ST. MATTHEW’S MUSINGS
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
"Joining God's Work - Sharing God's Love"
101 McLeod Ave.
Church email: [email protected]
Pastor Aaron Schnell
Office (780) 962-3766 fax (780) 960-2175
Cell 587 988-4327
Email: [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 2015
“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord
your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way
you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 NRSV
BISHOP’S MESSAGE FOR SEPTEMBER 2015
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, …
I thank my God every time I remember you… (Philippians 1:3). This year I am inviting you to reflect on portions of Paul’s letter, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi
(1:1b), as you gather for church council, adult study, youth group, coffee group and are engaged in learning, discernment
and reflection together. Relying heavily on the writings of Fred Craddock and of David Lose, each article will include a
brief reflection on a Scripture passage, questions for reflection and discussion, and a prayer. I encourage you, as we
begin, to read Paul’s letter in its entirety in one sitting; remembering as you read that this is a letter – of Paul – to a church.
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Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 What does it mean to rejoice? Really? We may say that word all the time…at least in church. And we’ve read it here in
Paul’s letter numerous times already. But what does it mean, really? In brief, rejoicing is simply to take joy in something, or to be more precise, to rejoice is to experience and express delight.
Both of those verbs matter. It is one thing to experience delight, to be aware, that is, of something bringing you delight,
joy, pleasure or contentment. That’s important. But expressing it matters too. It matters a great deal, actually, because
expressing our delight helps us not only become more aware of it but also to share this experience with others.
Expressing it, that is, often multiplies its benefit. So it’s one thing to experience delight – which is great – and it’s
another to express delight – that’s even better. But notice that Paul doesn’t only say rejoice, he says “rejoice in the Lord.” What does he mean? Simply that in this
relationship there is the potential to experience faith, hope, love, contentment, confidence, courage, and more. And as we
notice these things – that prayer brings a sense of confidence and contentment, that singing a hymn raises our spirits, that
reading Scripture may strengthen our faith and grant us courage to face the challenges ahead – we also discover ways to
give them voice. And as we voice these things, they grow. So delight in the gifts you receive from God’s relationship with you…and express them. Give thanks for what is beautiful
and hard and challenging and hopeful in your life and in your life of faith and see what happens. Or, as Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say it, Rejoice!” Read and Reflect: Philippians 4:4 Discuss and Reflect: What in this reading leads you to say, “I wonder about…”, or, “I noticed…” Comment on the following: rejoicing is simply to take joy in something, or to be more precise, to rejoice is to
experience and express delight. Both of those verbs matter. Comment on the following: Paul doesn’t only say rejoice, he says “rejoice in the Lord.” What does he mean?
Share together the gifts you receive from God and from one another. Express them. Give thanks. Rejoice. Pray together: Gracious God, help us not just to notice the blessings of this life and our life with you, but also to name
them, give thanks for them, share them with others, and see them multiply. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Philippians 4:23). The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit (Romans 15:13). In Christ Jesus – Shalom, +Larry The Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer, Bishop Synod of Alberta and the Territories Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Spirit -Led Leadership - Hope-Filled Discipleship - Innovative Tradition - Collaborative Partnerships
Pastor’s Corner – September 2015
It was unanimous! After a prayerful
and reflective journey, our
congregation approved our new
Purpose Statement and Guiding
Principles this past May. We believe
that God’s Spirit has led us to discern
that our purpose as a congregation is
“Joining God’s Work - Sharing God’s
Love.” We also discerned 5 guiding
principles for St. Matthew’s. This is
the good news!
Now for the tough part living these out!
Just for clarification, I wrote “living
these out” not “leaving these out!” If
you’ll excuse the play on words, the
idea is simple. The task for our
congregation is to use these tools in
all that we do at St. Matthew’s. We
can’t simply leave these in the past.
When we worship, when we engage
in various ministries, when we meet
in committees, we can ask ourselves
- with every decision we make:
- Is this joining God’s work?
- Is this sharing God’s love?
- Does this proclaim that Jesus is
Lord and Saviour?
- Does this welcome, invite and
value all people?
- Does this make Christ known?
- Is this about building and cultivating relationships?
- Does this celebrate our faith?
- Are we being good stewards by doing this?
If the answer is “Yes!” then we go ahead with it, trusting that God’s Spirit is leading us. If the answer is
“No!” then we don’t do it.
Discerning God’s purpose for us was the easy part. Living into it is the tough part. May we trust that
God will continue to lead and guide us as a congregation, and that God will use us as we join God’s
work and share God’s love.
In Christ,
Pr. Aaron
Church Council – SEP 2015
Summer has passed in a flash! Many members have been able to take leisure time to enjoy the summer
weather, which has been very good in Alberta, & to get away from the normal stresses & strains of life. We
pray all are rested & renewed for the challenges God will place before us over the coming days & months.
As with many aspects of our lives, daily events, chores & needs do not take a holiday. Therefore, even though
Church Council did not meet, bills kept coming in, equipment needed attention & wear/tear continued on our
building. Our primary focus this summer has been to arrange the replacement of the church’s roof shingles.
Church Council is close to finalizing the loan, etc. & expect to engage one of the bidding companies soon. If
we have waited too long for this season, we will be first at it in the spring.
All programs are getting set to go & we pray for God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit to enable His word to
be proclaimed “from our rooftop”, or, “floor to rafters”! There will be more to say next month when council
stops playing around & gets down to business!
Peace & prayers to each of you with praises to our wonderful& almighty Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ
Current Council members are: Darren BADRY, Graham COOPER, Irene GOEBEL,
Marcus HIRSCHFIELD, Gretta SMITH, Frank WORK,
Brian PILATZKE
COFFEE WITH ‘MATT’
Hello Everyone. Welcome to Fall. Fall truly is a season of bounty – as we reap the
rewards of our gardens and fields. I know that is was not good for many farmers –
but we still have so much to be thankful for. God also reaps the rewards of our
souls as we find a special kind of peace in our labour and in our sharing of that for
which we have laboured.
Times are changing again – the colour of the leaves on the trees, children going back to school. It’s
time of preparation for winter – my favourite season. Yes, I know you think I’m crazy – but think
about it – I get the unbridled pleasure of seeing all my old friends again, and hopefully making new
friends – over a a cup of hot coffee or tea, and a muffin or other delectable treat!
So, let’s take a look at the schedule for our “reunion”. Mmmm, let’s see – Sunday, September 20 ,
will be the Taste of Coffee With Matt immediately following worship service. So, that means that
Thursday, September 17 will be the official start of the 2015 / 2016 season of Coffee With Matt.
See you there – see you then!
Matt
The newsletter committee would like to announce any milestones that are happening in the congregation. If you
know of any please let us know.
WORSHIP AND MUSIC COMMITTEE
You may have noticed the new videos being presented as part of our worship on Sundays. We have subscribed to this
video series from Augsburg Fortress to help enhance our worship and vary the ways in which we hear and take in the
Word of God on Sundays. Many thanks to the Worship & Music Committee members who help us to celebrate our faith
together in worship and prayer.
We would like to express our gratitude to Vanessa Weg and the other members of the St. Matthew’s worship team who
helped make the PALN joint worship wonderful. Also thanks to everyone who led worship & preached during Pastor
Aaron’s holidays this summer.
We are going to learn setting 6 from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, and begin to use this setting in worship on November
1st. Please consider arriving early to worship and join us in learning this new setting with a jazz twist.
Please also consider signing up for “The Overflowing Cup” which is the name of our fellowship & coffee & goodies time
before and after worship.
MISSIONS
This year the We Care Kits for CLWR that have previously been collected closer to Christmas will be
completed in the fall. This change was made in part due to the back to school sales which will help us buy
more items for less money by taking advantage of the sales in late August and early September. Any questions,
please talk to Darren Badry or Irene Goebel.
The kit contents are as follows.
3 lined notebooks
10 unsharpened pencils with erasers
1 metric ruler (30 cm)
1 pencil sharpener
1 eraser
1 pack of crayons OR pencil crayons
1 small simple toy (new and not requiring batteries)
1 bar of soap (new and wrapped)
1 toothbrush (new and wrapped)
1 tube of toothpaste (expiration date at least one year)
Feel free to purchase all items to make a complete kit, individual items, or donate cash.
Confirmation Class
There will be an information meeting for prospective parents and students on Monday, September 14th, 6:00pm
at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. If you know someone interested in learning about the Christian faith,
please pass this information along. Classes are open to students in Grade 7 or later.
News from Sunday School:
News from Sunday School.
Sunday School begins Sept. 13th. with registration and "Everyone's Birthday".
Sunday School teachers / assistants will provide the cake and trimmings.
We are blessed with a full compliment of teachers again and are very thankful for that.
Looking forward to an exciting new year with Kaily Schmidt-Morrison as coordinator.
Our first meeting for the year is August 31st.
In Christ,
Ellen Grambo
YOUTH UPDATE
Youth will be going to Laser Quest on Sept 27th. Meet @ church for 6:15 PM
Signed, Youth Committee
Bouquets
SOME WELL DESERVED THANK YOUS
-
To everyone who cut the grass this summer
To Margaret Schoepp, Mary Gaebel and everyone else who have taken care of the plants around the church yard. They look
beautiful.
Christmas is just around the corner...start knitting those mittens for the mitten tree.
SPAGHETTI LUNCH Mark Sept. 13th, on your calendars for our annual Spaghetti Lunch after church. The
Spagthetti lunch will be a time to celebrate the start up of fall programs, learn more about stewardship. We hope to
see everyone there!
Paint and Create FUNraiser
Mark your calendars for Sunday October 18th at 7:00pm for this upcoming event. Thank you to Kailey
Schmidt-Morrison for agreeing to host the event. Information regarding tickets will be available shortly. All
funds raised will help offset costs for the new roof. To see what might be involved, check out Kailey’s Art
Classes Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kaileysartclasses?fref=ts
MULHURST CAMP NEWS
Please see magazine rack in Narthex for Camp Brochures and information for 2014. See the main bulletin board for a variety of
events.
Pioneer Day: Thursday September 10, 10am-4pm
NEIGHBOURLINK PARKLAND
BRIDGING OUR CHURCH WITH OUR COMMUNITY
NeighbourLink (NLK) Parkland is a local charitable organization that serves the communities of Spruce Grove, Stony
Plain and Parkland County. There are 16 local Christian Churches involved, each with a network of volunteers. NLK
provides an opportunity for Christians to work together and to put your faith in action as you help those in need.
At this time, we are in need of additional volunteers (men and women) from our church. If you are able to assist us in any
way, please let the church office know. Thank you to those who already are our volunteers, without you this would not be
possible. The wonderful work being done in our community is because of you. Please check the NLK bulletin board for
activities during current month.
THANK YOU! AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
2015 CONFERENCE CONVENTIONS
Northern Conference:
October 2-3 - Our Savior Lutheran, Edmonton
East & West Central Conferences:
October 17 - St. Peter’s, Millet
Southern & Southwestern Conferences:
October 24 - Lutheran Church of the Cross, Calgary
Guest Presenters:
Northern Conference Convention: Rev. Kathy Calkins (Peace, Innisfail) and Rev. Ann Salmon (Grace/St. Catherine's, Edson)
All other Conference Conventions: Rev. Dr. Cam Harder (Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon)
All Conference Convention Registrations and Reports are online.
Please go to the Synod website: www.albertasynod.ca
Select the appropriate conference, under the “Conventions” tab on the home page.
Offerings collected at the Conference Conventions will go to “En Mision con El Salvador; In Mission with El Salvador”