Welcome to Worship at St. Matthew’sJanuary 22, 2017

Welcome to worship, education and Christian fellowship on a glorious winter morning! We invite you to greet those worshiping near you. God invites us to come before him in worship — and so we do this day. Let us focus solely on him for this brief time, to hear his Word and glorify our Savior, Jesus Christ.Worship Notes: Jesus begins his public ministry by calling fishers to leave their nets and follow him. In Jesus the kingdom of God has come near. We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. We see this light most profoundly in the cross – as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, sin, or evil. Light dawns for us as we gather around the word, the font, and the holy table. We are then

sent to share the good news that others may be “caught” in the net of God’s grace and mercy.Flowers at the altar are given by Leslie & Pat Gardner in memory of Denice Stingl.Communion: All baptized Christians who celebrate the real presence of Christ in the bread and wine are invited to the Lord’s Table at the 8:30 service. If you are seated in the chapel and wish to come forward for communion please leave the chapel and join the center aisle line at any time during distribution. Gluten-free wafers are available if you ask your communion server. Those who desire juice instead of regular wine, please tell this to the communion assistant. Due to the weight of the communion trays, you may be asked to take your glass of wine from the tray as it is presented to you.Child for Baptism: (11:00) Evie Grace Gretebeck, child of Karissa & Kyle Gretebeck, Wauwatosa, was born April 2, 2016. Sponsors are Lacey Kleven and Lars Bonovich. Cross Lunch: The next Wednesday meal that we are responsible for is January 25, 2017. Cards with food needs will be handed out in worship on Sunday, January 22, 2017. Thank you for your strong support of this ministry. It is greatly appreciated!A library book has been given to the church library by Leslie & Pat Gardner in memory of Denice Stingl.Nursery News: Welcome Emily Chiesa who begins working as our Nursery Attendant today! Emily and her family are members of St. Matthew’s.

Bulletin Layout Planning___1__ Welcome Panel -Stock___1__ Panel 2 - Staff

ADDITIONAL PANELS for THIS WEEK

___8__ Bulletin Panels___1__ ESUP ___1_____1__ Children’s Panel___1__

___1__ Children’s Panel??

BULLETIN EMAIL - ADDITIONSWelcome to worship and fellowship in the body of Christ.

Maybe now is the time to begin Simply Giving: St. Matthew’s Stewardship Committee partners with Thrivent Financial for electronic transfer of contributions from parishioners’ checking or savings accounts directly to St. Matthew’s bank account. There is an enrollment form in your Stewardship Packet. For more information, contact Holly in the church office, 414-774-0441 or hjurss@sbcglobal.net.

Gifts of Stock are WelcomeGifts of stock are always welcome at St. Matthew’s. Our brokerage account is with Robert W. Baird here in the Milwaukee area. The contact person is Curt Brewer, 262-523-5644. He can arrange to have your gift transferred directly from your account to St. Matthew’s brokerage account. Consult with your tax advisor to see if this has significant advantages for you. As always, feel free to contact Holly in the church office with questions.

St. Matthew’s Ev. Lutheran ChurchBulletin Announcements - January 22, 2017

St. Matthew’s Foundation is a non-profit organization which invests and disburses funds for the benefit of initiatives se-lected by St. Matthews church, specifically scholarships and partnerships/benevolences. Donations to the Foundation are often made in honor of or in memory of a family member or friend. Another way to cre-ate a lasting influence on St. Matthews is by designating the Foundation as a beneficiary in your estate/life insurance plan-ning. For example, a family with two children could indicate each child as a beneficiary at 49% and the Foundation at 2%. Please consider this the next time you need to select beneficiaries for a policy or fund. Following is the informa-tion needed to do this:St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lu-theran Church Foundation, Inc.Entity ID #: 6S17449

Thank you to those who contributed to the Cross lunch meal this past Wednesday. Approximately 250 people were served. What a great variety of salads, fruits, and desserts we had. Thank you for taking time from your schedule to remember those in our community who are “food-insecure.” And a shout-out to Tom Geib for his leadership of this ministry and his ongoing dedication to Cross’s monthly meal as well as the Repairers of the Breach bag lunches that are packed twice a month here.

Prayer Walk Group Meet on Monday mornings from 8:00-8:30 to walk together and lift up prayer concerns to God. During these winter months the group will walk & pray inside the church. A great way to start your day and your week! Join them on Mondays or contact Anne DeWitt for details: 414-840-8222

The Annual Report for 2016 is now available for pick-up at the Welcome Center or outside the church office. This year’s report has a purple cover. Take one home today in preparation for next Sunday’s Annual Meeting.

Sunday Morning Volunteers: St. Matthew’s uses Ministry Scheduler Pro (MSP) an on-line scheduling program to schedule our Sunday morning volunteers. The current schedule runs from January 1 - March 26, 2017 and is presently available on-line.If you need the log in information, have questions or would like to become part of the Sunday morning volunteer ministry please contact Jen Kramer; jen@stmattslutheran.org or 414-774-0441. As part of Jennifer’s employment with St. Matthew’s she is now coordinating the Sunday morning volunteer scheduling!

Tanzania Trip to Celebrate Installation of Bishop Elias KitoiA group from St. Matthew’s is traveling to Tanzania January 10-24 to attend the installation of Pastor Elias Kitoi as Bishop of the Meru Diocese. It is an honor to observe this special occasion with Pastor Elias, who has blessed us in the Milwaukee area with his spirit-filled kindness. While in Tanzania, the St. Matthew’s group will also spend time with our partners at Sing’isi Lutheran Church, visiting homes in the community, seeing sustainability projects, and attending worship. Traveling in Tanzania are Pat Gardner, Cheryl Seebach, Doug and Lisa Krekling, Gretchen Haugse, and Pastor Chris Manke.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began this week on January 18 and was first observed in January, 1908. Celebrated in the chapel of a small Atonement Franciscan Convent of the Protestant Episcopal Church, on a remote hillside fifty miles from New York City, this new prayer movement caught the imagination of others beyond the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Atonement to become an energetic movement that gradually blossomed into a worldwide observance involving many nations and millions of people.

A Note about Sunday Bulletin Distribution: In order to make good use of resources, fewer copies of the bulletin announcements section of your Sunday bulletin have been printed. These Bulletin Announcements Inserts are available at the Welcome Center, from an usher, or downstairs across from the church office. OR receive a sneak-peak email of these announcements and other panels on Friday morning of each week! Please sign up on the bottom of the Events Sign-Up panel in today’s

“The Struggle Against Racism in our City” Today at First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee’s Max Otto Hall, 1342 N. Astor St., Milwaukee. Sunday, January 22, 12:30-2:00 p.m. A presentation by guest Rev. Joe Ellwanger, followed by discussion. How do mostly white churches like ours relate to today’s civil rights struggles and Black Lives Matter? Rev. Joe Ellwanger conceived “Ministry of Accompaniment” described in his book. He has been involved in civil rights for over five decades and was pastor of Milwaukee’s Cross Lutheran Church for 34 years. Sponsors by FUSM Social Justice council and Black Lives Matter at FUSM.

Week of January 22 - 28Monday: 8:00, Prayer Walk10:15, Staff Meeting11:00, Program Staff Meeting 1:00, Caregivers Support Group 6:30, Social Ministry Issues Night 7:00, Amer. Heritage Square Dancers 7:00, Synod El Salvador Comm. Mtg.Tuesday: 9:30, The EmBELLishments 6:30, 500 Trees Group - Pr. Margaret 6:30, Luth. Campus Ministry Board 7:00, Righteous Ringers 7:00, Small Group 7:00, Yoga Class 7:15, Lutheran A Cappella RehearsalWednesday:10:00, Bible Study with Pr. Matt10:45, Cross Lutheran lunch servers 1:00, Lenten planning meeting 5:30, Dinner Before Confirmation 6:00, New Generation Choir 7:00, 7th/8th grade Conf. Big Group 7:00, New Creation ChoirThursday: 8:30, JOMM using Kitchen 9:30, A CaBELLa Ringers 4:00, Praise Kids 6:15, Bells Angels 7:30, Senior Choir RehearsalFriday: 9:00, Bulletin StuffingSaturday: 7:30, Men’s Breakfast - Rise W/ the Guys

Check out the Lost and Found located on the parking lot level, down the hallway from the church office, across from the elevator. Its collection is growing; check it out to see if anything belongs to you!

Shoe Recycling is Back!Reduce - Reuse - RecycleThe call for old shoes you’ve been waiting for is finally here! The city of Milwaukee has implemented a shoe recycling program, which allows for more types of shoes to be recycled. Bring any type of shoe, except high heels, to the blue collection barrel located in front of the church office. The shoes should be tied together or bound with a rubber band (available at the collection barrel). Thank you in advance for your participation in this worthwhile project. Any questions? Want to learn more? Contact Jen Kramer at jenkqk@yahoo.com

Adult Learning on Sunday Mornings 9:45-10:45 a.m. Meets in the Upper Room - Child care Available in the NurseryJanuary 22:Project ReturnWe’ll be joined by alumni and leaders of Project Return as they share with us the challenges of re-entry into the world after being incarcerated and about the work begun by our partners at Cross Lutheran to serve and aid those who are looking to rebuild their lives for more than 30 years.

January 29:Congregational Annual MeetingPlan to attend the St. Matthew’s Annual Meeting where you will learn about the 2017 budget, meet four new council candidates, and vote on our new constitution. Annual reports will be available for pick-up on Jan. 22.

Mt. Meru Coffee is now avail-able in K-cups (regular only). Thank you, St. Matthew’s for your continuing support of our partnership with our brothers and sisters in Tanzania. Please stop at the coffee table on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Together we are making a difference. Questions may be

Mt. Meru Coffee - Mmmmm.....Bruce Johnson, our Mt. Meru Coffee Ambassador, offers delicious Mt. Meru Coffee for sale each 2nd & 4th Sun-day. This product is purchased at a fair price from the local farmers who live in the area of Tanzania where we have a partnership relationship. Stop by and see! K-cups for single cup coffee brew-ing (like Keurigs) are also available. And remember that your purchasing dollars do even more good in 2016, as there are four matching gifts pledges in effect, making each $10 purchase worth an additional $4 to scholarships for Tanza-nia children St. Matthew’s is sponsoring. Mmmm, it tastes good, and feels good, too!

Mt. Meru Coffee - Mmmmm.....Bruce Johnson, our Mt. Meru Cof-fee Ambassador, offers delicious Mt. Meru Coffee for sale each 2nd & 4th Sunday. This product is purchased at a fair price from the local farmers who live in the area of Tanzania where we have a partnership relationship. Stop by and see! K-cups for single cup coffee brewing (like Keurigs) are also available. And remember that your purchasing dollars do even more good in 2016, as there are four matching gifts pledges in effect, making each $10 purchase worth an additional $4 to scholar-ships for Tanzania children St. Matthew’s is sponsoring. Mmmm, it tastes good, and feels good, too!

Men’s Breakfast planned for January 28Plan to attend the Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, January 28 from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Start your day with a full breakfast and then stay for the program when Pastor Chris tells about the trip to Tanzania when Bishop-elect Elias Kitoi Nasari is installed in the Meru Diocese. Friends are welcome. Hope to see you there!

Home for Rent Needed: A couple who are relatives of Alice Rudebusch of our congregation are looking for a home to rent in the St. Matthew’s neighborhood including the Tosa Village/East Tosa and Washington Heights. They have a dog and two cats.They are currently renting in the area but the home has been sold. If you know of a place that they might rent so that they can remain in this area that they have grown to love, please call 928-607-9997.

Mission Trip Dinner Auction - A Night at the Boardwalk- to be Held on Feb. 10thCelebrate A Night at the Boardwalk at St. Matthew’s on February 10th by attending the annual Mission Trip Dinner Auction. This fun event that will support our Youth Mission Trip to New Jersey includes dinner, a silent auction, and entertainment. Enjoy foods of the east coast, the ambience of the boardwalk, and interactive entertainment. Items for bidding will be on display beginning January 29th and will include items from babysitting services to gift baskets to vacation rentals. Bidding will be open from January 29th until February 10th at 6:30.The dinner event begins with final bidding on auction items from 5:30 – 6:30, with dinner at 6:30.

Auction Items are WelcomeWe are always looking for interesting items to offer at our dinner auction fundraiser. Do you work for a business that would consider donating a product or a gift certificate? Do you have a skill or service you could contribute? Vacation rentals are also a welcome item. All donations are appreciated! It is especially appreciated if they are donated by February 3rd so that they can be displayed the Sunday before the dinner auction. Please talk to Gretchen Haugse if you can help.

Women’s Bible Study Begins Wednesday, February 1st!A brand new study by one of our favorite authors, Lysa TerKeurst! Trade feelings of emptiness and depletion for a more personal fulfillment from knowing who Jesus is. Stop living like a slave to your circumstances by training your heart to embrace the life-giving freedom God wants for you. Gain a better understanding of how Jesus’ words 2,000 years ago are so very applicable to the answers we are searching for today. Based on the ‘I Am’ statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John we will dig into scripture in the workbook then meet each week to listen to the DVD teaching and share thoughts and questions with one another. The 6-week DVD based study will be held for 3 Wednesday evenings in February and 3 Tuesday evenings in March. Sign up on Sunday mornings at the Welcome Center or contact Sue Swing (sueswing@sbcglobal.net) to sign up. The cost of the workbook is $20.

COFFEE and CHOCOLATE -

Mt. Meru Coffee - Mmmmm...Bruce Johnson, our Mt. Meru Coffee Ambassador offers delicious Mt. Meru coffee for sale each 2nd & 4th Sunday. This product which is purchased at a fair price from the local farmers who live in the area of Tanzania where we have a partnership relationship. Stop by and see! K-cups for single cup coffee brewing (like Keurigs) are also available. And remember that your purchasing dollars do even more good in 2016, as there are four matching gifts pledges in effect, making each $10 purchase worth an additional $4 in scholarship money to the students in Tanzania that St. Matthew’s is sponsoring.. Mmmm. it tastes good, and feels good, too!

LWR Fair Trade Chocolate available at St. Matthew’s: “Divine Chocolate” - Chocolate made with Fair Trade certified Cocoa beans grown by a farmer owned cooperative in Ghana, is available for purchase the 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month at the Mt. Meru Coffee/LWR Chocolate Project table, in several delicious flavors. Not only do these farmers receive Fair Trade premiums for their cocoa beans, they are part-owners of the Divine Chocolate brand processing

Ongoing Collection for Guest House: We have updated the list of ongoing needs for the Guest House. Please consider picking up one or two of these items when you’re shopping and drop them off in the box outside the church office. Thanks for your support of this important ministry.

Spray deodorant ShampooBody Wash Foot PowderCologne or aftershaveLaundry Bags Men’s watchesMen’s wallets

St. Matt’s First Fridays Book Group:The St. Matthew’s book group usually meets on the first Friday of each month at 7 p.m. at church in the Upper Room. The booklist is available at church or on our website. The next book is:Feb. 3, 2017: Nothing Gold Can Stay:

Stories: by Ron Rash (256 pages)

Cough drops are needed for the Guest House. If you purchase some for your family, please consider picking up a bag to donate. Bring the bags to the wooden donation box outside the church office.

Flower Book Sign-Ups NeededYour Sign-Ups are needed for the altar flower/library book/DVD sign-up notebook! Want to honor a loved one or show someone you care? Designate altar flowers for them, or a library book. Sign up in the Binder at the Information Center. For a donation of $30.00, you may designate altar flowers, or for $20.00 a library book or a DVD for an occasion of your choosing, and this occasion will be listed in the Sunday bulletin. The Library Committee will select the book and a bookplate will be placed in the front of the book. The church office staff orders the flowers from A New Leaf Floral each week. It is best if you pay for your donations on the designated Sunday or before. Place a check in the offering plate and mark its purpose of payment, or drop off your payment in the office during the week. Thanks.

Creative Spirit Tuesday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m.

Our partners at Cross Lutheran invite you to participate in many ways in the coming year! As you think about how you might serve, here are some easy ways to connect with the people and partners at Cross!—Serve and Cook Wednesday mealsSt. Matthew’s serves about 250-300 guests at the weekly Wednesday lunch Cross serves on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Pick up a card and bring a salad, fruit, or dessert the Sunday before, and meet at church if you can serve on Wednesdays (around 10:30ish). Contact the church office, Larry Jurss, or Tom Geib if you are interested in helping. —Prepare and Cook a Tutoring MealEach Tuesday and Thursday, Cross hosts neighborhood kids and tutors from partner churches from 6:00—8:00. St. Matthew’s has committed to providing a meal for about 20 people on the 4th Tuesday of each month (and other times if people are willing). Kathy Weinberg-Kinsey helps co-ordinate these meals, and can be contacted for more information.—Shop for non-perishablesGrab a “Red Bag” and shop for the Cross Food Pantry. Non-perishables, especially Mac-n-Cheese and flavored Rice Sides are welcome; also personal care and medical items are also welcome for the Bread of Healing Clinic.—Attend Mardi Gras!This year’s Cross Mardi Gras will be held on Friday, Feb. 17th! St. Matthew’s will be subsidizing tickets again this year—enjoy a fun night of food, dancing, and other excit-ing fellowship. Sign-up has begun - See the Events Sign-Up Panel.

Mt. Meru Coffee - Mmmmm.....Bruce Johnson, our Mt. Meru Cof-fee Ambassador, offers delicious Mt. Meru Coffee for sale each 2nd & 4th Sunday. This product is purchased at a fair price from the local farmers who live in the area of Tanzania where we have a partnership relationship. Stop by and see! K-cups for single cup coffee brewing (like Keurigs) are also available. And remember that your purchasing dollars do even more good in 2016, as there are four matching gifts pledges in effect, making each $10 purchase worth an additional $4 to scholarships for Tanzania children St. Matthew’s is sponsoring. Mmmm, it tastes good, and feels good, too!

A note about your valuable items: A reminder to our members and guests that each week as you come to church, any valu-able items should be kept with you and not left in coat pockets or in an unlocked space.

Beanie Babies and Hot Wheels Cars Needed: Luther and Doris Kloth are going on the annual Milwaukee Medical Mission to Colombia February 25 to March 11. They are requesting donations of Beanie Babies and Hot Wheel cars for the children in Colombia who are having surgery. Donations can be dropped off at the church office by February 12. Thank you very much!

Sign Up to day for Cross Lutheran Church Mardi Gras Ball! A fun night of food, dancing and fellowship with our partners at Cross! This fun event, benefiting Cross’s Community ministries including Youth and Bread of Healing Empowerment Ministry, will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017 at the Sheraton Milwaukee Brookfield, 375 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfield. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner, dancing and much more. Includes a Silent Auction. St. Matthew’s will subsidize the cost of tickets, so it is only $25/person! Tickets need to be ordered by February 1st. Checks can be made payable to St. Matthew’s. Let us know when you sign up your menu choice: Beef, Chicken or Vegetarian.

We recommend that you don’t leave valuable items in your coat pockets or on the coatracks. There have been circumstances when the wrong coat may have been taken, or where coat pockets are emptied during church services. As you do in other places, keep your valuables with you, or don’t bring them. We also recommend that you lock your car in the parking lot, and if there are valuables in it, keep them out of sight.

Book/Media Drive for Milwaukee Working - The Book bins are now on-site in the hallway near the church office: From January 2-31, St. Matthew’s will again host donation bins for the Book/DVD/Media resale ministry of Milwaukee Working, a part of the Community Warehouse in Milwaukee.Bring any used books, DVDs, CDs, Video Games, in decent resale condition and drop them off—the employees of Milwaukee Working, many of whom are unable to find other work because of past criminal history or other factors, sort, stock, and sell these items on Amazon. Please do not donate cassettes or magazines. Thanks for your support of Milwaukee Working!

Chilly Cook-Off for Lutheran Campus Ministry: Saturday, January 28, 2017, 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the Muellner Bldg. Hart Park, Riverview Room (upstairs), 7300 W. Chestnut St., Wauwatosa.

January 23rd— You’re Invited - Social Ministry Issues Night As we begin the new year, we invite all who are concerned about any social issues in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, the United States, and Internationally to gather for a brainstorm-ing session and to see what common ground we have around issues of peace, justice, and wholeness for creation. From 6:30—8:30 on January 23rd, we’ll share snacks, gather in large and small groups, and see what our collective power as a congregation can offer our community, acting as Jesus’ hands and feet. We want to listen to the social issues you are concerned about. If you have issues you’d like the social ministry team to address or know of, but cannot make the meeting, please contact Darla Hium of the Social Ministry Team or Pastor Matt Schlake-Kruse.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran 2016 Special Funds ReportResults as of 12/31/2016

Dollars needed to complete mortgage $299,853Hunger baskets, year-to-date, for Hunger $11,6872016 Benevolence through December 31 $350,941 including Kingdom Account Distributions

Flower Book Sign-Ups Needed - Your Sign-Ups are needed for the altar flower/library book/DVD sign-up notebook! Want to honor a loved one or show someone you care? Designate altar flowers for them, or a library book. Sign up in the Binder at the Information Center. For a donation of $30.00, you may designate altar flowers, or for $15.00 a library book or a DVD for an occasion of your choosing, and

Chocolate and Coffee for Sale: LWR Fair Trade Chocolate available at St. Matthew’s: “Divine Chocolate” - Chocolate made with Fair Trade certified Cocoa beans grown by a farmer owned cooperative in Ghana, is available for purchase the 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month at the Mt. Meru Coffee/LWR Chocolate Project table, in several delicious flavors. Not only do these farmers receive Fair Trade premiums for their cocoa beans, they are part-owners of the Divine Chocolate brand processing co. Bars come in two sizes. This opportunity is brought to us by Rosie Haas, our LWR Divine Chocolate ambassador. Large Bars are $3.50 each and small bars are $1.50 each. Mt. Meru Coffee - Mmmmm...Also, Bruce Johnson, our Mt. Meru Coffee Ambassador offers delicious Mt. Meru coffee for sale each 2nd & 4th Sunday. This product which is purchased at a fair price from the local farmers who live in the area of Tanzania where we have a partnership relationship. Stop by and see! K-cups for single cup coffee brewing (like Keurigs) are also available. And remember that your purchasing dollars do even more good in 2016, as there are four matching gifts pledges in effect, making each $10 purchase worth an additional $4 to scholarships for Tanzania children St. Matthew’s is sponsoring.

The St. Matthew’s Meal Outreach Ministry

Just One More: Volunteers assemble packaged meals to be picked up by area churches and programs each weekday morning at 9:00 a.m. Food packing takes place at their new location: 6442 River Parkway, Wauwatosa. The JOMM office phone is 414-292-5112; speak with Ray Lueck. OR go online to the JOMM website: jomministry.org and click on “volunteer” - you can sign up right there!Guest House: Special thanks to Steve & Ruth Mielke for their expert dinner service at the Guest House on January 8. Three or four volunteers are welcome each month to prepare and serve dinner for 85 men at the Guest House, a homeless shelter. Meet at the church at 5:00 p.m. to carpool and finish by 7:00 p.m. Seeking volunteers for February 12 and March 12. Please contact Carl Johnson (johnsoncr@cdmsmith.com) or 414-771-1023.Repairers of the Breach: We supply 100 bag lunches for the homeless twice a month. We pack the lunches at church on the 2nd and 4th Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. Volunteers are needed to provide beverages, fruit, chips and sweets and/or pack the lunches. Contact Tom Geib (414-321-3391).Serenity Inn: Volunteers prepare and serve 6-8 residents the second Sunday of each month. Volunteers carpool meeting at church at 5:15 returning at 7:15. Currently looking for volunteers for February 12. If you can help, please contact the coordinator, Cherie Swenson, at 262-309-3690 or by email cpjswenson@icloud.comCross Lutheran Lunch Program We serve 300-400 people on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Cross Lutheran Church, 1821 N. 16th Street. We carpool from St. Matthew’s at 10:45 a.m. and serve beginning at about 11:30 and returning to St. Matt’s at about 1:00. Next Meal: Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Pick up a card in worship on the Sunday prior to the meal to donate food.

SAINTS Gathering - Wed. Feb. 15Luther and Doris Kloth of our congregation will give a presentation about their experiences with the Milwaukee Medical Mission that goes to Bucaramanga, Colombia, for two weeks every year. This will be Luther’s 18th year of volunteering physical therapy and wound healing services. Doris has been involved for 7 years.Their presentation with the Saints will take place on Wednesday, February 15 at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Lunch will follow their presentation. Sign up upstairs on the Saints side of the Welcome Center so that we may plan for food.

Saints GatheringWednesday, February 15, 11:30 a.m.

Lunch follows program

Chocolate and Coffee for Sale: LWR Fair Trade Chocolate available at St. Matthew’s: “Divine Chocolate” - Chocolate made with Fair Trade certified Cocoa beans grown by a farmer owned cooperative in Ghana, is available for purchase the 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month at the Mt. Meru Coffee/LWR Chocolate Project table, in several delicious flavors. Large Bars are $3.50 each and small bars are $1.50 each. Mt. Meru Coffee - Mmmmm...Delicious Mt. Meru coffee is available for sale each 2nd & 4th Sunday. This product which is purchased at a fair price from the local farmers who live in the area of Tanzania where we have a partnership relationship. Stop by the display in the Commons and see!

7th & 8th Grade Confirmation schedule:Wed., January 25 - Big Group, 7:00-8:30 p.m.Wednesday, February 1 - Service Night at Hunger Task Force.

Healing Service Schedule: All are welcome at monthly healing services Healing services are offered monthly at St. Matthew’s at a variety of times to give all the opportunity to come forward for healing prayer for themselves or others. You can share your concern with the pastor/leader at the altar, and then he/she along with the healing ministries will lay on hands and give a special prayer for your concern. Your concern can be general if you don’t wish to share specifically. Sunday, February 12, 2017; after 11:00 service

Blood Drive at St. Matthew’s on February 20: Blood Drive for Blood Center of Southeast Wisconsin Monday, February 20, 2017, 3-7 p.m.

Scripture with Scholars: “Return to Your Baptism Daily”: Catholics and Lutherans Consider Baptism with Susan K. Wood, SCL, Ph.D. Professor of Systematic Theol-ogy at Marquette University on Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Atrium, 812 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee. Metered parking is free after 6 p.m. No registration required. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more informa-tion, contact Connie Bach, connie.bach@sbcglobal.net.

Simply Giving: St. Matthew’s Stewardship Committee partners with Thrivent Financial for electronic transfer of contributions from parishioners’ checking or savings accounts directly to St. Matthew’s bank account. For more information or to request enrollment documents, contact Jen in the church office, 414-774-0441 or jenkramer414@gmail.com.

We have Gorgeous Stained Glass Windows at St. Matthew’s: And now we have a beautiful new book featuring photographs taken by Pastor Chris Manke and descriptions written about them by St. Matthew’s first senior pastor, The Rev. William Niebling. They are available at the Welcome Center and in the church office for only $20. Special thanks to Linda Chadwick, who arranged the photos and descriptions and created the keepsake book.

Good Neighbors Needed: Older adults in your neighborhood are looking for a little help. They might need a ride, help with shopping or someone to change a light bulb. Maybe they need someone to ease their loneliness. Basically they need the kinds of things that neighbors do for one another. If you are looking for meaningful ways to help others and improve the quality of life for our neighborhood seniors, call Greater Tosa Interfaith and find out how satisfying it is to be a volunteer. Contact Amy Dedow at Greater Tosa Interfaith, 414-453-5750.

Still Think the Poinsettias Look Great in Worship? We’re done with them, so they are free for the taking after the 11:00 service on January 22. Feel free to take one home.

Caregivers Group meets 2nd and 4th Monday afternoons - Sharing joys and challenges The caregivers group will meet on the following dates at 1 p.m. in the LIBRARY (note new location!). The group is facilitated by Sharon Thiel, and you are welcome to attend. Next Dates: January 23; February 14 and 28

Attention 9th Graders and Families: Your Confirmation packets are now ready for pick-up in the Library Commons. Get yours today! It includes your certificate of confirmation, a photo (if ordered) and a copy of the bulletin, along with your offering envelopes.

Needed for Reformation Neighborhood Store: Items Clean, Gently Used; not new

Winter coats, adults’ & children’sHats, gloves, mittens, scarvesBlanket and Quilts (no afghans)Pots and PansKitchen utensils and GadgetsCostume JewelryCoffee and treats for coffee shopand Hospitality Ministry

Items can be dropped off at 3806 W. Lisbon Ave between 9 a.m. and Noon most Mondays - ThursdaysSince their space is very limited, please do not send any other items at this time.At St. Matthew’s, you may bring items from the list above to donate to the collection area at the Education entrance off the parking lot. Thank you!

Pop Top

Collection: After a hiatus from collecting soda pop can pull tabs, we will resume the collection at this time. These pop tabs are given to the Ronald McDonald House toward the good work they do in housing out-of-town families of patients at Children’s Hospital. The collection spot will be at the entrance of the Education wing, near the other recycling and Reformation pick-up area.

KFC (Kids for Christ) is for children in 1st-3rd grades and Disciples of Christ (DOC) is for children in 4th & 5th grades. We gather for fellowship time, which consists of having lunch (pizza), playing games (ex. Capture the Flag), and a short devotion with songs. Friends in the same grades are welcome to join us. Cost is $4. Please call the church office to RSVP, 414-774-0441, but come even if you can’t RSVP.DOC is scheduled for Sunday, January 22, 12:15-2:00 p.m.

Come join us to RING!Now we know you really want to be behind those Handbell tables looking at those bells and thinking “I get to ring these and make music.” So we have the perfect opportunity for you. The Tuesday morning handbell choir, The EmBELLishments, is open for new ringers to join the handbell fun. Have you ever wanted to give it a try? See what this handbell stuff is all about? This is your chance. This handbell choir meets every Tuesday at 9:30-10:15 starting again on January 24th. We have fun as we learn new music and the techniques of handbell ringing. Please talk with John Paradowski at the church to find out how you can get involved. 414-774-0441 or JRPmuzik@sbcglobal.net

Luther Manor: A Life Plan Community invites you to attend:“Funeral Pre-Planning: A Gift Your Family Deserves” - January 25, 10 a.m. in the Linden Room - enter north drivewayThere are things one needs to consider when planning a funeral. Pre-planning may eliminate tough decisions during a time of grief. Presented by Krause Funeral Homes. Free. Please RSVP to 414.847-5091.

Creator of “A Doll Like Me” gives presentation at Atonement Lutheran Church, Muskego:If you missed the presentation at the Women Together in Prayer Breakfast last April, or wish to see the presenta-tion again that Amy Jandrisevits offered, contact Bev Etzelmueller at bevetz@sbcglobal.net or 262-250-3969. Amy is a member of Cross Lutheran & creator of A Doll Like Me. Her presentation will be demonstrated to the women at Atonement Lutheran Church on Satur-day, February 18th. Amy crafts replica dolls with limb differences to share with children. Bev will be attending on the 18th; let her know if you wish to join her or want more details.

Simply Giving: St. Matthew’s Stewardship Committee partners with Thrivent Financial for electronic transfer of contributions from parishioners’ checking or savings accounts directly to St. Matthew’s bank account. For more information or to request enrollment documents, contact Jen in the church office, 414-774-0441 or jenkramer414@gmail.com

Gifts of Stock are WelcomeGifts of stock are always welcome at St. Matthew’s. Our brokerage account is with Robert W. Baird here in the Milwaukee area. The contact person is Curt Brewer, 262-523-5644. He can arrange to have your gift transferred directly from your account to St. Matthew’s brokerage account. Consult with your tax advisor to see if this has significant advantages for you. As always, feel free to contact Jen in the church office with questions.

Luther College’s Nordic Choir is com-ing to the Milwaukee area on Sunday, January 29 at 4:30 p.m. at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 2016 Center Road, Waukesha. The performance by the 66-member Nordic Choir is open to the public. Ticket prices are adult $20, seniors $15 and students $5. Tickets available by calling (800) 4-LUTHER or online at www.tickets.luther.edu. Tickets will also be available at the door.This concert is a part of Nordic Choir’s 2017 Midwest Tour. The program will include selections from the following: “Jubilate Deo” by Benjamin Britten, “The Road Home” by the late Stephen Paulus, and “Always Singing” by Dale Warland, as well as hymn arrangements, spirituals and the traditional Nordic Choir closing piece, “O Lord God” by Pavel Chesnokov. Christ the Servant Lutheran Church is the church where Pastor Ann’s husband, The Rev. Jay McDivitt is pastor.

Friday, February 10th5:30pm - Auction Viewing

& Bidding6:30 pm - Dinner & Entertainment

St. Matthew’s Weekly Sign-Up PanelJanuary 22, 2017

If you are interested in any of the following activities/events, please check the appropriate box and place this sheet in the offering plate, or turn it in to the church office. This is your opportunity to be involved in some of St. Matthew’s ministries.

I plan to attend the Saints Gathering in January, on Wednesday, February 15 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Number attending _____

I plan to attend the Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, January 28. Number attending _____

I am interested in the Women’s Bible Study beginning on February 1.

I’d like to attend the Cross Mardi Gras Ball on Friday, February 17 at The Sheraton Milwaukee-Brookfield. Number attending ______ Beef, Chicken or Vegetarian entree

I can help to serve lunch occasionally at Cross Lutheran Church on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

I would like more information about serving at Serenity Inn occasionally. It is scheduled each second Sunday evening. (Serenity volunteers serve only dates you choose)

Name___________________________________ Phone Number___________________

Email Address _________________________________________________________

For more information on any of these opportunities, please call or email the church office, 414-774-0441 or office@stmattslutheran.org.

Please add my email address to the list of people receiving the Friday “Bulletin Update,” a preview of the announcements in the upcoming Sunday’s bulletin.

I would like more information about serving at Serenity Inn occasionally. It is scheduled each second Sunday evening. (Serenity volunteers serve only dates you choose)

I’d like to help with the “Just One More” meal ministry on Friday mornings. The food distributing takes place at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wisconsin Ave. in Milwaukee.

I have a question about ___________________

Please add my email address to the list of people receiving the Friday “Bulletin Update,” a preview of the announcements in the upcoming Sunday’s bulletin.

Ministers ThePeopleofSt.Matthew’sEv.LutheranChurchLeadPastor TheRev.ChristopherJ.P.MankeAssociatePastor TheRev.MatthewSchlake-KruseAssociatePastor TheRev.AnnWilliamsMusicMinister/Organist/NewGeneration&AdultHandbellChoirs JohnR.ParadowskiDirectorofOlderAdultMinistries JaneSandstromDirectorofYouthMinistries&Children’sEducationCoordinator GretchenHaugseVolunteerMinistries/SmallGroups/AdultEducation SueSwingChildren’sMinistryCoordinator DonnaGardnerMankePastors’Assistant/SundaySchoolSupport EmilyWanezekTechnologyCoordinator BrianSmithLibraryCoordinator(Volunteer) LindaWunderlichSeniorChoirDirector DavidMohrYouthHandbellChoirs JeffreyReevesNewCreationChoir JeffreyReevesandJohnParadowski;HeideHughes,accompanistPraiseKids!Directors(Jr.K-2grades) JeffReevesandAmyDankwardtFinancialAdministrator JenniferKramerOfficeAssistant JillDueCommunicationsSecretary SonjaMohrJanitor RobertGardnerCleaningServices MarshaOlsonMaintenanceandSet-Ups SamOdrzywolskiPastorEmeritus TheRev.GaryErickson

Vision Statement: Guided byGod’s Spirit andGrace, we are a community ofdisciplesgrowinginfaith,hopeandloveinourLordandSaviorJesusChrist.(What we want to become)

Mission Statement: Called to fulfill the Great Commission, St. Matthew’swelcomesalltofaithinJesusChrist,nurturesourfaithjourney,equipsustoserveothers,andsendsusintotheworldtomakeadifferenceinJesus’name.(What we are going to do)

Values: Wewant to be people who grow in our Spiritual fruitfulness, which isshown through the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness,Goodness,Faithfulness,Gentleness,Self-control.(Who we want to be)