December 2024/January 2025/February 2025
We’ve been at it for a while . . .
Dear friends,
7 years, 3 months. Over 1,500 worship services (Alan and I know each others’ patterns pretty well by now). 211 funerals. 74 baptisms. 29 Confirmations. 41 Marriages.
Numbers are not the sum of ministry—but they do tell a tale of how we have worked together. We have walked together, given and served together, grieved and loved together. We are a family.
And families grieve when someone goes away. Ruth and I aren’t going far away (we like our home in Sherwood Village). But we do have a to make a clean break with St Matt so that the next Pastor can be whom she or he is without having me in the background.
You are our friends, but you are more than friends—you are loved ones, you are family. I may not be involved at St Matt, but if/when I run into you around town, we’ll have a joyful reunion. Ruth and I will not forget you, we will not stop caring about you.
Numbers are not the sum of ministry—they just tell a story of how far we walked together.
And together we will stay. Remember:
Serve the world, tell the story, sing the praise, give God the glory
This is, of course, my final newsletter piece (I will not miss coming up with something to say every month or so). My final Sunday worship service is December 29, and my final service, fittingly, at the dawn of a New Year on the 31st. We’ll all wake up to something new the next day, and ask God to bless us, and guide us in all the days to come.
Thank you for you. God hold you tight.
Hopeful Advent, Blessed Christmas, Joy in the New Year,
Ruth and Pastor Joel
Goodbye Celebration—11am Sunday, Dec 15, following worship, Sunday School, Confirmation time. We’ll have a time for conversation and refreshments as we wish farewell at the end of December. If you’d like to help out with the event, speak to John Fridman or another member of Council.
Parish Register
Deaths
Eldortha Grover ~ January 9, 1929 – October 2024
Rest eternal grant her, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.
If it is difficult for you to make it to Sunday worship and you’d like to have the office email you the weekly bulletin, please send us a message and we’ll add you to the list.
Music Ministry
“Little child whose bed is straw, Take new lodgings in my heart.
Bring the dream Isaiah saw: Life redeemed from fang and claw.”
~Thomas Troeger
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on a season that offers us a cherished opportunity to reflect on our blessings and the vibrant hymns and carols that capture the spirit of the Advent and Christmas seasons. Amid the bustle of December, let us embrace the harmonious melodies, shared laughter, and warm camaraderie that fill our gatherings and worship services. The music we celebrate together not only uplifts our spirits but also binds us in the profound joy of community and tradition. May the songs that echo through this festive season remind us of the unity and peace we cherish together – and of course for the birth of the Christ child.
The Jubilate Choir is back for its 19th annual Christmas Season and will be joined by a brass ensemble, organ, and percussion on Saturday, December 7th at 7pm and Sunday, December 8th at 3pm. The concert entitled “The Work of Christmas” will feature John Rutter’s Gloria and several traditional Christmas favorites that will also invite audience participation. Rutter’s Gloria captures the spirit of Christmas through its brass fanfares and vibrant choral passages. Composed in 1974, the work comprises three movements, from the jubilant proclamation in the first to a contemplative middle, and a rousing, rhythmic finale. This piece perfectly embodies the joy and celebration of the Christmas season, reflecting Rutter’s renowned ability to blend classical choral traditions with an accessible, festive flair.
The title of this year’s concert was inspired by Dan Forrest’s choral work The Work of Christmas set to the poignant words of Howard Thurman, a distinguished African American theologian, educator, and civil rights leader. Thurman’s text, which begins with “When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone…,” calls for a continued spirit of service and love beyond the festive celebrations of Christmas – reminding us of the lasting impact of kindness and community service long after holiday season is over.
Looking ahead …
We extend our heartfelt best wishes to Pastor Joel as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. His leadership and dedication have been a blessing for our faith community and for our music ministry these past 17 years. We are also grateful for the legacy of faith and service that he leaves with each of us for years to come!
Worship and music have been pillars of our ministry at St. Matthew that have brought us together for decades. We will especially lean into the congregation’s support in these coming months as we navigate these times together, especially in the absence of a full-time pastor. In the meantime, our choirs will take a well-deserved break in January, resuming in early February.
Yours in Christ,
Alan
Following worship Sunday, December 22 we’ll decorate the church building for the Christmas season. We’re grateful for all the help we can get—you’re invited to take part (Sunday School meets that day—Confirmation does not.)
Ring The Bells!
Welcome Christ! Welcome Christmas!
We’ll ring our handheld bells at 7pm worship Christmas Eve.
We’ll ring out our joy together, to welcome our Lord
and welcome the joyous season.
Sing for Joy!
Also, at 7pm Christmas Eve worship we sing and
welcome the Christ child by candlelight.
Christmas Joy continues
First Sunday of Christmas Worship 9am December 29
It Is Christmas, Still, and God be with us in the New Year!
Our celebration continues on Tuesday, December 31
with New Year’s Eve worship – Lessons & Carols – at 4pm.
We ask to receive God’s blessings in the year to come.
Let our gladness have no end!
Christmas cleanup Monday Jan. 6, 10am.
All the above worship services are to be livestreamed:
Go to the congregation’s Facebook page: St Matthew Lutheran Church, Bloomsburg
WELCA Quilters
We are running low on new and slightly used sheets that we use for backing on our quilts. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Our Christmas Project this year is lap robes for the veterans at Orangeville Manor. Lap robes and quilts may be purchased for a donation through the church office or any member of our group. We welcome any member of the church or the community to join our group the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 8 to noon.
Letters & News
Social Ministry News
* You may bring in items for the Community Blessing Box at any time, and put them in the container in the Gathering Area. Particularly useful this winter: knit caps and gloves.
* We’re marking the Christmas season by sending Christmas greetings to homebound members. There is a list of homebound members in the Gathering Area, along with many donated cards. Pick up a list and take along. If you’re not coming in to the building, call or email and we’ll get a list to you.
* Thanks for all who serve, and all who donate to the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard.
At the Nov 17 Congregation Meeting:
John Kula, Barbara Welliver-Bramer, and Becky Toth were elected to (1st) three-year Council terms. Thanks to them for serving. Special thanks to Mike Canty, stepping down after serving two terms, some of that time as President of the congregation.
The proposed 2025 Budget of $228,321 (a 3.3% decrease from 2024) was presented by Treasurer Brad Miller and recommended for adoption by Congregation Council, and passed.
For Your Calendar:
Sunday Worship January/February 9am (if inclement weather, check Facebook/call the church office to find out if worship is canceled)
Festivals:
January 12, Baptism of Our Lord
February 2, Presentation of Our Lord
In March, Lent begins:
March 2 – Transfiguration of Our Lord
March 5 – Ash Wednesday
(Easter is April 20)
Columbia County Children & Youth Christmas Gift Drive
New, non-perishable, unwrapped gifts put in gift bags are due back to St. Matthew office no later than Sunday, December 15.
Our congregation is very generous with this special community outreach, making Christmas much brighter for local children in need. Thank you for your compassion and generosity!
We’re seeking another person for the Camera Crew—turns come up roughly once a month.
Members of the Camera Crew each use their personal smartphones to stream the service to those unable to be physically present in worship.
What gift can you share? Altar Guild, Choirs, worship assistants of any type—all can use your gifts. Please call the office or speak to a member of the church council, Erin Hartman about choirs.
Looking Ahead
¨ Sunday, Dec. 1, 9am – Advent 1
¨ Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7pm – Healing in the time of waiting for a Savior, season of Advent
¨ Saturday, Dec. 7, 7pm – Jubilate Choir Concert
¨ Sunday, Dec. 8, 9am – Advent 2 (Jubilate Choir Concert 3pm)
¨ Sunday, Dec. 15, 9am – Advent 3 (Goodbye Celebration 11am)
¨ Sunday, Dec. 22, 9am – Advent 4 Decorating for the Christmas season following worship
¨ Tuesday, Dec. 24, 7pm – Christmas Eve Worship Bells, Candlelight (also on Zoom)
¨ Sunday, Dec. 29, 9am – Christmas 1 Pastor Joel’s final Sunday Worship service
¨ Tuesday, Dec. 31, 4pm – Lessons and Carols for the 7th Day of Christmas and the New Year – Pastor Joel’s final worship service
* Monday, Jan 6, 10am – Christmas cleanup
¨ Sunday, Jan. 5 – Christmas 2
¨ AA meets in the gym on Saturdays and Sundays at 7 pm. District 59 meets in the parlor third Tuesday at 7pm.
¨ Families Helping Families meets in the gym Tuesday evenings 6pm
¨ Did you know that over $1,100 a month is given electronically by members of St. Matthew?
Automated giving provides convenience for you and cash-flow consistency for St. Matthew. Getting started is easy. Additional information is available from the church office.
¨ THRIVENT MEMBERS: Please remember that you must redirect your Thrivent Choice Dollars each year. If you do not redirect your Choice Dollars yearly, Thrivent will choose a charity to receive your Choice Dollars. Please consider redirecting your Choice Dollars to St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bloomsburg. If you have any questions please contact Randy Ruckle or Elaine Stauffer. Many thanks to St Matt Thrivent members who direct their choice dollars giving to our mutual benefit!
¨ Follow St. Matthew on Facebook! Watch for online updates, info, and reminders.
Congregation Council Highlights
(Nov. 12 meeting)
* Council approved the proposed 2025 Budget from the Budget Committee, (thanks to the committee for their diligent work) to present to the congregation for approval at the Congregation Meeting Nov. 17. The proposed budget includes a pastoral salary package but it is deemed unlikely a Pastor is called in 2025. There will be budgetary savings in 2025 as costs of Pastor’s benefits package will not apply. The Budget includes costs of hiring a bookkeeper to improve congregational financial records.
* Council member-elect Becky Toth (and Emory) were welcomed to observe the meeting.
* Pr. Joel presented Council with a lists of items that will require appointees during the vacancy period: opening and closing the church building on Sundays; worship planning and hymns; supervision of office staff; monitoring of messages in the church office; worship bulletin, newsletter, Facebook administrator
* The Parish Register is up to date, an audit of finances is needed before a new pastor is called.
* Council approved a new contractual agreement with Director of Music Dr. Alan Hack—little is changed; details were updated.
* We need to find a few teachers to team up teaching our (two) Confirmation students until a new pastor is called.
* Katy Miller will chair Social Ministry. Worship & Music needs a chairperson.
* Parsonage repairs are expected to be performed by Doolittle Construction around the week of Thanksgiving, with funds coming from the Rental Account.
* Thanks were expressed for all involved with the St Matt Breakfast Nov. 9. It was a good time of conversation and commentary and sharing a meal, and well attended.
Give a ride to worship
We’re renewing our list of folks who can provide a ride to worship for our members without transportation. If you can help out with this at any time, please contact the church office.
(worship is always livestreamed on the St Matthew Facebook page)—many thanks to our Camera Crew we’re seeking another Camera Crew member—could that be you?)
Equal Exchange
Chocolate bars – mint crunch, orange infused, milk, very dark 71%, extra dark Panama 80%.
Also many varieties of organic teas, 2 kinds of hot cocoa.
And the exotic!—Dried Mango.
Full-flavored, fairly-traded, organic, wholesale prices for you;
the gift of life for the growers/ producers as members in the Equal Exchange co-op.
Plus, Organic Virgin Olive Oil and Dates from Palestine.
Available on the cart on Sundays and whenever the church office is open.
Did you know that over $1,000/month is given electronically by members of St. Matthew?
Automated giving provides convenience for you and cash-flow consistency for St. Matthew.
Getting started is easy. Check out the giving portal on our homepage: stmatthewbloomsburg.org
¨ Many thanks to St Matt Thrivent members who direct their choice dollars giving to the ministry of St Matt and our mutual benefit!
¨ Follow St. Matthew on Facebook!
Don’t Let The Food Cupboard Go Bare!
Help the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard serve 400+ families each week
with enough groceries to feed and care for our neighbors.
In December we’re collecting Hot Cereal,
and it’s the quarterly collection of Diapers for Bundles of Blessing Diaper Ministry
In January we’re collecting Canned Soups.
In February Panther Pack items (to be announced)
St Matthew offers Equal Exchange fairly-traded products at wholesale prices throughout the year.
Fairly-traded means that everyone in the supply chain is compensated fairly and is able to work in a healthy environment. Equal Exchange trades only with farmer cooperatives who vote and together decide how to use their premiums in their communities. Premiums support environmental initiatives like beekeeping, protecting the pollinators their crops depend on. EE is committed to fully traceable supply chains to counter the child and forced labor problems in West Africa.
Thank you for supporting small-scale farmers, their communities and the environment with your purchases of fairly-traded chocolate, nuts, coffee, fruit, tea, cocoa, and olive oil.
…and what does the Divine require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6 :8
Thank you for supporting small-scale farmers, their communities and the environment with your purchases of fairly-traded chocolate, nuts, coffee, fruit, tea, cocoa, and olive oil.
Full-flavored, fairly-traded, organic, wholesale prices for you; the gift of life for the growers/ producers as members in the Equal Exchange Co-op.
Plus, Organic Virgin Olive Oil and Dates from Palestine.
Available on the cart on Sundays and whenever the church office is open.
Baking supplies! Chocolate chips (55%), baking cocoa, almonds, pecans and cashews.
Fairly-traded, organic, wholesale prices for you; the gift of life for the growers/ producers as members in the Equal
Exchange coop. Available on the Fair Trade Project cart on Sundays and whenever the church office is open.
New on the Fair Trade Cart—Mind, Body & Soul Coffee (whole bean).
Blend of medium and Vienna roasts—smooth & creamy with chocolate notes.
Community Blessing Box Offerings
Jesus said, Go and do likewise Luke 10:37
Community Blessing Box Offerings
As you consider offerings to the Community Blessing Box, here are some items we’ve found to be in great demand:
Food items
· Individual size heat ‘n eats in flip-top cans
· Snack crackers (Lance, Keebler, etc.)
· Pop Tarts
· Individual size cereals, apple sauce/fruit
· Canned/packaged chicken/ham/tuna salad, spam, beef jerky
· Spaghetti sauce (paired with boxed pasta)
Personal care items
· (small) Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, deodorant
· (small)(bottles) Laundry soap, fabric softener/dryer sheets
· Tablets & pens
· Toilet paper
· Socks
· Wash cloths
Special thanks to Kathy Stewart for managing this vital ministry.
Food for Thought: (we picked up some tips from another newsletter—to help you help others)
So, I spent some time at a Food Bank today, and spoke to the people getting food. Here are some things I learned from those in need.
* Boxed milk is a treasure, as kids need it for cereal which they also get a lot of.
* Oil is a luxury but needed for rice a roni which they also get a lot of.
* Spices or salt and pepper would be a real Christmas gift.
* Tea bags and coffee make them feel like you care.
* Sugar and flour are treats.
* Tuna and crackers make a good lunch.
* Dishwashing detergent is very expensive and is always appreciated.
* Feminine hygiene products are a luxury and women will cry over that.
* Everyone loves Stove Top stuffing.
In all the years I have donated food at the holidays, I bought what I thought they wanted, but have never asked. I am glad I did.