St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Newsletter December 2020

From the Pastor’s Desk… Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen. Episcopal Common Book of Prayer

The prayer above is one that I pray most often during this time of the year. It is an intercessory prayer for those who wait. The ones waiting for some rest and respite, the ones waiting to draw their last breath, the ones in anguished pain, the ones in the grip of addiction, the ones who suffer and rejoice. The waiting is all around us. The prayer is an invitation to hear the peace at the end of the day and hold our loved ones, friends and neighbors in the tender mercy of the God who waits with us. Advent is a time to watch and wait, to be drawn closer to our Lord as daylight shortens and the darkness of night becomes longer.

I also have decided to stretch myself a bit more with this prayer and I invite you to do the same. In this challenge, I will be forcing myself to wait and watch, to linger over the prayer. One way I intend to discipline this “prayer life” is to do some journaling in hopes that it will open time and space for some creativity. It is my hope that in holding the tension the prayer itself and prayerful creativity will be liberating. What kind of “stretching” are you willing to try?

Try using your senses as you pray. Play soft music in the background will subtly stimulate listening. Candles or incense will stimulate the sense of smell. Holding prayer beads, a piece of cloth or outlining a finger labyrinth encourages tangible touch. Arrange worship/prayer space with colorful icons, pictures of who you want to pray for, a nativity, a container with water or candles draw the eyes attention. Sip some cocoa or hot tea between prayer petitions or suck on a piece of hard candy to open the sense of taste. There are many ways to be creative in preparing and making time to the intentional slowdown of prayer time.

Contents: Letter from the Council President 2 December Newsletter Articles 2 Outreach & Advocacy 6 Church Calendars 7 St. Matthew’s Information 8 December Birthday Wishes 9 Prayer Chain 9

We are invited to explore in prayer what it means being connected through the embodiment of Christ, and that God chose to send the gift of incarnation in Jesus. The three seasons of Advent, Christmas and the Time after Epiphany are the perfect times as the body of Christ, to ask for clarity in the life God calls you to embody for the sake of the world. May your sacred journey be restful and revealing.

In Peace,

Pastor Christine Higueria-Street

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December Newsletter Articles:

St. Matthew’s Newsletter

Our newsletter has more information about the life of the congregation that you don’t want to miss. If you are not getting the newsletter, please send an email to Amanda Ventura at newsletter@stmatthewsut.org to get your name added to the list.

Updated Church Directory

The updated church directory is now available. If you didn’t receive a digital copy via email and would like one, please email the Communications Team at communications@stmatthewsut.org to request a copy. There will be a limited supply of a printed

version available.

It’s Easy, Safe & Convenient!

Go to St. Matthew’s Website. Click on the BLUE donation button.

St. Matthew’s has chosen a new provider, named Tithe.ly, to manage its online giving. Make one-time donations or set-up a giving schedule that meets your needs. Tithe.ly will do the work for you, making your giving easy and convenient. If you have any questions please check with the Stewardship Ministry.

"We are called to proclaim God’s grace by sharing the story of Jesus to bring light, hope and healing

to the world."

December 2020 - A letter to the congregation of St. Matthew’s

Hello every one,

I hope everyone is well and keeping busy. We are doing our best to and trying, too. Saffire is enjoying having time to spend with indoor activities and working on counting and her letters. I hope you all were able to have a wonderful thanksgiving in your own ways

This month I attended the council meeting, taught Sunday school, worked to prepare for and attend the congregational meeting. I have signed checks as needed and been attending digital worship services.

Respectfully,

Samantha Johnson Council President

Letter from the Council President…

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Why Become a Member of St. Matthew’s?

Why should you become a member of St. Matthew’s in Taylorsville? Here are a few reasons our members have expressed why they are part of the Mission and Ministry here:

I get to be a part of something larger than myself. Together we can do more than I as an individual can accomplish. (I get the) guidance to accomplish more in my personal life.

I get the chance to be forgiven, and to leave the church feeling spiritually better about the week to come.

Sense of family and community, friendship and love.

Membership is making a commitment to Christ and becoming active in faith as part of our calling through baptism. Membership also means discipleship. Life is always a journey of learning and growing in Christ! Membership involves participating in the life of the congregation through active worship, contributing and receiving communion. We formally receive new members twice a year – in the Fall on Reformation Sunday in October and in the Spring on Easter Sunday.

For how you can be part of the exciting ministry at St. Matthew’s as a member, ask Pastor Christine for a “Request for Membership” form.

Digital Church Service:

Ever since the COVID epidemic started, we here at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church have been holding our Sunday services digitally. We wanted to make sure that you are aware of where you can watch them. You can access the weekly service on our website stmatthewsut.org, our Facebook page, or on YouTube under Brian Schuster’s name. Every week pastor sends out a digital copy of the bulletin. It is found as an attachment on the same email as the Friendship Hour via Zoom.

Friendship Hour via Zoom:

Every week pastor sends out an email to invite everyone to join the Friendship Hour. This is a great time for everyone to catch up with one another. You may not be able to sit next to each other like Fellowship used to be, but it’s almost the same. You view your fellow congregational members and talk, but you just don’t get the meal to go with it (unless you provide your own). Just like in Fellowship; instead of a ministry providing a meal, they now host an hour meeting to discuss what they have been/are working on during the epidemic.

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Hospitality and Evangelism

Pastor and the Hospitality and Evangelism Ministry continue our dialogue about the Reconciling in Christ program. We have been meeting twice a month for the last several months. We have been sharing our story within the group and are looking forward to upcoming one-on-one meetings to hear individual stories from the members of the congregation.

Consistent with State government and Rocky Mountain Synod guidelines we are conducting our meetings on Zoom. Our weekly worship is online, encourage friends and neighbors that are needing spiritual guidance to watch our Sunday service at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Christine conducts a weekly Friendship Hour each Sunday at 11 a.m. via Zoom. This meeting is a great way to stay connected with each other, learn about how we are being church together and serving the community. Please plan to join us.

Submitted by Mike Stoker Hospitality & Evangelism Ministry

Sunday School Online at 9:00 AM

Digital Sunday School has been rocking for all our Sheep (Pre-K to 2nd Grade), Shepherds (3rd - 5th Grade) and Youth (6-12th Grade). The Sheep and the Shepherds have seen some familiar faces on Zoom each week and some new ones. Pastor Christine has even had the chance to teach a lesson. The Youth are using Co-laborate Confirmation curriculum and are studying the Old Testament with Pastor Christine.

It appears that our winter session materials are going to be late, but as soon as we can, we will get them out to everyone.

We love seeing all the children and their enthusiasm! We will take a two-week break on December 27th and January 6th and resume classes on January 10th.

With THANKFUL HEARTS for the gifts given in our recent pledge campaign, we look forward to the upcoming CHRISTMAS season.

Though it will be different from past years as we face the health pandemic raging on our country and world, it will continue to be the celebration of CHRIST'S BIRTH and our celebration of all that HIS LOVE has given us. As we look forward to a new year of sharing that love with our St Matthew’s members and friends, and with our families and communities, we wish you SEASON'S BLESSINGS.

Your Stewardship Ministry: Elizabeth Hawke, Eric Stoker, Harmony Thaemert, Sally Nelson & Pastor Christine

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Advent 2020 Prepare the Way for the Lord

Advent 1 – November 29th @ 10 am.

Advent 2 – December 6th @ 10 am.

Advent 3 – December 13th @ 10 am.

Advent 4 – December 20th @ 10 am.

Connect to the services via YouTube or on our website at www.stmatthewsut.org.

Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

The picture shown here is what is left of the baptismal font at one of our Lutheran camps, Sky Ranch in Northern Colorado. The Cameron Peak fires, yes fires, have damaged this beloved place of learning and faith development. It is much more complex than just the fires.

When COVID-19 hit, the decision was made not to hold camp, this meant a loss of important revenue and jobs for young adults already committed to working there this summer. Then there were the fires, which ran through the camp, not once, but twice, leaving in its wake a lot of destruction to outbuildings, the grounds themselves and more. While some of the camp was spared, what is left has incurred smoke damage. During the time of the fires (which raged over three months) plans for family and other programs were put on hold, another loss of revenue.

If you feel in your heart to give an end of the year gift, please think about giving to Sky Ranch. There is at least one donor who is willing to match donations for Sky Ranch, which is awesome! Donations can be made directly through their website at https://www.skyranchcolorado.org/ or mail your check to:

Sky Ranch 805 S Shields St. Ft. Collins, Colorado 80521

Dream Academy – Drive Through Christmas Party

During the week of December 14th, we will be hosting the Dream Academy Christmas Party. So that we can assure the participants and volunteers safety, we are doing a “Drive Through Christmas Party.” Santa will be on hand to give the children their gifts and we need volunteers to put together 20 “cookie kits”, provide gifts for 28 children and to hand out “dinner to go” (pizza, soda & the cookie kits) to the families.

Pastor will have the list of children and their “wish list” soon after Thanksgiving. Gifts need to be wrapped and clearly marked with the child’s name. Watch for emails, our Facebook page and website for more details as time gets closer.

Please contact Pastor if you have the desire in your heart to help these families who have a parent who is incarcerated.

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St. Matthew’s Little Pantry:

St. Matthew’s is continuing to hold our food rally for the Little Pantry every Wednesday from 6pm – 7pm while there is a continuing need.

It’s safe for everyone with social distancing, masks and gloves. You don’t even need to get out of your car! This event serves the local cities for those who are struggling to put food on their tables. The items most needed are; canned fruit, cereal, water and juice, peanut butter and jelly, fruit snacks and cheese and crackers.

Thank you to everyone for your generous support.

Outreach & Advocacy:

Warm Clothing Drive:

It’s that time again. The weather is changing and soon winter will be here. We are beginning our clothing drive in November. Please bring your gently used and new items to the church Wednesdays from 6 – 7pm starting Wednesday, Nov. 4th through Feb. 24th. The Outreach and Advocacy Committee will be taking the items to Crossroads Urban Center to distribute to those in need.

Christmas Caroling

Do you love singing Christmas Carols? Do you want to bring joy to someone’s day? Then this opportunity is for you! A group of carolers will be gathering on a Zoom call, Sunday, December 20th at 1:00 PM. We will have a couple of carols that we’ll be singing together for some holiday fun. But wait, there’s more! After our vocal cords are warmed up, we will be calling folks from our St. Matthew’s family and sing a couple of carols for them over the phone. The Zoom link will be sent to everyone that we have an email address for so that even if we haven’t sung in a while together, we can do this. It is a great way to be together, socially distanced, for some great fun. Choir members are encouraged to join in as well as the shy “I don’t sing very well” folks. All are welcome to this mish mash of Christmas joy.

Christmas 2020 Lessons & Carols ~ Silent Night, Holy Night

Our Christmas Eve service will be available on YouTube on December 24th at 4:00 PM. It will be available for viewing through Friday evening, December 25th. We will be doing a traditional Lessons & Carols service without communion but will be including a time for dimming the lights for Silent Night Candle Lighting. If you wish, please have a candle ready to participate in this old tradition in a new way.

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Church Calendars:

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St. Matthew’s Information:

Address Change Request Forms – Have you moved? Has your email changed? Have you eliminated your land line and now just use a cell phone? Is your information listed incorrectly in the church directory?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, please fill out an “Address Change Request Form” found in the Narthex’s Welcome Center.

Please give completed forms to anyone on the Communications Ministry Team: Brian Schuster, Mike Stoker, or Amanda Ventura.

Announcements – if you have any announcement that isn’t listed on the insert, please refer to the volunteer sign-up sheet to notify the correct contact for the week. If you would like Amanda Ventura to include in the bulletin please email office@stmatthewsut.org or put it in her box.

Our Food Pantry – is located in the Narthex. If you or anyone you know is in need of food items, please take items from the food pantry. Food donations are always appreciated to help others in times of need.

Recycling Bin – we are in danger of losing our paper recycling bin. Please support by bringing your newspaper, card board, magazines, junk mail, and other “CLEAN” paper.

The Box Tops for Education Program has gone through a major change. No longer will you be able to clip coupons and place them in the envelope in the church narthex. The only way to earn money for your school, now, is to download the app on your phone and scan your eligible store receipts. Hopefully, many of you will continue, on your own, in this revamped program. Thanks for your participation for so many years.

#stmatthewsut

Don’t forget to use our hashtag when posting pictures or events on our Facebook page or even on social media platforms that you use. Tag us to let us know you’re thinking about us when you are hanging out around the community, on vacation or at work.

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December Birthday Wishes: Mavis Agar Decmeber 15

Alaina Riggs December 15

Prayer Chain: For Healing in Mind, Body or Spirit: Mavis Agar, Kris Arnold, Ellen Dahl, Annalisa Giles, Billy Hedin, Carl Hedin, Amanda Johnson, Millie Lorbeck, Joachim & Sandra Muthreich, Janet Peercy, Jim Peverelle, Lorraine Ponzurick, Pastor John & Jackie Sandstrom, Shy Schaugaard, Tiffany McLaughlin, Mike & Mary Wimmer, Allison Winters, & Debbie Woodcraft.

To Those Who Mourn: The Family, Friends, and Co-Workers of Gordon Atuaia.

Our Homebound: Vern DeGrey, and Lynn Milsap.

Military & Other Public Servants: 1st Lt. William Clausen, US Army; Andrew Nguyen, US Air Force; Cadet Evan Schomaker, US Army; and Cody Wood, US Army.

The Community & World: Our prayer partner congregation, Mt. Tabor; schools; all victims of violence and/or warfare; those who have lost homes and businesses in the fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, all who are suffering because of COVID-19, and those recovering from addictions.