Parish News January 4, 2009


Altar Flowers for January 4, 2009
One altar vase in honor of the Rev. James P. Blalock in appreciation of his continuing service to St. Matthew’s. One altar vase in honor of Margaret L. Baptiste on her birthday, given by Elliotte and Annette Quinn.

Council Members are being installed today: Janelle Othersen (President), Ross Campbell (Vice-President), Nancy Romness (Secretary). New members: Lisa DeHaven, Carol Koon, & Wesley Kornahrens. Re-elected members: Rudy Matzner & Ernie Weatherholtz. Current members: Wayne Weart, Joan Holling, Chris Altman, Gene Brown, Ed Puckhaber, Fred Renken, Carla Greene.

Meet Debarah Harbuck, your new Parish Secretary! She comes to us from Chattanooga, TN with a background in church administration/desktop publishing. She worked for First Baptist Church Chattanooga for 15 years. She’s delighted to serve you...come meet her!

If you desire prayer for any reason, our Prayer Partners will receive you in the chapel after you have communed. The Prayer Partners for today are: (8:30AM) (11AM)

Remember this Wednesday, Jan 7 is the first quarter XYZ Lunch, Listen & Learn at St. Luke's in Summerville beginning at 9:30 AM.

Monday, Jan. 5 XYZ Bowling at Ashley Lanes beginning at 1:30 PM. All adults 55 & over are invited to attend. For further information call Irene Bennett at the office.

Please consider making a donation to the Darryl G. Johnson Scholarship Fund. The fund directly benefits the participants and families in the Quality Time Respite Care Program who cannot afford our small fee. Quality Time does not turn anyone away because of an inability to pay. Darryl G. Johnson was the Chairman of the Advisory Board for the respite program for 10 years. Upon Darryl's retirement from the board, the fund was created to honor his many years of dedication and service to the program. To contribute, please make check payable to Respite Care Ministries with Darryl G. Johnson scholarship in the memo.

Our Outreach Center has an opening for a volunteer English as a Second Language teacher for the January semester. The opening is to teach a day class (9:30-11:30) one day per week. The position is through May. Training is provided.  If you have an interest or need more information call Hayden Shook, ESL program manager, at 579-0420 Ex 40 or email her at haydenshook@bellsouth.net. 

St. Matthew's worship services can now be heard on the new website kirkenmin.com. Listen whenever you wish.

The Outreach Center food pantry needs non-perishable food. This is a difficult time for many of the families we serve. Canned meats and fish are especially welcomed although all non-perishables are needed. Volunteers are welcomed as food bank shoppers and stockers.

All Ladies are invited to WELCA's Annual Tea and Meeting at Franke @ Seaside. It will be January 11th at 3:00pm.

Preparation for Baptism – Pastor Blalock would like to meet with anyone who is interested in being baptized or has a child to be baptized. Please contact LaVondilyn Watson, Parish Secretary, and 723-1611 ext. 16 to schedule an appointment.

There is a Mother’s Lounge available to use anytime.
Room 201 in the Education Building located at the top of the steps by the Vanderhorst Street door is now available with rocking chairs and a changing table.

Child Protection Anyone who wishes to help with children and youth ministries needs to complete Stewards of Children training from Darkness to Light and complete paperwork. The training is available online! Once you begin the online program, you have two weeks to complete it. To sign up for the Stewards of Children online training, please contact Debarah Harbuck, Parish Secretary, 723-1611 ext.16 to get St. Matthew’s Log in ID and password.

Shepherd Ministry The purpose of the St. Matthew’s Shepherd Ministry is to create, maintain and sustain loving and caring relationships within the life of our church family. If anyone in the congregation has not been contacted by their Shepherd, has a change of address or would like more information about this ministry, please contact: Janelle Othersen jnbothersen@bellsouth.net
Shepherds & Area Coordinators: Please mark your calendars for Shepherd Ministry Commitment Sunday on January 11 and a quarterly meeting on January 14 at noon or 6:30PM (dinner served 5:30 – 6:30).

All Church Epiphany/Mission Event will begin Wednesdays Together! 2009 this Wednesday, January 7. This event is for all ages and childcare will be provided.
5:30 – 6:30 Dinner served (Please make your reservation for dinner on the Record of Attendance found in the Sunday bulletin. The cost is $5 per person with a maximum of $17 per family. College students/no charge. If you need financial assistance for the meal please contact Cindy Greenwood 723-1611 Ext. 26.)
6:15 Power Point presentation from Pastor Carl Yost in Afghanistan giving thanks for care kit donations
6:20 – Power Point presentation of Sarah Fitch’s missionary work with ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission in Slovakia 6:30 – 7:30 Information on the SC Synod’s partners in Japan, Tanzania and our newest partner, the country of Columbia. John Burbage will present before and after pictures of the present and the on-going projects in the Southwestern Diocese, Tanzania. These projects are some that not only our Synod has been involved with but also the members of St. Matthew’s! This presentation will set the stage for the up-coming Mission 2009 trip back to Tanzania led by John and Kelly Burbage. You will hear more information on the focus of Mission 2009 that departs this June!

DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Classes meet Sundays at 9:45AM in the Education Building
Sunday School Superintendent: Mary Beth Hill
Children Age 1 – Grade 1
Toddler Class for ages 1-2 ~Room 102 Preschool Class for ages 3 -5 ~ Room 101
Kindergarten - Grades 1 ~ Room 104
Grades 2 – 5 and parents - Bible Song in the Auditorium
Head to the Heart (H2H) Confirmation Ministry - Grades 6-8 – Room 209 Parents are encouraged to attend.
Senior High - Third Floor Youth Room - devozine – Devotions to help youth develop a lifelong practice of spending time with God and
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Adult classes meet Sundays at 9:45AM – Meet in the Community Outreach Center (ORC) or in the Chapel in the Education Building
That the World May Know - Charles Schantz - ORC – First Floor. Filmed on location in Israel, Faith Lessons is a unique video set that brings God’s Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible’s fascinating historical, cultural, religious and geographical contexts, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals keen insights in to the Scriptures’ significance for believers in this day and age.
Jan. 4 & 11 Belvoir – “Misguided Faith” a look at the Crusades
Young Adult Class – Laura & Chris Altman - ORC - 301
Young adults gather for coffee and discussion to help you examine your faith as you grow as a Christian.
Bible Study - Pastor Raymond Hollifield - Chapel
Come be a part of this new class for an in-depth, verse by verse study of the Gospel of Mark.
Discover St. Matthew’s – ORC -201 (10 Sessions) January 25 – April 26 - Finding out what's involved in being a church member is just one of the purposes of this class. This a great opportunity for anyone to brush up on being Lutheran and living out your faith. Come explore the ministry and mission of St. Matthew's. New Member Sunday is May 3.
Contact: Bev and Ed Blanton, Becky & Pastor Dick Campbell
Daily Bible Reading study with Pastor Blalock – January 21 at 6:30PM, March 1 and April 19 at 9:45AM.

We Care for Our Troops Prayer Wall is located by the elevator on the lower level of the first floor in the Education Building.
Please add names, addresses and pictures of anyone you know who is serving in the military. For updates contact cindygreenwood@smlccharleston.org (723-1611 ext 26).

The Week at a Glance

Sunday, January 4
8:30AM Holy Communion—Installation of
Council Offices & Members (S)
9:45AM Sunday School for All Ages
11AM Holy Communion—Installation of
Council Offices & Members

Little Red Wagon Sunday

Monday, January 5
10AM Respite Care
10:30AM Circle 3
6:30PM Ministry Boards Chairs
7PM Ministry Boards

Tuesday, January 6– Epiphany
8AM Men’s Work Crew
10:30AM Respite Care
2PM Staff Meeting—Communion

Wednesday, January 7
11AM Circle 6
12:30PM ORC Board Meeting
4:45PM Alleluia Choir
5:30PM Youth Choir
5:30PM Dinner
6:15PM Mission/Epiphany Event w/ J. Burbage
6:30PM Childcare
7:30PM Gallery Choir

Thursday, January 8
10AM QT Respite Care
11AM Circle 4

Friday, January 9
10AM QT Respite Care

Saturday, January 10

11AM Women’s AA
5PM “Low Country Feast” - Coastal Retreat Ctr.