Worship Notes
Seasonal Worship Booklets to Replace Weekly Bulletins
By David D. Harp · Worship Chair
Beginning September 13, we will be making a gentle shift in how we prepare and use our worship materials each Sunday. Instead of printing a full bulletin every week, we are going to move to a reusable, seasonal worship booklet that contains the liturgical setting and those elements of the service that do not change from week to week. In addition, each Sunday, you will receive an insert with everything that does change weekly: announcements, readings, hymn numbers, and prayers specific to the day. You are welcome to take the insert home with you, but we are asking that the seasonal booklet be returned each week.
This change comes at a time when we are being thoughtful about how we use our physical and human resources. Weekly bulletins require a lot of paper, toner, and staff time, as well as wear and tear on a very temperamental copy machine. With our office staff now part-time, this adjustment helps us free up hours for other important administrative work while also reducing waste and printing costs. It is a simple step that supports both good environmental and fiscal stewardship and the practical needs of our congregation.
If you have comments, questions, or concerns about this change, please reach out to David Harp or any member of the Worship Committee. They are ready to talk about anything you would like to share. We kindly ask that you do not contact the Church Office about this transition, so our staff can stay focused on their essential responsibilities.
How Does This Impact You?
Very simply, we are asking that you please return your seasonal worship booklet at the end of the service. That’s it. Just place it in one of the boxes on the Usher Table (under the TV Monitor) or the Sign-Up Table on the other side of the narthex. This small action helps us reuse the booklets all season long and keep our printing needs to a minimum. Our 8:30 a.m. worshipers have been doing this faithfully for two years, and it has worked beautifully — we are confident that those who attend the 10:30 a.m. service will find it just as easy.
We will offer friendly reminders during worship for the first few weeks, and our ushers will help guide the flow so it feels natural, and the inserts will continue to give you everything you need to stay connected throughout the week.
Thank You for Helping Us Take This Thoughtful Step Forward
It is a small change with a meaningful impact, and we are grateful for your support as we continue to grow in faith, care, and community together.
Worship Assistant Schedules
View the schedules at stmatthew-lutheran.org/worship-assistants.
Remember Your Offering
As we return to church from vacation, we’d like to remind you that the expenses of the church continue — we cannot take a vacation from paying our bills. Please mail your check to the church or give online at stmatthew-lutheran.org/donate. As always, thank you for your spirit of generosity.