2024
Essential Estate Planning
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Attend our first Conversation Around the Corner of 2024 as Steve Feldmann shares his expertise about why we need to do estate planning and what we need to do to get ready. Click here for more information.
Learning and Loving
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Our 2024 Learning and Loving series will cover topics of interest based on the results of the congregational learning interest survey, beginning with a discussion about mental health in February.
Game Day
Sunday, March 10, 2024
11:15 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Join birthday boy Sammy Sweitzer as he hosts “No Sin, Just Spin”! Then stay for a fun afternoon of games, puzzles, pizza, and fellowship! Bring one of your favorite games or play one we have at church.
Charitable Giving
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Steve Feldmann reviews estate planning and Sister Marianne Brock talks about charitable giving. Resources linked below!
Essential Estate Planning handout
ELCA Personal Estate Planning Kit Lesson Book and Record Book.
Learning and Loving
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Robert C. Wimer, Jr (MEd, MAR), son of St. Matthew members Robert and Phyllis Wimer, presents Anti-Racism & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Click here for more information.
Our Native Pollinators and Their Favorite Plants
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
6:00-7:00 p.m.
Master Gardener Adam Barkafski shares interesting & practical information you can apply to your garden to help protect our pollinators. Click here for information.
Pride Festivals!
Lancaster Pride Festival
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Lititz Pride Festival
Saturday, June 29, 2024
St. Matthew Lutheran Church will be present at both Pride Festivals this June!
Neighborhood Yard Sale
Saturday, July 20, 2024
We open our doors to the neighborhood for cool air, restrooms, and the opportunity to relax during a busy day. Free Freeze Pops, stickers, and books are available and food trucks will be parked by the church!
Lawn Concert!
Tuesday, July 23
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Rev. Liz Fulmer from Grandview Church will be the headline performer at this concert organized by Embrace Lancaster! Bring a chair and enjoy the music and treats from the food trucks! More info. here.
Supporting Our Refugee and Immigrant Neighbors
Saturday, August 3
Sunday, August 4
Our guest speaker after worship will be Ahmadullah Faizi, a Multilingual Community Education Advisor with IU13. Click here for more information.
Gregory Scott
Monday, September 9
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the life and legacy of C. Emlen Urban through the eyes of architect and author Gregory Scott. Click here for additional information.
LWR In-Gathering
Saturday, September 28
Sunday, September 29
Fifty-two quilts made for Lutheran World Relief by St. Matthew members and friends will be on display and dedicated during both worship services.
Candy Donations!
Join us in spreading joy this Halloween! We’re inviting everyone to bring in candy for our annual Trick or Treat event. We expect a lot of neighborhood kids, so we need plenty of treats to share!
Come on October 31 to help hand it out!
Pet Blessing
Saturday, October 5, 2024
1:00-2:00 p.m.
The community of St. Matthew welcomes you to our annual pet blessing and invites you to join us as we gather to worship, learn, and serve.
2024 totals: 27 animals
ThanksGIVING Service Project
St. Matthew is once again reaching out to help neighboring families have a more
plentiful Thanksgiving. You are invited to donate any of the items on our shopping list! Last collection day will be Sunday, November 12. Please place items on the table in Fellowship Hall. Thank you!
RIC Weekend
Saturday, October 19
Sunday, October 20
In October, we celebrate LGBT History Month. During our 10/19 and 10/20 worship services we’ll take time to reaffirm our commitment as an Open and Affirming, Reconciling in Christ congregation.
Reformation Day worship
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Sunday, October 27, 2024
We will be celebrating Reformation Day during both weekend services. Wait until you hear “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” on our new organ!
Halloween
Thursday, October 31, 2024
6:00-8:00 p.m.
All Treats – No Tricks!
Join us to hand out candy to the neighborhood! What could be more fun than that?
Ahmad Fazi is helping to settle new families in the area and could use our help with the following items. If you can help, please bring the items to church!
Newborn boy and baby girl clothes
Number one diapers
2 baby swings, 2 baby car seats, 2 strollers, 2 cribs, and 1 bicycle.
All Saints Day worship
Saturday, November 2, 2024
Sunday, November 3, 2024
We will be remembering the St. Matthew saints who have died in the last year. The Book of Remembrance is available in the church narthex for you to also enter your loved ones’ names.
Quilt Auction
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Camp Nawakwa
Come to camp for the afternoon and experience the Silent Auction of handmade craft items at 2:00, the Live Auction of quilts (with our own Rev. Cliff Eshbach and 3 quilts from St. Matthew) at 3:00, and stay for dinner!
Homelessness
Saturday, November 9
Sunday, November 10
Our guest speaker, Jen Koppel, will share valuable insights on how we, as a church community, can better support our neighbors in need and get involved in meaningful ways.
Annual Meeting
Sunday, November 17
11:00 a.m.
Immediately following the worship service
AGENDA
Approval of 2023 Meeting Minutes
Approval of Reports and of the 2025 Budget
Election of Council Members
Election of Treasurer
A Prayer for Advent
As we await the coming of Your Son,
Prepare our hearts to receive Him with joy.
Guide us through this season of Advent,
That we may grow in faith, hope, and love.
Help us to reflect on the light of Christ
And share his peace with all.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Poinsettias
We are accepting monetary donations for poinsettias for decorating the sanctuary for Christmas.
Special envelopes can be found in the church lobby.
Lancaster Food Hub needs . . .
CLOTHING: NEW underwear and socks, gloves, mittens, hats, and scarves (all sizes – men, women, and children)
HYGIENE: Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, bar soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste
Collecting through January 19
Christmas Eve Worship
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
4:00 p.m.
GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY!
Essential Estate Planning
Stephen Feldmann
Certified Financial Planner (retired)
January 17, 2024
Our Native Pollinators and Their Favorite Plants
Adam Barkafski
Penn State Extension Master Gardener
May 15, 2024
Urban Legend
Gregory Scott
Architect and Author of Urban Legend: The Life and Legacy of C. Emlen Urban
September 9, 2024
