eNews and Messenger
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020
PLEASE NOTE: Our in person worship gatherings are not affected by the Governor's latest executive order. In person and online worship continue, as scheduled. See safety protocols HERE or at the bottom of this email.

AND A REMINDER: Our buildings remain closed for walk-in visitors during the week, and safety protocols are being adhered to. Staff continues to work mostly remotely. 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.).
Worship Schedule
See in-person worship protocols below.
No in person classes are being held at this time.

Walled Lake Campus
  • 8:15am Blended Worship in Main Worship Center
  • 11am Prayer & Praise Worship in Gym
  • no 9:40am Sunday or 7pm Monday Blended worship gatherings at this time

Wixom Campus
  • 9am Sunday New Vintage Worship

Online Worship - Sundays 9:30am - Chat together starting at 9:20am!
Ministry Highlights
  • Memorial Service - Lois Scheel August 15 A memorial service will be held for Lois Scheel at the Walled Lake campus on Saturday, August 15 at 1pm, with current worship protocols.

  • Greg & Rita Hawk Farewell Sept. 6 Come and wish Greg & Rita Hawk farewell as they move on to their next adventure that God has planned for them. Greg & Rita have been long time members and part of the Wixom church founding team. The farewell will take place outside at the Wixom campus on Sept 6, 2020 following the 9:00 service.  

  • Opportunities to Meet Pastor Austin and Claire at the Walled Lake Campus Pastor Austin will give his first sermon at the Walled Lake campus and the telephone /online worship on August 9. To welcome Austin and Claire, you are invited to provide a gift card, which can be provided at any of the above gatherings.

  • Ministry Plans and Protocols Plans and protocols are being developed for reopening of in-person ministries. Obviously, reopening in-person ministry is dependent upon where we are at with the pandemic and government regulations. We want to do what is safe and wise for all ministries, participants, volunteers and participants. Please pray regarding these things. As more information becomes available, you will be notified.
From Pastor Michael:

On July 25, Hannah and I got married! We are so excited to start our new life together, and are thankful we were able to safely celebrate with a few close friends and family!

Due to all of the sunshine we prayed for, the phone we used to live stream our ceremony overheated & shut down a few minutes in! Thankfully, we had the whole ceremony recorded and you can now watch it by following the link on our wedding website:


A big thanks to God for our marriage, your support and prayers, the weather, and all who could come to the drive-thru!

Lots of love, Michael Hansen & Hannah Hansen
Employment Opportunities
SCHOOL: Do you enjoy working with children? St. Matthew Lutheran School is looking for qualified candidates who love children and the Lord for the following positions. If you are interested in applying, please contact the school office at 248-624-7676 or Susan.Palka@st-matthew.org.
  • Temporary Preschool Aide for Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 8:15-1:15 p.m.

  • Part-Time Cook for lunch program two days a week from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

  • Kids Care After School Director M-F 3:30-6:00 p.m.

NURSERY:

  • 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 . Applications are due to the church by Monday, August 31.

  • 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:

  • 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. 
“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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Ministries
School

Registration for 2020/2021 School Year
Email:
admissions@st-matthew.org

Pray for our team as they continue to diligently work to determine what reopening in the fall will look like.

A great way to stay updated on all the great things happening is to Like our Facebook page.
Hearts & Hands

Employment Opportunities!
We are in need of Infant and Preschool Child Caregivers.
See the article above for details and email Ronda for more info!

Praise God for opportunities to learn and grow as children of God in His amazing world!
International Ministry

Registration for Fall Classes
Registration will begin soon for fall classes.

Please continue to pray for this ministry, as there are still many unknowns ahead.
Children's Ministry
dawn.rupe@st-matthew.org

Schedule a Visit with
Miss Dawn!
We are not officially sending out Bible Adventure lessons for the summer, but Miss Dawn would love to connect with you over the summer with a home visit!
You can choose between:

IN PERSON SOCIALLY DISTANCED
I will come to you and do a front yard chat!

ONLINE
We can do a Zoom visit if you are short on time or not ready for in-person visiting.

Either way, I hope to get to know you a little better soon! Just email dawn.rupe@st-matthew.org or call/text 248-912-8680 - (please let me know who you are if you do that!) with a time that might work for you. Unless I have something else on the calendar, that will work! (If you have signed up on the Sign Up Genius, that works too).
God's blessings and freedom in Jesus Christ!
Miss Dawn

Devotions
These devotions are great for adults as well as kids!
Middle School
Youth Ministry

Confirmation Parent Information Zoom Meeting for the 2020-2021 School Year
If you have a child entering Seventh Grade or Higher who has not started the
confirmation process plan to join us for a Parent Information Meeting via Zoom on
either Tuesday Sept 1 or Thursday Sept 3 at 7 PM (you only need attend one time).
Please email me for the meeting invitation and required password at john.welte@stmatthew.org.

Bike Riding and DQ
Wed., Aug. 19 at 7 PM
We will meet at “On the Dunes” on Haggerty Road ride the MI Air Trail to DQ in WX. The ride is
about 5.5 miles one way. Your choice to get picked up at WX DQ or to the return ride.

Middle School Bible Class
will be off for the remainder of the summer. We encourage students and families to check out RightNow Media for a variety of Christian videos they can watch and discuss at home.
Sign up for a free RightNow Media account HERE.

Middle School Fall Retreat
Camp Ohiyesa
October 2-4
For registration forms and adults interested in serving as a chaperone, contact John. Sign up early to get the best pricing. 
High School
Youth Ministry

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
allow us to meet together outside but still keep social distancing. If you should have
any questions please contact John Welte at john.welte@st-matthew.org.

Kayaking the Huron River
Mon., Aug. 10, 10AM
We will meet at 10AM at the drop in point just North of Proud Lake State Park headquarters on Wixom Road. Need a kayak contact John as he might have a couple that can be borrowed.
This event will take about 2-2.5 hours. 

High School Bible Class
will be off for the remainder of the summer. We encourage students and families to check out RightNow Media for a variety of Christian videos they can watch and discuss at home.
Sign up for a free RightNow Media account HERE.

High School Fall Retreat
Camp Ohiyesa
Sept. 18-20
Registration forms are available by contacting John. Sign up early to get the best pricing.
Other Ministry Events and Updates
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
Prayers - Week of August 9
Ministry:
  • For the guidance and protection of St. Matthew ministry and staff
  • For persecuted Christians in Kuwait
Homebound Member of the Week
  • Nancy Edick
Mission
  • For the advancement of the movement of Jesus in hearts around the world
Government, Country and World:
  • God’s protection and will to be done in the corona virus situation
  • For our government leaders to make wise decisions
  • For resolution of civil unrest
Sick or Hospitalized:
  • Don Bielat
  • Dylan Findling
  • Randy Tyler
  • Gaylen McDonald
  • Darlene Berent
  • Adyn Stoddard
  • Louise
  • Mother of Erika Nichols
  • Bill, brother of Shirley Hart
  • Lavern Kruse's oldest sister
  • Kayla
  • Ken Nehring
Other:
  • A sister's marriage and family situation
Email Prayer Requests to prayer@st-matthew.org
Attendance - August 2, 2020

  • 8:15am Blended: 49
  • 9am New Vintage: 26
  • 11am Prayer & Praise: 35
  • 9:30am Online: 400-500 people (est.)
  • Drive-In Communion:
  • Connected through Zoom: 115
  • Communion distribution: 225
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 July 24, 2020
Actual year to date Offerings $172,574
Budget year to date Offerings $154,856
Year to date variance $17,718

Connect with Us
Resources
  • RightNowMedia is a great resource for video Bible Studies! Sign up FREE through our website www.st-matthew.org/RightNowMedia .
  • Lutheran Hour Ministries has daily radio broadcasts, podcasts, devotions, and many other resources! See everything at www.lhm.org
  • 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.
IN-PERSON WORSHIP PROTOCOLS

Per Elders' approval, we resumed in-person Sunday worship services on July 5 at both campuses, with the schedule outlined above. If you have not done so already, or to refresh your memory, please read our protocols highlighted below.

Out of Christian love for members and guests, we regather in the safest manner possible, with everyone who enters our buildings encouraged and expected to wear masks (though special seating will be available for those who cannot or prefer not to wear a mask), to adhere to social distancing standards, and to practice appropriate health and hygiene protocols. Please stay home if you are sick or are not yet comfortable returning to worship, and continue to participate in our online and telephone worship.

Please read through all of the details and guidelines outlined below to assist with your decision to return to in-person worship. Above all please show one another God’s love.

  • Cleanliness: Our buildings are cleaned and sanitized, with surface touch points minimized. Hymnals, Bibles, Communication Cards, pens, brochures, Children’s bags, etc. have been removed from worship spaces, entrances, and common areas to allow for more complete cleaning of those spaces. Some bulletin boards have been removed. Bulletins, paper Messengers, and Communication Cards will not be available. Please bring your own Bible, pen, and paper if needed. Keep up to date on ministry with the weekly eNews. Staff and Volunteers will have their temperatures taken, will be evaluated for health, and will wear masks.

  • Health and Hygiene: Those entering our buildings should carefully evaluate their own health prior to attending. Please stay home if you have a fever or any COVID-19 symptoms, if you have been exposed to the virus, if you are in an at-risk category per the CDC guidelines, or if you are not yet ready to return to worship for any reason. We will continue to offer online worship for those not yet returning to in-person worship. Everyone is asked to maintain proper hand washing and hygiene procedures. Hand sanitizing stations will be available.

  • Social Distancing will be expected, with no handshaking, hugging, or other close contact. Please greet each other with God’s love, but maintain an appropriate distance of at least 6 feet. Please respect social distancing as you wait to be ushered to your seat for worship upon entering the building, during worship, and upon exiting the building directly after worship. Please be mindful of directions from Elders and Ushers.

  • Masks: Out of Christian love and concern for others, everyone entering the building is encouraged and expected to wear a mask. Those not wearing a mask will be offered a mask to wear. PLEASE NOTE: If a worship attendee does not wear a mask, they will be seated in a designated section of the worship space. Staff, Elders and other Volunteers will wear masks and take appropriate health and hygiene precautions.

  • Entrances and Exits: To allow for minimizing touch points, doors will be held open by volunteers for worship attendees to enter and exit. All regular entrances will be available for use at the usual times.

  • Hand sanitizing stations will be available at entrances and exits.

  • Size Limitations: We will limit the number of people attending, based on social distancing and worship space size parameters.

  • Seating: Elders and Ushers will show worship attendees to their seats. Pew and chair spacing has been adjusted to accommodate social distancing. Please wait to be directed to your seat, and maintain social distancing while in line. Family groups will be seated together, but will remain distanced from others. Those without masks will be directed to a designated seating area. Please be respectful of the directions given by our Elders and Ushers to ensure the safety of all.

  • Drinking fountains are closed for use. Please bring a personal water bottle if needed.

  • Children: Nursery will not be available at this time. Bible Adventure and other children’s programs are also suspended at this time. Children’s activity bags will not be provided. Please bring quiet activities for your children to use during worship, if needed. A quieting room is available in the main worship center.

  • Services will be revised and shortened to allow for proper cleaning of spaces and to limit the time spent within the enclosed space. Singing will be minimized as well. Masks are to be worn for the entire service, including singing.

  • Offerings will be taken by Elders at the exit of the worship space, with no plates or baskets passed during service.

  • Communication Cards will not be used at this time.

  • Communion: At this time, communion will only be offered at our Wednesday 7pm Drive-In Services, on the first Wednesday of the month. We will not offer it during our Sunday services.

  • Bible Classes for all children, youth and adults have been suspended at this time.

  • Fellowship Refreshments: Coffee, donuts and other food items will not be provided at this time.

  • Exiting Worship: Elders and Ushers will dismiss worship attendees in a socially distanced fashion. Please be patient as you wait to exit, and leave the building in a timely fashion.

  • Accessibility of Buildings: For the continued safety of our staff, and to ease the burden on our cleaning staff, our buildings remain closed for walk-in visitors during the week. 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 have worked hard to continue ministry during this difficult time, and as we have prayerfully discerned the best time and manner in which to start our in-person gatherings again. Please continue to show Christian love to one another!

God's blessings on each of you, and may His love and grace continue to guide us and grant us wisdom.

Blessings,
Pastor Paul, Pastor Michael, and the entire Staff of St. Matthew

If you missed Pastor Paul's video message regarding worship, click below.
Reminders
Did you miss it?
If you missed our previous eNews, here are a few reminders:

  • From Pastor Austin: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Greetings! My name is Austin Wellhousen and I am the new associate pastor at the Wixom campus. I just wanted to take this chance to briefly introduce myself to all of you. I am married to a beautiful and supportive wife named Claire. She and I are also proud to announce that we are expecting our first child (a baby boy) in late October. We currently have a 2-year-old Australian cattle dog named Opie, who makes sure we hit our daily 10,000 steps. Although Claire and I just moved to Wixom from St. Louis, I am very familiar with the state of Michigan. I spent my first 18 years growing up in Rochester, MI and am thrilled to be back in this state. Most of all, I am thrilled to be called to this church. Claire and I have heard nothing but great things, and we have already felt incredibly loved by this church. We look forward to getting to know you all and serving alongside you in bringing the gospel to this community! In Christ, Pastor Austin Wellhousen
  • If you missed Pastor Austin's first sermon on July 26 at the Wixom Campus, you may listen to it on our website HERE.
  • Watch the Video of Austin's Ordination and Installation - Due to the need to provide safe, "social distanced" worship, Austin's ordination and installation was a private service. The recording is available to watch HERE. We praise and thank God for Pastor Austin and his wife Claire!
  • Reminder Regarding Staff and Church Buildings Staff members are working both remotely and onsite, in an effort to provide a safe work environment and to allow our Properties Team to complete necessary work on projects. For the continued safety of our staff, and to ease the burden on our cleaning staff, our buildings remain closed for walk-in visitors during the week. 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.).
  • 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.
  • 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!
www.st-matthew.org
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Walled Lake & Wixom
2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390
48380 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393