eNews
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021
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Worship Schedule and Details |
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- Sunday Zoom worship link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/799892892
- If you miss live Zoom worship, watch anytime on our YouTube channel HERE! Recordings are usually available by noon on Sundays.
- This weekend we begin a new series entitled: Loved and Sent. We hope you are able to join in person or online.
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National Lutheran Schools Week This Sunday is a national celebration of Lutheran Schools. We praise God for the dedicated staff and volunteers that support the ministry to children and families through our school and Hearts and Hands Child Development Center!
- We are wrapping up our January Diaper Drive this weekend. Bring donations this weekend for Another Way Pregnancy Center! See details below.
- Pick up your giving envelopes during worship or contact the church office to let us know if you don't need them.
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For those attending in-person worship, please note the mask requirement for worship and other church events.
- No in person classes and group gatherings are being held at this time.
Walled Lake Campus
- 8:15am Blended Worship in Main Worship Center
- 11am Prayer & Praise Worship in Gym
Wixom Campus
- 9am Sunday New Vintage Worship
Sunday Online Worship
- 9:30am Sunday - Chat together starting at 9:20am!
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Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/799892892 - Meeting ID 799-892-892
- Facebook
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Telephone:
- 1-877-853-5257 ID: 799-892-892 followed by "#"
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Recordings available on YouTube, Facebook, and Website
- Please share our worship link on social media and with family and friends!
Communion Schedule
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New Vintage and Prayer & Praise: Second Sunday of the month - Feb. 14
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Blended: Third Sunday of the month - Feb. 21
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Next Drive In Communion - First Wednesday of the month, Walled Lake Campus
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Wednesday, February 3 at 7pm in the Walled Lake Campus parking lot. Bring your cell phone. Follow instructions upon arrival.
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RightNow Media Bible Study Resources
- Do you have a RightNow Media account? If not, take a moment to sign up for this resource that St. Matthew is offering FREE for you, no strings attached! It's a great place to start digging into God's Word for personal or group study. There are lots of resources for all ages, including children! Click HERE to sign up and check it out. The convenient app helps you take your studies with you where ever you go!
- If you have an account and haven't logged in for a while, be sure to log in and see what's new! They are adding new studies and resources all the time!
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Budget Suggestions As part of the annual budget process for St. Matthew, the Executive Board would like to request suggestions related to the 2021/2022 budget from congregational members. In doing this, we need to keep in mind that God is leading St. Matthew to “develop vibrant, missional Christ-followers.” With this in mind, please pass on suggestions related to the 2021/2022 budget with your name and contact information to the Church Office by Monday, February 8, 2021. You can also email suggestions to our Church Accountant at Sue.Baglow@st-matthew.org. You may download the suggestion form HERE.
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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 .
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Family Game Night Online - February 12! Hey, St. Matthew! While Covid has been tense and exciting, it has also been horribly boring. with fewer to no chances to go out, socialize, and have fun. So on Friday, February 12th, St. Matthew is having an online Church Family Game Night hosted by Pastor Michael himself ! Join us on Zoom to play games, collaborate with others on challenges, and blow off some steam! All you need is a computer, tablet, or mobile device with a microphone, camera, and the Zoom app! We will share the meeting link next week in the eNews! See you there!
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Children's Ministry Updates Sign up for Bible Buddies and Lent Boxes! See the Children's Ministry section below!
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New Ministry at St. Matthew Lutheran Church: Men of God Support Group 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
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Thank You to All Who Donated! The Christian Citizenship Committee would like to thank everyone who donated blood at our blood drive at Wixom on Saturday January 16th. We had 35 donors and the Red Cross collected 36 units of blood with one double red donor. Our next blood drive will be July 17, 2021. Thanks for being willing to save lives!
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St. Matthew's 75th Anniversary Recognition is coming! We are preparing to celebrate 75 years of spreading God's Good News! Click HERE for a little taste of how we started. If anyone in the congregation has other pictures they would like to supply, please scan/email those to Doug Bond dbond1688@gmail.com or drop them off in my church mailbox in the hallway. Please sticky note your name on the envelope or the back of the photo!
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Final Weekend - Diaper Drive Benefiting Another Way Pregnancy Center "Let us remember that every child at its very conception is created for greater things: to love and to be loved." Mother Teresa
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Through our Diaper Drive, we are blessed to be able to partner with AWPC to supply items for their boutique. Please consider picking up a pack of diapers (Sizes 3, 4, and 5 are most needed), wipes, and maybe even a diaper bag to donate. Gift cards to Amazon or Walmart or monetary donations can also be given (make checks out to AWPC or donate on their website awpcfriends.org).
- Items can be donated by dropping them in the bins outside the door during the week or placing them in the crib in the lobby at both campuses on Sunday.
- Please mail gift cards or monetary donations or bring them on Sunday - they can be placed in the lock box for offerings or given to Dawn Rupe or Sue Baglow.
- AWPC provides the support and resources sometimes needed during and after an unplanned or untimely pregnancy. They offer parenting classes, support groups, and Bible studies which then can earn "baby bucks" to go shopping in their boutique for needed items.
- Thank you for partnering with us to love these babies through the love of Jesus!
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Find out more by watching the AWPC video HERE!
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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.
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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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- January 25 - 31 National Lutheran Schools Week
- January 31 - Diaper Drive for AWPC Ends
- February 3, 7pm - Drive In Communion
- February 17, 7pm - Ash Wednesday worship, both campuses (WL livestreamed)
- February 22 - School Registration opens for currently enrolled students
- February 23, 6:45pm - School "Take a Tour Tuesday" All School Open House
- February 24, 7pm - Lent worship - in person at Walled Lake and livestreamed
- March 1 - School Registration opens to the public
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March 3, 7pm - Lent worship - in person at Walled Lake and livestreamed
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March 10, 7pm - Lent worship - in person at Walled Lake and livestreamed
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March 17, 7pm - Lent worship - in person at Walled Lake and livestreamed
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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
The Benefits of Sending
Your Child to St. Matthew
"The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:28
What a fantastic week of fun and memorable moments God gave us as we celebrated National Lutheran Schools Week!
As we have been celebrating the gift of our Christian school, I was reminded of a story shared by one of our alumni as she participated in her high school AP English class years after graduating from St. Matthew. This story is one example of many reasons that support your decision of "Why would you send your child to a Christian school?"
After reading a short story, the teacher was emphasizing the point that our selfish human nature tends to guide us to make decisions/suggestions/plans that tend to benefit ourselves personally in some fashion. To accentuate her point, she had the class participate in an exercise where she presented them with a scenario of a life raft with 20 seats for their class size of 21 students and teacher. Each student had to present a proposal for determining who should be the one not to receive a seat in the life raft, and orally present their rationale to the class.
Much to the teacher's dismay, numerous students suggested that the oldest member should not receive a seat. Others suggested those in the poorest health should not receive the seat. However, when it came time for our former alumni, she threw the group a curveball by suggesting, "I think the person least afraid to die should not get the seat."
The teacher immediately followed up with the question, "Are you afraid to die?" to which the student instantly replied, "No I am not." The class gasped, and the teacher asked her to please unpack this statement further. The student boldly professed to the class, "It's not like I want to die, but I have my faith and I have my beliefs. I know that I am going to Heaven, so no, I am not afraid to die." And as her former principal, I just beamed as she told me this story!
This is a perfect example of "What are the benefits of attending a Christian school?" Every day, we are given awesome opportunities to partner with you and the Holy Spirit to cultivate and nurture your child's seeds of faith, so that they will have all the necessary tools to boldly profess and live their faith.
As we conclude this week of celebrating National Lutheran Schools Week, we honor God for our school, and we thank you for entrusting your children into our care. We are humbled to be given the opportunity to collaborate with you, as we equip and encourage your child to live a life long journey of discipleship and servanthood.
Thank you for your love, encouragement, and support! We praise God that He brought your family to St. Matthew, and we look forward to many wonderful future memories!
In His Love,
Mrs. Palka
READ MORE in the School Newsletter HERE.
Blog by Principal Sue Palka:
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
Employment Opportunities!
We are in need of Infant and Preschool Child Caregivers.
See the article below for details and email Ronda for more info!
Praise God for opportunities to learn and grow as children of God in His amazing world!
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International Ministry
God is Working!
Please check out this video to see what God has been doing in International Ministry for over 25 years!
CLICK HERE to see the impact this ministry makes on lives!
If you are interested in checking us out, please contact Jan Roth (jan.roth@st-matthew.org) for any information about where to plug in.
Please continue to pray for our Team Members, Staff, and the International Friends and families we serve through this ministry.
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Children's & Family
Ministry
dawn.rupe@st-matthew.org
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!
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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
Sunday Afternoon Games and Sledding
Sunday, January 31, 3-4:30pm
We are able to resume meeting together in person following required MDHHS safety and social distancing guidelines. We will start in the gym at 3 PM and head outside to sled on the retention pond for the last 30-45 minutes ending at 4:30. 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. Make sure bring gear for sledding and you own sled or tube.
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.
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High School
Youth Ministry
High School
Sunday Night Gathering and Sledding
Sunday, Jan. 31, 7-8:30pm
We are able to resume meeting together in person following required MDHHS safety and social distancing guidelines. Join us Sunday, January 31 from 7-8:30 PM in the gym (last 30 minutes will be outside sledding). 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. Make sure and bring winter gear and a sled to be outside for the last 30 minutes.
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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Other Ministry Events and Updates |
MENS MINISTRY Wednesday Morning Bible Study on Zoom The Wednesday morning Men's Bible Study group is now meeting on Zoom from 8:00-9:00am each Wednesday and would like to invite any interested men to join them for a study on the Book of Ezekiel. Contact Lavern Kruse at lavern.kruse@gmail.com or text at 248-756-0848 if you have any questions or would like to join the group.
WOMEN'S MINISTRY Monday Bible Study on Zoom The Women's Bible Study will be meeting Mondays on Zoom. Please contact Vicki Grocki to sign up: tbearpicnic@msn.com .
SENIOR MINISTRY: Check out the Senior Ministry Winter Newsletter HERE
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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 will begin 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 January 31 |
Ministry:
- For ongoing protection of the ministry, staff and participants from COVID-19
- Guidance for the Wixom Worship and Media Coordinator Hire Committee
- For persecuted Christians in Sri Lanka
Homebound Member of the Week:
Mission:
- For God’s reign to grow in our hearts and the hearts of people around the world
Government, Country and World:
- For our government leaders to make wise, godly decisions
Sick or Hospitalized:
- Dylan Findling
- Randy Tyler
- Linda Willmann
- Lorrie Wonfor
- Mother of Jim Walden
- Brothers of Denise Fannon and Terri Dunlop
- A sister
- Those with COVID
Other:
- For a mother going through a divorce
Grief:
- For the family and friends of the Troyaneks' son's father-in-law Mike
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Attendance - January 24, 2021
- 8:15am Blended: 77
- 9am New Vintage: 43
- 11am Prayer & Praise: 75
- 9:30am Online: 400-500
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Financial Stewardship
Thank you for your support of ministry through online giving or mailing your checks.
Walled Lake and Wixom Campuses
July 1, 2020 through January 25, 2021
Actual year to date Offerings $1,123,001
Budget year to date Offerings $1,012,407
Year to date variance $110,594
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NEW - SCHOOL KIDS CARE DIRECTOR
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Qualifications include: loving Jesus and children of all ages, patience, kindness, and some administrative work. Hours for Kids Care Director are Monday - Friday, from 3:15 - 6:00 p.m. If you know of anyone who may be interested in filling this role, please contact Mrs. Palka at sue.palka@st-matthew.org or 248-624-7677.
WIXOM WORSHIP AND MEDIA COORDINATOR
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St. Matthew is seeking a Worship and Media Coordinator. This is a full-time position with benefits. Responsibilities include leading contemporary worship at our Wixom campus and providing media and tech support for both our Wixom and Walled Lake campuses. Click the links for the ministry description HERE and employment application HERE or pick up copies at the Welcome Centers of either campus. Please pass this along to anyone who you know might be interested; or contact the church office 248-624-7676 if you have any names for us to consider.
CUSTODIAL:
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2 part-time cleaning staff positions. Contact WillieMae Thomas 248-688-4650 for information and to apply. Mornings 10-2p.m. Monday-Friday. Evenings after 4pm. Details are flexible based on individual.
NURSERY:
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Part Time Nursery Coordination Position Available St. Matthew is hiring a part time Nursery Coordinator (20 hours per week for 31 weeks). Click links for a full ministry description and application. Info is also available from the Welcome Center at both campuses or by emailing john.welte@st-matthew.org .
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Nursery Workers Needed as we look forward to beginning the 2020-2021 International Ministry season we are in need of additional part time Nursery Workers. Click links for a full ministry description and application. Info is also available at both campus Welcome Centers or by emailing john.welte@st-matthew.org.
HEARTS & HANDS:
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Infant & Preschool Child Caregivers - Hearts and Hands - Wixom Campus St. Matthew - Hearts and Hands Christian Child Care Center is open and caring for children, Infant thru Preschool. Applications are currently accepted for Infant and Preschool Caregivers. Part-time, Monday thru Friday afternoon. If interested, please contact Ronda Coe at 248.624.9525 or Ronda.Coe@st-matthew.org.
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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:
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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. 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
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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. 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
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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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Celebrate Recovery at St. Matthew Closing St. Matthew has been blessed to offer Celebrate Recovery at the Wixom Campus for the past 7 years. It has helped many people with their hurts, hang-ups, and habits, helping them achieve freedom over life's challenges. While this ministry has been a blessing to many, St. Matthew has made the decision to stop hosting Celebrate Recovery at the Wixom Campus. If you are looking for a Christ-centered recovery group, visit celebraterecovery.com to locate other local groups in the area. If you have any additional questions, please contact Pastor Austin at austin.wellhousen@st-matthew.org.
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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 .
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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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