eNews
SUNDAY, APRIL 11, 2021
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Take the Matthew 25 Challenge
Next week, St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School have an awesome opportunity to participate in the Matthew 25 Challenge!
Through this week-long challenge, the members of our church and school community will have the opportunity to bring Scripture to life with a new global perspective as we experience circumstances and situations that we may have not experienced before!
Using tools provided to us through World Vision, those electing to participate will be guided by daily devotions and Scripture verses, as well as a daily challenge. One day, you will be requested to skip a meal. Another day you will be asked to drink only water and no caffeine. One day, you will even be asked to sleep on the floor!
World Vision is using this challenge as a means to not only provide awareness of those struggling in poverty, but also provide an avenue where the Body of Christ can work together to help those in need. Matthew 25:40 states, "For when you do things unto the least of these, you do it unto me!"
It is our prayer that those who participate will grow closer to Jesus as well as have a greater awareness of how we can help others.
To sign up for this challenge, you can text: SMLC to 56170
Please discuss and pray about this opportunity as a family to determine if this is something that you feel God is calling you to do. If so, we pray that this will be a blessing for your family's spiritual growth journey.
The church Facebook page will provide a way for you to share your Matthew 25 Challenge thoughts and experiences with our church community. Please check back daily during the week to connect with us and with each other.
Stay connected through the church Facebook page: click HERE
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Worship and Bible Study Schedule
Walled Lake Campus
- 8:15am Blended Worship in Main Worship Center
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11am Prayer & Praise Worship in Gym with Communion
Wixom Campus
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9am Sunday New Vintage Worship with Communion
Sunday Online Worship
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Current Topic: Gospel of Luke (Read online HERE)
- Time: Sundays at 10:45am
- Format: Pastor led via Zoom with lecture and group discussion
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Zoom Link: Click HERE or use Meeting ID 896 5949 4535 with passcode 149356
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Recordings of previous weeks: On YouTube
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This Week's Study Guide (click HERE for previous Study Guides)
- April 11, 2021
Communion Schedule
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New Vintage and Prayer & Praise: Second Sunday of the month - April 11
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Blended: Third Sunday of the month - April 18
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Next Drive In Communion - First Wednesday of the month, Walled Lake Campus
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Wednesday, May 5 at 7pm in the Walled Lake Campus parking lot. Bring your cell phone. Follow instructions upon arrival.
For those attending in-person worship, please note the mask requirement for worship and other church events. See www.st-matthew.org/worship for additional protocols.
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Upcoming Schedule
at the Walled Lake Campus unless otherwise indicated
- April 10-11 High School Confirmation Process
- April 11 - Matthew 25 Challenge begins! Text SMLC to 56170
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April 25 at 1pm - Open Forum on Zoom
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Meeting ID 878 1713 4968 and Passcode 074447
- April 26 - Book Fair Week begins
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May 2 at 1pm - Congregational Assembly on Zoom
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Meeting ID 878 1713 4968 and Passcode 074447
- May 6 - National Day of Prayer
- May 12 at 7pm - Confirmation Rehearsal
- May 16 at 1pm - Confirmation
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Important Survey for All Members - Members are asked to complete an online survey to provide input on the future direction of the ministry. That link is https://www.the20.org/member. If you don’t have access to a computer, paper copies of the survey are available at the Welcome Center.
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Annual Meetings, April 25 and May 2 - An Zoom online Open Forum will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, April 25 to present and get input on the proposed budget and a proposal regarding the hiring of non-called teachers. Then, the Annual Congregational Assembly (Voters meeting) will be held online via Zoom at 1:00pm on Sunday, May 2. Agenda items include: setting the ballot for elections and budget and items from the floor. (Click links or use Meeting ID 878 1713 4968 and Passcode 074447 for both meetings.)
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Wixom Worship Leader and Technology Coordinator - The Executive Board approved the hiring of a full-time Wixom Worship position. The ministry description has been updated and re-titled as “Wixom Worship Leader and Technology Coordinator". The ministry description and employment application are available HERE or at the Welcome Centers at both the Walled Lake and Wixom campuses. Please submit applications to the church office churchoffice@st-matthew.org or to the office at either campus.
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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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“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
Registration is now open
for the 2021/2022 School Year!
Contact the School Office for details!
248-624-7677
admissions@st-matthew.org
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OUR GOD IS THE LORD OF THE DANCE!
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Each year during the month of March, the staff and our middle schoolers have a little friendly competition with our March Madness brackets. Last year, COVID temporarily interrupted this fun and exciting St. Matthew tradition, so it was very enjoyable to have this be one of the numerous slices of normalcy that returned during this school year!
Under the skillful management of Mr. Topel, who is the originator of this tradition, each staff member and student submits their ideal bracket in hopes of selecting the teams that make it to the last competition known as the “Final Dance”. The stakes are high...
Blog by Principal Sue Palka:
Book Fair
It's almost time for St. Matthew Lutheran School's Spring Book Fair!. Students, get your AR points in and don't forget to turn in your reading challenge entries to win a prize. This year's book fair will be both online and in school. The in-school portion will be different from previous years. Students will "preview" the book fair via a digital file so they can create their wishlist and know how much money they will need for the book fair. The week of April 26, each class will be signed up to come to the book fair, with all precautions in place, to purchase the items on their wish lists.
School Facebook Page
Stay up to date on all the great things happening on our Facebook page.
Pray for our staff, teachers, students, and families!
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Hearts & Hands
The Easter Story
The children are learning about Jesus' great sacrifice and His resurrection on Easter through stories and crafts.
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
The International
Easter Celebration was on
March 21
Praise God for the opportunity to share the Easter message with our International Friends!
Click HERE to watch the video.
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.
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Children's & Family
Ministry
dawn.rupe@st-matthew.org
Buddies are still available!
Register here:
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Middle School
Youth Ministry
Confirmation Parent Information
for the 2020-2021 School Year.
If you have a child currently in 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
Wild Wednesday
April 14, 7-8:30pm
We are able to resume meeting together in person following required MDHHS safety and social distancing guidelines. Our next Wild Wednesday will be April 14 from 7-8:30 PM in the WL campus gym. All participants must wear a mask and will need to turn in a health screening checklist (this will be emailed out in the weekly MS Email Update or contact john.welte@st-matthew.org for a copy). Entrance to the gym will be via the gym entrance and the rest of the building will be off limits.
Wanted: Email Addresses
Wanted-Email addresses of all sixth through eighth grade students and their parents. Email john.welte@st-matthew.org to have them added or deleted from the weekly update.
St. Matthew Youth Group Facebook Page
is https://www.facebook.com/stmatthew.yg.7
You can check out photos and videos from past events and catch last minute updates.
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High School
Youth Ministry
High School
Sunday Night Gathering
Sunday, April 11, 7-8:30pm
We are able to resume meeting together in person following required MDHHS safety and social distancing guidelines. Join us Sunday, April 11 from 7-8:30 PM in the gym. All participants must wear a mask and will need to turn in upon arriving a health screening checklist (this will be emailed out in the weekly HS Email Update or contact john.welte@st-matthew.org for a copy). Entrance to the gym will be via the gym entrance and the rest of the building will be off limits.
High School
Ohio Summer Mission Trip
While we are not positive we will be able to go, we have set the dates for July 18-24 for the High School Mission Trip returning to Caldwell Ohio. Application forms were sent out in the weekly email update or are available by emailing John and are due by June 6. Adults interested in serving as chaperones should contact John.
College Age
Summer Mission Trip
is planned for August 1-7. It is our intent to return to Caldwell Ohio provided we are able to meet all pandemic protocols. Registration will open in May.
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Other Ministry Events and Updates |
MEN OF GOD SUPPORT GROUP: In the month of April we will be working on Step 4: We wrote down and evaluated all of our Wrongdoings and resentments we hold against on another.
The Men of God Support Group is a Christ-Centered Ministry based on the words of Jesus Christ and the 12 steps of Recovery. This group is for Men who need a safe place to openly share any struggles they may be dealing with in life. The group is currently held online via Zoom every Tuesday night from 8:30-9:30pm. If you or anyone else is interested in the group or have any questions, please contact Ryan Main at MenofGod@st-matthew.org
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 Winter Newsletter HERE The Senior Bible Class (Open to all "Young at Heart" Seniors) is currently meeting every Monday, by Zoom beginning at 10:00 for conversation until 10:30. The study time is from 10:30-11:30 by Zoom. On January 11, we began studying the Book of Romans. This is a great opportunity for fellowship with other Seniors, and also 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.
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Prayers - Week of April 11 |
Thanks:
- Prayers of thanks and blessings for 48 years of marriage for Doug & Anne Bond on April 7
Ministry:
- For ongoing protection of the ministry, staff and participants from COVID-19
- Guidance for the Wixom Worship Leader and Technology Coordinator Hire Committee
- For persecuted Christians in Malaysia
Homebound Member of the Week:
Mission:
- For our Matthew 25 Challenge
- For the work of World Vision
Government, Country and World:
- For those working in the medical field
Sick or Hospitalized:
- Dylan Findling
- Linda Willmann
- Braedon Breeding
- Jim, Doris, Nancy, Gary
- Sister-in-law of the Masters
- Dave, uncle of Rob Osborne
- Those with COVID
Other:
- For a husband/father to believe in Jesus
- For Cory, Kristina, Judie and Sabrina
- For a struggling family
- Someone battling spiritual warfare
Grief: For the family and friends of
- Pastor Bill Merrell
- Larry Faw
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Attendance
- Palm Sunday, March 28
- 8:15am Blended: 87
- 9am New Vintage: 43
- 11am Prayer & Praise: 122
- Maundy Thursday, April 1
- 7pm: 92
- Good Friday, April 2
- 1pm: 86
- 7pm Wixom: 36
- 7pm Walled Lake: 120
- Easter Sunday, April 4
- 8:15am 115
- 9am Wixom: 96
- 9:40am: 137
- 11am: 136
- 11:15am: 32
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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 April 5, 2021
Actual year to date Offerings $1,503,600
Budget year to date Offerings $1,364,299
Year to date variance $139,301
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WIXOM WORSHIP LEADER AND TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR - The Executive Board approved the hiring of a full-time Wixom Worship position. The ministry description has been updated and re-titled as “Wixom Worship Leader and Technology Coordinator". The ministry description and employment application are available HERE or at the Welcome Centers at both the Walled Lake and Wixom campuses. Please submit applications to the church office churchoffice@st-matthew.org or to the office at either campus.
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.
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5th Annual LAUGH4HOPE Comedy Night (Benefiting AWPC) - Friday, April 23
This family-friendly event will support the life-saving work of Another Way Pregnancy Center (Farmington Hills). The featured comedian is Robert G. Lee who will be appearing at Ward Church on Six Mile Rd. in Northville. (If COVID restrictions prevent the event from being "in-person", it will become a virtual event -- made available online to paid ticket holders.) Doors will open at 6:15 for the 7:00 event. Tickets are available NOW at $25 each -- OR two for $40. They can be purchased at awpcfriends.org/events -- OR you can call this number: 248.939-5900. Mark your calendar, and come ready to... LAUGH4HOPE!
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Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) Multi-Lakes Zone Spring Rally - Saturday April 24 at 11am to 1pm, St. Paul Community Lutheran Church in Pontiac. See details HERE.
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Lutheran High Northwest and Lutheran High Westland Registration Now Open! Looking for an outstanding Christian high school option for your son or daughter or know someone who is? Lutheran High Northwest and Lutheran High Westland are now accepting applications for new students for Fall 2021! For more information, or to apply click below:
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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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Portals of Prayer are available in the bin outside the main entrance at the Walled Lake Campus. They are also available for personal purchase (print and digital) from the CPH website HERE.
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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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Worship Anew, Lutheran Ministries Media -Our mission is to share Christ's love through ministry and media. Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. produces a weekly, 30-minute Lutheran broadcast worship service called Worship Anew. Watch online at www.worshipanew.org
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KFUO Radio, a media ministry extension of LCMS congregations, shares Christ for you anytime, anywhere on KFUO.org via worship services, Bible and theology studies, practical talk programs, and sacred music.
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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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St. Matthew's 75th Anniversary Recognition is coming! As we progress to St Matthew's 75th Anniversary in 2023, we'd like to share some thoughts from 1951! We are still looking for any pictures, most likely from your parents or grandparents, from our early beginnings! Feel free to email those to dbond1688@gmail.com or drop them off at my church mailbox!.
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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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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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