eNews
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 2021
This Sunday Christians celebrate the fact that Jesus rose from death, guaranteeing that all who believe in him will also rise from death. 

Guests, we have a gift for you at our Welcome Center that will better help you understand the significance of this celebration. While at the Welcome Center, feel free to ask about anything else at St. Matthew. Also check out anything that might interest you in this eNews or on our website: www.st-matthew.org 
Easter Worship Schedule

RSVP for Easter Worship:

  • Easter April 4
  • Festival Worship in Main Worship Center
  • 8:15am (with Communion)
  • 9:40am
  • 11:15am 
  • Prayer & Praise in Gym
  • 11am (with Communion)
  • New Vintage (Wixom)
  • 9am (with Communion)
  • Online and Telephone Worship
  • 9:30am
  • Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/799892892 , ID: 799-892-892
  • Telephone: 1-877-853-5257, ID: 799-892-892
  • Facebook Live: click HERE

  • Baptisms - This Sunday, Rayetta Hartley and her three children, Aiden Hartley, Autumn Hartley, and Caiya Hartley will be baptized in the 9am Easter Sunday service at Wixom. Praise God!

  • The Church Office will be closed on Monday, April 5.

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.
Easter Flower Dedications

In memory of Karen Bond by Doug Bond

In memory of dear husband, Gary Bean by Karen Bean

In memory of Thomas Chrzanowski, Edward, Sr and Vera Rowden,
Edmund and Irene Chrzanowski, Fred and Hulda Koepke by Kathryn Chrzanowski

In memory of Kristina Fracchia, Don and Greta Degen, Emily McDonald and Daryl Clasen by Denise & Robert Fracchia

In memory of our parents by Brian & Becky Bonkowski

In memory of Doc and Lois Scheel by Deb & Dennis Smith

In memory of Alan Troyanek by a friend

By Sue Wiberg

In memory of our loving parents; Jerry Fannon, Sr., John & Ann Erickson & our dear brother John by Denise Fannon

To the Glory of God by Peggy and Michael Russell

In honor of Eli Shamus - our grandson by Renee Kraft

In memory of Todd Coe by Ronda Coe

In loving memory of Eric Booth & Wendell & Verta Baglow who are celebrating Easter with our Heavenly Father by Sue & Tim Baglow

An Easter memorial by Sharon Haiser

In loving memory of Scott Troyanek, Mark Troyanek & John Bickel
by Nancy & Larry Troyanek

In memory of Laurie Ashline by Erika Nichols

In loving memory of George & Joel Finzel by Ruth Finzel

In memory of Lois Moldenhauer, Helen Schmidt, and Herb Schmidt
by Pastor Paul & Corleen Moldenhauer

In loving memory of Linda & Lois, sisters who are now rejoicing with our Risen Lord,
and in honor of our dear niece Nicole who was a care giver for her mom, Lois,
by Steve & Sandy Limb

In memory of Daryl Clasen by Dawn Clasen

In memory of Don Wallunas by Aggie Wallunas

In memory of my beloved husband Eric Booth by Nancy Booth

In loving memory of Jonna Sohn by Tim & Nancy Strelecky

In memory of Gene & Betty Schnelz by Stephanie Beach
Regular Worship and Bible Study Schedule

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

Sunday Online Bible Study - Full details at st-matthew.org/BibleStudy
  • No Bible Study on Easter Sunday
  • Current Topic: Gospel of Luke (Read online HERE)
  • Time: Sundays at 10:45am
  • Format: Pastor led via Zoom with lecture and group discussion
  • Zoom Link: Click HERE or use Meeting ID 896 5949 4535 with passcode 149356
  • Recordings of previous weeks: On YouTube
  • This Week's Study Guide (click HERE for previous Study Guides)
  • No Bible Study on Easter Sunday

Communion Schedule
  • Easter: 8:15, 11:00 and 9:00am Wixom
  • New Vintage and Prayer & Praise: Second Sunday of the month - April 11
  • Blended: Third Sunday of the month - April 18
  • Next Drive In Communion - First Wednesday of the month, Walled Lake Campus
  • Wednesday, April 7 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.
Upcoming Schedule
at the Walled Lake Campus unless otherwise indicated

  • April 4 - Deadline for Board Nominations
  • April 5 - Church Office closed
  • April 7 at 7pm - Drive In Communion
  • April 10-11 High School Confirmation Process
  • April 25 at 1pm - Open Forum on Zoom
  • May 2 at 1pm - Congregational Assembly on Zoom
  • May 6 - National Day of Prayer
  • May 12 at 7pm - Confirmation Rehearsal
  • May 16 at 1pm - Confirmation
Ministry Highlights
  • Easter RSVP - Please RSVP for in-person Easter worship. Out of concern for your health and safety and to prepare for possible overflow seating, you are asked to RSVP for the in-person April 4 Easter worship. You can do that at st-matthew.org/EasterRSVP and let us know how many will be attending. We look forward to celebrating Jesus’ resurrection with you.
  • Everlasting Life Ministry and Pastor Daniel Update - Pastor Daniel continues to preach all over Punjab, India, sharing God’s message of salvation. Follow Pastor Daniel at: https://www.facebook.com/everlastinglifeministry/
  • Please pray for Everlasting Life Church as they celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus and reach many people for Christ. See more photos HERE... please click HERE to read more!
  • 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.
  • Call for Nominations - The Annual Election Process will be upon us shortly and the Nominating Committee is looking for members interested in serving as Officers or Directors on the following ministries: Vice President, Secretary, School Board Chair, 3 Members of Foundation Ministry, 1 Member of Executive Board at Large. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in being considered for any of these ministries, please contact Pastor Austin Wellhousen, Nominating Committee Staff Liaison at austin.wellhousen@st-matthew.org. Deadline for submitting names is April 4.
  • 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!
“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
  • General Communications: hello@st-matthew.org / leave message at 248-624-7676
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Ministries
School

Registration is now open
for the 2021/2022 School Year!
Contact the School Office for details!
248-624-7677
admissions@st-matthew.org
____________

Set A World Record This Easter!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

One of my favorite conversation starters is when people begin a dialogue with the opening line “Have I got a story for you!” A few days ago, I had the great joy of hearing this story from a very proud and excited grandma...
Read more HERE

Blog by Principal Sue Palka:
Read HERE

School Facebook Page
Stay up to date on all the great things happening on our Facebook page.

Pray for our staff, teachers, students, and families!
Hearts & Hands

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

Buddies are still available!
Register here:
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
Wild Wednesday
April 7, 7-8:30pm
We are able to resume meeting Middle School Sunday Wild Wednesdays we are able to resume meeting together in person following required MDHHS safety and social distancing guidelines. Our next Wild Wednesday will be April 7 from 7-8:30 PM in the WL campus gym. All participants must wear a mask and will need to turn in 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). Entrance to the gym will be via the gym entrance and the rest of the building will be off limits.

Wanted: Email Addresses
Wanted-Email addresses of all sixth through eighth grade students and their parents. Email john.welte@st-matthew.org to have them added or deleted from the weekly update. 

St. Matthew Youth Group Facebook Page
is https://www.facebook.com/stmatthew.yg.7
You can check out photos and videos from past events and catch last minute updates. 
High School
Youth Ministry

High School
Sunday Night Gathering
Sunday, April 11, 7-8:30pm
We are able to resume meeting together in person following required MDHHS safety and social distancing guidelines.  Join us Sunday, April 11 from 7-8:30 PM in the gym.  All participants must wear a mask and will need to turn in upon arriving a health screening checklist (this will be emailed out in the weekly HS Email Update or contact john.welte@st-matthew.org for a copy).  Entrance to the gym will be via the gym entrance and the rest of the building will be off limits. 

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

High School and College Age Ohio Summer Mission Trip
While we are not positive, we will be able to go we have set the dates for July 18-24 for the High School Trip and August 1-7 for the College Age Trip, both trips returning to Caldwell Ohio. Registration forms for either trip will be available beginning in April as we await the new MDHHS pandemic guidelines.   
Other Ministry Events and Updates
MEN OF GOD SUPPORT GROUP: In the month of March we will begin working on Step 3: We choose to turn our lives over to the Care of God. The Men of God Support Group is a Christ-Centered Ministry based on the words of Jesus Christ and the 12 steps of Recovery. This group is for Men who need a safe place to openly share any struggles they may be dealing with in life. The group is currently held online via Zoom every Tuesday night from 8:30-9:30pm. If you or anyone else is interested in the group or have any questions, please contact Ryan Main at MenofGod@st-matthew.org

MENS MINISTRY Wednesday Morning Bible Study on Zoom The Wednesday morning Men's Bible Study group is now meeting on Zoom from 8:00-9:00am each Wednesday and would like to invite any interested men to join them for a study on the Book of Ezekiel. Contact Lavern Kruse at lavern.kruse@gmail.com or text at 248-756-0848 if you have any questions or would like to join the group.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY Monday Bible Study on Zoom The Women's Bible Study will be meeting Mondays on Zoom. Please contact Vicki Grocki to sign up: tbearpicnic@msn.com .

SENIOR MINISTRY: Check out the Senior Ministry Winter Newsletter HERE The Senior Bible Class (Open to all "Young at Heart" Seniors) is currently meeting every Monday, by Zoom beginning at 10:00 for conversation until 10:30. The study time is from 10:30-11:30 by Zoom. On January 11, we began studying the Book of Romans. This is a great opportunity for fellowship with other Seniors, and also be in God's Word, especially during this unusual time, when Covid is still looming around us. You can register by going to www.st-matthew.org/SeniorBibleClass or by texting or calling Lavern at 248-756-0848.
Prayers - Week of April 4
Thanks:
  • For a successful medical procedure for Randy Tyler
Ministry:
  • For ongoing protection of the ministry, staff and participants from COVID-19
  • Guidance for the Wixom Worship Leader and Technology Coordinator Hire Committee
  • For persecuted Christians around the world
Mission:
  • For people to be drawn to and impacted by Jesus’ Easter victory
  • For the work of World Vision
Government, Country and World:
  • For peace on earth
Sick or Hospitalized:
  • Dylan Findling
  • Linda Willmann
  • Braedon Breeding
  • Pastor Bill Merrell
  • Anne Rygiel
  • Laurie Burmeister 
  • Larry Faw
  • Robin Delaney
  • Mike
  • Don, brother of Shirley Hart
  • Scott, uncle of Terra Breen
  • Friend of Denise
  • Those with COVID
  • Ken Jackson
Other:
  • For good test results for Leslie Kammer


Email Prayer Requests to prayer@st-matthew.org
Attendance - March 28, 2021
  • 8:15am Blended: 87
  • 9am New Vintage: 43
  • 11am Prayer & Praise: 122
  • 9:30am Online: 400-450
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 March 22, 2021
Actual year to date Offerings     $1,401,225
Budget year to date Offerings     $1,284,161
Year to date variance            $117,064
Employment Opportunities
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. 
Ministry Partners
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!
Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML) Multi-Lakes Zone Spring Rally - Saturday April 24 at 11am to 1pm, St. Paul Community Lutheran Church in Pontiac. See details HERE.
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:
Resources
  • RightNowMedia is a great resource for video Bible Studies! Sign up FREE through our website www.st-matthew.org/RightNowMedia .
  • Portals of Prayer are available in the bin outside the main entrance at the Walled Lake Campus. They are also available for personal purchase (print and digital) from the CPH website HERE.
  • Lutheran Hour Ministries has daily radio broadcasts, podcasts, devotions, and many other resources! See everything at www.lhm.org .
  • 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
  • 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.
Reminders
Did you miss it?
If you missed our previous eNews, here are a few reminders:

  • St. Matthew's 75th Anniversary Recognition is coming! As we progress to St Matthew's 75th Anniversary in 2023, we'd like to share some thoughts from 1951! We are still looking for any pictures, most likely from your parents or grandparents, from our early beginnings! Feel free to email those to dbond1688@gmail.com or drop them off at my church mailbox!.
  • Communications Requests As we continue to modify our Communications tools to serve our St. Matthew community better (eNews, website, etc.), please connect with the appropriate Ministry Leader to request to have information communicated out. They will then ensure that information is directed to the appropriate channels for communication. The Messenger on the website is no longer an effective communication tool. Please contact Ministry Leaders directly to discuss your needs. Thank you for your patience as we create a more effective process for Communications Requests, and the tools to make it happen.
Connect with Us
www.st-matthew.org
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Walled Lake & Wixom
2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390
48380 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393