Mark Your Calendars: Your Guide to October at Saint Matthew

October is a vibrant month at Saint Matthew, brimming with opportunities for worship, service, fellowship, and learning. From celebrating our new addition to supporting our neighbors and gathering for thoughtful conversation, there is a place for everyone to connect and grow. Here is your complete guide to all the events happening in our community.

October Events at a Glance:

Older Wiser Lutheran Seniors - OWLS

Thursday, October 2

  • OWLS Legacy Letters Workshop (12 PM): Join the Older Wiser Lutheran Seniors in the library for a special workshop on preserving your personal history and faith for future generations.

Saturday, October 4

  • Fall Clean-Up Day (9 AM): All hands on deck! Join us to help make our campus shine for our Open House. Coffee and snacks will be served. (Rain date: Oct. 11)
Adult Forum

Sunday, October 5

  • Adult Forum: Sanctuary Congregations (9:15 AM): The fall series “Talking About Things We Don’t Talk About” continues. Join us for a series on controversial topics within Christian circles. Can we understand what the concerns of different sides are so that we can have a nuanced conversation about them? What do the bible and Christian tradition, particularly the Lutheran tradition, actually have to say on these issues Come to listen, learn, and discuss. The goal is to have a basic understanding of the issues and to determine which ones might be worth engaging in deeper conversation. Join in person or on Zoom.
  • St. Francis Day & Blessing of the Stuffed Animals (During Worship): Adults and children alike are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animals for a special blessing during the Children’s Time.
Lunch around the world

Wednesday, October 8

  • “Lunch Around the World” Kick-Off Meeting: Join the new dining fellowship at Iron Hill Brewery for its first meeting to brainstorm future culinary destinations.
Dj Blake setup

Sunday, October 12

  • Open House Celebration (12 PM – 2 PM): Celebrate the completion of our new addition with a ribbon-cutting, prayer service, food from Girl With A Grill, and music by DJ Blake!
  • No Adult Forum Today due to the Open House celebration.
Food Pantry

Through Sunday, October 12

  • Collection for Bridge of Peace Church: Final day to drop off donations of personal care items and non-perishable food for our neighbors in Camden.
LGBTQIA letters in white with a rainbow drop shadow on top of a light pink background

Sunday, October 19

  • Adult Forum: LGBTQIA+ (9:15 AM): Continuing our series on issues that are controversial within Christian circles, we will discuss the LBGTQIA+ community this Sunday. Can we understand what the concerns of different sides are so that we can have a nuanced conversation about them? What do the bible and Christian tradition, particularly the Lutheran tradition, actually have to say on these issues (not just what we think they might say)? The goal is to have a basic understanding of the issues and to determine which ones might be worth engaging in deeper conversation.
Folded hands in front of a sunrise.

Wednesday, October 22

  • Contemplative Prayer Resumes (3 PM): Join us in the library or on Zoom for a time of quiet, reflective prayer.

Friday, October 24

  • Red Cross Blood Drive (12 PM – 5 PM): Give the gift of life. Schedule your appointment to donate blood at the church.
A pastor and five young people stand for a photo on a grassy lawn with trees in the background during an outdoor church event.

Saturday, October 25

  • Final Confirmation Class: The last class for our youth as they prepare to affirm their baptisms.

Sunday, October 26

  • Confirmation Sunday (During Worship): We will celebrate with our nine youth as they affirm their baptisms during worship.
  • Adult Forum: Meet the Confirmands (9:15 AM): Come meet this year’s confirmation class in the library and on Zoom.

Looking Ahead to November

Thanksgiving Basket Collection

  • Drop-off Deadline: Friday, Nov. 21: We are collecting full Thanksgiving meals for our partners at the Bridge of Peace Food Pantry. This includes everything from a gift card for a turkey to stuffing mix and cranberry sauce. See the full list in our newsletter or on the bulletin board.
  • Delivery Day: Saturday, Nov. 22

Regularly Scheduled Groups & Meetings

Several people sitting on chairs in circle during a group session and listening to one of the participants attending the meeting
  • Family Circle Playgroup: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 3 PM
  • Monday Morning Bible Study Fellowship: Mondays, 10:30 AM (Zoom)
  • OA (Overeaters Anonymous): Mondays, 7 PM (Library)
  • Property Team Meeting: Tuesdays, 9 AM
  • Boy Scout Troop 42: Wednesdays, 7 PM
  • Tea and Talk: Thursdays, 10:30 AM (Zoom)
  • H.O.P.E.: Thursdays, 1 PM & 7 PM
  • Meditation – 11th Step: Saturdays, 11 AM
  • New Life AA: Saturdays, 12 PM (FH).