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Luther Rose

Procedures For Gathered Services

Here are the details describing how we intend to keep everyone safe from the coronavirus (as of 5/24/20)

  • Please wear face masks. If you have your own mask, please put it on before entering the building. Cloth masks will also be available at the door for those who do not have a mask.
  • Everyone’s temperature will be checked as we enter, using a non-touch thermometer. If you have an elevated temperature, you will be advised to return to your home and get well.
  • Rest room doors will remain propped open.
  • Please maintain physical distance when entering, leaving, or when seated in the pew. Please be seated where bulletins have been placed in order to maintain adequate physical distancing during the service.
  • Offering plates will not be passed. A plate will be placed on a table in the narthex for those who bring an offering.
  • We will not have Holy Communion at this time.
  • We will not have social gathering in the Bethany Room or narthex for the time being. (Coffee and doughnuts will not be available.) When it’s determined that you don’t have a fever, please find a seat in the pew.
  • Services will be briefer than usual.
  • The Praise Team will lead us in song. They will be located in the chancel area at a safe distance from the worshipers in the pews. Please be advised that the COVID-19 virus is transferred in the droplets of moisture emitted as we breathe, so if you wish to sing along, please be sure you have your mask in place and sing softly. It has been scientifically demonstrated that when we sing those droplets are propelled farther than 6 feet, and we tend to inhale more deeply as well. Lyrics to the hymns will be printed in the bulletin so that hymnals will not be needed.
  • We will not be shaking hands in the narthex after the service. At the close of the service, please be seated and wait for an usher to dismiss you.
  • The pastor will remain in the front of the church before and after the service. Please know that you are more than welcome to step up and speak with him, but please follow the same precautions with him as you would with others, so that he can continue to carry on his ministry as the needs arise.
  • The Church Council will continue to evaluate these procedures and make further recommendations to guide us through this difficult time.

We are by nature a friendly faith family, and therefore it may not be easy for us to follow these guidelines as we come back together again. Some may even feel that these procedures are not at all necessary. We should all be aware, however, that the person in front of us or next to us may not feel as we do. At this time we need to be patient and understanding, for this is new territory for us all. So let us try our best to be respectful of one another, especially toward those who may feel insecure or afraid. It’s wonderful that we can come back to church for services once more, but let us do our best to follow these guidelines as a way that we can love one another.

Peace and blessings to all,

Pastor Dale

Lutheran World Relief Logo

Personal Care Kits

PERSONAL CARE KITS for LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF are being collected and assembled by the Deborah Esther Circle.  These are the items that we need:

  • Sturdy Combs
  • Bath Size Bars of Soap (4 oz)
  • Dark Colored Bath Towels (27″x52″ Maximum Size)
  • Adult Size Toothbrushes
  • Metal Nail Clippers

If you have any questions, please see Carol Skinner.

Operation Christmas Child Logo

Operation Christmas Child 2019

September is not a time when most of us think about Christmas, but it’s the right time to think about Operation Christmas Child. We’ll be filling shoe boxes with gifts to share the joy of Christmas with children of the world who may have never heard the name of Jesus before.

A display table has been set up in the Bethany Room to provide suggestions for donation ideas. Items will be accepted through September 22nd. Monetary donations are also welcome.

This year we are using preprinted boxes. We do not need any additional shoe boxes donated. This provides an option for someone to take one home, fill it, and return it. Filled boxes need to be returned by September 22 so an accurate count can be taken and shipping costs can be arranged.

Please see Todd Campbell with any questions.

SHARE THE JOYFUL MESSAGE OF CHRIST’S BIRTH THROUGH OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD!

CHURCH PICNIC THIS SUNDAY!

Everyone is invited to enjoy a church picnic after the service on August 25. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be served from the grill. If you wish, you are welcome to bring a covered dish for the buffet table (a side dish, salad, or dessert would be most appreciated). Please bring table service for yourself and your family.

Come to enjoy good food and friendship with your church family.

Back-to-School Blessing

BACK TO SCHOOL MILESTONE SUNDAY– August 25th

Students bring your backpacks for the backpack blessing! Actually, we bless the children and pray that they will have a happy, successful school year. Parents, please be sure to bring your students for this important milestone blessing.

  • 2-year-olds will all receive their prayer pillows.
  • 3, 4, and 5-year-olds will receive their Spark Story Bibles (if they have not already received theirs)
  • Teachers will be installed and blessed.
  • And all are invited to stay for a PICNIC!
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Vacation Bible School 2019

Bible Lessons – Missionary Stories – Songs – Memory Verses – Games!

Your child is invited to attend a fun club for boys and girls, ages 3 to 14. 5-Day Clubs meet for two hours each day for five days. Clubs are sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship. All teachers and helpers have been screened to ensure your child’s protection.

  • Date: July 22 – 26, 2019
  • Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
  • Where: St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
  • Contact: (260) 483-9312
VBS 2019 Flyer

Back To School Supplies

Hello, members and friends.  It’s time again for our July in-gathering of school supplies for Franke Park Elementary (our church’s Rising Stars school) and our own Matthew’s House Preschool.  Supplies lists are on the table in Bethany Hall.  We will pack up the supplies after worship on August 4th.

Last year we provided 27 school bags with supplies for Franke Park and five heaping shopping bags of supplies for Matthew’s House Preschool.  What a blessing that was for all the children!

Please see Sue Bernard or Todd Campbell for more information.

VBS Logo

Help With VBS

Hello, everyone.  Hope you are enjoying this beautiful summer morning.  

We’re going to have a Vacation Bible School the week of July 22-26, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  WE CAN USE A LITTLE MORE HELP IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

  • Registration and Welcome Center. (5:30 – 6:15 pm)
  • Food Preparation and serving (5:30 – 6 pm)
  • Crafts and games. (7:00 – 7:30 pm)
  • Assisting with the younger children (6:00 – 7:00 pm)

If you are willing to help in any way on one or more days, please e-mail me, text or call me, or sign up at church.

Blessings,
Pastor Dale

Officers Elected/Installed

Four new members of the Church Council were installed at our Service last Sunday: They include Dan Hoffman, who was appointed by the Council to fill Anthony Kiefer’s term (Anthony had to resign because of his temporary relocation to Muncie). Also installed were Heidi Rudolph, Theodore Mowery, and Ron Werskey, who were elected at the Annual Congregational Meeting in January.

Thank you to those who have completed their terms on Church Council: Connor Becker, Douglas Wellman, and Bill Zurbrugg. We truly appreciate their years of service.

The following church officers were elected or re-elected at the last meeting of Church Council: Deb Kiefer, Chairperson; Ted Mowery, Secretary; Larry Campbell, Treasurer; Susan Bernard, Financial Secretary. Thank you to Ian Webb for his service as Chairperson (term limited to 2 consecutive years per the congregation’s constitution).