Ministry Fair Prize Update
At the June Ministry Fair, Jana Frable won the Mission Passport prize, which was a Kiva gift card. Kiva is a non-profit organization that uses “crowdfunding loans and unlocking capital for the underserved, improving the quality and cost of financial services, and addressing the underlying barriers to financial access around the world.” With the gift card, she reports being able to:
- complete Adelina’s loan for supplies for her livestock in Toboso, Philippines
- feed for Gilbert’s pigs in Madagascar https://www.kiva.org/lend/2620208
Take a look at https://www.kiva.org/ if you are interested in finding projects that you can support.
M&M Appeal
Thank you to all who contributed to the Ministry and Mission (M&M) Appeal earlier this year. The final results show that 55 members supported the appeal, which resulted in increased giving of $32,641 for 2023. Thank you so much for your generosity!
Thank you from Lutheran World Relief
Rev. Tim Krick, who does congregational outreach with Lutheran World Relief for our region stopped by St. Matthew at the end of September to bring thanks for the many ways that St. Matthew has consistently supported LWR projects the past several years. Look for some new ways to support LWR in coming months as well.
Thank You, Pastor Eric, for Introducing the Season of Creation
This fall, for the first time, we celebrated the Season of Creation. Many thanks to Pastor Eric for introducing us to this liturgical season that helps us think about and focus on this amazing world that God has given us and reminds us of our responsibility towards it. Cantor Dave supported the themes by introducing us to new hymns and a liturgy that fit so well with the season. Many thanks for his efforts.
The beautiful orange paraments were the gift of Peggy Marks who found the material and created them right before leaving on an August vacation! Many thanks for her generosity and effort! And finally, our heartfelt thanks for the arrangements in front of the altar which were created by Carmen VonWrangle. Each arrangement has related to the focus of the week (hoping you noticed the shark’s teeth on Ocean week) and all have been beautifully done!
Our final Sunday is October 1st when we will be reminded that God continually renews our wonderful earth and that we also have responsibility to assist in that renewal. Thanks to all who truly made this a Season of Creation and Celebration for all that we have been given!
Peggy took pictures each week and will send them to you. The sanctuary looked beautiful!
Thanks,
Chris