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St. Matthew’s Messenger 1 January, 2015
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Princeton, IL Permit No. 449
Church Calendar
Worship Assistants
Note from Pastor
Discipleship
Fellowship
Shepherding
Proclamation
Resource
Church council
INSIDE THIS I SSUE:
Change Service Requested
416 E . Dover Road Princeton, IL 61356
815-879-6491 office [email protected]
January 2015
ST MATTHEWS LUTHERAN CHURCH
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2015
10:15 AM
ANNUAL REPORTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN JANUARY
St. Matthew's Messenger ST. MATTHEWS LUTHERAN CHURCH
ST MATTHEWS YOUTH SKI TRIP
LYO & LOMC SPONSORED
AT CHESTNUT MOUNTAIN RESORT
GALENA, ILLINOIS
JANUARY 19, 2015
LEAVE 7:30 AM RETURN 7 PM
IF YOU HAVE NOT SIGNED UP SEE
BRANDON OR THE OFFICE.
St. Matthew’s Messenger 2 January, 2015
CHRISTMAS EVE @ ST MATTHEWS
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
St. Matthew’s Messenger 3 January, 2015
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St. Matthew’s Messenger 4 January, 2015
JANUARY 2014 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.
JANUARY 4TH JANUARY 11TH JANUARY 18TH JANUARY 25TH
ACOLYTE Adrienne Snethen Anna Morton Grace May Zach Wendling
ALTAR GUILD Luann Ferrari
CANTOR Guitars Diana Dye Kiley Korey -
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP
Steve & Marilyn Lange NEEDED
Gary & Joelle Crockett Quinta Naffziger
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
Mike Herro Pam Castner Tim Oloffson Kathy Waca
FLOWERS Wendell & Pam
Nelson OPEN OPEN Jim & Diane Eble
GREETERS Bob & Lynda
Fenwick Gary & Diane Bruce Bob & Terry Rapp Laura Allen & family
READERS Marilyn Lange Stephanie Cartwright
NEEDED NEEDED
SOUND SYSTEM Jeff Martin Tom Rose Brian Huffstodt Brad Snethen
USHERS
Jim Eble Charlie Waca Jeff & Linda
Berry
Dan Druley Gary Morton Dick Volker
Gary Coates Pam Clementz
Jack Gross Jeff Martin
Nate Edlefson Jim Miller
Betty Peterson
Thank you for serving!
St. Matthew’s Messenger 5 January, 2015
A Note From Pastor Scott Schmidt 3In our prayers for you we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 4for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus
and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. You have heard of this hope before in the word of the truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world, so it has been bearing fruit among yourselves from the day you heard it and truly comprehended the grace of God. . . .9For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every
good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:3-6, 9-10 (NRSV)
I daily thank God in my prayers for the faithful people of St. Matthews. I pray that the Holy Spirit guides us to be a congregation rooted in
the truth of the Gospel, that we bear fruit, and that we grow in the knowledge of God. In the following sections, I’d like to use what the Apostle Paul wrote in the opening of his letter to the Colossians to echo much of what I see as opportunities at St. Matthews to grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding of how we live out the Gospel in our daily lives.
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In our prayers: Prayer is a vital par t of faith life. This will be the topic of the Adult Faith Forum on Sunday mornings at 10:20 am, January 4, 11 and 18. I hope you join Tim Oloffson as he leads a three part series on the Faith Practice of Prayer.
——————
As you grow in the knowledge of God: Dur ing January, February and March, I will lead workshops on Healthy Congregations in ten gatherings (each about two hours). The first session is 1:00 pm on Sunday, January 11, in the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested, in the narthex you can find schedules and sign-up sheets (to ensure we have material ready). There is a small cost for the material, between $35 and $40 depending on how many participate, but I also have some scholarships available. If you have questions on these Healthy Congregations workshops, please contact me.
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As you bear fruit in every good work: A year and half ago, as I prayerfully considered a call to be the pastor at St. Matthews, some key characteristics caught my attention. These were: the outreach that our members do within our local community, and the strong financial support we give to ministries beyond our doors, and the mission trips around the country and the globe that many of you have taken. These were some of the main reasons I felt called to be the pastor here, because this is how Christ’s disciples bear fruit for God by simultaneously helping others locally, regionally and globally.
Of all the examples I could share, the one I mention here is Group Work Camp, where we’ve had youth and adults travel across the country to help others. For 2016, our leaders are exploring the possibility of
bringing Work Camp to Princeton. People from around the country would come to our community for a week of repairing and painting homes needing assistance. Other area congregations and sponsors are already offering to be involved. So, we have an opportunity to combine both local outreach and mission work from beyond Princeton. On Sunday, January 11, during worship we will share some details on this proposal prior to it coming before the membership at our Annual Meeting on January 25.
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We have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints: One more area of outreach which caught my attention to become the pastor here, is how St. Matthews so graciously supported the new mission congregation of Resurrection Lutheran in Channahon, IL. This past year we completed our three year pledge to financially support our sister congregation in their first years. So, on Sunday, January 18, we will have a pulpit exchange with Resurrection Lutheran. Pastor Ben Ingelson and a group from Resurrection will come to St. Matthews. Pastor Ben will lead worship, share a sermon and give some updates on their congregation. I will travel to Channahon to do likewise that same Sunday. If you would like to travel with me to represent St. Matthews, please let me know. Also, we will need people here to greet our guests on that day.
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For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will: May we continue to do “God’s Work” with “Our Hands” as we are “Living and Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
In the Peace of God, Pastor Scott Schmidt
St. Matthew’s Messenger 6 January, 2015
A Universal Language Josie Lind of Walnut, Illinois, who is a sophomore at Bureau Valley High School, experienced first-hand that love is a universal language, while on a mission trip in July 2014 with members of her church, Walnut Community Bible Church. Josie and her team put on a vacation Bible school at camp for 40 Romanian orphans and discovered that love is the language that is never misunderstood. Love was shown not only with words, but with actions of respect, acceptance, compassion and kindness. Josie tells us of the huge amount of love she received while in Romania. There was a 12 year old girl named Ana who captured Josie’s heart. “She and I really didn't talk until about the third day of being at the camp, but in those last couple of days, we had probably the strongest relationship that someone could have with someone who doesn't speak their language fluently. Ana could speak some English, enough to carry on a conversation, but there were some times that I knew she didn't understand me. I understood one thing for sure; she loved me so, so much. She never stopped telling me, ‘Josie, I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you!’ She and I would just walk around camp together. She would literally be hanging on to me the whole time hugging me! She was the epitome of adorable! I taught her the Cup Song! We would eat meals
together, jump on the trampolines together, and during free time we would dance to music together. Her favorite English word would undoubtedly be ‘love.’” “I felt as if I had known her my whole life, like she was a little sister. Leaving her was so, so hard for me. On the last day, she wrote me a letter in Romanian that said that she was so happy that she had the chance to meet me and spend time with me. She told me that she hopes that our paths cross again sometime and to take care of myself. And finally, she said that she loved me and that she'll never forget about me. When I had to leave, I started bursting into tears because I felt as if I had just said goodbye to a sibling, though I had known her for less than a week. I don't think I'll ever forget about her!” “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 “I think you can probably tell that the thing that touched me most about the trip was their never ending love for us. I think that in that week, I had probably gotten more hugs than I had ever gotten in my entire life! I think that the work of ACF and Buckner is amazing! I can now say that I have a new home because of them. Never stop sending people on these mission trips! I am definitely planning on going back next summer to the camp, along with one of my friends and her mom! Changing more lives!” Thank You, Tim Oloffson- Executive Director
Reaching, Teaching, & Transforming!
STOP! GROUP WORK CAMP
VIDEO PRESENTATION
JAN 11TH DURING 9 AM WORSHIP
COME SEE FOR MORE INFORMATION
St. Matthew’s Messenger 7 January, 2015
FOR THOSE WHO HAVE REQUESTED PRAYER:
Members: Jim Dye, Alberta Clayton, Georgia Fay, Paul & Irene Hildebrand, Inga Albee, Betty Lawson, Matt Compton, Steve Lange, Elaine Merkley, Peter Lange, Judy Forristall, Roger Gustafson, Bob Haslam Judy Putts, Lori Hultine, Shane Hultine, Shirley Schmidt.
Friends and Family* Westin Gress (friend of Edlefson’s), Drew Eble (grandson of Jim & Diane Eble), Viola Lange (mother of Steve Lange), Dana Freese (daughter of Jackie Woolley), Lorraine Redenius (mother of Marilyn Briscoe), Laura Bopes (friend of Jackie Woolley), Mary Christianson (mother of Tom Christianson), Beth Woolley (cousin of Jackie Woolley & Lynda Fenwick), Ruth Zweep (sister
of Shirley Schmidt), Riese Baker (great granddaughter of Fenwick’s), Samantha Buelvas (granddaughter of Steve & Marilyn Lange), Jim Eble, Jr. (son of Jim & Diane Eble), Debra Dahl (daughter of Shirley May), Ron Becker (Shirley Schmidt’s brother), Sally King (Shirley Schmidt’s cousin), Marge Cordasco (friend of Orloff’s), Karen Kaiser (friend of Huck in’s), Tom Snead (friend of Fenwick’s), Jennifer Lough (sister of Jeff Berry), Charles Meisenheimer (friend of Edlefson’s), Jean Maller (friend of Fenwick’s).
THOSE IN MOURNING:
Family and friends of Merv Smith upon his passing. Family and friends of Mark Johnson (brother-in-law of Pam Nelson) upon his passing.
SPECIAL JOYS:
Birth of Merick son of Jim & Amy (Baumgartner) Russelburg upon his birth.
CHURCHWIDE CONCERNS: Those involved in military conflict throughout the world, especially Josh Novy (husband of Deanna Henning Novy).
And…
SHEPHERDING-MARILYN LANGE To provide care, comfort, and companionship to St. Matthew’s family and the community and our world.
Ministry Groups: Visiting Homebound, Caring For Mourners, Prayer Ministry, Communion Carriers, Hospital Visitation, Follow-up On Visitors, Baptism Follow-ups, Funeral Dinners, Faith Chests.
DON’T FORGET OUR SHUT-IN AND HOMEBOUND
HAVE YOU HEARD?
FAITH FORUM: JANUARY 4TH, 11TH & 18TH @ 10:20 SUBJECT: FAITH PRACTICES
LEADER: TIM OLOFFSON
LIBERTY VILLAGE COLONIAL HALL
Paul & Irene Hildebrand
Luella Olson
Ross & Alberta Clayton Helen Betz
Norma Lorenzen Virginia Gustafson
Elaine Merkley
GREENFIELD HAMMOND HENRY
Shirley Coates Estelle Alpaugh
Marian Wolf
Bob Sankey AT HOME
Inga Albee @ Stacy Headley’s home
SPRING VALLEY NURSING HOME
Jane Dow
Georgia Fay Arlene Richards @ In-Home Care
St. Matthew’s Messenger 8 January, 2015
CONGREGATION GIVING FINANCIAL REPORT through November 2014
YTD Budget: $182,871; YTD Giving: $150,813; YTD Expenses: $163,720 YTD Expenses under Budget $(32,058); YTD Giving under Expenses by $(12,907)
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Dear fellow members, Happy New Year! Thanks to God for our blessings. Those blessings that include service to the mission of the Church, your presence and participation at worship, committee and team meetings and generous financial support. Our Church services have been better attended in the second half of the year. Attendance was particularly good during the advent season. We celebrated the season and worshiped with our fellow members, friends, family, new and potential members. The greatest gifts from God are those individuals with whom we share are personal and spiritual lives. Thanks to God for the human nature to need and share with others. Committee and activity reports are being assembled at this time to become our annual report to our membership. Please make our
annual report as complete as possible with the timely submission of your reports. Please pick up your copy of the report when available, review our accomplishments, work and missions in process, completed and to be continued. Our Church needs your involvement. Let the annual report provide a guide to your participation. Plan to attend the annual meeting January 25th following the 9:00 service. Happy New Year in Christ! Our mission to worship and serve as Christ has called on each of us continues in the new year. It's a work in process at St Matthews. In Christ,
Gary Bruce Council President
CHURCH COUNCIL Monday, December 8th Annual Budget: The Finance Committee presented the budget to the Council. There was some discussion and then the budget was approved as is to present at the Annual Meeting.
Discipleship: Our Table will be December 1 5th with set up at 3:30 and meal served at 5 pm. We will be using Thrivent Financial funds to purchase all of the food and supplies for the meal.
Fellowship: No report.
Shepherding: Lifetouch Directories should be shipped on December 17th and ready for distribution starting the 21st. It is decided to charge $7 for a directory for those who did not have a picture taken but want a copy.
Resource: Stewardship Campaign Pledge Cards and Time & Ability sheets were mailed to the congregation. They are due on December 14th when we will have Commitment prayer during the service. The Railing is done and will be installed. Chris Compton called and wondered about the copier we have talked to her about.
Proclamation: No report
Pastor’s Report: Need a count on the Healthy Congregations participants so the materials can be ordered. Wedding Guidelines Committee will meet in early January and will then present the new Guidelines Pamphlet to the Council at the January meeting. Christmas worship schedule is out Christmas Eve will be at 7 pm and 10 pm.
Vice President’s report: Nothing new on the elevator. We have contacted Kent Johnson regarding the new audio equipment. Everything will be here shortly.
Presidents report: Audit Committee has not been able to meet will meet in spring of 2015. Nominating Committee is working to fill the positions needed before the Annual Meeting.
Executive board, Tuesday Jan. 6th at 7 pm. Council Meeting, Monday Jan12th at 7 pm. All minutes are subject to approval at the next council meeting.
2014 Church Council
Gary Bruce President Jeff Martin Vice President Gary Crockett Discipleship Mike Herro Fellowship Theresa Oloffson Proclamation Marilyn Lange Shepherding Dave Castner Resource Tina Reinhardt Treasurer Barb Miller Secretary Jill Snethen Financial Secretary
St. Matthew’s Messenger 9 January, 2015
WOMEN’S WINTER CONFERENCE
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Peoria, IL Friday and Saturday, January 30-31, 2015 Attend Friday or Saturday or both. Women of God Grow in Grace featuring Julie & Katie Black. Reservations requested. Cost is $35.00 (includes conference, coffee and breakfast pastries, lunch) for both days. $10 Friday night only or $30 for Saturday only. See bulletin board for more information.
THANK YOU! Pastor Scott, Brandon & Confirmation Students; On behalf of Princeton Buddy Bags Program we would like to thank you for your support by helping pack/deliver Buddy Bags. Without volunteers like you, our program would not be as successful. Again, thank you for your dedication to our children. The Board of Princeton Buddy Bags Ladies of the Esther Circle Lovely cookies! What a nice kind thought! Thank you! Marian Wolf Merry Christmas My dear “special” friends: Words can never begin to say the cookie surprise you sent to Doug and I. They were so enjoyed and it certainly didn’t take long before they just disappeared. Thank you so very much, Doug & Shirley Esther Circle: Thank you, we enjoyed the cookies so much. They were delicious. Thanks again, Everett and Shirley Carter Dear Esther Circle: The cookies are so good and we do appreciate your thinking of us. Thank you so very much, Merv & Nancy Enjoy the holiday season. Dear Friends Thank you for your recent donation to Lutheran World Relief’s Quilt & Kit Shipping Fund. With your generosity, you are helping to ensure that each LWR Quilt & Kit gets into the hands of a person who needs it. Warm Regards, Daniel V Speckhard, President & CEO
St. Matthew’s Messenger 10 January, 2015
SUNDAY SCHOOL; Sunday School took a break from December 21st-28th. We will be back in session on January 4th. The Christmas program went will see the pictures on page 2. There are also more pictures on the St. Matthew’s Facebook page. Looking forward to a new year and seeing all of the little faces again.
THE DISCIPLESHIP TEAM
CONFIRMATION: We worked until December 14th on our Confirmation work then took a break from December 21st—January 4th. We will be back in session on January 11th. Our class will be sitting in on the January 25th Annual Meeting.
ESTHER CIRCLE: We had our Christmas Dinner at Alexander Park Tavern on December 18th. Thank you to all who joined us and hope everyone had a good time and great meal. Our January meeting will be on the 15th at the church. Please all are welcome to join us.
DISCIPLESHIP-Gary Crockett To grow relationships with Christ through study and discussion within our congregation and in
partnership with other congregations. Ministry Groups: Sunday School, Confirmation, Vacation Bible School, Adult Education, Senior High Youth Group, Junior
High Youth Group and Women’s Circles.
St. Matthews SKI TRIP
Our 2015 Senior High/Middle School Ski Trip will be on Jan. 19th. The students will get a day of skiing of snowboarding. We will be leaving at 7:30am, January 19th and returning around 7 pm. Adults are welcome to join us as well. We will be going to Chestnut Mountain in Galena. Chestnut Mountain offers 19 trails to cater from beginner to advanced skier/snowboarder. Your ticket price will include life ticket, rental or either skis or snowboard, and a beginner lesson to help you if you have never gone or are a bit rusty. Not included in your ticket is food, However, they are running a meal deal where is you pre-pay $8 you can get a voucher for $10 to spend at the café. The total cost of the trip will be $45, due January 18th. ($53 is doing meal deal). In order to attend, please turn in your money and make sure you have an up to date medical release on file with St. Matthews. If you need assistance paying, NO PROBLEM! Talk to BRANDON or PAS-TOR SCOTT! Sincerely, Brandon Stover, [email protected]
