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Greetings from our Pastor

In the Bible, the book of 1 Peter has a verse that is filled with the promises and power of God’s Word:

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who are God’s own, that you may tell others about the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.   1 Peter 2:9

At St. Matthew Lutheran Church, we share the ancient truth of God’s Good News with a modern world.  We are in that world, but because of Jesus Christ, we are not of that world. We accept and preach the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century.  Our goal is that many people may know Jesus’ love for them, that they may rest in it, and then joyfully serve each other because of it.

Our particular denomination of the Lutheran Church has approximately 6,100 congregations and operates the largest Protestant parochial school system in the United States.  Today, we educate children through early childhood programs, elementary schools, high schools and universities.  Education has been a cornerstone of ministry throughout our entire 170-year history and we believe it should address the whole person – body, mind and spirit.

St. Matthew Lutheran Church was founded in 1965, and the preschool and elementary school were opened in the fall of 1972.  The first high school graduation commencement was held in 1977.  More recently, in 2006, the SonShine Early Childhood Center opened its doors.

Ministry to people in foreign countries has been an integral part of this congregation’s history. Members of our church have been to 36 countries helping with building projects, providing eyeglasses and water filtration systems, and sharing the love of Jesus with people of all ages. Today we are supporting seven Lutheran congregations in India led by native pastors and lay leaders.

I would like to close by sharing our mission statement with you: To know Jesus and to let Him be known by:

                         1)  Reflecting God’s love    2)  Teaching God’s children    3)  Serving our community.

It is with these goals in mind that we gather here at St. Matthew, members of the family of believers, sharing an ancient faith with a modern world, calling people out of darkness and into the marvelous light and love of our Savior, Jesus.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments you may have as we continue partnering together in the development of your child’s body, mind and spirit. I also invite you to join us on any Sunday morning as we regularly gather to receive God’s blessings in Sunday school and Bible study at 9:00 A.M. and worship at 10:30 A.M.

May God bless you and your family,

 

Dean R. Poellet,

Pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church

On behalf of St. Matthew Lutheran Church