St. Matthews Messenger 1 January, 2017

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Princeton, IL Permit No. 449

Church Calendar

Worship Assistants

Note from Pastor

Constitution Info

Shepherding

Church Council

Youth & Family

Education Schedules

www.StMatthewsPrinceton.org StMatthewsPrinceton@gmail.com Office email

Pastor.StMatthewsPrinceton@gmail.com Pr Scott Schmidt

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JANUARY 2017

ST. MATTHEWS LUTHERAN CHURCH

ST MATTHEWS MESSENGE R

416 E . Dover Road Princeton, IL 61356 -9551 (815)879-6491 Change Service Requested

ANNUAL MEETING Sunday, January 29, 2017

St Matthews Annual Congregation Meeting will be Sunday, January 29 at 10:15 am in the sanctuary. Our business includes: 1. Ratify (without changes) our new Constitution as

approved at our November 13, 2016 Special Congregation Meeting.

2. Elect 6 At-Large Council Members and our Vice President and President.

3. Elect 3 Synod Assembly Voting Members (1 female, 1 male, 1 youth); 2 Foundation Board Members; 3 Delegates to Mendota Lutheran Home.

4. Approve our 2017 Budget. 5. Approve our Long Range Strategic Plan. 6. Discuss and vote on possible participation in a

Princeton wide program to be unveiled after the first of the year. It’s exciting! Watch for details.

We need a quorum of 50 voting members (who are confirmed members who have given an offering of record

and communed in the current or previous year. Please have your information for our Annual Report

to the office by January 9.

ADULT FAITH FORUM

Will begin an inspiring seven session series on Making Sense of Scripture on Sunday, January 8.

This study is written by the David Lose, has participant books, and shows a weekly DVD video presentation by Dr. Lose.

Please consider attending some or all of these opportunities during January and February of 2017.

Sign up sheet and books are in the Narthex. Please read Introduction and Chapter 1 for January 8.

See page 9 for the complete schedule.

St. Matthews Messenger 2 January, 2017

BAPTISM OF

GRACE ANN &

JONAH THOMAS

NESBITT

DECEMBER 11

SUNDAY SCHOOL

BREAKFAST THEATER

THE NATIVITY STORY

DECEMBER 18

NEW MEMBERS

RECEIVED DURING

2016

KATIE DYE 12/4/16 DOLORES WILT 12/4/16

CHRIS & KATHRYN NESBITT 12/4/16

DAVE & PAM HORRAS 2/9/16 LOIS PINTER 1/12/16

St. Matthews Messenger 3 January, 2017

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St. Matthews Messenger 4 January, 2017

Thank you for serving! PROCLAMATION -Dick Volker

To proclaim the good news of Christ through word and deed Ministry Groups: Worship & Music, Evangelism, Altar Guild, Puppet Ministry, Social Concerns/Outreach, Choir,

Hand Bell Choir, Lay Readers.

JANUARY WORSHIP LEADERS “…from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love” Ephesians 4:16.

JAN 1 JAN 8 JAN 15 JAN 22 JAN 29

ACOLYTE Tara Ford Zachary Wendling

Jake May Audrey Nelson Allison Morton Jake May, asst.

ALTAR GUILD Pam Clementz &

Linda Hildebrand

CANTOR None Needed Diana Dye Barb Miller Emily Stover OPEN

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP

None Needed OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS None Needed Brian Huffstodt Linda Hildebrand Gary Crockett

Tim Oloffson Theresa Oloffson

Sandra Rose

FLOWERS OPEN OPEN OPEN Paul & Teri Schlindwein

Jim & Diane Eble

GREETERS Chip & Marilyn

Huckins Bob & Lynda

Fenwick Shirley May &

Lois Pinter Shirley Olin & Jackie Woolley

Gail & Betty Peterson

READERS OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN

SOUND SYSTEM Brian

Huffstodt Tom Rose Jeff Martin Brad Snethen Charlie Waca

USHERS

Gary Bruce Jim Eble Charlie &

Kathy Waca

Dan Druley Gary Morton Dick Volker

Jack Gross Jeff Martin

Jim & Jeannine May

George & Dorothy Dall

Nate Edlefson Jim Miller

Carolyn Butterfield Steve Nelson Brad Snethen

St. Matthews Messenger 5 January, 2017

A Note from Pastor Scott Schmidt The gifts [God] gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God. . . . Ephesians 4:11-13)

I can still recall (at age 28) sitting on the front bumper of a fire truck talking with the Fire Chief. It was a deep conversation about my future. I look

at that night and now can see this was all part of the journey which has led me to serve at St. Matthews and to call Princeton our home. It’s also leading me to be an even more visible leader within our Princeton community, which I’ll share with you in a moment. Let me first explain it this way.

My Dad was an Aledo Fire Department volunteer and Captain of one of the trucks. I would have jumped at a chance to also be on that department, but there was a policy that two from the same family could not be on the department. Still, with the family connection, I spent much time around the fire station and with members of the department, and at times I was appropriately in the background at the scene of an emergency situation or fire. It’s something that kind of gets into your blood, you could say.

As I sat on that bumper with the Chief, I was first concerned about my Dad, but I also needed some advice. I had just received a great secular job offer to eventually manage a printing plant in Sterling, but my Dad had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer that was going to force my Dad to resign his post on the fire department. I expressed to the Chief how this was almost as traumatic for my Dad as was the cancer diagnosis. (Like I said, it gets in your blood.) My Dad was still a patient at that point at Mayo Clinic, and had not returned home.

The Chief informed me that he was going to ask my Dad to continue as volunteer radio operator, and the Chief had already asked the County Board to appoint my Dad to fill an open seat on the Fire Protection District Board of Trustees. (In his short tenure as a trustee he helped set the wheels in motion for some much needed equipment upgrades.)

After learning my Dad was going to be able in some way to still be part of the department, we then discussed if I should take the job in Sterling, or should I keep my job in Aledo. I could help my parents, and I expressed interest in taking my Dad’s spot on the department. So, I listened to the Chief’s wisdom, “Scott, you know we’d give your Dad’s spot to you in a heartbeat, but I spoke with your Dad on the phone today. He knows what you’re wrestling with here. Of course he’d love to have you stay in Aledo and also to take his place on the department, but he really thinks you have an opportunity of a lifetime. He thinks you should take the job. I do also.” I thanked him for his listening ear and advice. We moved to Sterling.

It’s there in the midst of my Dad’s passing that my faith and involvement at church grew. St. John’s in Sterling encouraged and helped me get through seminary, which brought us to Manlius in 1999. When St. Matthews called me to be Pastor here, we felt it was blessing to return to Bureau County.

In our three years here, I have become active in Rotary and will begin serving as Princeton Rotary president in July of 2017 for one year. I also have been asked to serve in other leadership positions within our community and beyond. I will be honest that I have declined these for a couple of reasons. One, I do not want to be stretched too thin as I continue God’s call of being your Pastor at St. Matthews, and two, in the background I had indications that I might be asked to serve our community in a way that’s “kind of in my blood” one could say.

So, after conversations at home with Trish and with our Executive Committee and our Council, I have accepted the invitation to also serve as the Volunteer Chaplain for the Princeton Fire Department. Pastor Norm Femrite of First Lutheran was the Chaplain until his retirement this fall. I have visited with Fire Chief Chuck Woolley and am meeting members of the department. This does not mean that I would go to every call the department has. I would be available to support members of our Fire Department and would be available to be at emergency scenes when it is deemed appropriate that a Chaplain should be present. I officially begin on January 1.

So, kind of like how this past summer’s Workcamp helped make St. Matthews very visible in our community, this Chaplaincy role will also be a visible expression of St. Matthews’ mission beyond our doors. Plus, it fulfills a dream I’ve had since my youth. (Like I said, it kind of gets in your blood.) If you have questions or thoughts about this new roll, I hope that you will please share these with me, and I welcome the conversation.

You need to know, I feel extremely blessed to be the Pastor here and to be part of our larger community. My Dad was active in his community in many different ways. This, plus his faith in God (and my Mom’s also) still inspire me to use my God given gifts “for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.”

In Jesus' name,

Pastor Scott Schmidt

St. Matthews Messenger 6 January, 2017

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE REQUESTED PRAYER:

From St. Matthews: Jim Dye, Alberta Clayton, Geor-gia Fay, Irene Hildebrand, Inga Albee, Matt Comp-ton, Steve Lange, Peter Lange, Shirley Schmidt, Lee Dyer , Norma Lorenzen, Diane Eble, Judy Dyke, Doris King, Josie Edlefson, Carl Orloff, Shirley Coates, Virgil Gross, Shirley Carter .

Friends and Family* Westin Gress (friend of Edlefson’s), Viola Lange (mother of Steve Lange), Dana Freese (daughter of Jackie Woolley), Mary Christianson (mother of Tom Christianson), Beth Woolley (cousin of Jackie Woolley & Lynda Fenwick), Riese Baker (great granddaughter of Fenwick’s), Debra Dahl (daughter of Shirley May), Sally King (Shirley Schmidt’s cousin), Marge & Carl Cordasco (friend of Orloff’s), Danny Lins (son of Mavis Lins), David & Melissa Carlson (son & daughter in law of Leota Carlson), Bob Carlson (Leota’s hus-band), Gerald Eckhard (father of Quinta Naffziger), Brian Eble (son of Jim & Diane Eble).

THOSE IN MOURNING:

Family & friends of Ryan Eble (grandson of Jim & Diane Eble) upon his passing.

Family & friends of Tammy Castner (cousin of Dave Castner & Linda Berry) upon her passing.

Family & friends of Steve Puhr (son of friend of Barb Miller) upon his passing

SPECIAL JOYS:. Baptism of Grace Ann Nesbitt & Jonah Thomas Nesbitt children of Chris & Kathryn Nesbitt.

Birth of Celia Dale Corn daughter of Bryan & Jennifer Corn, granddaughter of Jim & Diana Dye.

CHURCHWIDE CONCERNS: Those involved in military conflict throughout the world, especially Matthew Oldham (grandson of George and Dorothy Dall) and., Scott Hlvain (nephew of Peggy Vladika) And…

PRAYER CHAIN: If you would like to share a prayer request for our Prayer Chain, request cards and a drop box are outside Pastor’s office or email a request to StMattsPrayers1@gmail.com.

SHEPHERDING-Karen Miller To provide care, comfort, and companionship to St. Matthew’s family and the community and our world.

Ministry Groups: Visiting Homebound, Caring For Mourners, Prayer Ministry, Communion Carriers, Hospital Visitation, Follow-up On Visitors, Baptism Follow-ups, Funeral Dinners, Faith Chests.

DON’T FORGET OUR SHUT-INS AND HOMEBOUND

A reminder— If you or a family member enter the hospital and would like a visit from Pastor Scott Schmidt, please call: Church Office (815-879-6491) or

Pastor Scott’s cell (1-779-537-4811).

LIBERTY VILLAGE IL VA HOME-LASALLE

Irene Hildebrand Virgil “Buzzie” Gross

Alberta Clayton

Norma Lorenzen AT HOME

Jean Yates Inga Albee @ Stacy Headley’s home

Judy Dyke Arlene Richards @ In-Home Care

Fran Ahrens

GREENFIELD COUNTRY COMFORT

Pat Hultine Diane Eble

Marian Wolf Eddie Gross

SPRING VALLEY NURSING HOME

COLONIAL HALL

Georgia Fay Shirley Coates

If Pr Scott Schmidt is away from the office, and you are in need of pastoral care, please contact: the office (815-879-6491) or after hours Council President Andy Dye (815-878-7666) or Council Vice President Sandy Rose (815-303-1983) who will contact the pastor on call for St Matthews.

ST MATTHEWS PRAYER

PENNY JAR

Pennies placed in the jar from Jan through Dec. 2017

will go to Our Table

St. Matthews Messenger 7 January, 2017

CHURCH COUNCIL

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Discipleship: Pam Clementz & Jeannine May have volunteered to be on the Buddy Bags board for St. Matthews. Pastor Schmidt was given council approval to write a grant from the Northern Illinois Synod for Outreach with Buddy Bags as beneficiary to help with a trailer to pick up food from River Bend. Fellowship: No Report

Shepherding: No Report

Resource: No Report Proclamation: No Report

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Schmidt announced he will be the new Fire Chaplain for the Princeton Fire Department. Vice President’s report: No Report

President’s Report: Council nominations needed for the 2017 Annual meeting are 1-Vice President,6 At-Large Council, 2 Foundation Foard, 3Mendota Lutheran Home delegates, 3 Synod voting members (1-male, 1-female, 1 youth/young adult.) Annual Congregation Meeting was set for Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 10:15 am in the Sanctuary. Executive Committee, Tuesday Jan. 3 at 6 pm. Council Meeting, Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 6 pm. All minutes subject to approval at next Council meeting.

St Matthews 2016 Church Council

Andy Dye President

Sandy Rose Vice President

Charlie Waca Discipleship

Mike Herro Fellowship

Dick Volker Proclamation

Brian Huffstodt Resource

Karen Miller Shepherding

Tina Reinhardt Treasurer

Barb Miller Secretary

Jill Snethen Financial Secretary

COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Friends at St. Matthews,

Another year has passed and I am still recuperating from the holidays. January will bring a break from the hustle and bustle of shopping, Christmas parties, and visiting with extended family. I feel blessed to have such a large extended family. If everyone on my mother’s side were able to make it home for the holidays we would have over 60 people eating the array of Scandinavian dishes, singing the traditional Christmas carols, and looking for a good place to take an afternoon nap. There is always enough food to feed a small army and there is never a shortage of conversation. With such a large family it is difficult for everyone to get together in one place at the same time. This can be true no matter what size of family you belong.

As I reflect on my family I am reminded of my church family at St. Matthews. Throughout the year it is difficult, almost impossible, for everyone to get together in worship or fellowship. When you take a moment to examine the hectic lives we live, it is sometimes difficult to make it to events. During our 2015 Stewardship Campaign, Pastor Scott gave a sermon on tithing time. Pastor even had charts and pie graphs to emphasize his message. For most of us, it is a juggling act trying to manage workload and personal life. After all there are only so many hours in the day. This past year I have been most impressed with how the Disciples at St. Matthews have juggled their time and abilities to serve the church. We are not a big church, but we are accomplishing extraordinary things. Although we are not all present at the worship services or fellowship events we still continue to work together to support our Ministries.

This is my last newsletter article and I want to say thank you for the opportunity to be your President. When I told Jeff Martin two years ago that I would accept the Vice President position, I didn’t know what to expect. I have to admit there was some hesitation on my part. At that time, I was looking for a way to become more involved in the church, but this would be a big commitment. I had played on the church softball team and occasionally came to Worship. Since then my expectations have been blown away by the generosity of our congregation. I have seen the people of St. Matthews creating positive change in our community that I believe is just the tip of the iceberg of what we are truly capable of when we work together.

We will soon have a new Constitution and Long Range Plan that will lay the foundation of our church for years to come. The Long Range plan will challenge us to work together to shape the future of our church. I am excited to see the direction we take. I am grateful for the past few years and look forward to seeing our church continue in Proclaiming and Living the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Andy Dye Proclaiming and Living

The Good News

of Jesus Christ

St. Matthews Messenger 8 January, 2017

NEW PROGRAM AT PERRY MEMORIAL

Perry Memorial Senior Behavioral Wellness. Would you like to feel: Happier? Hopeful? More at peace with your life? For more information or to access services. 815-876-2004

Brochure outside of Pastor’s office.

PERRY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Free blood pressure & blood sugar screening 2nd

Tuesday of the month 7:30 am—9:00 am. Perry Memorial lobby.

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

You are invited to join our group that meets

every Tuesday morning resuming January 10 @ 10 am.

It is a Bible Study on the next Sunday’s Gospel lesson.

DISCIPLESHIP Charlie Waca

To grow relationships with Christ through study and discussion within our congregation and in partnership with other congregations. Ministry Groups: Sunday School, Confirmation, Vacation Bible School, Adult Education, Senior High Youth Group, Junior High Youth Group and Women’s Circles.

CONGREGATION GIVING FINANCIAL REPORT through November, 2016

YTD Budget: $209,055; YTD Giving: $186,264; YTD Expenses:$194,905. YTD Expenses under Budget $(14,150); YTD Giving under Expenses by $(8,641)

RESOURCE Brian Huffstodt

To use our time, talents and resources that God has given us in a faithful and loving manner. Ministry Groups: Finance, Stewardship, Foundation, Memorial, Time & Talent/Volunteerism, Incorporating New Members, Property, Membership.

FELLOWSHIP Mike Herro

To foster and strengthen our relationships with one another. Ministry Groups: Sports Teams, Potluck Dinner, Quilting Group, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Church Picnic, Sunday Morning Coffee Hour.

ESTHER CIRCLE: Esther Circle had their Annual Christmas Dinner at Park Tavern on Thursday, December 8. There were 10 of us attending. There was much laughter and good food all around. I thank everyone who was able to come. We remembered those who were unable to come and know they were missed by all. Our next meeting will be Thursday, January 19 at 7 pm in the Sharer Room. We will read the January Bible Study from “Gather Magazine”. Blessed Christmas to all!

THANK YOU

We at Our Table want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU! For all the help that has been provided in this past year by members of your congregation, in cooking, serving, cleaning and helping to make our Monday night dinners possible. Thanks to the contributions that you and others in the community have given, we have been able to provide meals for approximately 120 people per week, providing a safe place of fellowship, an opportunity for service, and a means of sharing Christ’s love with those around us. Sincerely, the overseeing Board of our Table

OUR TABLE for December was the 19th. We served 110 people the Christmas Dinner. Thank you to all to donated dollars, food or time it is appreciated by all. Thank you again for all of your donations in 2016. We are looking forward to the next date of February 20, 2017. Gary & Joelle Crockett

THANK YOU For your generous contribution of $125 donated on 11/25/2016. We really appreciate the opportunities your gift will provide to our clients and their children. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and support. Freedom House

EXPLORER’S BIBLE STUDY meets 7 pm Thursdays.

St. Matthews Messenger 9 January, 2017

YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY NEWS AND EVENTS

Join us this fall as we grow together in Christ as a family at St. Matthews. Here you will find a list of events you should check out.

LYO SKI TRIP is January 1 6, 201 7 at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, Illinois. This is open to all ages. Cost is $47 for lift, lesson, rental ski or snowboard or $27 for lift ticket only. Please register with Brandon Stover by January 9. See bulletin board for more details.

Workcamp 2017 we’ll be going to Bullock Creek, MI July 23-29, 2017. Reservations are filling up fast so let Brandon Stover. Even if you are just thinking about going so we can put a hold on a spot.

All families are invited to these activities.

Due to a programming change WE NO LONGER COLLECT USED SHOES thru Thrivent.

Sunday School for ages 3 through 5th grade. This is a one room model with breakout group for younger and older age groups. Class meets in room # 5

SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION FOR ALL AGES @ 10:15 AM

Proclaiming

and Living

The Good

News

of Jesus

Christ

January 2017-ADULT FAITH FORUM

Jan 1 Adult Faith Forum takes a break

Jan 8 Making Sense of Scripture - What Is the Bible?

Jan 15 Making Sense of Scripture - Is the Bible True?

Jan 22 Making Sense of Scripture - How Is the Bible the Word of God?

Jan 29 Annual Meeting Faith Practice of Prayer “Act in Accord with Your Prayer” self-study

January 2017-HIGH SCHOOL/YOUNG ADULT

Jan. 1 Christmas Break - No Sunday School

Jan. 8 Prayer Labyrinth

Jan. 15 Youth Worship Prep - Liturgy and Order of Worship

Jan. 22 Youth Worship Prep - Communion

Jan. 29 Attend Annual Meeting

January 2017– CONFIRMATION

Jan 1 Christmas Break – No Confirmation

Jan 8 Wilderness to Land

Jan 15 The Ten Commandments

Jan 22 Judges

Jan 29 No Confirmation but attend the Annual Meeting

Monday Jan 16

7am–8pm

Fellowship Event: N IL Synod Jr & Sr High

Ski Trip

Sunday Jan 22

11:20 am

Family Sunday Meal after

Confirmation

St. Matthews Messenger 10 January, 2017

2017 Congregational Resourcing Event

The 2017 CRE will be Saturday March

11, 2017 at

Kishwaukee Community College in

Malta, IL.

The 2017 event will focus on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Keynote Presenter will be the Rev. Dr. Winston Persaud, Wartburg Theological Seminary Professor of Systematic Theology, The Kent S. Knutson & UELC Professor in Theology & Mission Director of the Center for Global Theologies.

In addition to workshops from the keynote speaker and NIS Bishop Jeffrey Clements, other workshops feature topics including: Administration/Council/Treasurers, Education, Evangelism/Outreach/Hospitality, Global/Inter-Faith, Leadership, Social Justice, Spirituality/Prayer/Health & Wellness, Stewardship, and Youth/Young Adult/Family Ministry.

Bring everyone from your congregation to attend different workshops. Then get together and learn from each other!

The Seven Faith Practices

Reaching, Teaching, Transforming

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Tim Oloffson, Director