Cynthia, could not have been more understanding and compassionate about it. Even asking me if I was OK during our meeting. I’ve never felt so understood by two people I had literally just met. We had our first meeting today and for the first time in a long time, I am excited to be a part of something, especially for something to help veterans! I am truly grateful and honored to be asked to be a part of this!"
SHARING SMILES BEHIND THE MASKS
"I pass by a number of people on my daily walks. These days many / most are wearing masks. I make the effort to capture their eyes with mine and smile through my mask. Each person on the path that I walk by is going through something (the “path” could also be a metaphor for our lives). Most days (depending on what’s going on in my life and mind) I try to smile beneath my mask and smile with my eyes to simply say “good morning and I see you my friend.” Some people I greet with words and others a wave and smiling eyes."
The words I reflected on today on my 8-mile walk were from a Navajo proverb:
I have been to the end of the earth, I have been to the end of the waters, I have been to the end of the sky, I have been to the end of the mountains, I have found none that are not my friends. --Navajo Proverb
... or in other words “let us love one another.” Have a great day!
-Pastor Bob