June 20, 2019
Dear

How many of you all have already gone to the beach for the summer? I wish I could say I was one of them, but that would be a lie. Don’t worry though, I have been living vicariously through my Facebook and Instagram posts from my friends, congregation members, and family. However, as I was looking through the pictures of the people, I noticed their big smiles and captioning underneath saying, “Love it” or “It’s Summer-Time.” This caused me to wonder about how they were feeling during that time. Then, as I normally do, I started to wonder about the people who were like me, (simply looking at their peers’ posts) and asked myself, what were they thinking.
 
No matter where we are in life, whether we are the ones on vacation, or we are the ones simply admiring to be able to go on vacation, we should ask ourselves, where is Jesus during all of this? Are we embracing Jesus in all that we do? Are we holding on to the gospel of getting closer to him and sharing his light? Some of you may know, but this will be my last day with you all here at Messiah. God has called me to go serve at another church. I have so many emotions going through, but I know that during this time, I need to look up to God and be desperate for him. My prayer for you all is no matter what transition, no matter what vacation you are going on, no matter if life feels stagnate, be desperate for Jesus. Trust in him and love him. Strike a passion to truly be in relationship with Jesus because at the end of the day, that is all that matters.
 
This Sunday, we will focus on Matthew 16:13-18 in traditional worship with a sermon entitled “Being Desperate for Jesus.” At the 8:15 am service, the Matthew Cook will present “In the Garden” as the anthem. At the 9:30 am and 11:00 services, the Chancel Choir will present “When in Our Music God is Glorified” as the anthem. Matthew Cook will also present, “In the Garden” during the 9:30 and 11:00 offertory music. Pia Diggs will be leading a contemplative non-traditional worship service at 11:00 am in the Youth Center (the "Risk" service). We hope that you will come and join us this Sunday to Messiah! 
Sunday, June 23 will mark the conclusion of Pastor Tommy Suh’s ministry at Messiah.
 We will express our love and best wishes by hosting a luncheon catered by Red, Hot and Blue following the 11 am service. We will also invite people to give a love offering and written notes of appreciation for Tommy. All checks should be made payable to Tommy Suh. There will be a basket for such gifts in the back of the sanctuary during the worship services as well as at the serving tables for the luncheon. We hope that many of you will plan to be a part of our celebration of gratitude as we honor Tommy for his service to Messiah. 

If you are available to help at this luncheon (directing people where to get their food, where to sit, set-up or clean-up, etc), please email Lauren Geraghty LGeraghty@messiahumc.org.

Youth and Adult Helpers Needed for Noah’s Ark Camp July 1 and 2
We still need helpers for Noah’s Ark Camp, July 1 and 2, from 9 am – noon. If you can help, please contact Robin Ringler at 703-569-9862, ext. 114 or rringler@messiahumc.org .
 
Adult Sunday School classes beginning July 7:

-Parenting with Christ in Mind Class – 10-11 a.m. in room 214-216
-Open Door Class – 10-11 a.m. in room 205
-Serious Answers to Hard Questions class– 10-11 a.m. in the Library
-Searching the Testaments class– 11 a.m. – 12 in the Library
-Fellowship Families class – 11 a.m. in room 261
-Contemporary Faith Issues class – 1 st & 3 rd Sun/month at 11 a.m. in room 268

Women's Walk & Talk:
This is a flexible, come-when-you-can program that includes spiritual enrichment, physical movement, and fellowship—three principles that play a role in a long, healthy life. We will meet each Saturday morning at 8:30 at the far end of Messiah’s parking lot. (near Pia's house) After a brief devotional we will start walking in the neighborhood. The slower walkers set the pace! We will add other routes later, based on the group’s needs and interests, and weather. The start date is to be determined.

Contact Kathy Willson if you are interested or have questions. 703 994 0355 or  willsonkmom@msn.com

Summer Worship Schedule
Sunday, June 30:
8:30 am Traditional Service and 10 am Convergence Service
Starting Sunday, July 7:
8:30, 10:00 am - Traditional Services in the Sanctuary
10:00 am - Servicio de Adoración en la Capilla (en español)
11:15 am - Non-Traditional Service in our Youth Center
 
Messiah United Methodist Church | 6215 Rolling Road | Springfield, VA | 22152
703.569.9862 | www.messiahumc.org