Fr. Looker’s Bible study Converting the Conversation will continue this Wednesday night, January 28th.  This series takes seven of the highest grossing movies of all time and discusses how to reshape conversations about those movies into conversations about Jesus Christ.  We have already discussed Disney’s Frozen and the Star Wars franchise.  Tonight we discuss The Avengers and Iron Man 3, both of which made over a billion dollars, as well as other movies in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe.”  This series equips those who attend to better witness to their families, friends, and co-workers using conversations about wildly popular movies as springboards to begin conversations about the Gospel.

The services begin at seven o’clock each night and childcare is provided.  We promised to finish by 8:30 every night so that everyone can be home in time to prepare for work and get their little ones ready for school the next morning.  These services are open to everyone so be sure to invite your friends and childcare is provided.  We look forward to seeing everyone together this Wednesday nights!

Following the Christmas Holy Days, Church of the Messiah will be resuming its Wednesday night services beginning with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 7th.  The Epiphany, or more fully, The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, celebrates the revelation of Jesus to all nations as the Magi came from afar, bearing gifts, and worshiped Jesus and King, Priest, and Sacrifice.  Not only is it an incredibly important moment in the life of Christ, but it is also the official end of the Twelve Days of Christmas as well.  This service will be an Eucharistic service.  Childcare will be provided and we will be doing our very best to have everyone out by 8:30 so that everyone can prepare for work and school the next morning.  We look forward to seeing everyone Wednesday night as we celebrate the Wise Men coming and adoring Our Lord and Savior.

As you have most likely heard already, Frank Powell went to be with the Lord this past Sunday, September 28th.  Frank is the grandfather of Lizz Looker and was, for many years, the Head-Usher at Church of the Messiah.  An obituary is available on-line through Arlington Park Cemetery and Funeral Home which may be seen by clicking HERE.   There will be a viewing Thursday, October 2nd, beginning at 6:30 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church (Click HERE for directions).  The family has invited those who wish to say something about the way Frank has impacted their lives to speak at this service.  There will be a Funeral Mass on Saturday, October 4th, beginning at 1 o’clock also at Holy Family Catholic Church.  A luncheon will follow the Mass and then, at 4:30, there will be a graveside service at Arlington Cemetery (Click HERE for directions).  The family thanks everyone for their prayers and invites everyone to join them at these services.

Rest eternal grant to Frank, O Lord:
And let light perpetual shine upon him.

May his soul and the souls of the the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Fr. Miguel Rosada, the pastor of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and long-time friend of Church of the Messiah, has extended a special invitation to our congregation to join his parish as they celebrate their annual Multicultural Festival this Sunday, October 5th.  There will be a variety of music, dancing, food, and desserts, all for the low price of $5.  All are welcome.

The September Ultreya for North Florida will be Tuesday, September 9th, beginning at 6:30 in the evening with a covered-dish potluck meal.  This month, instead of our regular grouping, we will be preparing “things” for the upcoming Tres Arroyose in October.  If you have previously attended a Tres Arroyose weekend please try to be here this Tuesday to bless future candidate and “pay it forward.”  As always, we will conclude the evening with the Holy Eucharist.  The Ultreya will be hosted at Church of the Messiah (click HERE for a map and directions) and is open to anyone who has attended a Tres Arroyos weekend or similar 3-day weekend retreat (Cursillo, Walk to Emmaus, Lighthouse Via de Christo, etc…).  We look forward to seeing everyone Tuesday night.

It’s not too late to register for this year’s Women’s Retreat.  If you are interested in attending this year, please contact Janice Paysinger or Darla Shiell by Thursday at the latest!  The theme for this year’s retreat will be “Relentless: Reignited, Reclaimed, Revived, and Repurposed” and our Retreat Leader will be Shannon Clemons.  The retreat will once again be held at the beautiful Epworth-by-the-Sea in St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, September 12th through 14th.  For pricing details and a biography of the retreat leader, click on the flyers to the left.  The retreat promises to be an amazing, Spirit-led weekend and we want everyone to be there and experience what God is doing.  Please contact Janice or Darla if you have not already done so.  Payment arrangements have another week before they are due.  The ladies of Church of the Messiah are very excited about this retreat and hope that everyone will attend this powerful event!

After taking a break for Summer Vacations, the Ultryas are starting back again tonight!  The August Ultreya for North Florida will be tonight, August 12th, beginning at 6:30 in the evening with a covered-dish potluck meal.  Groupings will begin around 7:30 and we will conclude the evening with the Holy Eucharist.  The Ultreya will be hosted at Church of the Messiah (click HERE for a map and directions) and is open to anyone who has attended a Tres Arroyos weekend or similar 3-day weekend retreat (Cursillo, Walk to Emmaus, Lighthouse Via de Christo, etc…).  If you are interested in sharing a brief (5-10 minute) example from your own 4th Day walk, please e-mail Greg Looker. We are also beginning to plan ahead for the next Tres Arroyos weekends coming up in October!  We look forward to seeing everyone tonight.