Sunday School Starts on Rally Day, September 9th!Special Rally Day Celebration at 8:30 Service It’s back-to-Sunday-School time for 3-year-olds – 8th graders on Sunday, September 9th. We’ll welcome in the new Sunday School year with a children’s message and skit at the 8:30 service. Following the worship service, children will go to their Sunday School classes. Teachers and room numbers will be listed in the bulletin on September 9th, and parents of 3, 4, and 5-year-olds will receive letters the week of September 2nd with class assignment information. If your child attended Sunday School last year, or if you are a member, your child will be automatically registered for Sunday School. All children are welcome, so if you are not a member but would like your child to attend Sunday School, please call the office to register. If you have any questions about Sunday School, please talk to Gretchen Haugse.

Volume 87, No. 11 - September 9, 2018

VBS Week an awesome time of learning about Faith and having Fun

The closing worship at VBS was filled with enthusiastic singing.

The excitement grew each morning. These helpers were priceless!

One of the awesome teaching teams! These 4-year-olds loved the parachute play.

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 Schlake-Kruse and Ann Williams, Pastors

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

E-mail: office@stmattslutheran.orgVisit our website: www.StMattsLutheran.orgSunday worship at 7:30, 8:30, 11:00 a.m.

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

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Pastor’s VOICE In this new school year – God is with you!

From the Gospel of Matthew, the 28th chapter, vs. 20: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

It’s hard to believe that a new school year is here. How did the summer go so quickly?!? With summer drawing to a close and the vacation season ending, it’s time to get back to a regular work week for many of us. As the new school year begins, I’ve noticed on social media a call for each of us to pray for our students as they grow, learn, and develop into the people God created them to be. Yes! This is a wonderful thing for all of us to do - pray for our students (and teachers I would add)! But I’ve also seen another popular meme about God and schools. I’ve seen it on social media, on car bumper stickers, and on T-shirts. I’ve even heard people say it out loud. It’s a sentiment with which I just don’t agree. It goes something like this…

Dear God, Why do you allow so much violence in our schools? Signed, A concerned student.

Dear Concerned Student, I’m not allowed in schools. Signed, God

I know what this simple notion is trying to proclaim. The suggestion is that we have banned God from our school systems as a result of our constitutional guarantee of sepa-ration of church and state, which allows every person the freedom to choose how they worship (or not). I believe the truth to be quite different. Our laws protecting separation of church and state, require public school teachers not to teach religion and faith in the schools, which would force students to learn faith in the way that a given curriculum dictates. However, just because a teacher (and students) aren’t allowed to teach faith in the school system, doesn’t mean they can’t live out their faith within the schools. In other words, the constitutional separation of church and state prevents the establishment of a state religion in order to guarantee the individual the right to practice whatever religion they choose. In fact, I think this is the same thing that happens in our work places as well. I’m sure very few places of employment begin their business meetings or work days with a group prayer or bible study. We all have personal freedom to live out our faith as we individually decide, whether at school or at our places of employment. But just because we can’t say a group prayer in school or in our work place, doesn’t mean we should forget what Jesus said as His final statement to the disciples when he ascended into Heaven, “I am with you always.” Always! God is with us throughout our days - in schools, in our offices, in our grocery stores, in the local tavern, in our homes, at our sports stadiums – everywhere! God never leaves our side. If anything, we are the ones who forget or ignore God’s presence in our daily lives. Yes, God is in our schools, and as Francis of Assisi is quoted as having said, “Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” We can live out our faith in the ways that we treat others. We can even pray in our schools and in our businesses, maybe not leading the class or our meetings in group prayer, but personally. Our faith can and should be central to who we are as people of faith, calling upon God for safety and protection, for guidance and patience and peace and all of the good things God wants for our lives. We are God’s hands and feet and voice – Christ’s body in this world so that God’s love might shine forth in all that we say and do, even if it’s not in the form of a prayer or bible study. May this new school year, and work year, be a blessed one, with God remaining by our sides indeed! - Pastor Chris

God never leaves our

side.

We are God’s hands and feet and voice – Christ’s body in this world so that God’s love might shine forth in all that we say and do.

Upcoming EventsPage 3

Wednesday Bible Study resumes September 5th! The Wednesday Bible Study will resume at 10 a.m. on September 5th! We’ll be reading through a few more books of the “Apocrypha,” the books between the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. New readers are welcome--please join us in the Upper Room. Pr. Matt leads the study. We’ll begin the fall reading excerpts from the Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach. There will be extra copies of the text if your bible does not have the apocrypha. We will meet each Wednesday at 10 a.m. Coffee and snacks are shared. **Special Note--Because of the SAINTS Field Trip on the 19th, there will be NO Wednesday Bible Study.

Annual Mum Sale Benefits Neighborhood Outreach for Seniors Annual Chrysanthemum Sale Sept 9th. Our Greater Tosa Interfaith representative, Anastasia Murken, will be selling potted mums before and after all services. The flowers are in 8-inch pots and sell for $8.00 each, or two for $15.00. These beautiful plants are great for altar flowers, memorials, fall gardens, or as a gift. New this year, help to uplift congregation members who are isolated in their homes by purchasing mums to be delivered to their homes by the clergy. All profit goes directly to maintaining Greater Tosa Interfaith Neighborhood Outreach which is a program supporting older neighbors to allow for greater independence. Our congregation supports this program. If you have any questions, call the Greater Tosa Interfaith office at 414-453-5750.

Sunday Morning Hospitality Volunteers invited to Rally Day Gathering at 10:00 Thank you to our Greeters, Welcome Center Hosts and Ushers for always being a warm and welcoming presence at St. Matthew’s on Sunday mornings. We really appreciate you! We will see you on Sunday, September 9th at 10:00. We will be hosting a “Welcome Back” gathering for our hospitality volunteers...Greeters, Welcome Center Hosts. Bring your thoughts and questions. We want to hear from you! If you are not currently a part of one of these ministries and have interest in serving please stop in on Sunday, September 9th. All are welcome! Please talk to Pastor Matt or Sue Swing for more information.

New Member Classes Start in September! God has given us the gift of Christian community. It provides for two of our most basic needs. The church can be a place to belong and a place to become. If you have had an opportunity to worship with us and would like to learn more about St. Matthew’s please consider attending our membership classes in September and October. Classes will be held on Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:45. Dates are September 23, 30 and October 7. New Members will be received on Sunday, October 14th at the 8:30 service. Childcare is available in the Nursery on all class dates. If you have any questions, please contact sueswing@sbcglobal.net, the pastors or the church office. A mailing has been sent to those known to be interested in joining St. Matthew’s.

Anastasia Murken

The Grace Notes Quartet, made up of (left to right) Steve Winters, Al Van Lith, Michael Kruse and John Schilling sang during worship on August 12.

Upcoming Events and Adult LearningPage 4

Confirmation 2.0: Tuesdays this FallLet’s start at the very beginning—A Very Good Place to Start! This fall, in response to a desire to have deeper refreshers on understandings of Lutheran teaching and bible interpretation, join Pastor Matt for a deeper look at the beginning of the Bible, Genesis. We will look at different interpretations of the stories, how we as Lutherans look to understand scripture, and explore these foundational stories. As we do, we’ll look at how they reveal what it means for us to live as Lutherans and how we might use these stories in our understanding of God and one another. We’ll look at how Luther also interprets Genesis. We will gather from 6:30—8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning October 2nd; We will conclude in early December. We will use the book, Genesis: Translation and Commentary, by Robert Alter. It is available both new and used from Amazon. If you’d like a copy from St. Matthew’s, they will be $13.00. Please sign-up at the Welcome Center and talk with Pastor Matt if you have other questions!

St. Matt’s First Fridays Book Club reveals Reading List for year The St. Matthew’s book group, which usually meets on the first Friday of each month beginning in October, has shared their 2018-19 reading list. It is available at church at the Welcome Center. The group meets on the dates listed at 7 p.m. in the Upper room. Here are the first three books for the year:Oct. 5: All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel by Anthony

Doerr (531 pages)Nov. 2: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (228

pages)Dec. 7: When the English Fall; David Williams (256 pgs)

Register now at: ofhbikeride.comSeptember 8, 2018 at St. Bruno’s in Dousman and Grace Lutheran in Grafton Participation is still possible: • Registrations are accepted online until noon on

Sept. 5th. After that time, walk-up registrations are possible on the day of the ride.

• Support a rider or volunteer – monies raised by riders and volunteers will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $25,000

• Make a Donation – For your convenience on-line donations are possible at ofhbikeride.com Donations received via mail are also gratefully accepted and are instrumental in helping us reaching our $120,000 goal.

• Volunteer – Over 100 positions need coverage to make this event a success (crossing guards, rest stop assistants, setting up for lunch, clean up, starting line/finish line assistants, registration etc.)

If you are reading this after Sept. 8th, the ride is over, but the need continues. Donations received by Sept. 30th help us reach our goal of $120,000. This ride makes a difference in lives of those served by the 22 ministries sponsored by Outreach for Hope in the Greater Milwaukee Synod. Your support impacts lives by enabling: 7 congregations to have medical clinics or parish nurses; Breaking the Chains (prison ministry); 4,334 meals and meal bags distributed weekly; 3 seminary interns serving Milwaukee ELCA congregations; 12 churches provide after-school tutoring and activities for children. . . and the list goes on. Please prayerfully consider a donation. Thank you.

Textual Reflections for September If you’ve noticed, most of the 2nd readings this month come from the Epistle of James. Martin Luther famously called this book of the New Testament an “epistle of straw.” Yet, as Frederick Gaiser notes, “The Letter of James is filled with the kind of biblical wisdom and prophetic urging that, if heeded, would make us better people and ours a better world. Luther had no quarrel with that, which is why he [also] praised James as a fine preacher of God’s law. But Luther wanted the gospel [too], a road to which there is an end, namely, salvation in Jesus Christ.” From Word and World, 35:3 (Summer 2015), p. 212. Pr. Matt

Adult Education Starts September 9th! Join us on Sunday mornings to learn and grow in faith with other adults. Childcare is always available in the church nursery. You do not need to be a Bible expert to come to adult ed...just come when you can, stay for as long as you can and enjoy learning something new about faith and service related topics.

September 9 - 10:00-10:45“Welcome Back” gathering for our hospitality volunteers...Greeters, Welcome Center Hosts, UshersAs we gather on Rally Day and begin the Programming Year, Pastor Matt and Sue Swing invite all adults, especially those who volunteer as greeters, welcome center hosts, and serve as a welcoming presence to all, for a celebration and thank you as we begin a new year of welcome at St. Matthew’s! We’ll have treats and talk about the ways we welcome well, ask for your feedback, and talk about the reasons it is so very vital to have a corps of volunteers with friendly faces each week.

September 16 - 9:45-10:45Writing Our Faith Story with Connie Malloy and Katrina UbellOur faith stories, and our stories of faith, shape our lives and inform our behaviors. Sharing these stories can be powerful for both the giver and the receiver. Writing these stories, through journaling or storytelling, can bring us to an even deeper understanding of our faith journey. Katrina Ubell and Connie Malloy will share their stories, and discuss both the benefits and the process of bringing such stories to life through writing. Connie is a professional dancer, teacher and writer. Her first book has just been published! Katrina is a physician who inspires and assists others with her business, “Weight Loss for Busy Physicians.” Don’t miss this chance to interact with these wonderful members of St. Matthew’s!

September 23 - Serenity InnIn Milwaukee alone, between 1500 – 2000 people are homeless and of those, over 90% have substance abuse problems. An estimated 80% of the current 20,000+ inmates in the Wisconsin prison system are incarcerated because of drug related activities. When men are released from prison, they often times lack the strength and foundation needed to lead a drug and alcohol free life. They struggle to find jobs, housing, and even individuals who will help them down the road of recovery. Continued...

Serenity Inn - continued: Deaths from heroin overdose in Wisconsin and nationwide have become a public health crisis. Serenity Inns provides a comprehensive, seven month transitional living program. This program addresses the physical, social, emotional, financial, and spiritual needs of its residents. Learn about the roots, the effects, and the positive impact of healing and sobriety have been shared through Serenity Inns, as Ellen Blathers, their Executive Director, shares with us during adult education.

September 30 - Connections Sunday9:45 a.m. in Sanctuary On Sunday, September 30th, join Pastor Chris and others, to learn about the many new ways to connect to St.Matt’s. Over the past year or so, we’ve added a new church website layout, live online worship viewing, Adult Education class videos on Youtube, online volunteer schedule coordination through Ministry Scheduler Pro (MSP), Online electronic giving through VANCO supported services (Simply Giving, online giving, smart phone app giving, text-to-give options, etc).. Also important in this class, we will be revealing our new Membership Information Database, called Servant Keeper. This new program is how the church will be keeping all of our member records in the future. Along with previewing this program, we will send out a link to every household, so that you can have a direct “Member Portal” to your own data, which will allow you to update, edit, and improve how we communicate with you in the future. We will give a live presentation on this Member Portal, to explain this new system. Through this new Member Portal, we will also utilize this handy new tool to gather people’s Stewardship Time and Talent information in October, so that our class on September 30th, will serve as our preparation time to get ready for a second class on October 14th - our Stewardship Kick-off Sunday. This October 14th class will show us how to utilize the member Portal to fill out our Time and Talent pledges online (instead of through the Pony Express method that we have used for the last 20 years. Although, fear not, paper versions will be available for those who prefer a non-electronic method of pledging). I hope everyone will make this class on Sunday, September 30th a priority, so that you will understand the many new ways you will be able to connect to St. Matthew’s ministry! Pr. Chris Manke

Adult LearningPage 5

Katrina Ubell Connie Malloy

SAINTS September Event –Wednesday, September 19, 2018Tour and LunchUWM School of Freshwater Sciences & Harbor House Restaurant Join us for a tour of the UWM School of Freshwater Science and find out why Milwaukee is a global leader in water. Researchers from every continent come here to study fresh water. We will learn about what is happening in our own back yard that is putting Milwaukee on the map. The tour will require some walking but with chairs and rest stops along the way. You are invited to dive in and learn how this institution earned its global reputation. Following the tour, we will enjoy lunch at Bartolotta’s Harbor House restaurant. This New England-style seafood restaurant is set on the shore of Lake Michigan and offers a premier lakefront dining experience. Long-time residents of Milwaukee may remember this as the old “Pieces of Eight” restaurant. Schedule9:00 a.m. – Meet at St. Matthew’s to load bus Tour of the UWM School of Freshwater

Sciences on Lake Michigan Lunch at Harbor House restaurant2:30 p.m. – Return to St. Matthew’s

Cost: $44 per person which includes the tour, lunch, bus, and gratuities

Forms are available in the church office or the Welcome Center in the Commons. Please Note: Registration due Sunday, September 9.The SAINTS, short for Seniors Active In New Testament Service, is open to all adults. The group typically meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 11:30am. Contact Julia Murphy through the church office or email julia@stmattslutheran.org if you have any questions or concerns.

SAINTSPage 6

Barb Agnew gave a fascinating talk at the August Saints Gathering about the Monarch Butterfly preservation movement in Milwaukee that she has been helping to lead.

A large crowd attended this event, the first Intergenerational Saints Event.

Andy Cherney and several children watch a butterfly release at the Saints Intergenerational Butterfly Gathering.

UPCOMING EVENTOctober 31 – Wednesday: Presentation by Mordecai Lee entitled, “Current Events in Government.” Please note the date change to the 5th Wednesday of the month.

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Sabbatical Update from JohnTo the members of St. Matthew’s Congregation, I wish to take a moment to gratefully thank the congregation for your generous gift of time to renew and refresh during my Sabbatical. This fall season brings something new in worship: musical leadership while I’m away. I am happy to report that your weekly Sunday worship will be led by highly qualified musicians. Julia Murphy will assist at the 7:30 service as needed. Then on the Organ & Piano bench will be Rob McWilliam and Larry Wheelock will share their talents on Sunday mornings. I know you will make them feel very welcome. I encourage all to join a choir or raise your voice or instrument in praise of our God. In mid-September Jeff and I will be traveling to Paris. Paris is a pilgrimage for organists due to the large number of famous Composers/Organists and of course many famous organs. The style of French organ building at the turn of the 19th Century has a history that changed organ building and organ music around the world. Our own pipe organ has influences from this French Organ Building Tradition. Plans are booked to attend concerts at a number of Cathedrals with the highlight being a Lecture & Recital at St. Sulpice. (See picture.) This is the most famous and largest organ in Paris. Organist, Charles M. Widor, created music at this organ for 64 years until 1933. His famous “Toccata” has been played many times for services and weddings here at St. Matthew’s. In October I will be volunteering with three musical organizations to assist in planning, teaching, and marketing upcoming educational events: • The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians for

their local workshop day for area church musicians • The American Guild of Organists for their summer

2019 Regional Convention, which will be held in Milwaukee.

• The Civic Music Association of Milwaukee to work on their 100th Anniversary event with Doc Severinsen to be held in November.

Once again I thank you for this opportunity to refresh and bring back to St. Matthew’s a renewed spirit and I guess, lots of French music.

Paix & Bénédictions,John Paradowski

2018-2019 Voice SeriesSpiritual ComposersJoy in God’s PresenceJOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH (1685-1750) The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: “God is good; God’s love endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 5:13 This Old Testament Scripture from 2 Chronicles describes a worship service the day the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Solomon’s splendid new temple in Jerusalem. Next to these verses, in the margin of his biblical commentary, Johann Sebastian Bach wrote: “Where there is devotional music, God is always at hand with His gracious presence.” Johann Sebastian Bach was a career church musician in Germany. He often practiced and worked in the church itself, basking in the joy of God’s presence. Two centuries after the Reformation, Martin Luther’s influence permeated the country. Luther had revolutionized faith and music; he had declared music to be second only to the Gospel itself. As for Bach, a Luther disciple, he claimed that “Music’s only purpose should be for the glory of God and the recreation of the human spirit.” Bach worked as if God were at his shoulder, directing the scene. When staring at a page he needed to fill with notes he often initialed the blank manuscript with “J. J.” which stood for Jesu Juva, meaning “Help me, Jesus.” After finishing a manuscript, he frequently initialed the last page with “S. D. G.” denoting Soli Deo Gloria or “To God Alone the Glory.” The composer was ever aware of God’s being with him, guiding his work. When it came to his awareness of God, Bach made little distinction between sacred and secular music. His Little Clavier Book was inscribed “In the Name of Jesus.” Bach’s son, Carl Philipp Emanuel noted that the whole Bach family “were in the habit of beginning all things with religion.” Not everyone is called to full-time church work as Bach was for most of his life. But all of us can be constantly aware of God’s presence at our shoulder, by our side, even in our spirits. God, help me to be aware of your presence every day, no matter what my circumstances or environment, as I work or play, as I worship, as I walk amid your creation, and through the artistic creations - music, poetry, art - that bring glory to your name.

Soli Deo Gloria at the end of Bach’s Music

The Organ at St. Sulpice, Paris, France

Music MinistryPage 8

Join in the Music Making St. Matthew’s has outstanding opportunities for our Children, Youth and Adults to be part of the music ministry and share their gifts with our church family and community. All are welcome to join in praising our Lord.

Come Join us to SingPraise Kids! starts October 4 at 4:00 to 5:00Praise Kids! offers all children age 4 [Jr. Kindergarten] through 2nd grade a chance in being part of the children’s ministry of the church. This group helps to teach our youngest about God, the Church and family through musical games, activities, learning time and singing. Jeff Reeves and Amy Dankwardt lead our singers in age appropriate music education activities and singing. For more information contact Jeff Reeves at the churchNew Creation Choir starts October 3 at 7:00 to 8:00For grades 3-6 Jeff Reeves and John Paradowski co-direct the New Creation Choir singing God’s praises. Having children lead us in worship is very important and we always welcome this group helping us praise our Lord. For more information contact Jeff Reeves. New Generation Choir starts November 7 at 6:00 to 6:45For 7th through 12th grades the New Generation Choir is a great opportunity for our youth to sing the praises of our Lord. A variety of musical styles are sung and we help in worship once a month. We will work on items for the Christmas Pageant. For more information contact John Paradowski. Senior Choir started August 30 from 7:30 to 9:00Even though the Adult choir has started rehearsing this season, it is never too late to join the singing, all vocal parts are welcome! The adult choir sings just about every Sunday and is a great opportunity to share your talents with the congregation. For more information contact Dave Mohr.

Music in the HouseMeanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house. Luke 15:25 We all know the Prodigal Son Story. Imagine this son walking towards his home to find a party going on. Not only are there extra people in his house, but there is singing and dancing—obviously something big happened while he was gone. The event must be good because the musicians were invited and are playing lively tunes. He walks a little faster because he is curious. Before he even hits the front door, this son knows something exciting, something wonderful has occurred. Why? He heard the music. No other artistic medium has the ability to convey emotions as quickly and as far reaching as music. Music sets the mood and tone for celebrations, special moments, and even funerals. It can break up the monotony of our daily routine by inspiring us to remember or feel something related to the lyrics. The sounds are carried through the air to touch and communicate directly with people’s hearts. Music has the ability to change our emotions and to open the doors to our hearts and spirits in ways that teaching and preaching will not. We use music to bring people closer to the Gospel messages. We strive that our music has an impact on people. And we work to become better at using music to communicate God’s message so that even those who are just starting out on the path home will hear and know that something good and exciting is happening. Come and join us this Fall, or anytime, to share the Gospel Message of Love and Joy through the gift of music. John Paradowski Minister of Music

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Praise Kids! New Season starts October 4 at 4:00 to 5:00 We wish to offer you an invitation for your little one(s) to join in the music making here at St. Matthew’s—Praise Kids! Our youngest members of our church can join in singing praises to our Lord. Praise Kids! offers all children who are age 4 [Jr. Kindergarten] through 2nd grade a chance in being part of the children’s ministry of the church. This group helps to teach our youngest about God, the Church and Family through musical games, activities, learning time and singing. Praise Kids is held on Thursday afternoons, starting October 4, from 4:00 to 5:00. This opens the door for non-Wauwatosa school children to join us after they get out of school. Jeff Reeves and Amy Dankwardt lead our singers in age appropriate music education activities and singing. The Schedule:

4:00-4:15: Gathering Time and snacks4:15-5:00: Age appropriate music activities and

singingWHY PRAISE KIDS?Praise Kids nurtures

♪ musical growth♪ spiritual growth♪ understanding of self and others♪ a relationship with God♪ …and Praise Kids is just plain fun!

The group will sing for worship once a month through Christmas, and then break until Mid-January. For more information please contact Jeff Reeves at, JDReeveswk@yahoo.com

Music Ministry

Check out St. Matthew‘s Website for more information on the all the choirs!

http://www.stmattslutheran.org/worship-and-music/music-ministry/

Come Join us to RingGodsbells starts WEDNESDAY, October 3 at 6:00 to 6:45For 4th through 6th grade Godsbells is offered as a great way to meet new friends, serve your church, and have fun learning about music and how to ring chimes and handbells. With many families facing challenging time schedules and crowded calendars, Godsbells meets on WEDNESDAY evenings just before New Creation Choir. ♪ Creates opportunities for children to experience

a variety of musical experiences in ONE evening per week!

♪ Provides the opportunity for more children to participate in Godsbells & New Creation!

♪ Provides dessert for children participating in both GODSBELLS & NEW CREATION!

♪ Increases time for fun and fellowship with our young musicians!

All are welcome! Contact Jeff Reeves to be part of this group. Righteous Ringers starts TUESDAY, September 25 at 7:00 to 7:45Righteous Ringers is the experienced handbell choir is for the older youth, 7th through 12th grades. They learn handbell music to play in worship and have a great time rehearsing and making music. Contact Jeff Reeves to be part of this group. The Embellishments starts November 6 at 9:30 to 10:15The Tuesday morning handbell choir, The EmBELLishments, is looking for new ringers to join the handbell fun. No experience needed! We have fun as we learn new music and the techniques of handbell ringing. If you have any questions or would like a private lesson in ringing handbells to find out what it is all about, please talk with John Paradowski at the church. Bells Angels starts September 20; 6:15 to 7:25If you have musical experience and are willing to learn the handbell world fast, speak to John. We have fun as we learn new music and the techniques of handbell ringing. Contact John Paradowski to be part of this group.

We look forward to seeing many of you join in all the activity of serving our Lord and giving thanks through God’s gift of music. If you have any questions please contact the music staff:

John Paradowski, stmattsmusicministry@gmail.comJeff Reeves, JDReeveswk@yahoo.comDavid Mohr, davemohr@me.com

Social Ministry

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Fellowship eventCome have a tour of Apt. 4 at John Michael Kohler Arts CenterSunday, October 14

Sarah Carter, Curator and Director of Research for the Chipstone Foundation in Fox Point, is giving a tour of Apartment 4: Iris Häussler and The Chipstone Foundation at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan. The exhibit is a collaborative representation of how fictitious artist Florence Hasard turned her modest Milwaukee apartment into her home and studio. Apartment 4 provides glimpses into her living room, studio, bedroom, and bathroom. “The space is informed by Florence’s dark, introspective art practice that allowed her to work through the personal trauma she experienced as a nurse during the First World War. In addition, Apartment 4 gives hints to what her life in Milwaukee may have been like in the 1940s.” We will meet at church and carpool to the museum.

Your Invitation to move ACROSS THE RED AND BLUE DIVIDEReserve your seat at the tableWe invite you to join the Millennial Action Project (MAP) for Across the Red & Blue Divide: Reforming Criminal Justice -- a panel presentation moderated by WUWM’s Mitch Teich and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Erin Richards, followed by community discussion circles. Panelists include:

Judge Jane CarrollJerome Dillard, State Director of EXPORepresentative David Bowen (D-10th District)Thursday, September 06, 2018 | 6:30 PM The Bavarian Bierhaus700 W Lexington BlvdGlendale, Wisconsin 53217Drinks and appetizers provided

This free community event is the fourth in a series on political polarization. We invite participants to return for the final dialogue November 13th, 2018. Across the Red and Blue Divide is hosted by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee’s NPR, and the Millennial Action Project.

AIDS Walk Wisconsin is Saturday, October 6! Consider walking in this great event, the state’s largest HIV fundraising event to support ARCW (The AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin). AIDS Walk Wisconsin has been raising crucial funds to support the ARCW, which serves the entire state. ARCW provides life-saving medical, dental and mental health care, as well as social service programs like food pantries and housing assistance for people living with HIV/AIDS. People with HIV in Wisconsin live longer than in any other state in the nation because of organizations like ARCW. More than 91% of our patients live below the poverty level and the cost of providing HIV health care and services at ARCW will reach $3 million. One hundred percent of funds raised stays in Wisconsin, and 93 cents of every dollar benefits clients directly. You can register online at aidswalkwis.org or call 800-348-WALK. It will be a fun day! If you are busy on October 6, and can’t participate in the walk, you can sponsor Mary Thomae, a member of St. Matthew’s. Look for her on the aidswalkwis.org website and consider pledging toward her fundraising goal.

Faith in the Medical Community:Your input wanted! “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus is asked this question before sharing the story of the Good Samaritan. As members of St. Matthew’s, one of our neighbors is the community (really the small city) of physicians, residents, students, professors, nurses, care assistants and other caregivers at Froedtert and the Medical College and CHW. As a part of exploring our congregation and evangelism, I am excited to explore how we might best serve a) our own members and friends working in the medical field as care providers and b) what spiritual and faith needs are most important to those who work in the medical-care industry. If you are a nurse, physician, therapist, care assistant, and work in the medical field, I’d love your input as to where you see your faith and spirituality connect with the work of healing and caring. Please contact me if you are interested in getting together and sharing input about what you find helpful and lacking in your own synthesis of faith and work. I’d love to hear your stories. - Pastor Matt

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From a St. Matthew’s Family: Kate, Pete, Wally & Harper Eggert“We would like to thank all of the kind and generous people who brought us meals after we had Harper and were transitioning to life with 2 kids under the age of 2. To Julie Abraham-Gifford, Becky Baumler, Leslie Gardner, Dollie Kirchner, Lois Bross, Wendy Falk and Sandy Hayes. The meals were delicious and you helped ease stress and anxiety...Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We feel so lucky to have this supportive community at St. Matthew’s.”

If you would like to prepare and deliver a home-cooked meal consider joining St. Matthew’s Meal Special Need Ministry. We utilize an easy to access on-line tool that allows you to sign up to bring a meal when the time is right for you. For more info please contact Sue Swing; sueswing@sbcglobal.net.

Stressed?

Feeling Down?

Need Encouragement?

We are here to help!

Contact aStephen Leader TodayNeed Encouragement?

Jill Nelson - For organizing our Upstairs Kitchen with a smile!

The Wurzburger Family - For keeping our Quiet Sacs full of great things for kids to use during worship. Pictured here are (left to right) Abby, Isaac and Dana. The Quiet Sacs cart is located at the entrance to worship.

Gretchen Haugse, Kristin Hanson and Tom & Nancy Wilke, for transporting VBS grocery donations to the recipient agencies.

Thank You!

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Sunday Morning Volunteers: If you don’t have MSP, get it today! St. Matthew’s uses Ministry Scheduler Pro (MSP) an on-line scheduling program to schedule our Sunday morning volunteers. Volunteers choose the area they would like to serve in, service time preference and frequency of service. Most volunteers find MSP very easy to use and appreciate these great features of the scheduling program: • Update away dates quickly on-line so you

don’t get scheduled when you cannot be here • Receive automatic email or text message

reminders • Schedules updated with changes in real time • Ability to check your schedule from anywhere

and easily request a substitute when you can’t make one of your scheduled dates

• Guidelines and procedures for ALL Sunday morning ministry positions are available on-line

We always need new volunteers on Sunday morning! This is a great way to be involved at church and if you are already here on a Sunday there is no need to try to plan for extra time in your schedule. The current schedule runs from September 9 - December 30th. How to request a Sub if you cannot be here on a scheduled Sunday • In MSP, Log into your profile (you will need

your password) • Click on My Schedule • Click on (request sub) next to the date that

you cannot serve. • A box will open up and you will click request

sub again How to make sure you receive a text reminder 24 hours before your scheduled date to serve • In MSP, Log into your profile (you will need

your password) • Click on My Profile • Check the box that says you want to receive

text messages and fill in your phone # • Make sure to click submit at the bottom of the

page

Meditation Moment“Ten Minutes Matter”An Invitation for silence & reflectionIf you are interested in learning more about the practice of mindfulness meditation and Christian contemplation please join us. We are learning and growing together. Questions are encouraged and all are welcome.

September 9 & September 23 on Sunday mornings in the Upper Room.

8:00 Greeting8:10 Silence Begins8:25 Reflection8:30 Worship

“I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Martin Luther

Sunday Morning Volunteers Needed!Great Opportunities for Families to Serve Together!Communion Preparers Prepare communion and clean up after working in teams of 3. This is a great way to help behind the scenes and to have some fun conversation with other volunteers!

Coffee Hosts Serve refreshments with others during our fellowship time in between the 8:30 and 11:00 services. A key role in our Welcome ministry!

Ushers at 11:00 Our Ushers welcome people to worship and collect the offering. You don’t need to miss a moment of church to serve on an Usher Team.

The current schedule runs from September 9 - December 30th but if you are interested in becoming a Sunday morning volunteer you can join in anytime. Please contact Sue Swing; sueswing@sbcglobal.net for more info.

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Women’s MinistryGreater Milwaukee Synodical Women’s Organization Fall Gathering to take place Saturday Oct. 13 This is always a wonderful event to come together with other women from our Synod, the Greater Milwaukee Synod. Renew old relationships and estabish new ones. There will be a registration form at the Welcome Center for you to pick up and mail in. The gathering will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 20275 Davidson Road, Brookfield, WI. The theme is “Women Create Change.”

A reflection on the Women’s Retreat at Pine Lake Bible Camp in August Pastor Alexis Twito, former pastor of Capitol Drive Lutheran Church and now chaplain of 65 chaplains with The Salvation Army, was our Bible Study leader at the retreat. Under the theme of “Forgiveness” we looked at many Bible stories and verses. Forgiveness is defined as the conscience and deliberate decision to release vengeance. It is a process. It is hard work. It is head and heart work. It is letting go. We forgive because God commands us to. It is great for the soul. It creates a better community. It increases our own well-being and a key to receiving God’s forgiveness. We talked about repentance and owning the hurt and working through it and forgiving ourselves as well as others. It doesn’t mean condoning the wrong.

“The Power of Forgiveness” a documentary by Martin Doblmeier was shown and discussed. It was rated the best documentary at the Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival in 2007. It was very moving and powerful. There was a Guided Meditation time and a book review on “You Will Not Have My Hate” by Antoina Leives of France. Also a Sunset Sing and Meditation time. Saturday afternoon was free time to swim, shop, read, or relax. The weather was exceptional and the food and fellowship great! Saturday night was the Taizé service. A quiet candle-lit service with hymns and Bible verses and audible prayers and prayer written on paper and burned in the fireplace. Sunday morning was a joyful worship celebration with communion. Submitted by Marilyn Day

Women’s Fall StudyWednesday Evening Book Discussion7:00-8:00 p.m.October 3 - November 7...Come when you can!(If there is interest we may also select some Sunday mornings or daytime meetings for discussion).

“An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith” by Barbara Brown Taylor Barbara Brown Taylor spent 15 years in parish ministry and was named one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English-speaking world by Baylor University in 1996. She became a professor of religion at Piedmont College in 1998 and also teaches spirituality at Columbia Theological Seminary. Still a priest in the Episcopal Church, she lives on a working farm in rural north Georgia with her husband. Taylor calls this book a field guide to spiritual practices which can lend meaning and richness to our lives. From the author: Here are some of the “Practices” from the book that we will discuss.• The Practice of Waking Up to God (Vision) • The Practice of Paying Attention (Reverence) • The Practice of Walking on the Earth (Groundedness) • The Practice of Encountering Others (Community) • The Practice of Saying No (Sabbath) • The Practice of Being Present to God (Prayer) Along the way in this book, Taylor shares many colorful stories from her own life and ponders the experiences of some well-known Biblical characters as well. Get to know this great author and teacher on Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoul Sunday (You Tube Link Here)

Steep Your Soul: Barbara Brown Taylor | SuperSoul Sunday | Oprah Winfrey Networkhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK3dMzTlrk0

Please contact Sue Swing;sueswing@sbcglobal.net for more information. Books are available for purchase NOW at church or you can easily obtain through a bookseller or on-line.

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Children, Youth and Family Ministries

Baptism Anniversaries“We Promise to Pray for You...” Several times each month, babies, children and adults are baptized during our worship services. During the service of baptism, after the person is baptized, the congregation welcomes him or her and promises to pray for him or her during his/her faith development. We re-print these baptism names and dates from the previous few years as a reminder of those baptized.

Yara Reese Tanem September 25, 2016Hadley Grace Meier September 13, 2015Sebastian Maxwell Steinberg September 28, 2014Nora Mae Ghylin September 28, 2014Jacqueline Marie Beck September 28, 2014Emily Catherine Bastjan September 23, 2012Davin Noe September 23, 2012 Cecelia Lorene Hornung September 30, 2012James Francis Hyland III September 30, 2012Bennett Paul Dolan September 11, 2011Nicholas James Ring September 25, 2011Avery Taylor Ryan September 25, 2011

Thank You Sunday School Volunteers!Sunday School Staff to be Installed on September 9th Over 300 children are enrolled in Sunday School at St. Matthew’s – an average of 30 students per grade level. We are so thankful to the many volunteers who spend time with them each week in Sunday School, teaching them Bible stories and modeling faith – from teachers to shepherds and assistants. This program would not be possible without their commitment of time, energy, and love! Teachers, shepherds, and assistants will be installed at the 8:30 service on September 9th.

2nd Graders to Receive Bibles This year’s 2nd graders will be presented with Bibles at the 8:30 worship service on September 16th. Following the service, 2nd graders and their parents will attend a class on using their new bibles. We hope that these new and eager young readers will make engagement with scripture a life-long habit!

Youth, want to be part of ourYouth Services Directory? St. Matthew’s produces a Youth Services Directory almost every year, and it’s time to produce a new one! This is an opportunity for youth in grades 6 and up to advertise their services and willingness to work as a pet sitter, lawn mower, yard work helper and/or babysitter. Many families in our congregation make good use of this directory to find young people to help out with these jobs. There is a form to fill out for the youth workers, and turn in to the church office. We will make this form available at church, of course, but will also email it out on request, and include it in the weekly bulletin email which is sent out at the end of each week. The deadline for inclusion is Friday, September 28th.

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High School Youth Forum Starts on September 9th, 9:45-10:45 a.m. All high school students are welcome and encouraged to come to youth forum on Sunday mornings during the education hour. We meet in the youth room for conversation, service activities, and, of course, snacks. You and your ideas are always welcome! We hope you will make it your place on Sunday mornings!

9th Grade Confirmation Begins September 5 Confirmation for 9th graders meets on Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:30, beginning September 5th and ending on Tuesday, October 30th. In these nine short sessions, led by Gretchen Haugse and Pastor Matt - we will explore what it means to live out your faith. The 9th graders will be confirmed at a special worship service on Sunday, November 4th at 1:30 in the afternoon. If you have any questions, please contact Gretchen Haugse.

7th & 8th Grade Confirmation begins September 5 - Parents invited to 1st class Class begins on September 5, 7:00-8:30 p.m. with a Big Group night on Martin Luther. Parents are asked to attend the first class. Please note that there will be an overnight retreat on Friday, September 14 at 7 p.m. thru Saturday, September 15, 10 a.m.

Know a student moving to campus?Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. - Romans 15:7 If you are a young adult, or if you know of a young adult who is looking for a community of friends and a way to express faith, consider campus ministry. Young Adults experience unique spiritual, intellectual and emotional challenges. Campus Ministry seeks to strengthen and support them as they learn and grow. Visit the LuMin Lutheran Campus Ministry Network website to learn more about Lutheran Campus Ministry.http://lumin-networkreferral.org/student-referrals/ This helps Campus Pastors prepare to welcome and reach out to students. You can use the online referral tool to find a ministry near you. If you are looking for a school that is not listed, we will direct your referral to the nearest ELCA Lutheran church.

2019 Youth Mission Trip“So, where are we going next year?” Come to the information meeting on Sunday, September 30th at 12:15 to learn the answer to this frequently asked question. The trip will take place next June and is open to all high school youth. Plan on attending this meeting to learn all the details! This annual service trip is a great faith and community building experience as we work together to use our hands to do God’s work, our minds to learn more about God’s creation, and our hearts to reach out in compassion. Come to the info meeting to find out about next summer’s experience!

Fall Youth Events at a GlanceBreakfast Prep for Tosa Cares: Sunday, September 23rd, 12:00 Your help is needed to prepare breakfast for clients of the Tosa Cares Food Pantry. We will make breakfast sandwiches that will be frozen for the following week’s pantry. Watch for an email with sign-up link.We will help at the Tosa Cares Food Pantry distribution day on Saturday, September 29th, 8:00-11:00 a.m. Volunteer to serve breakfast or work in the food pantry. Watch your email for sign-up link.

Middle School Corn Maze Adventure: Sunday, October 7th, 12:00 - 4:00 What could be more fun on a brisk autumn day than to get lost in a corn maze - and hopefully find your way out of it! Middle school youth and friends are invited to take that challenge on Sunday, October 7th as we head to Basse’s Corn Maze after lunch at St. Matthew’s. Cost is $15 (scholarships available).

Youth Ministry

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Women & Justice Seminar and Luncheon: The Benedict Center is hosting a Women and Justice seminar and luncheon on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at the Italian Community Center. During the morning seminar, the speakers will discuss critical issues facing women in the criminal justice system, including adequate housing, safety, mental health and addiction, education, employment, and trafficking. Deon Haywood, Executive Director of Women with a Vision. For 25 years, Ms. Haywood has been an ardent defender of women in the New Orleans. Ms. Haywood will share her vision for defending and uplifting disenfranchised and struggling women in the post-Katrina era. The morning seminar is free. St. Matthew’s has sponsored a table for the Noon luncheon. The cost for the luncheon is $30. If you are interested in attending the seminar and/or luncheon, please talk to Pr. Matt.

An Update on the Alice’s Garden Water Project! Great News!! The Alice’s Garden Water Reclamation Project is continuing to move forward, and now waits approval from the County Board before moving forward with their plans. Outreach for Hope has given the garden a $10,000 grant, and The Zilber Family Foundation awarded us a grant of $45,000! These funds allow us to move forward as soon as we get the needed approval from County Parks. There may be days for volunteers to help build and construct in the future. Stay tuned for more details! Thank you for your prayers and support. Pr. Cheri Johnson, Spiritual Caretaker

Cross Lutheran Church:Fill Up Our Bus Fundraiser“Welcoming...from Your Door to Ours”“Being able to come to the Cross Lutheran Church Adult Center means so much to me. It is the only chance I get to go out, be with people who care about me, laugh, talk and belong.” Sally has lived on the north side of Milwaukee all her life. However, at 80+, she has lost many of her friends and is challenged to maintain her independence in her home. Being able to attend the Adult Center is a key component in her ability to live life on her own terms. Cross Lutheran Church staff pick her up, help her into the handicap accessible program area, and she spends the next 3-4 hours talking to her friends, sharing a meal, and learning healthy habits that she enjoys. Cross Lutheran Church has a strong history of ministry and service. Programs range from a weekly meal program and food pantry to tutoring and advocacy for social justice. Feeling isolated and cut off from our friends and neighbors can result from lack of mobility or ability to go out, depression and ill health. Every adult should be able to connect to community. Our Adult Center provides weekly education, health screening, and wellness workshops for older adults. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has a place at the table, is engaged, and able to share God’s grace. People in our program range from age 33 to 100, however 70% are over age 70. They share their stories, laugh and give support to each other – all of which leads to better health! Please consider a donation to fund new transportation to our Adult Center, youth activities and more! Our goal: We want to raise $57,000 to fund the Cross Transportation and Building Fund with the purpose of purchase a wheel-chair accessible shuttle bus for our Adult Center and Youth Programs. As of June 2017 we have raised $41,500 including our $25,000 grant from the Zilber Family Foundation. We need to raise $15,500 to get our bus. To complete our goal, we need to close the gap of $15,500. How you can help:Please consider a donation to support the many women and men receiving services at Cross. You can make a donation through St. Matthew’s, and mark it “For Cross Bus Purchase.” Also, help spread the word! Share this link with your family

and friends. Thank you for your consideration!

Social Ministry

Mardi Gras 10The tenth annual Cross Lutheran Church Mardi Gras Ball will take place:Friday, March 1, 2019Crown Plaza Milwaukee West10499 Innovation Drive, Wauwatosa WIDoors open at 5:30 p.m.Stay tuned for more information!

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Have you ever served at Cross Lutheran Church on the days we serve lunch? We need people to volunteer on the 4th Wednesday of the month to help serve lunch to the Cross neighborhood people. The time is approx. 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and we carpool from St. Matthew’s. Please don’t assume we have enough people! You are needed. And the food donations that come in are so appreciated. Thanks to all who take the time, energy and resources to provide food and/or serve it at Cross.

Cross Tutoring is starting againon Tuesdays and Thursdaysbeginning on September 18New Director Alicia Barr shares this invitation: After a hiatus, Cross Lutheran Church is restarting the Bridges tutoring program for the 2018-2019 school year. Each year our partners have blessed our students with wonderful tutors and mentors. Tutors help not only with academics but also provide a stable mentoring experience for our children. This year will be a little different than previous years in that all of the students will undergo assessments and will have a plan to help them improve their skills. This will help ensure that what we are doing with our students is helpful but also ensures that students will have something to work on even if they have no homework. As before tutoring will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning with a meal at 6:00 p.m. The program is flexible about the days each tutor can meet. It’s possible to volunteer only one day a week or both days. The program begins on Tuesday, September 18th with a meeting between the new tutor coordinator and all of the tutors so everyone can get to know each other and to discuss the goals for the upcoming school year. The sessions with the tutors and students will begin on Thursday, September 20th. I intend to have a welcome back for all of the tutors and students during the session on the 20th to celebrate the beginning of a great new school year! I am really excited about restarting the tutoring program! This program provides a good service to the youth of Cross and in the community. But this program only exists because of our amazing partnerships! Please let me know if you are interested in volunteering for Cross’s tutoring program. Also, consider inviting friends or family that may be interested in tutoring. I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached by email at aliciatbarr@gmail.com or by phone at 414-915-8394.If you are interested in tutoring one or two days a week, contact Pastor Matt or the church office.

El Salvador Visit Planned for January-Sign-up Deadline is October 31st The next congregational visit to El Salvador is planned for January 8th- 17th and is open to adults and college-aged youth. The trip will include experiences with our partner ministry, Casa Esperanza, which continues to serve those who are overlooked or forgotten. We will also participate in various ministries of the Salvadoran Lutheran Church, and visit cultural sites. If you would like to be part of this eye-opening, heart-opening, and perspective-expanding experience, please talk to Gretchen Haugse or Pastor Chris.

Partnership

Cross Lutheran Picnic: St. Matthew’s Dessert Table was staffed by (left to right) Gretchen Haugse, Dave Weinberg-Kinsey, Diane DuBois, Pr. Matt Schlake-Kruse, Chuck Crook. (Behind them, Pr. Delaney Schlake-Kruse)

The Milwaukee Police Department Community Liaison Dept. supplied free ice cream at the Picnic.

Community Leaders in Partnership: (Left to right) Thaurra Stallings, Diane Roznowski, Wyatt Meyer (Cross Food Intern), Gretchen Haugse, Pr. Marilyn Miller.

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Bulletin BoardHealing Service Schedule: All are welcome at monthly healing services. Healing services are offered monthly at St. Matthew’s at a variety of times to give all the opportunity to come forward for healing prayer for themselves or others. You can share your concern with the pastor/leader at the altar, and then he/she along with the healing ministries will lay on hands and give a special prayer for your concern. Your concern can be general if you don’t wish to share specifically. Sunday, September 30 after the 8:30 service

Let the Guatemalan Children Walk a Mile in YOUR Shoes: Time and Talents for Children is collecting gently used (or new) children’s shoes to take to Guatemala for the impoverished children. Please bring shoes to St. Matthew’s by September 23. Contact Anne Papke if you have questions. (414-477-4765 or 414-477-4198) Sport shoes, dress shoes, crocs, sandals, cowboy boots, gel shoes are acceptable. Please no adult shoes. Cash donations for shipping expenses will be appreciated. Look for the blue barrel outside the church office. Please tie them together in pairs.

Our Church Family We rejoice in the birth of Brennan Dean McCarthy born to Dan & Laura McCarthy on July 8; proud maternal grandparents are Ann & Dean DeWitt.Mark & Rebecca Petersen, who moved to North Carolina earlier this year, have welcomed Walter Sanford Burns as their second grandchild, born August 16 to Charles & Kiersten Burns.Our sympathy to Sarah Plamann in the death of her grandmother, Maria Godschalx.We remember Janet Okern in our prayers as her mother, Eleanor Schmitz died on August 12. Pastor Matt and John Paradowski led the funeral service on August 24. Former member Russell Reinhardt died on August 4 in the Wisconsin Rapids area where he and Janet lived in retirement since leaving Wauwatosa in 1992. He taught elementary music in the Wauwatosa schools for 30 years. Our condolences to Janet and their adult children, Mark, Karen and David, who grew up at St. Matthew’s. Russ was serving as organist and choir director at Woodland Lutheran Church in the town of Rome; playing for church services was one of the last activities he took part in before his death.

When do Choirs Start?All are welcome to join in singing or ringing. Take a look at the choir schedule and join in praising our Lord.Senior Choir Thursdays starting 8/30 at 7:30

New Generation Choir (7-12 grades) Wednesdays starting 11/7 at 6:00

New Creation Choir (3-6 grades) Wednesdays starting 10/3 at 7:00

Praise Kids! (4/5 year olds/1-2 grades) Thursdays starting 10/4 at 4:00

Bells Angels (Adults) Thursdays starting 9/20 at 6:15

The EmBELLishments Tuesdays starting 11/6 at 9:30

Righteous Ringers (7-12 grades) Tuesdays starting 9/25 at 7:00

Godsbells (4-6 grades) Wednesdays starting 10/3 at 6:00

Men’s Breakfast scheduled forlast Saturday in September, the 29th Men of St. Matthew’s, mark this date on your calendar to come to church at 7:30 a .m. for a full breakfast and great fellowship with other men. The speaker for the day was not available before printing this newsletter, but watch for further information on Facebook and in the Sunday bulletin announcements. We finish the event by 9 a.m. Friends are welcome!

Fall Quilt Blitz comes up onSaturday, September 22

St. Matthew’s Quilting Ministry “Stitches of Love” will hold a Quilt Blitz on Saturday, September 22 beginning at 9 a.m. All women who are interested in quilting, even if you aren’t experienced, are welcome to at-tend. There will be projects you could work on, or you could bring your own project and spend some time working on it among other quilters. Questions can be directed to Bev Etzelmueller through the church office. Bring your lunch if you wish. There may be some shared snacks.

PERIODICALS RATEMail Carrier: Please deliver by September 8, 2018.

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

Next issue of the VOICE is dated October 1, 2018.

Wauwatosa, Wisconsinwww.stmattslutheran.org

Summer Worship at St. Matthew’s - August 12

Sarah, Matt and Levi Frets greeted worshippers Pr. Matt baptizes Lucy Baseheart

The Summer Choir sang an arrangement of “You Are Holy,” accompanied by Meghan Murphy on violin.

Instruction Page for:

St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church#9805151615 N. Wauwatosa AveWauwatosa, WI 53213414-774-0441Sonja Mohr

Newsletter Issue Date: September 9, 2018Volume 87Issue # 11

# of Pages: 20

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By August 31, 2018