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On September 7th, Messiah Lutheran Church joined congregations across the ELCA in celebrating God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday, a day dedicated to worship, service, and community.

A Service of Blessing and Sending

Our morning began with a shortened service that centered on our call to be God’s hands and feet in the world. As part of the liturgy, worshippers were invited forward to receive anointing and blessing on their hands, a reminder that all we do can be an offering to God. This moment of prayerful commissioning connected the promises of worship with the work that followed.

Serving Together for Lutheran World Relief

Following worship, the congregation gathered for a hands-on service project. Together, we assembled personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief, an effort that will soon place essential items like towels, soap, and toothbrushes in the hands of people around the globe who are experiencing crisis and displacement. Laughter, teamwork, and a sense of shared mission filled the fellowship hall as adults, youth, and children worked side by side to reach our goal.

A Creative Mark in Children’s Chapel

The day also included a special project for our Children’s Chapel. Children and teens added their colorful fingerprints to this year's Children's Chapel processional cross, turning it into a living symbol of the many hands God gathers into one body. Each fingerprint stands as a reminder of our unique gifts and our shared place in Christ’s mission.

A Day of Worship and Witness

God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday gave us a chance to embody the truth that worship does not end at the altar but extends into service, justice, and love for our neighbors. With blessed and busy hands, our congregation stepped into this call with joy and gratitude.