Messiah Lutheran Church is a liturgical congregation that makes thorough use of Christ-centered Lutheran heritage in music, hymns, liturgy, the Church Year, ceremonial, and much else.  Our pastor is glad to introduce and explain this great heritage that proclaims Christ and Him crucified through the "whole counsel of God."  

The Divine Service of the Word and Sacrament is the center of our life together as the Lord's Church in this place. The Lord's gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation flow to us in the Divine Service as the Lord Jesus Himself is there, present for us according to His word of promise.  He then sends us forth into our daily callings in life (vocations) to serve Him through serving our neighbor, wherever He puts us.

In this challenging and rapidly changing region of Montana, we urge you to come and hear the changeless message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints which we seek to deliver faithfully to you!

From Holy Scripture, we believe that communing together presupposes oneness of doctrine and confession. Therefore, Messiah practices closed communion, which is the historic practice of the Christian church. It is prompted by love for the Word and God’s people. It does not deny that those not of our denomination are Christians, but doctrinal unity is central to the right reception of communion.

A Note on Guest Table Manners:

For those guests and visitors to Messiah who wish to commune with us (every Sunday is the Lord’s Day—Holy Communion), we typically will commune confirmed members in good standing of sister LCMS congregations and other church bodies with which we are in official altar and pulpit fellowship. Whether you believe you fit this or are unsure, please observe the following “table manners” regarding guest communion:.

1. Please do not assume that you are entitled to receive Holy Communion. The Church is not a public restaurant in which anyone and everyone can eat.

2. If you would like to receive the Sacrament of the Altar, please contact the pastor to speak with him at least a day or two prior to the Sunday you will be visiting us. Speaking with the pastor is the opportunity to make a basic confession of the faith and why you wish to commune.

3. Sunday morning schedules usually preclude speaking with the pastor on Sunday morning prior to Divine Service; there is simply not time to have a meaningful conversation.

4. Please be respectful and understanding if you are not given permission to commune or if you are asked to wait.

5. If you would like to receive a blessing in lieu of receiving Holy Communion, please tell the usher of your desire to receive a blessing. Simply follow the communion protocol of the others, your hands crossed in front of you with hands on opposite shoulders, and the pastor will pronounce a blessing over you.

Holy Communion is given and intended to be a blessing. It is possible to commune to your judgment if you don’t know why you are coming or what you hope to receive. (Please read through 1 Corinthians 10 and 11.) Pastors are stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1) and the Lord’s Supper is one of those Gospel mysteries. On the Last Day each pastor will be called to give an account of his stewardship (Hebrews 13:17).

The peace of the Lord be with you always as we await that eternal Day wherein all of Christ’s brothers and sisters will share perfect communion unity in the life of the world to come.

Pastor Fitch

Those who attend church at Messiah attend in all styles of clothes — from their Sunday best, to jeans and sandals and everything in between.

“And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, ‘Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.’” ~ Mark 9:36-37

God’s Word is meant for all, without exception. That most definitely includes children—of all ages! All need to hear His Word, as He Himself testifies.

So, the answer to the question about how we feel about children in church? Absolutely BRING THEM with you!

If you are interested in becoming a member, talk to the Pastor or an elder about learning the confession of the faith.