Greeting Fellow St. Matthew Members,
While last month I wrote of how St. Matthew was reopening many of its ministries, I now report that we are pulling back from in-person worship. Just before the Council meeting on November 16th, New Jersey announced an attendance limit of 10 for general gatherings.
The Reopening Task Force has followed this recommendation in working out how to reopen. With a limit of 10 people, and at least 5 of those involved in conducting worship, it was time to pull back. We had been planning to install Pastor Eric on Dec. 6, and to begin communion again that Sunday. Communion is on hold and we will let everyone know about Pastor’s Installation.
Other Council news: Confirmation will take place around Easter and Communion training will be after the New Year. Social Ministry is looking at something to take the place of the Christmas giving tree this year, Treasurer Tom Cassel reports that we will have a deficit this year (2020), please see his article on pg. 2 of the newsletter.
We have some celebrations! Our Youth Group met for a bonfire, socially distanced, at Church. We celebrated the baptism of Rose Kulpa on Nov. 8th . We held a beautiful worship service on All Saints, remembering the saints who went before us this year – with sell out attendance for the service. Our bell choir has been practicing in the gym, with masks, spacing and open windows.
One active group everyone can participate in is the coffee hour that meets on Zoom after worship. It is a good way to catch up with friends. It is also the way Christian Leadership and Formation is holding Adult Forums. Most recently, Rene Cherson spoke about continuing our partnerships with Bridge of Peace during these times.
Coming up are:
- Dec. 13 “Questions & Answers: about Advent” – Pastor Eric
- Jan. 10 “Anti-Racism”
The Zoom link to this Coffee Hour is near the bottom of the weekly eblast about worship.
Our Mission Statement says we are, “A community of disciples reaching out through Christ in loving worship, witness and service.” The idea of Community is at the core of our mission. Maintaining our sense of community is hard during these COVID times. We all have friends in the St. Matthew community who we haven’t seen or spoken to in months. Help to serve them and St Matthew by reaching out by phone, or with a note, to letting them know that they are remembered and valued. And loved! This is particularly a gift to others during the Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas season.
—John O’Meara, Council President
Next Council Meeting: December 21, 7pm
For a copy of Council Minutes, contact Kim Bohley.