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ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH LIVING FAITH NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2016

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Worship Hours 8:30 am

11:00 am

Sunday Church

School 9:45-10:45

OFFICE HOURS 8:30 – 4:00

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Your Pastor, Rev SEZ… Advent ☩ O Come All Ye Faithful There is a lot of confusion as to what the season of Advent really is. Advent marks the beginning of a new church year. It is a season rich in anticipation, preparation, and expectation. However, as we gaze at the world around us, it would appear that Advent has metamorphosed in a “Christmas type” season. Yet Advent remains a hopeful time of preparing for the Christmas season. At the conclusion of Advent, since 350 AD the Church has celebrated the “Christ Mass” on the 24th of December. After the Advent preparations, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah of God – The very Word of God made flesh. In our Advent worship we will hear of Old Testament prophesies of the coming Messiah. We will hear John the Baptizer boldly proclaiming in the wilderness, “The time is at hand. Prepare the way for the Lord.” In our worship we will sing Light One Candle and light the candles on our Advent wreath. Without Advent, The Christmas season comes and goes as a rather small event. However, in our Advent preparations we hear how the people of God waited in faithful anticipation for hundreds of years for birth of the Messiah ~ He who will be proclaimed as Lord of lords, King of kings and the Prince of Peace. I encourage you this Advent season to prepare your hearts as well as your homes for the celebration of our Lord’s humble birth in Bethlehem. I often hear people exclaim a few days after Christmas: “Whew, I’m glad that’s over with for another year. Advent and Christmas are so much more than decorations, lights, presents and goodies. Take time this Advent season to prepare your hearts for the birth of Christ… and on Christmas Eve I pray that our hearts will be filled anew with the wonder, awe and faith of those shepherds and wisemen as they too witnessed the birth of God made flesh.

May the blessings of this holy season fill you with grace and faith,

☩ Pastor Scott Zimmerer

LIVING FAITH ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 12351 All Saints Place Woodbridge, VA 703-494-3090

http://www.facebook.com/


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Please be sure to pick up your

2017

Offering Envelopes

located in the Narthex

FINANCE & STEWARDSHIP ~ $teward$hip ~ What it is… What it isn’t… Many people equate the term stewardship with money. But stewardship is so much more than mere principles of finance and budgeting. Stewardship is a principle of discipleship. Stewardship involves the management of our time and talents, as well as our treasures. Stewardship has even been defined as: Everything I do after I say “I believe.” The term steward has its roots in the Old Testament. The steward was the manager for the master. The steward had both the authority and the responsibility to manage the property, possessions and finances of his master. This is an excellent analogy for how we live our lives as disciples of Jesus in this world. We are merely the managers of our time, talents and treasures. The world would have us think that we deserve or have earned all that we have accumulated, but as believers, we know we have these blessings through the bounty of a gracious and benevolent God. This year our Stewardship Committee has chosen With Joy and Thanksgiving to be the theme of our stewardship campaign. This phrase comes from our offertory prayer: We offer with joy and thanksgiving what God has first given us – ourselves, our time and our possessions, signs of his gracious love. This is the attitude of a thankful steward ~ with joy and thanksgiving in our hearts. Stewardship is a discipline ~ notice it’s similarity to the word disciple! Like any discipline, there needs to be regularity and growth. Our stewardship challenge this year is for everyone to prayerfully consider a 10% growth in giving to support the ministries of St. Matthew’s and the wider church. And we do this in thankful response for what God has so graciously placed into our care. An example would be: If you currently give $100 a week ~ the challenge would be $110 a week for 2017. Some people choose to give their offerings weekly, others monthly or when they are paid. Some give by envelope, others electronically. The details are the how and when… the importance is the discipline – the regularity. This coming Sunday, December 4th there will be stewardship packets available in the narthex. They will include: a giving growth form, our 2017 Ministry Plan (budget), estimate of giving card, and a brochure on the many ELCA and synodical ministries that our offerings support. Please pickup your packet and read through it prayerfully. Commitment Sunday will be the following week, December 11th.

With Joy and Thanksgiving,

☩ Your Stewardship Committee


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Yours in God’s love,

Sarah Wright

I’m sure it will be a blessing... it could even be fun ☺.

Notes from your Intern/Vicar At confirmation we spent time parsing through the Lord’s Prayer. We talked a lot about what it means to ask God for “our daily bread” and how closely that ties in with the bread that we eat at communion and also the “bread” that we are given in our daily lives. That, paired with the bread blessing that we did on Thanksgiving Eve really made me think about what it means to give during this season of thanksgiving and what happens after. First, of course, I am thankful. I am thankful that God gives us everything that we need. I am thankful that this “daily bread” is so much more than just the food we need to survive, that it is the food that feeds our soul, the resources to live a safe and happy life, and it is a plea for God to give “bread” for the whole world, not just for ourselves. Alongside the thanksgiving we should give back to God, a lot of churches talk about giving, especially this time of year. It’s a time when stewardship is the focus and people filling the pews of churches all over the world feel moved to generosity due to the spirit of the season, pleas from the pulpit, and being bombarded with opportunities to donate to this and that. It’s a wonderful thing, don’t get me wrong, but it can also be very...shallow...surface. Churches tend to give to something rather than “do” something. We plug in where there is financial need without getting our hands dirty and we stay in the sanctity, safety, and serenity of our church walls. We all fall into this category at some time or another. So many churches, though, find this as their “norm” of giving. But what strikes me about St. Matthew’s isn’t just how much you give financially (because you give more than most), but how much you actually give of yourselves—how you actually get your hands “dirty” and do the work that needs to be done for the sake of the world and community. It’s beautiful. I mean that. And it is oh so necessary for the world. It is also necessary for us. There’s something that happens to us when we give. When we give of our money, our hearts are refocused on what is important and about Who is important. When we give of our time, we demonstrate this to others, and we make a habit of it for ourselves. When we give of ourselves while we serve: our stories, our prayers, our experiences, the things that make us, us—we are served also. That’s the great paradox of giving. We often “get back” much more than we’ve given. That’s what you all have shown me this month. In the various programs, meetings, projects, and events I have been a part of with you this month I’ve experienced that first hand. You plan, you participate and you give—not just of your possessions and your time, but of yourselves. And I can see that it has changed you, it has changed your church into the warm, giving place that it is today. This poem stuck with me this week and seems to demonstrate my prayer for the church, for myself, and for all of you during this season of giving and of thanksgiving...

Rice It grew in the black mud. It grew under the tiger’s orange paws. Its stems thinner than candles, and as straight. Its leaves like the feathers of egrets, but green. The grains cresting, wanting to burst. Oh, blood of the tiger.

I don’t want you just to sit down at the table. I don’t want you just to eat, and be content. I want you to walk out into the fields where the water is shining, and the rice has risen. I want you to stand there, far from the white tablecloth. I want you to fill your hands with the mud, like a blessing. --Mary Oliver

This poem made me think about the connection between worship and service. The point of church, one of the goals of the Lord’s Supper, is to move the people God has called to be church out into the world—to serve. The Spirit that has been given to us should move us from white tablecloths at communion into communion and service with the world, whether that is at a clothing bank, a food pantry, a field, a building project, a shelter, an advocacy group, a mental health program, a new ministry, or a community. And then it moves us back to worship, to the bread—the body, and the blood of Jesus once again. So let’s extend our hands, let God fill them with mud, and do this important, joyous, hard work of giving even after the turkeys are eaten, presents are opened, and the trees are taken down.


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Middle and High Youth News Lots going on with the Middle and High School Youth groups in November! To start the month off we went on a shopping trip to Giant. Middle and High schoolers broke up into groups and filled 20 bags of food for families in need! Some groups even managed to fill their bags with breakfast, lunch AND dinner for $20! Shopping is hard, so it

was obviously followed by food, and games ☺. Later that week High schoolers got together for a bowling trip where Gabe Stachour was the youth group champion. We tried to partner with the ARC bowling event that happens every Tuesday and ran into Julia there!

November was also our month for a youth-led worship service which went really well. Hopefully we will do another one soon and we already have a couple of High schoolers on deck to preach! Now we look forward to our upcoming December events:

Middle and High School Sleepover Dec. 2-3rd 6pm – 11am

Please sign up!!!

Bring clothes that you can paint in!

Dec 16th 4:45pm – 10:30pm Middle and High School Caroling Meet @ church at 4:45pm and then we will go caroling and end at the Lundgren’s. We’ll have pizza, cocoa, a movie, and a white elephant gift exchange (bring a wrapped present if you would like to participate)! Pick up will be at the Lundgren’s at 10:30pm (3180 Darden Drive). Please sign up on the poster on the youth bulletin board.

We have also been so blessed by having Sabrina Chandler join our church staff. She is helping with youth events and we are so grateful! If you weren’t able to attend the meeting between services on November 27th (ski trip, synod events, beach trip, mission trip) please see Pastor Zimmerer or Sarah for more information. Have youth ideas? Contact Sarah or Sabrina!


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Thanks to the Middle and High School Youth

for sewing stockings for residents at Potomac Place during the Advent Dinner!

CONFIRMATION The Confirmation Schedule for December ~ Confirmation at St. Matthew’s is for 7th ~ 8th ~ 9th Grades. We meet on Wednesday evenings 5:30-7:30. Please speak (or email) Pastor Z if the timing is problematic for you and your child.

Please Note: Due to the Christmas holidays, there will be NO classes on Dec 21 and 28.

Parents’ Notes: We provide meals for the full class ~ if your child is not able to attend, please inform the office by the previous Monday… we are wasting lots of food due to students missing or coming late. We want to be good stewards of the financial resources we have at our disposal. There are a number of openings for “meal providers.” We expected parents to sign up for 2-3 meals, many have only signed up for one… we need your help if meals are to continue. Please contact Jess Hata if you have not signed up for 2-3 meals. She can be reached at [email protected].

The next Parent/Student class will be Jan 25, 6pm

Confirmands will be scheduled to ACOLYTE. If there is a schedule conflict it is YOUR responsibility to switch with another acolyte and inform the office. If you have a service preference, please e-mail Pastor Z @ [email protected] with the service you usually attend. Thank you for your help with this.

Young ADULTS Get Together

We had a great time visiting at Brixx over the Thanksgiving break. If you are a young adult and would like to join us for our next event,

please let our Intern Sarah know! Almost 60 adults and children came out for lots of laughs... and some yummy smores.

mailto:[email protected]



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Join us Friday, December 9th at 5pm

We'll eat pizza, play ping-pong or pool, do some crafts, etc. and YES... more Fusion Beads!!! Stay tuned for more detailed info on pizza (we will

probably need a few dollars per family) drinks, etc. But for

now....please mark your calendars... as always... everyone is welcome!!!

NOTE: Please either plan to stay with your kiddos or team up with another

parent to tag team supervision. Sign up on the

Youth Bulletin board – across from Fellowship Hall

JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP

Ticonderoga Farms Event We had fabulous weather and fun for all! Almost 60 adults and children came out for lots of laughs... and some yummy smores.


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COUNCIL FROM THE PRESIDENT-Linda Mazzucchi

PLEASE JOIN US…The Annual Congregational Meeting will take place on Sunday, December 11, 2016 beginning at 9:45 AM. The purpose of the meeting will be to elect three members to serve on Church Council and two members to serve on Mission Fund. We will also discuss and vote on the Ministry Plan for 2017.

Candidates for three openings on the Church Council: Mindy Nethercutt, with her husband Scott and their family, has been a member for 18 years. She has provided food for Cookie Ministry, receptions, gatherings, and the homeless shelter, transported youth to gatherings and activities, assisted in church workdays, served as a greeter, currently serves on the Coffee Committee, and lends a helping hand wherever needed.

Nine years ago, John Rigot and his family joined St. Matthew’s. He has enjoyed being a greeter, lector and communion assistant, and has supported senior citizen luncheons, youth group outings and fundraisers. In past years, John has served on the Property Committee, the mowing and snow removal crews, and the church work day teams.

Betsy Minihan and her family have been at St. Matthew’s for over 20 years. She has taught in the SCS nursery and been involved with the Parenting Class, supported Social Ministry activities, enjoys helping with the adopted families at Christmas, and shows up on church work days ready to help. Steve Heath, with his wife Libby and daughter Laurel, has been attending St.

Matthew’s for 4 years. He has served as an usher and contributed to various congregational events. In his daily work, he does budget projections and feels able to contribute in that area. Steve also has an interest in religious education, believing that his understanding of Christ is constantly deepened by exploring the philosophic traditions of our faith.

Tom Meier and his wife Kathy have been familiar faces in our choir for 11 years. He also serves as a lector and communion assistant. At various times in previous churches, he served on the Worship and Music Committee, was responsible for the annual budget, and edited the monthly newsletter.

Candidates for two openings on the Mission Fund: Birgit Ralston has attended since 2006. She served as treasurer of the Women's Group for three years and works as an usher and a greeter. She is committed to helping with St. Matthew's future success, which includes tending to the wellbeing of the congregation and staff in whatever small

way she can.

Few members can boast that they have been at St. Matthew’s since they were nine days old! Emily Carr was baptized and confirmed here and has helped with many Social Ministry activities and VCS. She has been teaching a SCS preschool class for two years. She welcomes this opportunity to give back to St. Matthew’s.


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Congratulations to Adam Colbert

and parents Lee and Leigh Colbert on the

completion of his PhD in Chemistry at the University of Washington.

The Pastoral Relations Committee

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ from

whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every joint with which it is supplied, when each part is

working properly, makes bodily growth and up-builds itself in love. -Ephesians 4:15-16

Although it is hard to believe, on January 1st, Pastor Zimmerer will have completed one year at St. Matthew’s. Since he began his ministry, he has been very busy learning everything he can about the ministries, the members, the staff, and the building. As an experienced pastor, he has brought fresh eyes to standard procedures and introduced innovative ideas for worship and ministry. Pr. Zimmerer is anxious to serve St. Matthew’s to the best of his ability and welcomes feedback on his work, but he also must have an opportunity to share his concerns and needs. With that in mind, the Church Council recently activated a Pastoral Relations Committee, which is a small group of members who support the pastor and provide a regular channel of communication between the pastor and the congregation. The members of this committee, which will begin meeting regularly in January, are George Orr, Pat Knock, Andrew Malakoff, and Linda Mazzucchi. Their main role will be to facilitate open and honest communication between the pastor and his flock. Caring for our pastor is another way we can strengthen and enrich our life together.

Give the Gift of Camp for Christmas! Registration is open(!) for another exciting season

of summer camp at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp. Welcoming children from Grades 1 - 12, Caroline Furnace is nestled in the Shenandoah Valley less than 2 hours from Lake Ridge. Giving Camp for Christmas to your child, grandchild, niece or nephew replaces texts and TV with playing in the great outdoors, singing around a campfire, embracing new friendships, and enjoying daily Bible studies. It's a gift of lifelong memories. Go to carolinefurnace.org for more information and to sign up your camper.

Many Thanks to Pam Orr for her years of service as our Evangelism Parish Worker

http://carolinefurnace.org/


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WORSHIP & MUSIC. Advent ~ Greening ~ Christmas Decorating All are invited to join in any of the events below to help decorate our church for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Families are welcome!!

To add to our Advent Season of Joy and Anticipation, the Committee would like to have a Nativity display set up in the nave for the second and third Sunday of Advent.

We would love to have as many Nativity sets as possible to make a grand display. If church members would be willing to have their Nativity set(s) on display, please bring them to the church nave (there will be tables set up in the front left side), beginning Sunday, November 27th until the morning of Friday, December 2nd. Please be sure to have your name and phone number on the container you bring it in, so it can be properly returned to you. If your Nativity set has a significant background story or importance to you, please share the details on a note card with your set.

Such as: “This is the Nativity I grew up with and remember putting it under our tree each year.” OR “I found this set at the store and fell in love with it.”

If you would like to help with setting up the display please join us Friday, December 2nd at 10am or Saturday, December 3rd at 10am in the nave. Questions? Contact Terri Zimmerer 214-918-3034

ADVENT 2 ~ Sunday, December 4th Friday, Dec 9th 9:00 am Hang greens and lights on nave circular beam Saturday, Dec 10th 9:30 am (9:00 – donuts, coffee and get set up)

Outdoor Crèche (needs some repairs) …and large wreath hung

ADVENT 3 ~ Sunday, December 11th ADVENT 4 ~ Sunday, December 18th

Tuesday, Dec 20th 1:00 pm Set up tree, hang white rafter banners, make up large sprays

Thursday, Dec 22nd Greening Event ~ 7:00 pm (6:30 -set up) Hang Chrismons, hang sprays, put up candle poles, decorate with greenery and candlelight candles. All are invited to join in this festive event!!

CHRISTMAS EVE ~ Saturday, December 24th Services: 5:00 Children/Family Service 7:00 Holy Communion and Candlelight Service 9:00 Holy Communion and Candlelight Service 11:00 Holy Communion and Candlelight Service CHRISTMAS DAY ~ December 25th 11:00 am service only NEW YEAR’S DAY~ January 1, 2017 11:00 am service only

If you would like to help provide

poinsettias for our Christmas Services

please look for donation envelopes on

the Name Tag table in the Narthex.

Donations can be designated in

memory or in honor of loved ones.

Please turn in donations by Dec 18.

tel:214-918-3034

tel:214-918-3034


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NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

December 25th or

January 1st

SUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL- Christian Education

Christmas Program ~ Sunday, December 18th

3 and 4 year olds and Kindergarten classes will be angels 1st and 2nd graders will be dressed as shepherds (costumes will be provided) All other classes wear their Sunday best.

Rehearsal Schedule December 3: 9:00-11:00 All Characters (to be announced) December 10 and 17: 9:00-11:30 All Characters 10:00-10:30 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders

10:30-10:45 3 & 4 year olds and Kindergarten class 11:00-11:30 6th through 12th graders December 18: 9:45 Short run through during SCS

5:45pm All students arrive. They should be dressed in costume and go directly to the area where their teachers have told them to meet.

Each family is asked to bring 2 DOZEN COOKIES to share at the reception following the program.

Extraordinary Sunday Closing Prayer WE PRAY: Father in Heaven, thank You for each person here today. Thank You for loving us and knowing us. Help us to know You better and to love You more each day. Then help us to serve You by serving others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen The next Extraordinary Sunday is scheduled for January 8th ~ Join us in the basement at 9:45.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 1396 CHRISTMAS TREE SALES St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Parking Lot / Picnic Area

Saturday, November 19th ~ Tuesday, December 20, 2016

BEAUTIFUL 5’-6’, 7’-8’ & a few 9’-10’ FRASER FIRS

(We also offer 30” Fraser Fir Wreaths.)

BRING THIS COUPON IN TO RECEIVE A $5.00 DISCOUNT OFF OF ONE PREMIUM- TREE

St. Matthew's will be the host venue for

The Youth Orchestras of Prince William

'Winter Recital' Saturday, Dec. 3 at 4 pm in the nave.

Students will perform both solo and chamber ensemble selections. There is no charge for the performance and it is open to the public.


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Save the Date ~

Friday to Sunday

October 13 - 15, 2017

All Lutheran Women’s

Retreat

Fredericksburg Hospitality

House & Conference Center

CHURCH WOMEN - Join us! Advent Reflections ~ Tuesday, December 13th

7 pm at Barbara Leiby’s ~ 11828 Antietam Road A gathering time for women to share food, fellowship and slow down for a few minutes during the busy advent season. Bring your favorite meaningful scripture verse to trade with another woman of faith to use throughout the year. Please sign up on poster in narthex to attend.

Day of Service ~

Monday, January 16, 2017

from 9:00 – 4:00. You may set up starting at 8:30. A full day of opportunity to provide quilts for Military Men and Women through the Quilts of Honor organization, to provide

“Mission Quilts” to meet Lutheran World Relief’s need for disaster relief and the opportunity to make a simple dress that will allow a girl from Namibia to attend school. Where: St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Basement – 12351 All Saints Place, Woodbridge, VA, 22192. Enter the building using the side door facing Lake Ridge Middle School. We can use the elevator to access the basement. What to do now If you wish, start gathering some new fabric and/or new washed pillowcases for the dresses. Quilts of Honor are made from 100% cotton in patriotic prints and solid colors. Recommended fabrics for Mission Quilts include cotton, cotton blends, twill, corduroy, polyester knits, fleece and donated upholstery and drapery samples (no fiberglass). Dresses can be made from pillowcases or fabric and use double fold, wide bias tape. The dresses also look cuter with trim added – lace, rick rack, embroidered trim, etc. We already have donations to make many quilts. You are not required to bring anything but yourself! Check out the organizations: Quilts of Honor: http://quiltsofhonor.wordpress.com/ Lutheran World Relief: http://lwr.org/getinvolved/quilts and Friends of NamibianChildren.org for the dresses. These dresses are carried to Africa by volunteers – they are not mailed. Bring: Sewing machines with neutral thread if possible, but non-sewing volunteers are very much needed to measure, pin, fold, tie quilts and press. Lunch: We are hoping for a grant from Thrivent to cover the cost of batting and

our lunch! All are welcome from the congregation and the community. Table space, chairs and plug in outlets will also be provided. You might want to bring trimming scissors, a seat cushion and extra lighting for your work space.

http://quiltsofhonor.wordpress.com/

http://lwr.org/getinvolved/quilts%20and%20Friends%20of%20NamibianChildren.org

http://lwr.org/getinvolved/quilts%20and%20Friends%20of%20NamibianChildren.org


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Lunch Bunch Lunch Bunch is a group that meets the 3rd

Thursday each month for lunch and fellowship.

Please sign up on the poster in the Narthex and

plan to join us next time!

Join us for our Next event December 15th 12:30 pm at

4394 Kevin Walker Drive, Dumfries

Help needed! We want to document St. Matthew’s church history in pictures and text. We are looking for people to help sort pictures, document events and perhaps interview current and former members to get this information. If you are willing to help serve on this project, please call the Office to let us know 703-494-3090.

Do you like to work with Power Point? Help is needed each week to create a slide show presentation to be shown on the tv in the narthex. Pictures will be provided – all you need is the ability to make the show! If you are able to help, please call the office.

CHECK OUT BOOK GROUP ~ Do you love to read? Do you love to socialize with other

women? Book Group will not meet during the busy month of December. Join us in January for a discussion of The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. Watch the church bulletin for the exact time and location of this gathering. With courage, grace and powerful insight, author Kristin Hannah captures the epic panorama of WWII and illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women's war. The Nightingale tells the story of two sisters, separated by years of experience, by ideals, passion and

circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied France. Vianne doesn't believe the Nazis will invade France but of course they do. She, with her daughter, must live with the enemy in her home and is forced to make one impossible choice after another to keep her family alive. Her rebellious younger sister Isabelle joins the Resistance risking her life time and again to save others. The book is narrated by one of the sisters in the present, though you don't really know until the very end which sister it is. Fast paced, detailed and full of romance, this heartbreakingly beautiful novel celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women.

Our November get together at

The Knife was great fun!


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THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO…Fall Work Day Thanks to all those who showed up and helped us in our

annual property Fall Work Day. Lots of projects were completed and we are now ready for the Winter.

ACTS Operation Turkey Thanks to all who helped

provide food items for the annual food drive. We received and delivered approximately 1,500 pounds of food. Our donations were put together with a “turkey gift card” and distributed to the needy of Prince William county. ACTS served 2,574 families from Nov 1 – 22 over 56,252 lbs of food, including operation turkey bags. 1,049 Operation Turkey bags were distributed ~ that’s a total weight of 12,588 lbs!

Foster Children Stockings Thanks to all who shopped, sewed stockings last

summer and helped us stuff the stockings. We put together 42 stockings to be distributed to the foster children in Prince William County.

Good Shepherd Housing Foundation thanks our congregation for continued support of their housing program.

This year Good Shepherd provided a home for 120 people, single adults or members in families. They are hopeful that St. Matthew’s will continue to be an advocate for residents who struggle with low income, some with serious mental illness, and often little or no family to assist them. Thank you for your generosity and your support of their Mission.

SOCIAL MINISTRY ~ Our annual Adopted Families program is underway, providing Christmas gifts on the "wish list" of each member of chosen families in Woodbridge. Just before Christmas the families will be invited to come to St. Matthews to receive their gifts. If you wish to provide a gift, please check the sign up poster on the bulletin board. For questions, please contact Gretchen Wilcox. Gifts should be wrapped and brought to church no later than Wednesday, December 14th. Gifts and dinner given to families on Saturday, December 17th.

Our Synod’s "Gifts of Hope" annual Christmas benevolence program allows members to donate to selected charities, and if you wish, the donations can be designated as a memorial gift. The lists of charities and memorial designation cards can be found on a table in the narthex throughout the Christmas season. Members of the Social Ministry committee will be at the table to answer your questions and receive your donations.

St. Matthews is providing hot dinners to the Bill Mehr homeless shelter each 3rd and 4th Monday of the month throughout the winter season. Our church and others in the community provide all the food to the shelter throughout the year, so this is a critical ministry to the chronically homeless in our area. Please check both sign up posters for food contributions on the narthex bulletin board each month.

Ministry Opportunities/Need ~ Congregation members David and Julia have moved to an apartment

behind the Food Lion Shopping Center on Old Bridge Rd. They are in need of a ride to the early service and then a ride home after the late service. Please sign up on the poster in the narthex if you are able to assist them with transportation. Note: you may sign up for bringing them or taking them home.


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SOCIAL MINISTRY Thanksgiving Luncheon Food Gathering We dropped off 492 pounds of food

at ACTS as a result of the thanksgiving Senior Citizen’s luncheon. The Social Ministry Committee would like to thank Wegmans for their generous donation of all the turkeys for the Thanksgiving Sr. Luncheon last month. Much appreciation goes to their Community

Giving department for their kind and quick response to our request.

Thank you Wegmans!

Thank you to all of the helping hands that

made this event a success. From the planners,

to the food preparers, to the servers and drivers.

Your service was greatly appreciated by the

more than 150 guests that attended!


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ADVENT DINNER 2016

EPIPHANY DINNER ~

Sunday, January 8 Celebrate Christ revealed to us in His birth

Please come and share in the joy as Advent Friends are revealed! (You do not have to participate in Advent

Friends to join us for the Epiphany Dinner).


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Another successful Grandparents Day for the Day School! Thanks to the Day School and members of St. Matthew’s for

donating 466.8 lbs of food to the ACTS Food Pantry for those in need in our community. You are appreciated!!!

DAY SCHOOL NEWS ~ From the Director ~ Mary Catherine Deadman

Friends of the Day School,

A lovely young woman walked into the

church last Friday with her 3 year old son. She

was looking for child care so she could go to

work. “I can do anything,” she said. “My mother

and I are seeking asylum. I speak 5 languages

and I can do anything – clean, care for children,

anything. I just need to do something that will

pay me. I have no money and no one to help.”

(She left an abusive husband in Afghanistan.) She

counts herself as fortunate to have gotten her

Green Card and Social Security card, and that she and her son receive assistance in the form of food stamps. She is just

looking for a job to allow her to afford other necessities. She speaks English very well and four other languages besides.

Even our part day program would be of help to her. Giving her some free time to search for a job, helping her son learn English and enjoy the enriching experience of the preschool classroom. (He particularly liked the Brio train he played with while Mom and I talked. He hated to leave it!) Can you help? We’d like to help this little guy, but we’ve already given out our small scholarship allotment. If you would like to help in any way (ideas for work for Mom? a donation to the Day School’s scholarship fund) a little family would be grateful. If you donate, simply write Day School Scholarship on the memo line of your check and return it with your offering.

Her story isn’t uncommon. You’ve heard it right here before: Three years ago I came to you for tuition assistance on behalf of a newly arrived family from Pakistan, fleeing persecution for their Christian faith. They left with only the clothes on their backs and came to the church for help. That story has a very happy ending. You enabled son Ethan to attend the Day School and he’s enjoying kindergarten this year. Dad (an accountant) was hired by a local non-profit and very shortly became their CFO. This year little brother Liam attends here and his mom (a nursery school teacher in Pakistan) is one of our teachers!

Also of note… Remember – Good Beginnings Never End. We try our best to provide children with an enriching preschool experience: to develop social and emotional fluency, develop and utilize foundational concepts of math, literacy, and science processes, preserve and encourage curiosity so our children will mature into students and adults who will contribute to the community of life-long learners.

We have several spaces for young children to begin in January. If you have a preschooler or know someone who does, please spread the news! Interested parents can call or e-mail Mary-Catherine Deadman for information or to arrange a visit. (703-494-3090 / [email protected]) Spaces available are for 3-year olds Tuesday & Thursday mornings; for a 4

year old Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning, and for a 4 ½ - 5 year-old Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Children should be 3, 4, or 5 years old by December 2016, and potty trained. Go to our website at http://dayschool.us to read about the program and see photos of a typical day.


http://dayschool.us/


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Wanted… 50” or larger Smart TV ~ this would be a greatly appreciated item for use in Sunday School classes as well as

meetings held in the conference room. If you are upgrading … keep St. Matthew’s in mind.

Projector ~ that will work with current technology and plugs.

Ipad ~ The Evangelism Committee is in need of an Ipad to create videos for our church website. If you have one you

are willing to donate, please contact Nancy in the church office at 703-494-3090.

One time use of 3D Printer ~ If anyone has access to a 3D printer please speak with Pastor Z or Peggy

Heffernan. We are in need of a couple altar vase liners that are no longer being manufactured.

Going to the hospital? Homebound? Prayer requests? Please let the Church office and Pastor Zimmerer know at [email protected] or cell:214-918-4444

WAYS YOU CAN HELP … COLLATORS ~ Meet in the Church Narthex Friday at 11:00 am to prepare the Church Newsletter for mailing,

then go to lunch at a nearby restaurant. Please Contact Jessica Hata if you can help

540-226-4334, or email [email protected]

DAYTIME DRIVERS ~ Provide local round trip transportation to medical appointments for area Senior

Citizens. Most passengers are residents of Fellowship House in Tackett’s Mill. Most drives require a 2-hour commitment. Children are welcome. If you are able to help, please contact Jess Hata 540-226-4334.

Have a question? EMAIL us [email protected]

Looking for an event?

Check out the CALENDAR www.stmatthews.us/calendar/

New friend looking for a Church or Day School?

Check our WEBSITE www.stmatthews.us

Catch up on all the news at St. Matthews in our NEWSLETTER www.stmatthews.us/resources/newsletters/

Follow us on FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/StMatthewsVA

Find us on INSTAGRAM & TWITTER @StMatthewsVA

Buying something from amazon? Help St. Matthew’s by using this link

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/54-0969917

Please email or call the office with your child’s

college address.

Please update the office with your address, phone number and email address if they have changed recently so that we may contact you as needed.



http://www.stmatthews.us/calendar/

http://www.stmatthews.us/resources/newsletters/

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/54-0969917


18

29 Frank & Lee Anne Stachour

30 Rick & Holly Oulette

31 Eric & Jennifer Block

Carl & Sally Lay

1 Steve & Jeannie Payne

8 Josh & Megan Araujo

9 John & Stacy Urick

16 Keith & Sally Cotner

21 Randolf & Maureen Steiner

22 Keith & Susan Kuhn

24 Edward & Carol Bayne

27 Anthony & Barbara Bombay

Mark & Sabrina Chandler

18 Mira Boston

Lauren Kinneberg

Chris Skelley

19 James DeMott

Ian Knudson

20 Lynn Moonan

21 Stephanie Anderson

Patrick Boland

Nancy Blazek

Darryl Lundgren

22 Kristen Wolf

24 Francis Zakama

25 Richard Riley

Emily Schreiber

Rex Stone

1 David Cooper

2 Kristen Kinneberg

Ron Schmitt

Landon Tubbs

3 Obediah Baker

Birgit Ralston

4 Jonah Clark

Mike Mazzucchi

Bryan Orndorff

Ralph Scronce

5 Laura Bell

Rebecca Bish

Jan Mouw

Mary Smith

7 Nick Woessner

26 Michael Urick

27 Audrey Bortner

Marlies Smith

28 Flo Barrett

29 Brandon Graham

30 Ellen Agosta

Katie Eagan

Sharon Riley

31 Leslie Kinneberg

Jonathan Lyreman

McKenna Nowell

Elly Wuchenich

8 Skylar Johnson

Molly Parker

William Schwentner

9 Edward Bayne

Bill McCormack

Ginni Shimpf

10 Caylin Nethercutt

Andrew Malakoff

Art Reynolds

12 Alex Gusberti

13 Bryce Deem

Caitlin Pfister

14 Pat Knock

Leslie Wilcox

15 Yoseph Amha

Emily Drzewucki

Kevin Tamai

Wishing You a Very Happy Anniversary!

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends.” 1 Cor. 13:7-8

D E C E M B E R Birthdays

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord’s face shine upon you with grace and mercy.

May the Lord look upon you with favor and give you peace.


19

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SAT

December

1 Bible Study 10 am Youth Choir, 6:15 pm Teen Choir, 7 pm

2 Collate 11 am Staff Meeting 12:30 pm Youth Group Over Night, 6pm-11am

3 SCS Christmas Program Rehearsal 9 am Youth Orchestra Winter Recital 3:00 pm

4 ACTS FOOD OFFERING 8:30 am Worship 9:45 Sunday

Church School 11:00 am Worship

5 Preschool Choir 4 pm Christian Education Meeting, 7:30

6 Social Ministry Committee 8:00 pm

7 Confirmation 5:30 pm Senior Choir 8 pm

8 Bible Study 10 am Youth Choir 6:15 pm Teen Choir, 7 pm Evangelism 7 pm Finance 7:30 pm

9 Collate 11 am

Junior Youth Game Night, 5 pm

10 SCS Christmas Program Rehearsal 9 am

11 8:30 am Worship 9:45 Sunday Church School

CONGREGATION MEETING 9:45 am

11:00 am Worship COUNCIL, 7:00pm

12 Preschool Choir 4 pm

13 Advent Reflections 7:00 pm Property Committee 7:30 pm

14 Confirmation 5:30 pm Senior Choir 8 pm

15 Bible Study 10 am Lunch Bunch 12:30pm Youth Choir 6:15 pm Teen Choir, 7 pm Fellowship Committee 7:30 pm

16 Collate 11 am Teen Caroling Christmas Party 4:45 pm- 10:30pm

17 SCS Christmas Program Rehearsal 9am Adopted Families 10am

18 8:30 am Worship 9:45 Sunday Church School

11:00 am Worship Sunday Church School Christmas Program, 5:30 pm

19 Preschool Choir 4 pm

20

21 NO Confirmation Senior Choir 8 pm

22 NO Bible Study NO Worship & Music Comm. Youth Choir 6:15 pm Teen Choir, 7 pm

23 Collate 11 am

24 Christmas Eve Worship Service 5:00, 7:00 9:00 and 11:00 pm

25

11:00 am Worship

26

OFFICE CLOSED

27 28 NO Confirmation NO Senior Choir

29 NO Youth Choir NO Teen Choir

30 Collate 11 am

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