eNews
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2021
Worship and Bible Study
Schedule and Details
  • NEW! Online Bible Study - Starting Sunday, February 28 at 10:45am. Sunday morning Adult Bible Study is starting up again online. Join in as we study the Gospel of Luke. Bible Study will take place Sundays at 10:45 am, right after our online worship service. This Bible Study will be pastor led and will include elements of lecture as well as group discussion with others via Zoom’s breakout rooms. We are hoping to also post the recordings online for those who are not able to make it. For more information, recordings, and the zoom link, please visit st-matthew.org/biblestudy. See you there!

  • We are in a season of the year in which we are remembering the lengths to which Jesus went to earn for us a restored relationship with God. We pray that this will move all of us to grow up in our relationship with Jesus.  

  • Join us for worship in person or online this Sunday! Our Sunday Lenten series is entitled "He Did This For You".
  • Sunday Zoom worship link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/799892892

  • Wednesdays in Lent we will consider "Psalms of Sorrow and Healing"
  • This week, Drive In Communion will be our Lenten worship service.

Walled Lake Campus
  • 8:15am Blended Worship in Main Worship Center
  • 11am Prayer & Praise Worship in Gym

Wixom Campus
  • 9am Sunday New Vintage Worship

Sunday Online Worship
  • st-matthew.org/Worship
  • 9:30am Sunday
  • Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/799892892 - Meeting ID 799-892-892
  • Facebook
  • Telephone: 1-877-853-5257 ID: 799-892-892 followed by "#"
  • Recordings available on YouTube, Facebook, and Website

NEW! Sunday Online Bible Study
  • st-matthew.org/BibleStudy
  • Current Topic: Gospel of Luke (Read online HERE)
  • Time: Sundays at 10:45am
  • Format: Pastor led via Zoom with lecture and group discussion
  • Zoom Link: Click HERE or use Meeting ID 896 5949 4535 with passcode 149356
  • Telephone: 1-877-853-5257 ID: 896 5949 4535 with passcode 149356
  • Recordings of previous weeks: On YouTube
  • Study Guide: February 28, 2021 Coming Soon

Lenten Midweek Worship - Drive In Communion
  • Wednesday, March 3 at 7pm
  • In person in the Walled Lake Campus parking lot. Bring your cell phone. Follow instructions upon arrival.

Communion Schedule
  • New Vintage and Prayer & Praise: Second Sunday of the month - March 14
  • Blended: Third Sunday of the month - March 21
  • Next Drive In Communion - First Wednesday of the month, Walled Lake Campus
  • Wednesday, March 3 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.
Lent & Easter Worship Schedule
at the Walled Lake Campus unless otherwise indicated

  • March 3 at 7pm - Wednesday Drive-In Communion
  • March 10 at 7pm - Wednesday Lenten Worship*
  • March 17 at 7pm - Wednesday Lenten Worship*
  • March 21, 2pm & 4:30pm International Easter Celebration
  • March 24 at 7pm - Wednesday Lenten Worship*
  • March 28 - Palm Sunday, Regular Worship Schedule
  • April 1 at 7pm - Maundy Thursday (with Communion)*
  • April 2 - Good Friday
  • 1pm Worship (with Communion)
  • 7pm Worship (with Communion) (Wixom)
  • 7pm Service of Darkness*
  • April 4 - Easter
  • Festival Worship in Main Worship Center
  • 8:15am (with Communion)
  • 9:40am
  • 11:15am 
  • Prayer & Praise in Gym
  • 11am (with Communion)
  • New Vintage (Wixom)
  • 9am (with Communion)
  • Online and Telephone Worship
  • 9:30am
  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/799892892 , ID: 799-892-892
  • Telephone: 1-877-853-5257, ID: 799-892-892

*indicates in-person worship will also be livestreamed
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82457287875
Lenten Devotional Booklets, in cooperation with Lutheran Hour Ministries, are available at both campuses during worship and in the box outside the main entrances. These devotions are also available online and via email at www.lhm.org/Lent . Please take an extra booklet and pass it along to a friend or neighbor! Our Lent and Easter worship schedule is on the inside cover - invite a friend to worship with us!
Ministry Highlights
  • 2021-2022 School Year Open Registration starts March 1. See the school website stmatthewlutheranschool.com, contact admissions@st-matthew.org or call the School Office 248-624-7677 for more information. Take a few moments to watch our Open House video HERE.
  • Community Assistance (Alms) Need - We have a current need in our Community Assistance Ministry for a bed. If you have a bed (any size) that you are willing to donate, please contact the Church Office.
  • Direct Thrivent ChoiceDollars® by March 31 Thrivent Financial members have until March 31 to direct any remaining 2020 ChoiceDollars®. After that date, Choice Dollars® will expire. Please consider directing your Choice Dollars to St Matthew Lutheran Church, St. Matthew Lutheran School, and/or Hearts and Hands Christian Child Development Center.
  • Go to www.Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836. If you have any questions, please contact Sue Baglow at 248 624 7676 Ext 104 or Sue.Baglow@st-matthew.org. Your selection of St. Matthew ministries is greatly appreciated!
  • Help Provide Bibles to Children in Indonesia! During the month of February, we are hoping to raise awareness and provide financial support for Lutheran Heritage Foundation: Come and See Jesus! Bible Books for Muslim and Christian Children in Indonesia
  • More than 85% of the people in Indonesia are Muslim, but some of their public schools are open to allowing their students to learn about the Christian faith. 
  • Every $5 we raise gives one of those kids a Bible storybook or Luther's Small Catechism, translated and printed in their own language.
  • Please support this mission that will allow Indonesian school children to learn about Jesus in their classrooms! Click HERE to donate directly!
  • In addition, the school supports Virginia, a schoolgirl in Indonesia, through Compassion International! She may receive the materials that Lutheran Heritage Foundation provides!
  • Watch a family-friendly informational video about the mission project - click HERE!
  • 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!
Upcoming Events
  • March 1 - School Registration opens to the public
  • March 3, 7pm - Lenten Drive In Communion Service
  • March 10, 7pm - Lent worship - in person at Walled Lake and livestreamed
  • March 17, 7pm - Lent worship - in person at Walled Lake and livestreamed
  • March 21, 2pm & 4:30pm - International Easter Celebration
  • March 24 7pm Lent worship; also livestreamed 
  • March 28 Palm Sunday, regular worship schedule
  • March 29-April 5 no school - spring break
  • April 1 Maundy Thursday 7pm Blended Worship with Communion; also live streamed
  • April 2 Good Friday
  • 1pm Worship with Communion
  • 7pm Worship with Communion at Wixom
  • 7pm Service of Darkness; also live streamed
  • April 4 Easter:
  • 8:15 (with Communion), 9:40, 11:15 am Festival Worship in main worship center
  • 11 am (with Communion) Prayer & Praise in gym
  • 9 (with Communion) New Vintage at Wixom
  • 9:30am online worship
“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

Open registration starts
March 1
for the 2021/2022 School Year!

Contact the School Office for details!
248-624-7677
admissions@st-matthew.org
____________

Rejoicing When the
Lost Have Been Found!

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in Heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."  Luke 15:4 - 7

Where were you when the largest snowfall of 2021, consisting of 8+ inches, fell last Monday? Since we were on Winter Break, some of you enjoyed playing in the bountiful accumulation, while others were watching the spectacular snow fall from the warmth of your living room sofa. Some of you were blessed to be in warmer states, totally oblivious that your streets and driveways were buried under huge snow drifts!
 
However, as many of us were trying to keep up with the snow blowing and shoveling, I received a text midday on Monday that stated, "Abbey's dog is lost. Need all prayer warriors!"...READ MORE HERE.

Blog by Principal Sue Palka:
Read HERE

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!
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!
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.
Children's & Family
Ministry
dawn.rupe@st-matthew.org

Bible Buddy Adoption
Adopt a dog or cat (don't worry, they are stuffed!) as your Buddy in the faith.
As you pray and grow in God's Word, so do they! You get your Buddy, and adoption certificate, a carrier, a Bible Buddy Journal, and a chance to earn rewards for you and your Buddy! Plus they love to come to Bible Adventure with you! And, until we can meet in person, they'll be great co-adventurers in God's Word! Sign up soon because having your choice of Buddies is first come first serve.

Lent in a Bag
Devotions that will take your family through Lent focusing on Jesus and His love and sacrifice with daily readings and a few special activities (supplies included). Simple format for every day and a fun, faith-building time for you as a family. 

Register for Bible Buddies
Buddies and Bags will be available for you starting Sunday, February 7!
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
Sunday Afternoon Games
Sunday, February 28, 3-4:30pm
We are able to resume meeting together in person following required MDHHS safety and social distancing guidelines.  
Our next Game Day in the gym will be Sunday, February 28 from 3-4:40 PM.
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 MS Email Update or contact john.welte@st-matthew.org for a copy).  No mask or checklist, no admittance. 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. 
High School
Youth Ministry

High School
Sunday Night Gathering
Sunday, February 28, 7-8:30pm
We are able to resume meeting together in person following required MDHHS safety and social distancing guidelines.  Join us Sunday, February 28 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 MS Email Update or contact john.welte@st-matthew.org for a copy).  No mask or checklist no admittance. Entrance to the gym will be via the gym entrance and the rest of the building will be off limits. 

High School
Rite of Communicant Membership Process
April 10-11
This class is for those ages 16 or older who have not completed the traditional confirmation process. Provided the MDHHS allows us to meet the classes will be on Saturday, April 10 from 10 am to 3 pm and Sunday, April 11 from 1-5 pm meeting at the Annex Retreat Site at Proud Lake State Park. For more information about the process and register please email john.welte@st-matthew.org. 

High School and College Age 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 Trip and August 1-7 for the College Age Trip both trips returning to Caldwell Ohio. Once we know what the MDHHS and Ohio epidemic guidelines are later this spring we will finalize all the details and begin registration. 
Other Ministry Events and Updates
UPDATE (2/22): MEN OF GOD SUPPORT GROUP: In the month of March we will begin working on Step 3: We choose to turn our lives over to the Care of God. 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.
Prayers - Week of February 28
Ministry:
  • For ongoing protection of the ministry, staff and participants from COVID-19
  • Guidance for the Wixom Worship and Media Coordinator Hire Committee
  • For God’s blessing on the March 21 International Easter Celebration
  • For persecuted Christians in Kazakhstan
Homebound Member of the Week:
  • Robert Wurst
Mission:
  • For the advancement of the movement of Jesus in hearts around the world
Government, Country and World:
  • For those serving a judges
Sick or Hospitalized:
  • Dylan Findling
  • Randy Tyler
  • Linda Willmann
  • Sharon Rosevear
  • Debbie
  • Those with COVID
  • Barbara
  • Anne
  • Julie
  • Matt
Grief - For the family and friends of:
  • Roger Swarthout
Email Prayer Requests to prayer@st-matthew.org
Attendance - Wednesday Lenten Worship and February 21, 2021
  • 2/17 WL Wed. 7pm: 115 (90 livestream)
  • 2/17 WX Wed. 7pm: 25
  • 8:15am Blended: 56
  • 9am New Vintage: 49
  • 11am Prayer & Praise: 70
  • 9:30am Online: 400-500
  • 2/24 Lenten: 32 (88 livestream)
Financial Stewardship
Thank you for your support of ministry through online giving or mailing your checks.

Don't forget your Thrivent Choice Dollars, which expire March 31. Please consider directing them to St. Matthew.

Walled Lake and Wixom Campuses
July 1, 2020 through February 22, 2021
Actual year to date Offerings     $1,261,660
Budget year to date Offerings     $1,153,462
Year to date variance            $108,198
Employment Opportunities
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. 
Ministry Partners
NEW! LCMS Life Conference - March 19-20, 2021 Join us as we build a team for new Life Ministry challenges. Individuals and congregations can be a part of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's international effort to gather a cohort of highly informed, dedicated team members who are speaking up for the sanctity of human life and caring for our neighbors. Register for this online conference HERE.
NEW! Help Support Professional Church and School Worker Education The Michigan District Here We Stand (HWS) Campaign has raised over $1.38 million for Professional Church Worker Scholarships. The HWS campaign helped provide scholarships for 82 Michigan District students going into church work this year. This includes 40 students at our Seminaries and 42 students in our Concordia University System. There are 45 weeks left in the campaign. Will you help us reach our goal of $3 million for Church Worker Scholarships? Visit herewestand.michigandistrict.org to help us reach our goal.
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! Our application fees will increase by $50 on 2/1 so now is an ideal time to complete this step and join our Crusader or Warrior family. For more information, or to apply click below:
Resources
  • RightNowMedia is a great resource for video Bible Studies! Sign up FREE through our website www.st-matthew.org/RightNowMedia .
  • 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.
  • Lutheran Hour Ministries has daily radio broadcasts, podcasts, devotions, and many other resources! See everything at www.lhm.org . Lenten devotions are now available at www.lhm.org/Lent . Printed booklets are available at both campuses.
  • 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. Each service includes music, scripture readings, prayers, and a pastor delivering a message that is designed to feel one-on-one to the viewer. Each program is closed-captioned for the hearing impaired. Watch online at www.worshipanew.org
  • 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. You can find programs on demand at kfuo.org and wherever you get your podcasts! Find us on social: @KFUOradio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.www.kfuo.org
Reminders
Did you miss it?
If you missed our previous eNews, here are a few reminders:

  • 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!
  • Thank You for you generous support of Another Way Pregnancy Center - Wow, St. Matthew! You really came through for our January Mission of the Month for Another Way Pregnancy Center! Thanks be to God that He moved so many of you to help replenish their always-needed supply of diapers and wipes! (Babies do go through a lot of them!) AWPC was so overwhelmed by your generosity that they said it felt like Christmas. Because of the love you showed for the moms, dads, & babies served by AWPC, we were able to pass on to them:
  • more than 3,800 DIAPERS
  • more than 9,000 BABY WIPES
  • 2 diaper bags
  • baby formula
  • a good # of colorful baby blankets - some handcrafted
  • a # of cash or gift card donations
  • various articles of baby clothing
  • Thanks so much for your generous hearts!
  • 2021 Offering Envelopes are now available! Envelopes 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.
  • 2020 Giving Statements have been mailed. As of Friday, January 22, the 2020 Giving Statements, for those contributing $100 or more, have been mailed via USPS. If you don't receive a statement in the mail, and would like a copy, please contact the church office at: (248) 624-7676, or denise.fannon@st-matthew.org .
  • St. Paul Pontiac Pantry Needs - The pandemic has created the opportunity to think differently in how we can meet the needs of people in our community. One of the regular missions that St. Matthew supports is St. Paul Pontiac, which has a pantry to help those in the Pontiac area. St. Paul has created and shared their pantry needs with us through an Amazon Wish List HERE, which will allow you to see what their current needs are, and purchase them directly. Please consider supporting St. Paul during this season! Contact the St. Paul church office if you have any questions - stpauloffice1133@gmail.com .
  • 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.
Connect with Us
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