This Sunday we continue our Lenten Sermon Series with Pastor Andy's message from Psalm 46 , the inspiration behind Martin Luther's great hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God, written during a very turbulent time in his life. Storms are an inescapable part of life. Psalm 46 has comforted God's people for centuries. Join us this Sunday as we learn how to pray our fears in the midst of the storms that surround us.

Psalm 46:1-11; Mark 14:32-42
Worship: 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.

Set your clocks back an hour on Saturday night before you go to bed because Daylight Saving Time begins. We'll see you in worship!

Any first grade (or older) child that would like to take communion during worship must attend both of our two instruction classes, along with their parent(s). The first class is Sunday, Mar 11 at 9:00 a.m., the second class will be Sunday, Mar. 18 at 9:00 a.m., both in Fellowship Hall. First Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, March 25 (Palm Sunday) at the 10:30 a.m. service. The cost for the class is $5 which covers the cost of materials.

You are invited to find out more about Saint Matthew - our core values, our youth and adult programs, and our missions to our community, our neighborhood and beyond. Then decide whether or not you would like to partner with us in our mission by becoming a member. Childcare will be provided. Walk-ins welcome.

The white rose on the altar on Sunday celebrates the life of Judith Lubina, beloved cousin of Rev. Karen Woida. Judith passed away February 27. Our Christian sympathy goes out to Karen, her family and friends.

Saint Matthew is hosting 9 families (23 people) that don't have a home starting Monday for 7 evenings. The families will set up tents in Fellowship Hall and spend nights here, leaving during the day. We will provide them with dinner each night. If you would like to volunteer to help with cooking, serving, tutoring or hosting, please contact Scott Etzel.

This week only, Healing Prayers will be in the Teen Center while the Warm Winter Nights group is in Fellowship Hall. Please join us if you have a need for prayer for any physical, emotional or spiritual issue. Just drop in like an open house for individual prayer anytime between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Healing Prayers will not be offered the 4th Tuesday this month during Holy Week. We'll be back on the second Tuesday of April (April 10).

Church Without Shoes (CWS) is the multi-denominational group of churches in Diablo Valley that promote unity in the Body of Christ. Beginning Monday, March 26 at 5:00 a.m. and running through Tuesday, March 27 at 9:00 p.m., you are invited to join in prayer for the people of our valley to receive the Easter Promise. Come for one hour or many. The 40 Hours of Prayer will be held at Sanctuary church (2250 D Commerce Ave) in Concord. Sign up for your time slot at the Welcome Center.

The Saint Matthew Foundation has scholarships available from $1000 to $2000 for those who plan on attending college, a vocational institute or a Christian leadership program in the fall of 2018. Applications are online only and the deadline to submit them (along with two letters of recommendation) is April 27.  Use this link to submit your application.

For more information about these scholarships, read here.

It's taking much longer than I had originally thought (ouch!) to bring an Interim Pastor on board. We are making progress as you heard from Gail Dutcher if you attended worship last Sunday. We are extremely blessed to have Pastor Andy as our spiritual leader during this season of change for Saint Matthew by providing leadership to our Partners in Mission, the staff and Church Council. The Council has acted to affirm Pastor Andy as our "Transitional Senior Pastor" during this season of transition.

The Council has been working closely with the Human Resource Committee and Pastor Andy to develop an organization chart and job responsibilities for Transition Senior Pastor Andy, Pastoral Assistant, Karen and in Intentional Interim Pastor. The Council will continue keeping you informed during our Family Meetings during our worship services in April, July, October and January.

Amanda recently came on staff as our Teen Ministry Associate, helping Mike Basil with middle and high school ministries. She has served in several different ministries over her life, but is gifted in Administration in particular. She loves partnering with the Lord in what He's doing behind the scenes and seeing lives change as a result.

Amanda was born and raised here in the East Bay, has a Bachelor's Degree in Health and Human Services, is married to her High School sweetheart (going on 10 years in June!), has 3 little ones: Caedance (5), Rayce (3) and Isaiah (10 months).

Midweek Lenten Worship is Wednesday evenings from 7:15-7:45 p.m.

Holistic Small Group Ministry Workshop is March 17, hosted at Saint Matthew but put on by the Sierra Pacific Synod. Find out more here.

Spring Women's Retreat is April 6-8 at Mt. Hermon. The speaker is Andrea Coli. Register on their website, then email Lynne Smith and let her know you have registered.

Summer Camp Registration for Youth:
High School Mission Trip, June 16-22. Click here.
Sugar Pine Camp, July 8-13 for 5th-8th graders. Click here.
Hume Lake Camp, July 15-21 for 8th-12th graders. Click here.

The Weekly Good News is published by Saint Matthew Lutheran Church. Items may be submitted for publication by emailing Gail (click on the link below). Submissions are subject to editing or exclusion.

 

Phone: 925-932-1955 x106

 

Saint Matthew Lutheran Church
399 Wiget Lane
Walnut Creek, California 94598
925-932-1955
Website: www.saintmatthew.org