This fall has been full of activity here at St. Matthew! Rally Day was full of excitement and our Sunday School and Confirmation programs have been thriving. Our children and youth have been engaged in learning about the theme of the Characteristics of God and the Old Testament this fall. As part of our fall stewardship campaign, we heard temple talks highlighting various ministries in our congregation. Adult Forum also focused on these ministry spotlights, sharing how God uses the resources of St. Matthew to be a blessing both in the lives of our members and outside our walls to our neighbors in the community. The fall we celebrated the Installation of Rev Ryan and had other wonderful events like Music at Greenwood, the Harvest Dinner, Trunk or Treat, and Operation Christmas Child. We welcomed the community to our Tag Sale and were happy to welcome back the Christmas Cottage to use our building for their annual Christmas craft fair. Worship has been a Spirit-filled experience; we were blessed to celebrate two Baptisms this fall and I presided over two weddings. We also celebrated special festivals like Reformation Sunday and All Saints Sunday in meaningful ways. We are truly blessed to be church together, and I am privileged to serve as your pastor with Rev Ryan and our fantastic staff.
As we approach the end of the year and the season of Advent and Christmas, I am deeply grateful to serve as your pastor. I admire the many ways God is at work at St. Matthew. We are looking forward to our Sunday School Christmas Pageant on Sunday December 22 and to Christmas Eve services December 24 at 4:30, 7:30, and 10:30. In the new year we have a lot to look forward to as well. I thank you for your partnership in the ministry we do in this community of faith, and I look forward to this coming season where we will celebrate our Savior’s birth!
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Brian Rajcok
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