News, updates, and opportunities to serve and connect at Saint Matthew this April.
Can Do: Little Free Food Pantry Box
The Little Free Food Pantry Box outside the church’s main entrance is a Social Ministry initiative launched late last year. It operates on one simple premise: Take what you need and leave what you can. The box is accessible any time — no questions asked.
Even without much external promotion, neighbors are finding it — the pantry box has been mentioned repeatedly in local social media groups. We need your help to keep it stocked. When you come to church or are out running errands, can you drop in a few items? A shelf-stable meal makes a real difference. Proteins are especially appreciated.
This is one of the ways we continue to Live the Love. Thank you.
March Food Drive — Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who supported the month-long food drive to benefit the Moorestown Ministerium Food Pantry, and to all who tirelessly volunteer there to serve our neighbors. Your generosity made a real difference.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Friday, May 15 | 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Spring will be here in no time! Mark your calendars for our next blood drive at Saint Matthew. Every donation can help save more than one life — and it only takes about an hour of your time.
Sign up online or contact Pam Bowen to register.
Tyler Lukridge Stained Glass Restoration Project
A Legacy Gift in the Planning
Saint Matthew Lutheran Church was given a tremendous gift this winter — a piece of our own history, lost for decades and lovingly brought back to life.
The original Saint Matthew building, demolished in 1969.
First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown, the glass’s original home.
This stained glass panel was once part of the original Saint Matthew building on this property. When it was demolished in 1969, the windows were auctioned off, and this panel has been stored in pieces in a garage ever since.
It was acquired through a close friend and lovingly restored by Tyler Lukridge, who worked on it daily for more than two months. He estimated some of the glass pieces are more than 150 years old. The custom frame was built by Tyler from reclaimed barn wood.
This restoration was Tyler’s gift to his father Dave Lukridge, a Saint Matthew member, who in turn gifted it to the church. It preserves a piece of our congregation’s history — and because the glass was originally installed in a First Presbyterian Church property, a piece of Moorestown’s history too.
Tyler and Dave in the workshop.
Tyler Lukridge, restorer of the panel.
Efforts are underway to find the perfect home for this restoration within our building. Join us for Adult Forum on Sunday, April 26 at 9:15 AM to share your ideas on where it should be displayed.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Sharing Our Stories — Pat Covington & Barbara Duffy
We hope you’ll consider sharing about your family traditions or personal experiences with our community. These informal conversations will take place in the lounge during coffee hour — a relaxed, welcoming setting with no agenda other than listening and learning from one another.
What traditions from your ancestors have shaped your life? Perhaps you live with a disability and can help others understand your experience. Maybe you’ve been treated unfairly and would find it meaningful to be heard. When we open ourselves to different ways of thinking and being, we become more compassionate — and we discover how much more we have in common than we might realize.
We hope to begin these gatherings shortly after Easter. We look forward to hearing your stories.
📋 Memorial Fund
If you have requests for our Memorial Fund trustees to consider this year, please submit them to the office by the end of April.
☕ Narthex Update
Look for the new Sign-Up Station along the far narthex counter near the new bathrooms — your central spot for event fliers and sign-up sheets. The new layout frees up space and makes the narthex a better community gathering area. Enjoy a coffee while you’re there!