Volume 84, No. 9 - July 19, 2015
Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’ - John 8:12
The “I Am” Statements of Jesus St. Matthew’s Summer Series
Photo by Pastor Chris Manke
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, Matthew Kruse and Margaret Schoewe, Pastors
1615 Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213414-774-0441 fax 414-774-0989
E-mail: [email protected] our website: www.StMattsLutheran.org
Summer Sunday worship: 7:30, 8:30 and 10:15 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 [email protected]
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Road re-construction nears completionNever has blacktop been so welcome as when the city crews began laying it on Milwaukee and Underwood Avenues during the last weeks of June, after weeks of uneven layers of dirt and gravel. There will be one more layer of blacktop put down to complete the job. Thanks to the city crews who worked quickly and efficiently, keeping in mind that since our parking lots are most needed on Sundays, leaving us with access to them over the weekend was greatly appreciated.
Beauty in the midst of chaosThank you to our garden crew for working hard to keep our flowers and plants looking beautiful during this growing season. These are just a few of the perennials, roses and clematis, but there are so many more. Thank you to Bob Zwaska for his leadership, and thank you to the crew who volunteers a week at a time to keep the plants watered. They’ve also had to work around any construction inconveniences. More photos in the next issue!
The Pastor’s Voice
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Grace and peace to you, Our brothers and sisters at St. Matthew’s – Over the past ten months, we have held faithful discussions with our Church Council, processing how we should move forward with regard to same gender marriages at St. Matthew’s. We began this conversation proactively, hoping to have a plan in place to keep any couple seeking a same gender wedding from being a source of conflict or division, even though as of today no one has requested that we officiate a same gender wedding.Things we discussed during our conversation with the Church Council involved the ELCA’s Social Statement, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, which recognizes that in the ELCA and here at St. Matthew’s, we are not of one mind on the question of same gender marriage. The decisions of the 2009 Church-wide Assembly leave the question of how to support same gender couples to local congregations and pastors, while calling on all members of the church to be “respectful of various perspectives and accepting of differing practices.” Our discussions with the council reflected these varying opinions about same gender marriage; we expect there may be disagreement about this decision.We also asked the Church Council to look at our constitution for guidance about marriage. According to the constitution, the practice of and decisions regarding marriages fall under the discretion of the pastor(s). Article VI, Section 5b states: “Pastors should…care for the people individually, and as a congregation, give catechetical instruction, confirm, marry in accordance with the teaching of the church and the laws of the state, visit the sick and distressed and bury the dead.” Our current wedding policies are in line with this document, and give the pastors the freedom to discern if any couple may not be prepared or suited for marriage. As a part of our discussions with the Church Council, we looked to the ELCA’s Social Statement on Human Sexuality for guidance as to the church’s teachings. As Lutherans, we understand scripture as a central guide to our faith and lives, yet it is a living Word that is open to interpretation over time.
The Social Statement names marriage as a human institution which is not central to salvation and is not perfect (9); and defines marriage as “a covenant of mutual promises, commitment, and hope authorized legally by the state and blessed by God” (16). Our council’s discussion affirmed the use of pastoral discretion as to who can or cannot be married within a congregation, and also lifted up the institution of marriage as a good vehicle for the strengthening of people and families, and a way people are called by God to live out their baptismal calling and share God’s love with the world.After these faithful council discussions, and with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision (Obergefell v. Hodges) granting equal marriage rights to same gender partners in all fifty states and affirming the legality of same gender marriage in Wisconsin, it is our intent to officiate same gender weddings at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, beginning September 1st, 2015, if it is ever requested of us. We are grateful for the openness to all committed, loving couples in the civil institution of marriage, with its rights and benefits. We agree with the organization Reconciling Works which stated, “Marriage is a way for committed couples who choose to exchange lifelong promises of mutual responsibility to care for and support each other, through the peaks and valleys of life, asking friends, family, and, in many cases, faith communities, to support them and hold them accountable.” As we celebrate all legal marriages at St. Matthew’s, we maintain our commitment to ensure, through counseling and referrals, that couples married in our congregation are a part of mature, loving, and respectful relationships.Over the next few months, we as pastors are happy to meet with you individually or in a group to listen respectfully to feedback you may wish to share regarding our decision. May God’s blessing of community here at St. Matthew’s continue to grow and flourish in and through our relationships!
God’s Peace, Pastor Chris and Pastor Matt
Re: A conversation on same gender weddings at St. Matthew’s
Upcoming EventsPage 4
What’s next now that Pastor Margaret has retired? Now that Pastor Margaret has retired, we are moving towards not only filling her called position, but also answering the question of what else is needed on staff to have a stronger ministry. We are speaking with staff members, the Human Resources committee, the Finance Committee, and forming a Staff Strategy committee – all looking to answer that question of what else should we be offering at St. Matthew’s within the scope of improving how we care about people. Also, to support the current pastors during this interim time, we are looking at bringing in help for Sunday mornings. This person would help preach once a month and help lead services while we wait for another called pastor on staff. Please pray for St. Matthew’s in this process, and stay tuned, as developments arise we will share them as we go.
Partner Event:Cross Lutheran Church community invites us to August 30 celebrationPlease save the date! On Sunday August 30, from noon to 4:00 PM Cross will welcome residents of our neighborhood and our church and community partners to end the summer in celebration. There will be great food, music, games and prizes for children, and information about programs serving our community. It will be a special time for all of us to get to know each other better.
Come to sing in the Summer Choir Come and be a part of a short-term choir - even a one-day choir! St. Matthew’s Summer Choir is an opportunity for you to get together for one rehearsal on a Sunday morning at 9:30, and then to sing at the 10:15 worship service. All voice parts welcome; youth welcome, too. The dates are: July 26 and August 23Come at 9:30 a.m. to the choir room on the second floor, south side (education wing) choir room, and be a part of it.
Golf Outing in memory of two St. Matthew’s men to be long-remembered;August 7 is Men’s Golf Outing at Kettle Hills in Richfield Men of St. Matthew’s (and friends!): Sign up now for the 3rd annual Bob Biehn and Tim Ireland Memorial Golf Outing, Friday, August 7, 2015 beginning at 10 a.m. at Kettle Hills Golf Course, 3375 Hwy. 167 West, Richfield. The format will be two man best ball. Fees are $70 which includes all of this: 18 holes golf with cart, lunch of sausage and chips, beverage, and a donation to St. Matthew’s Youth Mission Trip. Sign up at the Welcome Center in the Upper Commons. Contact Jim Bowen with questions, 414-614-2799. Stick around for beverages and fellowship after the round. Bob Biehn was a long-time member of St. Matthew’s along with his wife, Joyce. They raised their children at this church. For the last ten years of his life, Bob was a chaperon for the Youth mission trips to a variety of locations. He was well-loved by many and remembered for his friendly smile and positive outlook. Tim Ireland was a life-long member of St. Matthew’s, the son of Scotty and Ruth, and the brother of Lynn Howard, also a life-long (and current) member. Tim was the church custodian for many years and had a strong sense of loyalty to the building and its members. Both Bob and Tim supported St. Matt’s youth in many ways, and they enjoyed a good church fellowship event, especially if it was a youth fundraiser. Let’s fill up the sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center and raise some money for St. Matthew’s youth!
Pr. Michelle (right below) and Linda Radder (left) are two of the leaders at Cross Lutheran. Pr. Michelle is the lead pastor and Linda is the parish nurse. We are thankful to them for their leadership in helping our partnership with Cross Church to grow.
Don’t forget to sign up your children for Vacation Bible School, Monday - Friday, August 3-7, 8:45 - 11:45 a.m. Invite friends, too! Registration forms can be picked up at church or downloaded from our website: www.stmattslutheran.org. It’s going to be a great week! Sign up now! Questions? Call the church office.
Meru Benefit Golf Outing is August 23Join us in Taking a swing at doing justice! At Kettle Hills Golf Course in Richfield, we will have an 18-hole game and a 9-hole game and then a group dinner at 7 p.m. The games include a cart, dinner and door prizes. If you don’t golf, join us for dinner, with door prizes, raffles, live
and silent auction, and great fellowship, $35/person. Your support of this event will provide funding for the Mt. Meru coffee project micro loan program. This program provides small loans to the coffee farmers, often less than $100, allowing the farmers to obtain the equipment and materials for them to improve the great coffee that they grow for us. Also, some of the proceeds will be directed to our local synod fund “Outreach for Hope” supporting life-giving ministries with the poor in communities of the Greater Milwaukee Synod. Last year the Meru Benefit Golf Outing raised $5,000! Won’t you help us this year? And
have fun while you’re helping! For more details, check out www.mtmerucoffee.org and you can even register there and pay your fee through Paypal. Direct questions to Jerry Schmidt, 262-335-3815 or Fred Meyer 262-993-2309.
God’s Work. Our Hands. - September 13 - A nationwide ELCA Day of Service God is calling you. You have answered; you continue to say “yes” every day in a variety of ways. On September 13, 2015, you will have the opportunity to put your “yes” into action with members of over 10,000 ELCA congregations nation-wide as we celebrate the ELCA’s dedicated day of service, God’s Work. Our Hands. No matter your age or physical condition, whether you like to work in groups or alone, whether you have 30 minutes or three hours, whether you prefer to help inside the walls of St. Matthew’s or out in the community, you can serve. Even if you need to watch the Packers-Bears game, we can accommodate your schedule. You can sign up for a specific project in the Commons any Sunday between now and September 13. Talk to your family, your small group, your committee, your friends, your ministry partners. Join the worker bees of St. Matthew’s, the the Greater Milwaukee Synod, and the ELCA. In the words of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, “We are church together, and we are church for the sake of the world.”
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Thank You from Pastor Margaret Schoewe
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Dear People of St Matthew’s What a wonderful sending you gave me on June 14!!! I can’t imagine a better way to move into retirement. Your kindness will always remain in my heart. As I look back I realize that I don’t really know all the people that worked to make this day so special. I will do the best I can here. Please know that I am grateful to all who helped. The reception in the commons was beautifully laid out and filled with delicious treats – a very welcoming sight to members and guests and a wonderful reflection of my Danish heritage. Thank you to organizers Carrie Brewer and Kristin Olson, bakers – Doris Kloth and Linda Levengood and those who went to Racine to get the best kringle and Danish layer cake. And special thanks for Tim’s “Day to Day” cookies. And two beautiful services – red for the color of the day and the celebration that it was! Thank you to all who planned and organized the services and to those who participated – especially to those who spoke at the altar, font, and pulpit – your words and presence touched me. And to our senior choir and Dave Mohr – Jesus Loves Me with Fred Heim’s sax and The Lord Bless You and Keep You – two beautiful anthems I will carry with me. To the Engelhardt Family Singers, and Fallen Angels – thank you for familiar and favorite hymns and to John Paradowski for his special postlude. And the beautifully decorated Fellowship Hall. Thank you to Patti Cimermancic for the beautiful table flowers, for cloth tablecloths (for use in many future dinners) and for the beautifully decorated packets of bird seeds. Caring for Creation and the beauty of nature shone through your décor. And to Matt Petersen for taking a break from seminary studies and coming from Chicago to organize and direct the food preparations (wonderful, healthy and local), to his parents, Mark and Rebecca Petersen for baking all of the rhubarb crisp and to all who worked Saturday and Sunday cooking and cleaning up. Our new kitchen got a great work out.
And thank you for that wonderful program. To Nancy Bowen for organizing, emceeing and weaving everything together through the wreath – to all the presenters – your kind words and story telling gifts reminded me how rich these last nine years have been as we walked together in ministry. To Marge Crawford and her weaving crew – the perfect green rug for our Door County kitchen. To the congregation – for your generous gift of airline tickets for Tim and I, for the beautiful trees – so that we can all enjoy their shade for many years and for all your many cards, notes and good wishes and your generous support of St. Matthew’s Caring for Creation Fund. Thanks to your generosity nearly $20,000 has been raised to help care for God’s good creation! And thank you to all the staff for your leadership and behind the scenes work – to Sonja, Jill and Holly for taking lunch reservations, organizing cards and recording donations, to Gretchen and Sue for many details that enhanced the beauty and hospitality of the day, to John Swenson for making the church building shine, to John Paradowski for service planning and music, and to Pr Chris and Pr Matt for overall coordination. And to Petey Lund (quasi staff) for communications. I was especially touched by the closing video made by Pr Chris and the song he included. Will You Come and Follow Me was sung at my ordination. How fitting that it should close my call. The words that especially move me are – “Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same.” I feel that we did that and none of us are the same – we are all better for the time we spent together worshiping and serving as each of us has been called to do. I pray that each of us would continue to heed those words in love and service to the world. Love and Blessings, Margaret
[Jesus] said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’ Mark 4:30-32
Mission Trip Group Returns with Changed PerspectivesThis year’s youth mission trip to Denver opened eyes and hearts to the daily struggles of the poor and the homeless. Through various service sites and urban education activities, including a walking tour of areas inhabited by homeless men, participants in this year’s trip were exposed to the very tough decisions that people living in poverty and on the streets have to make.
A new appreciation of individual space was gained after hearing the words of a previously homeless speaker who described his discomfort at sleeping side by side in close quarters in a room full of people he didn’t know. An understanding of why some children appear unkempt or uncared for was achieved after a simulation that presented us with the economic choices people have to make that sometimes make it impossible to buy adequate clothing or even do laundry regularly.
Through stocking food pantries, working with children whose families were on the verge of homelessness, painting homes and engaging in neighborhood revitalization efforts, we came to understand the words of social activist and author, Father Gregory Boyle: “Here is what we seek: a compassion that can stand in awe at what the poor have to carry rather than stand in judgment at how they carry it.”
St. Matthew’s Youth Mission Trip 2015: June 20-28
See the next two pages of photos to learn about how our Mission Trip participants spent their time in Denver.
Departure Photo: Looking forward to a week of serving and learning in Denver, this year’s mission trip group of 63 teens and adults prepares to load the buses and head west.
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Our week in Denver began with a talk by Randle Loeb, an incredibly articulate and passionate advocate for the homeless, who shared his experience as a homeless individual.
Most of the group worked with Food Bank of the Rockies, the largest private hunger-relief organization in Colorado, which provides food and supplies to more than 800 food relief programs in Colorado.
Aaron Rockenbach, Matt Doberstein, Cameron Holton, Hannah Agpoon and Vince Prantil do some heavy lifting to fill a pallet for a food pantry served by Food Bank of the Rockies.
One of the many homeless residents of Denver, seeking to find space and dignity on the streets.
Brianna Stolte reads with a child at Colfax Community Network, an organization that works with the transient motel population on Denver’s Colfax Avenue.
Alec Kirtley contemplates the majesty of God’s creation in the Rocky Mountains.
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The current was swift and the smiles infectious on the Poudre River. From left to right are Amanda Patterson, Lexi Schmidt, Brianna Stolte, Tom Templeman, Izzy Greene, T Stallings and Maddy Cox.
Pictured with some of those served by the ARC Thrift Stores are Tom Templeman, Katie Gastrau, Claudia Strand, Olivia Starrett, Madeline Serafin and Hailey Lippold.
All levels of this house were trimmed with fresh paint by the St Matthew’s group, who are shown here with the grateful homeowners.
Nora Murphy, Noah Suchy, Cameron Holton, Alyssa Poe, Lexi Schmidt, Julia Wulff and Kelly Kirtley helped clean up an alley as part of a neighborhood improvement project of Extreme Community Makeover.
Grace Templeman and Lindsey Starrett sort fresh produce at the Action Center in Lakewood, an agency that responds to the basic human needs of those dealing with poverty and homelessness.
MountainMission Moments
Women’s Ministry
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It’s Free - It’s a Movie - Come See“Dear White People” - a satirical piece on race relations.Thursday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Jackson Park Lutheran Church, 4535 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee. After this 94 minute film during which generous free snacks will be available, there will be a brief discussion led by Greater Milwaukee Synod Anti-Racism Team. About the Movie:
The setting is an exclusive, fictional Ivy League college called Winchester University. One of the most popular, on-campus radio shows is called “Dear White People” which features no-stop lecturing by Sam White. Her focus as the title suggests is the way Caucasians on campus interact with the minorities. In some ways, her rants seem almost helpful... But sometimes it goes much deeper. There is more to the film... it will be worth your time.Sponsored by the Anti-Racism Team of our Greater Milwaukee Synod to help leaders and members in congregations and our synod continue their anti-racist journey against the presence of systemic, cultural, and personal racism in life.
“Respecting the Humanity of Prisoners” This event is a unique encounter with the stories, letters, poems, artwork, and essays of Wisconsin prisoners and their families, where participants will explore and discover that which reveals their feelings, experiences, and hopes. The date is Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First Unitarian Society, 1342 N. Astor St., Milwaukee. All are welcome. Event Co-Sponsors are: ACLU of Wisconsin; Body and Soul Healing Arts Center, JusticePoint, MICAH, Prison Action Milwaukee, Project Return, Wisconsin Community Services, and WISDOM, and presented by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship, Milwaukee.
Women’s Retreat Weekend:Turning Gratitude Into Grateful Living
This year’s theme is GRATEFUL LIVING with Bible Study & Worship Leader Pastor Alexis Twito at Pine Lake Camp in Waupaca, WisconsinAugust 14th (Friday p.m.) - August 16th (Sunday noon) Shop at the Fair Trade Boutique … Enjoy a Massage … Join the Book Club Enjoy God’s beautiful creation while you are canoeing, hiking, swimming or sitting around the evening campfire. You’ll be inspired by the candlelit Taizé service and the guided meditations. Early bird registration due by July 23rd. Registration forms available at the Welcome Center at church or at www.greatermilwaukeeswo.org
Save the Date!Greater Milwaukee Synod Women’s Organization 28th Annual ConventionSaturday, October 3, 2015Norway Lutheran Church, Wind Lake, WIRegistration 7:30 AM; Opening Worship 8:30 AMThe theme, “Bold Women Hope” comes from Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” The keynote speaker will be Tracey Stadler who lives in Jackson, WI with her husband Dann and who endured a devastating accident caused by a drunk driver. Workshops include:
Outreach for Hope:... Presenter: Pastor Jim BickelLiving Hope... Presenter: Pastor Sandy ChristowskiHope in Action... Presenter: Cindy Arnett
$50 Early Bird Registration must be postmarked by August 17th. Registration forms and scholarship request forms available at the Welcome Center.
Social Ministry
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St. Matt’s Mamas Summer Play Group St. Matt’s Mamas is moms and kids who get together to socialize and play throughout the summer. This year we are adding a book discussion to our meetings about two times per month!Here are the details:When: Thursday Mornings from 9:30-11:00 Where: St. Matthew’s Church Nursery (the group may decide to move to an outdoor play ground from time to time) The book discussion is on The Five Love Languages of Children by Dr. Gary Chapman, Ph.D and Ross Campbell, M.D. Discover and discuss how to express unconditional feelings of respect, affection and commitment and let your child know just how much you love them.Book Discussion Dates: July 16, July 30, August 13 Check out the face book group page - St. Matt’s Mamas for ongoing communication, details, book discussion dates. You can also contact Sue Swing; [email protected] for more information. All are welcome!
St. Matt’s First Fridays Book Club reveals Reading List for 2015-2016 year The St. Matthew’s book group, which usually meets on the first Friday of each month beginning in October, has shared their reading list. It is available at church or on our website.The first couple of books you may wish to begin now! For October’s discussion the book is: Cutting for Stone: A Novel: by Abraham Verghese (667
pages) -------------------------- For November’s discussion
the book is: Ghost Boy: The Miraculous
Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body by Martin Pistorious (288 pages)
Coming this fall! Back to school isn’t just for the kids...Adults please join us on Wednesday nights!
Animate:BibleAn interactive DVD-based series that will get us talking on topics like:
How did the books of the Bible become the Bible?How might technology and easier access to the Bible change the way read and interpret the Bible?How do we make peace with the violence, strange laws and treatment of women in the Old Testament?And many others...
These sessions will help us to have an engaging, nuanced, hopeful, and positive relationship with the sacred texts of the Bible. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the Bible in a safe, non-threatening environment this will be the place to do it. Questions encouraged, previous knowledge is not required and No Homework! Details to come in upcoming issues of the VOICE or contact Sue Swing at [email protected].
What’s up with the Library? Now that our library director Bev Etzelmueller has retired, what’s going to happen to the library? Fear not! We are in discussions about that this summer. Our talks have encouraged continuing to offer the same availability of resources, if not more. We want the library to be a place where anyone at anytime can find great titles and spiritual help when looking, along with other possible uses. There is a small committee discussing ideas and formulating plans. Ideas will be shared in future issues of the Voice.
Small Group Bible Study and Other Adult Education
If you’re a caregiver, this day is for you“Caring for the Caregiver” Save the date for this practical, helpful and inspirational event scheduled for Saturday, October 31 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Marquette University. Registration starts in September and the cost is only $15!
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Serving on Sunday Mornings in the Summer Months Sunday 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]. The current schedule runs from May 3rd - August 30th. During the summer months we know that there will be Sundays when you are away enjoying a much-deserved vacation or quality time outdoors with family and friends. We have all waited a long time for this! If you are unable to fulfill a Sunday morning schedule commitment please utilize MSP to request a sub. Or, contact us to let us know you won’t be here.
Care for CreationYour Garden Flowers Needed We will begin using beautiful flowers from members’ gardens now that summer has finally arrived and flowers are blooming. Karen Haglund has volunteered to coordinate this. If you have some flowers to share and would be willing to put together a bouquet for an upcoming Sunday, contact Karen at [email protected] or call the church office at 414-774-0441.
Green Tips:• Schedule an energy audit to learn more about
your energy consumption and what steps you can take to cut energy costs. Many utility companies and service providers perform energy audits at no or low cost to you.
• Check air conditioner filters; they should be cleaned or replaced monthly to help the unit run at peak efficiency. If you have an outdoor unit, make sure its coils are unobstructed by debris, plants or shrubs.
• Install ceiling fans to save money on cooling and heating and reduce energy waste. In the summer, use them in place of a central air conditioner.
• Run heat-producing appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers and ovens during the cooler hours of the day in the summer months.
• Don’t place lamps with incandescent bulbs near your air-conditioning thermostat. The heat given off by them will register on the thermostat, causing the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
• Set central air conditioning units as high as is comfortable. For each degree above 78, you’ll save 6 to 8 percent in cooling costs.
• Keep windows and drapes closed on hot days to reduce radiant solar gain.
Save the date:“Why Green Burial: World Faith Practices and Sustainable Options” September 20, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Urban Ecology Center, Washington Park, sponsored by the Interfaith Conferfence of Greater Milwaukee and the Interfaith Earth Network of Southeastern Wisconsin. There will be engaging speakers, faith-specific burial rituals, sustainable/green options, discussion, Q & A, refreshments, and a free movie screening. More details to follow as the date gets closer.
Tragedy in Charleston
I heard the news in disbelief -what words are there to say
to comfort those who mourn their losson this most tragic day?
How many kisses are no morefrom loved ones as they leave?The loss so many suffer now
so hard just to believe.
Some arms so empty now it seems - no one now just to hold
No laughter left for them to share -no loved one to enfold.
A last “goodbye” has now been saidjust echoes still remain.
My eyes are filled - I wipe awaythe tears I can’t contain.
We claim we are all equal here -this country of the free -
and yet someone so filled with hateproves that it cannot be!
Did not the killer know that we’reno diff ’rent from each other?
Just men and women made by God -now sister and a brother?
How many days will go on bywhen hate will kill and then
I’ll bow my head in silent prayerand I will weep again.
Chuck Shantz(St. Matthew’s Poet)
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Bulletin Board
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eatonto be our guest in 2016 On February 28, 2016, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will spend the day at St. Matthew’s, preaching the Word and presenting an afternoon session for the Day of Grace. Elected at the national assembly in 2013, Bishop Eaton serves the whole Church as preacher, teacher, interpreter, and administrator of the sacraments in addition to her duties as chief executive officer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is the Church’s chief ecumenical officer and provides leadership for the 65 synodical bishops. And, she is a pastor, one of our pastors, whose discernment, wisdom, and words help to guide our Church. Over the next few months the Voice will be publishing excerpts from Bishop Eaton’s regular column in The Lutheran, as well as other statements and messages to the whole Church, so that the people of St. Matthew’s can get to know her and anticipate the gifts she will bring to the Day of Grace.
An Excerpt from her column in “The Lutheran” magazine“Unglamorous yet vital:Our relationship with money is a profoundly spiritual issue” A church in the Northeastern Ohio Synod describes itself as a “50/50” congregation. It gives away half of offerings received. A significant portion goes to mission support, but the congregation also supports local projects and ministries. I visited this congregation on the day was bringing in offerings for a special appeal. One by one, somber parishioners came forward and placed their offerings in a basket before the altar. Farther back in the congregation I noticed a girl, maybe 5 years old, sitting on her father’s lap. She squirmed and wriggled until he gave her his offering and set her loose. She came tearing down the aisle, check held high, looking for all the world as if she had won the lottery. As she returned to her seat, I pointed out the joy of giving this little girl embodied. Someone from the congregation quipped, “It’s not her money.” I waited for a minute and then said, “No, it’s her Father’s money.” We have a conflicted relationship with money. We claim that it can’t buy us love or happiness on the one hand but measure our worth and security by it on the other. We don’t like to talk about money in church. We’ve talked about human sexuality in this church for years, but we don’t talk about money. It’s just beyond the pale. Giving is a spiritual discipline. It’s a way for us to learn to live by faith. It’s a way to participate in God’s generosity and abundance. It’s a way to move beyond ourselves. It’s also a way for us to be connected one to another. Responding to the grace and prodigal love of God expressed in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, our giving is a communal act. Giving isn’t a private thing any more than worship is. It’s part of our life together. I’m not talking about the ostentatious and self-serving giving that Jesus warns against in Matthew 6:2-4, but the intentional and, in her case, extravagant offering of the widow at the temple (Mark 12:41-44). Hers was a public act of faith and participation in the corporate life of the community. Giving patterns have changed. I understand that people want to give to specific projects or local causes. That’s great. Keep doing that. In fact, check out Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. You can designate to vital ministries to your heart’s content. But be a part of faithful, liberating, connecting mission support. It might not be glamorous, but it makes a difference. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
We’ve talked about human sexuality in this church for years, but we don’t talk about money.
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Church Family Recently hospitalized: Myrtle Stapleton at Elmbrook, now home. Ron Wells is now in rehabilitation at Luther Manor after surgery for a broken hip. Bella Smith is recovering from foot surgery after a gymnastics injury. Mark Wooster has moved to the Jewish Home to receive daily medical care; Condolences to the following people who have lost family members dear to them: Judy Malone whose mother Anita Renner, died June 15; Heidi Fendos and family; whose 20-year-old nephew Jon Derynda died unexpectedly. We rejoice with the Thiel family as Kendra Thiel and Andrew Kuhnmuench exchanged marriage vows on July 11. Helen Boomsma and Michael Whittow were married by Pastor Matt at Hubbard Park on June 20. Matt and Kate Nesheim and son Thomas have moved to Minneapolis for a new job. Kate has been very involved in our social ministry at St. Matthew’s and she and her family will be missed. Godspeed, Nesheim Family! God’s blessings be with Cole and Ingrid Harris who have welcomed William ‘Eli’ into their family; Heidi is Eli’s big sister.
A Thank You from Pr. Ray Stubbe after the celebration of 50 years of ministry since his ordination “Yesterday was one of those high points made especially so by the invitation to share in worship through the sermon at our three worship services. It is, of course, our Lord who is the source of all blessings and it is to the Lord that our focus of worship remains. The choir’s anthem... the skit by the three young people ... the worship format and musical offering by John Paradowski ... the celebration of the Lord’s Supper at all three worship services, and so much more, made the day so special. “[Pastor Chris’) suggestion of red paraments for the day, of a display of pictures that might be of interest to others, and even a cake ... made the day especially meaningful. Pastor Margaret’s inclusion in the Prayer of the Day, thanking the Lord for 50 years of ministry, and your opening announcements indicating this celebrating, were especially appreciated. The attentiveness and warmth of the congregation as a whole, along with some who gave very gracious comments as they departed, gave a feeling of family. The words from the Gospel for the day, of the crowd of people that had gathered at the home of Jesus, seemed to be replicated in the crowds in the worship service! And, I could say, ‘Here is my family!’”
On vocation? Use GPS! Many vacationers rely on a global positioning system to get them easily to a destination. But in every season of life, God sends us on vocation — following his call to both feed our passions and serve others. Our “calling,” Frederick Buechner said, is “where [our] deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” But is there a GPS for vocation? It’s not as detailed or predictive as we’d like. It doesn’t name our destination at the outset, and it offers general instructions rather than specific directions. And we may end up “recalculating” our life route more often than our vehicle GPS recalculates our vacation route. Even so, we travel in safety. This “GPS” might stand for God’s Peace and Strength, or Gospel Promises Sustain, God Provides Salvation or Go! Proclaim! Serve! The GPS guiding our vocation speaks to us through Scripture, worship, trusted Christian friends, life events and the silence of our heart. Listening, we hear our Guide’s calm voice and continue on vocation.
St. Matthew’s Music MinistryPiano Fund Established A piano fund has been graciously established in memory of Eric Kloth to replace the piano used in our worship space. The current piano, while still in good shape, has always been too small for the renovated/new worship space. Because of that, to lead worship, the pianist must work that much harder for the sound to carry through the sanctuary. We are currently assessing the options available to purchase a larger instrument of superior quality to enhance our worship. Anyone wishing to make a contribution to this fund can contact the office.
Pr. Ray Stubbe
PERIODICALS RATEMail Carrier: Please deliver by July 18, 2015.
The Voice of St. Matthew’sWe are called to welcome, nurture, equip and send
Next issue of the VOICE is dated August 16, 2015.
Wauwatosa, Wisconsinwww.stmattslutheran.org
St. Matthew’s Men’s Softball Team has a dedicated team of fans cheering them on. They’ve cheered long enough to bring the team a win over Our Redeemer in June. Congrats, gentlemen! All of the children are grandchildren of John Richter (left), Jade (infant) and Kloee (holding Jade); Xavier in stroller, and Emma (kneeling next to Xavier). Matching t-shirts read: “St. Matthew’s Softball Biggest Fans”
St. Matthew’s Men’s Softball Team ends season of fun togetherCheering section a bright spot of each game!
Instruction Page for:
St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church#9805151615 Wauwatosa AveWauwatosa, WI 53213414-774-0441Sonja Mohr
Issue Date July 19, 2015Volume 84Issue # 9
# of Pages: 16
Special Instructions:
Quantity Needed = 950
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c/o United Mailing Services Inc.3655 N. 126th St. Ste. CBrookfield, WI 53005
