Good News From New Road

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, God's Family in Service October 2015 St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK:

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS – DEDICATION OF NEW ADVENT WREATH – OPEN FORUM – CHILI & SALSA COOK-OFF: Sunday, October 4th will be a very busy day at St. Matthew Lutheran. Since this is a first Sunday of the month, there will be only one worship service beginning at 9:30 a.m. During the service we will be receiving new members into the St. Matthew Lutheran family and dedicating the New Advent Wreath that has been given in loving memory of James Schwarz.

Following worship, there will be a Special Congregation Meeting in the Fellowship Hall. The purpose of this special meeting is to ratify the changes made to our Constitution and Bylaws. These changes were approved by the congregation at the Annual Congregation meeting in December 2013 and approved by the Northern Texas - Northern Louisiana Mission Area in May 2015. They now need to be ratified in order for them to take effect. Following the Special Congregational Meeting there will be an open forum. This is an opportunity to learn more about the ministries of St. Matthew Lutheran, and to ask questions of the leadership of the church. Please join us for the Congregational Meeting and the Open Forum. After the open forum, we will host our fourth annual CHILI & SALSA COOK-OFF. This will begin about 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited to submit a pot of chili and/or homemade salsa for the cook-off. Voting will be done by all in attendance, with first, second, and third place ribbons awarded. If you do not make chili or salsa, other items such as cheese, onions, chips, dips, desserts, etc. are needed. A sign-up sheet for chili, salsa, and “trimmings” has been placed in the Entrance Way of the church, or call the church office to let us know what you will bring.

Sunday, October 25th is REFORMATION SUNDAY. It is also CONFIRMATION SUNDAY at St. Matthew Lutheran. During the 10:45 a.m. service, Michelle Cocek, Paul Dittmann, Aaron Jasek, Sarah Martin, and Carter Towers will affirm their Baptism and confirm their faith in their Lord Jesus. Please join Michelle, Paul, Aaron, Sarah, & Carter and their families for worship as together we celebrate God’s saving grace in Jesus the Christ!

Sunday, November 1st is ALL SAINTS DAY. During our worship service that morning, we will be remembering the saints who have touched our lives with the Good News of Jesus Christ. We will especially remember those who have been called home since last November. If there are individuals you would like remembered in the prayers on All Saints Sunday, please give their names to Pastor Paul no later than Wednesday, October 28th.

New Vision on New Road October 2015 Page 2 Highlights—September 14, 2015 Members present: Stephanie Abright,

Karen Aho, Alaine Copeland, Hope Cotner, Rosemary Fielder, Lyle Gripp, Bill Jones, Pastor Paul Krupicka, Paul Larson, Bill Moeller, and Meridith Sellers. Pastor Paul opened the meeting with a word of prayer and briefly mentioned Sunset Ministries. Rosemary Fielder showed a picture of a cross that was given to Sunset Ministries in memory of her late husband, Hank Fielder. A motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made by Bill Jones and seconded by Lyle Gripp. The motion was approved. Bill Moeller presented the treasurer’s report. Income for the month of August was $23,614.49 and expenses were $18,624.74. Paul Larson thanked Bill for his work on the financials. Pastor’s report: ◆ Alicia and Natalia Tremillo were removed from the

church roster and Russ Kohlscheen was transferred to St. Paul Lutheran in Crawford.

◆ There was a false security alarm on August 22nd. Everything was fine, but the person coming in forgot the code. This is the first false alarm for 2015.

◆ Pastor Paul will be attending the Bishop’s Convocation from October 26-28 at Briarwood. Part of the event will be live streamed.

◆ St. Matthew is providing meals for the campus ministry in October.

◆ Paul Larson will convene a nominating committee meeting on Monday, September 21st at 6:30 p.m.

Committee Reports: ◆ Property - We have raised $18,011 towards the

bathroom renovation goal. The nursery floor is on hold until the committee can get together to pull it up.

◆ Germany - Payment plans have been updated now that the company has switched to a new system.

◆ Evangelism - Wine and Hymns will be held on October 29th.

Old Business: ◆ Job tasks - No update. ◆ Safety - No update. ◆ Same Sex marriages - A motion was made by

Stephanie Abright and seconded by Hope Cotner to

table this issue indefinitely. Much discussion was had including the possibility of having to vote on an official policy now or in the future. The motion passed with eight in favor and one opposed.

◆ Policy on weapons at St. Matthew - As result of a new Texas law that will go into effect on January 1, 2016, the Council discussed thoughts regarding feelings of concealed and open carry of weapons at St. Matthew. A motion was made to table a decision until October pending review by Lyle Gripp.

Goals ◆ Communication

Council members need to set an example and remind members that if there are problems Pastor needs to be made aware of them. In addition, we should encourage members to go directly to anyone they have concerns with.

Questions/discussions ◆ We need more people to sign up to help with

worship. The meeting was adjourned following the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully Submitted, Karen Aho, Secretary

As reported at the September Council meeting for the financial report for August, total income for the year was $165,235.76

and total expenses were $184,738.38. For the year, we show a net loss of $19,502.62. During the month of August, our total income was $23,614.49 and expenses were $18,624.74. Income exceeded Expenses by $4,989.75.

Bill Moeller, Treasurer

The NT-NL Synodical Women’s Organization Fall Retreat will be held on October 9-10 at the Brookhaven Christian Retreat in Hawkins, Texas. Linda Heyde, Peggy Tooker and Wanda Kilstrom will be attending. They will report on their experiences at the next General Meeting.

New Vision on New Road October 2015 Page 3 Thankoffering Sunday will be held on November 15. A sign-up sheet will be posted soon in the narthex for women to volunteer as an usher, lector, greeter or communion assistant for either the early or late service. Please make sure all information that was in the WELCA yearbook of this year is correct. We will be publishing a new one soon and would like all information such as email, cell phone, etc. updated. Give any new or corrected information to your circle chairman.

Mark your calendar for the upcoming General Meeting which will be held on Sunday, November 8 at 2:00 in the fellowship hall. We will be voting on the

budget for 2016 and electing officers for next year. Hope to see you there!

☞ The LYO will enjoy LUNCH OUT on Sunday, October 19th following the 10:45 a.m. worship. All Senior High Youth are invited to attend.

☞ The NT-NL Junior High/Middle School Gathering will be held November 13-15 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Richland Hills and the Holiday Inn Express. The event includes small group activities, church fellowship time, songs, games, worship, dance, and more! The cost for the gathering will be $135 if registered by October 5th. Registrations must be given to Pastor Paul no later than Sunday, October 4th.

☞ The 2016 NT-NL High School Service Weekend will be January 15-17 at the Holiday Inn Express DFW Airport. Activities for the gathering will include service, worship, Bible study, and a great deal of fun. Cost for the weekend is $75 if registered by November 29th. Mark your calendar and save these dates! Registration forms for both of these events are available from Pastor Paul.

☞ The 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering will be held in Houston! All youth who are entering the 9th grade in 2018 through those having just graduated in 2018 are eligible to attend.

Our FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL program began September 13th. There are classes for all ages – preschool and younger – kindergarten through 4th grade – 5th-8th grades – high school – and adults. Three

adult classes are being offered this fall: Paul Larson is leading the Augsburg Bible Study. This is a study that examines a different Biblical text each Sunday. It will meet in the library/conference room. Kenneth and Marianna Busch are leading a class entitled “Introduction to the New Testament – After the Crucifixion.” This class will consider such topics as: what happened to the apostles (gospel and tradition); Peter and Paul (a new understanding of the Law); Jerusalem and early Christianity under the Romans; and Jewish revolts against Rome (What history and archaeology tell us). This class is meeting in the parlor. The Stephen Ministers led by Peggy Tooker, Glenn and Jo von Rosenberg, and several Stephen Ministers are offering a class on the book The Will of God as a Way of Life: How to Make Every Decision with Peace and Confidence by Jerry Sittser, author of the bestselling A Grace Disguised. This class meets in the fellowship hall. All classes meet at 9:30 a.m. Be a part of our Sunday morning educational program as together we grow in our faith and knowledge of our Lord and the gracious love God has for us!!

Members with Prayer Concerns Lyle Gripp, Larry Henrichs, Dana Bush, Weldon Howell, Harold Strand, Roy Anderson, Brenda Crye, Glenn VonRosenberg, Bill & Cora Gillespie, Karl Mattlage, Bill & Elnora Schwake, Wanda Kilstrom, Stephanie Zimmerman,

Ty Henrichs, Stephanie Lambring, Alfred & Hildegard Gstattenbauer, Geneva Massingill, Aime Lillard, Doris Reiske, John C. Linda, Cora Gillespie, Thomas, Elisabeth, David, & Stacey Vanderkinter, Edna Howland, Tammy Vickrey, Cynthia Shetler, Ed & Clara Poehl, Doris Minnix, Tony Cureton, Janet Ahrens, and Ann Lehrmann.

New Vision on New Road October 2015 Page 4 Those in our military serving in the Middle East: Willie Creamer, brother of Sam Creamer

Those for whom prayer is requested: Lyndol Rabbe (Bill & Diane Jones) Jack Evans (David & Debbie Evans) Brenda & Nelly Medina (Vickrey & Lambring Families) Mildred Howard, Ken Bird (Geneva Massingill) Laura Burney (Mary Krause) Merlenna Mehaffey (Peggy Tooker) Carol & Langston Wood and Family (Betty Bracken) Ann Muphin (Cora Gillespie) Karen Troxar, Shirley Gilliland (Bill & Jean Moeller) Brenda Boyd (Jo VonRosenberg) Evelyn Radle, Sharon Nipper, Mary Ann Cotton, & Debbie Vonasek (Bill & Elnora Schwake) Samantha, Rebecca, Danny, Aubrey & Colby McFarland, Janis Jackson (Arlene Schwarz) Kim Makovy, Leland Lambring, Raymond Lambring, Betty Lambring, Kenny Lambring, and the Goates Family (The Lambring Family) Cole Sellers, John Argubright (Meridith & Clay Sellers) D’aun Cox, Donna Penney, Janet Green (Kim & Ross Browne) Ruth Schwartz, Larry Schwartz (Shannon Adams, Shelly Jasek) Ann Simpson (Larry, Helen & Ty Henrichs) Tyson Selman Rhonda Owens (Denise Self) Dee Skillett (Del & Sue Hensel) Lou Mayberry, Lisa Brown, Sammie Wise (Marcyl & Weldon Howell) Marcy Randall, Erin Kelly (Mary & Bobby Koon) Anna Castella (DeAnna & Kemper Beard) Geoff Arms, Elena Grant (Lauren Roller) Antonio Rodriguez (Pilar Rodriguez-Larson) Bert Gripp (Lyle Gripp) Patricia Johnson, Maria Guerrero (Susan & Don Koester) Lena Steinfath (Linda Stanford) Kelly Giniewiez, Jeff Warhol & Sammie Warhol

(Steve, Paula & Ashley Jenson) Josh Hanks (Rebecca & Elmo Haferkamp) Ken Bird (Geneva Massingill) Shirley and Mike Lanham (Betty Bracken) Clint Tchiavsky, Gordon Hubeneck, Jack Burnham, Bob Stough, Claude Roller, & Rick Buckner (Janet & Terry Roller) Sandy Brock (Tracy Brock)

Rick Wooley, Ann Marie Beaman, Jennifer Britton, Iva Harris (David & Edna Howland) Alan Caruthers, Elsie Sommerfeld (Aime & Patrick Lillard) Tomas Sandoval (Bradley Linda) Teri Castenada, Natalie Jehu, John Pristash, Marion Van Winkle, Melanie, Judy Harris (Beth Pristash) Bob Hueske (Bill Martin & Billie Boeche) Elizabeth Travers and family (Sarah Rude & Niles Haich) Cynthia Priolet, Peg Ramsey (Jean & Stan Hoffmeyer) David Cruse (Lee & Marilyn Cruse) Stevie Spalda, Belva Meckes, Wayne Gower, Phyllis & Royal Fraedrich (Karl & Karen Aho) Krista & Harrison Flinn (George & Janet Ahrens) Laura Farris (David & Stacey Vanderkinter) Roger Sanders (Clydine Arthur) Patti Hawkins (Monica & Daniel Harper) Tanner Underwood (Morgan Adams) Cindy Ledbetter (Judy & Sarah Schwieger)

Congratulations to Jeff & Kaylee (Nordt) Landon as they begin their life together as husband and wife. Jeff & Kaylee were united in marriage at Peacock River Ranch in Gatesville on Saturday, September 19th. Following their honeymoon, they will make their home in Fort Worth. We express our Christian Sympathy to: ✝ Jennie & Rachel Churchman at the death of their

husband and father, Lindsay Churchman on Sept. 19th. (Sha & Ann Towers)

✝ The family of Cindy Schlosser (Michael & Cynthia Frey)

✝ Gabriela & Alfredo Colman at the death of Gabriela’s paternal grandmother, Allene Gatlin, and maternal grandfather, James Bartley, on Wednesday, September 9th

✝ Serina Cole and her family at the death of her father and step-mother. (Pastor Paul)

✝ The family of Charles Evans (Betty Bracken) ✝ Terri Hafer, Hannah & Hallie at the death of

Terri’s mother, Joy Tyler on Tuesday, August 25th. ✝ The family of Marta Rezcek (Cora Gillespie) ✝ Michael Pareya and his family at the death of his

mother, Betty Pareya, on Monday, August 24th. ✝ The family of Dickie Clark (Peggy Tooker)

New Vision on New Road October 2015 Page 5 Thank You to . . . . ❣ Paul & Pilar Larson; Beth Pristash; Michael &

Cynthia Frey; Kemper, DeAnna, Gracie & Henry Beard; Peggy Tooker; Rosemary Fielder; Adeline Foss; Melba Hafer; Colleen & Duane Early; Roy & Florence Anderson; Clay, Meridith, Hans & Ziggy Sellers; Jay, Jeannie, Andrew & Paul Dittmann; Alaine Copeland; Bill Abright; Bill Moeller; Larry & Helen Henrichs; Teresa, Jessica, & Scott Bancale; Wanda Kilstrom; Denise Self; Cora Gillespie; Elmo & Rebecca Haferkamp; Georgia Haferkamp; Lee & Kathy Nordt; John, Amy, Ryan, & Carson Taylor; Sha, Ann, & Max Towers; and Pastor Paul for their participation in our “God’s Work. Our Hands” Servant Day.

❣ The Baylor Religious Hour Choir under the direction of Tyler Fox for providing such beautiful music for our worship services on September 27th.

❣ Those who loaned bedding, and those who donated food items for the pounding for Marcel Steuernagel and his family

❣ Lauren Roller and Hannah Schwieger for sharing your faith and your many talents and gifts with the campers at Briarwood this past summer

❣ those who contributed to the special appeal for funds for Mosaic in Corsicana

❣ Larry & Helen Henrichs for handling our recycling goods

❣ All who have donated food items to Caritas during the past month. So far in 2015, 1,003 pounds of non-perishable food items have been donated to Caritas. Isn’t that tremendous! And we still have three months left in 2015 and Food for Families. What a witness of love and care! A big thank you to Elmo & Rebecca Haferkamp for taking our donations to Caritas each month. Thank you to everyone who has so graciously given to the BATHROOM RENOVATION PROJECT already! We have now raised $18,271 towards our SUMMER CHALLENGE GOAL of $22,000! Once we have reached our goal, we will move forward with selecting a contractor and raising the rest of the needed funds. Please consider a donation to help us reach our ultimate goal of creating welcoming and accessible restrooms for our members and guests! If you have questions, please contact a member of the fundraising committee: Karen Aho, Roy Anderson, Rosemary Fielder, Bill Jones, Paul Larson, Glenn von Rosenberg and Jo von Rosenberg.

FELLOWSHIP ACTIVITIES: ☞ Sunday, October 4th – 4TH ANNUAL CHILI

(AND SALSA) COOK-OFF in the Fellowship Hall following the 9:30 a.m. worship, Congregational meeting, and Open Forum.

☞ The BRIARWOOD FALL FESTIVAL & THRIVENT COOK-OFF will be held Saturday, October 3rd from 10:00-3:00 p.m. in Argyle. The festival will be a fun-filled family day at Briarwood! There will games available for children of all ages, wonderful treats, face painting, raffles, tours of the camp and the Annual Meeting of the Advisory Board. We will also have the usual treats, cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and sodas available throughout the day - the highlight will be barbecue served from the cook-off with all the trimmings provided by Briarwood's Chef Carlos! Purchase tickets at www.bidpal.net/fallfestival

☞ Saturday, October 17th there will be a special outing to the CYCLONE CORRAL for supper and fellowship. The cost is $14.95 per person for all you can eat bar-b-q and trimmings. (Please note: Cyclone Corral does not accept credit or debit cards – only cash and checks.) We will gather at the church at 5:15 p.m. to carpool to Cyclone. If you would like to attend, a sign-up sheet has been placed in the Entrance Way. Reservations need to be made no later than Tuesday, October 13th.

☞ St. John Lutheran Church in Bartlett would like to invite you to attend the eighth annual POLKA WORSHIP SERVICE on Sunday, October 18th at 10:30 a.m. The Praha Brothers polka Band will be providing the music for the service. A home-cooked sausage and kraut dinner will be served immediately following the service. Tickets for the meal are $10.00 and may be purchased at the door. Desserts will be available for purchase.

☞ Mark your calendar: The October WINE & HYMNS will be held on Thursday, October 29th beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Klassy Glass on Austin Avenue in downtown Waco. Join us for good singing, fellowship, and drink.

☞ The 2014 ART AS WORSHIP: A GALLERY EXHIBITION AND BENEFIT will be held on Saturday, November 21th from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran. The theme this year is “ROCK”.

☞ Mark your calendars for TEXAS LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY'S CHRISTMAS VESPERS, a service of music and word to honor the birth of the Christ. Presented by student choirs and instrumentalists,

New Vision on New Road October 2015 Page 6 Christmas Vespers also honors the integral role music has played in TLU's curriculum, as well as its religious and cultural heritage. Friday, December 4 at 7:30 pm in TLU's auditorium Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 pm in TLU's auditorium Sunday, December 6 at 4:00 pm in TLU's auditorium Sunday, December 13 at 4:00 pm at St. Martin's in Austin All Vespers services are free and open to the public, but tickets are required for the three on campus Vespers due to limited seating. Tickets will be available beginning Monday, November 2.

Art as Worship The Fine Arts Committee is pleased to announce that the theme for the fifth annual Art as Worship is ROCK. The

inspiration derives from David's song from Psalm 18:2 -- "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge." More information and the artists' application are available at www.fineartsministry.blogspot.com; please share with any family or friends who might like to participate. We had a record of five St. Matthew members participate last year (not including the collaborative pieces) -- can we improve on that this year? The opening gala will be held on Saturday, November 21 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm. Art, music, wine, hors d'oeuvres, and fellowship make for a fine evening at St. Matthew -- please join us! The artwork will again hang through the Advent and Christmas seasons.  

 A MATTER OF BALANCE is coming to St. Matthew Lutheran beginning Monday, October 5th. A MATTER OF

BALANCE is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. This program which is directed toward anyone 60 years and older; anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength; anyone who has fallen in the past; and anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. The program is free and will meet from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. for eight weeks on Mondays in the Fellowship Hall beginning Monday, October 5th.

THRIVENT FINANCIAL CHOICE DOLLARS: Over the last 5 years, eligible members have recommended that Thrivent Financial distribute more than $225 million in charitable grant funds to more than 25,600 enrolled churches and organizations through Thrivent Choice®. St. Matthew Lutheran Church has received $10,841 in Choice Dollars® grant funds since enrolling in the program. If you are a Thrivent Financial member, you may have Choice Dollars® to designate. You are notified when these are available either through email or snail mail. When notified, please consider designating your Choice Dollars® to St. Matthew Lutheran. This is one more way to help with the mission and ministry at St. Matthew Lutheran. A second way to help further the mission work done in and around St. Matthew Lutheran is through the THRIVENT TEAM ACTION PROGRAM. This is a program we are just learning about in Texas. If you are a Thrivent Financial member, you can apply for a $250 gift card for the purchase of supplies for mission type activities – i.e. material for quilts, school supplies for Lutheran World Relief, or Items for the LWR Hygiene Kits or Sewing Kits – or supplies to help raise funds for other service type projects. Since it is a “team” program, one of the requirements is that the project must involve people working together to accomplish the finished project. For example, school supplies were purchased for Lutheran World Relief. These will be assembled by our members and then sent to LWR. Linda Heyde applied for the gift card and purchased the supplies. Peggy Tooker is making the backpacks. On a future date we will gather to assemble the backpacks. Thrivent approved the project and asks that we send them a notice when we have finished along with some pictures. If you are a Thrivent member, you can apply for this $250 Team Action gift card twice a year. We will be setting up a small group to offer suggestions for projects to support with Team Action gift cards. For more information, please see Linda Heyde or Pastor Paul. The Board of the Directors of the Mission Endowment Fund and the Executive Director invite you to attend the SEEDS THAT CHANGE – DINNER/FUND RAISER on Saturday, October 17, 2014, at Santa Maria Lutheran Church (2601 S. McArthur Blvd) in Irving. The fund raiser will be held from 4.00 to 7.00 p.m. and will include a Silent and Live Auction, Dinner, and Fiesta hosted by The Spanish Coalition. Cost is $40 per person, or $300.00 for a table of eight.

New Vision on New Road October 2015 Page 7 Reservation forms are available in the Entrance Way. Funds raised from this Dinner/Fiesta are used to help the Mission Endowment Fund grow so that grants may be given to our NT-NL congregations for outreach ministries in their communities.

WANT TO BE A PART OF A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD?

Lutheran Sunset Ministries will attempt to break the record for most people participating in a chair-based exercise class (current record: 481 people)! Our application to Guinness World Records has been approved and our attempt will be on Saturday, October 3, 2015. To celebrate “Active Aging Week,” we’ll be inviting our staff, residents and community members to join us in achieving this goal. Participants will be asked to bring their own folding chair and canned food to use as hand weights. The canned food will be donated to local food banks after our event. The “class” will be taught by our very own Leah Miles! The event will take place at the practice field on the NW side of Clifton High School at 10 a.m. (approved by the superintendent). All ages are welcome, as long as they can actively participate in the chair exercise class. If you would like to carpool to Clifton, please meet at the church at 9:00 a.m. on October 3rd. BRIARWOOD'S ANNUAL INVITATIONAL GOLF OUTING will be held at Bridlewood Golf Club, Flower Mound, TX on Friday, October, 9, 2015. Registration and details at www.bidpal.net/briarwoodgolf. The challenge has been laid down by the bishop and we will find out who are the best golfers in the NT-NL synod! The church who has the 4 person scramble team with the lowest gross score will be named the Bishop's Cup Challenge winner! There will be golf on a great golf course, fellowship, breakfast at registration, 2 drink ticket, lunch from Salerno's Italian Restaurant, a players bag, 50/50 raffle, and door prizes! Lutheran Sunset Ministries Quilt Auction – Saturday, Oct. 17th at 12:00 p.m. at the Clifton City Park Armory. Preview begins at 10:00 a.m.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF AID TO REFUGEES – As thousands of refugees and migrants from Northern Africa, Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq are flowing into Europe, Lutheran World Relief is responding with material assistance and is supporting the relief effort of the ACT Alliance. LWR is shipping Mission Quilts, Baby Care Kits, and Personal Care Kits to Serbia to distribute to refugees and migrants. LWR is also supporting the ACT Alliance, a coalition of more than 140 churches and faith-based organizations that is providing humanitarian aid to refugees in Greece, Hungary, and Serbia. LWR’s initial support will aid ACT members who are providing hygiene items, winter coats and blankets, emergency shelter and psychosocial support in two temporary camps in Hungary. How to Help: ♡ Donate By Phone: 800-597-5972

♡ Donate By Mail: Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21297-1061 or Christ Evangelical Lutheran Mission Center, 680 Copper Canyon Rd., Argyle, TX 76226 (please note “Crisis in Syria Fund” on your check)

♡ Donate online: http://lwr.org/syria ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN – The 3.8 million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is celebrating a significant milestone in reaching a five-year goal of raising $15 million for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Since the start of the campaign, ELCA members and others have joined with Lutheran companion churches and partners in 13 African countries to support programs designed to save people's lives from malaria – a preventable and treatable disease – by providing mosquito nets, insecticides, medication, health care services, education and more. As a result of campaign contributions, malaria programs in 13 African countries have been fully funded. Millions of community members were educated about the disease, nearly 10,000 local volunteers were trained on disease prevention and treatment methods, 50,000 nets were distributed, 32,000 pregnant women received prevention medication and more. Although the campaign's financial goal has been met, the ELCA will continue its anti-malaria work post 2015 through ELCA World Hunger.

St Matthew Lutheran Church 800 N New Road Waco, TX 76710 Address Correction Requested

THE LUTHERAN HYMN FESTIVAL – “Luther & Bach: A Music Marriage Made in Heaven” will be held October 11th at 7:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (6121 East Lovers Lane) in Dallas. The event is sponsored by The American Luther Research Center. The festival will focus on Luther’s Easter hymn “Christ lag in Todesbanden” (“Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands”). The presenter will be Steven Lund, a retired Lutheran educator, who lectures about music extensively in the Dallas area. While there is no charge for the event, please RSVP by October 4th to Sandra Bauer at 972-241-3545 or sbauer@international-capital.com. “It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.” Romans 1:16-17 (The Message)

Want to CONTACT US at St. Matthew Lutheran: Telephone #: 254-772-9349 Fax #: 254-772-4328 Website: www.saintmatthewwaco.org Email: Church Office: smlcoffice@saintmatthewwaco.org Pastor Paul: pkrupicka@saintmatthewwaco.org Friend us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SaintMatthewLutheran CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. In the event of an emergency, call the telephone number above and follow the instructions for “if this is an emergency” to reach Pastor Paul.

Graceful Generosity Published to help you grow as a steward of God’s grace.

Make Your Choice

Joshua had faithfully served the nation Israel after the death of Moses. He was faithful both to his God and to his people. At the end of his life, as the nation is taking its place in the Promised Land, he offers them a choice:

"Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness… But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served … or the gods of the Amorites… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:14-15).

As Christian stewards, we, too, have a choice to make. Maybe we're not tempted to serve the gods of the Amorites, but there is another god that vies for our worship: the god of wealth. That god promises that, if we put our trust in him, he will make us powerful, envied by others, satisfied by all the possessions he can obtain for us, and bring us status and prestige among our peers. This god, of course, is just as false as the idol the Amorites worshiped. He may bring temporary good fortune, but we find no lasting value, only disappointment and disillusionment, in following him.

The Israelites' answer to Joshua was, "We will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:21). Let us "serve the Lord" as he has enabled us to do.

The Garden

There once was a woman who longed to have a flower garden. Each year she would visit her neighbor, who had the most beautiful garden she had ever seen, and he would give her cuttings and seeds for her garden.

But when she would return home, she would change her mind at the last minute saying: “But my neighbor’s garden is so much lovelier than anything I could hope to grow. And he knows so much more about gardening … I could never hope to grow a garden half so lovely as that. Why should I even try?”

One day her neighbor stopped by her home and saw that she had not one flower growing anywhere around her house.

“I’ve provided you with so much,” he said, “and yet you have done nothing at all with what I have given you!”

And so it is with each of us. The Lord gives us talents and expects us to develop them. We cannot judge our worth by comparing ourselves to others but must bloom and grow the best we can with what we have been given.

On the Lighter Side A well-worn one-dollar bill and a similarly distressed twenty-dollar bill arrived at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired. As they moved along the conveyor belt to be burned, they struck up a conversation. The twenty-dollar bill reminisced about its travels all over the country. “I’ve had a pretty good

life,” the twenty proclaimed. “Why I’ve been to Las Vegas and Atlantic City, the finest restaurants in New York, performances on Broad

Blessings on Your Stewardship Journey!

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cruise to the Caribbean.” “Wow!” said the one-dollar bill. You’ve really had an exciting life!” “So tell me,” said the twenty, “Where throughout your lifetime?” The one-dollar bill replied, “Oh I’ve been to the Methodist Church, t

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hrist’s Ambassadors “…God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ … has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appthrough us” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Being an ambassador is a badge of honor and a great responsibility as well. Often the opinions held about a country are those formed by what is known about its ambassador. How critical, then, is our "ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18). As ambassadors, we are not presentinnown.

The first sight of Christ that some may get is their view of Christ in us. We are called to let the light of his love, faith, and forgiveness shine in our lives that others might see and give glory to God (Matthew 5:16). As stewards of the Gospel, compelled by compassion for the lost, we desire to carry out our ministry of reconciliation. As ambassadors representing the one who has sent us, we declare to the world how God has reconciled us to himself through his Son. God makes his appeal to the unbeliever through us, and, therefore, it is imperativethat we, as stewards of the Gospel, which is

the life-giving truth, preach and teach that word of God. We choose to be among those workers in the harvest field (Matthew 9:36-38) who share our testimonies of faith, always p

od Works through Us J. Hudson Taylor wrote, “God’s work done

in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” The message from this statement is that God has given his people all the material and spiritual resources needed to accomplish his purposes. When we do God’s will, he will supply, through us, all the resources that are needed for his church (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). He wants us to be his channels through which the gifts needed for his work will flow. By God’s grace, we can be faithful stewards whoGod’s work.

First graders were discussing a picture of a family. One little boy in the picture had a different hair color than the other members. One of her students suggested that he was adopted. A little girl said, “I know all about adoption. I was adopted.” “What does it mean to be adopted?” asked another child. “It means,” said the girl, “that you grow in your mommy’s heart instead of her tummy!”

October Birthdays, Anniversaries, & Baptisms 10/1 Allen

Hueston Sr. 10/4 Bobbie

Richardson 10/6 Stephanie

Abright 10/6 J. D. Biggs 10/6 Agnes

Decker 10/6 Betty

Fornelius 10/6 Josh Phillips 10/7 Kemper Beard 10/7 David Howland 10/7 Jacen Stanford 10/7 Carson Taylor 10/8 Rick Goolsby 10/9 Michael Bancale 10/9 Ross Browne 10/12 Sha Towers 10/15 Thomas Mitchell 10/16 Cory Zimmerman 10/19 Lanah Bagley 10/19 Brenda Boyd 10/19 Jacie Duncan 10/21 Bryce Conner 10/21 Hildegard Gstattenbauer 10/23 Kristen Harrison 10/23 Bobby Rawlings 10/24 Jay Dittmann 10/24 Roger Fornelius 10/26 Bill Braun 10/27 Andrew Preble 10/28 Marianna Busch 10/29 Jenna Conner 10/29 Buddy Luedeker 10/30 Cora Gillespie 10/31 Andrew Dittmann 10/31 Duane Early

10/1 Alfred & Hildegard Gstattenbauer (60th) 10/3 Buddy & Lauri Luedeker (23rd) 10/6 Ken & Sandy Cocek (37th) 10/6 Ryan Pederson & Lilia Martinez (8th) 10/11 Roger & Betty Fornelius (40th)

Anniversaries of Baptism 10/1 Meghan Gripp 10/1 William Johnston 10/2 Logan Hengst 10/4 Joesph Harris 10/5 Al Noack 10/6 Louise Lane 10/9 Cynthia Shetler 10/11 Bill Schwake 10/12 Carter Thowers 10/19 Sharon Peterson 10/19 Clara Poehl 10/22 Leana Mann 10/24 Elizabeth Vanderkinter 10/29 Charlie Boeche 10/30 Wendell Gustafson 10/30 Daniel White If you have a birthday, wedding anniversary, or anniversary of Baptism in October and are not listed above, please let the church office know so that we can include that information in our database and in next October’s newsletter.

WINE AND HYMNS. Our next Wine and Hymns will be Thursday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. at Klassy Glass Wine Bar (723 Austin Ave). Join us for a fun evening of song and fellowship, as well as some good spirits and food, as we celebrate the Reformation! Please invite your friends and neighbors to be a part of this enjoyable evening.

“CARING FOR YOURSELF” support group will meet Tuesday, October 13th at 6:30 p.m. in the Parlor. This support group is for anyone who feels stressed or overwhelmed; anyone who is grieving a loss or struggling with an issue. It is a time to share with others and be supported in your struggles. It is a time to hopefully receive an insight or two for your situation. All are welcome. We meet for about an hour. If you would like more information on the “Caring for Yourself” Support Group, please see Pastor Paul

OCTOBER 2015 MINISTERS OF WORSHIP

Oct 4 Oct 11 Oct 18 Oct 25

9:30 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 8:15 a.m. 10:45 a.m.

Worship Assistant Beth Pristash Shannon Adams Andrew Dittmann Beth Pristash Marianna Busch Phil Van Auken Morgan Adams

Communion Assistant Rosemary Fielder Meridith Sellers

Phil Van Auken Rosemary Fielder

Linda Heyde

Phil Van Auken Sue Hensel Kenneth Busch

Beth Pristash Confirmation Youth

Communion Elements Wanda Kilstrom Denise Self

Agnus Decker Clydine Arthur

Linda & Kelly Heyde

Peggy Tooker Jean Bush

Elmo & Rebecca Haferkamp

Peggy Tooker Jean Bush

Confirmation Youth

Lector Jeanne Dittmann Beth Pristash Clay Sellers Phil Van Auken Karen Aho Beth Pristash Paul Dittmann

Children’s Sermon Pastor Paul - - - Jeanne Dittmann - - - Meridith Sellers - - - DeAnna Toten Beard

Acolyte Carter Towers TBA Carter Towers TBA TBA TBA TBA

Clean Communion Ware Pat Gorton Wanda Kilstrom

Phil & Carolyn Van Auken

Diane Jones Wanda Kilstrom

Phil & Carolyn Van Auken

Marcy Howell Diane Hampel

Phil & Carolyn Van Auken

Becky Rodeman Marcy Howell

Greeter Clydine Arthur Agnes Decker

Clydine Arthur Agnes Decker

Farrel Bolte Carol Frambach

Clydine Arthur Agnes Decker

Farrel Bolte Carol Frambach

Clydine Arthur Agnes Decker

Confirmation Youth

Farrel Bolte Carol Frambach

Usher Roy Anderson TBA Elmo Haferkamp TBA Albert Hampel TBA Albert Hampel

Usher TBA TBA Rebecca Haferkamp

TBA Steve Jenson TBA Steve Jenson

Usher TBA TBA Albert Hampel TBA Roy Anderson TBA Roy Anderson

Usher TBA TBA Steve Jenson TBa TBA TBA TBA

Tellers John & Shelly Jasek

TBA TBA TBA

Flowers Agnes Decker Open Open Confirmation Parents

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

October 2015

1 2:00pm Adult Fun Day 6:00pm Bell Choir 6:00pm ESC Dinner & Study

2 9:00am Quilting

3 10:00am Sunset Home Guiness Record 10:00am Briarwood Fall Festival

4 8:30am Stephen Min Supervision 9:30am Worship 10:45am Congregation meeting 11:30am Chili Cook-off 6:00pm ESC Dinner

5 5:30pm Aggie Moms

6 9:30am Morning Meditation 11:00am Domino Group 6:00p Mary Martha Circle

7 6:30am Men’s Breakfast 11:00am Bible Study 6:30pm Choir

8 2:00pm Adult Fun Day 6:00pm Bell Choir 6:00pm ECS Dinner & Study

9 9:00am Quillting NT-NL Women’s Fall

Retreat Briarwood Golf

Outing

10 10:00am Waco Calligraphy Guild NT-NL Women’s Fall

Retreat

11 8:15am Worship 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am Worship 6:00pm ESC Dinner & Worship

NT-NL Women’s Fall Retreat

12 10:00am Grace Circle 6:00pm Mary-Martha Circle 6:30pm Church Council

13 11:00am Domino Group 6:30pm Caring for Yourself Support Group

14 11:00am Bible Study 6:30pm Choir

15 2:00pm Adult Fun Day 6:00pm Bell Choir 6:00pm ECS Dinner & Study

16 9:00am Quilters

17 5:15pm Cyclone Corral Outing

Lutheran Sunset Ministry Quilt Auction

18

8:15am Worship 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am Worship 12:15pm LYO Lunch 6:00pm ESC Diner & Worship

19 4:30pm Katherine Luther Circle 5:30pm Evangelism Committee

20 11:00am Domino Group 5:30pm W-ELCA Bible Study Leaders

21 11:00am Bible Study 1:30pm W-ELCA Board Meeting 6:30pm Choir

22 2:00pm Adult Fun Day 6:00pm Bell Choir 6:00pm ESC Dinner & Study

23 9:00am Quilting Caritas Golf Classic

24

25 CONFIRMATION SUNDAY 8:30am Worship 9:30am Sunday School 10:45am Worship 6:00pm ESC Dinner & Worship

26

Pastor at Bishop’s Convo

27 11:00am Domino Group

Pastor at Bishop’s Convo

28 11:00am Bible Study 6:30pm Choir

Pastor at Bishop’s Convo

29 2:00pm Adult Fun Day 6:00pm Bell Choir 6:00pm ESC Dinner & Study 7:00pm Wine & Hymns

30 9:00am Quilting

31