A Time for Light

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St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church-ELCA

6065 King Rd. @ Portsmouth Rd.

Bridgeport, Michigan 48722

The Rev. Rheanna Goodrich FEBRUARY 2020

A Time for Light Dearest Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Happy February. Here we are, deep into this time between the wonder of Christmas lights and the joy of see-

ing the first flowers of Spring, between the darkest day and glorious sunshine to come, between celebrating Jesus’

birth and observing the gift of his death and resurrection. It is a time set aside in the church year to notice how God’s

glory is revealed.

I find it tremendously helpful that, for Michigan at least, this season of Epiphany comes during what often

feels like the gloomiest time of year. This is indeed a time for light. But God’s light doesn’t always come the way

we expect it to. That is what I think I love most of all about this season. Jesus is always doing or saying something

that would be expected of a Rabbi, but with the most unexpected twists showing God in the most unexpected places.

Take our upcoming Scripture focus through the lectionary. For the first three weeks of February, we get to

hear some of Jesus’ words from Matthew 5, what we call the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus flips human expectations

on their heads. God is revealed in the gentle and peaceful. God is revealed in love and care for one another. God’s

light and hope for all people are revealed in some of the most radically open and uncomfortable directives for living

out our faith (more on that in my coming Sunday sermons. )

During this season, dwelling on God’s revelation through Jesus in Scripture, draws us to dwell on God’s

revelation in our lives an in our world right now. It seems to me that we are deep in an in between time culturally,

socially, emotionally. I know from conversations within the Christian community and from outside of it that people

on all sides of so many conversations are inundated with fear and anxiety about the future and about the now.

It is indeed a time for light; God’s light. And if this season can teach us anything, it

ought to remind us that God’s light was not revealed in explosive battle, conquer, and the

tearing down of things and people. It is a light revealed in the constant and sure presence of

God’s love for all creation. We get to be bearers of that light through hope and joy shinning

steadily in the gloom, in laughter and caring for others, in the little moments we take to no-

tice the humanity in us and around us.

It is indeed a time for light. We aren’t miracle workers. But we don’t need to be be-

cause we know the one who is. Through the words we chose to speak and the actions we

chose to take we can show the world God’s glory and grace and we can slowly share that

light until the world around us shines with hope instead of fear.

May we all blaze through this Epiphany season with the warmth and love of the One who leads us.

In Peace,

Pastor Rheanna Goodrich

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DAILY LECTIONARY READINGS FOR FEBRUARY

Sat – Feb 1 Micah 3:1-4 John 13:31-35 Psalm 15

Sun– Feb 2 Micah 6:1-8 Psalm 15 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12

Mon – Feb 3 Ruth 1:1-18 Philemon 1-25 Psalm 37:1-17

Tue – Feb 4 Ruth 2:1-16 James 5:1-6 Psalm 37:1-17

Wed – Feb 5 Ruth 3:1-13; 4:13-22 Luke 6:17-26 Psalm 37:1-17

Thu – Feb 6 Deuteronomy 4:1-14 1 John 5:1-5 Psalm 112:1-10

Fri – Feb 7 Isaiah 29:1-12 James 3:13-18 Psalm 112:1-10

Sat – Feb 8 Isaiah 29:13-16 Mark 7:1-8 Psalm 112:1-10

Sun – Feb 9 Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 112:1-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Matthew 5:13-20

Mon – Feb 10 2 Kings 22:3-20 Romans 11:2-10 Psalm 119:105-112

Tue – Feb 11 2 Kings 23:1-8, 21-25 2 Corinthians 4:1-12 Psalm 119:105-112

Wed – Feb 12 Proverbs 6:6-23 John 8:12-30 Psalm 119:105-112

Thu – Feb 13 Genesis 26:1-5 James 1:12-16 Psalm 119:1-8

Fri – Feb 14 Leviticus 26:34-46 1 John 2:7-17 Psalm 119:1-8

Sat – Feb 15 Deut 30:1-9a Matthew 15:1-9 Psalm 119:1-8

Sun – Feb 16 Deut 30:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Matthew 5:21-37

Mon – Feb 17 Exodus 20:1-21 James 1:2-8 Psalm 119:9-16

Tue – Feb 18 Deut 23:21-24:4, 10-15 James 2:1-13 Psalm 119:9-16

Wed – Feb 19 Proverbs 2:1-15 Matthew 19:1-12 Psalm 119:9-16

Thu – Feb 20 Exodus 22:21-27 1 Corinthians 10:23 -11:1 Psalm 119:33-40

Fri – Feb 21 Leviticus 6:1-7 Galatians 5:2-6 Psalm 119:33-40

Sat – Feb 22 Leviticus 24:10-23 Matthew 7:1-12 Psalm 119:33-40

Sun – Feb 23 Exodus 24:12-18 Psalm 2 2 Peter 1:16-21

Matthew 17:1-9

Mon – Feb 23 Exodus 33:7-23 Psalm 78:17-20, 52-55 Acts 7:30-34

Tue – Feb 24 1 Kings 19:9-18 Romans 11:1-6 Psalm 78:17-20, 52-55

Wed– Feb 26 Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 Psalm 51:1-17 2 Cor 5:20b—6:10

Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

Thu – Feb 27 Jonah 3:1-10 Romans 1:1-7 Psalm 51

Fri – Feb 28 Jonah 4:1-11 Romans 1:8-17 Psalm 51

Sat – Feb 29 Isaiah 58:1-12 Matthew 18:1-7 Psalm 51

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ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES

JANUARY 21, 2020

(These minutes have not been formally approved)

Attending: Pastor Rheanna, Brent Van Horn, Lauren Van Horn, Jane Teckentien, Pat Schomaker,

JoAnna Davis, Bob Parker and Mary Lou Taylor

Opening/Devotion – Pastor opened the meeting with a prayer about new ministries.

Secretary’s Minutes – A motion was made by Pat to accept December meeting minutes, JoAnna seconded.

Motion carried.

Financial Secretary Report – JoAnna went over her report for the year. The general fund total for 2019 was

$97,927.60. The budgeted amount for 2019 was $118,627. We were short over $10,000 at the end of

the year. It was suggested that we change the Sunday School Supplies column to Educational Supply.

Jane made a motion to form a financial team to look into finding out how other churches handle the

bookkeeping for tithing electronically and via legacy accounts along with envelopes, Mary Lou se-

conded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report – Pat talked about the deficit we are in currently. She needs to pay FICA and payroll by

the end of the month. The total loan balance on the tech loan is $5,937, with a monthly payment of

$178.37. JoAnna’s report matched Pat’s, the receipts and reports are reconciled. A motion was made

to accept the December Financial Statement by Bob and seconded by Jane. Motion carried.

Pastor’s December Report – Pastor experienced God at work by giving Communion to shut-ins. With the joy

and gratitude of the volunteers at the BCC food pantry for our monetary help and prayer support

when they delivered the check from TSAH. She saw God at work with the Wednesday night services

during advent. The people and the Spirit that was shared along with the special projects that were

givin out in our community. God was definitely present in the funeral luncheon for Dale’s family and

friends. God’s love was given and received in the relationships and the care shown. She saw God in

her own life with the ability to care for her Mom and in the support of this community when she had

the flu. Pastor experienced God in the rest and Sabbath time she spent with Tim on vacation. In the

joy of family fun and gift exchange and togetherness. She is looking forward to their next family va-

cation in February and the beginning of the new Bible study on the Small Catechism.

Maintenance Report – Bob thanked Brent on his service to the maintenance commission and to thank him for

taking on his new task as President. Also to thank Jean for her service and all her help, both as Presi-

dent and a friend. At the parsonage the handrail is up, he put a trial coat to repair the steps. If this

holds up during the winter months, he will put a final coat on the outside steps. In the church base-

ment, the old kitchen has been converted to a workroom complete with tools and supplies. One of the

bathrooms downstairs has been converted to a storage rom. Next project will be stripping and re-

waxing the basement floors. The mowing and trimming will continue in the spring. So many thank

yous to those who helped. We received an estimate for repairing and stabilizing the stained glass win-

dow above the original door of $1150. We hope to be repairing it in the spring. He has the bulbs to

fix the lights that light the steeple and also needs to get quotes to replace the sign plastic that was

wind damaged.

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Old Business –

A. Tax ID/Permit – The church has not paid for the tax ID/Permit for 20 years. Jane has been working hard

to get this straightened out for us. The state is charging us $525 for the full 20 years with no penalty

or interest. We need to pay this soon so we can be established as a church again.

B. Steinway Piano - Brent had a letter inviting us to a Steinway showroom. We decided not to go this year

but we may want to check into this next year. We do have 2 tunings scheduled for this year on our

current piano.

C. Church Directory – Jane is sending out emails to everyone in our directory with instructions on download-

ing the app to your computer or tablet. I have personally done this and it is very easy. Thank You

Jane for all your hard work.

D. Congregational Meeting - The next Congregational meeting is Sunday, February 2nd, starting with a pot-

luck, then a meeting. Everyone, please plan on attending. Jane needs all reports from commissions to

put on the computer for presentation.

E. Inclusive Justice Request – There is a speaker scheduled to come and talk to us Sunday, February 2nd after

service and before meeting. Please plan on attending.

F. Fat Tuesday - Our Fat Tuesday Chili Cook-off Fundraiser will be February 25th. Pat made a motion for the

proceeds to go with our delegates to the Synod Assembly as our offering, Jane seconded. Motion car-

ried. This year will be a blind judging on chili, cornbread and desserts. Come and enjoy great fellow-

ship.

G. Chapel Project Fundraiser - . Jean and Elroy Schluckebier are having a farm auction on March 28th. St.

Matthews will run the concessions. This would consist of hot dogs, brats, chips, chili, pop, coffee and

water. All proceeds would go to the outdoor chapel fund. Bob and Cindy Parker are leading this with

more information to come later. We will need many volunteers to make this happen.

H. Technology Training Event – A date has not been set, but we are looking on the last Saturday in February.

More information will be out soon.

I. Other- Any donations that came in for the boiler fund have been transferred to the savings account at FCU.

VIII. New Business – JoAnna talked about having a noisy can offering on February 23, with all proceeds

going to the 1% Local Needs. All Lenten Wednesday offerings will be going to help Mission Support.

Jane suggested working on a project to make tray favors for our Covenant Hospital. We would pick 4

holidays and make little favors to put on hospitals trays for the patients. She will propose this at the

congregational meeting.

A motion was made by Pastor to conclude our meeting at 8:45 PM, Bob seconded. Motion carried

Next Meeting is Executive Board on February 18 at 6:30 PM

Sincerely With the Grace of God,

Mary Lou Taylor

Executive Board Secretary

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Lutheran Volunteer Rebuilding Teams Request

I AM PLANNING A MISSION TRIP May 22-30, 2020

I have led or participated in 11 mission trips with Habitat for Humanity, Thrivent, and Lutheran Disaster Re-

sponse. I am happy to announce our next trip! Costs including airfare and room and board will be about

$1000.

Request: Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), a program of Lutheran So-

cial Services of the Virgin Islands is seeking Lutheran construction teams

of 10 to 20 members to assist with rebuilding hurricane damaged homes

on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. This will greatly assist with

our queue of almost 80 homes to repair.

Who We Help: Mostly low income senior citizen homeowners without

property insurance who do not have enough funds to repair their home.

What We Do: We are mostly repairing and replacing roofs. We build to a

standard of “safe and dry and sanitary and functional”. We have replaced

doors and windows, built wheelchair ramps, done mold remediation,

tarped roofs and made other repairs.

LDR Experience with Volunteer Rebuilding Programs: We have been

hosting volunteer construction groups on St Croix since June 2018. In the

last year and a half, we have hosted over 800 volunteers in 50 groups and

have repaired over 60 homes.

What LDR Provides:

Hands-on construction coordination and supervision

Transportation on island for volunteers

Tools, building supplies and equipment

Ability to hire specialists (plumbers & electricians) as needed

Volunteer housing and food, on-site Volunteer Coordinator

Homes to work on, prepared with permits and construction supplies

Disaster Case Managers to work with homeowners

Grants to homeowners to buy construction supplies as needed

What We Need: Volunteers to provide construction labor. It is best if teams have a mix of a few people with

good construction skills; several people who are comfortable with using tools and being on roofs, and volun-

teers without much construction experience to be helping hands.

What Length of Commitment is Needed: Two weeks is best; one week is fine.

Volunteer Expenses: Round trip airfare to St Croix. In addition we request $30/day per volunteer to cover

food and lodging expenses.

For More Information, applications and a copy of our detailed FAQ please contact:

Pastor David Sprang, [email protected], 517-331-8497

North/West Lower Michigan Synod ELCA

2900 N. Waverly Rd., Lansing, MI 48906

517-321-5066

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Dear St. Matthew's Family and Friends:

Now that we're in the interim between winter and spring holidays, we can place our attention on our budget objectives, including our many outreach plans, maintenance, Outdoor Chapel project, Tech Fund, and the many other important parts of our ministry, including our person-al and group spiritual education and growth.

Here's a current list of the January offerings (one Sunday to go as of press time) that allow us to continue our mission of being a beacon of Christ's love to each other and our neighbors:

General Fund $4,905.00; Local Needs (Rescue Mission) $35.00; World Hunger $30.00; Mis-sion Support $70.00; Memorials $125.00 (Dale Klein, Frank Bull); Education Supplies $90.00; Tech Fund $70; Evangelism $20.00; Easter Breakfast $20.00; Furnace Fund $25.00; Building Use $100; and Purchases Donated $23.97 (Communion Supplies).

Please be watching Sunday Take-Home-Page announcements for Ash Wednesday and Lenten offering designations and look for details in the Church in Society pages in this newsletter on our Fat Tuesday Chili Cook-off, giving us the opportunity to share an evening of fun and fel-lowship, while gathering offerings for our delegates to present at Synod Assembly (we've made some fun additions).

If you haven't already done so, you can pick up your 2019 year-end statements from your church mailboxes. As you review the numbers, take time to reflect on how they represent your response to God's many blessings in your life and ask for His guidance in your 2020 stewardship journey.

May God bless your generosity and honor your sacrifices as you seek to sow joy and love in this world.

In Christ,

JoAnna Davis

Financial Secretary

"What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?"

Psalm 116:12

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FELLOWSHIP AND FUNDRAISING AT ST. MATTHEW’S

St. Matthew’s will be having several Fundraising events in the next several months. First will be our annual FAT TUES-DAY event on February 25. All proceeds from this event will be taken to our Synod Assembly in May by our elected repre-sentatives. Check elsewhere in this newsletter for additional details on how you can be a part of this fun evening. On March 28, Elroy and Jean Schluckebier will have their farm auction at their homestead located at 3985 S. Gera Rd. in Frankenmuth. Normally an outside vendor is contracted to sell food at a concession wagon located on-site. However, Elroy and Jean have asked members of St. Matthew’s to OPERATE A FOOD STAND instead. The proceeds will be used to purchase pews for our outdoor chapel project. Bob and Cindy Parker have offered to organize the event. Jean and Elroy will contact the Saginaw County Health de-partment and obtain a license and coordinate inspection of the site. A Thrivent Action Grant will be written to underwrite a portion of the food and paper product expense. The auction will operate from 10-2:00pm. Volunteers will be

needed to set up tables, purchase food and paper products, grill the hot dogs and brats, and serve customers. If approved, the food will be served from inside Elroy’s tool shed and space heaters will be available. Please contact Bob, Cindy, or Jean if you are interested in helping with this event. Finally, St. Matthew’s will be having a GARAGE SALE in June. The exact date is yet to be determined but these cold winter days offer a great time to clean out drawers, closets, base-ments, and garages. It’s time to get rid of those items that have not been used in years. All proceeds from this sale will be applied toward our technology loan. Any additional dollars will be put in our furnace fund. Lots of volunteers will be needed to set-up, price, and run the sale. We hope lots of helpers will be available to make this a successful sale. More information will be announced in the coming months but let’s get started on our Spring Cleaning and make this a great fellowship and fundraising event.

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Dear St. Matthew’s Congregation,

THANK YOU for the Christmas gift! I truly still enjoy playing here as your organist/pianist as it has been a

lot of years. Continued Blessings to St. Matthew’s and your dedication in serving our Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ.

Valerie Janson

With gratitude for your kindness….

I am so blessed to be a part of the everyday workings of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. I am thankful for the trust that all of you have put in me. You then all gave so generously a gift that literally made me cry. You have no idea what it meant to me, to know that you showed me just how God’s love was evident in your thoughtfulness and caring. Thank you, never seems to be enough to say for such a loving gift. You have no idea what it meant to me. “...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gener-osity, faithfulness.” Galatians 5:22 Thank you, Jane Teckentien

Touched by your goodness...and lifted by your kindness….

To St. Matthew’s Congregation,

You are always so encouraging to me in the organ and piano playing, and also in my daily life. Thank you for

being Christ to me so often. Thank you also for you gift to me at Christmas. May God continue to bless us

as we worship an minister together.

Marilyn Taipale

To the St. Matthew's Congregation,

A Great Big thanks to All of YOU,

“ You are so Nice!”

Thank you for the wonderful luncheon you provided for my family. They are still talking about it.

The family of Frank Bull and Mary Lou Taylor

Mary Lou Taylor

The family of Frank Bull would like to thank the women of St. Matthew’s for putting on a wonderful funeral luncheon. You do

not know how much that touched me and my family.

Mary Lou Taylor

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St. Matthew’s Festival Choir

The choir will begin practicing on Thursdays at 4:00 to prepare for Lent and

Easter Sunday. The first practice is on February 6th. The choir will sing once in

February, and the spontaneous singers will sing twice in March. Easter Sunday

is April 12th, and we will welcome the risen Lord with our Alleluias.

Please mark your calendar for choir practice on February 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.

In March we will practice on the 5th, 19th, and 26th. (No practice on March 12th

or April 2nd.) Our final practice for Easter is April 9th.

The choir will lead the Spontaneous Singers on March 8th and 22nd. You are wel-

come to join one or both groups as we praise and worship God.

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WELCA Fellowship Bible Study – A Movie Matinee

Begin with fellowship at 12:00

In our November Bible Study, we explored the stewardship of JOY. Our Bi-

ble Study author, Anna Madsen, gave many examples of joy. One, which

stirred memories and discussion, was a scene from the first book of the

Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In this fanta-

sy, the characters are thrilled by melting ice which heralded the end of an

eternal winter, a winter without a Christmas. Surely, the characters say, that

this must mean “Aslan is finally on the loose.” They were filled with JOY

and praise!

On Thursday, February 20th, we will share a movie version of C.S. Lewis’ classic battle between GOOD

and EVIL. Feel free to bring a cushion or a comfortable chair.

The afternoon will begin with fellowship at 12:00. Bring a friend and a brown-bag lunch for each of you.

Enjoy chatting with the women and men in our group. The Movie Matinee will be shown from 12:30 until

3:00 with a bathroom break.

Popcorn and drinks will be served. Come to celebrate the Big Screen in the Education Building, a delightful

fantasy, some thought-provoking ideas, and fellowship. We’re saving an empty chair for YOU.

DEADLINE FOR MARCH NEWSLETTER ARTICLES WILL BE:

MONDAY, February 17,2020

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Upcoming dates for Sunday School…. February 23....visit shut-ins April 5 ......last day of Sunday School We can be flexible on this date & shut-in visit

MONDAY BIBLE STUDY This Bible Study meets on Mondays in the month of January @ 12:30 PM.

They meet in the Education Building.

The topics discussed are interesting and insightful.

OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF : Frank Bull (Father of Mary

Lou Taylor). Frank was called home to his Heavenly Rest on January 4,2020. His funeral

was held on Friday, January 10th @W.L. Case Funeral Home on the Dixie. Help us, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the

forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting. Amen

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When people are baptized, the congregation promis-es to support and pray for them in their Christian life. Here's a way you can do that! Every month, take note of the people who have baptismal birthdays and say a prayer for each of them or recite a scrip-ture verse.

Emily Diegel 02/11 Bill Taylor 02/12 Sandra Bader 02/25

Ruth Fischer

Mary Kurek

Joan Mertz

Marilyn Pankey

Marie Schomaker

Mary Vesterfelt

Lorine Zoelner

Diane Stahl

02/01

Barbara Housner

02/05

Daryl Schomaker

02/07

Chad Bearinger

02/14

Nancy Thurston

02/15

Mike Bauman

02/17

James Brody

02/19

Lin Bentley

02/21

Lori Frey

02/24

Ben Warren

02/25

Christopher Carigan

02/25

Elaine Johnson

02/26

Jaxon Weaver/Bearinger

02/26

Ann Ostrander

02/28

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IN NEED OF PRAYER…

Leo & Deb Hartung, Floyd Rau, Elroy Schluckebier,

Bill Bierschbach,

Friends and those we hold dear:

Karl Eastman (Son of Pat Boyd)

Beth Gleason (Mother in law of Ben Popp)

Linda Fobear (Sister in law of Pat Fobear)

Sarah Fox (Co-worker of Michelle Hoffman)

Bernadette Hardy (Friend of Pat Boyd)

Nicholas Hoffman (Son of Michelle Hoffman)

Heidi & Phil Periard (Friend of Jean Schluckebier & Joy Warren)

Jackie Strecker (Friend of Bob and Diane Tallman)

Margaret Taylor (Bill Taylor’s Mother)

Daryl Tilley (Friend of Jean Schluckebier),

The Cheryl Verellen Family (Friends of Michelle Hoffman)

Susan Walker (Friend of the Tallman Family)

Dean Wise (Former Member)

OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL SERVING

IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD INCLUDING:

• Lt. Col. David Green( Friend of Joy Warren)

• Trevor Warren (Nephew of Joy Warren),

• Conner Halleck (Grandson of Jerry Kurek),

• Margaret & Steven McGunegle (Friends of

Joy Warren)

• Lt Col. Tanya Seibold and her troops

(Cousin of Ann Ostrander),

• Ryan Tuttle (Friend of Joy Warren),

• Austin VanHaaren (Navy),

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LOCAL NEEDS JANUARY

In January our “Mitten Tree” had a strange look as we continued to collect underwear and socks (men’s,

women’s, and children’s items) and shoe laces for the Saginaw Rescue Mission. The items were delivered on

January 23rd. The men who helped us unload were thrilled to see the packages of underwear and socks that are

an ongoing need to those who escape the cold by living at the Rescue Mission. Local needs offerings given in

January will also go to the Rescue Mission.

Note: The Lenten Cross, which goes up after February 26, Ash Wednesday, will focus on the needs of

the Underground Railroad this year.

LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES

In February, we will collect soup and crackers for The I Support the 1% Food Pantry located at the Browne

Airport. Add some extra cans of soup or packages of soup mix to your grocery cart to feed the hungry on

these cold winter days. The volunteers state that they get lots of requests for stew and other meaty soups. On

Souper Bowl Sunday, February 3rd we will have a “noisy offering” to benefit the I Support the 1% Food Pan-

try. So bring some extra change or include an extra offering for the Veterans in your envelope under Local

Needs.

FAT TUESDAY FELLOWSHIP WITH CHILI /

CORNBREAD / DESSERT COOK-OFF Fat Tuesday is on February 25thh. If you are not traveling south for

Marti Gras, join us for an evening of good food, fun and fellowship!

Sign up now to enter your best chili, cornbread or dessert for the tast-

ing and the eating. Invite your friends and bring the loyal fans of your

cooking to vote with their $$$ for your entry. Now that we have all be-

come experts on “great chili and cornbread” we will be voting BLIND

this year. (The cooks will not be identified in advance.) May the best

cooks win! We will also be having a white elephant and food item

drawing. Bring donations for the drawing to the office by Sunday,

February 23rd.

All money raised will be sent with our delegates to the Synod Conven-

tion as our support for Synod Mission Support.

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EQUAL EXCHANGE SHOPPING

Thanks also to those supporting the coffee, tea, chocolate, and ol-

ive oil we sell from farming coops in many countries. Equal Ex-

change provides the tools, supplies and training to enable people to

feed their families and raise the standard of living in countless

communities. We are selling the organic coffee, tea, olive 0il, bak-

ing cocoa, chocolate chips and hot chocolate at cost. Support this

ministry and enjoy the good feeling that comes from knowing you

are helping small farmers make a better life for their families. Just

help yourself to the items and pay by check or cash sticking an en-

velope in Diane Tallman’s mailbox.

COLLECTIONS

We continue to collect computer ink cartridges. The money from recycling

the cartridges is now being used to purchase office supplies. Also, please

keep clipping labels from Box tops for Education. The Box tops for Educa-

tion provide cash to the two ELCA elementary schools in the Lower Penin-

sula. What a joy to help others while recycling. Our piles of plastic lids

keep growing. See Jean if you need more information on this project.

QUARTERS FOR WORLD HUNGER

We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world – together.

Working with and through all the congregations in the United States, Puer-

to Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands and other partners, ELCA World Hun-

ger is uniquely positioned to reach communities in need. Our gifts to

ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to respond, support-

ing sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty.

How much can we help?

You can also make a monthly gift to World Hunger or ELCA Mission

Support through your checking or credit card account if you would like.

Check with Diane Tallman if you would like more information.

Please include these ministries in your prayers

and stay tuned!

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ANNUAL CONGREGATOINAL MEETING

The next Congregational meeting is Sunday, February 2nd, starting with a

potluck, then a meeting (approx.: 12:30 PM).

Family of St. Matthew’s please plan on attending.

This is an important meeting for you.

Bring your dish to pass

Bring your ideas

Bring your hopes and dreams for the future

Bring concerns

Bring a smile

Bring your love!

Just a little reminder…

Please be sure to turn off the lights and be sure there is no water running

when you leave either building.

When leaving the education building please check the thermostat. It should

be no lower than 62 degrees and please only to 70 degrees when using the

building. Please be sure the door is shut from the main room to the entrance

way. [When using the room be sure it is open, as the room will be warmer.]

THANK YOU! for helping to take care of our buildings.

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February/March 2020 ASSISTANTS

Worship Schedule -9:30 AM Worship

PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE WORSHIP!

IF YOU CANNOT ASSIST ON THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME…

PLEASE, ARRANGE FOR A REPLACEMENT CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE WITH THE CHANGES (989-777-5747)

Date/Time Organist/

Pianist

Assistant

Minister /

Prayer Leader

Lector/

Reader

Communion

Assistant /Cup

Bearer

Usher (s) Acolyte Tech Team/

Projectionist

February

2

9:30 AM

Marilyn

Taipale

Jean

Schluckebier

diedra

knox

Jean

Schluckebier/

diedra knox

Brent

VanHorn

Grace

Harris

Tim

Goodrich

February

9

9:30 AM

Val

Janson

JoAnna

Davis

Jenna Lynn

Nettleton

Jenna Lynn

Nettleton /

JoAnna Davis

James

Nettleton

Kaili

Goodrich

diedra

knox

February

16

9:30 AM

Barbara

Housner

Joy

Warren

Cindy

Parker

Joy Warren/

Cindy Parker

Mary Lou

Taylor

Grace

Harris

Bob

Parker

February

23

9:30 AM

Marilyn

Taipale

Diane

Tallman

Bob

Tallman

Diane

Tallman/Sally

Carigan

Amy

Bartes

Jenna-Lyn

Nettleton

James

Nettleton

Date/Time Organist/

Pianist

Assistant

Minister /

Prayer Leader

Lector/

Reader

Communion

Assistant /Cup

Bearer

Usher (s) Acolyte Tech Team/

Projectionist

March

1

9:30 AM

Val

Janson

Jean

Schluckebier

diedra

knox

Jean

Schluckebier/

diedra knox

Brent

VanHorn

Grace

Harris

Tim

Goodrich

March

8

9:30 AM

Marilyn

Taipale

JoAnna

Davis

Jenna

Lynn

Nettleton

Jenna Lynn

Nettleton /

JoAnna Davis

James

Nettleton

Kaili

Goodrich

diedra

knox

March

15

9:30 AM

Barbara

Housner

Joy

Warren

Cindy

Parker

Joy Warren/

Cindy Parker

Mary Lou

Taylor

Grace

Harris

Bob

Parker

March

22

9:30 AM

Barbara

Housner Diane

Tallman

Bob

Tallman

Diane

Tallman/Sally

Carigan

Jenna-Lyn

Nettleton

James

Nettleton

March

29

9:30 AM

Val

Janson Cindy

Parker

Cindy

Parker

Cindy

Parker/Amy

Bartes

Amy

Bartes

Kaili

Goodrich

Bob

Parker

17

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

9:30 AM Worship-

W/ Rev. Carolyn

Inclusive Justice

11:00 AM Sunday

School

Noon-Potluck

12:30 PM

Congregational

Meeting

3

12:30 PM

Bible Study

4 5 6 7 8

9 9:30 AM Worship

11:00 AM Sunday

School

5th Sunday

after Epiphany

10

12:30 PM

Bible Study

11 12 13 14

Valentine’s Day

15

16 9:30 AM Worship

11:00 AM Sunday

School

6th Sunday

after Epiphany

17 12:30 PM

Bible Study

Presidents Day

18

6:30 PM

Executive Board

meeting

19 20

NOON

WELCA Bible Study

21 22

23 9:30 AM Worship

Sunday School to

Sing/Visit the shut-

ins

Transfiguration

of Our Lord

24

12:30 PM

Bible Study

25

5:30PM

Chili and Corn

Bread and Des-

serts Cook-off

Fat Tuesday

26 6:30 PM Worship

27 28 29

Tech Meeting

February 2020

18

Matthew’s Lutheran Church-ELCA

6065 King Rd.

Bridgeport, MI 48722

Return Service Requested

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- ELCA

February 2020

REGULAR WORSHIP TIMES

WORSHIP

9:30 AM SUNDAYS

11:00 AM Sunday School

Wednesday Worship to begin on

Ash Wednesday @ 6:30 PM

Our Mission Statement:

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, serving as a beacon of God’s Love and Word

OUR VISION STATEMENT:

Caring for God’s People with Love

Outreach to the Community

Fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ

Faith empowered through worship

Education by studying God’s Word

Evangelism to the World Email:

Pastor: pastor @stmatthewsbridgeport.org

Office : [email protected]

Web Site: www.stmatthewsbridgeport.org

Phone: (989) 777-5747

February 26,2020

6:30 PM Worship