by Rozella Bower
Previous articles for our 75th anniversary have included information about worship in early times; how Saint Matthew Church began; buying a church soon after being chartered; building a new sanctuary; the ideas behind the design; and growth through the years. Let’s look at a few of the activities in a very active congregation doing God’s work with its many hands.
A church is people and throughout our seventy-five years the people of this congregation have shared many good times, often involving food. There have also been some difficult situations, but with God’s help, we have gotten through them and continued to praise Him with joy and thanksgiving. We have called good pastors, who have led us in Word and Sacrament, with help from associate pastors, interns, ministers of music and other excellent support staff.
We experienced amazing growth through many years that required new buildings and additional property to accommodate more people as noted in the April Messenger. With these additions there was space for various activities for the congregation and their friends, especially in earlier years when church was a principal gathering place for social activities. There were potluck suppers, father-son dinners, mother-daughter teas, fashion shows, craft shows and bazaars by the Sewing Group. Some of us have special items in our homes made by Ellen Woolston. A basketball team played in a church league and won a championship trophy. A small instrumental ensemble played in worship services and at other times which was led by George Trebing. The Couples Club (later knows as Pairs and Spares) held monthly dinners with excellent entertainment following. The October Committee is remembered for the German food and fun-filled programs and Paul Otto in his lederhosen. There were drama productions in Fellowship Hall with talented actors and clever short skits in worship services, usually based on Old Testament lessons, written by Pastor Carl Uehling. Ruth Fausak and I have fond remembrances of those times and still can quote some of the lines.
Another favorite memory of many of us is the comical mock wedding given as a farewell for Kurt Strause, one of our interns, who was getting married in the summer after finishing his internship. Both he and his fiance were there. Dick Hagen played the bride and Mary Cross, the groom. What a sight it was to see Pastor Uehling in his flower girl costume wearing green tights and tossing dandelions from his flower basket as he walked down the aisle! His mother did not even recognize him.
Pastor Jensen’s background was in social ministries and he encouraged our support of the Camden Lutheran Parish, which was composed of several Lutheran churches that existed in the city of Camden. We have continued to give financial support to the one church that remains, Bridge of Peace, with former Saint Matthew member, Rev. Giselle Coutinho, as pastor. Other social ministry projects have included Lunch Bunch, organized by Deacon Bill Lawrence, makes sandwiches for a food kitchen in Camden once a month; housing the homeless at various times for during many years; hosting two families of refugees and getting them settled in this country. Susan Merrill and Dr. Elise Korman are two we remember from those times. We now host the Moorestown Ministerium Food Pantry, under the direction of the Moorestown Ministerium, two Mondays each month.
One of the reasons often given by new members as to why they joined Saint Matthew Church is the music program. Through the years there have been children’s choirs, youth choirs, and adult choirs. The purchase of handbells and starting the Adult Bell Choir was a priority for Judy Dindinger as Minister of Music. There were children’s and youth bell choirs at times as well. Because our Sunday School included well over 100 children for many years, Judy and Dennis directed special music for them. A large Youth Choir presented modern tellings of Bible stories with musical settings “It’s Cool in the Furnace” (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego), and “100% Chance of Rain” (Noah and the ark) were favorites. Under the direction of Sheila Huff, Minister of Music and Organist, dinner theaters were always enjoyed by the audience and fun for the participants. “Welcome Back, Billy Best” (the Prodigal Son), starring Lyle Clark and Mike Williams, and “The Story Tellin’ Man”, (various parables Jesus told) were favorites. When David Harp became our Minister of Music (later Cantor), the congregation looked forward to the Advent/Christmas concerts in early December. The program consisted of anthems by the choirs, special music by the Bell Choir and others as well as appropriate readings selected by Dave. Updated hymnals were purchased through the years to help worship services be more relevant.
New ministries were formed for special needs in the congregations. Stephen Ministry trained people to be Stephen Ministers to provide a “listening ear” and support for people struggling with grief, divorce, illness or other personal concerns. The ministry continues to be led by Sue Kuhn, who received training to be a Stephen Leader. The first group of Stephen Ministers was commissioned in 2001. The Green Team was formed during Pastor Ingrid Wengert’s pastorate and has been well supported by Pastor Eric Trozzo, who has a vital interest and concern for the earth. The team, led by Brian Lestini, provides opportunities and resources for people who want to help the environment. Team members and others created the beautiful butterfly garden on the property beside the church. The DEI Committee (disability, equality and inclusion) was formed through the Social Concerns Ministry and provides resources and help for all people to feel a part of the church and the community.
Through the years we have also been blessed with strong lay leadership. The Congregation Council and Council Ministries have been active in many ways in the congregation. There have been others who led committees or activities and have done much to create a sense of community within the church.
Nearly two years after Pastor Wengert resigned, The Rev. Dr. Eric Trozzo became our pastor in September 2020, soon after the beginning of the Covid 19 Pandemic. The church had been closed, reopened, and then closed again. Almost all church activities had to shut down due to quarantine regulations. A few meetings and our worship services were held via Zoom. It was very difficult for the pastor to become acquainted with members of the congregation. Finally, activities began to resume by the end of 202, as Pastor Eric tried very hard to help us “get moving” again. He challenged us in various ways and established a slogan “Live the Love” to help us plan new ideas and activities. It is encouraging that more than 100 people signed up for the 75th Anniversary Luncheon at the Moorestown Community House. We look forward to an even brighter future as we are “Continuing To Build To Serve All” and to do “God’s Work with Our Hands”. To God Be the Glory.