Welcome to St. Matthew’s today! December 8, 2013 Everyone is precious in the Lord’s sight. Thank you for blessing us with your presence. “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24, KJV). Introduction for the Day: At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases, we turn toward the light of Christ’s coming. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s Table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near. Child for Baptism: June Lauren Sibley (11:00 a.m. service). June is the child of Heather and Kevin Sibley, Milwaukee, and was born November 17, 2013. Sponsors are Bryan Thiel and Stacey Thiel. A poinsettia plant at the altar has been given by Pastor Ray W. Stubbe in loving memory of his maternal grandfather, Julius Mueller’s, December 13th birthday. A poinsettia plant has been given by Frank and Patti Cimermancic in memory of Mae Dee. A library book has been given to the church library by Michael and Michele Wolaver in honor of Mehandis’ 7th birthday. Devotional materials for the Advent season are available near the windows in the Upper Commons. Stop by for inspiration to help you (and your family) to reflect on Advent as we wait for the birth of the Christ child. Needed: Assistance in removing a section of chairs from the sanctuary in preparation for the St. Matthew’s Senior Choir and Bells Angels Christmas concert on Friday night. The chairs will be removed on Monday, December 9 beginning at 6:30 p.m If you can help, please call the church office or sign up on today’s sign-up panel in the bulletin so that we know how many are coming. Thanks! And hope to see you at Friday’s concert, December 13 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The Second Sunday of Advent
Transcript
Announcements =
Extra PanelsEvents Sign-UpGod’s Work. Our HandsKeep It Moving
Welcome to _______ Church! May you be as blessed by your time here as we are by your presence.
Everyone is precious in the Lord’s sight. Thank you for blessing us with your presence. All are invited to a time of fellowship following the service.
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24, KJV). Welcome, in the name of the One who created this day for our enjoyment!
Our fellowship is enriched by your presence. Thanks to each of you for being with us today! Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been coming here all your life, we hope your time of worship and fellowship is a blessing.
Directories AvailableWhere are the bulletin announcements? The bulletin announcements are available as a separate set of pages and are available at the Welcome Center or near the ushers. To make good use of our resources, consider reading the announcements on our website - www.stmattslutheran.org - or email the church office to be added to the list of people receiving the announcements in advance, on Fridays. [email protected].
Welcome to St. Matthew’s today! December 8, 2013Everyone is precious in the Lord’s sight. Thank you for blessing us with your presence. “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24, KJV).Introduction for the Day: At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases, we turn toward the light of Christ’s coming. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s Table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.Child for Baptism: June Lauren Sibley (11:00 a.m. service). June is the child of Heather and Kevin Sibley, Milwaukee, and was born November 17, 2013. Sponsors are Bryan Thiel and Stacey Thiel.
A poinsettia plant at the altar has been given by Pastor Ray W. Stubbe in loving memory of his maternal grandfather, Julius Mueller’s, December 13th birthday.A poinsettia plant has been given by Frank and Patti Cimermancic in memory of Mae Dee.A library book has been given to the church library by Michael and Michele Wolaver in honor of Mehandis’ 7th birthday.Devotional materials for the Advent season are available near the windows in the Upper Commons. Stop by for inspiration to help you (and your family) to reflect on Advent as we wait for the birth of the Christ child.Needed: Assistance in removing a section of chairs from the sanctuary in preparation for the St. Matthew’s Senior Choir and Bells Angels Christmas concert on Friday night. The chairs will be removed on Monday, December 9 beginning at 6:30 p.m If you can help, please call the church office or sign up on today’s sign-up panel in the bulletin so that we know how many are coming. Thanks! And hope to see you at Friday’s concert, December 13 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Second Sunday of Advent
Today’s Assistants:Communion Preparers: 7:30, Shelly Jones.Communion Assistants: 7:30, Paul & Danette Braun.Greeters: 7:30, Kelly & Scott Assenheimer. 8:30, Tracy, Aaron and Tyler Michaelson, Renae & Steve Engel, Harry & Sandy Profio. 11:00, Brian & Bridget Smith, Rosalind Rouse, Christa Gensler.Lay Readers: 7:30, Danette Braun. 8:30, Doris Kloth. 11:00, Edwin Winters.Communion Bread Baker: Joyce Oglesby.Nursery: 8:30, Jessica Marty, Carmen Prantil, Anneke Clement. 9:45, Tracey & Brad Iding, Megan Reuter. 11:00, Cassie Smith, Brianna Stolte, Needed. Acolytes: 8:30, Libby Sukowatey, Tyler Michaelson. 11:00, Lydia and Joseph Wehrley. Coffee Hosts: 8:00, Kristen & John Charlson, Mary Collins. 9:30, Karen Freiberg.Ushers: 7:30, Bill Dermody. 8:30, Larry Jurss (captain), Gerald Wunderlich, Sherri & Jerry Wirtz, Gary Thiel, Mark Scheiber, Arvis Kraetsch, Paul Fassbender. 11:00, Barrey Swing (captain), Ginger Wooster, Ethan Wooster, Rob Wedel, Richard and Nick Tennessen, Mitchell Swing, Ethan Stewart, Joel Seitz. Library Assistant: Mary Beth Thays.Welcome Center Host: 8:30, Ruth Picotte. 11:00, Tom Geib.Welcome Assistant to the Pastor: 8:30, Frank & Patti Cimermancic. 11:00, Tom Geib.
This Week:Monday: 6:30, Men’s Morning Bible Study 9:00, Just One More Meal Ministry 9:30, LaLeche League Meeting10:15, Program Staff Meeting11:00, Staff Meeting 1:00, Caregiver Support group 5:30, Youth Committee 6:00, Human Resources Meeting 6:30, Chair set-up for Christmas Concert 7:00, Church Council MeetingTuesday: 9:30, The EmBELLishments12:30, Deborah Circle 7:00, Concert Instrumental Rehearsal 7:00, Mt. Meru Coffee Project 7:00, Righteous Ringers 7:00, Celebrate RecoveryWednesday:10:00, Wednesday Morning Bible Study11:15, Fallen Angels 5:30, WOW- Dinner before Confirmation 6:00, New Generation Choir 7:00, 7th/8th grade Conf. Big Group 7:00, New Creation ChoirThursday: 8:00, Pastoral Counseling Ctr. Board 9:30, A Cabella ringers 4:00, Praise Kids 6:15, Bells Angels 7:30, Christmas Concert Dress Rehearsal
Please note that Assistants list may not be accurate for any swaps or substitutions that were made on Wednesday of this week or later.
2013 Special Funds ReportResults as of 12/2/2013 are
Balance in Bldg. Improvement Fund to date ($11,869)Hunger baskets, year-to-date, for Hunger 9,9422013 Benevolence through October 31 $321,000
including Kingdom Account Distributions
Remember the Events at the end of this week (Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7)
Friday, December 6 Haul out the holly ... and banners, Chrismons, creche, and all the other decorations that have become a part of our Advent & Christmas worship and memories! Be a part of the church decorating team on Friday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. Come with your family or bring a friend. We’ll provide dinner for you. Questions? Contact Danette Braun(414-339-1406, [email protected]). Attention First-Fifth Graders: Join us on Friday, December 6 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for an evening of pizza, games, ice cream sundaes, devotion and FUN! We will gather in the Youth Room for dinner and move to the Fellowship Hall for big group games and relays. It is sure to be a great night and we hope to see you there. Please bring $4 for dinner and a canned good to donate to the Reformation Food Pantry. Sign up using the sign-up panel in today’s bulletin or call or email the church office. 414-774-0441 or [email protected] The First Fridays Book Group meets each First Friday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Upper Room. Pick up the complete list at the Welcome Center. The December 6 book is A Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible by A.J. Jacobs. You don’t need to read each book in order to come to the discussion; Saturday, December 7 Saturday, December 7, 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. Women’s Advent Breakfast Please join us (and bring a friend!) for this event with a special program being prepared by Annette Olson, Pat Engelhardt and Ginny Cleppe featuring songs, writings, and prayers relevant to the season from different heritages—Italian, German, Algonquin, and more! Sign up in the narthex on Sundays beginning November 17, or call the church office to let us know you are coming. Give yourself this “present” of being present to the wonderment of the season and new insights on its meaning and purpose in our lives. December Youth Event is “Up in the Air” Sky Zone Adventure Set for December 7th Looking for a something fun on a winter afternoon? Then join us for a session at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park followed by pizza on Saturday, December 7th at 2:30. We will meet at St. Matthew’s and carpool to the park, spending an hour at the park and then heading to a local restaurant for pizza. The event is open to middle and high school youth. Please sign up at this link, so that we can make a reservation Sky Zone: http://tinyurl.com/mw7eac3. We will need a few parents to drive and chaperone. If you can help, please contact Gretchen Haugse
Have You Signed Up Your Sunday School Child for the Christmas Program? Rehearsals are underway for the Sunday School Christmas Program, which will be presented on Sunday, December 15th. All Sunday School children, from 3-year-olds through 8th graders are encouraged to be a part of this special telling of the Christmas story. If you have not yet signed up your child to be in the program, please go to the following online links to register them: Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th::
http://tinyurl.com/qf85hys
7th Grade: http://tinyurl.com/nym5p62
8th Grade: http://tinyurl.com/mwfesar
Experience the Christmas Story at the Sunday School Christmas Program Journey to the Stable to be presented on December 15th Celebrate the birth of Jesus by joining our Journey to the Stable, which will take you from darkness to light. Scenes will be presented throughout the building, ending with the manger scene in the sanctuary. The “audience” will walk from scene to scene as part of a “guided tour.” Tours will leave from Fellowship Hall every 20 minutes beginning at 3:00. The last tour is at 5:00, ending around 5:40. Approximately 50 people will fill each tour, with half viewing identical scenes in 1st floor Sunday School rooms and half in 3rd floor rooms. If you are a Sunday School family who has not yet signed up your children, please go to the online link at http://tinyurl.com/qf85hys, or call the church office by Dec. 6th. All are invited to be part of this dramatic and inclusive presentation of the Christmas story.
December 8Sacred Word, Broken Word:Making Sense of the Bible’s Troubling TextsIt goes without saying that the Bible is a source of faith and the lens through which Christians glimpse the divine. But the good book also contains passages that appear to endorse ethnic cleansing, torture, slavery, sexism, homophobia and various sexual offenses. What are we to do with these texts? How are we to develop an honest and modern understanding of scripture? This class will be led by Dan Bice.
December 15Who Does John Say that “I Am”?The Gospel according to John is the most unique of the four canonical Gospels, emphasizing Jesus of Nazareth’s divine origin, identity, and role. This singular perspective shines through the more than twenty instances of the phrase “I am,” uttered by Jesus throughout the narrative. Though varying in form, one can argue that all of these utterances bear a singular function, identifying Jesus with saving God, whose name was revealed to Moses as “I Am” in Exodus. Come and see how John’s Gospel paints an unparalleled picture of Christ that has done more to shape the church’s view of Jesus as fully human and fully divine than perhaps any other biblical text. Led by Jason Roberts
Weekly Adult Forum - Join the class in the Upper Room today 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Plan to attend these upcoming Adult Forums!
We have a great line-up of topics.
December 22What’s Mine is Yours: Can You Trust the Sharing Economy?The nexus of technological tools that can connect people around the globe, an economy that is narrowing the path towards traditional material ownership abundance, and a generation that must navigate a path in between has brought us the Sharing Economy, Collaborative Consumption, Trust Currency, Gift Circles, Peer-to-Peer Finance, Disownership, the Digital Exodus and much more. Learn the basics and some of the players in this new movement and judge for yourself the ethical dimensions it presents. Led by David Weinberg-Kinsey
Healing Service: Each month you are welcome to attend a healing prayer service. Come to one of the healing stations, describe the prayer concern, and members of the healing prayer team will gather around you and offer a healing prayer. The prayer can be for someone else or yourself. Upcoming dates are:
Sun. Dec. 22 at the 8:30 serviceSunday, Jan. 12 at 9:45 a.m.Sunday, Feb. 16 during the 11:00 service
Giving Tree Gifts Now Due All gifts should be brought to church by Monday, December 9th. There are tags available for Cross Lutheran, Reformation Lutheran, Greater Tosa Interfaith and Lissy’s Place. And it is our pleasure to be able to share of our blessings for our partner congregations, Reformation and Cross, as well as for the clients of Greater Tosa Interfaith. Please bring gifts in unwrapped.
Christmas Musicians, Youth and Adults: We are looking for instrumentalists to enhance our Christmas Celebration this year at the 7:00 and 10:00 services. We would like to invite you to play your instrument with us this year. You may or may not have played for Christmas in the past, if you have you know what an uplifting service it is and how it greatly enhances the congregation’s celebration of the Christmas. The group accompanies the congregation in the singing of Christmas Hymns. Rehearsal will be: Monday, December 23 at 7:00 pm. Please let John know if you are able to play for Christmas. We would love to have you join in the celebration of the birth of our Lord. Thanks for your willingness to share your talents. Music can be picked up from John Paradowski.
An After Christmas Event: Bears vs. Packers! All are invited to the Men’s Ministry get together at J&B Blue Ribbon Bar and Grill on 53rd and Bluemound for the Packers v. Bears game at noon on Dec. 29th. Join us as we cheer on our team. Jon and Susan Bliesner, owners of the bar and members of St. Matt’s, hope to see you there!
Ministry Scheduler ProSunday morning volunteers are scheduled utilizing Ministry Scheduler Pro (MSP), an on-line scheduling program. If you are a Sunday morning volunteer and need the log-in information please contact Sue Swing; [email protected]. MSP Tip for the WeekYou can volunteer for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day worship services on-line now!Log in to your profile.Click on Full SchedulesClick on Dec 24-Dec 25 ScheduleClick on Volunteer Now for the position you’d like to fillWe would love to have everyone help on Christmas but the on-line system will only recognize volunteers who are signed up to be regularly scheduled. Volunteers can be added just for Christmas so please contact Sue Swing; [email protected] to be added to serve on Christmas if you are not a regular Sunday morning volunteer.
Apple Pie Success!Thanks to all who helped make the apple pie fundraiser a huge success! Many hands worked to peel, core and slice the apples, assemble the pies, and box and sell them. A special word of thanks to Just One More Ministry for donating 20 pounds of sugar and refrigerator space, and to John Swenson for setting up our work space. Also, thanks to the congregation for supporting this outreach effort. We sold 105 pies and netted over $600. These proceeds allow St. Matthew’s to offer scholarships to deserving women so they can attend the women’s retreat in the spring.
Needed
Have You Signed Up Your Sunday School Child for the Christmas Program?Rehearsals are underway for the Sunday School Christmas Program, which will be pre-sented on Sunday, December 15th. All Sun-day School children, from 3-year-olds through 8th graders are encouraged to be a part of this special telling of the Christmas story. If you have not yet signed up your child to be in the program, please go to the following online links to register them:Preschool – 6th: http://tinyurl.com/qf85hys 7th Grade: http://tinyurl.com/nym5p62 8th Grade: http://tinyurl.com/mwfesar
Confirmation class with Pr. Chris contines each Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. The schedule is as follows: December 11 - Big Group December 18 and 25 - No Class January 1, 8 and 15 - No Class
“Dinner Is Served” also known as W.O.W. Dinner is available from 5:30-6:15 for $5 in the Youth Room. Drop in to eat, do homework, talk to your friends and unwind before Confirmation (7:00) and Choir (6:00). Next date: December 4 and 11. All of the dates are on the church calendar. Questions? See Gretchen.
Children’s Book Collection: We will hold a book collection for the Next Door foundation in the month of January. As you go through your children’s books after the Christmas rush, save them for kids at the NDF.
Upcoming Dates and EventsExperience the Christmas StorySunday School Christmas ProgramJourney to the Stable to be presented on December 15th Celebrate the birth of Jesus by joining our Journey to the Stable, which will take you from darkness to light. Scenes will be presented throughout the building, ending with the manger scene in the sanctuary. The “audience” will walk from scene to scene as part of a “guided tour.” Tours will leave from Fellowship Hall every 20 minutes beginning at 3:00. The last tour is at 5:00, ending around 5:40. Approximately 50 people will fill each tour, with half viewin g identical scenes in 1st floor Sunday School rooms and half in 3rd floor rooms. If you are a Sunday School family who has not yet signed up your children, please go to the online link at http://tinyurl.com/qf85hys, or call the church office by Dec. 6th. All are invited to be part of this dramatic and inclusive presentation of the Christmas story.
Do We Have Sunday School Today?With the holidays coming up, this might be a question in your house. Here’s the answer: December 1st (Thanksgiving weekend): Sunday School meetsDecember 8th: Sunday School meetsDecember 15th: Sunday School meetsDecember 22nd: Sunday School meetsDecember 29th: NO SUNDAY SCHOOLJanuary 5th: Sunday School resumes
Social MinistryReformation Store Needs Your Help at the storeThe store is in great need of people to sort and stock. They welcome volunteers on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon or Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m. All ages are welcome. If you have a few hours to spare, please call Diane Roznowski, Store Volunteer Director at 414/807-7451 to say “Yes! I’ll be a part of this wonderful ministry!” for a morning or afternoon.
These bulletin announcements can be seen beginning each Friday on our website: www.stmattslutheran.org. If you wish to be added to the Friday bulletin email list, please sign up on the bottom of the Events Sign-Up panel in today’s bulletin (or contact
Responding to Typhoon Haiyan: One of the most powerful storms ever recorded, Super Typhoon Haiyan crashed across the central islands of the Philippines. With winds of over 200 mph and torrential rains, it has caused massive destruction, loss of lives and forced millions of people to flee their homes. Your prayers are especially needed. Your financial help is also needed to make a difference in affected areas. Through partnerships with a variety of progrems, Lutheran Disaster Response is responding to the most urgent needs of food, water, clothing, shelter, sleeping materials and medicine. Possible assistance may also include helping those whose livelihood of fishing or farming has been destroyed. If you wish to make a donation (100% goes to those needing help), make a check out to St. Matthew’s and mark it “Typhoon” or “Philippines.”
2014 Contribution Envelopes are now available for pick-up in the Library Commons:Unless you are a participant in the automatic withdrawal Simply Giving program, we encourage using contri-bution envelopes for your church do-nations. If loose checks are donated, the office staff must cross-reference your name to your number, This is somewhat time-consuming and is a possible source of errors in mak-ing sure you contribution is credited properly to your giving account.
Planning to Make a Year-End Contribution?There are three ways to have your year end contribution to St. Matthew’s count toward the 2013 tax year.1) Place your offering in the plate at any of the
services on or before Sunday, December 29, 2013.
2) Bring your offering to the church office in person on or before Tuesday, December 31, 2013 by 4:30 p.m.
3) Mail in a check dated 12/31/13 or earlier, however, the envelope must bear a postmark of 12/31/13 or earlier. Wednesday, January 1, 2014 will be too late to have an offering count-ed for 2013 even if pre-dated into 2013.
The church also welcomes gifts of stock. St. Matthew’s has a brokerage account with Robert W. Baird in the Milwaukee area. The contact person is Curt Brewer, 262-523-5644. He can arrange to have your gift transferred directly from your account to St. Matthew’s brokerage account. As always, feel free to contact Holly in the church office at 414-774-0441 or [email protected] with any questions.
Caregivers Group meets 2nd and 4th Monday afternoons - Sharing joys and challenges The caregivers group will meet on the following dates at 1 p.m. in the Upper Room. The group is facilitated by Sharon Thiel, and you are welcome to attend. November 25 December 9 and 23
City Tins are in!All City Tins are at the Welcome Center. If you ordered through a mission trip youth, the youth will be delivering it to you. If you ordered through the sign-up here or thru the church office, your City Tin is at the Welcome Center with your name on it.Didn’t order a CityTin, but want one? You can also purchase a CityTin from the Welcome Center. They are $25 and you get $10 off meals at 20 great res-taurants in Milwaukee (also a Madison version of same).
Confirmation packets for recently confirmed 9th graders are available on a table in the Library Commons (outside the library). The packets include a certificate, bulletin from the confirmation service and a photo, if ordered.
“Holy Light” Christmas Concert to be presented at St. Matthew’s on Friday, December 13thOn Friday, December 13th at 7:30pm, the St. Matthew’s Senior Choir, under the direction of David Mohr, will present “Holy Light,” a Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols. Written by Robert Hobby, “Holy Light” features fresh arrangements of well-known Christmas carols and hymns, a number of which the audience will be invited to join in on. The work will be accompanied by the Bells Angels, a brass ensemble, percussion and organ. The readings interspersed between the carols include passages from the Bible as well as poetry from Susan Palo Cherwien. The Bells Angels, under the direction of John Paradowski, will also be featured in two selections of their own. This will be the first time in five years that the Senior Choir has participated in a Christmas Concert at St. Matthew’s. There is no admission charge - a free-will offering will be taken. Make plans now to attend what is shaping up to be a most exciting and memorable Christmas musical event here at St. Matthew’s. A reception with cookies, coffee and punch will follow.
The Lutheran A Cappella Choir of Milwaukee under the direction of David Mohr, will present “Arise, Your Light Has Come”, a concert of music of the Advent and Christmas seasons,Today at 3:00pm. at St. Matthew’s.The concert will feature a setting of eight Lessons and Carols, “On Christmas Night,” by British composer Bob Chilcott, for adult and youth choirs. The youth choir, made up of singers from both churches, will also join forces with the adult choir on three other pieces throughout the concert, including a brilliant arrangement of “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” which brings the concert to an exciting conclusion.Tickets for the concerts are $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for Seniors and Students. They can be purchased at the door.
The Longest Night: A Worship Service at the Darkest Time of the YearCross Lutheran Church in Ixonia WI is holding this service on Thursday, December 19th for those who might be experiencing loss or pain during the holidays. This quiet service is meant to be a reminder that, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it.” If you have an interest in attending and would like to carpool, see Pr Margaret.
A note about your valuable items: A reminder to our members and guests that each week as you come to church, any valuable items should be kept with you and not left in coat pockets or in an unlocked space.
Has your 1st - 5th grader come to KFC/DOC? It’s a blast!
Kids for Christ and Disciples of Christ Children’s Ministries Groups meet monthly. Our children’s ministries KFC (Kids for Christ - grades 1-3) and DOC (Disciples of Christ - grades 4-5) come together for fun, fellowship, devotion and food. Friends can also come along. Bring $4 for lunch. Led by Donna Gardner Manke. The meeting dates and times are:Kids for Christ (grades 1-3) Friday, December 6th, 6 - 8 p.m.Disciples of Christ (grades 4-5) Friday, December 6, 6-8 p.m.
Nursery VolunteersThank you so much for caring for the children in the Nursery on Sunday mornings at St. Matthew’s! We appreciate you very much! You will soon be receiving the 2014 Activities & Ministries sheet. Nursery Helper was accidentally left off the form this year. Please let me know how
Salvation Army Bell Ringers Needed!St. Matthew’s will be ringing the bells at 2 local sites to help the Salvation Army at Christmas this year! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Monday, December 9th, Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th. Please sign up in the Commons or contact Sue Swing; [email protected] and 414-774-0441.
A note about your valuable items: A reminder to our members and guests that each week as you come to church, any valuable items should be kept with you and not left in coat pockets or in an unlocked space. These bulletin announcements can be seen beginning each Friday on our website: www.stmattslutheran.org. If you wish to be added to the Friday bulletin email list, please sign up on the bottom of the Events Sign-Up panel in today’s bulletin (or contact Sonja Mohr at [email protected]) and you will begin receiving the announcements as well as other notices on Fridays.
The St. Matthew’s Meal Outreach Ministry
Serenity Inn: Volunteers prepare and serve 6-8 residents the second Sunday of each month. Volunteers carpool meeting at church at 5:15 returning at 7:15. If you are available and would like to participate on January 12 and February 9, please contact coordinator Christopher Bartelt at <[email protected]>.
Cross Lutheran Lunch Program We serve 300-400 people on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 12 noon at Cross Lutheran Church, 1821 N. 16th Street. We carpool from St. Matthew’s at 10:45 a.m. and serve from 11:30-1:00. Next Meal: Wednesday, January 22, 2014. Pick up a card in worship on the Sunday prior to the meal to donate food.
Just One More: Volunteers assemble packaged meals to be picked up by area churches and programs on Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Call Larry Jurss at 414-257-3595. Many volunteers are needed each Monday; you don’t need to come every week in order to participate. Holiday Schedule: J.O.M.M. will not meet on Dec. 23 or Dec. 30.
Guest House: We need 4 or 5 volunteers on the second Sunday of each month to prepare and serve a nutritious and delicious meal for 100 men at the Guest House, a homeless shelter. We meet at the church at 5:00 pm to carpool and finish by 7:00 pm. Sign up at the church, or contact Carl Johnson ([email protected]), or 414-771-1023. Seeking volunteers to serve on January 12 or February 9.
Repairers of the Breach:We supply 100 bag lunches for the homeless twice a month. We pack the lunches at church on the 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. Volunteers are needed to provide beverages, fruit, chips and sweets and/or pack the lunches. Contact Tom Geib (414-321-3391).
Healing Service: Each month you are welcome to attend a healing prayer service. Come to one of the healing stations, describe the prayer concern, and members of the healing prayer team will gather around you and offer a healing prayer. The prayer can be for someone else or yourself. Upcoming dates are:
Sun. Dec. 22 at the 8:30 serviceSunday, Jan. 12 at 9:45 a.m.Sunday, Feb. 16 during the 11:00 service
Ongoing Collection for Guest House: We have updated the list of ongoing needs for the Guest House. Please consider picking up one or two of these items when you’re shopping and drop them off in the box outside the church office. Thanks for your support of this important ministry.
Did you know? We are offering printed directories for those who would like them. While our online directory is used frequently by our members, some members are not online, or may prefer a printed copy. These are available in the church office.
The First Fridays Book Group meet each First Friday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Upper Room. Pick up the complete list at the Welcome Center. You don’t need to read each book in order to come to the discussion; pick and choose the ones you like. The list is also on our website - www.stmattslutheran.org - go to “Connect & Grow” then “Adult Classes and Bible Studies”January 3: The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Wes MooreFebruary 7: Ragtime: A Novel by E.L. Doctorow
Car for Sale: St. Matthew’s member wishes to sell 1993 red Saturn 2-door SC2 (Sport Coupe) with approximately 108,000 miles. New car battery installed. One owner, as is. Call 414-258-4517 if interested.
Interested in beginning a daily devotion through Advent? There’s a wonderful devotion online at this address:http://www.luthersem.edu/godpause/daily_view.aspxor search Google with the words “God Pause” and “Advent.” You can download the four weeks of devotions all at once, or read each day’s online. What a wonderful way to keep us on the right track during the fast-paced next few weeks leading up to this holiest of days, Christmas.
Pew Pads: Thank you to the anonymous donor who ordered blank pads for our pews that were delivered last week. They were requested in the bulletin announcements, and someone responded quickly and anonymously. We appreciate it very much!
Messiah Sing-Along with the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra, Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m. at Mount Carmel Lutheran Church, 8424 W. Center Street, Milwaukee. Bring your own score or purchase a copy at the show. Professional soloists will sing selected favorite arias, and a choir will lead the audience. A freewill offering will be collected. David Mohr, St. Matthew’s Choir Director, will be singing the bass solos at the sing-along.
Have you been to GFS Marketplace? It’s located in West Milwaukee on Miller Parkway. Anyone can shop there, and if you designate St. Matthew’s, we will receive a percentage of your total purchase. Get a card at the store, and sign up using our code 2595780. Enroll today - you can also sign up online at: www.gfs.com/funfunds and type in our seven-digit code. All products earn a minimum of 1% and some earn up to 10%! GFS Marketplace is especially great if you’re having a large gathering or need larger quantities of food.
Deborah Circle will meet for a Christmas lunch on Tuesday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m. at Maggiano’s at Mayfair. Coffee and cookies at St. Matthew’s with a Christmas devotion will follow lunch. Regrets to Helen Kinsey.
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Christmas Assistants Needed - December 24-25, 2013Enjoy the True Christmas Spirit - Sign Up Below
I can help with 4:00 p.m. worship on Christmas Eve:Usher ___________________________________________________Nursery __________________________________________________
I can help with 7:00 p.m. worship on Christmas Eve:Communion Preparer ______________________________________Communion Assistant ______________________________________Greeter __________________________________________________Nursery __________________________________________________Acolyte __________________________________________________Usher ___________________________________________________
I can help with 10:00 p.m. worship on Christmas Eve:Communion Preparer ______________________________________Communion Assistant ______________________________________Greeter __________________________________________________Acolyte __________________________________________________Usher ___________________________________________________
I can help with 10:00 a.m. worship on Christmas Day:Communion Preparer ______________________________________Communion Assistant ______________________________________Greeter __________________________________________________Acolyte __________________________________________________Usher ___________________________________________________Lay Reader _______________________________________________
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Holy Light:A Candlelight Concert of Lessons and Carols
Friday, December 13, 20137:30 p.m.St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church
Featuring St. Matthew’s Senior Choir and Bells Angels performing music of the Advent and Christmas seasons
1615 Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WIFree Will Offering - Reception following concertwww.StMattsLutheran.org
By Robert A. HobbyReadings by Susan Palo Cherwien
Tickets can be ordered online at www.lutheranacappella.org or purchased at the door. $15.00 General Admission;
$12.00 Seniors/Students.
The Lutheran A Cappella Choir of MilwaukeeDavid Mohr, Music Director
Presents
Sunday, December 8, 2013, 3:00 p.m.St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church
1615 Wauwatosa AvenueWauwatosa, WI 53213
Friday, December 6, 2013, 7:30 p.m.Grace Lutheran Church
W196 N9525 Cross View WayMenomonee Falls, WI 53051
Works for adult and children’s choir will be featured throughout the concert, including a setting of Lessons and Carols, “On Christmas Night” by Bob Chilcott, as well as “From Heaven Above” and a thrilling arrangement of “Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying” to conclude the concert.
“Arise, Your Light Has Come”
St. Matthew’s Weekly Sign-Up PanelDecember 8, 2013
If you are interested in any of the following activities/events, please check the appropriate box and place this sheet in the offering plate, or turn it in to the church office. This is your opportunity to be involved in some of St. Matthew’s ministries.
I am in 7th grade or above or an adult, and would like to join the Christmas Orchestra by playing my instrument for Christmas Eve at the following services:
7:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Circle one or both. The rehearsal is Monday, December 23 at 7 p.m. My instrument is _____________________________________
I can help move chairs in the sanctuary in preparation for the St. Matt’s Christmas Concert. I will come at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow, Monday, December 9th.
I am interested in helping with Salvation Army Bell Ringing and would like to be contacted about available shifts.
Vision Statement: Guided byGod’s Spirit andGrace, we are a community ofdisciplesgrowinginfaith,hopeandloveinourLordandSaviorJesusChrist.(What we want to become)
Mission Statement: Called to fulfill the Great Commission, St. Matthew’swelcomesalltofaithinJesusChrist,nurturesourfaithjourney,equipsustoserveothers,andsendsusintotheworldtomakeadifferenceinJesus’name.(What we are going to do)
Values: Wewant to be people who grow in our Spiritual fruitfulness, which isshown through the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,Goodness,Faithfulness,Gentleness,Self-control.(Who we want to be)
