Dear Siblings in Christ,
This coming Sunday, October 29, we will gather to celebrate an important date in the history of the Lutheran faith — Reformation Day. It is the anniversary of the day Martin Luther is said to have posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany (October 31, 1517), later identified by Protestants as the beginning of the Reformation. If you want to read the ninety-five theses, please look on our doors on your way out or your way in (weather permitting!).
We will plan to gather for worship at St. Matthias this coming Sunday at 9:30 a.m. inside the building.
We will also have two other things happening and we hope you will join us — this Sunday will be the last week that Marleen will be serving as our organist. She’s leaving to spend more time with her grandchildren and family — but she’s not really leaving as she will always be part of the St. Matthias family, and has agreed to come back to fill in on days when Kathy will not be available. Please come as we thank Marleen for her time with us and wish her well. She will be missed!
We also invite you to join us for the first forum we’ve hosted since the pandemic. Vickie Opilo will join us to share her experiences with organizing and participating in social justice-related events, including Black Lives Matter and indigenous awareness programs. We will hold the forum in our worship space to allow more room for seating and social distancing — please stay for this opportunity to learn more about social justice organizations and getting involved!
After the feeding of the 5000, Jesus claimed that eating his flesh and drinking his blood would share his eternal life. Whether because the notion of cannibalism was so distasteful or because he claimed to give what only God could, Jesus began to lose popularity from that point on. Even some of his disciples left, and it seems that it is with these disappointed former followers that Jesus speaks in this Sunday’s Gospel lesson from John.
Announcements:
Mark Your Calendar!
Every Thursday @ 6pm -Evening Prayer Service, with Holy Communion weekly beginning Nov. 5
Sunday, Oct. 29-Reformation Sunday and Forum following worship. Don’t forget to wear your red to church as we celebrate the Reformation!
Sunday, Nov. 1-All Saints Sunday and Harvest Home Sunday. We will be collecting fresh fruits and vegetables to share with those in need through Safe Harbor.
Monday, Nov. 2-Church Council Meeting
Sunday, Nov. 25-Forum following worship., featuring the Rev. Dr. Martin Zimman from United Lutheran Seminary
A reminder that we are collecting items for Community Cares, Safe Harbor, and Project Share. Items may be dropped off near the exit door. Thank you for your support!
Now that we have returned to in-person worship, please note that, because our sanctuary (including the balcony) can comfortably and safely accommodate around 20 people, we do offer several opportunities for worship to accommodate your needs and to help ensure a safe worship space:
- Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. inside the building
- Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. inside the building. Please note that we will begin offering Holy Communion during Thursday prayer service beginning the first week of November for those who wish to partake.
- Online worship, which is posted to our Facebook page and YouTube site Sunday afternoons following in-person worship
Prayer Requests:
Christian M. (Marines) and all military service personnel.
Don and Joanne, Jacques, Pam, Betty Lou, Mark, Pat, Seth, DJ, Margaret, Larry, Sally, George, Arleen, Greg, Billie, Takyra and family, family and friends of Mary Lou, family and friends of Arleen, and all who ask for the Lord’s healing and mercy.
Please remember all those affected by COVID-19, those affected by natural disasters, those who are undergoing testing and medical procedures in the coming week, our LGBTQ+, black, brown, and indigenous siblings in Christ, and our government and world leaders.
If you have an addition to the prayer list please email stmatthiascs@gmail.com or call the church.
God’s peace,
Vicar MJ