Learning and Loving in 2024

We are excited to announce our next Learning & Learning series, focusing on the important issue of homelessness in our community. Join us as we delve into the complex factors that contribute to housing insecurity, including affordability, addiction, mental health challenges, and job loss.
Our guest speaker, Jen Koppel, brings over 25 years of experience addressing homelessness at local, state, and national levels. She will share valuable insights on how we, as a church community, can better support our neighbors in need and get involved in meaningful ways. Jen will also address common stereotypes and myths surrounding poverty and panhandling, shedding light on the realities of homelessness.
Mark your calendars for November 9th and 10th and join us to learn more about this critical topic. Together, we can make a difference!

Join us after worship on August 3rd and 4th for our next Learning & Loving series focused on supporting our refugee and immigrant neighbors. Our guest speaker will be Ahmadullah Faizi, a Multilingual Community Education Advisor with IU13. Ahmad works closely with newly arrived refugees and immigrants, helping them navigate educational, social, and cultural systems. Ahmad brings a wealth of firsthand experience to his role. He and his family resettled through Church World Services and lived for several months across the street from St. Matthew’s after arriving from Afghanistan.

We invite you to join us for a light meal and to hear Ahmad’s inspiring journey to Lancaster, his experiences as our neighbor, and learn how we can support other refugees and immigrants in our community.

Our Learning and Loving series will continue on May 4th and 5th (Saturday and Sunday) following each worship service with a program on Anti-Racism & Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  While we enjoy a light meal we will hear Robert C. Wimer, Jr, MEd, MAR, present how racism is still with us in subtle and not so subtle ways. Robert grew up here in Manheim Township graduating in 1994 and then from Susquehanna University in 1998. He has graduate degrees in Educational Psychology (Temple University) and Religion (Lancaster Theological Seminary).  Robert has held various jobs in the mental health field and he now works as a prison mental health block manager and college instructor.
Robert, the son of St. Matthew members Robert and Phyllis Wimer, has created a series of videos called “Rho Talks Race” available on YouTube.  Please plan to stay for this informative talk!