Programs & Ministries

Christian Education

Elementary Program – Christian Education for the children, depending on the age, includes familiarity of the Bible, scripture, lessons, skits, games, and various crafts. All ages participate in the opening devotion including singing and, at times, dancing. The children participate in the annual Easter and Christmas programs with singing, recitations and skits. Currently there are 3 levels of classes: 2 to 4 years old, Kindergarten through 2nd grade, and 3rd through 5th grade.

Teen Classes – The Sunday School program for the middle and high school students is a combination of various materials to ensure the teaching is current and interesting. A rotating group of teachers will choose differing topics and sources, but will always utilize scripture as it pertains to the students’ present day situations in our current world. Class and reference materials used include: TalkSheets (creative discussions for teens); bible scriptures; Top 13 Questions About God (intense discussions for youth ministry); Wild Truth Bible Lessons; Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Youth; Tough Questions and Tough Topics (questions that take students beneath the surface); and recent box office movies with lesson plans from Videos That Teach and Reel To Real. Students also initiate and perform various community service projects to experience Jesus’ desire for us to love and serve others. 

Adult Classes – World events, bible scripture, movie presentations, and varying perspectives are combined in an adult Sunday School hour that generates lively discussion and, sometimes, as many questions as answers. Ultimately, participants grow in their understanding of Jesus’ teaching as they share their thoughts and experiences. Lesson material is acquired from The Wired Word current events series, various Christian educational materials, and recent box office movies.   

Music Ministries

Messiah has been blessed with a long history of musical talent. Many Sundays (with the exception of summer months) will find one of these musically-talented groups or individuals playing to the glory of God.

Choir – Our adult choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing. Our children’s choir is comprised of students in grades Kindergarten through 7.  

Handbell Choir – Our three-octave bell choir is comprised of members of our parish, as well as an occasional member of our community.  The bell choir plays for special church services as well as our annual Christmas Concert, Fisherville Day, and other select events.

Soloists & Performers – Our church benefits from having many talented singers and musicians, and the congregation enjoys hearing special vocal and instrumental performances throughout the liturgical year.

Music is a very important part of Messiah. All are welcome to either participate or sit and enjoy this wonderful blessing!

–Music Ministry Director Greta Wright

Mission Ministries

Mission Work – With grateful hearts, Messiah supports many ministries, both local and abroad. During the season of Lent, the church can get rather loud during the offertory when the children of the congregation collect the “Noisy Offering.” This loose change offering is part of our “40 Days of Giving” campaign that helps support various ELCA world relief funds. The children also participate in the Buck-A-Chick campaign and see how many chicks they can purchase for family farms around the world. In the fall we support a variety of special mission campaign such as: malaria nets, African relief efforts through Stand With Africa, purchased farm animals through God’s Global Barn Yard. Locally we assist with health care, personal care, school kits and community food drives are also annual projects for our congregation. 

Messiah is proud to support missionary Stephen Deal. As ELCA regional representative, Stephen provides a vital link for the churches in Central America. Donations support evangelism, scholarships, and leadership development for the churches in that area. 

Preschool

Children are a blessing! Realizing the important role preschool programs play in their education, Messiah has proudly provided tuition-free preschool since 1973 to children who reach age four years of age before September 1. 

We are blessed with many volunteers, some of whom are retired elementary school teachers. The purpose of our program is to familiarize children with the public school experience, emphasizing social skills needed to interact with other children, how to listen well, and how to follow instructions. Weekly themes provide learning experiences through all five senses. 

This program is held every Thursday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, September through December, and again from February through May. Class size is capped at twelve and is open to any students in the community.

If you would like more information about enrollment please email us at HalifaxMessiah@gmail.com or call us at 717-362-4597.