St. Matthew News

Pentecost & Confirmation this Sunday 5/27!

Rev. Scott Schul — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

It will be a festive Sunday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on May 27 as we mark the Festival of Pentecost and the confirmation of six of our youth. Hope you can join us! Sunday school begins at 9:15 am and our Service of Word and Sacrament begins at 10:30!

Ascension Day Service: Thursday 5/17 at 7pm

Rev. Scott Schul — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Our special Ascension Day service will be held Thursday, May 17 at 7 pm. For further details about the service, click here. We expect that the service will last approximately 45 minutes and will include communion by intinction.

Confirmation at Pentecost

Rev. Scott Schul — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

On May 27 St. Matthew will mark the Festival of Pentecost and confirm six of our youth. Our service of Word and Sacrament begins that day at 10:30 pm. Hope to see you!

Rain Barrel Workshop - signup deadline is TODAY

Rev. Scott Schul — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

St. Matthew will be offering a Rain Barrel Workshop this Thursday, May 10 at 6:00 p.m. A rain barrel is simply a container placed at the end of a downspout that collects and stores rooftop rainwater. An average size house may shed over 30,000 gallons of rainwater in a year - or over 300 gallons of water in just one rainfall event.

Barrels are constructed from recycled plastic 55-gallon food grade containers (donated by DelGrosso Foods, Inc as available) and can be painted or decorated to match your home!Attend a Workshop and pay just $35 for your own rain barrel. Pick up a Barrel Kit (unassembled) for $50.00. Purchase a Preassembled Barrel for only $60.00

Call the church office (814-793-2413) to register for the Workshop TODAY, May 6, 2012 or contact the Conservation District to arrange to purchase a barrel or kit.

Council Meets Tuesday 5/8/12

Rev. Scott Schul — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

A reminder that Council meets tonight (5/8/12). Reports are in your box - please gather them before you come downstairs for the meeting. Have a blessed day!

St. Matthew Annual Retreat (including weekend schedule)

Rev. Scott Schul — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

St. Matthew’s Annual Retreat

May 19-20

Camp Sequanota, Bowersox Enrichment Center

Cost: $65.00

$15.00 for children 10 and under

Staying in parents’ room

$25.00 Saturday only

A weekend getaway full of fun, activities and relaxation for ALL AGES. Please join us!!!

Friends welcome! Youth in grade 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Retreat Outline

Theme: God’s Gym – God – the real source of wisdom and strength. Job 12:13

SATURDAY, MAY 19

8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast and settling in.
9:00 Pre-work Out Devotions Psalm 18:1-6
9:15 Warm-Up
Review theme and rules, form groups
Warm-up exercise – Hebrews 10:10
We gain strength when we work together as the body of Christ
Game or begin service event.
10:30 BREAK
10:45 Stretching
God helps us to stretch ourselves and our gifts to do the “impossible.” In groups, use your creativity (poster, skit, song, etc.) to show how God has stretched those in the Bible to do more than they dreamed possible.
11:45 Cool Down
12:00 LUNCH
1:15 Workout
God formed us like lumps of clay and still transforms us daily. Share in a time of story, study and activity to explore how we are formed and transformed as children of God.
2:45 Weightlifting
We can lift the weights of others in serving God. (service project)
4:00 Cool Down
5:30 Dinner
6:30 Lifting
Being lifted up in worship, song, and the meal
7:30 Stretching
Time to show your creativity from our Stretching session.
8:00 Game time in the ring
Circle around playing various games in timed segments
9:00 Hitting the Showers
Getting comfy for the evening
9:30 Training films
Watch a movie

SUNDAY, MAY 20

8:00 Concentration breakfast
Focus and concentration are keys in a good workout program. We will begin the day in total silence.
9:00 Weight training
Finish up our service project
10:30 Packing up the Equipment
11:00 Workout Review and being fed for the ride home
Morning Prayer

Cottage Meetings Beginning in May

Rev. Scott Schul — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

What is a cottage meeting? Quite simply, it is a small group of about ten St. Matthew members who will gather with Pastor Scott in a member’s home for approximately 90 minutes for informal discussion and light refreshments. It is a wonderful way to become better acquainted with your fellow members and the Pastor. A cottage meeting is also a prime opportunity for the group to consider what St. Matthew Lutheran Church currently is, and to dream (with the Spirit’s guidance) about what St. Matthew might become. We anticipate that at least six Cottage Meetings will take place in a variety of places and times. More meetings may be added if there is sufficient interest. Be watching your bulletin for further details!

Special Ascension Day Service May 17

Rev. Scott Schul — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Ascension of our Lord

Thursday May 17 at 7 PM

Special Worship featuring Holden Evening Prayer

Following his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his followers for 40 days before ascending heavenward to the cosmos. For centuries the Church has remembered that moment of departure as the Festival of the Ascension of our Lord. On that day, we are reminded that Jesus did not leave or abandon us but instead continues to come to us in many real, wonderful and mysterious ways and calls and equips us to carry the Good News to the ends of the earth.

Here at St. Matthew we will mark Ascension of our Lord on May 17 (40 days after Easter) with a special Thursday evening worship service utilizing the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy that was so popularly received during the Lenten season. Worship will begin at 7 PM and run approximately 45 minutes.

VBS Planning Meeting Rescheduled

Rev. Scott Schul — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Vacation Bible School planning meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, April 17 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 24 at 7 pm. It will be held at Memorial Church of the Brethren.

Meeting of 3rd Year Confirmation Students

Rev. Scott Schul — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

3rd Year Confirmation Students will meet with Pastor Scott this Sunday (4/15) at 4 pm in the Church Lounge. Afterwards, any who are interested will gather at Fox's Pizza for supper. Bring $5 toward the cost of pizza/drinks.

Happy Easter!

Rev. Scott Schul — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!

All of us at St. Matthew Lutheran Church wish you a VERY blessed Easter!

Easter Worship at SMLC

Rev. Scott Schul — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Come celebrate the resurrection of our Lord at St. Matthew Lutheran Church!

Easter Sunrise Service - 6:30 AM

Sunday School - 9:15 AM

Easter Morning Service - 10:30 AM

In addition, we will be serving breakfast in Fellowship Hall beginning at 8:00 AM

Easter Egg Hunt TODAY!!!

Rev. Scott Schul — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

2,000 EGGS!!!!

That's how many eggs will be hidden on the grounds here at St. Matthew Lutheran Church for today's Easter Egg Hunt, co-sponsored by our friends at Memorial Church of the Brethren and Grace Brethren Church. In addition to the egg hunt, we'll have stations in Fellowship Hall for kids to learn more about the story of Jesus Christ and his love for us. The fun begins at 1:30 pm TODAY here at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Martinsburg!

Holy Week Egg Hunt this Saturday!!!

Rev. Scott Schul — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Join the “Eggcitement” of the Hunt!

St. Matthew Lutheran Church, in cooperation with Memorial Church of the Brethren & Martinsburg Grace Brethren, is holding a special Easter Egg Hunt here at the church on Saturday, April 7. The fun begins at 1:30 pm and will feature over 2,000 eggs with treats and refreshments PLUS a special journey through Holy Week.

It will be a very special day for the kids. Bring a friend!

April 4 at SMLC - Eat, Pray and be Merry!

Rev. Scott Schul — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

It's going to be a GREAT Holy Wednesday at St. Matthew. Our day begins with Bible Study at 11 am as Pastor Scott leads a discussion of the Easter Sunday texts. At 6, join us for our final Meager Meal of the Lenten Season (hosted by our Social Outreach Committee), followed by Holden Evening Prayer at 7. Lenten worship with Holden Evening Prayer has proven to be a very popular service, so if you have not experienced it yet this season, we encourage you to be here tonight as Lenten Wednesday worship concludes for this season.

Have a blessed day!

Additional Reminders for April 1 at SMLC

Rev. Scott Schul — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

In addition to our Palm Sunday service, a reminder of some other activities at SMLC on Sunday, April 1:

1. Youth will meet with Becky after church for lunch, fellowship and Bible study.

2. Property Committee will meet as well concerning proposed trimming of shrubs.

3. 1st and 2nd year confirmation students will meet in Fellowship Hall from 6-8 pm for the second half of our baptismal presentation.

Palm Sunday

Rev. Scott Schul — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Our Palm Sunday service of Word and Sacrament will begin at 10:30 Sunday. At the beginning of the service, Pastor Scott will invite children to come forward for a Children's Procession with Palms. We look forward to seeing you at SMLC as Holy Week kicks off!

Holy Week Schedule at SMLC

Rev. Scott Schul — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Holy Week at St. Matthew will indeed be special this year. We hope you can join us for one or more of our services as we open ourselves to God's amazing grace. For a full description of the services and the service times, click here.

Blessings to you as you continue your Lenten Journey!

1st & 2nd Year Confirmation Students Meeting

Rev. Scott Schul — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The 1st and 2nd year confirmation students will meet tonight (3/25) at 6 pm in Fellowship Hall for the first of two sessions on the topic of baptism.

See you tonight!

Special Youth Event with PSU Lutheran Campus Ministries

Rev. Scott Schul — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

All St. Matthew Lutheran Church high school students (grades 9-12) are invited to a night of Faith, Fun and Fellowship organized by students from Penn State (Main Campus) and PSU Lutheran Campus Ministries.

Date: Friday, March 23

Time: 7:30 pm

Place: Fellowship Hall, St. Matthew

Bring a snack to share and invite a friend! If the bowling alley is open when the activity finishes, we'll head there to bash a few pins. If you plan to bowl, bring whatever money you will need.

Questions? Call Pastor Scott.

Spring has Sprung!

Rev. Scott Schul — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The recent (and wonderful!) warm weather here in Martinsburg is bringing new life to the grounds of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Here are some Sunday morning daffodils near our cornerstone.

Max Smith Funeral Arrangements

Rev. Scott Schul — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

We lift our prayer in thanks to God for our brother in Christ, Max Smith, who joined the company of saints in heaven Saturday evening. Funeral arrangements are as follows: Visitation will be at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on Tuesday, March 13 from 1-3 pm and 6-9 pm. The funeral will be at St. Matthew on Wednesday, March 14 at 11 am with a luncheon to follow in Fellowship Hall.

What a weekend at St. Matthew!

Rev. Scott Schul — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

It will be a wonderfully busy weekend here at St. Matthew!

(1) Pastor Scott and "Them Preachers" have their concert Friday night to benefit Morrisons Cove Memorial Park. It all takes place at Central High, with special guest Connor Greenland as opening act. Admission is a suggested donation of $10 at the door.

(2) Eat, drink and be merry at St. Matthew's Dinner Theater production Saturday night at 5:30 in Fellowship Hall. All proceeds will help send our youth to the National Youth Gathering. You'll enjoy a delicious meal and a compelling drama of the Last Supper.

(3) Finally, DON'T FORGET TO SPRING FORWARD SATURDAY NIGHT! We'd hate for you to be late for church!

Communion Services this Week at Homewood and Village

Rev. Scott Schul — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

St. Matthew will hold its regularly monthly services of Holy Communion for the residents of Homewood and the Village this week. The services will take place at their customary time - the second Thursday of the month (March 8 in this case). The service at Homewood will begin at 2 pm in Homewood's chapel and the service at the Village will take place at 3:15 pm in the Village's chapel.

Confirmation Meetings in March

Rev. Scott Schul — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

A reminder regarding March Confirmation Class meetings:

3/4: 1st and 2nd year students gather in Fellowship Hall for class from 6-8 pm.

3/18: 3rd year students gather at church for discussion from 4-5 pm. All who wish can then go to Fox's Pizza with Pastor Scott for supper - please bring $5 if you can to help cover the cost.

3/25: 1st and 2nd year students gather in Fellowship Hall for class from 6-8 pm.

Pulpit Exchange Weekend

Rev. Scott Schul — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

This Sunday is Pulpit Exchange Weekend for the Martinsburg Ministerium. All participating pastors will be preaching on a text from 1 Corinthians 15. Pastor Scott will be at Martinsburg Mennonite while Pastor Jerry McCullor of Homewood will preach at St. Matthew.

Wednesday Lenten Meal and Worship

Rev. Scott Schul — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

On each Wednesday during the Season of Lent, and beginning Wednesday, February 29, we invite you to join us for food, fellowship and worship here at St. Matthew. A simple meal is served in Fellowship Hall at 6 pm, following which we gather together in the sanctuary at 7 pm for Holden Evening Prayer, a beautiful and timeless sung service of scripture and song. During this gentle 45 minute service, we welcome the evening and praise the God who has seen us through the day. Please join us and sink deeply and contentedly into the blanket of grace that our Lord has lovingly laid out for us.

The Window Project is Finished!

Rev. Scott Schul — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Yesterday the workers from Cambria Glass finished installing 1/4" glass to protect our beautiful stained glass windows. This restoration has allowed our stained glass to once again come alive. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and have a look! The windows are especially stunning at night when the church is in use - our building positively glows now! Many thanks to all who supported this project and patiently awaited its completion.

Why do we use ashes?

Rev. Scott Schul — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Ever wonder why we impose ashes on Ash Wednesday? It's an ancient practice that leads us into Lent and toward the cross of Christ. Learn more about this practice by clicking here.

Ash Wednesday Service

Rev. Scott Schul — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

We enter the Lenten Season on Wednesday, with our Ash Wednesday Service which begins at 7:30 pm. We will solemnly begin the service with a recitation of Psalm 51. The service will also include Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes.