eNews
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 2023
Weekend Worship
and Bible Study Schedule

WALLED LAKE CAMPUS
  • 8:45am Blended Worship in Main Worship Center
  • Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday
  • Livestream available on YouTube HERE.

  • 10am Bible Study Hour
  • Adult Bible Study - Main Worship Center - Study of 1 Peter
  • Bible Adventure - Room 304 - age 4 through 5th Grade
  • MS & HS Youth Bible Class - Basement Youth Room
  • Coffee and Fellowship Hour - Hub

  • 11am Prayer & Praise Worship - Gym
  • Communion 2nd & 4th Sunday

  • 7pm Monday Night Worship
  • Communion 1st & 3rd Monday

  • Staffed Nursery - The staffed nursery is for children birth-preschool and is available for both services and during Bible class time.

WIXOM CAMPUS
  • 9am Bible Study Hour
  • Adult Bible Study - NEW - Confident Christianity - Join us in Bible Study as we study trending topics and learn how to confidently process, articulate and defend Lutheran Christianity in a world full of different denominations and disbelief.
  • Wixom Bible Adventure - age 4 through 5th Grade
  • Coffee and Fellowship Hour

  • 10am Worship
  • Communion 2nd & 4th Sunday
Baptism - On Sunday, January 22, 2023 Caroline Margaret Schwartz, daughter of William Mark Schwartz Jr. and Kimberly Lynn Schwartz, will be baptized in a private baptism.
Schedule of Upcoming Events
At the Walled Lake Campus unless otherwise indicated. 
  • Jan. 22 - Lutheran Schools Sunday
  • Jan. 22-28 - National Lutheran Schools Week
  • Jan. 29 - Winterfest and Chili Cook-Off (Wixom)
  • Feb. 4 - "The Word Works: Building an Ethic Of Bible Reading" Conference
  • Feb. 5 - New Series: Habakkuk
  • Feb. 5 - Commissioning of India Mission Team
  • Feb. 11 - Preschool & Kindergarten Open House
  • Feb. 11 - Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s Seminar
  • Feb. 13-17 - School Priority Enrollment for Current Students and Members
  • Feb. 13-23 - India Eyeglass Mission Trip
  • Feb. 20-24 - School Winter Break
  • Feb. 22, 7pm - Lent Begins, Ash Wednesday Worship, both campuses, 6pm Dinner
  • March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - 7pm Lenten Worship, 6pm Dinner
  • March 12 - Pizza, Movie & Dessert Night (Wixom)
  • March 19 - International Easter Celebration
  • March 27-31 - School Spring Break
Ministry Highlights
NEW - Budget Suggestions - Members are invited to give suggestions and ideas for what to include in the church’s 2023-24 budget by completing the “Budget Suggestion Form” that is located HERE or at the Welcome Center at both campuses. Please
return your suggestions with your name and contact information to the Church Office by Monday, February 6. You can also email suggestions to our Church Accountant at Sue.Baglow@st-matthew.org.
UPDATE - Lenten Suppers - Dates volunteers are still needed: March 8 and March 22 - St. Matthew would like to offer light suppers before each of the Walled Lake campus Wednesday Lenten worship gatherings. To do that, we need volunteers to provide the meals. (Donations minus your expenses can be given to the ministry of your choice.) If you are interested in helping with this, please contact Pastor Paul at 248-624-7676 or pastorpaul@st-matthew.org .
National Lutheran Schools Week - Jan. 22-28
This weekend is Lutheran Schools Sunday! We praise God for the dedicated staff and vital ministry of assisting parents in the spiritual education of their children through our Hearts and Hands Child Development Center and our School. See some of the fun activities and service opportunities planned for our children during the week. Thank you for your support of education at St. Matthew! We humbly ask for your continued prayers!
  • Pray 'Em Up! After worship you will receive a card that one of our children made. These cards have our school students or Hearts and Hands children's names on them. We are asking that you take your card home and put it somewhere you will see it daily: on the fridge, with your devotion materials, on the mirror, etc. Then, each time you see it, please pray for that child. Don't worry about not knowing them specifically. God does and He knows their needs. We just need you to lift them and their family up in prayer each day. It's the best thing we can do for our kids and the more people they have praying for them, the better! Pray 'em up!
  • St. Matthew Lutheran School Schedule of Events
  • Sunday, January 22
  • Middle School Choir sings in 8:45am Blended worship
  • Pray 'Em Up! Prayer cards handed out in worship
  • 8th Grade DI Birthday Party Project 4-6pm
  • Monday, January 23 - School Spirit Day - Wear St. Matthew Apparel
  • Anything but a backpack day
  • Schoolwide Outreach Project - Kids Coalition Against Hunger - Food Packing in the gym
  • Tuesday, January 24 - Mad Scientist Day-Wear Wacky Hair, Wacky Dress
  • Mad Science Assembly at 2pm
  • Wednesday, January 25 - Dress As Your Favorite Biblical Character
  • Kings Yomen Yo-Yo assembly at 1pm
  • Thursday, January 26 - Wear Your Favorite Sports Team
  • Basketball Jones Assembly at 10am with emphasis on importance of reading
  • Friday, January 27 - Beach Day! - Wear your favorite beach attire!
  • All School Field Trip to Defy!
  • Hearts & Hands Schedule of Events
  • Monday, January 23 - Favorite Sports Team Day
  • Tuesday, January 24 - Mix & Match Day
  • Wednesday, January 25 - Animal Day
  • Thursday, January 26 - Beach Day
  • Friday, January 27 - Pajama and Crazy Hair Day
  • Come Enjoy the BEST Gift-Raising Party Ever! The St. Matthew 8th Grade D.I. Team is hosting a party to raise gifts for children aged preschool through teen. As part of their D.I. Challenge, the team is collecting gifts to help children in need who never get to experience having a birthday party of their own. After collecting these gifts, the team will then host a birthday party at St. Paul Pontiac and invite these children to receive your gifts. We hope you can join us and bring an unwrapped gift for someone in need! (DJ, Games, & Food included!) You may also drop gifts off at the Walled Lake lobby displays any time until Jan. 26!
  • When: January 22, 2023, 3PM - 6PM
  • Where: 2040 S. Commerce Rd. St. Matthew Lutheran School’s Gymnasium 
  • Hosted By: St. Matthew 8th Grade DI Team
  • Please RSVP HERE!
NEW - Preschool & Kindergarten Open House - Saturday, February 11, 9-10:30am - Cirque Amongus will be here to teach and lead children through a circuit of age-appropriate circus skills. Come join the circus and learn more about our exemplary school! Click HERE to sign up! Please share with family and friends!
NEW - “Understanding Dementia and Alzheimer’s” Informational Seminar - Saturday, February 11, 2023, 10-12pm (registration and continental breakfast starting at 9:30), Walled Lake Campus Room 304 (use east parking lot, enter at the Hub). Presented by: Haely Ordoyne, Certified Dementia Consultant. This is a free seminar that will provide valuable information to help Seniors and/or their families to better understand issues involved when a loved one is dealing with Dementia and/or Alzheimer’s. Register by Feb. 8th by Emailing Lavern Kruse at lkruse926@gmail.com or text/call Lavern at 248-756-0848 . Sponsored by St. Matthew Senior Ministry.
LWML Meeting - Wednesday, February 1 at 6pm, Walled Lake Campus Room 304 - LWML will meet on Wednesday, February 1 at 6pm in room 304 at Walled Lake Campus. We need all women from BOTH campuses to join us! If you have ideas or samples of projects that you would like us to consider, please bring them!
Winterfest - Sunday, January 29, 11:30am-1:30pm - Wixom Campus - St. Matthew’s annual Winterfest will be held on Sunday, January 29 from 11:30-1:30 at the Wixom Campus. This annual event is a great way for St. Matthew and Hearts and Hands children to celebrate this Winter season! We will have a trail scavenger hunt, a bonfire with smores, hot dogs, hot cocoa, crafts, and games. If weather permits, please bring a sled as well for sledding and dress warm as this event will have activities outside. We will also be having a chili cook-off where you can help judge the winner! We will still be having worship this Sunday, so please feel free to come at 10:00 to worship with us and stay for Winterfest after.
Winterfest Chili Cook-Off - Do you make a great chili? We would love to have you participate in the return of the Winterfest Chili Cook-off! The Cook-off will take place after church on Sunday, January 29 at the Wixom Campus. If you wish to enter a chili, please sign-up at the Welcome Center or email anne.bolwerk@st-matthew.org. Signing up ahead of time is not required but it can help us plan for electrical needs. Please have your chili in a crock-pot at the Wixom Campus no later than 10:45 am (before church at 10:00 am is preferred). You do not have to bring a chili to participate; you can be a judge! Tasting and judging will begin shortly after the 10:00 worship service ends. Prizes will be awarded! 
Conference In Person and Online! The Word Works: Building an Ethic of Bible Reading, Saturday, February 4, 2023, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 7910 E. St. Joe Hwy, Lansing, MI, 48917. Free livestream also available!

"Personal reading through the Bible in a year is one of the best things we can do as followers of Christ."
~ Rev. David Davis, Michigan District President, First 100 Days Podcast Episode

We are looking forward to spending the day with you! Be sure to bring a friend! Check out these speakers and their topics:
If you haven't registered yet ... please do it now!

Cost (includes a box lunch and a free book):
  • $25 General Registration
  • $15 Students
  • Livestream is free, but you must register to receive the link.
  • Register HERE
UPDATE - Dates Added for April and May! - Volunteers Needed for Coffee Hour at Walled Lake - If these spots are not filled, coffee hour will be cancelled for that week. If interested, please contact Crystal Schwartz via text 248.820.0707 or email sweetboobooz@gmail.com Thank you! ~Crystal. Dates needed: 4/16/23, 4/30/23, 5/14/23
Thank You to Everyone Who Volunteered for Coffee Bar at Wixom! If you are interested in being a part of our team for future dates, please email Anne.bolwerk@st-matthew.org!
Ministries
See The Information Regarding Lutheran Schools Week Above
Read the Newsletter HERE.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
dawn.rupe@st-matthew.org | st-matthew.org/KidMin | Children's Facebook Page
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!
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!
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 meets from 10-10:45 AM in the Walled Lake campus Youth Room. 

Middle School Wild Wednesdays meets from 7-8:30 PM in the Walled Lake campus gym. Join us for crazy games, making new friends, snacks, and devotion. WW are for any student in grades 6-8 and are totally free. We look forward to seeing you there. 

Middle School Movie and Pizza Night on Friday January 27. Join us in the Walled Lake basement youth room for 7-9 as we embark on epic quest with Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark (rated PG).

High School Sunday Night Gathering meets from 7-8:30 PM at the Walled Lake campus. Our discussion topic will be “Promises” followed by time in the gym.

High School Euchre Tournament on Sunday January 29 from 7-8:30 PM at the Walled Lake campus basement Youth Room. Come join us for an evening of cards (don’t know how to play no problem we will teach you). Snacks and beverages will be provided.

High School Rite of Membership Process for those students who are completing their sophomore year or older who have not completed the traditional confirmation process will be April 22 and 23 at the Wixom Campus. More information is available by contacting John Welte.

NEW - High School Ohio Summer Mission Trip dates are July 9-15. Application forms are
available by emailing john.welte@st-mattthew.org and are due by April 30. Adults
interested in potentially serving as a chaperone should contact John.

NEW - College Age Ohio Summer Mission Trip dates are July 30-August 5. Registration
forms are available by emailing john.welte@st-matthew.org. space is first come first
serve.

Contact John Welte at john.welte@st-matthew.org to be added to his email list for Middle School and High School students.
*** If this email gets "clipped", click the provided link to read the entire email! ***
Ministry Groups
Bible Studies, Activity Groups, Small Groups & Serving
(See Sunday Schedule for Sunday Morning Classes)
"The Chosen" Series Showing Sundays at 6:30pm, Walled Lake Campus Room 304 - The Chosen is a dramatized series on the life of Christ and his disciples. Digging deeper into the backstories and context of the people and events of the gospels, The Chosen introduces you to people such as Simon Peter, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, Matthew, and of course, Jesus, in a way never seen before on film. The Christian Citizenship Committee is sponsoring showing the series on a weekly basis for approximately an hour to an hour-and-a-half each week. We will show Season 3. If you have not watched Seasons 1 and 2, it is suggested that you go online to watch.angelstudios.com/thechosen to watch them before watching Season 3.  A short discussion of the episode for that week will occur after the viewing.
SENIOR MINISTRY Bible Class - Mondays 10-11:30am
  • On Zoom
  • 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".
  • Contact: Lavern Kruse at lavern.kruse@gmail.com 248-756-0848 (call or text)
MEN OF GOD Support Group - Tuesdays 8-9pm
  • Wixom Campus
  • 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
MEN'S Morning Bible Study - Wednesdays 6-7am
  • 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
MEN'S Floor Hockey - Tuesdays at 8pm
  • Walled Lake Campus Gym
  • Contact: Brian Rilett at 734-474-6573
ADULT Bible Study - Sundays at 7am
WOMEN'S Bible Study - Wednesdays at 7-8pm
  • Walled Lake Campus, Room 305
  • New Study Starting Jan. 11 - "Love Does" by Bob Goff. Ladies, join us as we dive deeper into love as God wants us to love with Bob Goff. He shares hilarious stories and incredible truths from God's Word about loving in this crazy world we live in. There's always an open chair for you, so please join us!
  • Contacts: Julie Lancaster and Dawn Rupe at dawn.rupe@st-matthew.org
WOMEN'S Bible Study - Tuesdays at 6:30pm
  • Wixom Campus
  • New study will start in January.
WOMEN'S Bible Study - Mondays at 10am
Prayers - Week of January 22
Thanks:
  • For the baptism of Caroline, daughter of William and Kimberly Schwartz
Ministry:
  • For the dedicated staff and ministries of our Hearts & Hands Child Development Center and our St. Matthew Lutheran School
  • For persecuted Christians in country of the Cameroon
Homebound Member of the Week:
  • Carolyn Seymore
Mission:
  • For the love of Jesus to shine in the world through us
Government, Country and World:
  • For President Biden and his administration to do that which is righteous and just
Sick or Hospitalized:
  • Patty Clark
  • Ron Murphy
  • Cory Cleveringa
  • Keith Nash’s friend
  • Cindy Maddulz’s nephew
  • Mary, Justin, Joan, Ivana, Peter, Tad, Cassie, Shauna
Other:
  • For safe travel for Gale Crowley’s son
  • Employment for Keith Nash
  • For college students
  • Adjustment for Masumi and family who moved back to Japan
Email Prayer Requests to prayer@st-matthew.org
Attendance

Week of January 15, 2023
8:45am Blended: 176
10am New Vintage: 78
11am Prayer & Praise: 133
7pm Monday Blended: 24
Financial Stewardship

Walled Lake and Wixom Campuses
July 1, 2022 through January 17, 2023
Actual year to date Offerings: $1,116,093
Budget year to date Offerings: $1,047,808
Year to date variance: $68,285

Thank you for your support of ministry!
Employment Opportunities
Click links or see details and application at
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.
Ministry Partners
Israel Pilgrimage (2023) Would you like to go on a journey to Israel and haven’t made plans yet? Pastor Frank Graves is planning on taking a 10 day pilgrimage to Israel (Oct.10-19, 2023). He has journeyed there 8 times prior. Cost is $4992 (from Grand Rapids). The cost includes entrance into all sacred sites, lodging (at least 4 star plus), air and ground transportation, full breakfast and dinner (lunch is at your expense), and all tips, etc. If you have an interest, please contact him at: revbev65@hotmail.com or 616-929-2267. There is a $50.00 discount when you register before Feb. 10, 2023. Initial deposit is $500 and can be paid by credit card. He has complete trip details and itineraries available by the church office. We would love to have you experience the land where our Savior Jesus, grew up, ministered, suffered, died and rose again for us. The Bible comes alive in a special new way when you visit personally. Brochures are available in the St. Matthew Church Office. Please call, email or stop by for a brochure.
Organ Recital, Charles Russell, Sunday, January 22 ~ 4:00 p.m., St. Peter Lutheran Church, 17041 24 Mile Road, Macomb, MI 48042. Charles Russell serves at St. Peter Lutheran Church &
School, Macomb, MI, as Director of Traditional Music. The recital will include organ works by Mulet, Widor, Bruhns, Reger, Bach and Zimmermann. Free-will offering to support the Honduras Eyeglass Mission Trip being led by Pastor Mark Arendell of St. Peter. Checks should be made payable to “St. Peter Lutheran Church” with the memo line reading “Honduras Mission Trip.” If you have questions, please contact Charles Russell at crussell@splcs.net.
Like pizza, movies, & fellowship? Enjoy laughing and celebrating life? Take a look at this!
  • Sun., March 12 - Pizza, Movie & Dessert Night at the Wixom Campus
  • Fri., April 14 - Laugh4Hope Comedy Night (to benefit AWPC), Ward Church, Northville
  • Tues., May 9 - RTL-Lifespan Celebration of Life Annual Banquet, Troy
Lutheran High Westland Upcoming Events (click links for more info)
  • FUTURE WARRIOR FUN NIGHT - Friday, January 27, 2023, 6-7:30pm
  • HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST - Saturday, February 4, 2023,  9am-12pm
  • Registration: The first registration deadline:
  • If you’re ready to take the next step to becoming a Warrior, follow the link to apply now! Our registration fee is currently $150 and will remain that through January 31. At that time it will increase by $50 monthly, until it reaches $350. So be sure to take advantage of the cost savings of registering early!
  • Back by popular demand! We’re pleased to offer an early registration drawing again. If you complete your online registration by January 18, you will be entered in a drawing for one lucky family to have their registration fee applied as a credit toward tuition next year! A $150 credit in your account is a great way to begin the 2023/2024 school year!
  • https://www.lutheranwestland.com/apply
Lutheran High Northwest -
  • We are hosting an 8TH GRADE INTRO NIGHT on Wednesday, January 25, at 7PM. This fun evening provides an official welcome to 8th graders already registered or considering Lutheran Northwest for next year. It will also provide helpful information to parents about the LHNW curriculum and scheduling options for 9th grade. Students who have taken our High School Placement Test will receive their test scores at this time. No pre-registration is required. Dessert is included as we celebrate with the newest members of our Crusader family!
  • If you haven’t yet applied and are ready to take that step, NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION FOR 2023! Our application fee is at its lowest ($150) through the end of January, but it will increase to $200 on February 1. The application is quick and easy and can be completed online here: www.lutherannorthwest.com/apply
  • If you have any questions or would like to arrange a family visit and/or student shadow day, please call our Admissions Director, Mary Gutenkunst, at 248-852-6677, or email mgutenkunst@lhsa.com. We’re happy to be a resource for your family as you prayerfully consider your high school options for next year!
Another Way Pregnancy Center (Farmington Hills) is a great place to go for support, for women of any age who are pregnant, concerned, and searching for available options. And if you know of someone in that situation, please recommend AWPC to them! All services (including ultrasound) are confidential and free of charge. Call or text: 248.471-5858 / Or go to:  womanspregnancychoice.com 
  • For anyone interested in volunteering at AWPC, or helping the ministry in any way at all, go to:  awpcfriends.org OR call: 248.471-5858
Resources
Connect with Us
General Communications: hello@st-matthew.org / 248-624-7676
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Prayer Requests: prayer@st-matthew.org
Giving: st-matthew.org/give or mail your check
Updates to Contact Infoupdates@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