eNews
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2021
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It's Time for Us to Do Something!
by Principal Sue Palka
"Whatever you do for the least of these,
you do unto Me!"
~Matthew 25:40
This is a story that I frequently share when teaching religion classes, and despite the fact that it happened over thirty-five years ago, the details return with such clarity each time that I share it due to the emotional impact it had on me.
It happened on the day that I cashed the first paycheck that I had received as an official Lutheran school teacher. And after four years in college and working various part-time positions, this was the largest amount of money that I ever received in one paycheck! Leaving the bank and feeling very grown up, I proceeded to my next adult task - the grocery store.
As I walked into the store, I immediately found myself in the middle of a confrontation, as a group of men were circling around an elderly gentleman. One man, who was obviously an employee, was yelling, "I saw you take it! Where did you put it?", while another "official looking" manager instructed him, "Pull up your shirt!" Paralyzed by shock, I kind of stood there as the elderly man obediently pulled up his top, only to reveal a package of a meat that was hidden under his clothing. The first gentleman victoriously shouted, "I knew you took it!", while the other manager demanded, "Why did you take it?" In one of the most desperate voices that I've ever heard, the elderly man replied, "Because I'm hungry."
Instinctively, I decided to immediately remove myself from the situation. I grabbed what I needed and got out of the store as quickly as possible. It wasn't until I returned home that I had realized the opportunity that I had just missed. Never in my life did I possess as much money as I did at that particular moment, and yet, even though I heard that man profess his hunger, I ignored his plea. I could have easily fixed that problem and paid for that man to have something to eat; yet, I did nothing. Ashamed of my self-centeredness, I sat in my driveway and cried.
Scripture states in Matthew 25, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." One day, I will stand before the Lord asking, "Lord when did I see you hungry?" He will reply, "That day in 1984 at the Kroger grocery store; for whatever you do for the least of them, you do for me."
For the past week, St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School have been participating in World Vision’s Matthew 25 Challenge, a program designed to bring awareness regarding those living in poverty. Did you know that every day, 16,000 children under the age of five die, and most of them are from preventable causes? The sad reality is that nearly half of this group suffers from malnutrition!
Through the Matthew 25 Challenge, participants have experienced just a very small glimpse of what it is like to miss a meal, drink only water, wear the same clothes two days in a row, or sleep on the floor. All of the experiences are leading up to a very exciting event that will occur this Sunday entitled “CHOSEN SUNDAY”! On April 18th, Rev. Josh Peigh will serve as a guest preacher during all St. Matthew worship services. At the conclusion of each service, families will have the opportunity to “Do Something” to help a child in need by becoming a World Vision sponsor!
Becoming a World Vision sponsor opens the door to so many blessings! Not only will your monthly support provide your sponsored child with clean water, proper nutrition, medical care, and an education, but you will also have the opportunity to cultivate a relationship with your child by exchanging letters!
In addition, there is a new and exciting twist to this selection process! Now, interested families will have the opportunity to either submit a family photo or have their photos taken after services. These photos will then be sent to Zambia, where children in a specific village will select for themselves their own specific sponsors. Before COVID, the intent was for Pastor Paul to be in Zambia watching this process unfold as children selected their St. Matthew Sponsor families. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic and related travel restrictions, this can no longer happen, but World Vision will document this event for us!
All selections will be shared on “Reveal Sunday”, which is scheduled for Sunday, April 25th. During this time, all sponsoring families/organizations will receive a packet of information and photo of their new sponsored child!
One of our main priorities at St. Matthew Lutheran School is to provide our students with opportunities to “Do Something” where they can share Jesus’ love with others. As a school, we have decided to participate during “Chosen Sunday” and sponsor a child through World Vision as we do through Compassion International. As a result, we will submit the photo at the top of this article and pray with great excitement for the child that will select our school as his/her sponsors.
We look forward to watching the Lord bless this endeavor, and we will share the information regarding our sponsor child in two weeks!
In His Love,
Mrs. Palka
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Worship and Bible Study Schedule
Walled Lake Campus
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8:15am Blended Worship in Main Worship Center with Communion
- 11am Prayer & Praise Worship in Gym
Wixom Campus
- 9am Sunday New Vintage Worship
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 18, 2021
Communion Schedule
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New Vintage and Prayer & Praise: Second Sunday of the month - May 9
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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 18 - World Vision "Chosen" Sunday
- April 25 - World Vision "Chosen" Reveal Sunday
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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
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May 6 - National Day of Prayer 9am - 8pm, Wixom Campus
- May 12 at 7pm - Confirmation Rehearsal
- May 16 at 1pm - Confirmation
- June 3 7-9pm Ministry Team Leader Meeting
- June 8 - School Graduation
- June 9 - Last Half Day of School
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NEW - National Day of Prayer 2021 May 6, 9am-8pm - Join us in praying for the church, community, nation, world, and so much more! Our Wixom Campus is hosting a site for National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 6, 2021 from 9:00am to 8:00pm.The event will take place outside, the trail will be set up as a prayer walk, and we will have a fire going all day. Stop in briefly on your commute or join us for a while to pray and hear one of the many devotions. For more information or any questions, please contact Pastor Austin austin.wellhousen@st-matthew.org . www.st-matthew.org/NDP2021
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NEW - VBS 2021 - Thinking outside the box! - Based on our survey responses and the current circumstances, we will be doing VBS very differently this year! We are excited to be planning for Backyard VBS and Summer Family Nights! Watch your email for details coming soon!
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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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Blog by Principal Sue Palka:
Book Fair
In person the week of April 26
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
VBS 2021:
Thinking outside the box!
Based on our survey responses and the current circumstances, we will be doing VBS very differently this year! We are excited to be planning for Backyard VBS and Summer Family Nights!
Watch your email for details coming soon!
Buddies are still available!
Register here:
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Middle School
Youth Ministry
**NEW**
See full details at
Middle School
Wild Wednesday
April 21, 7-8:30pm
Confirmation Parent Information
for the 2020-2021 School Year.
Please contact John Welte at john.welte@st-matthew.org.
Wanted: Email Addresses
Email john.welte@st-matthew.org to have 6th-8th graders added or deleted from the weekly update.
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High School
Youth Ministry
**NEW**
See full details at
High School
Sunday Night Gathering
Sunday, April 18, 7-8:30pm
High School
Ohio Summer Mission Trip
July 18-24
College Age
Summer Mission Trip
August 1-7
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Other Ministry Events and Updates
Click links for details on our website
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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 See the Men's Ministry page on our website at www.st-matthew.org/Men
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. See the Men's Ministry page on our website at www.st-matthew.org/Men
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 18 |
Thanks:
Ministry:
- For ongoing protection of the ministry, staff and participants from COVID-19
- Guidance in filling vacant staff positions
- For persecuted Christians in Oman
Homebound Member of the Week:
Mission:
- For the work of World Vision
Government, Country and World:
- For those working to provide us with clean water
Sick or Hospitalized:
- Dylan Findling
- Linda Willmann
- Braedon Breeding
- Jenny Bacon’s pregnancy and delivery
- Those with COVID
- Alison Dunlap
Grief: For the family and friends of
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Attendance
Sunday, April 11, 2021
8:15am Blended: 83
9am New Vintage: 71
11am Prayer & Praise: 101
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Financial Stewardship
Walled Lake and Wixom Campuses
July 1, 2020 through April 12, 2021
Actual year to date Offerings $1,540,467
Budget year to date Offerings $1,399,111
Year to date variance $141,356
Thank you for your support of ministry through online giving or mailing your checks.
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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 - The ladies are all invited to the Multi Lakes LWML Spring Rally on Saturday, April 24 from 10 - 1pm at St. Paul Community Lutheran Church 1133 Joslyn Ave, Pontiac, MI 48340. This is a business meeting to elect new officers. Coffee and pastries will be provided but everyone should bring their own lunch. Maskes will be required along with social distancing. Anyone needing to attend via ZOOM please notify Joan Wagner co-chair, ASAP, so that arrangements can be made. Looking forward to seeing everyone again. God Bless.
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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