sunday october 4th: drive-through world communion and st ......oct 2, 2020 the boys in the boat:...

Volume 89, No. 12 - October 4, 2020

Sunday October 4th: Drive-Through World Communion

and St. Francis Pet BlessingsIn celebration of World Communion Sunday and in honor of the Feast of St. Francis, join the pastors and staff members for another Drive-Thru with Communion, Snacks, and Pet Blessings! Sign-ups will be required. Share in a brief prayer and celebrate global unity as we partake in Christ’s meal of forgiveness. Please wear masks. Specific time TBD; check the sign-up below for times, or call the office.

It was great to see so many family pets during our Rally Day Gathering! Bring your pet along in the car to receive a blessing from John Paradowski, Jeff Reeves and Sue Swing. Walk-throughs are also welcome!

Many people bring their pets to the church to be blessed on St. Francis’ feast day because of his love for animals.

Sign Up now! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/WorldCommor call the church office, 414.774.0441

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 ChurchMatthew Schlake-Kruse and Ann Williams, Pastors

[Lead Pastor position open]1615 Wauwatosa Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213414-774-0441; E-mail: [email protected]

Visit our website: www.StMattsLutheran.orgWorship by video each week on YouTube.com/StMattsTosaPrayer Services each Tuesday(10am) & Thursday (6pm) Sign-Up required. http://bit.ly/2ZU8Sgl-PrayerService

USPS 662-800 -- Published Monthly - Twice monthly in March, July, October and December by St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1615 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (phone 774-0441) Periodicals post-age 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 [email protected]

Pastor’s VoicePhillippians 1:3“I thank my God every time I remember you” These are words Paul uses in the very beginning of his letter to the church in Philippi. He briefly introduces himself, says “hi” and then jumps right into his letter with, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Paul has not seen the Philippians for some time and now they are separated not only by miles, but a set of prison bars as well. Beloved, for whom do you stop and thank God? When you remember friends, family and acquaintances near and far— do you give thanks?

I found myself giving thanks over and over again on Sunday September 13th. We had a Rally Day Drive-Through event here at church and I was lucky enough to be serving communion. There was a steady stream of cars which meant a steady stream of thanks as I saw you— the people of God at Saint Matthew’s— in the flesh after so long apart. It was good to see your faces, hear your voices and know that you are healthy. It was good to share with you the meal that forms us into the Body of Christ. Your smiling faces, your good humor, your patience and your joy buoyed me up and helped me realize just how dear each of you has become to me. The separation from you, my family and friends— even the cashier at the grocery store—makes it hard to feel like a unified “body”— like one organism working together to spread the good news of God. And yet the Holy Spirit moves and strengthens us still. Lately, the Body of Christ looks like our parking lot on that windy Sunday morning; It looks like masked people collecting food for the hungry, children waving out of the car window, kicking off education and music programs, volunteering, praying, and sharing the Eucharist. It looks like the power and grace of God going out into the world despite the fact that we can’t really go out into the world. It looks like people showing up for others in whatever ways are possible because God makes all things possible. And for that and so much more, beloved, I thank my God every time I remember you. Amen. Pastor Ann Williams

Upcoming Events

Virtual Sunday School Lessons Begin October 4th Sunday School for Preschool – 8th grade officially begins on October 4th with the first weekly online lessons being made available to students. Lessons will include teaching videos, activities and crafts, and occasional supplemental videos. Links to the lessons will be sent to Sunday School families each week. There will also be Zoom sessions for all levels on several times during the year. The first Zoom big group for 1st – 5th graders will be on Sunday, October 4th at 10:00. We are grateful to our Sunday School teachers, shepherds, and assistants for the role they will play in making videos and meeting with kids in Zoom sessions. Their flexibility, patience, and commitment are a gift! Since all Sunday School materials will be sent by email, it would be really helpful for Sunday School families to check your Servant Keeper information to make sure that your Family email is the email that is checked most often.

New Member Classes will take place October 11, 18 and 25 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. Despite the limitations of gathering in person we continue to worship together, care for one another and celebrate as a community of faith! If you have had an opportunity to worship with us or would like to learn more about St. Matthew’s please consider attending our membership classes via Zoom on Sunday mornings on October 11, 18 & 25. The three classes offer an introduction to our congregation, how to find your faith fed and nurtured, how and why we serve our neighbors, and what it means to be a Lutheran Christian. This time together helps us to get to know you personally and provides space for you to interact with church members as well as others interested in joining St. Matthew’s Church. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected], Pastor Matt or the church office. A mailing has been sent to those known to be interested in joining St. Matthew’s. The information will also be available on our Website, Facebook page and in the on-line announcements. All are welcome!

First Fridays Book Clubholds first discussion by Zoom, Oct. 2 In polling past participants of the book discussion group, the majority desires to have a discussion through Zoom rather than putting off meeting for several weeks or months. At the time this newsletter was being written, the plan was for a 7:00pm discussion with Zoom; a link will be sent out to those who would like to participate. For further information, please call or email the church office or Fred Heim, who is leading the group.

Oct 2, 2020 The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, by Daniel James Brown (404 pages)

Nov 6, 2020 Native Son, by Richard Wright (544 pages)

Dec 4, 2020 Educated: A Memoir, by Tara Westover (352 pages)

Confirmation Begins October 7th Confirmation classes will begin for 7th – 9th graders on Wednesday, October 7th. The 7th and 8th Grade classes will meet by Zoom each Wednesday at 7:00 to reflect on a video lesson that will be available the previous week. Lessons will be taught by Pastor Matt and Pastor Ann. The first meeting on October 7th at 7:00 will be an info meeting for parents and students. The 9th grade class will also meet by Zoom once a month on the first Wednesday of the month, beginning on October 7th at 7:30 with an info session for parents and students. Lessons will be presented by video and taught by Gretchen Haugse. The confirmation service, which normally takes place in November, has been postponed until late spring. Confirmation is open to all 7th – 9th Graders. If you have any questions, please contact the pastors or Gretchen Haugse.

Gretchen Haugse

“We Make the Road By Walking”We are in a time of change in our world, in our community and even here at St. Matthew’s. Come and be part of this movement with us! • Cultivate an honest,

intelligent understanding of the Bible and of Christian faith in the 21st century

• Engage in faith conversations with others

• Re-imagine what it means to live joyfully and responsibly in today’s world as agents of God’s justice, creativity, and peace

Here’s how you can join the conversation... • Buy the book and read the

short chapter each week • Check out the weekly

reflection on Thursdays • Join the conversation on Sunday mornings at 10am.Contact Pastor Matt or Sue Swing for more information. All are always welcome!

Uncertain TimesA Column by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton Between 1527 and 1529, Martin Luther wrote and composed his famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” He based the text of this hymn on Psalm 46: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (verse 1). Luther knew about trouble. He had been excommunicated by the church and declared an outlaw by the emperor. The bubonic plague had returned to Wittenberg, Germany. His 7-month-old daughter, Elisabeth, had died. Western Europe was under attack by the Ottoman Empire. Civil unrest resulted in the Peasants War, which was brutally crushed by the nobility. Luther lived in uncertain times. It’s unlikely that Luther could see with certainty in 1527 how his work would turn out. The Reformation wasn’t a glorious march of unbroken progress. It was messy. The “Reformers” argued with each other. It was violent. It had its share of hateful and divisive rhetoric. Anathemas were levied by all sides against each other. Even at the end of his life, Luther wondered if he had been right, if he had been faithful to the word.

If it wasn’t apparent to Luther and others what was happening, it was clear that something was happening. The world was changing. Political and religious turmoil wasn’t going on in a vacuum. This was a time of new technology--the printing press-and scientific discovery--Copernicus kicking Earth out of the center of the solar system (Luther wasn’t impressed). What new world was emerging? What new thing was God calling into being? How was the Spirit calling and shaping the church to be a clear witness? Five hundred years later we find ourselves in uncertain times. We are in the middle of a pandemic. We have been sheltering in place for months. Thousands have been newly awakened to racial inequity in our society and are marching for change. Education has been disrupted. Worship has taken on new forms. Our homes have become our offices and classrooms. The world is changing and the rate of change in the past five months is unprecedented. Ours is also a time of new technology and scientific discovery. We are wired and plugged in. Communication is instantaneous. Our cellphones can be used to keep us connected and informed. They can also be used to divide and deceive. Something new is emerging. The world is changing. We will not be able to return to the world of the pre-COVID days. Change brings loss. Loss brings grief. Yes, we believe in the Resurrection, that God brings life out of death, something new out of the old. But it can be painful, especially when we’re in the middle of it and can’t see clearly how it will all turn out. Psalm 46 captures the turmoil of Luther’s day and of ours: “The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms

totter” (6). It describes a changing earth, shaking mountains and roaring waters. But Psalm 46 is also a song of faith: God’s and ours. God is faithful to God’s promises and to God’s people. God is a mighty fortress who fights by our side with weapons of the Spirit. Luther ends the hymn by declaring: “Were they to take our house, goods, honor, child, or spouse, though life be wrenched away, they cannot win the day. The kingdom’s ours forever!” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 504). I believe we are on the brink of this new thing that God is bringing about. We don’t need to see how it will all unfold. We just need to be ready and willing to answer God’s call and be shaped by the Spirit. Secure in God who is our refuge and strength, we.can be bold in our witness. God is activating each of us to invite more people into the way of Jesus--the way of

grace and mercy, the way of justice and peace, the way of life.

“Sanctuary”Prayer Services continue each Tuesday and Thursday Each week we welcome more St. Matt’s members and guests who are attending the prayer service for the first time. For many it is their first time entering the sanctuary of St. Matthew’s in five or more months. Being in this particular place, a place where some of us have mourned losses or celebrated important milestones or have opened our hearts, is significant. Although we have all been reminded that the church is us, not bricks and plaster, there is still something to be said for place and for familiar surroundings. You are invited to this place every Tuesday morning at 10am and Thursday evening at 6pm. If you forgot to sign up online, please come anyway. We are set up to accept some walk-ins. Also a reminder that the length of the service (15 minutes) is child-friendly so families are always welcome.

INTERIM MINISTRY:We need you to fill out the Congregational Vitality Index

As many of you already know, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church is engaged in an assessment and visioning process during our time of transition. One of the first things we are doing is a congregational survey called the Congregational Vitality Index. This survey measures the strengths and challenges of a congregation according to three

dimensions: the congregation’s connections with God, each other, and the world. Every confirmed member at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church is encouraged to take this online survey, as well as those involved in our congregation even if not members. The survey will be open for members to take between September 27th and October 12th. This is an online survey. Please use the link below to take the survey. The staff and congregation council have already taken it. If you have any questions please reach out to one of them. Remember, we want everyone who is a confirmed member or an active participant to take this survey. It is important that we hear from you.

Congregational Vitality Index Survey Link:

Thank you for taking the time to take this survey. The results of the survey will be shared with the congregation in November.

Sunday Worship by Video is available on our YouTube page:

www.youtube.com/StMattsTosaOR

Sign up for our email list so it arrives in your inbox. Send an email to [email protected]

and ask to be added to the email list!

Sign up online herehttps://www.stmattslutheran.org/resuming-worship-with-prayer-services/or call the church office, 414.774.0441

(Available thru your emails from church)

October 4, 2020 -18th Sun. after PentecostIntroduction to the Day: In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells a parable of the vineyard, an image of Israel, the prophets’ mission, and Christ’s death. For Christians, the vineyard also speaks of God’s love poured out in the blood of Christ, given to us for the forgiveness of sin. Grafted onto Christ the vine at baptism, we are nourished with wine and bread, that we may share Christ’s sufferings and know the power of his resurrection.

Prayer of the Day: Beloved God, from you come all things that are good. Lead us by the inspiration of your Spirit to know those things that are right, and by your merciful guidance, help us to do them, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

First Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7 The song of the vineyardPsalm 80:7-15 Look down from heaven, O God;

behold and tend this vine.Second Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14 Nothing surpasses knowing

ChristGospel Reading: Matthew 21:33-46

The parable of the vineyard owner’s son

October 11, 2020 -19th Sun. after PentecostIntroduction to the Day: In Isaiah we are given a vision of the great feast to come, when God will wipe away death forever. In Jesus’ parable about a great banquet, those invited do not come, so the invitation is extended to others. In our liturgy God spreads a table before us. Even amid anxiety and hardship we rejoice in the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. With great joy we feast at the table of the Lord, and we go forth to share the wonderful invitation with others hungering and thirsting for the abundant life of God.

Prayer of the Day: Lord of the feast, you have prepared a table before all peoples and poured out your life with abundance. Call us again to your banquet. Strengthen us by what is honorable, just, and pure, and transform us into a people of righteousness and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

First Reading: Isaiah 25:1-9 The feast of victoryPsalm 23 You prepare a table before me,

and my cup is running over.Second Reading: Philippians 4:1-9 Rejoice in the Lord alwaysGospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14

The parable of the unwelcome guest

October 18, 2020 -20th Sunday after PentecostIntroduction to the Day: In today’s first reading God uses the Gentile ruler Cyrus to accomplish divine purposes. When the Pharisees try to trap Jesus, he tells them to give the emperor what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God. To gather for worship reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to God rather than to any earthly authority. Created in the image of God, we offer our entire selves in the service of God and for the sake of the world.

Prayer of the Day: Sovereign God, raise your throne in our hearts. Created by you, let us live in your image; created for you, let us act for your glory; redeemed by you, let us give you what is yours, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

First Reading: Isaiah 45:1-7 An earthly ruler works God’s willPsalm 96:1-9 [10-13] Ascribe to the Lord honor and powerSecond Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Thanksgiving for the church at

ThessalonicaGospel Reading: Matthew 22:15-22

A teaching about the emperor and God

October 25, 2020 - Reformation Sundaywill be printed in the next issue of the Voice

Sunday Mornings

Reformation Neighborhood Store Needs -- Fall 2020• Baby/toddler/children’s clothes to size 8; accessories, i.e., bottles, blankets, rockers, Pack

‘N Plays, strollers, etc. • Bath & hand towels, washcloths; bath rugs, shower

curtains & rings• Coats - all ages• Gift items for adults • Kitchen utensils & linens, mixing bowl sets, silverware • Kitchen dinette sets• Pots & pans, bakeware• Queen/king sheet sets, bed pillows, blankets/quilts/

comforters (no afghans please)• Small appliances, i.e., toasters, air or deep fryers,

microwaves, blenders, mixers, electric skillets, irons, flat screen TVs, vacuums, space heaters, Keurig/single serve coffee makers

You can bring your items for donation to the collection area at St. Matthew’s near the Education entrance, weekday mornings. Give us a call ahead so we know you’re coming, 414.774.0441. Thanks to Carri Brewer for transporting these donations to Reformation’s Neighborhood Store.

Used medications being collectedfor Cross Clinic We are blessed to have a pharmacist in our congregation who is volunteering his time at Cross Lutheran Church’s Bread of Healing Medical Clinic. Tom Wilke is willing to collect medications you no longer need and take them to Cross and possibly use them for patients who need them who can’t afford the prescriptions on their own. Our suggestion for how to bring them would be to cross out the name of the patient in black marker, but leave the medicines in the pharmacy bottle they were dispensed with. They can be brought to the church office weekday mornings and the church office staff will place them in a secure location. Call ahead for building access. Are you cleaning out a parent’s or other relative’s home and have a large number of old prescriptions to discard? Bring them to the church office and we will collect them for Cross Bread of Healing Clinic. And yes, empty pill bottles are still being accepted.

Reformation is holding a SONshine pantry in October, and St. Matthew’s is collecting toilet paper and paper towels to be included in the pantry. Please bring your donations to the collection box outside the church (metal shelves at the parking lot entrance to the building) by October 11th. Thank you!

Return to Worship Survey Results

Return To Worship Survey Results

Members of St. Matthew’s:Thank you for participating in our COVID survey. We are grateful for your thoughts and perspectives. Key results from your responses are shared in the below graphs. Please watch for communication from the St. Matthew’s Church Council via the announcement emails and in the next Voice issue regarding our perspective on the findings for congregational return to worship. ~ St. Matthew’s Church Council

What are your intentions toward returning to in-person worshiping when it is safe to do so? (347 responses)

After on-site worship has resumed, would you like remote worshiping to be available? (336 responses)

How concerned are you or members of your family about contracting COVID-19? (347 responses)

What is your age range? (347 responses)

Thanks for your participation!

In place of in-person worship, have you used the onlne worship from St. Matthew’s? (346 responses)

About how frequently do you use the online worship service? (297 responses)

Other than online worship at St Matthews, which other online opportunities have you used from church? (Check all that apply)

What will influence your likelihood of returning to in-person worship? (Check all that apply)

0 50 100 150 200

Bible Study Wed

Sunday morning coffee

T/Th devotions

Women's faith lift

None

VBS

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Limits to # at worship

Spaced seating

Hand sanitizers available

Wearing masks

Individual communion

No passing of offering plate

No coffee hour

Availability of nursery/Sunday School

Other external influences

Other than online worship at St. Matthew’s, which other online opportunities have you used from church? (Check all that apply)

Other than online worship at St Matthews, which other online opportunities have you used from church? (Check all that apply)


0 50 100 150 200

Bible Study Wed

Sunday morning coffee

T/Th devotions

Women's faith lift

None

VBS

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Limits to # at worship

Spaced seating

Hand sanitizers available

Wearing masks

Individual communion

No passing of offering plate

No coffee hour

Availability of nursery/Sunday School

Other external influences


Rally Day Drive Through

Rally Day 2020: It’s the People!

Pastor Ann gives Holy Communion to the Jason & Rhianon Bott Family. Pastor Matt gives communion to Sue & Ken Voigt.

Sunday School staff greeted families and gave out a take home devotion and craft. Shown here are Carrie Jo Cherney, Donna Gardner Manke, Gretchen Haugse, Patti Foley and Sarah Gifford. Also participating were Sarah Zello, Julia Murphy and Chris Lange.

Emma and Kloee Richter were enthusiastic about the individual communion packets.

Pastors Ann Williams and Matt Schlake Kruse presided over Holy Communion for dozens of cars’ occupants.

Sue Swing and Jenni Dugan had the delicious task of handing out the Cranky Al’s doughnuts as cars left the parking lot.

Pam Stokke-Ceci, council vice president, provided information about the interim process, when we will work with church visioning and strategic planning consultant Pastor John Holm.

Darla Hium and Steve Winters helped to organize the cars as people arrived. Here, Beth and Matt Gissibl, Mari and Abram are checked in.

Jeff Reeves (in red) and John Paradowski represented the music ministry, and encouraged younger children to participate in the online music activities to be offered.

Thank you to the many, many people who donated food for the food pantries we support, Cross Lutheran and Tosa Cares. And thanks to our youth who volunteered their time to take in the food and move it where it needed to go: Drew Freeborn, Nathan Foley, Maggie Kasdorf, Grace Kasdorf, Emily Gastrau, Tyler Goeckermann, Molly Manternach, Ashley Manternach, Grace Greene, and adult volunteers Karen Gastrau and Beth Schulz.

Donna Gardner Manke talks to Jay and Aria Daul as their parents, Katie and James listen.

Stephen Ministry: An opportunity to join this caring ministryDo You Know Someone Going Through a Difficult Time? Do you have a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or relative who has been struggling with the loss of a loved one, loneliness, cancer, a layoff, recuperation, isolation, sadness, worry, fear and uncertainty during this time of Covid? Are they dealing with any of countless life challenges? Dealing with life is especially difficult now during these times of social distancing and isolation. It is harder to access your support network, certainly in person, and it can feel discouraging. No one has to go through this alone. Our Stephen Ministers can provide focused care, encouragement, and support that can help anyone dealing with a difficult situation. They can be the person who faithfully calls to check in and listen to concerns every single week, offering prayer and providing HOPE. If you know of someone who is hurting, talk with Pastor Ann or Sue Swing. They can answer questions and talk with you about how we can connect the person you know with one of our Stephen Ministers. It’s a great way for you to show how much you care!

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] (church office) 414-774-0441

What Does It Take to Become a Stephen Minister...And What Do You Receive in Return? Has Stephen Ministry crossed your mind a few times? You might have picked up a brochure or talked with someone at church about it. Maybe you’re ready to take a closer look at the idea of becoming a Stephen Minister. You’re wondering: “Is this right for me?” “Should I think about becoming a Stephen Minister?” Here are some guidelines that might help you in your decision making.

GiftsA Stephen Minister is a person with the gift of mercy, who shows compassion and gives encouragement to and intercedes for those he or she cares for. Many Stephen Ministers from other churches say that they receive much more from the caring relationship with their care receiver than they give.

CommitmentA Stephen Minister devotes time, energy, and resources to this ministry. In return, a Stephen Minister has the chance to participate in meaningful ministry, make a major difference in another person’s life, and grow closer to God.

TrainingA Stephen Minister completes 50 hours of training before ever meeting with a care receiver. He or she learns about listening, assertiveness, confidentiality, and many other aspects of care giving. After completing the initial training, he or she engages in continuing education. Stephen Ministers find that their relationships become richer and deeper at home, church, work and with friends.

Dedicated ServiceA Stephen Minister serves wholeheartedly. This ministry involves prayer, thought, consideration, study, and commitment. In return, the Stephen Minister receives grateful thanks from his or her care receiver, our Stephen Leaders, the congregation and God.

SupportA Stephen Minister is accountable but does not do this alone. Stephen Ministers receive support, encouragement, and guidance in Small Group Peer Supervision. These groups of Stephen Ministers meet 2 times per month to support one another in the service they are providing in their caring relationships. Affirmation and support is also provided by the Stephen Leaders, the pastors and the congregation.

Continuous LearningA Stephen Minister is open to adjusting and adapting his or her care giving to fit the needs of the care receiver. He or she learns more about care giving at each meeting with a care receiver and and at each Small Group session. Stephen Ministry is an experience of continuous learning, growth and joy.

Sue Swing

Stephen Ministers share a passion for bringing Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need

Stephen Ministry Reflection from a Care ReceiverBy John MalloyIf you are familiar with Stephen Ministry, you probably know that it is about listening. This may seem simple, but in our busy lives we often forget how each of us needs to be heard, to tell our story to an audience that brings no assumptions, no judgments, no advice — just caring listening.

I asked to be connected with a Stephen Minister because I needed help coping with dysfunctional relationships and unrecovered trauma in my birth family. These issues were decades old and I had been trying to keep my emotions compartmentalized in order to create a different environment within my own marriage and life as a parent. I felt exhausted from doing so and I needed to articulate my feelings about these things to a caring person. My Stephen Minister brought openness, generosity, patience and disciplined listening to our meetings. He did not give me advice or treat my feelings like a problem to be solved. He allowed me to tell my story in my own way. This is truly a beautiful gift. Regular meetings with my Stephen Minister brought healing to my life. I was able to move some difficult feelings of grief and pain into the open and can now live with them in a more balanced, caring way. But I found Stephen Ministry could take me even further than that, at a pace chosen by me. As I began to recognize new connections between my feelings and my day-to-day practices of living, I knew I wanted to make some changes. My Stephen Minister gave me a safe environment in which to articulate those changes, and I gave myself a certain level of accountability by stating them out loud. This helped me build a stronger foundation for living more mindfully and peacefully. I try to give thanks to God regularly for the people who have inspired me. My Stephen Minister, Carl Johnson, is one of them.

What Stephen Ministers Say...“Whether you’re young or old, Stephen Ministry will greatly enhance your life skills. My one regret is having not become a Stephen Minister years ago.”

“I have always been a good listener and someone you could depend on. As a Stephen Minister, I’m able to use these gifts to do God’s work. It’s a wonderful feeling to make a difference in someone’s life and to have them say, ‘Thank you for being there for me.’”

“Stephen Ministry has provided me with a way to lead, teach, and serve God with integrity. And I grow in the process. I also enjoy the tremendous amount of comfort and support I get interacting with my fellow Stephen Ministers.”

“I was looking to become more involved in helping others when I heard about Stephen Ministry. It was just what I was after. The training was extremely helpful. I learned how to listen better and how to give comfort to others-something I wasn’t sure I could do. Being a Stephen Minister has deepened my faith and allowed me to grow spiritually.”

“I trained as a Stephen Minister years ago and have found ways to apply that training every day since then. I cannot begin to describe the impact it has had on my life.”

Please talk with Sue Swing or Pastor Ann if you’d like to learn more about serving as a Stephen Minister. The next training class is planned to begin in January 2021. Carl Johnson

From the St. Matt’s church officeIs your email correct??

Now that we are starting a new year for Sunday School and choirs, we need to ask you: Are your email addresses correct for receiving the information you want about Sunday School, Confirmation, Bible Studies, daily devotions? There have been some questions around who is receiving emails for various ministries and we want to make sure we have your correct email address. Our database, Servant Keeper allows us to assign an email address to a Household, that is a family unit. We

use this email when we send out things to a family. Servant Keeper also allows us to assign emails to individuals. We use this email when we send out emails to a specific person. Each individual has an opportunity to have an email assigned to them, regardless of their age. So a family may have three, four or even five emails. We can build a list of Sunday School students based on their grades, and send information to the household email we have listed. Please be sure that this email is the one that is used the most, or that both parents (if applicable) can access. If a list is built by student, for example to 7th & 8th grade confirmation students, we could send the information to the email address in the student’s record, which could be their personal email, or one of the parent’s email addresses. Please be sure that the individual email associated with your student is the address that is best for your family. So, what we need you to do is log into Servant Keeper, if you can, and validate that you have the right email assigned to the family and to each child. If you don’t have Servant Keeper access, send an email to [email protected] and let us know the best email address to be assigned to an individual or to the household. We want to make sure everyone is getting the information they need. If you are not getting the proper information, let us know in the office and we will figure out why.

What about the Daily Devotions and Sunday Worship email list?This list has been built from Household email addresses, and then other emails have been added to this by request. This is a list you want to be on, as timely information is given on events and ministries, updated with last-minute changes and additional details.

I ’m not currently receiving the three times per week emails from church and I’d like to! Email us at [email protected] and ask to be added to the Mailchimp list for devotion and video worship emails sent out several times a week.

St. Matthew’s 100th Anniversary: We have not forgotten! Over a year ago, a committee started working on the 100th Anniversary of St. Matthew’s. Our intent was to have a yearlong celebration with special speakers, commissioned music and a wonderful Anniversary Book. As you know, things did not quite happen as we expected or planned. But fear not, we did not forget about our anniversary! We think it will be safer to celebrate it during our 101st year. The 100th Anniversary Book team is wrapping up their research and work. We have read through almost every VOICE published, which started in February, 1932. We have read through all of the minutes of each council meeting since 1920. We assembled a list of all pastors of St. Matthew’s and their stories. We interviewed many people and couples. We are now in the final stages of putting the book together. We are putting out a final call for any people who want to contribute to the history book. If you have any pictures you’d like to share, please let Al Van Lith in the office know at [email protected] or call him at 414-774-0441. Also let us know if you have a story you want to tell about the church. We want to include as much information as we can. We all know we are not where we thought we would be but we know where we have been and we will celebrate that when we are all back together.

ELCA VOTES! Voting in 2020 takes personal & public planningby Tessa Comnick, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow

Like many people, I have spent the last several months living out of my house. While that may not seem like a significant statement—I mean, houses are where we live—living out of my house has taken on new meaning. It’s now where I socialize (virtually), where I work, where I sleep, where I eat… and soon it will be where I vote in the 2020 election. For you and your neighbor, what’s your plan? Learn what qualifies for an absentee ballot in your state. Instructions on how to register and vote-by-mail need to be effectively planned and widely distributed months before an election, to ensure equal access to those who may choose to mail-in their vote. Learn about becoming a poll worker if that sounds right for you. And contact your municipal Clerk’s office with questions.

IS BEING A POLLING WORKER FOR YOU? Over half of U.S. poll workers were 61 years of age or older in the 2018 general election. In 2020 we could face a shortage. Youth and young adults should consider working on election day to help keep those at higher risk safe. When I did it, the day was long, but I heard an endless supply of “thank yous” showing appreciation for an open, accessible system from which to vote. I did not know what faith traditions voters followed, if any, but love for our community connected us in a way that was intrinsically divine. For me, I feel God’s presence strongest when I am among my community, expressing my love for every single member. God’s love is for us all, indiscriminately. Every vote counts, and so does every decision on how to vote.

Deadlines for the November 3, 2020 General Election

Voter Registration Voters can register in the following ways. All voters must provide a Proof of Residence document when registering to vote by mail, in-person in the clerk’s office, or at the polls on Election Day.

October 14, 2020 - Deadline to Register by Mail - Your voter registration form, along with proof of residence must be postmarked to your municipal clerk no later than October 14, 2020. Find your Municipal Clerk’s Contact Information here.

October 14, 2020 - Deadline to Register to vote online. - Voters who are able to match their name, date of birth, Wisconsin Driver License or State ID number, and address with the Wisconsin DMV can register to vote online through Oct. 14, 2020.

October 30, 2020 @ 5:00 p.m. - Deadline to Register in Your Municipal Clerk’s Office- Voters may register in-person in their municipal clerk’s office during the clerk’s business hours until 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2020.

November 3, 2020 from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. - Register to Vote at Your Polling Place- Voters can register to vote at their polling place on Election Day, November 3, 2020. Find your Polling Place at my vote.wi.gov

Absentee Voting- All voters in Wisconsin can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them for any reason. Voters must be registered before they can request an absentee ballot. Voters may request their absentee ballot in writing. To request an absentee ballot on MyVote.wi.gov. You must provide a photo ID with your absentee ballot request.

October 29, 2020 @ 5:00 p.m. - Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot - Regular and Permanent Overseas Voters - If you are a regular or a Permanent Overseas Voter, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 29, 2020. October 30, 2020 @ 5:00 p.m. - Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot--Indefinitely Confined - If a voter is indefinitely confined, your absentee ballot request must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 30, 2020. October 20, 2020, possibly through November 1, 2020 - Deadline for In-Person Absentee - Voters can possibly request and vote an absentee ballot in-person in their municipal clerk’s office through November 1, 2020.

November 3, 2020 @ 8:00 p.m. - Deadline to Return Absentee Ballot - If you have already received an absentee ballot, you must return your absentee ballot by mail or delivery to your municipal clerk. Your ballot must be received by your municipal clerk no later than 8:00 p.m on Election Day November 3, 2020.

A truck loaded with cartons of food is on its way to a community in the eastern region of El Salvador

A church leader from our partner congregation, Pan de Vida, delivers food to a member of the community

This carton of fortified rice packets will help supplement this family’s diet Pastora Emely, right, delivers food to the home of

a member of Pan de Vida

Food is often distributed in churches

El Salvador Food Shipment is finally distributed

Because of the pandemic, the food shipment that was sent to El Salvador in late July was delayed in port as government officials sought to ensure its safety. It was thankfully cleared and released in late August and has finally made its way into communities served by the Salvadoran Lutheran Church. Many people in El Salvador are challenged by food insecurity on a regular basis, and the pandemic has made that worse. The food that we send helps stretch their food dollars and provides them with a little extra security. Thanks for your part in providing this safety net! We will be initiating another shipment later this fall, at a cost of $8000. Donations toward this shipment are welcome and can be made to St. Matthew’s and designated “El Salvador Food Shipment.”

RESILIENCY: Setting Free our Lamentwritten by Robin McCullough-Bade

We are living in unprecedented times— a health pandemic filled with economic uncertainty and unresolved racism. This added to each of our own personal challenges in daily life.Grief upon grief.Uncertainty upon uncertainty.Lament is that raw pain and unresolved grief from deep within. Unexpected turn of events unleashed by the spread of the deadly coronavirus leaves us unsettled, weary, and aching for better days.Please. Can we speed-dial through lament? Unfortunately, there is no quick fix. And no, God did not send these times to punish us or teach us. But, from this, we can grow in wisdom, maturity, and grace. By the grace of God, hope can take root and blossom with a beauty borne only from the struggle.

Where to begin?1) Acknowledge the lament is real.2) Accept that lament does not leave easily or

quickly.3) Name the lament so it does not get stuck deep

inside, robbing us of hope and joy. 4) Have courage.

Bible Focus: Lament is grounded in a psalm—but not the familiar, up-tempo psalms used at worship for praise. Instead, the psalmist cries from the pit of being. These less-familiar psalms of lament touch our weary bones and remind us that we are not alone in our struggles.Yet, how can the psalmist who sings glorious praises also cry out in lament? Different writers? Maybe. Or, perhaps it is the same person, living in unprecedented times, wondering how life got to be so unfair. Perhaps the psalmist is someone like us, trying to sort out life—a life filled with both joy and sorrow.

Faith Practices: During tough times, we lean on God in ways we never imagined. The ebb and flow of the faith practices found in the Affirmation of Baptism provides a framework which can order our days. These faith practices are referred to as the five gifts of discipleship.

1) Live among God’s People2) Hear the word 3) Proclaim good news4) Serve as Jesus5) Strive for peace and justice

www.elca.org/Resiliency Copyright © 2020 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Living out our Baptism

Bulletin BoardChurch phone system voicemail updated: When you call the church when no one can answer the phone personally, you will hear a new set of options for getting information or connecting with a staff person.

Option 1: Office hours and worship scheduleOption 2: Pastors’ extensionsOption 3: Office staff extensionsOption 4: Other staff extensions

Leaving a message for a staff person might be more efficient than you think, as voicemail is sent as an email to the staff person’s email account. So it’s possible, if the staff person is working at home, that they can access their messages and respond to them remotely. This has been a great timesaver and improvement to effective communication during this time of staff spending more time working at home.

Church Office Hours:For the health and well-being of our staff, the church office is open each morning from 8am to 12 noon. The staff works remotely in the afternoons to reduce the risk of virus transmission. The church phone number is 414-774-0441 and will be answered each weekday morning. The church email address, [email protected], is monitored all day and will be responded to promptly as reasonably possible.

Yes, we’ll pray for you!The Prayer Chain continues to faithfully pray for the needs of the congregation and community. If you would like the Prayer Chain to be praying for your needs, please contact the church office at 414-774-0441. You may also e-mail the church at [email protected] with a prayer request or if you wish to join the prayer chain.

Our Church FamilyCongratulations to Sean Crain and Sarah Mielke, who were married on September 18th.

Our sympathies to the family of Mary Ellen Ralfs, who died on September 14th. Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, Don; sons Scott and Mark (Carrie), who are members of St. Matthew’s; daughter Ann Marie (Gregor) Armbruster, and many grandchildren, in whom she took great pride. Mary Ellen was well loved by many in the St. Matthew’s Community; she was a regular participant at Wednesday Bible Study and Saints events. She and Don were Welcome Center Hosts at the 11 a.m. Service. Many members have shared Mary Ellen’s welcoming and caring spirit was one of the first they encountered at St. Matthew’s. A private family service was held in late September; her family hopes to hold a celebration of life after the pandemic.

Another gorgeous pair of floral arrangements for the prayer services early in September. The flowers were harvested from the St. Matthew’s flower gardens and arranged by Jeanne Collins.

Thanks for the people who signed up for library donations and altar flowers for fall occasions

Sept. 6 A music DVD was given by Abby Chiesa in honor of Emily Chiesa’s birthday.Sept. 20th Leslie & Pat Gardner gave a library book in honor of their daughter Paige’s birthdayLeslie & Pat Gardner gave a children’s book to the church library in honor of the 8th birthday of their grandchildren, Owen, Lucas and Mackenzie High.October 11 A sports DVD for the library is given by Emily Chiesa in honor of Abby Chiesa’s birthday.

The Wooster Family signed up for altar flowers for Sunday October 11th morning worship, so although we aren’t currently holding Sunday morning worship services, we’d like to recognize the occasion, as being a memorial to husband, father and grandfather, Mark Wooster.

PERIODICALS RATEMail Carrier: Please deliver by October 3, 2020.

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

Next issue of the VOICE is dated October 25, 2020.

Wauwatosa, Wisconsinwww.stmattslutheran.org

“God is not the tribal deity of one group of “chosen” people. God is not for us and against all others. God is for us and for them, too. God loves everyone everywhere, no exceptions.”

“If a spiritual community only points back to where it has been or if it only digs in its heels where it is now, it is a dead end or a parking lot, not a way.”

Brian D. McLaren, We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation and Activation

“So this is a very Christ-centered approach to the Bible The first quarter is the backstory for Christ, and the last quarter is the post-script to Christ. The heart of the book, the two central quarters, focus on Christ, from his birth through Holy Week and Easter.” Brian McLaren, about this book

Join us Sundays at 10:00am by Zoom for discussion of this book

It could change the way you look at the church and your faith

Instruction Page for:

St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran Church#9805151615 N. Wauwatosa AveWauwatosa, WI [email protected] Mohr

Issue Date: October 4, 2020Volume 89Issue # 12

# of Pages: 20

Special Instructions:

Quantity Needed = 950

To Be Shipped to:

c/o United Mailing Services Inc.3655 N. 126th Street, Ste. CBrookfield, WI 53005

by September 25, 2020

sunday october 4th: drive-through world communion and st ......oct 2, 2020 the boys in the boat:...

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