About Messiah Lutheran Church

Our vision at Messiah is truly to be “A Place of Welcome where God’s Love is Shared” by reaching out to all  people to bring them to faith in Christ.  We join in God’s mission of meeting human needs by supporting many local and international mission agencies as well as individual needs within the community. We have a caring congregation that is very supportive of these endeavors, both  in action and financially.

Opportunities for Participation

Opportunities for participation in the life of the congregation are many. They include Adult Study, Worship Team, Prayer Group, Alter Guild, Women’s Group, Men’s Book Study, Bible Studies, Special Music and Quilters. Youth activities include Sunday School, Confirmation Class and Youth Group.   On the lighter side we do have fun at Messiah.  Every Sunday Service is followed by a coffee fellowship. The February Sweetheart Dinner is always a hit along with  a Summer Picnic and Fall Chile Contest.  And of course there is always a potluck or two in between complete with green jello!!

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A view from the lawn of Messiah Lutheran Church in Billings, MT

A Brief History of Messiah Lutheran Church

In 1956 the Reverend Ralph Sandgren was charged with the responsibility of establishing a third United Lutheran Church in Billings.  The church was to be located north of Grand Avenue  and west of 21st Street which was the area  allocated to the Northwest Synod by the National Lutheran Council.  Land was purchased on the corner of Rehberg Lane and Colton Boulevard totaling 2.87 acres.  Title to the property was transferred from Dorothy Reberg of Billings to the English Evangelical Lutheran Synod  of the Northwest Synod in Minneapolis and payment was made by the Synod.

At a get acquainted meeting in September the name “Messiah” was chosen for this new church and services began that  month  in Tech Rec. Hall on Rocky Mountain College campus.  Sunday School began in October.

The adoption of the Constitution and election of the Church Council took place on May 12, 1957 and Messiah Lutheran Church was formally organized .  A ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the church building took place in June and the first service was held in the new chapel in November. The facility was a 50’ x 26’ frame structure designed like a house. The intent was to use this building until a standard church structure on the same site could be funded and built.  The “house” would then be used as a parsonage. This was never necessary as a parsonage was built in 1959 and later sold.

Our current Church home was completed in 1974 with additional space added in 1998 to include  a new kitchen, fellowship hall, library, restrooms and office space.

Messiah Lutheran Staff

    Kristina Mitzman, Interim Pastor

 

 

 

 

 

The Congregational Council

The Council has responsibility for the general oversight of the life and activities of the congregational and shall be responsible for all financial and property matters.  Pastors in ELCA churches are members of the Church Council with full voice and vote and provide leadership and spiritual direction.

President: Jerry  Hartnett

Vice President: Sylvia Peterson

Secretary: Paula Coram

Treasurer: Marlee Kimmell (No vote)

Financial Secretary: Curtis Whittmeyer (No vote)

Other Council Members:

 Eugene Wadas, Carol Dye, Dorothy Hanson, Edna Mae Duncan, Willard Dale

Committees

Education

The Education Committee is responsible for all learning ministries at Messiah paying particular attention to the pre-school and sunday school while being alert to timely and appropriate adult education.  They also recruit teachers and/or leaders and encourage all members to support  these activities

Committee Members: Hal Haefer, Jerry Dye, Willard Dale, Eugene Wadas, Marlee Kimmell, Bob Peterson, Dani Whittmeyer, Valeri Kaae, Carol Dye, Mildred Tombre, Paula Coram, Krista Prill.

Finance

The Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the Church.  They look at budget needs and aid in the development of the budget  presented to the congregation for approval at the annual meeting.  They also communicate financial needs to members and friends of Messiah.

Committee Members:  Hal Haefer, Jerry Dye, Eugene Wadas, Marlee Kimmell, Bob Peterson

Property

The Property Committee looks after the well being of the entire church facility. This includes routine structure and ground  maintenance and providing  guidance on the long term needs of our church home.

Committee Members:   Bob Peterson, Ty Jensen, Jerry Hartnett, Jerry Dye, Willard Dale.

Worship

The Worship Committee strives to honor and maintain the integrity of the Church year and Lutheran worship.  They work closely with the pastor to select or make recommendations for hymns during various seasons of the year, They recruit and encourage leaders of worship  i.e. singers, choir times, lay readers, alter guild and lay participation.

Committee Members:   Brianne Logan, Mona Nutting, Chrystee Ballan, Laura Haefer, Dani Whittmeyer, Valeri Kaa, Carol Dye, Mildred Tombre, Paula Coram, Krista Prill.

WELCA

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is a separately incorporated, self-supporting organization within the framework of the constitution of this Church.  Messiah women donate many hours of their time and talents to accomplish their ministry within the congregation and community.

Coordinator                     Dorothy Hanson

Recorder                           Laura Haefer

Treasurer                          Mary Morup

Social Secretary               Carol Dale