St. Matthews Messenger 1 November 2017

St. Matthews Lutheran Church St Matthews Messenger 416 E. Dover Road Princeton, IL 61356-9551 (815)879-6491 Change Service Requested

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

NO

VEM

BER

20

17

FIRST WE GIVE OF OURSELVES—

GIVING IN GRACE

CELEBRATION SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 12

Bring in your Time & Ability Commitment Sheets and

Commitment (Pledge) Cards and place them in the basket

in the Narthex.

St. Matthews Messenger 2 November 2017

R E - M A R K - A B L E Conversations with the Bishop 2017

All sessions begin with a light supper at 6:15 p.m. and continue at 7:00 with the opening devotion and Continued conversations.

Tuesday, November 28 Trinity Lutheran Church, 1330 – 13th Street, Moline

Pastor Scott Schmidt will attend and will welcome travel companions to go with him.

We leave St. Matthews at 5 pm.

CELEBRATION DAY CAMP

at St. Matthews

October 9, 2017

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Confirmation Sunday

Zachary Michael Wendling

Son of: Vince & Amy Wendling Sponsors: Stuar t Runnion &

Donna Davies Born: February 7, 2003 Baptized: August 17, 2003 Confirmation Bible Verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:16

Allison Christine Morton

Daughter of: Gary Morton & Quinta Naffziger Sponsors: Whitney Eckard & Heather Mason Born: December 20, 2002 Baptized: February 2, 2003 Confirmation Verse: For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8

Tara Beth Ford

Daughter of: Brian Ford Sponsors: Janice Car twright &

Mavis Lins Born: May 2, 2002 Baptized: May 30, 2002 Confirmation Verse: Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

St. Matthews Messenger 3 November 2017

Youth and Family Ministry Corner In November we often look back and reflect on all the things for which we are thankful. What has God done for you? I am thankful for a church who is supportive of the young people and encourages them to participate. I am thankful for the young people, bringing life, energy, and new ideas. I am thankful that God brought all of us together to share our time together, praising and worshiping. I am also thankful for our 3 confirmands and getting to watch them grow and mature over these last 3 years.

It is with a glad heart that we welcome 3 newly confirmed members, Tara, Zach, and Allison. Confirmation is the time when young people make the choice to become adults in the church. With that move, however, they are not saying it is the end of their Christian education, but rather a beginning to their life in the

church. We are thankful that they have chosen to confirm their baptism and become active, voting members of our church.

Looking ahead, we have an event coming up in December for young and not so young alike. The annual Youth and Family Christmas Party on December TBA. We will share a meal, exchange white elephant gifts, and go on our Christmas Light scavenger hunt. We hope you can join us as we wrap up 2017.

Youthfully, Brandon S.

A Note from Pastor Scott Schmidt In everything set them an example by doing what is good Titus 2:7 (NRSV)

W hat we do and say has a contagious effect upon others. This contagious effect can often build up or

tear down lives of others around us. Let me share how this can take place in the faith life of a congregation, and also for our lives in general. So that we end on a positive note, let’s first look at two ways contagious effects tear down others.

Negativity brings about even more negativity. It’s contagious. Have you ever had a great day? Things are upbeat, that is, until someone proclaims that all of your hard work was done incorrectly, and you’re berated for it. Negativity fills the air. Or, maybe your co-workers or friends are always pessimistic. It’s hard to be upbeat around them. Now, you are also bummed-out. Or, maybe it’s you as you go home or meet friends. They’re all smiles until you share your bad day. Their smiles disappear, too. It is contagious!

Anxiety also creates more anxiety. It’s contagious. You’re with a group of friends, enjoying their company. Then, someone anxiously enters the room, screaming there’s a car wreck outside. People are hurt. Instantly your calm mood rises to heightened anxiety. Or, you’ve enjoyed a day with a friend. You return home that night or to work the next day, but you’re met by someone who raises their voice at you. The person is irate. In a split moment, their anxiety makes your anxiety soar. It’s contagious!

One thing is certain: such moments happen in everyone’s life. If it continues for too long, such contagious affect can rip apart a community, a family or even a congregation. Yet, at such unwanted moments of life, if we, the faithful in Christ, set an example by doing what is right and good, we can help build up what God has given to us. Rooted in Jesus we can face negativity and anxiety, and actually even begin to reverse the bad contagious affect. Here are two ways:

Enthusiasm generates even more enthusiasm. It’s also contagious. Have you ever been at a sports event, and your team is losing? In the locker room the coach gives an energetic speech. That enthusiasm fills the second half. With seconds remaining your team now could win. The fans enthusiastically cheer. That enthusiasm creates even more enthusiasm for the players. It’s contagious! Everyone is part of the victory. This can happen in a congregation, also. Just look at the enthusiasm which thrives at St. Matthews. It’s also interesting that the word “enthusiasm” comes from two Greek words “en theos” which means “in God.” Wow!

Generosity creates even more generosity. It is contagious. This also happens in congregations, and it is a central part of the life at St. Matthews. The more people share of their time, talents and treasures, the more others are encouraged to do the same. It is contagious. It builds up the community of faith.

Yet, things do not always go as we would like. In those moments it easy to fall into patterns of negativity and anxiety, which brings down others and can sink the ship.

What if Jesus succumbed to the negative accusations and the anxious reactions of the Pharisees and others? God be praised — our Savior did not. Jesus remained calm and enthusiastic about the good news of God’s grace, and Jesus willingly and generously gave his life for us.

May that be highly contagious in our lives as Christians, in our words and in our deeds! Such enthusiasm and generosity can help us thrive in the most difficult of times and especially when things are going well. In everything set the example by doing what is good.

In Jesus' name,

Pastor Scott Schmidt

St. Matthews Messenger 4 November 2017

CONGREGATION GIVING FINANCIAL REPORT through September 2017

YTD Budget: $176,103 YTD Giving: $164,897; YTD Expenses:$168,323 YTD Expenses under Budget $(7,780);YTD Giving under Expenses by $(3,426)

CONGREGATION COUNCIL

Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Evangelism: no report Worship & Music: Planning the Thanksgiving and Christmas Services Stewardship: Our Stewardship Campaign has begun with Luther style sermons, Potluck and movie on October 2, and on October 22 at 2 pm we will have popcorn and the movie Luther. Finance: no report Memorial: Committee has met to catch up on memorial. Property: No report.

Minutes are pending approval at next Congregation Council meeting.

Education/Youth & Family: no report Social Ministry: no report Fellowship: need hosts, Chris Nesbitt is trying to get some friends to come and play during Fellowship hour.

Executive Committee Meetings: November 7 @ 6 pm Council Meeting: November 14 @ 6 pm

ORPHAN SUNDAY ON NOVEMBER 12

Sunday, November 12 is Orphan Sunday. It is a time where Christians across the globe stand up to recognize and educate our communities on the need of fatherless children. We are people called to defend the cause of the fatherless…to care for the child who has no family…to visit orphans in their distress. It is a day where Another Child provides leadership and resources to help educate people on the need of defending the cause of the fatherless, recognizing the people on the front line who are fostering children, adopting children and caring for the fatherless throughout the world. ACF then offers people a chance to empower these people and organizations by offering some of their resources to help. Each event is locally led. Sermons and small groups, concerts and prayer gatherings, shared meals and youth activities- each rousing believers with God’s call to care for the orphan and what we can do in response. ACF is encouraging every church and individual to stand up and be a voice for the orphan leading up to the Sunday, November 12 celebration which will be held in 90 countries across the globe.

Tim Oloffson- Executive Director

Reaching, Teaching, Transforming

St. Matthews Messenger 5 November 2017

4

16 E

. Dov

er

Roa

d

Prin

ceto

n, I

L 6

135

6

815

.87

9.6

49

1

Web

pag

e:

ww

w.S

tmat

thew

sPri

nce

ton

.org

E

mai

l: S

tMat

thew

sPri

nce

ton

@g

mai

l.co

m

M

on

Tu

e W

ed

Th

u

Fri

S

at

1

1 pm

Fin

ance

Com

mit

tee

53

0 p

m B

ell C

hoi

r

6:3

0 p

m C

hoi

r

2

11:3

0-5

:30

CW

U

Blo

odm

obile @

Fir

st

Meth

odis

t 7

pm

Expl

orer’

s B

ible

S

tudy

3

4

5 A

LL S

AINTS S

UNDAY

9 a

m W

orsh

ip S

erv

ice

10:1

5 a

m C

offe

e F

ellow

ship

10:1

5 a

m S

unday

Sch

ool, C

onfi

rmat

ion,

H

igh S

choo

l/Y

oung

Adul

t

10:2

0 A

dul

t F

aith

For

um

6

PAS

TO

R’S

DA

Y O

FF

6 p

m B

ureau

Cou

nty

Chor

us @

St.

Mat

thew

s

7

10 a

m B

ible

Stu

dy

2 p

m P

asto

r le

ads

Seni

or C

itiz

ens

Bib

le

Stu

dy

5

pm

Execu

tive

Com

mit

tee

8

10 a

m L

ibert

y V

illa

ge

Serv

ice

53

0 p

m B

ell C

hoi

r

6:3

0 p

m C

hoi

r

7 p

m B

ldg

& F

acilit

ies

Stu

dy

9

10:3

0 a

m P

rinc

eton

M

inis

teri

al A

ssoc

iati

on

@ T

BA

6

:15

Col

onia

l S

erv

ice

7 p

m E

xpl

orer’

s B

ible

S

tudy

10

12 p

m P

asto

r at

Vete

rans

Lun

ch a

t Lib

ert

y V

illa

ge

11

12 FIRST W

E G

IVE C

ELEBRATION

SUNDAY A

ND O

RPHAN S

UNDAY

9 a

m W

orsh

ip S

erv

ice

10:1

5 a

m C

offe

e F

ellow

ship

10:1

5 a

m S

unday

Sch

ool, C

onfi

rmat

ion,

H

igh S

choo

l/Y

oung

Adul

t

10:2

0 A

dul

t F

aith

For

um

13

PAS

TO

R’S

DA

Y O

FF

6 p

m B

ureau

Cou

nty

Chor

us @

St.

Mat

thew

s

14

10 a

m B

ible

Stu

dy

1 pm

Qui

lters

6

pm

Con

greg

atio

n Cou

ncil

15

1 pm

Fin

ance

Com

mit

tee

5:3

0 p

m S

tew

ardsh

ip

5:3

0 p

m B

ell C

hoi

r

6:3

0 p

m C

hoi

r

7 p

m W

ors

hip

& M

usic

16

2 p

m G

reenf

ield

Serv

ice

7 p

m E

sther

Cir

cle

Coo

kie

Nig

ht

7 p

m E

xpl

orer’

s B

ible

S

tudy

17

18

2 p

m Y

outh

&

Fam

ily

to H

arry

Po

tter

mov

ie

19

9 a

m W

orsh

ip S

erv

ice

10:1

5 a

m C

offe

e F

ellow

ship

10:1

5 a

m S

unday

Sch

ool, C

onfi

rmat

ion,

H

igh S

choo

l/Y

oung

Adul

t

10:2

0 A

dul

t F

aith

For

um

20

PAS

TO

R’S

DA

Y O

FF

6 p

m B

ureau

Cou

nty

Chor

us @

St.

Mat

thew

s

21

10 a

m B

ible

Stu

dy

22

6 p

m B

ell C

hoi

r se

tup

7 p

m C

omm

unit

y T

han

ksgi

ving

Serv

ice

@ S

t. M

atth

ews

23

Expl

orer’

s B

ible

Stu

dy

takes

a bre

ak f

or

Than

ksgi

ving

24

OF

FICE

CLO

SE

D

25

26

9 a

m W

orsh

ip S

erv

ice

10:1

5 a

m C

offe

e F

ellow

ship

10:1

5 a

m S

unday

Sch

ool, C

onfi

rmat

ion,

H

igh S

choo

l/Y

oung

Adul

t

10:2

0 A

dul

t F

aith

For

um

27

PAS

TO

R’S

DA

Y O

FF

6 p

m B

ureau

Cou

nty

Chor

us @

St.

Mat

thew

s

28

10 a

m B

ible

Stu

dy

1 pm

Qui

lters

5

pm

Leav

e f

or

Re-

Mar

k-A

ble

in

Mol

ine

6:3

0 p

m S

eeke

rs

Sup

per

Clu

b &

K

id’s

Nig

ht

Out

29

53

0 p

m B

ell C

hoi

r

6:3

0 p

m C

hoi

r

30

7 p

m E

xpl

orer’

s B

ible

S

tudy

PA

ST

OR

ON

VA

CA

TIO

N O

cto

ber

30

-No

vem

ber

4

If P

r S

cott

Sch

mid

t is

aw

ay f

rom

the

off

ice

or

on v

acat

ion,

and

yo

u a

re i

n n

eed

of

pas

tora

l ca

re,

ple

ase

conta

ct:

the

off

ice

(81

5-8

79-6

49

1)

or

afte

r ho

urs

C

ounci

l P

resi

den

t S

and

y R

ose

(8

15

-30

3-1

98

3)

or

Dic

k V

olk

er (

81

5-8

75-1

330

) w

ho

wil

l co

nta

ct t

he

pas

tor

on c

all

for

St

Mat

thew

s.

7 pm

Wed

nesd

ay

Adv

ent W

orsh

ip

Dec

embe

r 6,

13

& 2

0 H

olde

n E

veni

ng P

raye

r

St. Matthews Messenger 6 November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017 WORSHIP LEADERS “…from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love” Ephesians 4:16.

NOV 5 NOV 12 NOV 19 NOV 26

ACOLYTE Mariah Hobson

Audrey Nelson Josie Edlefson

Asst

Jake May Jack May

Asst.

Gabriel Buelvas

ALTAR GUILD Terry Rapp & Barb Miller

- - -

CANTOR Worship Team Barb Miller Leanne Martin Diana Dye

COFFEE HOST OPEN OPEN OPEN OPEN

COFFEE SPONSOR

Katie & Andy Dye OPEN OPEN OPEN

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Dick Volker

Diane Christianson Gary Morton Diana Dye

FLOWERS OPEN Jeff & Linda

Berry OPEN

Shirley Schmidt

GREETERS Linda & Don Hildebrand

Quinta Naffziger

Jackie Woolley & Elizabeth Woolley

Nancy Hennings

Shirley Olin

READERS Karen Miller Jim Miller Amy Wendling Zach

Wendling

SOUND SYSTEM Charlie Waca Tom Christianson Tommy Rose Brian

Huffstodt

USHERS

Charlie & Kathy Waca

Jim Eble Pam Clementz

Dick Volker Ken May

Jim Miller Steve Nelson

Brian Huffstodt Jack Gross

Jim & Jeannine May

George & Dorothy Dall Jeff Martin

Brad Snethen

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP continues to meet in the Fellowship Hall. We are in need of hosts to make coffee, but we are using Sullivan’s to furnish a standing order of treats so you don’t have to bring anything. We are also in need of people to sponsor the treats for $30. The sign up sheet has a spot for host and another spot for sponsor.

St. Matthews Messenger 7 November 2017

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE REQUESTED PRAYER:

From St. Matthews: Jim Dye, Alberta Clayton, Irene Hildebrand, Inga Albee, Matt Compton, Steve Lange, Peter Lange, Shirley Schmidt, Norma Lorenzen, Diane Eble, Judy Dyke, Doris King, Josie Edlefson, Shirley Carter, Shane Hultine, Alyce Dall, Jane Gronwald, Corey Bacorn, Diane Bruce. Friends and Family* Dana Freese (daughter of Jackie Woolley), Mary Christianson (mother of Tom Christianson), Beth Woolley (cousin of Jackie Woolley & Lynda Fenwick), Debra Dahl (daughter of Shirley May), Sally King (Shirley Schmidt’s cousin), Danny Lins (son of Mavis Lins), Sue Thompson (friend Pam Clementz), John McCarthy (friend of Shawn & Pam Haslam), Sharlotte Smith (friend of Pam Clementz), Tim Cass (friend of Shirley Olin), Caleb Clausen, Pammy Miller (friend of Peter Lange), Don Saletzki (friend of Jim & Karen Miller), victims of Hurricanes, Wildfires & Earthquakes, and in Las Vegas.

THOSE IN MOURNING:

Comfort all grieving families.

SPECIAL JOYS: Birth of Wyatt & Amelia Pinter children of Brock & Ahlyssa Pinter, great grandchildren of Lois Pinter.

CHURCHWIDE CONCERNS:

Those serving overseas especially Scott Hlvain (nephew of Peggy Vladika).

PRAYER CHAIN:

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

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Classes meet at 10 am every Tuesday in the Sharer Room. You are welcome to join them.

OUR TABLE Monday, Oct 23 was St. Matthews turn to serve at Our Table. We served 133 people. Our next date is Monday, Dec 18 and we will be serving a Christmas Dinner. Please watch for sign up sheets.

Thank you for all of your donations and to those who volunteered to help.

Again God Bless You all!

Gary & Joelle Crockett

ST MATTHEWS PRAYER PENNY JAR

Pennies placed in the jar from November—December 2017

will go to Lutheran Indian Ministries

DON’T FORGET OUR SHUT-INS AND HOMEBOUND

LIBERTY VILLAGE AT HOME

Irene Hildebrand Inga Albee @ Stacy Headley’s home

Alberta Clayton Arlene Richards @ In-Home Care

Norma Lorenzen

Jean Yates GREENFIELD

Judy Dyke Pat Hultine

Fran Ahrens Marian Wolf

Jane Gronwald Betty Goers

COUNTRY COMFORT

Diane Eble

Eddie Gross

EXPLORER’S BIBLE STUDY

Classes are @ 7 pm in the Fellowship Hall. For details contact Paul Schlindwein or Sue Scruggs.

St. Matthews Messenger 8 November 2017

SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION CLASSES

Copies of

Luther’s Small Catechism are in the Narthex for you to take home to read

CONFIRMATION November 2017

Nov 5 Jesus’ Nazareth Sermon

Nov 12 Jesus Call the First Disciples

Nov 19 The Beatitudes

Nov 26 Thanksgiving Break – No Confirmation

SEEKERS SUPPER CLUB

The Seekers Supper Club met for the first time on October 24th and had a great group of 10 adults. We enjoyed a great evening of dinner, fellowship, and a discussion on what faith means to us. Copies of "The Story" were handed out and we are looking forward to getting started with book discussions when we gather in November! If you missed out on joining us in October, you are still welcome to join us! Let Katie Dye at katiedye09@gmail.com or 815-303-4602 know if you plan to attend and she will get you a copy of the book!

Kid's Night Out

The kids also had a fun evening! I know my kids were worn out from all of the fun they had! Ten kids enjoyed pizza, popcorn, and Veggie Tales! Thank you to Pastor Scott and Sandy for providing a fun evening for the kids so that their parents could attend Seekers Supper Club!

Our next group gatherings will be held on November 28th and January 23rd. We will be taking the month of December off due to Christmas break. We look forward to seeing everyone in November. Will advise you of location.

ADULT FAITH FORUM November 2017

Nov 5 Germany’s Luther Towns (excerpts from Rick Steve’s PBS series)

Nov 12 The Story of Lutheran Revival (video narrated by H. George Anderson)

Nov 19 The Holy Spirit (video lesson on what the Bible, Luther & others say on the Holy Spirit)

Nov 26 Rick Steve’s European Christmas

HIGH SCHOOL/YOUNG ADULT

November 2017 Nov 5 Why should I pray the Lord’s Prayer when it

feels like I’m just going through the motions?

Nov 12 What does it mean to be “born again”?

Nov 19 Why does the Bible contradict itself at times?

Nov 26 Thanksgiving Break—No Class

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRE K THRU GRADE 5

November 2017

Nov 5 Solomon Becomes King

Nov 12 Solomon’s Wisdom Proverbs

Nov 19 Solomon Builds the Temple

Nov 26 Solomon Dedicates the Temple

We have openings to be a Lesson Leader or an Assistant.

Sign-up sheet is in the Narthex.

BUREAU COUNTY CHORUS Is meeting at St. Matthews for practice on

Monday’s at 6:30-8 pm. All are welcome to join. There will be a

Christmas Concert in December with the Community Band

LUTHER MOVIES & BOOKS

Did you miss the movie showings or the Adult Faith Forum series? Would you like to read up on Luther and the Reformation? We have DVD’s and Pastor Scott Schmidt has some books available for you to sign out and take home to view and read.

Sign out sheet

is in the Sharer Room.