The Messenger
Published monthly by St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
5709 Wedgwood Drive, Fort Worth, Texas
Sunday Holy Communion 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Celebrating ministry in southwest Fort Worth for 60 years
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church,
organized in 1953, a congregation
of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, a Reconciling
in Christ congregation, is located
at the corner of Granbury Road &
Welch in southwest Fort Worth.
The church office is open Mon.Fri. from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Phone: 817-292-1338
Fax: 817-292-3329
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.stmatthews-elca.org
St. Matthew’s Greenbrier
School
817-292-5592
Church Staff
Michael Masterson, Pastor
Jolene Webster, AIM, Director of
Music Ministries
John Parsons, Director of Youth
and Family Ministries
Hans Grim, Organist/Pianist
Mary Nedde, Administrative Asst.
Kelly Riddle, Office Assistant
Kay Green and Bethany Narvaez,
Nursery Staff
Council and Commissions
President: Claire Kirchhoff
Vice-President: Kelly Riddle
Secretary: Olivia Riddle
Treasurer: John Creecy
Financial Secretary: Eric Moeller
Christian Ed: Faye Youngblood
Fellowship: Renee Hill
Mission Outreach: Bill Anderson
Property: David Brown
Stewardship: Liz McCarthy
Worship: Tim Knutson
Youth: Beth Hummel
Mission Statement
Living in Christ through faith.
Living for neighbor
through love.
Sunday School for all ages: 9:45 a.m.
January 2015
J A NUA RY 20 15
THE MESSENGER
From the Pastor’s Desk(top)
MANY, MANY THANKS TO THE
CONGREGATION FOR THE BLESSINGS
RECEIVED DURING 2014,
AND MAY ALL HAVE A
VERY HAPPY AND
BLESSED NEW YEAR!
Pastor Mike and Chris Masterson
CONGREGATION MEETING
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18
SUNDAY SCHOOL 8:45 A.M.
WORSHIP 10:00 A.M.
ANNUAL REPORT MEETING
& POTLUCK MEAL at 11:15 A.M
CELEBRATE THE JOY OF BEING
A CONGREGATION OF HOPE
AND PROMISE!
The Fellowship Commission will provide the main dish (Italian). Last
names A-M should bring salad and/or bread; N-Z should bring dessert.
PAGE 2
J A NUA RY 20 15
THE MESSENGER
PAGE 3
Does your family ever frustrate you?
Ever wonder why God gave you that annoying sibling?
If so, this is the retreat for you! Join us as we explore the bonds of
community and family and how we are strengthened by them!
Cost: is $100 per individual and $300 per family of 4 or more.
Location: Briarwood Lutheran Retreat Center, Argyle, TX
Carpool Info: We will leave from St. Matthew’s Friday at 6:30pm and
return Sunday at 3:00pm.
Registration: forms can be found on the bulletin board in the Fellowship
Hall. Registration and payment (made out to St. Matthew’s Lutheran
Church) are due by March 1st. Please submit to the church office.
J A NUA RY 20 15
TH E MESS ENGE R
PAGE 4
THANK YOU!!
Thank you to Lady Webster for directing this year’s 20th Reunion Madrigal Feast. It was once again a marvelous and
light-hearted production!
To Faye Youngblood and our Sunday School students
for their presentation of the Christmas story on Dec. 3.
To Patti & Chuck Brunnert, for staffing the Fair Trade
Sale in November.
To those who do chancel care every Sunday - for your
time and caring preparation of the altar for each worship service. Also thank you to all who came Nov. 29 to put up the
Christmas trees and decorations.
To those who came Christmas caroling to our shut-ins.
Your presence and gift of song uplifted the hearts of those
who were visited on December 21.
To the Chancel Choir, children’s choirs, handbell choir,
Hans Grim, and Jolene Webster for providing wonderful
choir events and music for the Advent and Christmas seasons.
To Pastor Mike; Jolene Webster, Director of Music Ministries; and John Parsons, Director of Youth and Family Ministries for their dedication to teaching and nurture
ing the faith we share.
‘DO UNTO OTHERS’ DONATIONS:
Thank you to everyone who donated
Christmas toys for San Gabriel Lutheran
Church in Alvarado. Our combined gifts,
along with those from Trinity Lutheran
will be used for their children’s Epiphany
celebration.
J A NUA RY 20 15
TH E MESS ENGE R
4
PAGE 5
Please join with the Outreach Commission for a
Day of Service on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
Monday, January 19.
This event is sponsored by Tarrant Churches Together, of
which St. Matthew’s is a member. The day will begin with worship and a ‘sending out’ at Baker Chapel A.M.E. Church, and
then everyone will go to their chosen place of service to volunteer. Come be a part of this Day ‘On’ - 7:30 to 2:00 pm, including lunch with Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price speaking.
Please sign up on-line for one of the 40 service opportunities at http://tarranttogether.org - or call Tarrant Churches
Together 817-737-5554 to register.
Elementary and high school kids are
encouraged to attend with a parent
or another adult.
2015 HOMELESS COUNT IN TARRANT COUNTY
Thursday, January 22, 2015
8:00 pm to 1:00 am
500 Volunteers are needed for this year’s Tarrant County homeless count, For more information and to sign-up,
go to www.ahomewithhope.org
You may contact Bill Anderson if you want to be part of
St. Matthew’s team - you will not be going alone!
Sponsored by the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition
No one is invisible.
THE MESSENGER
JANUARY 2015
January
Anniversaries
January
Birthdays
Ashley Ford
Laura Purcell
Sarah Nedde
Sherri Rudolph
Laurie Duke
Carol Spencer
Karen Heidemann
Fay Hennig
Kristina Youngblood
Chris Masterson
Patsy Hoyler
Megan Ford
Caleb Gonzales
Jacob Gonzales
Janice Breitenstine
Paul Nedde
Sarah Manske
Nicholas Washuta
January 3
January 4
January 4
January 8
January 11
January 14
January 16
January 17
January 19
January 20
January 20
January 22
January 22
January 22
January 26
January 30
January 31
January 31
MUSIC MINISTRY NOTES:
CHOIRS -
HANDBELL
CHOIR
PAGE 6
CONGRATULATIONS
and BLESSINGS!
Dan and Marge Benscoter
Jan. 8
Eternal God, strengthen all who are
married. Fill them with such love and
joy that they may build a home of
peace and welcome, and serve you
through all their days. Amen
Mutual Ministry Committee
Your Mutual Ministry Committee’s purpose is to affirm and
strengthen the mission of the congregation and the ministry of our
called and hired staff. This purpose is accomplished through listening and clarifying, sharing and
communicating, and reviewing and
reflecting.
To help us serve you, we request that you contact us with your
praises and concerns so that we may
share and communicate with those
who have made and can make a difference
in
our
congregational
lives. All communication with and
through the Mutual Ministry Committee is strictly confidential and
anonymous per the wishes of the
person contacting us. Any form of
communication is appropriate and
encouraged. We look forward to
hearing from you and God’s peace be
with you.
Your Mutual Ministry Committee:
Gary Christensen, Chair
Phil Beckman
Chuck Brunnert
Desiree Ford
Charles Schmidt
JANUARY 2015
THE MESSENGER
PAGE 7
We Remember in Prayer:
Our Homebound
Richard Bodak
Craig Bridges
T.J. and Dorothy Bridges
Eva Clifton
Joan Gordon
Fay Hennig
Marjorie Jellison
Charles and Winifred Mann
Annasophia Reese
Those ill, recovering or otherwise
in need of prayer
Eldon and Ray Bridges
Brothers of T.J. Bridges
Kay Green
Charles Moody
Brother of Jolene Webster
Kim Musgrove
Former Secretary of Jolene Webster
Norma Nedde
Mother of Paul Nedde, receiving hospice care
YOUNG-AT-HEART LUNCHEON
January 8, 11:30 am in the Fellowship Hall
Mike Haro will be speaking on the topic of “Generational Blessings.”
There is no better way to start a new year than to know that you have
contributed significantly to the year before. Psalm 145:4 states it best:
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare
your might acts.” Continuing these works during this new year will be
the focus of Dr. Haro’s presentation. No RSVP needed; a donation of
$2.00 is requested for the meal.
Please plan to join us!
Hosted by the Lay Pastoral Care Team
The Christmas tree in the entry to our
church will become an ‘Epiphany Tree’ during this year’s Epiphany Season. You are
invited to decorate the tree with a donated
star ornament - handmade or bought. Place
your star on the tree when you next come to
church. We will store the ornaments in a
safe place for next year.
JA NUA RY 2015
THE MESSENGER
JANUARY BIBLE
READINGS
PAGE 8
Women’s Study Group
Every Thursday
10:00-11:30 am
January 4, Christmas 2
Jeremiah 31:7–14; Psalm 147:12–20
Ephesians 1:3–14; John 1:1–18
We are currently studying
I & II Corinthians
using the Lutheran Study Bible.
January 6, Epiphany
Isaiah 60:1–6; Psalm 72:1–7, 10–14
Ephesians 3:1–12; Matthew 2:1–12
All women of St. Matthew’s and
their friends are invited as we
study, pray and have fellowship—bring a friend!
January 11, Baptism of our Lord
Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11
January 18
I Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51
Questions?
Contact Mary Frances Page
You do not have to be a member
of St. Matthew’s to join us!
January 25
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:5-12
1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20
The Worship Commission thanks
everyone who provided flowers during 2014 for use in our worship services. The 2015 Flower Chart is
posted in the Fellowship Hall for
you to sign up to ‘host’ flowers for
worship. Please be reminded that
the suggested contribution is $35. If
there are any special events in your
life or family life, honoring that
event with flowers for worship is a
wonderful way to remember the occasion.
AN EPIPHANY
PRAYER
O God, by your heavenly star, you guided those
who were wise to your
beloved Son, Jesus
Christ. May your peace
come to rest securely in
our hearts. Make our
lives wise with your wisdom, true to your teaching, and enlivened by
your love. May your
Word made flesh make
his home among us.
Amen.
JA NUA RY 2015
THE MESSENGER
PAGE 9
WEDNESDAY DINNERS WILL CONTINUE ON
JANUARY 7, 14, 21, and 28
$3.00 per person or $8.00 max per family —
Best deal in town!
Please sign up on the bulletin board by the kitchen.
Reminder: Wednesday choirs will begin rehearsals on
January 14.
Save the Date for the annual Women’s Tea.
It will be Saturday,
February 7th at church.
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Sharron Edward, daughter of Carol Edward, on her marriage to
John Blackwell on December 27. We wish Sharron and John
many blessings in their life together!
Tara Brynell, daughter of David and Michele Brynell, on her
marriage to Ross Sinicropi on January 3. We wish Tara and Ross
our very best wishes and blessings!
Cindy Kammer on her retirement in December after 39 years
with Lockhead-Martin.
Phil Moroneso who was recently presented the Bob Bolen award
for Outstanding Board Leadership for his long-time involvement
with Fort Worth Sister Cities International
JA NUA RY 2015
THE MESSENGER
PAGE 10
NT-NLifeLines—Update to the Response to
Ebola in Sierra Leone
Dec. 22, 2014 - Global Mission leaders at ELCA Churchwide offices agreed
to help us support a request from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra
Leone for a feeding program for $68,000+. They agreed to give $35,000, if
we would contribute the remainder. As of last week, NT-NL members and
friends have given over $135,000 to fight Ebola. By the end of January we
will have sent 4 containers with medical supplies and Steramine and will
have funded 3 feeding programs, including this one. We need to raise approximately $20,000 to meet this goal; but I believe we will do this by the
end of January. The response from you has been outstanding! Clearly, we
have not forgotten Ebola in West Africa, which is also reason to reflect and
give thanks in this Christmas season. Thank you!
Bishop Kevin Kanouse, NT-NL Mission Area
THE NT-NL OFFICES ARE MOVING!!
JANUARY 2015 at St. Matthew’s
Living in Christ through faith. Living in neighbor through love.
Sun
Mon
Tue
Dec 29
* Wednesday Activities
High Five Choir
5:00 pm
Girls Choir
5:25 pm
Fellowship Dinner
5:30 pm
Boys Choir
5:50 pm
Madrigals
6:15 pm
Chancel Choir
7:00 pm
4
Eucharist
5
6
12
13
8:30 and 11:00 am
Kerffufle Sunday School &
Adult Sunday School 9:45 am
Heart of Welcome Committee
12:15 pm
11
Eucharist
Dec 30
8:30 and 11:00 am
Sunday School
9:45 am
Mutual Ministry
9:45 am
Wed
Dec 31
Thu
Fri
1
2
BLESSINGS ON YOUR
NEW YEAR!
Wedding
Church Offices
Rehearsal
closed.
7
8
9
Women’s
Study
Group
(No choir rehearsals.)
10:00 am
Fellowship Dinner 5:30pm
Young
at
Heart
Lunch
GED Class 6 pm-9 pm Outreach Commission
11:30 am
6:00 pm
GED Class
6 pm-9 pm
Sat
3
Men’s Breakfast at Dixie
House Café
8:00 am
Brynell Wedding 2:30pm
10
Food Distribution at
Neigh. Needs
8:30 am
14 *
15
16
17
Women’s Study Group
Musikgarten
Men’s Breakfast at Dixie
Fellowship Commission
10:00
am
Parent
EducaHouse Cafe
8:00 am
GED Class 6 pm-9 pm
6:00 pm
10:00 am
GED Class
6 pm-9 pm tion
Musikgarten Parent
Education
7:00 pm
18
Eucharist
19
Sunday School
8:45 am Martin Luther
King Jr. Day of
Eucharistic Worship
Service
10:00 am
Congregation Meeting
& Potluck 11:15 am
20
21 *
Musikgarten 8 am-1 pm Musikgarten 8 am-1 pm
GED Class 6 pm-9 pm
Candleridge Garden
Club
7:00 pm
22
23
Women’s Study Group
10:00 am
GED Class
6 pm-9 pm
24
25
Eucharist
27
28 *
Musikgarten 8 am-1 pm Musikgarten 8 am-1 pm
GED Class 6 pm-9 pm
29
30
Women’s Study Group
10:00 am
GED Class
6 pm-9 pm
31
8:30 and 11:00 am
Sunday School
9:45 am
Handbells
12:15 pm
Youth Parent Mtg. 12:15 pm
26
LITURGICAL
MINISTRIES
January 2015
Time
8:30
Sunday
January 4
Sunday
January 11
10:00 am Service
Sunday
January 18
Sunday
January 26
Marj Rudolph
Sandy Heinrich
Gary Christensen
Faye Younglbood
John Reed
David Brynell
(10:00 am)
Renee Hill
Phil Moroneso
8:30
11:00
Jim Gordon
Ruth Vinciguerra
Robert Roupe
Cindy Kammer
K. Thompson
John Parsons
8:30
(Ushers)
Ben McCarthy
Finn Riddle
(10:00 am)
Ryan Ford
Katie Beckman
(Ushers)
11:00
Jacob Gonzales
Caleb Gonzales
Andrew Beckman
CHANCEL
MINISTRIES
8:30
11:00
GREETERS
8:30
11:00
Karen Presley
Barb Thomsen
Marjorie Simmans
Mary Frances Page
Congregation
Karen Presley
Barb Thomsen
Marjorie Simmans
Mary Weis
Patti & Chuck Brunnert
Karen Presley,
Barb Thomsen and
Marjorie Simmans
(10:00 am)
Don Clifton
Karen Presley
Barb Thomsen
Marjorie Simmans
Carol Washuta
Mike Haro
Mary Creecy
Cindy Kohn
Cindy Berry
Win Heinrich
Chuck Brunnert
Kelly Riddle
Mary Nedde (Alt)
Phil Beckman
Desiree Ford
Phil Moroneso (Alt)
Win and Sandy Heinrich in
thanksgiving for
St. Matthew’s congregation
Karen Presley in memory
of son, Stephen
Paul & Mary Nedde in honor
of mother Norma Nedde’s
birthday
Kyle & Desiree Ford in
celebration of daughter
Megan’s birthday
Kay Green
Bethany Narvaez
Kay Green
Bethany Narvaez
Kay Green
Bethany Narvaez
Kay Green
Bethany Narvaez
LECTORS
USHER
CAPTAINS
ACOLYTES
11:00
8:30
COUNTERS
11:00
CHANCEL
FLOWERS
Chancel
flowers are
given by…
NURSERY
CARE
8:15
through
12:15
Tom Gluntz and
Phil Beckman
(10:00 am)
Rande Wagner
Phil Moroneso
Gary Christensen (Alt)
Shawn Wagner
Steve Weis
Patti Brunnert
Kelly Riddle
Nick Washuta
Gary Christensen
Tom Gluntz
Mary Creecy
Gary Christensen
David Brynell
Kelly Riddle (Alt.)
If you are unable to serve on your designated Sunday, please find a replacement and notify the church office:
817-292-1338 or [email protected]
Lectors:
Assisting Ministers
Acolytes:
Greeters:
Church Offc.
Jolene Webster
Kelly Riddle
Church Offc
817-292-1338
817-223-1276
817-360-4584 (cell)
817-292-1338
Ushers:
Chancel Ministries:
Counters:
Chancel Flowers:
Nick Washuta
Marj Rudolph
Church Office
Church Office
817-732-7787
817-297-6416 (home)
817-292-1338
817-292-1338