Volume 85, No. 4 - March 27, 2016

Thursday, March 24 - MAUNDY THURSDAY Services at 10:30 a.m. and 7:15 p.m. On the night of Jesus’ Last Supper, celebrate Holy Communion

as His fate is sealed. A healing liturgy follows each of the Maundy Thursday services.

Friday, March 25 - GOOD FRIDAY Children’s Breakfast and Service at 9:00 a.m. Children ages 5th grade and younger along with parents and grandparents are welcome to attend

this age appropriate Holy Week Service which includes an Easter egg hunt. Friends welcome. Good Friday Worship Service, 7:15 p.m. A dramatic service of light into darkness with special music.

Saturday, March 26 - EASTER VIGIL Service at 7:00 p.m. A prayerful service with a powerful message of God’s covenant of faith with us.

Sunday, March 27 - EASTER SUNDAY Festive Services of Celebration at 7:00, 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. with the triumphant Easter message,

choirs, Easter hymns, Holy Communion, decorated chancel. Easter Breakfast available to benefit our youth’s mission trip this summer, 8:00-10:30 a.m.

Holy Week Services lead to Festive Easter Celebration on March 27

John - traqair57 - Flickr. Used with permission.

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Matthew 28: 1-9 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.

Newness visits us at different times throughout our lives. Yearly, It arrives with the warmth of spring as new leaves bud, and the world turns green once again. Other times, newness can be a surprise. In a moment, life can change, and the old way of doing things is no longer true. On that first Easter morning, life changed forever. The way we would understand God was radically different. God was doing something new in this world. It was a second Exodus of sorts, where once again, God was going to battle for His people to free us from slavery. This time, it was freedom from the slavery

of our own sin that God accomplished by laying down His life for us. When Jesus’ followers went to the tomb that first Easter morning, with tears in their eyes, preparing to anoint the dead body of their close friend and Lord, I’m sure they were not mentally ready for what they found. Christ was RISEN! Our sin now had a means of atonement; death was no longer something that held us for an eternity. God had done something new, and that fresh, good news would forever change our lives and our faith. As we celebrate this miraculous news once again this Easter, we thank God for the newness that He is continually offering to us. Newness through forgiveness. Newness in our faith. Newness in the depth of understanding and closeness that we might have with our Lord. That is my hope and wish for you this new Easter Season. Newness through our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ! Easter Blessings to you, Pastor Chris

St. Matthew’s Mission StatementCalled to fulfill the Great Commission, St. Matthew’s Welcomes all to faith in Jesus Christ, Nurtures our faith journey, Equips us to serve others, and Sends us into the world to make a difference in Jesus’ name.

The Voice of St. Matthew’sThe newsletter of St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church

Christopher Manke and Matthew Kruse, PastorsMargaret Schoewe, Visitation PastorGail Brodersen-Heins, Interim Pastor

1615 Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213414-774-0441 fax 414-774-0989

E-mail: office@stmattslutheran.orgVisit our website: www.StMattsLutheran.org

Sunday worship at 7:30, 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. USPS 662-800 -- Published Monthly - Twice monthly in March, July, October and December by St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1615 Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (phone 774-0441) Periodicals postage paid at Milwaukee, WI. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Voice of St. Matthew’s, St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1615 Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213. Submit articles to the church office in care of Sonja Mohr, Newsletter Editor, or sonjamohr@me.com

Risen!

This WeekPage 3

Children’s Breakfast and Service at 9:00 a.m. Good Friday, March 25, 2016 Children ages 5th grade and younger along with parents and grandparents are welcome to attend this age appropriate Holy Week Service which includes an Easter egg hunt. Friends welcome. $5 dollars per adult ages 12 and up,$3 dollars for each child three up to 12.Bring a bag for holding Easter eggs.Filled Easter egg donations needed We need your help in providing filled Easter eggs for this portion of the Good Friday Children’s service. You can pick up empty plastic eggs outside the church office and take them home to fill. Or you may provide your own. We need hundreds of eggs for this event! Bring your filled and taped plastic eggs to the collection box outside the church office.

Reformation Good Friday Neighborhood Walk Set for 3:15 on March 25th Walk Begins at New Site, 3806 W. Lisbon Avenue After a long period of transition and patient hope, the ministry staff of Reformation Lutheran Church has moved into a new space at 3806 W. Lisbon Avenue where their neighborhood outreach ministry will begin a new chapter. That ministry will be proclaimed on Good Friday, when, just as they have done for many years, the people of Reformation will lead a Good Friday Neighborhood Walk to pray for transformation of blighted areas and to rejoice in areas where positive changes have been made. The walk begins at 3:15 at Reformation’s new Lisbon Avenue site. We invite you to walk with our brothers and sisters at Reformation to join them in proclaiming message of the cross.

Join Us for Breakfast on Easter Sunday Breakfast will be served from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on Easter morning, March 27th, and will include Egg Bake, fruit, donuts, pastries, juice, and, of course, plenty of coffee. Proceeds will support the youth mission trip to New Orleans this summer. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for ages 10 and up and $3 for ages 3-10. If you can help us out by signing up to bring food, please see the sign up sheet in the Commons.

Call Committee gives Update on progress toward a third pastor The Call Committee continues to meet, as we seek to find our next part time Associate Pastor. The job description has been reviewed and updated. Several candidates have been referred to the committee and we have recently completed their initial interviews. The Call Committee will keep you informed, as we continue to let God lead us through this process.

You Are Invited - Appeal Gathering on Sunday April 10 In 2013, we initiated our Grounded in Faith, Growing to Serve appeal. Members responded generously with gifts and three-year pledges which come to an end in May, 2016. With the completion of our phase one renovation project last year, our congregation took a huge step forward. We now are in the midst of a new effort to renew and continue our support of the Grounded in Faith, Growing to Serve appeal, in hopes of raising an additional $1 million or more over the next three years. The funds we raise will be used to retire the debt from our phase one renovation project, address needed facility maintenance & improvements, and focus on future ministry. Would you be willing to help get our Grounded in Faith, Growing To Serve Appeal off to a good start? If so, please join us for a special evening:

Sunday, April 10th, 2016 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.Church’s Upper Commons & SanctuaryAdult only event, with childcare available

This gathering will be a wonderful time of conversation, refreshments, and inspiration. No financial commitments to our appeal will be asked for or received at this gathering. However, you will be asked to prayerfully consider making your appeal leadership commitment early to insure a successful start to our Grounded in Faith , Growing to Serve appeal. Can you join us on April 10? Please RSVP by Friday, April 1st, by e-mailing office@stmattslutheran.org or by calling the office at (414) 774-0441. We hope that you will be able to join our Appeal Team for this very exciting and hopeful evening.

Upcoming EventsPage 4

9th Annual Children’s Clothing SwapIt’s time to recycle your gently used children’s articles... and discover “new” ones!Date: Sunday, April 17Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.Place: Commons area - outside libraryHow do you participate? Simply bring your kids’ outgrown or unwanted clothes (size newborn through size 14), shoes and accessories and swap them for other items. We only ask that the clothes you bring are appropriate for spring/summer and in relatively good condition. Please group clothing by size and mark the size on the bag/box. Clothing may be dropped off at the church office from April 3-16 (labeled “Clothing Swap”) or brought to the commons on the morning of the swap.Is it a piece for piece swap? No. Just bring what you can and take what you need. If you would like to participate, but have no clothes to swap, you can participate and leave a donation, which will be given to Reformation Church to support their Summer Youth Program. Left over clothing will be donated to Tosa Cares community pantry.

Sorters Needed! We’ll meet at 8:30 a.m. on Sat., April 16 in the upper room to sort and display the clothes for the swap. If you can join us, please call Sarah Scheiber at 414-476-7926.

New Member Classes in April & May! God has given us the gift of Christian commu-nity. It provides for two of our most basic needs. The church can be a place to belong and a place to become. If you have had an opportunity to worship with us and would like to learn more about St. Mat-thew’s please consider attending our membership classes in April & May. Classes will be held on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:45. Dates of classes are April 24, May 1 and May 8. New Members will be received on Sunday, May 15th. Childcare is available in the Nursery on all class dates. If you have any questions, please contact sueswing@sbcglobal.net, the pastors or the church office. A mailing will be sent to those known to be interested in joining St. Matthew’s.

Let’s get together to watch the NCAA men’s basketball championship gameMonday, April 4th, 7 p.m.O’Donoghue’s in Elm Grove Join us for our annual NCAA Basketball Championship viewing at O’Donoghue’s Irish Pub at 13225 Watertown Plank Road, in Elm Grove. (Could this be the Badgers’ year?) Watch the big game with other St. Matt’s men while enjoying some beverages and hors d’oeuvres! Extra proceeds will help fund our spring flower planting project at the Guest House. Friends are always welcome.

“Requiem for the Living” is featured piece of spring Lutheran A Cappella Choir concert The Lutheran A Cappella Choir, under the direction of David Mohr, will be presenting their Spring concert, “Transforming Love” on Friday, April 22nd at 7:30pm, and again on Sunday, April 24th at 3:00pm. Friday’s concert will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1044 S. Silverbrook Drive, West Bend, while Sunday’s concert will be held at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1615 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa. This ambitious program will be highlighted by what is believed to be the Milwaukee-area premiere of “Requiem for the Living,” a magnificent new work by composer Dan Forrest. Tickets are $15.00 general admission and $12.00 for seniors and students, and may be purchased on the website, at the door, or from any choir member. Further concert details in next issue of Voice.

Eat at Pizzeria Piccola on May 15th! The spring mission trip fundraiser at Pizzeria Piccola is coming up on Sunday, May 15th from 4:00 – 9:00 P.M. Start your week off right by taking a break from cooking on Sunday night. Just phone in your order or, better yet, drop in and have dinner with other St. Matthew’s members. If the weather cooperates, you may even be able to dine al fresco on the patio! A portion of all proceeds on that day will be donated to the 2016 Youth Mission Trip to New Orleans, join us for good food, a good time, and a good cause – it’s a win-win event! The support that St. Matthew’s offers at this fundraiser continues to amaze the Pizzeria Piccola staff. We are grateful for your past support, and we ask for your continued participation in this fun – and delicious – way to support our annual mission trip!

Libbi Fassbender served some soup at the last Pizzeria Piccola fundraiser.

Sunday Morning Volunteers are important! Sunday morning volunteers are scheduled utilizing Ministry Scheduler Pro (MSP), an on-line scheduling program. Using this on-line system you are able to specify exactly what times do and do not work well for you to serve. You are also able to check your schedule from anywhere and easily find a substitute when you can’t make one of your scheduled dates. Guidelines and procedures for all ministry positions are available on-line as well. The next schedule runs from March 6-June 5, 2016. If you need the log in information or if you have any questions at all please contact Sue Swing; sueswing@sbcglobal.net. 414-774-0441 All Acolytes, Communion Assistants and Lay Readers - Please remember to sign in on the orange sheet in the Sacristy when you arrive. The pastors need to know you are in church and present for serving. Thanks! Please sign up to help with Easter Sunday (March 27). You can sign up at the Welcome Center, in the church office, on-line or by contacting Sue Swing; sueswing@sbcglobal.net. Thank you!

Sunday Morning Adult Education, 9:45-10:45 a.m.April 3 “Being Mortal”We live in a society that avoids discussion about mortality. Our culture struggles with communication and preparation at life’s end. These issues lurk in the background for many us but our attempts to encounter the reality of this often just barely scratch the surface. In our second class (on April 3) we welcome Froedtert Chaplain, Jim Durnil who assists with the spiritual, religious, pastoral and emotional needs of patients at Froedtert Hospital. He will help us consider the practical, emotional and spiritual elements related to end of life issues. We will all eventually have to go through the narrow doorway of passing from this life into the next. It is healthy for us to talk about it. Please join us.

April 10-24 “Earth, Wind & Fire - Hope, Facts & Reality of Climate Change”“We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are deeply concerned about the environment, locally and globally, as members of this church and as members of society. Even as we join the political, economic, and scientific discussion, we know care for the earth to be a profoundly spiritual matter.” ELCA Social Statement Care for Creation

April 10On April 10th we are joined by Dr. George Stone, climate change specialist and professor of Geology, Earth Science (retired) at the University of Oklahoma, former natural sciences professor at Milwaukee Area Technical College and organizer of the annual Sustainability Summit. Dr. Stone was a recent participant for 2 weeks at the Paris Environmental Summit in December 2015. He has chaired numerous national & regional conferences focusing on climate change. He was director of the Geophysical Laboratory at Oklahoma and has conducted research at Cambridge University in Great Britain. He is a graduate of the University of Miami (Florida) and earned his doctorate in geology from the University of Colorado.

April 17 & 24Climate change is a reality. Some deny it; some ignore it; some joke about it! But what resources from our Christian biblical faith can guide our reactions? And how should we as Christians respond within the societal debate? On April 17 and 24 Pastor Ed Weiskotten will lead conversations exploring timely themes from our biblical and theological heritage relevant to the climate debate. Your insights, experience and participation are strongly hoped for!

Adult EducationPage 5

What does Pope Francis Say about Faith, Climate, and Praise?New Monthly Non-Fiction Book Study will meet beginning in April If you haven’t noticed, Pastor Matt has a few books in his office. And if you’d ask him his favorite genre, it would be contemporary social issues. Starting in April, come for conversation and discussion of a book that explores faith, society, and the world. We’ll begin Wednesday, April 20th, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. “Laudato Si (Called to Praise): Called to Care for our Common Home” by Pope Francis. The recent appeal from Pope Francis addressed to “every person living on this planet” asks for an inclusive dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet. Pope Francis calls the Church and the world to acknowledge the urgency of our environmental challenges and to join him in embarking on a new path. This encyclical is written with both hope and resolve, looking to our common future with candor and humility. It can be purchased, or downloaded from the Vatican’s official webpage. Also, if you’d like to read ahead for May 18th, we’ll be discussing Ta-Nehisi Coates’ bestseller “Between the World and Me.”

Do We Have Sunday School Today?Here’s how to answer that question if it comes up in your household:

Sunday, March 27th – No Sunday School, Easter SundaySunday, April 3rd – No Sunday School, Easter breakSunday, April 10th – Sunday School resumes

We Appreciate Our Teachers! When children are baptized, we as a congregation promise to support parents as they set about the holy task of raising their children up in Christ. Our Sunday School teachers renew that promise each Sunday as they spend time with our children helping them to learn about God’s love for us. They bring to this task a wide range of gifts and approaches, but all of them have in common a love of children that is at the center of what they do. We appreciate our teachers all year, but we especially recognize them during Teacher Appreciation Month in March. Please take a minute to express your appreciation to this wonderful group of people!

Each time there is a new baptism:“We promise to support your parents...” During the rite of baptism on Sunday mornings, the congregation makes a promise to pray for those baptized. To help us to offer prayers in a more intentional way, we list some of those baptized in April at St. Matthew’s for the last few years. May their lives be blessed through your prayers.

Jackson Robert James April 26, 2015Kate Gertie James April 26, 2015Norah Dupee April 19, 2014Leo Dupee April 19, 2014Miles Stuart Huth April 14, 2013Charlotte Marie Norman April 14, 2013Marcella Lyne Mathis April 21, 2013Piper Zoe Tanem April 28, 2013Eliott William Graf April 7, 2012James Thomas Murray April 7, 2012Shjonna Viktoria Petersen April 15, 2012Owen Steven Griep April 22, 2012Campbell Reagan Chose April 10, 2011Nathan Clarence Nilles April 10, 2011Nayie Bang Mayor April 23, 2011David Gibson Anderson April 10, 2011

Sunday SchoolPage 6

Cindy Weiland-WehrleyJoey WehrleyKristen MainvilleDana WurzburgerDave WurzburgerMichele WolaverAbby GiffordStephanie JurssMadi JanischJen BraunRachel RaaschKatie GastrauNancy ArtusAnjeni Kirchner

Nichole HerrellAnne-Marie NickelTeresa WoosterPatti FoleyAnne DeArmondJennifer DuganSharon MuehlfeldElsa TuckerMary Ellen LevraAndrea KarrasNiki MooreKelly KirtleyMegan ReuterHeather Deaton

Donna Gardner MankeScott SmithJulia MurphyKari SteinDennis AncevicJohn StolteMike MuchaNick RiegertAl Van LithPaul BraunChris Lange

Gretchen Haugse, Children’s Educ. CoordinatorEmily Wanezek, Sunday School Support

Tom & Mary Ann Gordon, Administrative Support

(Left) Evelyn Burmeister and Preston McCullough color a picture while their teacher explains the story that the picture displays.

(Above) Students in Nancy Artus & Anjeni Kirchner’s 5-year-old kindergarten class learn about Jesus having his feet washed in expensive perfume by Mary.(Below) At the beginning of the class time, students in Kristin Mainville & Dana Wurzberger’s class color while attendance is taken.

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St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church • Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Welcome to Our New Members

~ March 13, 2016 ~

Steven & Sarah Fettig

Steven and Sarah live in Wauwatosa and have three children: Avery Exley who is a 4th grader, Gavin Exley who is in K5, and Henry Fettig who was born last summer. Steven is the CFO – Finance Manager at Tankcraft Corp. in Darien and Sarah is a Project Con-sultant at Northwestern Mutual. Steven enjoys training for triathlon races/training and photography, while Sarah likes arts/crafts, reading, photography and the outdoors.

adam Schweitzer & Sarah Sturycz

Adam is a Police Officer with the West Allis Police Department. Sarah is a recruiter with Robert W. Baird. The couple lives in Wauwatosa and they both enjoy being active and traveling. Adam also enjoys cooking and Sarah likes trying new restaurants.

Jo ann norriS

Jo Ann is currently retired, but volunteers at Gaenslen School where she teaches handweaving and science.

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St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church • Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Also joining our congregation are:carol robb-Funk

Carol is married to current St. Matthew’s member James Funk and they live in Wauwatosa. Carol is a handwriting analyst. She enjoys comedy, trivia, exercising, health, and Midwest travel.

lowell and kathi timm

Lowell is a psychotherapist with Samaritan Family Wellness and an ELCA pastor. Kathi is a pediatric nurse and artist. She bakes birthday cakes for children living in shelters. They have three adult children and eight grandchildren and are avid bikers, hikers, and travelers.

zachary katch

Zachary lives in Wauwatosa, is married to Emilie and has three children: Landon who is in 3rd grade, Jonathan who is in kindergarten and June who is almost 3 years old. Zachary enjoys golfing, camping and traveling. The family are friends of St. Matthew’s Doug & Colleen Volland Family.

JoSh wozniczka and michelle walterS

Michelle and Josh live in Wauwatosa. Josh is a Physical Education Teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools. He enjoys running, exercising and being outdoors. Michelle is a Marketing Coordinator with Kohl’s Department Stores. She enjoys running and volunteering.

JoShua & emily baSeheart

Joshua and Emily, who live in Milwaukee, are expecting their first child this month. Joshua is a Lead Analytics Consultant with Northwestern Mutual and Emily is a Director of Development with Marquette University.

St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church • Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Sarah Struble & JeSSe ehlerS

Sarah, who lives in Wauwatosa, is joining St. Matthew’s with fiancé, Jesse Ehlers, who lives in Milwaukee. They will be married in August of this year. Jesse is an Accountant Controller with Zenith Tech in Waukesha. He enjoys running, triathlons, hiking and camping. Sarah is an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer with GE Healthcare. She enjoys triathlons, skiing, gardening, backpacking and animal rescue.

katie daul

Katie is a teacher at Hoover Elementary School in New Berlin. She is married to James Daul, who has been a member of St. Matthew’s for many years. The couple lives in Wauwatosa, and they both enjoy running and travel. James’ parents are St. Matthew’s members Jim and Gretchen Daul. 

michael & youa reinicker

Michael and Youa live in Wauwatosa and are friends of current St. Matt’s member Corianna Chisum. Michael is an Employee Benefits Consultant with RC Insurance Services and Youa is a Nurse Intern/Student at St. Luke’s Medical Center. Michael enjoys camping, sporting clays, canoeing, fishing and hunting. Youa likes organizing, cooking and non-profit organizations that promote health.

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Women’s MinistryPage 10

St. Matthew’s Women’s Retreat is April 8-9at the Siena Retreat Center in Racine“All you who are thirsty, comeCome-where the Spirit stirs the watersTo reveal the place where you stand as holy ground...Come-to renew your faith, your hope...”The Siena Retreat CenterLIVING IN HOPE Hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. Framed by Romans 12:12 we will explore what it means to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering and persevere in prayer.” Our keynote speaker is Irene McGoldrick, MSW, local author of “Two Chai Day: One Widow’s Story about Living beyond Grief.” Irene shares her journey as told in her book, “Two Chai Day.” This is a compelling true story about embracing love and loss, realizing there can be laughter in the midst of sadness, and learning to appreciate the ambiguity of life. Irene weaves an unforgettable narrative inspired by her late husband’s journal entries and her own honest storytelling that is heartbreaking, and at times comical. In each of our journeys there are challenges and struggles and loss can come in many forms. We will also be blessed with 2 St. Matthew’s women who will share their passion with us on Friday night and Saturday afternoon! On Friday night Colleen Volland, owner of Cream City Clay will guide us in joyful self-expression with a “hands on” experience in creating with clay. Cream City Clay is a learning and development center for the advancement of ceramic art that radiates contagious creative energy! Discover your inner artist and the inner transformation that comes about in creative activity. Saturday afternoon, Kelly Kirtley, yoga instructor and student of Mindfulness will help us learn to “be here” for the moments of our lives, without striving or judging, as we explore Mindfulness meditation. Kelly has taken classes and has spent time in extended retreat, developing a formal and informal practice that simply calls for moment to moment awareness and a desire to be fully awake in all that we experience.

Our retreat will be filled with laughter, sharing, good food and a beautiful setting! Registration forms are available at church, on our website or by contacting Sue Swing;sueswing@sbcglobal.net.

St. Matt’s Mama’s will gather on April 8 and April 22!Join this fun group of moms from 9:30-11:00 on Friday mornings in the church nursery. This is a social group dedicated to play time for the kids and connecting the moms with one another. Check out the Facebook page - St. Matt’s Mamas for updates & info!

Creative Spirit open group meets Tuesday, April 19th, 6:00-8:00 p.m. If you need time and space to finish a project this is perfect for you. If you would like to get to know more women at church in a relaxed and comfortable environment this is right up your alley. This is the “Crafting & Creating” group that many of you checked on your 2016 Activities & Ministries form this year! We have come together as the prayer shawl ministry, sustainable crafters and “any other craft project you would like to do” group! Each person brings their own project to work on at their own pace. In our January gathering we spent time in needle work, knitting, crocheting, painting and creative work on a school project for a teacher’s classroom! We’ll provide the space for you to work while you “craft” relationships with other women at St. Matthew’s. Come when you can! Bring a friend! All are welcome!

Every woman is invited toThe Women of the ELCA Clusters I - IVJoint Cluster Meeting All Women in the Greater Milwaukee Synod are welcome - Saturday, April 16 at Atonement Lutheran Church, S70 W16244 Martin Drive, Muskego. Theme: “We Are His Hands and Feet.” Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., breakfast at 9:00 a.m. Worship and program at 9:45 a.m. This program will be on the Mission to Tepeagua, El Salvador, by Renee Stadtler and Nancy Hanks. $11 registration for breakfast and program; registration only $3.00. Registration deadline is April 7. Makes checks payable to and mail registration to Jan Fox, Treasurer, 4130 S. Carnaby Lane, New Berlin, WI 53151.

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Next Mission Trip Meeting is April 10th The next monthly meeting for the youth mission trip to New Orleans is Sunday, April 10th at 12:15 in Fellowship Hall. Please bring $5 for lunch.

Middle School Mission Overnight Will Focus on Serving at Home This spring, for the first time, we are planning an overnight mission event for middle school students on Friday, April 22nd – Saturday, April 23rd. While not a weeklong commitment like the Mission Trip for high school students, the Middle School Mission Overnight will carry the same focus on serving and community that guides our mission trips. The event will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and end at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. Friday night activities will include games, an interactive hunger simulation, and projects to support area agencies that serve those who live in poverty. On Saturday morning, kids will go to different volunteer sites - including the Tosa Cares Food Pantry - as we do on our summer mission trips. Groups will return by 11:30 for lunch and debriefing. We’re excited to give middle school students this glimpse of what a mission trip is like, while also serving in our community. The event will be limited to 25, and we will need parent help with transportation on Saturday morning. To sign up your child for this event, please go to this link: http://tinyurl.com/j3wycrf. If you have any questions, talk to Gretchen Haugse.

Women Together In Prayer Annual Breakfast on Saturday, April 16, 2016, 8:30 a.m. Our speaker will be Amy Jandrisevits, a member of Cross Lutheran Church featured in the December, 2015, issue of The Lutheran Magazine. “A Doll Like Me” was begun in 2014 when Amy was asked to make a doll for a woman whose daughter’s leg had recently been amputated. By Christmas of 2014, Amy had 200 orders. Jandrisevits is a one-woman show. Friends encouraged her to hire employees, but Amy said she feels that would take away the personal touch. “I look at the doll making much like making a prayer shawl. I like to sit and think about each child as I make their doll and hope that the doll will provide some type of comfort.” Help us welcome Amy as she introduces us to another form of prayer! Please contact the church office at 414-774-0441 or office@stmattslutheran.org to sign up.

Food Justice Ministry Task Force Our partners at Cross Lutheran have begun a Task Force to develop and begin to implement plans for a Cross Food Justice Ministry. The Food Justice Ministry will seek to involve Cross members, neighbors and partners in a variety of areas related to food and hunger which face residents of our neighborhood. It will include the plans to raze the house Cross owns on 16th and Vine and redevelop the property to include a larger community garden. It will work with the Bread of Healing Empowerment Program and the Bread of Healing Clinic to develop practical education programs about food purchasing, preservation and preparation. It will create the role for a new staff person from the Lutheran Volunteer Corps who will start at Cross this August. It will advocate for justice in access to healthy food in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. This Task Force will be meeting the week of March 21st at Cross. We are looking to other Cross, Community and Partner folks to join us in planning and participating in this new ministry focus. If you have interest or expertise in building demolition, gardening, dietary education, cooking or eating healthy foods please join us! Speak with Pastor Matt or Linda Radder from Cross for more information!

Saints Event planned for April 19Visit the historic Wisconsin Club! You are invited to join our SAINTS Spring Fling on Tuesday, April 19 at the Wisconsin Club downtown Milwaukee. We are grateful to Mary Ellen Ralfs for making the arrangements for us to visit the beautiful facility on Wisconsin Avenue. It has a long history beginning in 1848 as the home of Alexander and Martha Mitchell. We will meet at St. Matthew’s and be transported by the club shuttles. Since lunch is at noon our departure from the parking lot will be 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be a Trio Roast Turkey, soup du jour and caesar salad. Coffee, tea or milk is included. After lunch we will be treated to an informational video and may tour the area. Please sign up at the SAINTS information area near the library. Event: The Wisconsin Club Date: April 19 - note this is a Tuesday and won’t conflict with the Wednesday AM Bible Study Leave time: 11:30 a.m. Cost: for lunch and transportation is $20.00 per person I hope you can come with us. Pease contact me with any questions or concerns. Jane Sandstrom, Older Adult Ministry Coordinator email: farmorjane@aol.com; phone: 262-790-1652

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An Advocacy Reflection: Prodigals, Poverty, and GraceBy: Peter Severson, Director, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Synod Few of Jesus’ parables are as familiar or artistically resonant as the parable of the prodigal son. Rembrandt immortalized it on canvas. Benjamin Britten set it to lyrics and music. Henri Nouwen wrote a spiritual autobiography around it. Of the multitude of literary and linguistic artifacts that the Bible has deposited into Western culture, the idea of the “prodigal son” is among the most well-known and well-trod. All of which sometimes makes it hard to hear the parable with fresh ears. Those who grew up in the church will know the beats by heart. The son asks for his inheritance early. He travels to a distant land, squanders it all, and ends up destitute. He comes to his senses (or as the King James and NRSV say, “he came to himself,” Luke 5:17) and realizes that even his father’s servants have enough to eat, so he beats a quick retreat back to the old homestead and begs his father’s forgiveness. Whether the son’s plea is sincere or not, the father welcomes him back joyfully and promptly throws a huge party, fatted calf and all. The brother returns from the fields, sees the party in progress, and is more than mildly piqued at the excess of it all. Jesus wraps it up with the heart of the parable: The father has forgiven this son, who was dead and now has come back to life. It’s a model of reconciliation and forgiveness, an almost staggering display of generosity of heart that is hard to imagine playing out in modern Western culture. In our culture, those who would presume to ask for an inheritance early would be looked on with suspicion and probably scorn. Anyone who would squander their resources in profligate depravity certainly deserves to live in destitution. And a son who would come home after all that and beg forgiveness, well … certainly no one is obligated to forgive him, even his own parents. These are the messages we’d most likely hear in the contemporary cultural moment. As an advocate, I find myself hearing something new in the parable this time, and it comes from the juxtaposition of those culturally defined reactions with the beats of the story. Typically, this is read as a story that is principally about forgiveness and reconciliation. I still read it that way. But what if we read it also as a story about generosity and solidarity? A story where a person who has reached the depths of destitution is treated as still human, still worthy of welcome, still worthy of “caritas,” still worthy of grace? Many advocates who work with and on behalf of people living in poverty will tell you that familiar tropes arise time and again among opponents who don’t want to change the system. Many people are comfortable with our economic status quo, and many believe in the ideology that our position in life is determined almost exclusively by our relative merit and skill in society. The poor, the argument continues, are largely in that condition by their own fault, and so a social program to assist them is predicated on a false assumption that they don’t actually deserve their destitution. This is the “bootstraps” mentality, which is especially prevalent here in the American West.

New social message: gender-based violence This past November, the ELCA Church council adopted both a social message on gender-based violence and an accompanying foundational document. The message is now available online and in printed form. The foundational documentation is available online for download and provides significant analysis, statistics and context. These two documents are among the first on this subject to be adopted by a national denomination and are widely seen as a distinct call to new understanding and action. The social message originally was requested by the ELCA Task Force on Women and Justice: One in Christ. The ELCA Church council agreed and directed the theological discernment team of the Office of the Presiding Bishop to develop the message. The development process including consultations with a large group of experts, public comment period and multiple drafts. This social message is the 14th of its kind adopted by the council. Other topics include suicide prevention, immigration, mental illness and end-of-life decisions. Visit www.ELCA.org/socialmessages to review all of them.

Advocacy

As I read this parable, however, I encounter something amazing: Here is a person who actually does create his own economic reality, and actually does squander all his resources and land himself in poverty – a far cry from the circumstances of virtually any impoverished family in the United States today, but with the same endgame of penury. And yet this son, who by all rights deserved to be mucking about in the sty with pigs, who deserved no “helping hand” up, is welcomed back with joy anyway. It doesn’t matter that he “brought it on himself” – grace and welcome and “caritas” are given freely. The older brother’s rage then becomes newly familiar, perhaps, as we see him frustrated that someone so reckless would be given help to be restored and made whole. Doesn’t he deserve to get left behind and trampled underfoot? How dare he

be welcomed back? When we read with this lens, the parable becomes an even more deeply and radically counter-cultural message. It does everything that our modern competitive capitalist economy tells us not to do.How rich in compassion is the father for his prodigal, profligate son. And how rich are we called to be with our impoverished neighbors, whose circumstances deeply resemble that of the son and yet did not arise by “squandering [their] property in dissolute living”? (Luke 5:13) Rather than viewing our

neighbors as competition to be defeated, as discardable, as somehow less-than-human beings, what if we chose the way of Jesus? He asks us instead to be reconciled through him to all our neighbors, to be restored to right relationship. He asks us instead to be vessels of grace and mercy. May it be, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

Rather than viewing our neighbors as competition to be defeated, as discardable, as somehow less-than-human beings, what if we chose the way of Jesus?

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Social MinistryCommunity Warehouse/Milwaukee Working Book Drive in April Once again, as spring cleaning begins, we will host a drop-off for new and used books—including college textbooks, technical manuals, references books, fiction and non-fiction books; New and used video games, DVDs, and CDs. Bring your items to the large bins on the first floor of the church throughout the month of April! Milwaukee Working is a Christian organization that provides employment opportunities and training in Milwaukee’s Central City for under-employed, never employed and background chal-lenged individuals who are seeking work in an effort to turn their lives around but find it very difficult to get employed due to lack of experience or past criminal records. The “Books for Jobs” program turns donated items into jobs. What you donate we list for resale on Amazon, Ebay and other websites. Our staff develop technical and practical skills. Do Not Bring: Magazines - Encyclopedias - VHS tapes

Thank you for making a national response to the Flint, Michigan water crisis Following a visit to Salem Lutheran Church, the ELCA Congregation mentioned by Bishop Eaton in Flint and their Pastor Monica Villarreal, the community’s needs can be addressed by us here at St. Matthew’s in the following ways:A) Make a Financial donation to St.

Matthew’s (memo: ‘Flint water’), which will be shared with the Southeast Michigan Synod to support the purchase of:

Water! Jugs are better than bottles, but any container is acceptable and distilled water is preferred over spring water, but, again, any is acceptable.

Filtration Systems that are certified against NSF/ANSI standards 53, such as Whole House systems for residents (estimated costs at $10,000 ea.)

Hand Sanitizer – for basic hand cleaning Water is currently distributed in local fire stations; in the Salem

Lutheran Church zip code, there are no fire stations so the response is met by community organizations and churches. Additionally, some distribution centers have limits of one case of water per household/per day. Some residents may make daily trips to have enough water for their families or neighbors.

B) Use your voice to advocate for national and local support. Visit the ELCA Advocacy Webpage for the latest Advocacy Alerts

C) Hold the people of Flint, the government and utility officials, and others impacted by this crisis in your prayers.

Retreat of Renewal: Race and ForgivenessApril 25-26, 2016, Cedar Valley Retreat Center, West Bend Participants will explore their perceptions and attitudes about race and their personal journey of discovery as it pertains to racial identity. Participants will learn phases of forgiveness and how forgiveness as a tool can impact understanding of others and relieve conflictual cultural situations. Featured trainers are Angelique Robinson, Forgiveness Institute and Martha Barry, Racial Justice Director, YWCA. Registration Fee is $125 and will be supplemented by St. Matthew’s - $60 will be covered for you; your cost, $65.00.

Join St. Matthew’s at the Serenity Inns 6th Celebration of Recovery Dinner and Fundraiser More than 385—that’s the number of men—former alcoholics and drug addicts—who have been given the tools to find new paths in life at Serenity Inns since its founding 12 years ago. The first resident was admitted on April 12, 2004, and each year has brought new success stories like those you will hear about at our Anniversary Celebration. Please join us in marking the 6th Celebration of Recovery fundraiser on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the Italian Community Center. The evening will begin with fellowship and a silent auction at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and will include a brief message from the Honorable Carl Ashley, current Drug Court judge, and messages from a graduate and a resident as well as recognition of a valuable community partner. Last year’s event was a great success! It promises to be a great evening! Do you want to be part of it? The cost is $30/person. (St. Matthew’s will underwrite $35 of the dinner cost) You can also Buy a dinner for a resident or graduate – just $65!

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Our Church Family Recently hospitalized: Bill Dermody at Froedtert; Ruth Zarse at Elmbrook after a fall. Karolyn Anderson is in rehabilitation at Luther Manor. Agnes Wells and Sue Kraus are recovering from surgery. Larry Gjenvick is recovering from a heart procedure. Long time member Fred Pflughoeft died on February 21. Fred Pflughoeft was a quiet, reflective man who didn’t say a lot, but whose faith spoke volumes in the many ways he cared and served in and through St. Matthew’s ministry. At the age of 93, Fred was a loving husband to Roylee and father to three adult children. Professionally, Fred was a prosthodontist who worked at the VA Hospital and taught at Marquette Dentistry school. He was recently awarded a lifetime achievement award from the American College of Dentistry. A consummate gentleman, Fred served as a Sunday School teacher, head of the grounds crew, and served on the church council and Luther Manor Board. He loved to travel and take photos of the many wonderful places around the world they visited, and Fred especially loved time with his family at the life-long family cottage in Medford. His kindness, caring nature and friendliness will always be remembered as we think of Fred, but we now entrust him to our Lord and Savior as he begins a new life with Christ. A memorial service was held on March 5 at St. Matthew’s. Congratulations to these grandparents in our congrega-tion!Kenny Peter Lai Bross was born on February 22 to Matthew and Louise Bross; younger brother to Jacob. Grandson to Ed and Lois Bross.Joshua Peter LaLiberte was born to Jeff & Laura LaLiberte in Hollywood, Florida; younger brother to Gabriel. Grandson to Jim & Gretchen Daul.Louise Rachel Burns was born to Charlie & Kiersten Burns on March 4. Grandparents are Mark & Rebecca Petersen. Mary Ann & Harvin Abrahamson are blessed with a great grandchild, Perry Helen Abrahamson.

Thanks to Heather Deaton for taking photos of several events recently, especially the Women’s Wellness Day.Thanks to Erin Fassbender for creating the new member photo page layout in this issue of the Voice.Thanks to Tom “Flash” Gordon for changing all the clocks in the building for the beginning of Daylight Saving Time.

Healing Service Schedule: All are welcome at monthly healing services Healing services are offered monthly at St. Matthew’s at a variety of times to give all the opportunity to come forward for healing prayer for themselves or others. You can share your concern with the pastor/leader at the altar, and then he/she along with the healing ministries will lay on hands and give a special prayer for your concern. Your concern can be general if you don’t wish to share specifically.

March 24, 2016 Maundy Thursday; after the 10:30 a.m. & 7:15 p.m. servicesSunday, April 17 During the 11:00 service with Holy CommunionSunday, May 22 At 9:45 a.m. during the

Education HourSunday, June 19 During the 10:15 a.m.

Communion service

Bulletin Board St. Matthew’s Men’s Softball: St. Matt’s will once again have a softball team in the Tosa Men’s Rec League this year. Games are played on Tuesday nights throughout the summer at Hart Bark and Whitman Middle School. The first games are set for April 19. If you want to play, talk to Pastor Matt or email Michael Kruse (mrobertkruse@gmail.com). Also, please sign up on the team roster in the Welcome Center. The cost is $22 for Tosa residents and $32 for players residing in other municipalities. Car for Sale: 2007 Buick LaCrosse, 67,000 miles, clean and good condition; asking $5,800. Contact Tim Schoewe, 414-248-9165. The Blood Center of Wisconsin has asked us to consider holding a summer blood drive, as this is a time when blood supplies become very low. We have been holding an annual blood drive in the winter, usually in late Janu-ary. If you are a donor, consider donating at our summer drive, Monday, August 8, 2016. Sign-up will begin in June.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran 2016 Special Funds ReportResults as of 3/06/2016

Dollars needed to complete mortgage $605,835Hunger baskets, year-to-date, for Hunger $3,7972015 Benevolence through February 29 $68,000 including Kingdom Account Distributions

PERIODICALS RATEMail Carrier: Please deliver by March 26, 2016.

The Voice of St. Matthew’sWe are called to welcome, nurture, equip and send

Next issue of the VOICE is dated April 24, 2016.

Wauwatosa, Wisconsinwww.stmattslutheran.org

Day of Grace - A Visit from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Pr. Matt Kruse, Greater Milwaukee Synod Bishop Jeff Barrow, Pr. Chris Manke.

February 28 was an exciting day at St. Matthew’s. Presiding Bishop Eaton preached at the 8:30 and 11:00 services, answered questions during the Education Hour, and gave a presentation from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on who we are as the ELCA; and what the Lutheran church does worldwide. Bishop Eaton’s visit to Wauwatosa was planned when she accepted our invitation early last year. We are thankful and honored that she made the trip to visit St. Matthew’s!

During the education time between worship services, Bishop Eaton fielded questions from the audience as well as from Dan Bice.

Lunch was catered from Bunzel’s with some extra homemade touches. Guests for the afternoon came from all over our synod.