Greetings All,
There is so much going on at St Matthew just now that I am challenged to keep this letter to a reasonable length. Here are brief snippets of what is going on.
We held an outdoor worship service for Communion on August 26th. Our experience with that will guide possible future outdoor worship. Sunday August 30th was Pastor Peggy Marks’ last Sunday leading us in worship as our Pastor for the Interim. We recognized her with a car parade with joy, praise and thanks for the gift of her ministry for these 10 months.
We have accepted the Reopening Task Force’s recommendation, and will begin indoor worship services on September 13th. There will be one service, at 9:30AM. Attendance is limited and you will need to sign up in advance. A letter was sent to 220 families about reopening, and the full reopening plan is on our website.
We are holding our postponed summer Congregation Meeting on Sunday, September 27, 11am. The meeting will be by Zoom. We will again consider the recommended Constitution changes that were tabled in February, and schedule Zoom opportunities for members to discuss the Constitution changes and learn what is behind them.
Christian Learning & Formation is significantly revamping Sunday School beginning this fall. CLF is addressing two challenges, COVID and fewer volunteer teachers, to look at online and virtual curriculum. They are excited about some of the opportunities identified.
Our Social Ministry is taking up anti-racism, beginning with an exploration of the ELCA’s Declarations on racism. There have been two well attended meetings, and the group encourages all members to consider and sign the ELCA Anti-Racism Pledge. “I commit to study, prayer and action to become an anti-racist individual in an anti-racist church.” All are invited to join this timely and relevant ministry, and/or to participate in the educational opportunities and actions being developed.
Next Sunday, September 6th will be Pastor Eric Trozzo’s first regular Sunday leading worship. His ministry with St. Matthew begins on September 1st. Pastor Wendolyn Trozzo has been called to Lord of Life in Tabernacle. The family is buying a house in Shamong and will be busy relocating for the next few weeks.
Stay safe and healthy, both in body and soul, John O’Meara.
Next Council Meeting:
Monday, September 21, 7PM
To request Council Minutes contact Kim.