A message from Pastor Eric J. Trozzo.
As we move into the summer, it is a time to regroup. One part of that is slowing down a little bit from the intense pace of life we get used to the rest of the year. Another aspect of it in our congregation is that it is a time to re-organize leadership. In June we have our Ministry Meeting, a congregational meeting to review the ministries that we have been engaged over the last twelve months. This year the meeting will be on June 1. While we deal with numbers at the February congregational meeting – budgets, giving levels, attendance averages and so forth – in June we tell the story of how we have responded to God’s love in the past year, reaching out in love to others.
During the Ministry Meeting we also elect new members to our congregational council to lead the congregation over the next year. This year we have five positions on council up for election, and as I write this we currently have three nominees. Please consider whether you might be able to fill one of the other roles. Once council members are elected, then the council at its June meeting organizes itself for who will serve in which role. Among those whose terms on council are coming to an end, three chair ministries of the congregation: Chris Cassel for worship; Melissa Feeney for Christian Learning and Formation; and Denise Cole with Social Ministry. Thank you to these faithful women for the ways they have served. This also means that we will have new people chairing those ministries for the coming year, though we do not yet know who that might be. Let us pray for those taking on these new roles, that the Spirit might guide them in serving faithfully.
We pray, as well, for the New Jersey Synod. The Synod Assembly is June 5-7, and during that time the Synod will be electing a new bishop to lead us in the coming years. The role of bishop is an important and challenging one, and so we pray that whoever is called into that role be led by the Holy Spirit in serving and leading in ways that follow Christ for the sake of the world. We pray for wisdom for those involved in the election. We have several from St. Matthew taking part in the voting. Clergy, including retired clergy, have votes. Thus along with me Bill Lawrence and Peggy Marks will be taking part. In addition, Doreen Lawrence will be the lay voting member from St. Matthew. Thanks to all taking part in the assembly; may God guide you in your part of the decision-making.
God continues to provide and lead us; God raises new leaders to respond to the evolving needs of the church and also to help the church remember that its purpose is serve the world in Christ’s name and share the gospel promise of God’s love. As we recognize all of the ways that our ministries will be re-grouping this summer and new leaders emerging for the days ahead, may we give our support to those called to step forward, trusting in God’s leading.