Messiah's Mission Statement:
“To share the good news of Jesus Christ and to invite all to join us in faith, worship, and service.”
What We Believe
In 1517 Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany calling for the reform of errors in the medieval church in light of scripture. This act unintentionally began the Reformation, and modern Protestantism was born. Lutherans believe that scripture reveals that a person is saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not one’s owns actions. Lutherans acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior and the Bible as God's revealed truth. Holy Baptism and Holy Communion (the Lord's Supper) are the two sacraments - sacred acts of Christ and means of grace - that Lutherans celebrate. Lutherans are a family of faith within the wider Christian body. We gather to preach, teach and baptize. We go forth into the world to spread the Good News of God's love and to serve others. To learn more about Lutherans, Lutheranism or our congregaion’s dentomination, visit Who We Are.
Opening the Door to Luther
Join public television host, author and ELCA member Rick Steves on a journey through Lutherland! Travel from Eisleben where Luther was born to the university town of Wittenberg where Luther taught and preached. After a pilgrimage south to the Vatican in Rome, you’ll follow the tumultuous events of the Reformation at Worms, Erfurt, Eisenach, Marburg and Augsburg. To watch the video, click here.
We invite you to dig deeper to gain a better understanding of our shared beliefs by clicking here.
You may find answers to some of your questions on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
OUR PASTORS
- Erich W. Waldek: 1966-1969
- *Frederick Echert: 1969-1970
- *J. Luther Mauney: 1969-1970
- Armin Windmueller: 1970-1973
- Larry Matthews: 1973-1979
- *Frederick Echert: 1979
- Jacob L. Mayer: 1979-1985
- Gary R. Rhinesmith: 1986-1993
- Stephen L. Moose: 1994-2005
- *Wally Rosheim: 2005
- *Timothy F. Waltonen: 2005-2007
- Lou Florio: 2007-present
*Denotes Interim Pastors
OUR HISTORY
- September 1, 1966 – The Rev. Erich Waldek began work as LCA mission developer to establish a Lutheran congregation in Mechanicsville.
- November 28, 1966 - The Name "Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church" adopted at a meeting of people interested in organizing a new Lutheran Church in the area.
- December 18, 1966 - Messiah hold it's first worship service in the Mechanicsville Fire House.
- December 20, 1966 - Present church site (11.5 acres) purchased.
- March 12, 1967 - First Sunday School held with 16 children and seven adults.
- May 26, 1968 - Groundbreaking for Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church.
- November 3, 1968 - Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church is dedicated on All Saints Sunday.
- December 15, 1968 - Organization day held with 46 confirmed adult members signing the charter.
- April 20, 1969 - Erich W. Waldek was installed as Messiah's first Pastor.
- April 18, 1976 - Memorial Cross dedicated on Easter Sunday (donated in memory of Cleve Newell).
- January 1, 1988 – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is formed from the joining of the American Lutheran Church, Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches, and the Lutheran Church in America.
- August 11, 1991 - Ground was broken for new church building, a $420,000 renovation.
- May 10, 1992 – A cornerstone was laid for the new sanctuary.
- September 1995 - Messiah Lutheran School opens. MLS operates a pre-school and offers after-school care for elementary aged students.
- April 28, 1996 - Stained glass windows in sanctuary dedicated.
- December 8, 2007 - Lou Florio was ordained and installed as an ELCA Pastor. This was the first ordination held at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church.
- December 6, 2009 – Sue Gilnett, RN was installed as Messiah's first Parish Nurse.
