faithing fearlessly

14
1 St. Mahew’s Lutheran Church-ELCA 6065 King Rd. @ Portsmouth Rd. Bridgeport, Michigan 48722 The Rev. Rheanna Goodrich AUGUST 2019 Faithing Fearlessly My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Over the years, I’ve begun to operate with a theory about sin. It seems to me that every sin has, at its core, some sort of fear. I’m not talking about the healthy sort of fear that comes from insnct and helps keep us from doing reckless things. I’m talking toxic fear that keeps us from living fully. This core fear can be ny seed, it can be hidden, it can be blatant, but the fear is there. What is greed but the con- sumer overreacon to the fear that we don’t have enough mixed in with the fear that we will never be as good as “them” unless we have more? In Genesis, Cain killed his brother because God preferred Abel’s offering. It seems to me that fear of not being good enough for God was at the core there. The problem with toxic fear is that it twists percepon. Take the above example. Abel impressed. Nowhere does it say that God looked down on Cain or despised him for paltry efforts. In fact, God tried to teach him and encourage him in a beer way. There is nothing in the story to suggest such a dramac overreacon on Cain’s part. Toxic fear exploits our broken places and convinces us that our sinful reacons are the best possibilies we have. This is an easy enough example to show my theory because it’s far enough removed from the messy complexies of daily living. But it bears out. People in power oppress others because they’re a. afraid of losing their power, and b. afraid of the changes that would alter their lives if the world worked differently. People lust aſter all manner of things be- cause, deep down, they fear they aren’t loveable or they fear not feeling, or they fear actually making a connecon enough to feel. We are a people who act and react out of toxic fear. Those fears are many and as diverse as we are, and they sep- arate us from God and one another. That is sin. As Chrisans, God calls us out of that fear. The angel tells Mary not to be afraid when he visits her to bring her the terrifying good news of Jesus. Jesus says the same thing to his disciples in the upper room aſter the resurrecon. God comes to Paul in a vision with the same message as Paul works to minister to the people in Corinth. It doesn’t maer the me or season of our lives – whether things are going well or excing change is moving us, or things seem like they’ll never change, or pain, want, and suffering seem to be the norm – God reminds us that as followers of Jesus, we do not have to be afraid. In fact, acng out of fear is rather anthecal to faith. Faith trusts in the goodness of God, the love of God, the forgiveness of God, the hope of God, and ulmately, the victory of God over sin and death. As Chrisans we are called to faith fearlessly in world that constantly bombards us with the aracveness of giving in to that toxic fear, of giving in to sin. In the middle of our brokenness, we are called to go out and live God’s goodness, love, forgiveness, and hope with our fullest being. And not because we do not have fear, but because we trust that God is bigger than our fear and the grace found in the cross and the empty tomb strengthens us to move in spite of that fear. Beginning on August 11 th , I’ll be preaching a six-week sermon series on Faithing Fearlessly with Jesus. But I chal- lenge all of us, right now, as we encounter toxic fear in our daily lives, to explore what it looks like for us, in each moment, to stand tall and tell fear exactly where it can go, so we can faith fearlessly. In Peace, Pastor Rheanna Goodrich.

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Page 1: Faithing Fearlessly

1

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church-ELCA

6065 King Rd. @ Portsmouth Rd.

Bridgeport, Michigan 48722

The Rev. Rheanna Goodrich AUGUST 2019

Faithing Fearlessly My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Over the years, I’ve begun to operate with a theory about sin. It seems to me that every sin has, at its core, some

sort of fear. I’m not talking about the healthy sort of fear that comes from instinct and helps keep us from doing reckless

things. I’m talking toxic fear that keeps us from living fully.

This core fear can be tiny seed, it can be hidden, it can be blatant, but the fear is there. What is greed but the con-

sumer overreaction to the fear that we don’t have enough mixed in with the fear that we will never be as good as “them”

unless we have more? In Genesis, Cain killed his brother because God preferred Abel’s offering. It seems to me that fear

of not being good enough for God was at the core there.

The problem with toxic fear is that it twists perception. Take the above example. Abel impressed. Nowhere does

it say that God looked down on Cain or despised him for paltry efforts. In fact, God tried to teach him and encourage him

in a better way. There is nothing in the story to suggest such a dramatic overreaction on Cain’s part. Toxic fear exploits our

broken places and convinces us that our sinful reactions are the best possibilities we have.

This is an easy enough example to show my theory because it’s far enough removed from the messy complexities

of daily living. But it bears out. People in power oppress others because they’re a. afraid of losing their power, and b.

afraid of the changes that would alter their lives if the world worked differently. People lust after all manner of things be-

cause, deep down, they fear they aren’t loveable or they fear not feeling, or they fear actually making a connection enough

to feel.

We are a people who act and react out of toxic fear. Those fears are many and as diverse as we are, and they sep-

arate us from God and one another. That is sin. As Christians, God calls us out of that fear. The angel tells Mary not to be

afraid when he visits her to bring her the terrifying good news of Jesus. Jesus says the same thing to his disciples in the

upper room after the resurrection. God comes to Paul in a vision with the same message as Paul works to minister to the

people in Corinth.

It doesn’t matter the time or season of our lives – whether things are going well or exciting change is moving us, or

things seem like they’ll never change, or pain, want, and suffering seem to be the norm – God reminds us that as followers

of Jesus, we do not have to be afraid. In fact, acting out of fear is rather antithetical to faith. Faith trusts in the goodness of

God, the love of God, the forgiveness of God, the hope of God, and ultimately, the victory of God over sin and death.

As Christians we are called to faith fearlessly in world that constantly bombards us with the attractiveness of giving

in to that toxic fear, of giving in to sin. In the middle of our brokenness, we are called to go out and live God’s goodness,

love, forgiveness, and hope with our fullest being. And not because we do not have fear, but because we trust that God is

bigger than our fear and the grace found in the cross and the empty tomb strengthens us to move in spite of that fear.

Beginning on August 11th, I’ll be preaching a six-week sermon series on Faithing Fearlessly with Jesus. But I chal-

lenge all of us, right now, as we encounter toxic fear in our daily lives, to explore what it looks like for us, in each moment,

to stand tall and tell fear exactly where it can go, so we can faith fearlessly.

In Peace,

Pastor Rheanna Goodrich.

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DAILY LECTIONARY READINGS FOR AUGUST

Thu – Aug 1 Proverbs 23:1-11 ~ Romans 11:33-36 ~ Psalm 49:1-12

Fri – Aug 2 Proverbs 24:1-12 ~ Ephesians 4:17-24 ~ Psalm 49:1-12

Sat – Aug 3 Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 ~ Mark 10:17-22 ~ Psalm 49:1-12

Sun – Aug 4 Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23 ~ Psalm 49:1-12 ~ Colossians 3:1-11

Luke 12:13-21

Mon – Aug 5 Ecclesiastes 2:1-17 ~ Colossians 3:18— 4:1 ~ Psalm 127

Tue – Aug 6 Ecclesiastes 3:16— 4:8 ~ Colossians 4:2-6 ~ Psalm 127

Wed – Aug 7 Ecclesiastes 12:1-8, 13-14 ~ Luke 12:22-31 ~ Psalm 127

Thu – Aug 8 Job 21:1-16 ~ Romans 9:1-9 ~ Psalm 33:12-22

Fri – Aug 9 Ecclesiastes 6:1-6 Acts 7:1-8 Psalm 33:12-22

Sat – Aug 10 Genesis 11:27-32 ~ Matthew 6:19-24 ~ Psalm 33:12-22

Sun – Aug 11 Genesis 15:1-6 ~ Psalm 33:12-22 ~ Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Luke 12:32-40

Mon – Aug 12 Chronicles 33:1-17 ~ Hebrews 11:1-7 ~ Psalm 89:1-18

Tue – Aug. 13 2 Chronicles 34:22-33 ~ Hebrews 11:17-28 ~ Psalm 89:1-18

Wed – Aug 14 Jeremiah 33:14-26 ~ Luke 12:41-48 ~ Psalm 89:1-18

Thu – Aug 15 Joshua 7:1, 10-26 ~ Hebrews 10:26-31 ~ Psalm 82

Fri – Aug 16 1 Samuel 5:1-12 ~ Hebrews 10:32-39 ~ Psalm 82

Sat – Aug 17 1 Samuel 6:1-16 ~ Matthew 24:15-27 ~ Psalm 82

Sun – Aug 18 Jeremiah 23:23-29 ~ Psalm 82 ~ Hebrews 11:29—12:2

Luke 12:49-56

Mon – Aug 19 Jeremiah 23:30-40 ~ 1 John 4:1-6 ~ Psalm 32

Tue – Aug 20 Jeremiah 25:15-29 ~ Acts 7:44-53 ~ Psalm 32

Wed – Aug 21 Jeremiah 25:30-38 ~ Luke 19:45-48 ~ Psalm 32

Thu – Aug 22 Numbers 15:32-41 ~ Hebrews 12:3-17 ~ Psalm 103:1-8

Fri – Aug 23 2 Chronicles 8:12-15 ~ Acts 17:1-9 ~ Psalm 103:1-8

Sat – Aug 24 Nehemiah 13:15-22 ~ Luke 6:1-5 ~ Psalm 103:1-8

Sun - Aug 25 Isaiah 58:9b-14 ~ Psalm 103:1-8 ~ Hebrews 12:18-29

Luke 13:10-17

Mon – Aug 26 Ezekiel 20:1-17 ~ Hebrews 3:7— 4:11 ~ Psalm 109:21-31

Tue – Aug 27 Ezekiel 20:18-32 ~ Revelation 3:7-13 ~ Psalm 109:21-31

Wed – Aug 28 Ezekiel 20:33-44 ~ Luke 6:6-11 ~ Psalm 109:21-31

Thu – Aug 29 Proverbs 15:13-17 ~ 1 Peter 3:8-12 ~ Psalm 112

Fri – Aug 30 Proverbs 18:6-12 ~ 1 Peter 4:7-11 ~ Psalm 112

Sat – Aug 31 Proverbs 21:1-4, 24-26 ~ Matthew 20:20-28 ~ Psalm 112

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ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES

July 16th, 2019

(These minutes have not been formally approved)

Attending: Pastor Rheanna, Jean Schluckebier, Lauren Van Horn, Pat Schomaker, JoAnna Davis, Bob

Parker and Mary Lou Taylor

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

Secretary’s Minutes – A motion made was motion by JoAnna to accept the June meeting minutes, seconded by

Lauren. Motion carried.

Financial Secretary’s Report – JoAnna reported that June’s total was $9,610, with 5 weeks of giving. They also

received a $1000 gift donation to be given to the maintenance fund, to use for the grounds maintenance.

Treasurer’s Report – Pat and Jean were talking about getting the new insurance bill and what this new cost in-

volves. We are still struggling financially, but it is getting better. Pat and JoAnna’s deposits matched A motion

was made by JoAnna to accept the new report, seconded by Lauren. Motion carried

Pastor’s Report – Where Pastor saw God out in the committee was at her first wedding of the season. She had a

lot of good discussions afterwards and even did some evangelism. The past few weeks have been very

busy, but it was an exhausting blessing. God has been all around Church in more than just Sundays.

Everyone in this congregation looks out for everyone else, it’s a sharing and caring Church. She has

seen God in her personal life when Pastor and Tim celebrated their 17th Wedding Anniversary, and 21

years of knowing each other.

A. July 28th Worship Coverage – Pastor will be wanting 6 people to put on a skit for part of Sunday service,

about pre-prayeration (a teacher teaching rules and regulations of prayer).

VI. Maintenance Report – Bob reported these results

A. Parsonage Porch Steps and Railing – Did repair on first step which was the worst, they still need one more

coat. The rails have to wait until the steps are completed.

B. Shrub Removal – It is too hot right now, has to wait until fall.

C. Shrub Trimming – Bob Tallman was at church and trimmed the shrubs. James Nettleton and Jean help one

day too.

D. Playground Staining and Parking Lot –These have to wait until fall.

E. Removal of old copier – Jean is going to find out when the recycle dates are and needs help to take it over.

F Other - Lawnmower is now fixed. Our thanks to Bill Taylor for his special effort in finding parts for our

lawnmower and insuring that it is running properly. The basement is coming along nicely.

VII. Old Business –

A. Church Audit – It is completed and everything went fine and checked out and accounted for. Thank You to

Pat and Diana Sensabaugh.

B. PNC Account – This account is now closed out.

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C. Church Rental Agreement – Pastor went over the rules and gave us a proposed copy of the free will

agreement contract. We will discuss at next meeting.

D. Stepping Up For Growth – This will be on Thursday, August 1st, with a potluck dinner at 5:00 and a

meeting to follow with the Bishop. Please plan on attending. More information is in the take home page.

E. Chicken BBQ – The date is August 22nd, silent auction will begin at 5:30 with dinner starting at 6:30.

Bring a dish to pass and your own table settings. Barb Brody has written a Thrivent Grant to cover some of

the cost for the chicken. The proceeds collected will be going to help the tech fund project.

F. Church Directory – This is being worked on by Pastor and will be done soon..

VIII. New Business –

A. Chapel Project – The grass that is being removed for sidewalk will be put in the back 40 where the

ground is so uneven. The Housners are donating the wood for the cross to put up in the circle. Sidewalk

will be started soon. The committee needs to decide where to get the trees from and what type of trees to

put in where.

B. Presentation Monitor – Tim got us a great deal on the monitor from Amazon prime days. The mainte-

nance contract is next on his list.

C. Church Insurance – We changed insurance company to get a better deal than what we had. Jean called

around and found one that was the best and went with them.

D. Stain glass in Basement – Jean contacted someone to sell the stained glass that we have in the basement.

Hopefully we can get some money out of this project to help pay bills

Meeting was motioned to adjourn at 8:15 PM by JoAnna, seconded by Lauren. Motion carried

Next meeting will be a Joint Council on September 5th at 6:30 PM.

Sincerely With the Grace of God,

Mary Lou Taylor

Executive Board Secretary

Dear Church Family and Friends,

Thank you for your stewardship support. The time, talents, and treasures you share are so important to the ongo-

ing ministries here at St. Matthew's. Your involvement allows us to continue to spread the love of Christ in excit-

ing ways. The following offerings (for the first three weeks of July) reflect your response to God's blessings in

your lives:

General Fund $5,125.00, Backpack Project $60.00, World Hunger $42.50, Synod Mission Support $65.00,

Maintenance $25.00, Joyce Kruckowski Memorials $1,475.00, Tech Fund $90.00, Purchases Donated $10.50 for

postage.

We have also received grants and business sponsorships for our Taking Steps Against Hunger race (which will

take place Sunday, September 22). Look for details of the race elsewhere in this newsletter and plan to join us.

We are so blessed to be continuing our summer projects and ministries (food drives, Backpack Project, Vacation

Bible School, Chicken BBQ, TSAH race, Outdoor Chapel, to name a few). With your prayers and your loving

support and the Holy Spirit's guidance, we look forward to remaining an invitational and inclusive church, a

beacon that points the way to Christ.

In Christ,

JoAnna Davis

Financial Secretary

"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands,

that I still possess." Martin Luther

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

August Baptismal Dates

Elroy Schluckebier 08/05

Sally Carigan

08/07

Charles (Charlie) Parsons

08/07

Lorine Zoellner

08/22

Kathy Monnerjahn

08/30

Michelle Wekerle 08/03

Ron Bell

08/08

Jessica Donaldson 08/19

Elroy Schluckebier 08/20

Deborah Popp 08/25

Patricia Schomaker

08/26

There is a Sunday Adult Bible study meeting after the Sunday service. during the Sunday School hour.

Bring your coffee and treats to the front of the church.

There is always a place for you !

MONDAY BIBLE STUDY This Bible Study meets every Monday in the month July @ 12:30 PM. They meet in the Education Building.

The topics discussed are interesting and insightful.

WELCA Bible Study will be not be meeting in the month of August.

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IN NEED OF HEALING AND PRAYER…

Leo & Deb Hartung, Floyd Rau, Elroy Schluckebier,

Friends and those we hold dear:

Frank Bull (Mary Lou Taylor’s Father)

Karl Eastman (Son of Pat Boyd)

Beth Gleason (Mother in law of Ben Popp)

Linda Fobear (Sister in law of Pat Fobear)

Sarah Fox (Co-worker of Michelle Hoffman)

Bernadette Hardy (Friend of Pat Boyd)

Nicholas Hoffman (Son of Michelle Hoffman)

Jack & Marie Leyer (Friends of Joy Warren)

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

Jackie Strecker (Friend of Bob and Diane Tallman)

Margaret Taylor (Bill Taylor’s Mother)

Daryl Tilley (Friend of Jean Schluckeiber),

The Cheryl Verellen Family (Friends of Michelle Hoffman)

Susan Walker (Friend of the Tallman Family)

Dean Wise (Former Member)

OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL SERVING

IN ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD INCLUDING:

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

Trevor Warren (Nephew of Joy Warren),

Conner Halleck (Grandson of Jerry Kurek),

Margaret & Steven McGunegle (Friends of

Joy Warren)

Lt Col. Tanya Seibold and her troops

(Cousin of Ann Ostrander),

Ryan Tuttle (Friend of Joy Warren),

Austin VanHaaren (Navy),

Ruth Fischer

Dean Goodeman

Mary Kurek

Marilyn Pankey

Marie Schomaker

Mary Vesterfelt

Lorine Zoelner

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To Our Christian Friends At St. Matthew’s,

To say “Thank You” just isn’t enough… But, anyway, Thank You!!! For all Your Thoughts and Prayers,

Visits and Cards, and Memorial Gifts for our daughter, Joan (Joannie), and for us… We ae getting through

our Daughter’s Passing from this world into Eternity with God’s Help, and because of all Your Thoughtful-

ness and Kindness. We are Forever Grateful to All of You!

May God Continue to Bless Each and Everyone here at St. Matthew’s Lutheran church.

Most Sincerely,

Fred and Barbara Housner

Dear St. Matthew's Family and Friends:

Your expressions of concern and acts of kindness have meant so much to us. Whether you delivered food,

whispered a prayer, sent a card, paid a visit, made a call, took part in the funeral service and luncheon, shared

special memories, or gave a gift to her memorial fund, your presence has comforted and uplifted us. God

bless each of you for helping us celebrate the remarkable life of Joyce Kruckowski, our beloved Mom and

Gran.

In Gratitude,

JoAnna Davis and Boyden Davis IV

Chicken BBQ to Benefit Technology Chicken BBQ & Silent Auction

Plans are being made for our annual Chicken BBQ and Silent Auction. This year all proceeds have been

designated to our Technology Loan at the Frankenmuth Credit Union. We have received an offer for match-

ing funds up to $500 for our donations. We hope everyone will generously support the BBQ and help St.

Matthews pay off their loan ahead of schedule.

A Thrivent Action Grant will be used to purchase the chicken and potatoes for the event. Everyone is asked

to bring a dish to pass. In addition, we are hoping to make this event more environmentally friendly by hav-

ing everyone bring their own tableware although we will never let someone go hungry if they forget!

Guests are welcome so invite family and friends to join us.

In addition, we are collecting items for our Silent Auction. If you have homemade baked goods, canned

items, and white elephant items in need of a new home please mark them “auction item” and leave in the

church office.

Volunteers are always welcome. If you can help set up tables, organize the auction, or help coordinate set-

ting out food, please let Jane or Jean know. More hands always makes the job easier.

Enjoy your summer!

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With the cool, wet spring weather, it seems that summer has not yet ar-

rived. But it is time to begin watching for those Back to School Supply

sales. We will be supplying backpacks of school supplies for the children

at Samaritas Community Center.

Each backpack includes the following: We want to create some small backpacks which 2 spiral notebooks will include the items needed 2 folders in preschool or kindergarten: 1 filler notebook paper 1 box crayons (24) 1 wide line or drawing paper 1 ruler chubby crayons (8) 2 glue sticks 2 glue sticks 1 pair of scissors safety scissors (rounded tip) 5 pens 6 pencils 6 pencils 1 large pink eraser 1 large pink eraser 5 pencil erasers 5 pencil erasers washable markers (box of 8 or 10) 1 basic calculator And our note 1 box of markers (8 or 10) And a note with our prayer for a successful school year

You can have the fun of shopping for bargains or, if you prefer, donate to Local Needs, and we will shop for you. We will need all supplies by Thursday, August 8th. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support of children in our community.

We will bless the backpacks on Sunday, August 11th.

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LOCAL NEEDS

In August our Local Needs offerings will support our School Backpack program and Action Thrift. Please note which charity you are supporting on your envelope.

FOOD DONATION

In August, we will be collecting canned fruit and jello. Add some to your grocery cart!

You may also support the food pantries with money donations. When the food pantries

buy food from the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, the money offerings translate into

more food. 98% of every dollar goes directly to programs that fight hunger. The Food

Bank maximizes every donation so that $1 = 6 meals for individuals and families in

need!

COLLECTIONS

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

being used to purchase office supplies. Also, please keep clipping labels from Box tops for Edu-

cation. The Box tops for Education provide cash to the two ELCA elementary schools in the

Lower Peninsula. What a joy to help others while recycling.

QUARTERS FOR WORLD HUNGER We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world – together. Working with

and through all the congregations in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin

Islands and other partners, ELCA World Hunger is uniquely positioned to reach commu-

nities in need. Our gifts to ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to re-

spond, supporting sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty.

How much can we help?

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

your checking or credit card account if you would like. Check with Diane Tallman if

you would like more information.

ORGANIC AND FAIR-TRADE GOODS

Enjoy iced tea, a great cup of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or some of the baking supplies,

and enjoy the good feeling that comes from knowing you are helping small farmers around

the world make a better life for their families. World Hunger works with communities to

promote more sustainable farming practices and to form cooperatives which can sell their

products on the world market. When we support Equal Exchange Products, we help with

the last step of the process –distributions and sales.

Pastor and Tim prefer grinding their own coffee beans. They would like to order some of

the coffee beans that are available from Equal Exchange. If you share their passion for

fresh ground coffee, let Diane know, and we can stock some of the varieties available.

Please put a check or cash in Diane Tallman’s mailbox for the items you purchase. Envelopes are available at

the Coffee Display. We are selling these organic goods at cost.

Please include these ministries in your prayers and stay tuned!

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Marketplace VBS 2019

St. Matthew’s and Bridgeport Community Church held their joint Marketplace VBS July 22 – 24. Our

theme was Walking with Jesus.

Children went to “Tell it at the Well” Storytelling with Jean Schluckebier; “Baker’s Delight” Bakery with

Diane Stahl, Tracy Harris, and Pastor Rheanna Harris; and “Back to the Brick Making” with Bob Tallman and

Brent Van Horn. They also visited eight Marketplace Shops. These included the Pottery Shop with Lauren

Van Horn, Bead Shop with Melisa Albrecht, Soap Shop with Michelle and Paul Van Horn, Tithe Boxes with

Jeanette Weaver, Farmer’s Field Shop with Diane Tallman, Oil Scrub Shop with Pat Schomaker, Sit-Upon

Shop with Barb Bowns, and Food Shop with Kristy Albrecht. Each night all the children came together to go

to “Games with James” (Nettleton). What fun they had carrying water in a straw and then playing Lead Me/

Guide Me with one child in a wheelchair and another child, wearing a blindfold, pushing the wheelchair. “We

Gather Together” and “Sending to Serve” was led by Pastor Rheanna.

This family VBS was well-attended. We had 19 children who were able to join us this year. There were

many children whose parents stayed and went with them through the shops and other areas. Each evening we

collected coin offerings to be donated to the Underground Railroad.

Wednesday culminated our VBS with a lovely worship service followed by a potluck and ice cream sun-

daes. We then built a wall using the bricks that the children had made.

Thank you to all who helped in some way to make this VBS a success. It was a wonderful opportunity for

fun and fellowship. A special thank you goes to Thrivent who gave us a $250 Action Grant to fund our VBS!

We truly appreciate your gift. We look forward to working together with our friends at BCC again next year!

Yours in Christ,

Joy Warren, VBS coordinator

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Chapel Project Update In the next few weeks our Memorial Chapel project will begin to take shape. Recently we were able to obtain

used pavers for our handicap sidewalk at a greatly reduced price through an online auction site. A sod lifter

will be rented to remove sod along the designated pathway and in the area where the chapel will be located.

Bob Parker is leading the effort and is always in need of volunteers to help. Anyone interested in assisting

should contact him.

In addition, Fred and Barb Housner have made a generous donation to purchase the lumber for the con-

struction of an 18 foot cross in memory of their daughter, Joan Mae Housner McMath. The cross will be the

first item installed in the chapel area. Future items anticipated will be an altar, sound and lighting, and addi-

tional pews.

The outdoor chapel project has generated interest from neighbors in our community. Several have ex-

pressed a preference for a less formal worship area and we have already had our first baptism at a recent

Wednesday evening worship. It was also used during Vacation Bible School and parents and children re-

sponded with enthusiasm. One non-member has already volunteered to assist with our sidewalk installation!

Ministry and outreach have always been the focus of our faith-life at St. Matthews. This outdoor chapel is

an outreach ministry for those who prefer an informal worship atmosphere. However, upon completion we anticipate having Sunday morning worship outside when the weather permits. What a wonderful opportunity to worship God as we enjoy the beauty of His creation that surrounds us.

Taking Steps Against Hunger Update

September 22 is only 52 days away!! Lots has been happening behind the

scenes to prepare for this major outreach event. First, we received a Thrivent

Grant to purchase additional yard signage to be placed in the yards of our mem-

bers, friends, relatives, and business locations. Second, we received $1000 from

the Wilson Memorial Grant fund to cover the cost of Miller Management that

times our race. In addition, several other grant requests are pending to help cover

all of our expenses for this event.

We would like to acknowledge those businesses that have offered financial and

in-kind support for this event. Our thanks to: Bomic Realty in Bridgeport,

Wohlfeil Hardware, United Financial Credit Union, Bridgeport Storage, Frankenmuth Family Eye Care,

PFLAG, Michigan Sugar, River Boat Tours of Frankenmuth, Abele’s Green House, Emagine Theater,

McDonalds Restaurant, and Independence Village of Frankenmuth. This year Bridgeport Community

Church is also providing ice cream sundaes for participants when they finish the race.

Many volunteers will be needed as we get closer to Race Day. Please let Diane Tallman, JoAnna Davis, or Jean Schluckebier know if you will be able to help with a water station, refreshments, tote bag stuffing, sign

placement along the race route, sign pick up after the race, or general assistance the day of the race. This event has become a wonderful outreach effort in our community, but it is also a great day of fun and fellow-ship for those who join us. Mark your calendars and plan to join the fun on

Sunday, September 22 at 3:00pm.

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August/September 2019 ASSISTANTS

Worship Schedule -9:30 AM Worship

PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE WORSHIP!

IF YOU CANNOT ASSIST ON THE SCHEDULED DATE AND TIME…

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

Date/ Time

Organist /Pianist

Assistant Minister/Prayer Leader

Lector /Reader

Communion Assistants/Cup Bearer

Usher(s) Acolyte Technical Team /

Projectionist

August

4

9:30 AM

Barb

Housner

Jean Schluckebier

diedra knox

Jean Schluckebier/diedra knox

Brent VanHorn

Grace Harris

Tim Goodrich

August

11

9:30 AM

Barb

Housner

JoAnna Davis

Jenna Lynn Nettleton

Jenna Lynn Nettleton /JoAnna Davis

James

Nettleton

Kaili Goodrich

diedra knox

August

18

9:30 AM

Marilyn

Taipale

Joy Warren

Cindy Parker

Joy Warren/ Cindy Parker

Mary Lou Taylor

Jenna-Lyn

Nettleton

Bob Parker

August

25

9:30 AM

Marilyn

Taipale

Sally Carigan

Sally Carigan

Sally Carigan/ Amy Bartes

Daniel Kenny III

Jenna-Lyn

Nettleton

James Nettleton

Date/ Time

Organist /Pianist

Assistant Minister/Prayer Leader

Lector /Reader

Communion Assistants/Cup Bearer

Usher(s) Acolyte Technical Team /

Projectionist

September

1

9:30 AM

Jean Schluckebier

diedra knox

Jean Schluckebier/diedra knox

Brent VanHorn

Grace Harris

Tim Goodrich

September

8

9:30 AM

JoAnna Davis

Jenna Lynn Nettleton

Jenna Lynn Nettleton /JoAnna Davis

James

Nettleton

Kaili Goodrich

diedra knox

September

15

9:30 AM

Joy Warren

Joy Warren Jenna-Lyn

Nettleton

Bob Parker

September

22

9:30 AM

Sally Carigan

Sally Carigan

Sally Carigan/ Amy Bartes

Amy Bartes

Jenna-Lyn

Nettleton

James Nettleton

September

29

9:30 AM

Cindy Parker

Jenna Lynn Nettleton

Cindy Parker/Jenna Lynn Nettle-ton

Mary Lou Taylor

Kaili Goodrich

Bob Parker

Page 13: Faithing Fearlessly

13

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 5:00 PM Potluck

Dinner-Stepping Up

for Growth W/

Bishop Satterlee

2 3

8th Sunday after 4 Pentecost

9:30 AM Worship

10:45 AM Adult

Sunday School

5 12:30 PM

Bible Study

6 7

5:30 PM Potluck

Dinner

6:30 PM Worship

[out of doors-weather

permitting]

8 9 10

9th Sunday after 11 Pentecost

9:30 AM Worship

10:45 AM Adult

Sunday School

12 12:30 PM

Bible Study

13 14 5:30 PM Potluck

Dinner

6:30 PM Worship

[out of doors-weather

permitting]

15 16 17

10th Sunday after 18 Pentecost

9:30 AM Worship

10:45 AM Adult

Sunday School

19 12:30 PM

Bible Study

20 No Executive

Board

Meeting-[Next

Meeting

September

5,2019 @ 6:30

21 5:30 PM Potluck

Dinner

6:30 PM Worship

[out of doors-weather

permitting]

22

6:00 PM Annual

BBQ/Silent Auction

23 24

11th Sunday after 25 Pentecost

9:30 AM Worship

10:45 AM Adult

Sunday School

26 12:30 PM

Bible Study

27 28 5:30 PM Potluck

Dinner

6:30 PM Worship

[out of doors-weather

permitting]

29 30 31

August 2019

Page 14: Faithing Fearlessly

14

Matthew’s Lutheran Church-ELCA

6065 King Rd.

Bridgeport, MI 48722

Return Service Requested

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church- ELCA

August 2019

REGULAR WORSHIP TIMES

WORSHIP

9:30 AM SUNDAYS

11:00 AM Sunday School

6:30 PM Wednesdays

Our Mission Statement:

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, serving as a beacon of

God’s Love and Word

OUR VISION STATEMENT:

Caring for God’s People with Love

Outreach to the Community

Fellowship of believers in Jesus Christ

Faith empowered through worship

Education by studying God’s Word

Evangelism to the World Email:

Pastor: pastor @stmatthewsbridgeport.org

Office : [email protected]

Web Site: www.stmatthewsbridgeport.org

Phone: (989) 777-5747

Stepping Up for Growth Seminar

August 1,2019 @ 5:00 PM