Messiah Lutheran Church in Houston is a smaller congregation (averaging fewer than 100 in worship each week), but one that is seeking to make a big impact in its community.

Its most recent effort was a community Christmas sing-along and evening with Santa featuring free horse-drawn carriage rides, children’s activities, seasonal refreshments, and pictures with the old elf himself. In addition, a toy drive was held for the children of veterans who are at Camp Hope in Houston, a faith-based facility that provides interim housing and Spiritual and emotional care for combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Members of Messiah were integrally involved in setting up and hosting the event and making guests feel welcome.

Many of those who attended are connected with Messiah’s preschool, along with a handful of people from the condominiums springing up all around Messiah, which is positioned in a re-gentrifying neighborhood. Continuing to make inroads into that community is on the congregations’ radar, according to Messiah’s pastor, Rev. Tim Engel. Plans include a publicity campaign and a remodeling of a portion of Messiah’s facility to make it available for community events—a sort of “community living room.”

Small churches truly can have a big impact!

By: Rev. Jon Braunersreuther
Mission and Ministry Facilitator, Area D