eNews
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2020
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Worship Schedule and Details |
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- This weekend we continue the season of Advent, as our Sunday services follow the candles of the Advent wreath, Hope, Love, Joy, Peace, Christ. Sunday in-person and online worship will continue as scheduled.
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Our mid-week services will continue through the season on Dec. 9 and 16 at 7pm, as we look at how the birth of Christ and His Gospel are transformative for us and how we are changed as people. See the Holiday Schedule listed below. These services are in-person only.
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For those attending in-person worship, please see in-person worship protocols below, and please note the new mask requirement for worship and other church events.
- Christmas Eve worship will have Traditional and Contemporary in-person options this year, and we are asking for RSVP's to assist us with planning. Our online Christmas worship options will be provided "on demand" on our YouTube channel, not on Zoom.
- The Advent, Christmas, and New Year's Eve worship schedule is listed below. Please note some services are in-person only. You may always access the most up to date Christmas information on our website at www.st-matthew.org/Christmas.
- No in person classes and group gatherings are being held at this time.
Walled Lake Campus
- 8:15am Blended Worship in Main Worship Center
- 11am Prayer & Praise Worship in Gym
- Advent Worship - Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm (in-person only)
- Advent Worship - Wednesday, December 16 at 7pm (in-person only)
Wixom Campus
- 9am Sunday New Vintage Worship
Online Worship
- 9:30am Sunday - Chat together starting at 9:20am!
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Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/799892892 - Meeting ID 799-892-892
- Facebook
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Telephone:
- 1-877-853-5257 ID: 799-892-892 followed by "#"
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Recordings available on YouTube, Facebook, and Website
- Please share our worship link on social media and with family and friends!
Communion Schedule
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New Vintage and Prayer & Praise: Second Sunday of the month - Dec. 13
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Blended: Third Sunday of the month - Dec. 20
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Next Drive In Communion - First Wednesday of the month, Walled Lake Campus
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Wednesday, January 6 at 7pm in the Walled Lake Campus parking lot. Bring your cell phone. Follow instructions upon arrival.
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Christmas and Holiday Worship Schedule
Come hear the Good News! This year we are offering both in person and online options for Christmas Eve worship, and we want to share God's message of love and salvation with you!
Online Worship
Our online worship services will be on demand on YouTube, to be watched at a time that you plan with your family. If you are able, schedule a time with your family, friends, or small group, and watch as a community. Links will be available at www.st-matthew.org/Christmas and will be emailed as we approach Christmas Eve.
We will offer the following online worship opportunities:
- School Christmas Service
- Family Christmas Eve Worship
- Traditional Christmas Eve Worship
In-Person Worship - Christmas Eve, December 24 (Please RSVP!)
We will have in-person Christmas Eve worship at both the Walled Lake and Wixom Campuses, with Traditional and Contemporary options, and we are asking for RSVP's HERE to assist us in planning. We will offer the following in-person worship opportunities on Christmas Eve:
- 1pm Contemporary Christmas Service in the Walled Lake Campus gym
- 4pm Contemporary Christmas Service at the Wixom Campus
- 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 10pm Traditional Christmas Service in the Walled Lake Campus main worship center (10pm with communion)
Out of concern for your health and safety, the amount of available seating, music, and singing will be limited. Please plan to enter, exit, and worship in a socially distanced manner. Also please note that masks will be required.
In order to adequately prepare for the possible need for overflow seating, you are asked to RSVP for in-person Christmas Eve worship. Please RSVP HERE to let us know how many will be attending. We look forward to worshiping with you!
Additionally, we will offer the following in-person services. No RSVP is needed for these services.
- 11am Christmas Day, December 25
- 7pm New Year's Eve, December 31
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2021 Offering Envelopes The 2021 offering envelopes will be available within the next few weeks. They will be available from Elders during worship and from office staff during regular weekday business hours, Monday through Friday 8am - 4pm. Please see an Elder during worship or come to the main entrance during the week, let us know your name, and we will get your envelopes for you. Thank you for your patience with the revised process. If you do not want your envelopes for the coming year, please let the church office know by calling 248-624-7676 or emailing denise.fannon@st-matthew.org.
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Advent Devotions - Please click HERE to sign up to receive Advent devotions by email or online. We do have printed booklets available to be picked up after worship or from the box outside the front door. You may click HERE to print your own booklet.
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Thanksgiving Feast 2020 Pandemic Style Food distribution is taking place on Dec. 5. THANK YOU if you have signed up to Volunteer or Donate! The response has been incredible!
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***PLEASE NOTE: if you or someone you know are in need of food this holiday season, please contact the church office and we will confidentially pass along the need to our Community Assistance ministry.***
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Christmas Community Assistance 2020
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UPDATE (12/2): The final day for holiday assistance requests will be December 11. If you are in need or know of someone who is, please contact the church office at 248-624-7676 or churchoffice@st-matthew.org.
- St. Matthew is providing assistance to families this Christmas season, as we have in years past. However, we will be modifying our procedure for the 2020 year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Rather than shopping directly for families or setting up a Giving Tree, we are limiting donations to cash and checks for our Community Assistance fund, or gift cards to major grocery stores in $50 denominations or less (Meijer, Walmart, Target) so that our families can use them for whatever they need (food, jackets, toys, etc.).
- If you would like to contribute, please give online, mail your check, or place an envelope with your donation or gift cards in the offering plate or Sue Baglow’s black box. Please use the memo or label “Christmas Community Assistance”. If possible, please do so on Sunday during worship. If dropping off during the week, please come during regular business hours 8a-4p when someone can meet you at the door and receive your donation. Please ensure we receive your donation by December 6.
- In addition, our affiliate ministries such as Hospitality House’s Santa Shop and Wellspring Ministries are only accepting direct monetary donations. If you are led to give to them, please do so by following the links below:
- Hospitality House: https://www.hhfp.org/
- Wellspring: https://wellspringlutheran.com/
- Please note that St. Matthew is committed to serving community families. If you are in any need or know someone who is, please contact us at the church office 248-624-7676 or by email at churchoffice@st-matthew.org, and we will confidentially pass along the information and needs to our Community Assistance Team.
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Important Information Regarding Protocols To read the entire email regarding current protocols, please click HERE. Please note that masks are now required in worship and other church events.
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Building Safety School has started and our buildings still remain closed for walk-in visitors during the week. IMPORTANT: Anyone wishing to meet with a staff member should contact that staff member directly or the church office to schedule a time to enter and meet. Proper entrance protocols will be adhered to at that time (including temperature taken, exposure evaluated, etc.). Thank you for your patience as we work very hard to keep everyone safe!
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IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING MASKS
Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, the Elders have decided to require the wearing of masks by anyone attending any church event like worship, a funeral, or private baptism. This went into effect on Thanksgiving Eve.
It means that we will no longer have a designated area for non-mask wearers because all are required to wear a mask for the entire worship service.
One personal, pastoral comment: While masks have been a controversial and divisive subject for many, may it not be among us followers of Jesus. The goal behind the mask requirement is the safety of all. May God guide and protect us throughout this pandemic season! -- Pastor Paul
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Holiday Schedule and Upcoming Events
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- December 9, 7pm - Advent Worship at Walled Lake campus (in-person only)
- December 16, 7pm - Advent Worship at Walled Lake campus (in-person only)
- December 23-January 3 - School Christmas Break
- December 23 - No Advent Service
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December 24 - Christmas Eve (online services will also be available on our YouTube channel)
- 1pm Contemporary Christmas Eve worship in Walled Lake gym
- 4 pm Wixom Contemporary Christmas Eve worship with Communion
- 3pm, 5pm, 7pm & 10pm pm Traditional Christmas Eve worship in Walled Lake main worship center (10pm with communion)
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December 25, 11am - Christmas Day Festival Worship Walled Lake with communion (in-person only)
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December 31, 7pm - New Years Eve Worship with Communion at Walled Lake campus (in-person only)
- January 3 - Regular Sunday worship
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“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Blessings,
Gail Adams
Office & Communications Manager
gail.adams@st-matthew.org
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General Communications: hello@st-matthew.org / leave message at 248-624-7676
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Read Previous eNews: Click HERE
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eNews Sign Up: st-matthew.org/signup
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Facebook Devotions: Click HERE
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Prayer Requests: prayer@st-matthew.org
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Giving: st-matthew.org/give or mail your check
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Updates to Contact Info: updates@st-matthew.org
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Share Photos for eNews consideration: photos@st-matthew.org
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School
Donuts with Pastors
Saturday, December 5, 9am
When I was a kid, one of my favorite childhood memories was visiting the Franklin Cider Mill. Not only could you watch the apple press produce the delicious cider, but their hot donuts were also absolutely amazing! Usually, the grease soaking through the bag was an accurate indicator regarding the flavor, as well as the warmth and freshness of the donuts. However, if by chance you could not finish the entire dozen in one day (which rarely happened!) and one of those donuts would sit out for a day or two... that same delicious donut would go stale and taste nothing like its original form.
Similarly, the same can be said about our relationship with God and keeping that relationship fresh...Read more HERE
Blog by Principal Sue Palka:
School Facebook Page
Stay up to date on all the great things happening on our Facebook page.
With God, all things are possible!
Matthew 19:26
Pray for our staff, teachers, students, and families!
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Hearts & Hands
Employment Opportunities!
We are in need of Infant and Preschool Child Caregivers.
See the article below for details and email Ronda for more info!
Praise God for opportunities to learn and grow as children of God in His amazing world!
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International Ministry
God is Working!
Please check out this video to see what God has been doing in International Ministry for over 25 years!
CLICK HERE to see the impact this ministry makes on lives!
If you are interested in checking us out, please contact Jan Roth (jan.roth@st-matthew.org) for any information about where to plug in.
Please continue to pray for our Team Members, Staff, and the International Friends and families we serve through this ministry.
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Children's & Family
Ministry
dawn.rupe@st-matthew.org
Movie Night was such a success! We had great weather, food, crafts, petting farm, and a fun movie! Thank you to all who joined us!
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Middle School
Youth Ministry
Confirmation Parent Information for the 2020-2021 School Year
If you have a child entering Seventh Grade or Higher who has not started the confirmation process and would like to learn about our confirmation process please contact John Welte at john.welte@st-matthew.org.
Middle School Zoom Wild Wednesdays
will meet on
December 9 from 7-8PM.
Join us online for crazy games and competitions, prizes to be won, devotions, and a time of hanging out with friends.
Meeting ID: 869 1803 1028
Passcode: 656334
Middle School Bible Class
will be part of Zoom Game Nights.
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High School
Youth Ministry
MS, HS, College Update:
In accordance with current local, state and federal guidelines St. Matthew is beginning
an intentional approach to start planning Youth Group and College Age Activities that
allows us to meet in keeping with current mandates and guidelines.
If you should have
any questions please contact John Welte at
john.welte@st-matthew.org.
High School Sunday Night Zoom Gatherings
will meet on Sunday December 6 from 7-8:30 PM. This will be a time of crazy games and competitions, talking with friends, devotions, and prizes to be given away.
Meeting ID: 810 6486 0149
Passcode: 411000
High School Bible Class
will be part of the Sunday
Night Zoom Gatherings.
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Other Ministry Events and Updates |
MENS MINISTRY Wednesday Morning Bible Study on Zoom The Wednesday morning Men's Bible Study group is now meeting on Zoom from 8:00-9:00am each Wednesday and would like to invite any interested men to join them for a study on the Book of Ezekiel. Contact Lavern Kruse at lavern.kruse@gmail.com or text at 248-756-0848 if you have any questions or would like to join the group.
WOMEN'S MINISTRY Monday Bible Study on Zoom The Women's Bible Study will be meeting Mondays on Zoom. Please contact Vicki Grocki to sign up: tbearpicnic@msn.com .
SENIOR MINISTRY: Check out the Senior Ministry Newsletter HERE
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The Senior Bible Class (Open to all "Young at Heart" Seniors) began on Monday, September 14, from 10:30-11:30 by Zoom. We are studying the Book of James. This is a great opportunity to be in God's Word, especially during this unusual time, when Covid is still looming around us. You can register by going to www.st-matthew.org/SeniorBibleClass or by texting or calling Lavern at 248-756-0848.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY at St. Matthew now has open share groups available online. They are gender specific groups. For more information, email us at CR@st-matthew.org
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Prayers - Week of December 6 |
Ministry:
- For persecuted Christians in Laos
- For those who have fallen away from Christ to return to Him
- Comfort for those with sick loved ones
Homebound Member of the Week:
Government, Country and World:
- God’s protection from the pandemic during the holidays
Sick or Hospitalized:
- Dylan Findling
- Randy Tyler
- Another member
- Natalie Kottman
- Evan, Pam
- Lucy, friend of the Bensons
- Those with COVID
- Husband of Lorrie's coworker
- Father of a friend
- Gino
- Friend of Rebekah
Grief:
- For the family and friends of Naomi Rintoul
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Attendance - November 29, 2020
- 8:15am Blended: 67
- 9am New Vintage: 35
- 11am Prayer & Praise: 78
- 9:30am Online: 400-500
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Financial Stewardship
Thank you for your support of ministry through online giving or mailing your checks.
Walled Lake and Wixom Campuses
July 1, 2020 through November 30, 2020
Actual year to date Offerings $716,415
Budget year to date Offerings $662,718
Year to date variance $53,697
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WIXOM WORSHIP AND MEDIA COORDINATOR
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St. Matthew is seeking a Worship and Media Coordinator. This is a full-time position with benefits. Responsibilities include leading contemporary worship at our Wixom campus and providing media and tech support for both our Wixom and Walled Lake campuses. Click the links for the ministry description HERE and employment application HERE or pick up copies at the Welcome Centers of either campus. Please pass this along to anyone who you know might be interested; or contact the church office 248-624-7676 if you have any names for us to consider.
CUSTODIAL: 2 part-time cleaning staff positions. Contact WillieMae Thomas 248-688-4650 for information and to apply.
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Mornings 10-2p.m. Monday-Friday.
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Evenings after 4pm. Details are flexible based on individual.
NURSERY:
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Part Time Nursery Coordination Position Available St. Matthew is hiring a part time Nursery Coordinator (20 hours per week for 31 weeks). Click links for a full ministry description and application. Info is also available from the Welcome Center at both campuses or by emailing john.welte@st-matthew.org .
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Nursery Workers Needed as we look forward to beginning the 2020-2021 International Ministry season we are in need of additional part time Nursery Workers. Click links for a full ministry description and application. Info is also available at both campus Welcome Centers or by emailing john.welte@st-matthew.org.
HEARTS & HANDS:
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Infant & Preschool Child Caregivers - Hearts and Hands - Wixom Campus St. Matthew - Hearts and Hands Christian Child Care Center is open and caring for children, Infant thru Preschool. Applications are currently accepted for Infant and Preschool Caregivers. Part-time, Monday thru Friday afternoon. If interested, please contact Ronda Coe at 248.624.9525 or Ronda.Coe@st-matthew.org.
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RightNowMedia is a great resource for video Bible Studies! Sign up FREE through our website www.st-matthew.org/RightNowMedia .
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Lutheran Hour Ministries has daily radio broadcasts, podcasts, devotions, and many other resources! See everything at www.lhm.org
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Portals of Prayer are available in the bin outside the main entrance at the Walled Lake Campus. They are also available for personal purchase from the CPH website HERE.
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IN-PERSON WORSHIP PROTOCOLS
Click the link HERE to read protocols for in-person worship. In addition, a new mask requirement is in effect starting with Thanksgiving Eve worship.
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Reminders
Did you miss it?
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If you missed our previous eNews, here are a few reminders:
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MISSIONS UPDATE Oct. 2020 - EVERLASTING LIFE MINISTRY AND PASTOR DANIEL IN INDIA Please click HERE to read the latest from Pastor Daniel's daughter, Vision, as she tells about their Monthly Celebration with Holy Communion, Baptisms, and one special testimony. Click HERE for pictures.
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SMALL GROUPS: RightNow Media has updated their "Groups" The “Groups” feature was recently updated to include a video chat component! Now with virtual groups you can watch and discuss RightNow Media content together in one convenient place through our website. Our hope is that this will enable your small groups to continue to meet and benefit from these resources even if all or some of their members are not able to attend in person. If you are not signed up for this free resource, please do so at: st-matthew.org/RightNowMedia
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Amazon Donates to St. Matthew when you shop through the AmazonSmile program. Make a difference this holiday. Shop for gifts at smile.amazon.com/ch/38-6030809 to generate donations for Saint Matthew Lutheran Church and School. There is no cost to you, and St. Matthew receives a donation. Just be sure to shop through the smile.amazon link and choose St. Matthew as your charity of choice. Thank you for considering!
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Communion at In Person Worship We have restarted Communion at in-person worship once a month in each worship service. Again, please read the email HERE for all the details.
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Altar Flowers are available again You may request Altar Flowers to be placed in our worship spaces again. We will now use a paper-less method of requesting flowers. Please email natalie.yanosy@st-matthew.org or call the church office with the following information, drop your payment in the offering plate with a note indicating they are for Altar Flowers, or mail payment to the church office.
- What the flowers are for (in memory of/in celebration of)?
- Who they are from? Please include your phone number and email address.
- The date the flowers are to be placed
- How many flower arrangements are being requested ($20/each)
- Flowers to be placed in Sanctuary / Gym / Wixom
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Communications Requests As we continue to modify our Communications tools to serve our St. Matthew community better (eNews, website, etc.), please connect with the appropriate Ministry Leader to request to have information communicated out. They will then ensure that information is directed to the appropriate channels for communication. The Messenger on the website is no longer an effective communication tool. Please contact Ministry Leaders directly to discuss your needs. Thank you for your patience as we create a more effective process for Communications Requests, and the tools to make it happen.
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Photos?? Do you have photos from St. Matthew events to share with our congregation? Please email them to photos@st-matthew.org and we will consider sharing them in the eNews!
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St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Walled Lake & Wixom
2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390
48380 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393
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