eNews
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2022
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Weekend Worship
and Bible Study Schedule
WALLED LAKE CAMPUS
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8:45am Blended Worship in Main Worship Center
- Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday
- Livestream available on YouTube HERE.
- 10am Bible Study Hour
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Adult Bible Study - Main Worship Center - Three Messianic prophecies from Isaiah
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Bible Adventure - Room 304 - age 4 through 5th Grade
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MS & HS Youth Bible Class - Basement Youth Room - "Making Room for Jesus"
- Coffee Hour
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11am Prayer & Praise Worship - Gym
- Communion 2nd & 4th Sunday
- 7pm Monday Night Worship
- Communion 1st & 3rd Monday
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Staffed Nursery - The staffed nursery is for children birth-preschool and is available for both services and during Bible class time. (Not available Dec. 25 and Jan. 1)
WIXOM CAMPUS
- 9am Bible Study Hour
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Adult Bible Study - Contrasting Christmases - The Christmas accounts in Matthew and Luke have similarities, but are also very different. In this Bible study, we will highlight the differences between these stories and discuss how these seemingly contrasting accounts tell the true story of the first Christmas.
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Wixom Bible Adventure - age 4 through 5th Grade
- Coffee Hour
- 10am Worship
- Communion 2nd & 4th Sunday
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Schedule of Upcoming Events
At the Walled Lake Campus unless otherwise indicated.
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Dec. 13, 6:30pm - Preschool/Kindergarten Christmas Program (rescheduled)
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Dec.14, 9:30am and 7pm - Advent Worship and School Christmas Program (7pm livestreamed)
- Dec. 18, 10am - Christmas Family Worship at Wixom
- Dec. 18, 4:30 pm - International Christmas Celebration
- Dec. 21, 7pm - NO Advent Worship at Walled Lake Campus
- Dec. 23-Jan. 3 - School Christmas Break
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Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve:
- 1pm - Christmas Eve Family Worship
- 4 pm - Wixom Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
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3, 5, 7 & 10pm - Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship in Walled Lake Campus main worship center (10pm with communion) (7pm livestreamed)
- Dec. 25, 10am - Christmas Day Festival Worship at Wixom with communion (no classes or staffed nursery)
- Dec. 25, 11am - Christmas Day Festival Worship at Walled Lake with communion (no classes)
- Dec. 26 - Church Office closed and no Monday worship
- Dec. 30 - Church Office closed
- Dec. 31, 7pm - New Year's Eve Worship with Communion at Walled Lake Campus
- Jan. 1, 10am - New Year's Day worship at Wixom Campus (no classes)
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Jan. 1 - New Year's Day regular worship schedule (no classes or staffed nursery) (8:45 livestreamed)
- Jan. 2 - Church Office closed
- Jan. 8, 6:30pm - "The Chosen" showing resumes in Room 304
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Jan. 15 - New Member Classes begin - sign up: st-matthew.org/membership
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Advent Devotion Booklets are now available
- In partnership with Lutheran Hour Ministries, we are able to provide Advent devotion booklets, entitled "A Son Is Given" for our members, guests, friends and neighbors. In "A Son Is Given", we look at the promise of God to send His Messiah as fulfilled in Jesus. The Heavenly Father made good on His ancient pledge. In Jesus we have the love of God come to earth in the form of a Child, who is for us the Savior of the world.
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Daily Devotions from LHM will help strengthen and encourage your faith as you do the same for others. In addition to the booklets printed and available at St. Matthew, you may have them delivered right to your inbox, podcast the audio devotional, access them on your mobile device through the FREE app, or listen with Spotify, iHeart Radio, Alexa, or Google Home. Perfect for personal reflection or to share with family and friends, these seasonal meditations will help prepare you to celebrate the true meaning of these season.
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Want to Become a Member of St. Matthew? Our 4 week New Member class begins on Sunday, January 15, 6:00-7:30 pm in room 305 of the Walled Lake campus. Child care is provided upon request. To register, go to www.st-matthew.org/membership or call the church office at 248-624-7676 .
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Offering Envelopes for 2023 are now available to pick up at both campuses. If you participate in online giving and no longer need your envelopes, please send Denise Fannon a note at denise.fannon@st-matthew.org. Thank you for your continued support of ministry at St. Matthew. Your giving allows us to serve in the Kingdom! |
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Pastoral Staffing and Interim Plans Following the holiday season, the leadership of St. Matthew will prayerfully discern a proposal regarding pastoral staffing. Ultimately this will go to the Congregational Assembly for action. In the interim, Pastor Galen Grulke will take on hospital visitation, in addition to his homebound visitation. He will also preach at the Walled Lake campus about once a month, supplemented by occasional video sermons. To see a full list of the interim staff assignments, please see this link
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Volunteers Needed for Coffee Hour at Walled Lake - We are looking for volunteers for the dates listed below. If these spots are not filled, coffee hour will be cancelled for that week. Please consider hosting one week. It's a wonderful chance to meet new faces and hang out with people you know! It is easy to do, approx 3 hours of your time! (Approx 8-11am) There is NO out of pocket expense to you! If interested, please contact Crystal Schwartz via text 248.820.0707 or email sweetboobooz@gmail.com All emails/texts will be returned in 24 hours. I will be happy to discuss everything with you then! Thank you! ~Crystal Dates needed:
- 1/15/23
- 1/22/23
- 2/5/23
- 2/26/23
- 3/5/23
- 3/19/23
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Volunteers Needed for Coffee Bar at Wixom Our Wixom campus is also looking for volunteers to help run our coffee bar on Sunday mornings for the following dates. If we do not find volunteers, we will not be able to have our coffee bar on these Sundays. We would love to have you help us out! Our coffee area is very much part of the fellowship time we have before and after service. Bev Brazelton does a great job of being welcoming and engaging while making coffee drinks. She would love to help train any new volunteers before you are able to serve. We would ask that volunteers be at church around 8:30 to help set-up on Sundays they are able to serve. If you are interested in being a part of our team, please email Anne.bolwerk@st-matthew.org for more information.
- 1/22/23
- 1/29/23
- 2/5/23
- 2/12/23
- 2/26/23
- 3/5/23
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Senior Ministry “Christmas Celebration” Friday, Dec. 16, 11:30am-3pm, Walled Lake-Room 304 - Come enjoy Christmas music by a group of St. Matthew School children followed with a “Sing-a-long” of famous Christmas carols. Last names A-L, please bring a salad or side dish, M-Z please bring a dessert. Main meat dish will be provided. This is a great opportunity to bring your friends. Please park in the back parking lot near the Hub Entrance. Enter through the “Hub” no earlier than 11:30. Please Pre-register by emailing: lavern.kruse@gmail.com or texting/calling 248-756-0848 |
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St. Matthew is celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023!
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Mark your calendars for a celebration on June 10th, 2023, and please plan to join us in giving thanks to our loving and gracious God for 75 years of blessings! This event will be a great time to gather in fellowship, catch up with friends (both new and old) and share memories. Everyone is welcome!
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Do you have memories or photos you’d like to share? Everyone is asked and encouraged to submit memories and/or photographs to anniversary@st-mathew.org, a special email that has been created for our 75th Anniversary. Please keep memories to around 250 words each.
- Let’s raise up our voices and give thanks to God for 75 years of ministry at St. Matthew Lutheran Church!
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Christmas Poinsettia Dedications in Support of the St. Matthew Community Assistance Ministry
- As is our tradition, we will be decorating our worship spaces this Christmas with beautiful poinsettias from Bogie Lake Greenhouse. We are providing you the opportunity to make a donation - in any amount - to our Community Assistance (alms) fund to dedicate these beautiful flowers. Please complete the form HERE if you wish to dedicate in honor of, in memory of, or in celebration of loved ones, indicating whether your donation will be made online at www.st-matthew.org/give, by check/cash in the offering plate or by mail.
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Please indicate in the memo or label the envelope "CHRISTMAS DEDICATION".
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Deadline for dedications is Monday, December 19 at 4pm.
- The need this holiday season is greater than ever and your support of our Community Assistance Ministry will ensure that we can continue to serve the tremendous needs in the Walled Lake and Wixom area. Many are struggling during this time, and people often turn to churches for help during their most difficult circumstances. We do our best to respond with the love of Jesus to tangibly show His love through this ministry by preventing evictions and utility shutoffs, assisting with food and many other basic needs. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts.
- Please complete the form at www.st-matthew.org/ChristmasDedication
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Mission Team Now Forming - Eyeglass Mission Trip to Punjab, India February 13-23, 2023 - Anybody interested in going should contact Clay Donnell at 810-560-1485 to get a registration invitation.
- St. Matthew Lutheran Church has supported Everlasting Life Church and Pastor Daniel Masih for many years. We send an eyeglass mission trip every few years to help the residents of Dasuya to see Jesus in a number of ways. Those who need eyecare and can’t afford it can be tested with a mobile test kit provided by MOST ministries out of Ann Arbor. Most provides the logistics for the trip as well. Then glasses are selected for each recipient based on prescription and style and fit.
- A group of short-term missionaries will Journey to Dasuya Punjab India to share Jesus. Most residents speak Hindi or Punjabi. We work with translators to test their eyes and select glasses for their vision. As they go through the process of testing, they are shared the good news of Jesus Christ in their native tongue by church members of Everlasting Life Ministry. We hope to share Christ with about 500 people. One on one. In their native tongue.
- The trip will depart out of Detroit, Land in Delhi, take the bus to Dasuya, 4 days of eye clinic, 1 day of Holy Communion celebrated on the 15th of every month, Visits to local house churches, Local shopping, bus back to Delhi, side trip to the Taj Mahal, Fly home to land in Detroit on the 23rd.
- There is a $2000 air fare deposit required when registering for the trip. We don’t have the final cost per person yet. Should be coming soon. You will need a Passport and Visa.
- Hope you will consider joining us. - Clay Donnell, Missions Director, 810-560-1485
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International Christmas Celebration Volunteer opportunities!! - We are excited to once again open the church doors and welcome about 300+ people to enjoy a Christmas Celebration Sunday, Dec 18th at the Walled Lake Campus. They will learn that "God is with us wherever we go" as Pastor Paul shares the Christmas message with them this year. Following the service in the sanctuary there will be food and fellowship with more family fun activities. This event is customized for international families and we provide translation. Church members can participate by volunteering in one or more of the many areas needed. Please click on the attached flier for opportunities and time slots. Contact Jan.roth@st-matthew.org for questions and to sign up. Check lobby displays and sign up genius HERE to sign up as well. Print out flyer HERE.
Here is what’s available:
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Set up crew 12:15-2:00pm (1 person needed)
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Food servers 4:00-7:30pm (2 people needed) mask and gloves provided
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Plate carriers 4:45-6:30pm (5 people still needed) mask and gloves provided
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Face Painter 5:00-7:30pm (2 people still needed)
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Strong leg helper (food up and down stairs) 4:00-6:00pm (1 person needed)
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Take photos with quality camera (no cell phone). 4:15-6:30pm (1 person needed)
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St. Paul Pontiac Needs - Donations can be dropped off at either campus. Please click HERE for the updated list. |
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The Power of a Praying Mother!
by Principal Sue Palka
"And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart."
Luke 2:9 - 12
When I was a brand new teacher serving at my very first Lutheran school in Reed City, MI, I was blessed to work with an older woman who served as a wonderful Christian mentor in my life. Living on my own for the very first time, she would frequently share cooking advice, medical advice, and just practical everyday advice. But when a young man named Ken Palka started visiting, she started sharing advice regarding Godly relationships. However, one thing that I remember her asking me was, “Tell me about his relationship with his mother, because I’ve always said, “Watch how a man treats his mother, and that will be a very good indication of how he will treat you.”" As I watched Ken treat his mom with Godly respect, genuine compassion, tender patience, and unconditional love, I knew this guy was a catch!
Throughout our marriage, my friend’s words would frequently come to mind, as Ken’s behavior would prove her theory correct time after time. I knew that Ken loved me dearly, but I also knew that his heart still held a very special place for his mom. In return, Ken's mom was a powerful prayer warrior and would frequently remind us that through every illness, challenge or problem, she was praying for all of us. Read more HERE.
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Scholastic Book Fair
Online shopping continues through December 11
- You can find the online book fair at:
- https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/stmatthewslutheranschool6
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If you have any questions, please contact Anna Pelepchuk at library@st-matthew.org.
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Bible Adventure - Age 4-5th grade - Sundays
- 9-9:45 a.m. Wixom Campus - Gathering Place A
- 10-10:45 a.m. Walled Lake Campus - Room 304
Let's take an adventure through the Bible and lay the groundwork for what it means to be a Christian. What does the Bible say about who God is, how He sees us, where do we each fit into God's family, and how we live like Jesus? Our kids need that firm, foundational, Biblical understanding of core Christian concepts to build their own faith in Jesus. We'll also build on good spiritual habits of faith like prayer and personal time with God. Let's learn it and live it together!
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Children's Church - During the Sermon - An opportunity for kids age 3-4th grade to join together and hear a message at their level on Sundays. Kids will head to their room at the beginning of the sermon and return to church when it is done. You get to hear your message and they have theirs!
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Confirmation Parent Information if you have a child in grade seven or higher who has not started the confirmation process and would like to learn more about the faith development process as St. Matthew, please contact John Welte at john.welte@st-matthew.org
Middle and High School Bible Class Join us at the Walled Lake campus at 10 AM in the basement Youth Room during the month of December for our Making Room for Jesus series.
Middle School Wild Wednesdays will not meet for the remainder of 2022 so that you can join us for all the special services. WW will return on January 4, 2023.
Middle School Christmas Party will be Sunday December 11 from 1-2:30 at the Walled Lake campus in the basement Youth Room. Join us for pizza and drinks followed by games and our traditional Gift Exchange. Bring a wrapped gender neutral, gift ($5-10) to exchange. More details are in the Middle School Email Update.
High School Sunday Night Gathering - Sundays at the Walled Lake Campus from 7-8:30 PM. During December we have special events planned:
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High School Christmas Party will be Sunday December 11 from 7-8:30 at the Walled Lake campus in the basement Youth Room. Join us for food and drinks followed by games and our traditional Gift Exchange. Bring a wrapped gender neutral, gift ($5-10) to exchange. More details are in the High School Email Update.
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High School Euchre Tournament on Sunday December 18 from 7-8:30 at the Walled Lake Campus in the basement.
Contact John Welte at john.welte@st-matthew.org to be added to his email list.
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*** If this email gets "clipped", click the provided link to read the entire email! *** |
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Ministry Groups
Bible Studies, Activity Groups, Small Groups & Serving
(See Sunday Schedule for Sunday Morning Classes)
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- On Zoom
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Mondays, 10:00-10:30am for fellowship and sharing, then 10:30-11:30 for Bible Study. We will be studying the "Gospel of John".
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Contact: Lavern Kruse at lavern.kruse@gmail.com 248-756-0848 (call or text)
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- Wixom Campus
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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 will be meeting at the Wixom Campus every Tuesday night from 8:00-9:00pm. If you or anyone else is interested in the group or have any questions, please contact Ryan Main at MenofGod@st-matthew.org
- Contact: Ryan Main at MenofGod@st-matthew.org
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MEN'S Morning Bible Study - Wednesdays 6-7am
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Walled Lake Campus Room 304 and on Zoom. Please enter through the Hub entrance.
- Book of Corinthians
- Contact: Lavern Kruse at lavern.kruse@gmail.com or 248-756-0848
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MEN'S Floor Hockey - Tuesdays at 8pm
- Walled Lake Campus Gym
- Contact: Brian Rilett at 734-474-6573
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ADULT Bible Study - Sundays at 7am
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WOMEN'S Bible Study - Wednesdays at 7-8pm
- Taking a break for Advent. New study will start in January.
- Walled Lake Campus, Room 305
- Contacts: Julie Lancaster and Dawn Rupe at dawn.rupe@st-matthew.org
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WOMEN'S Bible Study - Tuesdays at 6:30pm
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Taking a break for Advent. New study will start in January.
- Wixom Campus
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WOMEN'S Bible Study - Mondays at 10am
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Taking a break for Advent. New study will start in January.
- At Vicky Grocki's home
- Contact: Vicky Grocki at tbearpicnic@msn.com or 248-421-4702 for all the details.
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SMALL GROUPS - Looking for a Small Group? Visit st-matthew.org/SmallGroups for more information on joining a group, selecting one that fits you with the new group selector, or starting and registering your existing group. For any questions, contact churchoffice@st-matthew.org or call the Church Office at 248-624-7676.
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SERVING OPPORTUNITIES - Where you can partner with us in ministry? Look through the digital sign up HERE to express interest in areas you would consider serving. You may also take the hard copy of this booklet and sign up form in worship.
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Prayers - Week of December 11 |
Thanks:
For the God-blessed Hearts & Hands Christmas Program, Donuts with Pastors, Advent by Candlelight, and the Preschool/Kindergarten Christmas Program
- For Miguel Bolwerk’s new job
Ministry:
- For persecuted Christians in country of the Ethiopia
- For a spiritually meaningful Advent season
Homebound Member of the Week:
Mission:
- For the love of Jesus to shine in the world through us
Government, Country and World:
- For God’s will to be done and Satan’s will and evil to be hindered in the Ukraine situation
- For the safety and blessing on those who serve in the medical field
Sick or Hospitalized:
- Marilyn Wittkopf
- Carolyn and Ross Seymore
- Ron Jennings
- Joan
Grief: For the family and friends of
- Dick Artega
- Ken Palka’s mother
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Attendance
Nov. 30 Advent and
Week of Sunday, December 4, 2022
7pm Wednesday Advent: 66
8:45am Blended: 173
10am New Vintage: 80
11am Prayer & Praise: 129
7pm Monday Blended: 27
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Financial Stewardship
Walled Lake and Wixom Campuses
July 1, 2022 through December 5, 2022
Actual year to date Offerings: $834,759
Budget year to date Offerings: $778,809
Year to date variance: $55,950
Thank you for your support of ministry!
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Employment Opportunities
Click links or see details and application at
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IMMEDIATE NEED for a Monday Morning Child Care Worker, supporting International Classes - We are in need of one more child care worker on Monday mornings for 2 babies. If there is anyone you know who could take that one slot, please let us know ASAP! Contact John Welte at john.welte@st-matthew.org.
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After School Kids Care Supervisor (Monday - Friday; 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.) If you are interested, or know of anyone who may be interested, please contact the school office at 248-624-7677 or email Susan.Palka@st-matthew.org for more information.
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Part Time Nursery Coordinator - Responsible for the day-to-day operation of our weekday International Nursery / Child Care and Sunday morning Nursery. From scheduling, working in the nursery, working with staff to make sure policies and procedures are current, and addressing staffing needs. For a detailed ministry description and application please contact John.Welte@st-matthew.org
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NEW - Please Consider Supporting Church Work Students - From LCMS Michigan District Dear Friends in Christ: Greetings to you as you prepare for the coming of the Christ Child and the return of the King! May God bless your household this Adventide with ever greater faith and confidence in the Gift that is Jesus. As you know, Scripture teaches God is love. As you also know at the very heart, the core of love is grace. An alternate way to express the word grace is gift. So indeed, from the love of God we receive the gift of Jesus and the Kingdom He gives. Read more >
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NEW - "Detroit: The City of Churches" to Premier on PBS December 12 - A 2-hour documentary talking about the many churches in Detroit and featuring Historic Trinity will begin broadcasting on PBS on December 12. You don't want to miss it! Click here for a press article about the movie.
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DONATIONS needed RIGHT AWAY so that AWPC can bring Christmas to about 60 families they are currently serving! (Sorry for the late notice! Donations DUE: Wed., Dec. 14th!) Another Way Pregnancy Center is holding a Christmas Blessing event on Dec. 20th -- and asks for donation of items that will bless their client families. Please contact Alyssa at 248.471-5858 to schedule a drop-off time. List of requested items: winter outfits (ALL sizes -- Preemie through 2T), baby/toddler board books, baby shampoo/lotion/oil, small toys for ages up to 2 years, fleece baby blankets, crib sheets, baby shoes, 3+ convertible car seats, 2 baby gates, 2 high chairs, bouncy seats, infant car seats, baby swings, baby socks/booties, baby girl headbands, and children's Bibles. If you do have the heart and time to help, God bless you for considering this!
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Lutheran High Northwest
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Celebrate our Savior’s birth with the Bands & Choirs of Lutheran Northwest! Our annual Christmas Concert will be held on Saturday, December 17, at 4PM at St. John Lutheran Church, 1011 W. University Drive in Rochester. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Looking ahead to high school decision-making or know someone who is? Lutheran Northwest is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, January 11! Prospective families with students at all grade levels are invited to learn more about us during this informative evening. Guided tours will cover the full range of the high school experience at Lutheran Northwest: Acclaimed academics, awesome athletics, amazing fine arts, active student life & leadership and, above all, a caring, Christ-centered family. Meet our administrative team, members of our faculty, and current students! Tours begin every 10 minutes from 6:30-7:30. (Plan an hour for the entire experience.) Visit our website at www.lutherannorthwest.com/events to pre-register. Questions? Call our Admissions Office at 248-852-6677.
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If you are already certain that Lutheran Northwest is the place for your student but haven’t yet applied for admission, now is the ideal time to take this step and join the Crusader family! We are currently accepting transfer applications for Spring Semester, as well as freshman and transfer applications for Fall 2023 at www.lutherannorthwest.com/apply.
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Updates to Contact Info: updates@st-matthew.org
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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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