ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT 2022 FEBRUARY 2023

James Arthur Mappus, January 9 Theodore Tobias Mappus, February 11 Patricia Jones Truett, February 14 Melissa Ward Hunter, March 8 Harry Simms O’Neal, March 22 Susan Dukes Clark, June 5

2022

Paul William Bendt, June 8 Robert Hart Holling, July 26

We dedicate this Annual Report to those in our congregation who joined the

Raymond Hilbert Anderson, September 25 Eleanor Caroline Zeltman, November 8 Frederick Wackym, November 19

Church Triumphant during the Year of our Lord, 2022.

Richard Earl King, November 22 Jean Hill Ballentine, December 2

2

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

Congregation Directory for 2022

6

The Parish Register

7

The Congregation Council President

STAFF REPORTS 8

Senior Pastor

14

Associate Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism

16

Director of Music

18

Director of Youth and Family Ministries

MINISTRY PILLARS Worship Education Service STANDING COMMITTEES

Care Koinonia

MINISTRY TEAMS

36

Bethany Cemetery Committee

37

Perpetual Care Trust Fund Committee

38

History and Archives Committee

39

Memorials and Gifts Committee

22

Worship Team

23

Education Team

24

Service Team

25

Docent Ministry

39

26

Care Team

40 Men’s Work Crew

27

Communication Team

41 Lutheran Men in Mission

28

Stewardship Team

28

Parish Life Team

29

Lutheran Campus Ministry Team

43 Endowment Funds

31

Youth Team

50 Statement of Financial Position

32

ESL Ministry

51

33

Property Ministry Team

57 Budget 2023

34

Grounds for Growth Team

35

Welcoming & Engagement Team

GROUPS Daughters of the King

FINANCIALS

3

Statement of Activity by Class

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Congregation Directory 2022

2023

2024

Council Officers

Melantha Ardrey

Julie Blair*

Chris Altman

President, Julie Blair

Jeff Aysse

Bruce Cross

Kelly Anne Burbage

Vice President, Russ Long

Harold Nielson*

Melinda Summer

Secretary, Melantha Ardrey

Ross Campbell

Steve Nichols

John White

Treasurer, Dale Ainsworth

Courtney Prickett

Jim Smith

Chris Campbell

*Not eligible for re-election at end of term

2022 Executive Committee: Julie Blair, President; Russ Long, Vice President; Melantha Ardrey, Secretary; Dale Ainsworth Treasurer; Chris Campbell, Member-at-Large; Steve Nichols, Member-at-Large

Ministry Team Chairs

Standing Committee Chairs

Care, Fran Fisher

Altar Guild, Sarah Bates

Communication, Chris Campbell

Archives & History, Melinda Summer

Education, Sarah Bates

Bethany Cemetery, Paul Wieters

Parish Life, Ann Flaherty

Church Flowers, John Holling

Property, Eric Aichele

Docent Ministry, Janelle Othersen

Service, Melantha Ardrey

Endowment, Darryl Johnson

Stewardship, Elizabeth Christian

Executive, Julie Blair

Welcoming & Engagement, Pastor Rebecca

Finance, Dale Ainsworth

Prayer Pods, Pastor Eric and Pastor Rebecca

Grounds for Growth, Ross Campbell

Safety Task Force, Steve Nichols

Lutheran Campus Ministry, Laura Altman

Stephen Ministry, Fran Fisher, Russ Long, Jackie Long

Memorials & Gifts, Carolyn Witte

Webmaster, Dan Yohman

Worship, Sue Proffitt Youth, Andrew Nichols

Messenger Editor/Annual Report, Carolyn Witte Milestone Ministry, Carol Johnson Mutual Ministry, Jeff Aysse Parishioner Protection, Daniel Crofts Parking Czar, Jeff Aysse Perpetual Trust Fund, Harold Nielson

Church Groups Daughters of the King, Sandy Yohman Luther League, Pastor Eric Lutheran Men in Mission, Roger Branstiter Smallest Seed, Thomas Sheridan Women of the Evangelical Church of America (WELCA), Pastor Rebecca

4

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Church Staff Eric Childers, Senior Pastor Rebecca Wicker, Associate Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism Deborah Ross, Director of Parish Operations Jason Bazzle, Director of Music Daniel Crofts, Director of Youth and Family Ministries Buddy Fitch, Facilities Manager Bill Schwab, Superintendent, Bethany Cemetery Hayden Shook, Director of ESL, Outreach Center Vernell Walker, Staff Member, Outreach Center Leoma Doctor, Sexton Jonathan Heins, Weekend Sexton Allen Johnson, Weekend Sexton Cora Dvorovy, Nursery Attendant

Emeriti Richard R. Campbell, Sr., Pastor Emeritus W. Douglas Ludlum, Organist Emeritus

Parish Register Report 2021 Total Membership, 630 Total Families, 315 Confirmed Membership, 315 Baptized (not Confirmed) Membership, 233

Parishioners Received During 2022 JoAnn Beadencup

Aaron Holland

Bobbi Butler

Denise Kaufman

Arthur Cayette

Aiden Kimbrell

Tricia Cayette

John Kimbrell

Dave Clark

Caroline Martin

Tom Clarke

Kirstin Martin

Kae Clarke

June McKnight

Chris Cone

Marthe Munden

Trish Gallagher

Reggie Munden

John Garrett

Dylan Simmons

Julie Garrett

Brad Smith

Rebecca Garrett

Julia Smith

Lauren Garrett

Jes Towne

Caroline Grace Martin

Daniel Hatchet

Janet Wedewer

Rhett Joseph Razumich

Alyse Holland

Bob Wolfrom

Navy June Renken

Alexandra Holland

Susan Wolfrom

Parishioners Lost by Transfer None

Parishioners Received by Baptism

Ridge Theiling

5

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Parish Register Report Report from the Director of Parish Operations

Marriages

2022 Totals

Jessica Murden and Hunter Smith, January 15

Sunday In Person Worship: 9,951

Catherine Singletary and Philip Coker, February 26

Sunday Live Stream Worship: 23,893

Brittany Mosman and John Stork, August 13

Sunday Education: 3,022

Harlan Renken and James Kempson, August 20

Tuesday Class: 196

Deaths Tuesday Noon Prayer: 1,010

James Arthur Mappus, January 9 WAM Worship: 1,519

Theodore Tobias Mappus, February 11 Docent Visitors: 6,624

Patricia Jones Truett, February 14 Weddings: 4

Melissa Ward Hunter, March 8 Deaths: 13 Baptisms: 4

Harry Simms O’Neal, March 22 Susan Dukes Clark, June 5 Paul William Bendt, June 8 Robert Hart Holling, July 26 Raymond Hilbert Anderson, September 25 Eleanor Caroline Zeltman, November 8 Frederick Wackym, November 19 Richard Earl King, November 22 Jean Hill Ballentine, December 2

6

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH The Congregation Council President’s Report Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

bringing the gift of communion back to our homebound members

It is with great pleasure that I submit this report and share the good works of St. Matthew’s for the 2022 Annual Report. It has been a busy and productive year!



Prayer Pods made their debut and has helped to connect the congregation in prayer.

As the threat of COVID recedes, we have seen a return of our church activities and the calendar has been full! With too many to name, a few highlights are below.



St. Matthew’s was selected for Congregation Leads Initiative that includes building a model for ministering to special needs parishioners in the church



WAM resumed and has been well attended with parishioners eager to reconnect.



The Youth Ski trip took them to West Virginia this year to tackle a new mountain, grow friendships and faith.



Bible, Beer, and Bonfire brought parishioners to back yards to share conversations around the good Word.



Our Oyster Roast found a new home at Hobcaw Yacht Club and was one of the best attended to date.



Although the ELCA National Youth Gathering was canceled, our Youth were able to experience an alternate gathering organized by Daniel and Pastor Eric in the Big Apple.

Additionally, the flexibility and innovation of our staff in response to the challenges and limitations of COVID continue to allow us to reach beyond our 405 King Street location and touch the lives of those members that cannot physically be with us and neighbors around the world. Our AV team has worked tirelessly to make our services accessible to all despite the challenges of lightning strikes and technical hurdles. This year saw an upgrade in the AV system that premiered on Christmas Eve and has significantly improved the quality, clarity, and reliability of services being streamed. In addition to worship, online educational offerings are available. Jason Bazzle offers a weekly podcast “Grace Notes” and King Street Kids Q&A entertain children and adults alike!



Many of our parishioners followed the steps of Paul through Greece.



We had record breaking attendance at Oktoberfest under the leadership of Pastor Rebecca to raise money for Our Lady of Mercy and St. Matthew's SWAN Ministry.



We were able to celebrate in service and song with our neighbors at Hampstead Park for All Saints Jazz Vespers.

Your congregational council has been hard at work on a new strategic plan to address the changing needs of the church and to shape the future of St. Matthew’s. Goals addressing Sustainability, Engagement, Outreach/ Service, Facilities, and Governance have been developed and refined. This work will continue under the leadership of Russ Long, your new council president. And lastly, you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, the hands and hearts of St. Matthew’s, have generously shown your love for the Lord and each other with your gifts of time, talent and financial support to make it all possible. It has been a pleasure and a joy to serve you this year.

With a focus on Radical Welcome, St. Matthew’s has explored ways to increase engagement amongst our parishioners and to invite our neighbors to celebrate God’s grace.







Philippians 1:3-4

The welcome and engagement process has been revamped to help our new parishioners connect with and within the congregation to engage and grow their faith and relationship with God.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy Please take a moment to read about all the wonderful ways we are Celebrating, Serving, and Growing in Christ’s love!

Baptismal teaching has been enhanced with classes designed to connect new parents with each other, the congregation and pastoral leaders to establish foundations for faith to grow.

In His Service, Julie Blair

Eucharistic ministry returned at the end of the year, 7

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH A VOCATION OF COURAGE REPORT OF THE SENIOR PASTOR: BACK TO 2022 AND AHEAD TO 2023 The Rev. Eric Childers, Ph.D.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Hayden, Ron, Bill, Cora, Jonathan, and Allen. You help keep the church moving. For the council, team chairs, and parishioners who give so much heart to keep the engine of the church moving, I am also grateful.

In my annual report last year, I explained how, for more than 25 years, I have kept a daily journal. In each of the years, I have chosen a word, phrase, image, or idea to consider during that 365 day period. Last year’s word was wilderness: what does wilderness mean in our lives, what does wilderness look like, how do we endure the wilderness, how can we learn from wilderness? This year’s word is courage.

I thank all who created this 2022 Annual Report—Team Chairs, staff, volunteers, and especially Deborah Ross and Editor Carolyn Witte. Recall that in 2020, we made the decision to shift the Annual Report to an all-digital format. Since then, this move has saved more than $20,000 and valuable time and resources. I hope that you will take a moment to read this report and consider how you fit into the ministries and life of St. Matthew’s. Also, please take a moment to read the newly-revised congregational ministry guide, Our Work Together, available in February 2023. Meanwhile, this report I offer you is a big-picture review of 2022 and a glimpse at 2023. As you know by now, our ministry together is organized via worship, education, service, care, koinonia (and governance). That said, I will organize my report this year as “wins” and “priorities for 2023.” Thank you for taking time to read this report; I hope you find it informative and maybe, just maybe, a little inspiring.

What does courage mean? Today’s definition of courage is valor and spirit to meet danger without fear. (Think of the Cowardly Lion seeking courage from the Wizard.) But that is not how the word started. The origins of the word courage are rooted in the Latin, and the stem word is cor, the word from which we get heart. Eventually, when the word reached Middle English usage, the word described actions relating to the heart, which was the source of human feeling. In other words, the earliest form of the word courage meant “to speak one’s mind by telling all of one’s heart.” In that spirit, I intend to approach 2023 with a sense of courage, in all senses of the word. Maybe you, also, will keep that word in mind as you journey this year. With a spirit of fearlessness and generous heart, let us approach another year of ministry together.

WINS

First, with a grateful heart, I want to thank the staff for giving heart, time, talent, and energy to the work to which we are called at St. Matthew’s. Thank you— PR, Deborah, Jason, Daniel, Buddy, Leoma, Vernell,

Worship m inistry endures at St. Matthew’s. Despite some hiccups in early 2022 (remember that Omicron surge?), Sunday morning worship returned to normal. Attendance, however, has 8

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Education m inistr y is a m ixed bag th is year . While the fall series of my Sunday Morning at St. Matthew’s Class has thrived with a focus on biblical literacy and basic Bible stories, participation of others—particularly young families and children fifth grade and younger has not recovered after the pandemic. To be clear, the participation of this age group was not great prior to the pandemic, but it was better than now. As I will discuss in my 2023 priorities later in this report, engaging this age group should be of paramount concern to this congregation. Another bright spot continues to be Coffee Talk on Thursdays, particularly as we began the year with a collaborative class with the congregation of Synagogue Emanuel. This collaboration attracted local media attention, and our relationship with this congregation grew over the year. The Tuesday Class returned with a lectionary study in the spring and a traditional Bible study of the gospel in the fall. While many of the pre-pandemic crowd has not returned to this class, I am encouraged that we have attracted an almost exclusively new group of participants. In many ways, Coffee Talk replaced many of those who had attended the pre-pandemic Tuesday Class. I also confirmed nine confirmands in June and began a new class of confirmands in September, with an anticipated Pentecost 2024 confirmation date. This is a highly spirited and engaged group! Other staff continue to offer their classes, and while the King Street Kids and Joyful Noise crowd is low (despite the excellent work of parishioners and staff), the middle and high school YAM (Youth at Matt’s) ministry is thriving. Finally, Pastor Rebecca, Daniel, and I continue to produce weekly King Street Kids episodes, also mimicking that core emphasis of biblical literacy.

not. We continue to trail in-person attendance by approximately 31 percent (one third) from prepandemic levels. Interestingly, this delta number generally tracks the number of views we are seeing on our digital worship platforms. WAM was delayed several weeks in the winter/spring because of the COVID surge, but we quickly reassembled for a very healthy and Spirit-filled spring WAM series. Tuesday Noon Prayer has also endured, even without a strong Tuesday Class lead-in. In fact, between the in-person and online worshippers, we are seeing the same—and in some cases more— worshippers than pre-pandemic attendance. We have continued our four Jazz Vespers services of the year—Transfiguration, Independence Day (a shift from June), Blessing of the Animals, and Beer and Carols—and have seen a faithful following. We added a fifth jazz service in 2022, this one a celebration at Hampstead Park. Finally, we continued in 2022 with the big festival services, including but not limited to Holy Week, Easter, Reformation, All Saints, and Christmas. I continue to be thankful for those behind-the-scenes parishioners who make all of these worship services possible.

Service m inistry h as developed postpandemic with a focus on ESL (English-as-aSecond Language), SWAN (Sharing With A Neighbor), the Parish Food Pantry, the Cradle Closet, and Backpack Buddies. This is not to say that oth9

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH er ministries are not happening through our Service and Outreach, but these are central. Pastor Rebecca gives a full account in her report. I would add that I continue to serve on the Mayor’s Homelessness Commission, a systematic approach to systemically changing and addressing the homeless problem in Charleston. Care m inistr y, like in 2021, w as another bright spot in our ministry together at St. Matthew’s. I continue to be encouraged by the ways the congregation supports one another, engages with each other through worship, education, service, and joining, and expresses care for one another. Mending Meals, led by MaryAnna Disher and supported by a team of cooks, once again is demonstration of faith active in love and a spirit of lovingkindness amid our community of faith. Care ministries related to Mending Meals are TOY (Thinking Of You) and Connections, two more ways of connecting the congregation through caring outreach. Stephen Ministry restarted in 2022 following a pandemic shutdown, and Care Mail— which was begun in 2020 during the pandemic and led by Carol Johnson—has continued to minister to our homebound folk. Another relaunch this year was Eucharistic Ministry, now led by Sue Proffitt and comprised of a few returning ministers and a largely newly-trained team. Other Care Ministries like Prayer Shawl, Stewardship, Welcoming and Engagement, and small group related care continue to thrive. Daughters of the King, another prayer ministry, generously provided Advent resources for families in November and December. Finally, I am encouraged by the strengthening of the Prayer Pod Ministry. After many years of managing the Prayer Partners, Carol Koon stepped away from that role in 2022, and the office absorbed that prayer list management. It has taken a central role in my weekly activities, and I am careful to dispatch prayer requests and information to our Prayer Pod Leaders throughout the week with the aim that the pod leaders will then share these prayer requests in

regular small group activities. Expanding and strengthening this ministry will be a top priority in 2023. Koinonia m inistry r etur ned in a big w ay in 2022. After being scattered, smothered, covered, and chunked like a Waffle House entree, our congregation finally emerged from the wilderness pandemic as a gathered community. We gathered in all of our various small groups and in our larger congregational events, from WELCA home visits to the 51st Annual Oyster Roast, from Lutheran Men in Mission breakfasts to congregational covered dishes. Wine and cheese receptions and ice cream socials after Jazz Vespers were also a hit, and they served as wonderful opportunities for outreach and hospitality for King Street passersby. Despite trying to engage young adults and families through Bible, Beer, and Bonfire, it was really the YAMs and LCM (Lutheran Campus Ministry) who were among the most active of our koinonia groups. Finally, four other wonderful events that returned in 10

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH congregation, I am very grateful.

2022 were the annual YAM ski retreat and the fourth annual Breakfast with Santa. In place of the Youth Gathering, cancelled because of COVID, our chaperone team planned an alternative gathering, a week-long service-learning trip to New York City. It was amazing! And I would be remiss to forget the once-in-a-lifetime Sojourner trip to Greece I led in June. Again, this trip was unforgettable. You might consider the next Sojourner Trip—Italy 2024! Koinonia—sacred community—was again woven through the vital ministries of our congregation.

Finally, a major win is that our church continues to grow. Even w ith h er ch allenges and flaws, St. Matthew’s is a thriving church. Because my nature is to push us (and sometimes shove) continually toward improvement, I do not always stop to praise. This does not mean that our congregation has no reason to praise and celebrate. St. Matthew’s is alive and well. While there are so many to thank and lift up, it is because of all the aforementioned people and teams, as well as the Altar Guild, Choirs, Ministry Teams, Men’s Work Crew, WELCA, LMIM, Congregational Council, volunteers, webmaster, publications editors, YAMs, children, parents, and parishioners who have insisted that our ministries and work together march forward. Thank you.

Radical welcome, biblical literacy, and lifechanging stories launch ed as over ar ching themes that have guided our 2022-2023 ministry year. I am encouraged by our congregation’s commitment to move toward a warm…and genuine… welcome for all. I love that so many in the congregation helped tell their own stories of how St. Matthew’s, in turn, is a source of life-changing stories. Finally, I am so encouraged by the number of parishioners—all ages—who have participated in some form of parish education. I have seen positive engagement in the classes I lead or co-lead: Sunday Mornings at St. Matthew’s, the Tuesday Class, catechism, Coffee Talk, and Book Group.

PRIORITIES FOR 2023 As I explained in the introduction, I will organize this second section, looking ahead to the new year, as priorities. Note that these priorities are on top of the foundational ministry and governance work that is expected of me in this call. These, of course, include worship, education, service, care, and koinonia ministries. The five priority areas below are emphases that I identify to be challenges, growing areas, or ministries that need extra attention.

Staff continues to be a blessing, as I shared in my earlier acknowledgements. I am very grateful for the work, commitment, energy, endurance, good cheer, spirit, and innovation of this group.

ENGAGEMENT 

The Audio-Visual Team once again br ought Sunday morning worship into your homes each week. Some parishioners still depend exclusively on this online ministry for worship. I give thanks to Sarah Fitch, Dennis Bates, Michael Black, Wes Kornahrens, and Ross Campbell for their commitment to bring this worship to you all (and, in fact, to the world) each week. Giving of financial resources dur ing 2022 has continued to be steadfast. To this generous 11

Young families, particularly fifth graders and younger. This group, w hose par ticipation before the pandemic was not particularly strong, has plummeted post-pandemic. This trend poses a major threat to St. Matthew’s for many reasons, some outlined in a report I prepared in 2021. (Anyone interested in reading or re-reading that report should ask me, and I will provide a copy.) While the goal is to engage these families with children in all parts of congregational life, the first goal is to

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH encourage participation in worship (any service) and education (Sunday morning parish education and VBS). 

Young adults. This elusive gr oup, defined for St. Matthew’s as 21-34 years old, is profoundly absent in the life of the congregation. Despite efforts to engage this group, we have not seen much success. We will try again in 2023.



Lapsed parishioners. Of the par ish ioners listed on our church roster as “active,” not all are actually “engaged” in the life of the congregation through communing (regular worship attendance) and contributing (time, presence, financial gifts). Some of these absences came during the pandemic, and the parishioners have not returned. Some are disengaged for other reasons. We will attempt re-engagement in 2023.



sion and execute the ministry of the church. 

MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT

New parishioners. Th e good new s is that every Welcome Sunday in February and August since January 2017 has resulted in multiple new parishioners, for a total of nearly 150. The bad news is that not all of these new parishioners are engaged in the life of the congregation. After some major improvements to the Welcome Process in 2022, we will continue this work in 2023. What other strategies might work?

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 

Congregational Council. I continue to focus on the development of council, defining its purpose, and preparing its leaders.



Team Chairs. Team Ch air s and other parish leaders are the engine of the congregation. I will continue to work with this working group to identify and develop leaders to envi-

Council election and seating process. I will work with the council to review, revise, and strengthen the council election process, ensuring that we are constitutionally compliant and meeting the reality of our church in 2023. I continue to argue strongly that council members should be elected to specific ministry seats for which they are prepared and in which they are interested.

12



WELCA/similar women-specific ministry. As of Decem ber 31, 2019, W ELCA at St. Matthew’s officially ceased to exist. This is not to say that women’s ministry at St. Matthew’s has gone away. I will work with women leaders interested in developing and strengthening a women-specific ministry (maybe called WELCA, maybe not) that will serve the needs of parishioners and the church.



Lutheran Men in Mission/similar menspecific ministry. W hile Luth er an Men in Mission (LMIM) is a strong organization, the group has struggled to attract participation, particularly among younger parishioners. I will work with this group, particularly with Karl Zerbst, to try to expand the active membership of this group.



Luther League Senior Ministry (50+). In 2021, I introduced the new senior ministry group for parishioners 50 and older, replacing the XYZ group that was retired during the pandemic. Unfortunately, my schedule and workload prevented me from giving the attention this group needs. I will work on developing this affinity group in 2023, starting with developing a steering team.

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH PRAYER MINISTRY 



Expand, strengthen, and equip the Prayer Pod Ministry. W e cur r ently h ave 12 Pr ayer Pods led by dual team leaders, for a total of 24 Prayer Pod Leaders. I will work to strengthen these pods, ensure that each has the resources it needs to connect with parishioners, and work to expand this ministry to include more parishioners. Are you in a Prayer Pod? If not, contact me, and we can suggest one for you to join or help you start a new one. Deepen relationships and prayer life among these small groups. Alth ough I have not typically used the phrase “small group ministry” in my time at St. Matthew’s, I have, in fact, worked to create multiple small groups across the congregation throughout various ministries. Small groups gives parishioners a chance to get to know one another and develop relationships, and this has shown to deepen parishioners connection to the church community. Atop this, we can all use tools and support in our daily prayer lives, both private and corporate.

Staff development and support. Staff and Human Resources issues are a continually, never-ending responsibility. I will work to affirm staff, ensure they feel supported, have the opportunity for mutual review, and provide opportunities for professional development.



Staff/HR strategy for current and future needs. I w ill continue to place befor e council the need to develop a staff plan based on needs and affordability, especially as major staff changes are anticipated over the coming years due to retirement, natural attrition, and changing needs.

Properties management and renovation. Addressing the critical need for renovation of the Parish Building, as well as regular, ongoing maintenance of an aging and needy building continues to be a major priority. I will work with the Grounds for Growth Team, Property Team, Stewardship Team, and Congregational Council to forge ahead with this effort.



Stewardship and finances. I w ill continue to work with related teams to develop successful stewardship (with help of the Stewardship for All Seasons) strategies and to improve financial management, particularly as church patterns change.



Service ministry revision and strategy. I continue to evaluate the mission and purpose of our Service Ministry and engagement in the community around us. I will work this year on opportunities for growth, revision, and consideration of new directions.

AND FINALLY… We look ahead to a new year together, a year bursting with potential and possibility. With grateful hearts and hopeful steps, let us continue to move forward with a strong and active faith, remembering these guiding words: Do not be afraid. You are not alone. God walks with us in the wilderness. Wilderness does not last forever.

GOVERNANCE 



May the peace of the Lord be with you always,

The Reverend Eric Childers, Ph.D. Senior Pastor at St. Matthew’s 13

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Associate Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism patience. But by the time the Qayoom and Zakirullah left for a job opportunity elsewhere in the U.S., we couldn’t deny they had transformed us. As we met afterwards, we realized so many learnings that could have never been conveyed in a handbook. Thanks to them, St. Matthew’s will be able to offer an even better Circle of Welcome next time we welcome the stranger in our midst.

Stories of Transformation

Pastor Rebecca

In this ministry year, we’ve focused on Biblical Literacy, Life-Changing Stories, and Radical Welcome. These have been means through which St. Matthew’s gathers to do the work we are called to for the sake of our community. As I look back on the past year, I wonder what has made a difference. What has transformed? It can be easy to miss transformation in the day to day increments of our work, but as I reflect, there are stories that signal change. These are beacons I hold onto as we look to 2023.

New Faces, New Roles This past fall, we made adjustments as Vernell took extended time away for knee replacement. In the meantime, I’m grateful for all the volunteers who stepped up to field calls and questions, take SWAN requests, welcome ESL students, and help oversee the operation of the food pantry. For me, it has been a joy to work with Marsha, Carol, and Lisa as they have grown, through their gifts and talents, into taking on the role of covering for Vernell. Now that Vernell is back, we have volunteers who have an even greater capacity to meet the needs of our neighbors around us and a greater confidence to carry out the work.

Lutheran Services Carolinas In summer of 2021, we watched the news of refugees fleeing Afghanistan in waves of unfathomable numbers and wondered what would happen to the people fleeing their homes. The news came a little closer to home in fall of 2021 when Lutheran Services of the Carolinas announced that they would be re-opening their Charleston office and welcoming up to 100 refugees to the area. Our news became real and embodied when a 45 year old father and his 19 year old son landed at Charleston International Airport to be greeted by Pastor Eric and members of our Circle of Welcome Team on January 26th.

Wide Welcome - W.E. In practicing radical welcome, we have witnessed transformation in our congregation. Over the course of 2022, the Welcome and Engagement team examined, overhauled, and carried out a new process by which we help those new to St. Matthew’s become more connected to the congregation. We became more intentional about finding ways to learn the stories of those who came to St. Matthew’s and in turn, facilitated relationships that invited people in through the work of our sponsors. In turn,

Over the unfolding months, we learned more about Qayoom, Zakirullah, and their other roommates as they moved into a new home, found jobs, and navigated their first few months in the United States. We glimpsed through their window of the world and reexamined our own assumptions of what it meant to welcome the stranger. On a day-to-day basis, the change felt small and we learned that welcome takes vulnerability and 14

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH we’ve witnessed the power of relationships at work as new parishioners have become familiar faces not just at worship, but at WELCA gatherings, Parish Life, Men’s Work Crew, YAM’s and King Street Kids, and Parish Education. We’ve been privileged to walk with new parishioners through births, deaths, moves, changes in life, and making a new home.

Jazz in the park Jazz Vespers has become a favorite time for worship as well as koinonia at St. Matthew’s. This year, we took that beloved practice to a new level by sharing what we love with our neighbors at St. John’s Chapel. We did more than just show up and do our own thing in the park. Rather, we shared in collaborating with another community of faith so that they could also add to and share our practice. Sharing in something we both loved made the experience even stronger, even more meaningful, even more inspiring. But I also think this is only just the beginning of collaboration that can happen between St. Matthew’s and St. John’s Chapel. It was a joy to discover ways that we can share in our faith with another community.

ESL students proudly display their diplomas.

A New Hope As we come out of 2022 and step into 2023, the stories of the past year fill me with excitement and wonder for what the next year holds in store. Where will our next transformational stories happen? Who will be a part of the next unfolding chapter at St. Matthew’s? The good news is that YOU can be a part of writing that chapter. Whether it’s taking part in something new for the first time or sharing where you think God may be calling St. Matthew’s to connect with the wider community, we all hold a piece of the unfolding story of St. Matthew’s. Let’s meet. Let’s talk. Let’s learn together where God is calling us to write the next transformational chapter at St. Matthew’s.

Service and Services Over the course of the year, we’ve grown into an exciting new relationship between St. Matthew’s and Synagogue Emanu-el. At first, conversations between Pastor Eric, myself, and Rabbi Evan Ravski began as brainstorming around ways we could share a learning opportunity, perhaps a learning session. After shared Coffee Talks and VBS study, our communities were not only transformed by what they learned, but excited for the prospects of being able to do something so enriching and eye-opening with a neighbor. So for Thanksgiving, we shared “Service and Services” We worshipped together in a joint service of thanksgiving, learning about each other's worship styles along the way. Afterwards, we worked side by side to pack goods for BackPack Buddies and gathered around tables to make blankets for veterans. While it’s one thing to imagine working together, joining each other in service leaves us with excitement and a desire to do more.

Pastor Rebecca Wicker Associate Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism

15

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Director of Music Purpose/Mission Statement To lead and nurture the people of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in proclaiming the Gospel through song.

Jason Bazzle

Active Members Alleluia Choir - Handbells Gallery Choir St. Matthew’s Chorale (New ensemble) St. Matthew’s Ringers (Handbells) Cantor Ministry Various Musicians in the church offering special musical offerings



Highlights Coming out of the pandemic, this past year saw growth in certain aspects of the music ministry at St. Matthew’s. Some highlights were: the establishment of the St. Matthew’s Chorale, strengthened connections with the music program at CofC by opening up the nave to Julia Harlow’s organ students for master classes and senior recitals, a benefit concert for Ukraine, the maturing of Jazz Vespers liturgy, opening the Nave to larger musical offerings, the welcoming of new members to the Gallery choir, introducing new liturgy settings to WAM, introducing Jazz into the 10am worship hour, having worship led by a full orchestra, and bad jokes at Beer and Carols.



 

 

Ministry and Activity   

 

January was hampered by the Omnicron variant. February 27: The first Jazz Vespers of the year. This particular service saw a maturing of the Jazz Vespers liturgy as I coupled various reflections to go along with the readings adding depth to the service. March 6: Hosted Eric Pickford (CofC) as he gave his senior organ recital. March 9: With the outset of the war in Ukraine, we teamed up with harpsichordist Gabriel Smallwood for







16

a benefit concert for the humanitarian aid of Ukrainian citizens. The concert featured Jason Bazzle, Elise Pickford on organ and Gabriel Smallwood on harpsichord. The benefit raised over $6,000. March 28 we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Nave by starting at St. Johannes (the old St. Matthew’s) and processing to King St. as the original congregation did. April 3: St. Matthew’s hosted the Lenoir Rhyne A Cappella Choir & Brass Ensemble during worship followed by a courtyard koinonia by the Gallery Choir. May 3: Hosted Elise Pickford (CofC) as she gave her senior organ recital. May 17: Chris Campbell and I began the process of upgrading our A/V system for better live stream quality. June 5: We celebrated Pentecost with Jazz at the 10 am service. June: We hosted Piccolo Spoleto and Spoleto USA events. July 6: We held the second Jazz Vespers of the year, a special Red, White, and Blue celebration. August 14: we welcomed back the Men’s Chorus in worship after an incredibly long hiatus (15 years by some accounts). August 14 saw the start of the Ludlum 2022/2023 Concert Season with our own Addie Black and friends. In August, we suffered a significant lightning strike to the organ, bell tower, and other parts of the church. While we were without the organ, it pre-

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH



 





sented us with opportunities to explore different directions in music as we entered the fall. September 11: Launch Day with the YAMS leading worship. We had a string quartet composed of Caroline Campbell, Addie Black, Meghan Black, and Rory Baldonado. October 2: Jazzy Animals in the courtyard. October 30: Worship accompanied by an orchestra of CofC students, professionals, and our very own members. Music was arranged by me and new member, Dave Clark. November 6: All Saints worship in the morning with orchestra similar to Reformation followed by a special All Saints Jazz Vespers at Hampstead with St. John’s Chapel. This was a culmination of the Looking Forward committee. November 12: St. Matthew’s hosted the Taylor Festival Choir as they presented the complete Bach Christmas Oratorio, the first time in memory it has

 

been sung in its entirety in Charleston with the performance lasting 3 hours. December 11: Beer and Carols at Kudu Courtyard, the fourth of our Jazz Vespers offerings. December 18: Candlelight. This year saw the largest attendance in 5 years. Our focus on Biblical literacy at St. Matthew’s brought positive changes to this service as we included scripture lessons of lesser known prophecies of Jesus’ birth.

Looking Ahead The Music Ministry will focus this year on reestablishing/building our children’s ensembles. Though I’ve worked with the KSK age group during Parish Ed, the attendance was too sporadic or low to develop any type of ensemble. The plan this year will be to offer a specific project with a specific date in mind. For the spring, the KSK will be working on a musical based on the American tale The Three Trees, to present during the parish ed hour on Palm Sunday. Though we’ll be excited to see the kids perform, the end goal will be building community. I’ll be exploring ways to have the youth more musically involved in our worship, either through instruments or by bringing the Youth Choir (vocal or handbell) back together. Work will continue on repairing and making plans/ improvements to the Nave organ and bell tower. I’ve spoken at length with Brian Reed who currently services the organ about a new cymbelstern and the possibility of an additional stop to the pedal division. For the bell tower, repairs will commence at the completion of the new lighting suppression system that will be installed this spring. I will be researching the procurement of new timpani for the Nave to upgrade the current fiberglass timpani to a better sounding copper drum. I plan to bring back the orchestra we had for Reformation and All Saints on certain feast days during the year, like Transfiguration, Good Shepherd Sunday, Reformation, and All Saints. Jason Bazzle Music Ministry

17

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Youth and Family Ministry Report 

Youth and Family Ministry in 2022

basic biblical stories. As a new way of leading the youth team, we elected our first Youth to serve as the Board Chair. Andrew Nichols was the first Youth to fill this position and given the success we have seen in his leadership we plan to be more intentional about empowering the youth to take the lead of this board supported by a great team of Adult Leaders.

Ministry and Activity Daniel Crofts

Throughout the year, the goal was to provide at least two activities a month for the Youth on top of regularly scheduled events. Our regularly scheduled events are the following: YAMs gathering on Wednesday nights, Sunday morning parish education, and monthly outings for lunch following worship on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Below you will see a breakdown of ministry offerings for the YAMs, King Street Kids, and Joyful Noise.

Purpose/Mission Statement Working alongside various teams and in collaboration with the entire staff the director of Youth and Family Ministries seeks, to create robust ministry offerings for children and youth from infants to college students and young families so that the congregation, youth, children, and families can grow in their faith



January: Ski Retreat to Winterplace



February: Souper Bowl Fundraising Event, Hosted

through Worship, Service, Care, Education,

a WAM Meal, Bonfire Fellowship at the Sheridans’

and Koinonia.

house

Highlights   



 



March: Annual Oyster Roast, Outing to Escape Rooms

For the annual Ski Retreat, we took 25 up to Winterplace Ski Resort and had a blast. We had the return of our full VBS program following the Pandemic With the National Youth Gathering cancelled, working with a great team of chaperones, we led an Alternative Youth Gathering Trip to New York City with 17 YAMs and seven chaperones. Thanks to Karl Zerbst, we had an exciting back to school event for the Youth going on the Barrier Island Eco Tour to learn more about the ecosystem here in Charleston. Youth Sunday was a huge hit and involved a collective group of all our active YAMs. We resumed parish education classes and Fran Fischer has stepped up to lead a class for our youngest King Street Kids and Joyful Noise focusing on



April: Annual Beach Sweep Outing



May: Given finals this month was left open outside of regular events



June: End of School Lock-in



July: The return of full VBS evening program for children, youth and adults / Alternative Youth Gathering to New York City



August: Back to school event: Barrier Island Eco Tour



18

September: Youth Sunday

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 

October: Oktoberfest, YAMS managed Kinderzone and sold pretzels, Pumpkin Patch Outing



November: Annual YAMS Giving, Baked pies for homebound members, Clemson vs. USC rivalry Fundraiser



December: YAMs Christmas Party, White Elephant, and Service Project; Through the support of the congregation the YAMS were able to contribute $1,600 worth of toys for the Children’s Hospital.

There are several amazing programming opportunities coming up this year. Lutheridge will have their summer programming. I am a big advocate for camps and conference centers so I encourage all to consider sending your youth or child to Lutheridge this summer. In an effort to bring camp to our congregation, we are also offering a Lutheroad Day Camp this summer, which will be fun for all our elementary aged kids. It is a fantastic program and a great way to introduce children to Lutheridge’s ministry. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions about Lutheridge; prior to my start here, I worked at various faith based camps across the country. At the start of the summer, the YAMs will head to Florida for a service-learning trip helping the area surrounding Sanibel recover from Hurricane Ian. We are fortunate to collaborate with Holly Milbrandt who works for the city of Sanibel in planning the focus and service component of our trip.

Looking Ahead Working with the various board, staff, and church council. l I hope to work to re-engage our younger families, adults, and children who have been largely absent following the Pandemic. To do this the youth team, is working to expand our members to include parents with King Street Kids and Joyful Noise. We are revising how and when YAMs serve on the board to create a system that allows for all that are interested in serving have the opportunity to be on the board. I hope this continues to create programming for the youth that is meaningful to them, while also giving them a bigger voice when it comes to planning activities. I plan to continue to run with the model of having an older YAM serve as the Board Chair. Andrew Nichols was the first YAM to serve in the capacity and it has been a wonderful experience. We will continue to work with the Parish Education teachers to strengthen that programming.

Lastly, we have begun preparations for the 2024 Youth Gathering in New Orleans. This next gathering will also include a Young Adult Gathering, which opens our group even larger and is an exciting chance for your college students and YAMs Alumni that have moved on. We are planning our sequel to “An Affair to Remember” and it’s shaping up to be another great time here at St. Matthew’s. Submitted by, Daniel Crofts

19

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

20

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

21

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH REPORTS OF THE MINISTRY TEAMS Report of the Worship Team Acolytes: The Team is responsible for scheduling Youth for all services and training them how to perform the specific duties. There are 29 Youth involved. This Team is led by Erin Young and with great assistance from Daniel Crofts.

Purpose/Mission Statement The Worship Team is responsible for assuring all services in the LORD's house are in accordance with the liturgy of the ELCA. These responsibili-

Assisting Ministers: Nan cy Rom n ess tr ain s m em bers of Council and congregants interested in learning the requirements while serving/assisting on the altar. We are hopeful to have training in 1Q 2023.

ties include the planning and scheduling of weekly services as well as festival worship services. Team Members Include: Staff': Pastors Eric and Rebecca and Jason Bazzle. Sarah and Dennis Bates (Altar Guild, Handbell and A/V), Steve Nichols (Council Representative) Sue Proffitt (Lay Readers, Oblation Bearers and Eucharistic Ministry) Nancy Romness, (Worship Assistants and Team Secretary), Jeff Singletary (Ushers) and Erin Young (Acolytes).

A/V: Th e tea m is r espon sible for all of the sound, video and lights necessary for in person and online worship. This team has five Volunteers and is led by Dennis Bates. Eucharistic Ministry: This ministry returned in the fall of 2022. Both the recipients and the volunteers have welcomed this service back with great thanks. Currently 18 of our members who are unable to attend in person service receive communion via 19 Volunteers. We would like to expand both the recipients and the volunteers in 2023. Sue Proffitt leads this team.

Our meeting is the first Monday of the month via Zoom @ seven. 2022 Highlights

Lay Readers and Oblation Bearers: These teams assist in the readings each Sunday as well as the presentation of communion elements. Lay Readers read the first lesson every Sunday and the Oblation Bearers carry the elements to the presiding Pastor. There are 25 volunteers willing to read and 20 oblation-bearing volunteers. Sue Proffitt leads this team.



Return to the Unity Service @ 10am



Full communion has returned with three stations of distribution.



Eucharistic Ministry has returned.



The AV Team continues to make Worship available online.

Ushers: Th is team gr eets m em ber s an d visito r s, collects offerings and monitors the doors entering the sanctuary. There are 10 volunteers. Jeff Singletary leads this team.



This year’s services: Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, two Easter Services, Pentecost, All Saints Day, Beer and Carols at Kudu, Candlelight and three services on Christmas Eve and Youth Sunday (service led by Youth Group)

Special Service, Candlelight: Paul Wieters led our Candlelight Team in 2022. This Team coordinates the handing out of bulletins, candles, collection of offerings and making certain the timing of "behind the scenes" occurs as needed. Thank you, Paul,.



The return of Tuesday Noon Prayer, WAM and four Ludlum concert series events

All of the Teams are in need of additional volunteers; please consider joining one!

Members of our congregation have the opportunity to serve on several teams within the purview of the Worship Team.

Finally, a thank you to all of the volunteers who work tirelessly making certain our services are mindful of the liturgy and ELCA guidelines for all, whether in person or online.

Altar Guild: Th is Team is r espon sible for the caring of Paraments and the preparing of the Altar for services. This Team has 20 Volunteers and is looking for new Members to join in the fellowship and fun of working together. Sarah Bates leads this Team.

Sue Proffitt Worship Team

22

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Education Team Purpose/Mission Statement

day’s readings available on Monday mornings. We had a special Teacher’s Appreciation Party at the home of Tom and Alison Schneider’s on the Charleston harbor in May and enjoyed the food and fellowship with our dedicated volunteers.

The Education Team of St. Matthew’s mission is to offer opportunities for members to grow in their faith by offering a variety of classes throughout the week and year round.

The Nursery ministry, led by Daniel Crofts, continues to be a big area of focus. A rotating schedule of volunteers was organized and implemented to have members cover the nursery during the Parish Education hour and the Worship time. Cora, our Nursery Coordinator, a student from College of Charleston hired last year has been a welcomed presence in our nursery ministry.

Education Board Members Kelly Burbage-Council, Kristi Childers, Daniel Crofts, Mary Beth Hill (Superintendent), Anne Patterson, Ara Sheridan, Pastor Eric Childers and Sarah Bates-Chair. We did not hold meetings during the year.

Graduate Recognition – High School Graduates were given monogrammed blankets in their college colors and a blessing as they start their first year of college. This tradition is a special time for our members as it is a reminder of their Baptism “blanketing” them with our love.

Education Offerings Sunday Morning at St. Matthew’s met at 9:00 am each week. Pastor Eric Childers led classes on The Greatest Story; Jesus during the Spring ’22 and 60 Key Bible Stories this Fall ‘22. Pastor Rebecca led her class at Kudu Coffee offering lively conversations and sacred fellowship. Crossroads class met in the Lutheran Campus Ministry Room on Sunday mornings using current topics for discussion led by Laura Altman. YAM (Youth At Matt’s) met weekly following the new Augsburg Fortress “Collaborate” curriculum, this class is led by Kristi Childers, Karen Pregnall, Jeff Aysse and Sarah Fitch. Daniel Crofts led the King Street Kids Time in an activity after worship each week in the Parish Hall. YAM Wednesday Gathering led by Daniel and youth leaders offered koinonia and devotions. Coffee Talk held on Thursdays at 9:00 am led by both Pastor Eric and Pastor Rebecca as well as The St. Matthew’s Book Group meeting monthly via Zoom to discuss specific books in the evening time. The Parish Education hour class for King Street Kids led in rotation with Nancy Romness, Kellyanne Burbage, Katherine Mappus, and Melantha Ardrey following our Spark Lectionary Study for K- 05 curriculum. Children Classes were still combined this year, as the attendance in Parish Education has been low since 2020. Tuesday Class meets at 11:00 following the Books of the Faith Series, beginning with Mark led by Pastor Eric. Jason Bazzle continues his weekly Podcast, Grace Notes, a meditation on the following Sun-

Catechism class met weekly and through an independent study to complete their two-year journey toward Affirmation of Baptism, including weekly lessons with Bible study, acolyting, service and travel. Our next Confirmation will be held May 19, 2024. VBS returned July 17-21 held in the evenings from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm using the Food Truck Party, “On a roll with God” theme. We had a great turn out of children and adult and teacher volunteers for this exciting week on the church calendar as well as great meals offered each evening sponsored by different groups in the church. Pastor Eric offered a class for dults; Theology of Food each evening and we are hopeful this will continue in the future. Our ministry continues to evolve and we welcome new volunteers to join our team. We are looking forward to 2023 with more students returning to our Parish Education time. Sarah Bates Education Team

23

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Service Team Purpose/Mission Statement

English as a Second Language (ESL)– 16 different countries were represented.

The mission of the Community Outreach

SWAN Ministry - Pastor Rebecca and the Service team continued to help our neighbors in need by issuing emergency funding for those in need.

Center of St. Matthew's is to provide “point of contact” opportunities for our

congregation to minister to the homeless Emergency Food Pantry Ministry - we impacted 251 families and collected 3,500 pounds of donated food.

and the under-served downtown community in Charleston and beyond. Operating an emergency food pantry, Cradle Closet, SWAN, Backpack Buddies, and various

Fundraising – Oktoberfest returned and was a successful fundraising effort. The Advent appeal for Masama raised $10,000.

ESL programs, we work to encourage unity, respect and self-reliance to those we serve.

Global Partnerships – English Drews continues to keep us connected to Masama Girls School and a number of other international ministries.

Team Members Pastor Rebecca Wicker, Melantha Ardrey Carol Johnson, John White (council rep), Brinkley McArver, Donna Poulnot, English Drews, Kellyanne Burbage, Stephanie Ramia Sandifer.

LSC - we partnered with Lutheran Services of the Carolinas to form a circle of welcome for a refugee family. John White leads our efforts to support more refugees in the future.

2022 Highlights and Ministries In 2022, the service team made significant progress in updating the structure of the ministry team and defining roles. This is in alignment with the strategic plan of the church.

Personally, I am honored to have served on this team for many, many years. I am stepping away from this ministry area and would ask anyone in the congregation with an interest in service to prayerfully consider joining this team.

The service team also initiated a covenant process to identify new service ministry opportunities and support parishioners who are dedicated to these ministry efforts.

Melantha Ardrey Service Team

Educational ministries – we continue to work with Charleston Hope and Masama. We were also able to continue Backpack Buddies this year, packing close to 2,000 bags.

24

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Docent Ministry Team The Docent Ministry was begun following the renovation of the Sanctuary with the purpose of sharing our beautiful historical church with the community and others. It has remained open six days a week except during some of the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened for visitors in June, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Docents welcomed 9,376 visitors in 2018; 7,000 in 2019; 1,086 in 2020 (Church was closed much of 2020 and half of 2021 due to COVID-19); 2,932 visitors in 2021 and 6,624 visitors in 2022. There are thirty two volunteers in this ministry each of whom is assigned a special day (the same day) of each month and two substitutes who may be called upon to fill in when one of the regular docents cannot be there. These are very dedicated volunteers, some of whom have been with the ministry since its inception. They are very good at what they do and the church is ever grateful. The ministry is always in need of new volunteers to keep the entire year covered. The current docents are: Lisa Ainsworth, John Beahm, John Burbage, Becky Campbell, Mary Scott Chesnut, Marsha Dimitri, Joan Drews, Paul Egonut, Betty Haynes, Jonathan Heins, Mary Beth Hill, Cathy Hughes, Darryl Johnson, John Larisey, Bunny Lloyd, Doug Ludlum, Teddy Mappus, Dixie McMahan, Mary Metz, Biemann Othersen, Anne Patterson, Ray Patterson, Janice Pearce, Sondra Pfaehler, Donna Poulnot, Jim Smith, Melinda Summer, Laurie Thompson, Stephanie Tucker, Bill Fellers; Substitutes: Dick Campbell, Rusty Patterson Docents frequently receive wonderful compliments about our church and great stories to share. Money donated in the Docent Box for the year 2022 came to $2,788. A great addition, a QR Code for the history of St. Matthew’s and e-book tour of the Nave put together by Jason Bazzle, is now available in the Narthex for all to enjoy. Janelle Othersen Docent Ministry Team

25

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Care Team CARE Care for one another and bear each other’s burdens. We are called to be a caring church community and to be present when needed for our church family. The following ministries fall under the umbrella of the Care Team: Pastoral Visitation to h ospitals, n ur sin g h om es, and the homebound is led by Pastors Eric and Rebecca. Parishioners seeking pastoral visits are welcomed and encouraged to contact the pastors or the church office. Stephen Ministry leader s in clude ou r tw o pastor s, Fran Fisher, and Jackie and Russ Long. Stephen Minsters are lay congregation members trained to provide one-toone care to those experiencing a difficult time in life. Our commissioned Stephen Ministers are Pat Aysse, Daniel Crofts, Cathy Nielson, and Marty Wall. We plan to begin a second training in SEPT 2023 and are seeking members who are interested in and feel called to this ministry. Eucharistic Ministry is led by Sue Pr offitt. Th is ministry was resumed in 2022, when it was safe to deliver communion to and visit with our homebound members. This ministry has 19 volunteers, who deliver communion to 18 of our homebound members once a month. Prayer Ministries in clu de Pr a yer Po ds an d Daugh ters of the King (DOK). Prayer Pods are a cluster of small congregational groups that meet regularly to lift in prayer the concerns and joys of the congregation. The Prayer Pods were formed to engage more people in prayer. DOK is a spiritual sisterhood of women dedicated to prayer, service, and personal evangelism. The contact person for DOK is Sandy Yohman. Pastor Eric sends out a weekly prayer list to all Prayer Pod members, and a weekly prayer service is held each Tuesday at noon. Milestone Ministry w as guided dur in g 2022 by Carol Johnson, with the purpose of recognizing milestones of the members of our congregation. Bereavement Teams pr ovide m eals for fa m ilies and deliver them to homes following the death of a loved one. This ministry is coordinated by Fran Fisher and Cathy Nielson.

Prayer Shawl Ministry is led by Debbie B eah m w ith a talented group of members, who make prayer shawls and pocket crosses to bring comfort to our members and chrisms for all of our baptisms. Welcoming and Engagement is coor din ated by Pastor Rebecca, welcoming all new parishioners and following up with strategies for engaging parishioners in the life of the congregation. Two groups of new members joined the congregation in 2022. Prior to joining the church, the new member group enjoyed a Welcome Breakfast and an evening event with sponsors and church leaders. They were introduced in the Messenger and welcomed at Courtyard Koinonia. Care Mail is led by Car o l Joh n son , w h o sen ds a car d and some cheer to members who are homebound. This is done about six times during the year. Mending Meals, Soup Connections, and TOY (Thinking of You) is coo r din ated by Ma r y An n a Dish er, who has a dedicated team of members. On November 1, 2020, Mending Meals began delivering meals to members recovering from surgery or an illness. During the winter of 2021, Soup Connections was formed to deliver homemade soup and blessed bread, spiritually joining as many members as possible during the pandemic. In the Spring of 2021, TOY (Thinking Of You) was incorporated into this ministry, providing a little surprise to some of our members who needed a pick -me-up. This ministry has delivered over 1000 Mending Meals, Homebound Connections, and TOYS (600+ door-todoor stops) in just over two years. Flower Angels is coor din ated by Joan Hollin g, w h o ensures the delivery of altar flowers weekly to homebound or ill parishioners. Welcome Table is set up in th e Cou r tyar d each Sun day Morning. Volunteers, under the leadership of Marsha Dimitri, greet our members and visitors as they come through the front gates. Other ministries that fall under the Care Team are: Emergency Fund (Jan elle Oth er sen ) Parishioner Protection Ministry (Dan iel Cr o fts) Stewardship Team (r epo r ted by Elizabeth Ch r istian ) Fran Fisher Care Team 26

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Communication Team Purpose/Mission Statement



The Communication Team continued to track weekly analytics for our live-streamed services. On average, over 100 individual devices logged in to view each service. Many of the logins represent multiple viewers.



Streaming transitioned to YouTube only in late May, following Fox Music’s assessment.



The team continued to maintain the SMLC website.



Final work was completed with a graphic designer to create additional versions of the church logo. A new web-based platform can now host SMLC’s logos and other graphic assets.



Messages about online ministries and in-person activities were amplified through social media, website and app.



Updating the image library remained a goal. A photographer/videographer was engaged again this year for Oktoberfest. The team also worked closely with the Stewardship Committee to update photos for this year’s campaign materials.

The mission of the Communication Ministry Team is to provide accurate and encompassing information to the members of the congregation and guests via multiple formats. The Team’s purpose is to support and impart the mission of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.

Active Members Dan Yohman, Chris Campbell - Chair and Council Rep. Ministry and Activity Considering the team’s small size and that much of its work is project based, meetings are held on an asneeded basis. Progress was made on multiple initiatives in 2022 to support the life and ministry of SMLC. 

A major emphasis was collaboration with staff, the Audio/Visual team and an outside contractor (Fox Music) to assess the nave’s existing A/V equipment and troubleshoot streaming issues.



In the spring, it was determined the existing Vaddio video bridge production system was dated technology. It could not capture or stream true high definition quality regardless of camera capabilities. Several things were also identified to enhance the existing audio system’s interface with video, make it more user-friendly for the A/V team, and enhance streaming quality. Finally, it was determined that a dedicated computer and separate streaming device could enhance system access and production quality.



Council approved the recommendation to replace the video system, purchase additional cameras, and upgrade several components of the audio system, including the purchase of two wireless microphones.



Most of the new equipment was installed over the summer. Final components were completed in the fall. The contractor worked closely with staff to address any post-installation production issues. Fox also recently completed on-site training with the Audio/Visual team.

Looking Ahead In 2023, enhanced use of social media to maximize reach and engagement will remain a focus. Refining website design and streamlining content will continue as well. Building a library of high-resolution images that capture the full scope of SMLC ministries will be an ongoing project to support effective social media and website content. An integrated communications strategy is imperative as we envision how to most effectively and efficiently engage members and guests in a post-pandemic world. The team anticipates working with staff and council to evaluate the most effective team structure and purpose to support SMLC’s worship, education, service, care and koinonia moving forward.

Chris Campbell Communication Team 27

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Stewardship Team

Report of the Parish Life Team Purpose/Mission Statement

Purpose/Mission Statement

The ministry goal of the Parish Life Team is

To encourage members of St. Matthew's to be

to offer various programs and activities to

good stewards by sharing one's time, talents

encourage St. Matthew’s members to be in-

and monetary donations.

volved in the life of our congregation.

Members Elizabeth Christian, Dolores Millings, Ron Millings, Dale Ainsworth, Jeff Aysse, Karen O'Brien, Terry O'Brien, Tom Schneider and Alison Schneider, Tom Christian

Board members include Nell Postell, Janelle and Biemann Othersen, Becky Campbell, Donna Poulnot, Sue Proffitt, Dennis Bates, Cathy and Harold Nielson, Carol

2022 Highlights

Johnson, Courtney Prickett, Jackie and Russ Long,

We participated in a program called “Stewardship for all Seasons” in conjunction with SC Synod taught by Pastor Mike Ward. We participated in sessions on "Meaningful Storytelling" taught by Mitzie Schafer. We asked some of our parishioners to share what St. Matthew's means to them. They were published in The Messenger and in several church bulletins.

MaryAnna Disher, Mary Scott Chesnut, Denise Kauf-

Our theme this past year was "Growing Together.” It was divided into four areas: Growing with Our Present Parishioners, Growing with Our New Parishioners, Growing with Our Community, and Growing Our Church. There are many service and care opportunities for all parishioners. We welcomed 32 new parishioners and had four baptisms. We offer programs to the community through our Community Center as well as participate with other city programs. We stressed the cost of the maintenance of our church as well as emphasizing that our parish building needs renovation.



Annual Oyster Roast at Hobcaw Yacht Club.



Covered Dish Lunch following the February and

man, with Ann Flaherty and Fran Fisher as co-chairs. Events hosted by the Parish Life Team in 2022 include:

December Annual Meetings. 

A Mardi Gras Jazz Vespers in February, an Ice Cream Social Jazz, Vespers in July, and a Blessing of the Animals Jazz Vespers in October.

A letter was sent by Pastors Eric and Rebecca at the initiation of the campaign. We wrote a brochure describing our campaign: Growing Together--with present parishioners, new parishioners, our community, and our church. A letter and Estimate of Giving Card were included in that mailing. Several Temple Talks were given by myself. A thank-you Christmas Card was sent and a catered dinner was provided at the close of the campaign.



The Easter Breakfast.



A very special 150th Anniversary Celebration in March.



WAM in November.



Breakfast with Santa.

Many thanks to all of the Parish Life Team members for being the life of the party!

As of 1-9-23, 122 families had pledged $669,952 compared to last year with 126 families pledging $666,368 During the calendar year 2023, we will continue to participate with the Stewardship for All Seasons program. We also will participate in a program on Recruiting and Inspiring Volunteers led by Paul Marsh. Our committee meets once a month. Dolores Millings and Elizabeth Christian will be co-chairs.

Fran Fisher, Co-Chair Parish Life Team

Elizabeth Christian, Chair Stewardship Team

28

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Campus Ministry Team Purpose/Mission Statement LCM works to engage, serve, and minister to the students at College of Charleston through worship, education, service, care, and koinonia. Active Members Laura Altman – Chairperson Melantha Ardrey – Council Representative Pastor Eric Childers Pastor Rebecca Wicker Daniel Crofts Jenny Tate Betsy and Daniel Martin Jackson Reid (student representative) Carli Baker (student representative) Highlights  This year we’ve had 8-10 active students, with 4 to 6 students attending weekly Wednesday night dinners and 2 to 4 students attending weekly Thursday morning coffee gatherings (started fall 2022).  We are excited about the collaboration with St. Matthew’s YAMs, including the upcoming joint LCM and YAMs ski trip.

To kick off each fall semester, we offer a bunch of “Welcome Back” activities during the first month of school. These include Sunday brunch after worship, kayaking, a sunset bridge walk, steeple climb, ice cream social, and our annual Welcome Back Worship with communion. We gather every Wednesday, 6-7pm, for dinner and an activity. About once a month, we join the congregation for WAM (Wednesdays At Matt’s) for dinner and informal worship, during our regular LCM time. This is an opportunity for the students and parishioners to interact more. LCM even hosted a WAM dinner in the spring: the First Annual Mac & Cheese Cook-off. During the other Wednesdays of the month, our group gathers in the LCM Lounge at a long dining table for dinner, followed by an activity. Some of those activities include:  Packing food for Backpack Buddies  Prayer “wall” service project, on our King Street wrought iron fence  Painting with watercolors to create cards of encouragement  Pumpkin carving/painting party  Bonfire and s’mores

Ministry and Activity LCM-Charleston is continuing to see success, despite the pandemic and not having a dedicated campus minister. We have great support from St. Matthew’s staff (two pastors and youth leader) and the LCM board of volunteers. We added four board members this summer (two LCM student representatives and two St. Matthew’s parishioners). Building relationships between students, to grow a core group, continues to be our primary focus. Our LCM gatherings include a variety of worship, service, and fellowship opportunities. Some activities are in collaboration with the congregation and/or youth group, while other activities (about two-thirds) are focused on our LCM students, giving them a chance to bond and create lifelong friendships, based in faith.

29

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Campus Ministry Team Report CONTINUED...   

Advent wreath making Beginning and end of semester worship and communion We typically have 5-6 students attending on Wednesday evenings.

This fall we started offering Coffee and Conversation at Kudu Coffee (across the side street from our church) every Thursday morning. This small group gathering provides valuable conversation time and relationship building. It also provides an alternative meeting time for students if they cannot attend Wednesday night gatherings. We have a couple of students that regularly attend Sunday morning worship at SMLC. Others find the quarterly Jazz Vespers (Sunday afternoons) and weekly WAM worship to fit their schedule and style better. Another exciting new goal this year is collaboration with the St. Matthew’s YAMs (Youth At Matt’s). Several LCM students will serve as junior chaperones or camp counselors for the annual ski trip/retreat in January. Ahead of that trip, we have been doing joint activities so the two groups can get to know each other. This includes Wacky Winter Olympics (last spring), outing to the Coastal Carolina Fair (and lock-in afterwards), and lunch together after worship. The LCM students will be a bridge for the youth, as the YAMs finish high school and look forward to their own college experiences, which will hopefully include LCM.

We have created a “job description,” a list of what this staff person would ideally do, based on the five pillars of St. Matthew’s (worship, service, care, education, and koinonia). We don’t know yet if this will be a pastor, deacon, or non-rostered person. We have started conversations with Bishop Ginny Aebischer and her assistant Pastor Emily Edenfield, providing them with the job description. In addition, we are exploring a possible ecumenical partnership to create a joint Lutheran Episcopal campus ministry. Our students and St. Matthew’s pastors have been involved in these conversations.

Looking Ahead Our goal is to have a vibrant campus ministry with 15 to 20 active students. We are excited with the progress of the last few years and extremely thankful for the South Carolina Synod funds that have made our ministry possible. However, our LCM Board is simply not equipped to truly grow a thriving campus ministry. Our lay board members are juggling their own jobs, family, and other church commitments, and the St. Matthew’s pastors and staff are stretched thin also. We desperately need a dedicated staff person for LCM-Charleston.

In order to fund a dedicated campus minister, we have been approved for additional funds from the SC Synod, starting in 2022-23, towards this goal. The LCM board will be looking for additional sources of funding for LCM, because the SC Synod funds alone will not be enough to support a staff salary. Funding will need to come from a variety of sources, including St. Matthew’s, LCM alumni, and grants. Laura Altman Campus Ministry Team

30

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Youth Team Our Mission Statement

ship on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Below you will see a breakdown of ministry offerings for the YAMs, King Street Kids, and Joyful Noise.

To create a vibrant ministry and community for the youth and children of St. Matthew’s through

Looking Ahead

worship, service, care, education, and koinonia.

This year, the Youth Board wants to involve more of our YAMs by rotating them through the board. We hope to have a few middle school and high school YAMs serve on the board and have a high school YAM be selected as chair. Involving more YAMs in our planning will help gather more ideas, and hopefully continue to encourage our youth to be active members within the group.

Active Members Andrew Nichols, Daniel Crofts, Jeff Aysse, Sarah Fitch, Caleb Young, Anne Flynn, Kristi Childers, Karen Pregnall, Brinkley McCarver, Bruce Cross, Avery Campbell, and Jenny Tate Highlights



The annual ski trip was a success once again. This past year, we drove a little further up to Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia instead of going to Beech Mountain like we had in previous years. With the incredible feedback from the youth, we decided to return to Winterplace in 2023, and will hopefully continue to drive the extra hour or so to West Virginia.



Due to Covid, the triannual National Youth Gathering was postponed once again until 2024. However, with the funding received from “The Affair to Remember”, we were able to take our YAMs on a mission trip to New York. The YAMs worshiped in various churches across Manhattan and attended a Broadway Show as well.

 

We inaugurated our new YAMs on Youth Sunday.

As we look toward the summer, the YAMs will venture down to Florida to aid those who were affected by the hurricanes that hit the area. This will be a true “service-learning trip” by learning about the communities around us and helping them to get back on their feet after such a destructive hurricane season in 2022. Later in the summer, many of the children at St. Matthew’s will head off to Lutheridge for a week that to me, is almost impossible to describe. I strongly encourage all youth to attend Lutheridge if possible because it is honestly a life changing experience. A week surrounded by nature, faith, koinonia, and friendship creates bonds that will last a lifetime (I know that both Daniel Crofts and I are still in contact with the friends that we met at camp many years ago). Lutheridge may not be for everyone, but you don’t know if it's for you until you try, so I urge you to go. I started going to Lutheridge only five years ago, and I wish that I had started a lot sooner.

Karl Zerbst was kind enough to donate a Barrier Island trip back to the youth group which was the first true outing for our new YAMs. It was a beautiful boat cruise up the Inter-coastal Waterway, and the new YAMs were able to interact and bond with our existing YAMs outside of church for the first time.



The return of the Youth Lunch following the second Sunday every month.



The Clemson vs USC fundraiser was a huge hit among the congregation and the YAMs and we raised over $1,600.

Finally, after the postponement of the National Youth Gathering (again…), it has officially been rescheduled for New Orleans in 2024. To fund this trip, the youth board is currently planning our sequel to “The Affair to Remember”, and it is already looking to be another great night! Sadly, this will be my last year as both a member of the youth group and a member of the youth board. I wanted to take a little time to thank everyone in the congregation for helping to shape who I am. From my beginnings in the Alleluia Choir and the Christmas Play, to preaching in the Pulpit on Youth Sunday, this church has always been here to support me, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Ministry and Activity Throughout the year, the goal was to provide at least two activities a month for the Youth on top of regularly scheduled events. Our regularly scheduled events are the following: YAMs gathering on Wednesday nights, Sunday morning parish education, and monthly outings for lunch following wor-

Andrew Nichols Youth Board

31

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the ESL Ministry Purpose/Mission Statement

Ministry and Activity

Our main purpose in the English Language Pro-

Volunteers teach a two hour class per week. We meet at the beginning of the year to review materials and possible themes. At the holiday party, each tutor led a section of the language games and one tutor explained the “driedel” game and shared some of the Hebrew language letters that many of the students were not familiar with. Students from Ukraine prepared special cakes and wrote about the development of the recipe and why the cake is special in Ukraine. Holiday parties and classes are opportunities to talk about and share their culture with others. Students use their English throughout all of this.

gram is to welcome all students seeking English language instruction and serve as a resource for students seeking assistance in adjusting to life in the United States. The mission of the English Language Program at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church is “Helping non-native English speakers improve their English speaking and listening skills for family, work and independent life in the United States.” Active Members

Looking Ahead

We consider the active members of this ministry to be the volunteer tutors from the community. These individuals are mostly former teachers who have traveled overseas and are committed to helping our international students make a smooth transition to life in the United States. They include: Susan Wegener, Carol Antman, Marilyn Levesque, Debbie Smith, Jennifer Bay, Eugenia Burtchy, Randy Boone, Priscilla Quirk, Hayden Shook and Pastor Rebecca Wicker. Alec Evans is the student intern on Wednesdays. He attends Charleston Collegiate School on John’s Island.

In 2023, we will focus on: 

bringing back an intermediate level class which will require additional volunteers. We will advertise in church newsletters and through individual contacts.



encouraging tutors to incorporate more visual components to lessons using the newly acquired TV with internet capabilities.



and renewing our attempt to pre-test all students.

Highlights We do not anticipate any transitions.

In our view, each new word and conversation in English is a highlight of the program. In addition, several of our students have successfully passed their driver’s test and received driver’s licenses, the two refugees from Afghanistan both found work on James Island at Chik-fil-a and Baguette Magic. (They have moved to Kansas now.) One of our former students from Chile, Lorenna, is a beloved elementary Spanish teacher at First Baptist Church School in Charleston.

We have met last year's goals of returning to in-person instruction, limiting online classes, and continuing to offer conversation group sessions after each class.

Hayden D. Shook ESL Ministry Coordinator

Another student from Ukraine is trying to start his own photography business, and our Christmas party was his first opportunity to take photos and then post them on his website.

32

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Property Ministry Team Purpose/Mission Statement

Building, including work to boilers, chillers, piping and compressor units, and pumps.

The purpose of the Property Team is to maintain, re-



The Men’s Work Crew repaired numerous items in our facilities, including toilet replacements, repair of the red church doors, repair of the Parish Hall doors, and repair of the kitchen exhaust fan, and began the process of repainting the Parish Hall windows.



The Men’s Work Crew routinely inspects the Huber Building for any damage and arranged for the repairs to the leaking HVAC unit.



The small canopy roof at the Vanderhorst Street entrance was replaced.

 

The dehumidifier in the Church crawl space was repaired.



The fire alarm and sprinkler alarm systems in the Church were inspected by the City of Charleston and found to be non-compliant. After considerable research and a huge amount of effort by Buddy Fitch, we determined that our monitoring company had not inspected the system on a regular basis, and they were not able to address both the sprinkler system and fire alarm system interconnections. A new company, Johnson Controls, was engaged to repair the systems, inspect the systems on a regular basis, and also provide monitoring of the systems. Since our contract with the previous company was expiring at the end of 2022, Johnson Controls was hired to provide these services going forward. Repairs and modifications to the fire alarm system in the Parish Hall were also made.

pair, and keep up the various properties of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, including the Church Building, Parish Hall Building, and the Outreach Center. The Huber Building repairs and maintenance will now be the responsibility of St. Matthew’s now that the CAVB has vacated this building. Active Members The members who are on the Board are Eric Aichele, Chair, Ed Tamsberg, Jeff Singletary, Joe Fisher, Paul Egonut, and Buddy Fitch. Three new members who joined the Board in late 2022 are Tom Christian, Pat Flynn, and John Stork. It should be noted that much of the property work completed at St. Matthew’s could not be accomplished without the tremendous support of the Men’s Work Crew, Buddy Fitch, and Deborah Ross. Ministry and Activity As stated previously, due to the COVID 19 restrictions that carried on through 2021, the Property Board did not meet on a regular basis but continued to discuss needed repairs and plan for future projects by phone and email. While several larger scale capital improvement projects were put on hold (chancel handrails and air conditioning), numerous smaller scale projects were undertaken and completed in 2020, and they are outlined below. The Board also received updates from the Men’s Work Crew on small projects and repairs that they were able to assist with throughout the year. The members of the Work Crew, who provide valuable assistance to the upkeep of the Property of St. Matthew’s are: Ed Tamsberg, Wes Haynes, Roger Branstiter, Rusty Patterson, Russ Patterson, Karl Zerbst, John Burbage, Bill Wilson, Tom Christian.

Looking Ahead



Highlights



Dealt with numerous issues regarding 2 lightning strikes from the Summer that damaged many systems in the Church, including the security system, bells, organ, cameras, IT , and lighting systems. Worked with various companies to repair these systems.



In response to this latest lightning strike, we contacted the original electrical engineers (from the last renovations to the Church) as well as a new Lightning Protection Company. They investigated the lightning protection system that had been previously installed 6-7 years ago and provided a detailed report on their findings. As a result of this report, we are scheduled to have this system substantially reworked in early 2023.



The church Steeple was damaged during Hurricane Ian. A steeplejack company has inspected the damage and given us a quote to do the repairs. We are waiting on them to work us into their schedule when they are in this area.

Two ongoing projects that are anticipated in 2023 are the repair of the Lightning Protection System and the repair of the steeple from Hurricane Ian. It should also be noted that most of the capital projects, especially those relating to the Sunday School Building, will hopefully be addressed as plans are made for the restoration of this building.

Eric Aichele Property Ministry Team

Authorized numerous repairs to the Heating and Air Conditioning systems serving the Church and Sunday School

33

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Grounds for Growth Team The Grounds for Growth (“G4G”) Team has been busy at work in 2022 with focus on 1) developing a potential partnership plan as relates to the renovation needs at 405 King Street (Parish Hall), 2) determining potential options for the sale or lease of 423 King Street (Huber Building), 3) working with the Endowment Team to better understand the mechanics and alternatives that exist with the Huber Trust assets (i.e. 423 King) and 4) working to enhance vehicle parking alternatives, specifically during weekday programs. In addition to these specific initiatives, the Grounds for Growth Committee facilitated a multi-session discussion series for purpose of keeping the broader SMLC congregation aware of the opportunities and challenges surrounding each of these focus areas. These sessions were hosted by G4G committee members and presented during the Sunday school hour in June and July. appraisal of 423 King Street has been engaged and is in process as of this writing.

G4G is comprised of a rolling committee that includes pastoral staff, council president, council vice president, endowment chair, property chair, and specific members at large (those currently being Steve Nichols, Chris Altman, Pat Flynn and Laurie Thompson). In 2022, the G4G committee met on a monthly and bi-monthly basis.

Also and as relates to the ongoing work around both 405 King Street and 423 King Street, there is a continued focus on how a meaningful parking solution might result from one or both of these plans. As work remains in its early stages, it is not clear what might be possible, but securing more parking for SMLC programs remains an objective. This focus has also led to coordination and consideration with the Endowment Committee around what is allowed and possible with the Huber Trust assets.

Given the substantial cost and site limitations associated with the renovation plans for 405 King, in early 2022 the G4G Committee initiated discussion with the College of Charleston to explore potential for partnering together on the redevelopment and renovation of our respective properties located off of Vanderhorst Street. These initial discussions and diligence have included a preliminary architectural study completed by Bello/Garris Architects. Discussions are active and ongoing with both SMLC and CofC enthusiastic in conducting further work to determine what options to work together may be viable.

In closing, the G4G Committee fully understands and appreciates the desire to move this process forward as quickly as possible. The desire to take action quicker on 423 King Street and/or move renovations ahead faster on the Parish Hall is shared by the full Committee. That noted, the work around these plans requires much coordination and collaboration and as result takes longer than we all might like. Decisions around these plans are far reaching and must be considered fully. As always, the Committee welcomes comments, suggestions and ideas as we evaluate our alternatives and determine our strategy around these assets.

With the lease termination at 423 King in August 2021, focus on alternatives and plans with this property have been and continue to be a high priority. Similar to 405 King Street, the G4G Committee engaged Bello/Garris Architects to complete a feasibility study for the property. This work has resulted in active interest of surrounding property owners in the property. As result of discussions with these interested parties, an updated

Ross Campbell Grounds for Growth 34

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Welcoming and Engagement Team Welcome to St. Matthew’s!



Those who wish to officially become a part of St. Matthew’s share their biographical information in the Messenger so that the wider congregation can look out for those who are new and connect with them. This also helps team chairs to make connections.



The week before new parishioners officially join, we have a Welcome Breakfast so the new cohort can get to know each other, members of council, and members of staff. In our last Welcome Breakfast, this was a great time for stories. Parishioners can share what St. Matthew’s has meant to them while new people can share more about themselves and what they are looking forward to in a faith community.



Friday before Welcome Sunday, staff, council, new parishioners, sponsors, and team chairs, and W.E. team are invited to a social hour. This allows for even more time to experience koinonia (a St. Matthew’s favorite) and become more familiar with one another.



Finally, parishioners officially join St. Matthew’s the last Sunday of February and August.

Welcome & Engagement 2022 This year, between our February 2022 cycle and our August 2022 welcome cycle, we set out to implement some changes in the W.E. process to connect new parishioners to the congregation. In the past, we noted that while we had a great number of people show interest in and join St. Matthew’s, there was little follow up and little involvement after people joined. Thanks to the W.E. team, we were able to reach out to those parishioners who had connected with St. Matthew’s since 2019 and ask some crucial questions. What brought them to St. Matthew’s? Why do they continue to come back to St. Matthew’s? How do they feel connected to St. Matthew’s? We found out that amongst those parishioners who remained involved and active at St. Matthew’s, relationships were key. Relationships made being a part of St. Matthew’s worthwhile and made the difference as to whether or not a new parishioner became involved. So after the February 2022 cycle, we focused on ways we could help new parishioners find and build relationships in the midst of the congregation. We wanted to help new people find their way into belonging in the community. Here is an overview of how the process looks today. 

When someone visits St. Matthew’s, we follow up with a card.



After a visitor expresses interest in becoming a part of St. Matthew’s, a member of the W.E. Team follows up with a phone call to get to know the person better. We answer questions and provide insight on other ministries or koinonia opportunities the person may be interested in.



If the person decides they would like to become a part of St. Matthew’s, we go ahead and pair them with a sponsor from the congregation who can begin to build a relationship and help the new person or family navigate the ministry opportunities at St. Matthew’s. Prior to 2022, the sponsor really wasn’t recognized until the day someone joined the church. Now, we invite them to go ahead and connect at a time when someone may have the most questions about St. Matthew’s.

Through this past August cycle, it was a joy to see relationships develop earlier on and hear from the W.E. team all the ways they connected with those wishing to learn more about the community of St. Matthew’s. Phone calls, coffee dates, table talk, and social hours are things that we have enjoyed all along. Being more intentional about sharing these times with people seeking community has made a great difference in creating a place for people at St. Matthew’s. 2022 by the numbers… 

In February of 2022, 20 people from 9 households joined St. Matthew’s.



In August, 12 people from 7 households became a part of St. Matthew’s.



For all of 2022, 32 people representing 16 households have become a part of St. Matthew’s.

Jackie and Russ Long Welcoming and Engagement Team 35

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Bethany Cemetery Committee Purpose/Mission Statement The purpose of the Cemetery Committee is to manage and operate both Bethany Cemetery, which is located 2 miles north of the church on Cunnington Street, and our Columbarium and Memorial Prayer Garden, which is located directly behind the Sanctuary.

Active Members This year at Bethany we had: 30 interments and 23 cremations. There were also 14 lots sold and 6 cremation lot sales.

The Active Members of the Bethany Cemetery Committee are: Harold Nielson, Chair

Bethany continues to work on its long-term tree care program to maintain our beautiful trees throughout our 25 acres site. PO Meade Tree Company continues to remove multiple damaged trees and lifting the canopy throughout the property. In 2023 we will continue to work on tree canopy and finally begin to address the root damage throughout our roadways.

Pastor Eric Childers Dale Ainsworth, Church Treasurer (Ex-Officio) Julie Blair, President of Church Council Joe Fisher Paul Wieters

This tree work along with the extra care of our landscaper Randy McDonough has improved the whole aesthetics inside Bethany. Randy’s work included cutting back the shrubs and bushes throughout all the gravesites.

Jeff Aysse Eric Aichele Jeff Singletary

We continue to review our long-range planning for the cemetery to address the needs outside the scope of the day-to-day operations. This planning and work includes: repair/ paint wrought iron fences and gates, landscaping improvements, and the potential for improving the west edge so that a fence can be re-established to protect our boundaries. We are looking specifically at landscaping, fencing, the road system and west edge. We continue to work on a 5-year plan of action.

Ron Millings, Interim-Superintendent William Schwab, Superintendent

Highlights We were very blessed to have fellow church member Ron Millings serve as our Interim Superintendent for Bethany for another year. Our recently hired Superintendent, Bill Schwab, has been working with Ron for a short transition period to help keep our operations streamlined and helping insure the historical record keeping is updated and accurate. We’re very appreciative of their dedication.

Harold B. Nielson, Jr. Council Person / Committee Chair

36

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Perpetual Care Trust Fund Committee Purpose/Mission Statement The purpose of the Perpetual Care Trust Fund is to provide funds in perpetuity for the care and upkeep of Bethany Cemetery. A portion of all lot sales from Bethany Cemetery are deposited into this fund and the funds invested in a safe and prudent manner to allow this fund to provide perpetual care for Bethany Cemetery.

Active Members The members of this committee, as established by the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Constitution are:

January 2023 to review the return amount that has been approved by the Congregation (5%) since 1 May 2020.

Cemetery Committee Chair: Harold Nielson Congregation President: Julie Blair

The formula that the church has approved, and which has been used in past years to determine the monthly distribution to Bethany is: Year-end value of prior three (3) years added together and then divided by three (3) to get the Average Account Value. That figure is then multiplied by the committee requested distribution rate (4.6%) and then divided by twelve (12), providing a distribution of $7,734 per month. The rate may be lowered even further at our next meeting.

Finance Committee: Jim Dorn Church Treasurer: Dale Ainsworth Council and Congregation Attorney: Kerry Koon Appointments: Paul Wieters and Ed Puckhaber

Highlights 2022 has not been a favorable year of growth for the fund with the volatility of the markets and national economic uncertainty and inflation.

Looking Ahead

We had a total decrease in the fund from $2,193,453.285 to $1,827,659.31. This was a negative annual return of 12.58%! Please see the financial report for this Fund included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

The committee understands that the increase or decrease of this Fund’s growth is not guaranteed each year and we will be cognizant of the fact that adjustments may need to be made. We continue to have a lot of needs at the cemetery but will adjust our needs to ensure for the long-term care for the cemetery.

Ministry and Activity This committee meets once a year to review the financial report each year to date and to approve the amount of the disbursements for maintenance and care of Bethany Cemetery for the upcoming year. The committee will meet in

Harold B. Nielson, Jr. Chair, Perpetual Care Trust Fund Committee

37

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH History and Archives Committee Report Purpose/Mission Statement The purpose of the Archives of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is to gather, preserve, and make available important records and artifacts concerning the life of the congregation, so that all generations may be informed, enlightened, and inspired by the contributions and sacrifices of those who have gone before. In connection with the SHRAB Grant and the Looking Outward Committee, Andy Massey and Melinda Summer, and Steve Bailey (Friends of Hampstead) did a presentation on SMLC’s past connection with Hampstead Village or Eastside and the activities that the Friends and Community members are doing. At a later date, Steve Bailey led a walking tour for SMLC members of the Eastside neighborhood.

Active Members Nancy Kruger, Joan Holling (Parish Records), English Drews (Lowcountry Digital Library Liaison), Melinda Summer (chair), Evelyn Alberts (translation) and Sara Massey (Project Manager) Highlights

The Archive assisted church members with family inquiries and with on-line requests for information on family members connected to SMLC. Although a request might not result in a connection to SMLC, it is always rewarding to provide the researcher with suggestions on other sites to contact.

In 2022, the Archive worked with Pastor Rebecca, Jason Bazzle, and others to research pictures, bulletins, and historical information used for the 150th Anniversary celebration of SMLC on King Street. As there is no actual picture of SMLC in 1872, Nancy Romness, using an architectural sketch, other pictures and architectural information, created the sketch of SMLC.

Looking Ahead Currently, English Drews is working with the Lowcountry Digital Library to prepare another set of documents for availability on the website in 2023. Also, the SHRAB grant work continues into June followed with a presentation.

The Archive applied for a grant from the State Historical Records Advisory Board (SHRAB) to do additional research on the church’s relationship with the Village of Hampstead through its original cemetery and members who lived and/or had businesses in the Hampstead Mall area. Church member Sara Massey, a Professional Project Manager and a Certified Fundraising Executive, led the application process and is the Project Manager for SMLC’s grant which was awarded in August.

Work continues in the Archive and you are invited to assist in the historical endeavor of SMLC. Melinda Summer History and Archives

38

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH REPORTS OF GROUPS Report of the Daughters of the King All Daughters of the King pledge themselves to a life-long program of Prayer, Service and Evangelism and strengthening the spiritual life of her parish. How do we do this? We pray daily for those in need and weekly we join together through Zoom and pray as a group. As a chapter we hold up seven families of St. Matthew’s in prayer every week and send them a card so they know we were praying for them. Each Daughter serves as she is able; you can see them in almost every group of this parish. We also encourage each member to share her love of God with those she has contact with. We have 14 members. Two members are in long term care. Two members are home bound. Six members are caregivers. Our sister Patricia Truett died after a long illness; she was a faithful and joyful Daughter who lived out her vows.

Memorials & Gifts Report During 2021, the Memorial Committee received gifts totaling nearly $12,000. Acknowledgements went to the donors as well as the families. The funds distribution was as follows:

Fund Undesignated

Gift Totals $5,385

Men’s Work Crew

3,270

Masama Girls’ School

1,150

Community Center

845

SWAN

490

Capital Campaign

290

Music Fund

275

Archives

100

Youth Convention

75

Pastors’ Benevolence

50

Property Trust

50

TOTAL

This past year we have slowly returned to in-person gatherings. We have had such good feedback from our weekly prayers and cards for parishioners we decided to continue the outreach. In March we hosted a WAM meal and some members attended the Spring Retreat at Camp St Christopher. In the summer we started monthly chapter meetings, followed by a potluck lunch. The SC Assembly asked our chapter to host the Fall Assembly in September which we did; the Assembly was very grateful. In October we gathered supplies for Magdalene House of Charleston and delivered what was donated. They were thankful for the donation. Oktoberfest is an all hands on deck activity, many Daughters were baking and volunteering during the event. As Daughters we are encouraged to renew our vows on All Saints Day; we were able to do this in person during a worship service. To support our parish’s year of Biblical literacy our chapter donated 22 books of The Jesse Tree: Stories and Symbols of Advent by Raymond Anderson, for younger families. The books were well received; seeing the excitement in the children’s eyes was such a blessing. The Morningstar of Wittenberg Chapter will be offering a discernment class for anyone interested in finding out more about the Order of the Daughters of the King this winter. We will continue serving our parish and holding up our Pastors Eric and Rebecca, Council and all the parishioners in prayer.

$11,980

For His Sake, Sandy Yohman, President Morningstar of Wittenberg Chapter The Order of the Daughters of the King

Carolyn Witte Memorial Committee

39

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Men’s Work Crew This edition of the annual report is submitted in honor of and dedicated to the memory of Robert Holling, who died on July 31, 2022.



The old restroom behind the nursery had been leaking for years and had damaged the floor and support beams. The work crew rebuilt this space and converted it to a needed storage area.



The overhanging shelter over the Vanderhorst St. side has a new roof which should stop further deterioration.



Also on the Vanderhorst side of the property, the two story building had many window frames and glass panes that needed repair. Rotted wood was replaced. New wood was painted and caulked and all window frames were power washed and painted.



A leaking water line in the kitchen caused extensive damage to the walls in and around the storage room. Damaged walls were removed and new walls built and painted. Drain lines were repaired and redesigned to prevent future leaks.



The kitchen exhaust fan was broken for more than a year. An outside contractor basically said it couldn’t be repaired and would need replacement. The replacement cost estimate is about $10,000. Consistent with the mindset of the work crew that anything can be “fixed,” we gave it a try. The rotor was taken out, the vanes that move the air was reattached with nut and bolts and the unit reassembled. The rest is history. The exhaust fan is now working efficiently. Savings to the church was $ 10,000.



Low water pressure has always been a problem for the church. With a member’s significant plumbing expertise, a booster pump was installed and we now have adequate pressure.

History Rev. Richard Hollinger and Robert Holling had an idea about 27 years ago that we could use the skills of our retired men to do much of the repair work and save St. Matthew’s a considerable amount paid to outside contractors and repair services. The idea became a reality and a group of retired men began meeting each Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to Noon. Since inception, Robert Holling was the heart and soul of the Work Crew. His organizational skills and willingness to “be on call for church members and staff” kept our church properties in good repair and functioning efficiently. The current crew has a deep commitment to continue this valuable service to St. Matthew’s started nearly 30 years ago by Rev. Hollinger and Robert Holling. Accomplishments To mention all the things the work crew accomplished in 2022 is not possible, but there were several significant projects listed below. 



To many church members, the Sanctuary is what they see when they come to church. The Work Crew sees the entire church, from above and below the main level, all requiring on-going maintenance. Next to the flat roof above the auditorium is a second level of stucco walls and many widows that were in poor repair with cracks and leaking window frames. After months of diligence on the part of the crew, those walls and windows are now in good repair and freshly painted. Since 1932, the beautiful and architecturally significant double doors to the Education Building have welcomed those who seek Christian education, fellowship and worship. Over the years, continuous exposure to wind, rain, sun, and even hurricanes had caused various parts of the doors to suffer rot and deterioration. The work crew has periodically repaired the doors to save them. As of July 12, the work crew completed extensive repairs that should preserve them for several years.

A conservative estimate of savings of labor and materials for the church would be about $40,000. The work crew now has several new members who additional skills and talents. The work crew looks forward to 2023 and a year of helping to maintain the properties of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Wes Haynes and Ed Tamsberg 40

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Lutheran Men in Mission Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) has remained active at St. Matthew’s for over 50 years. No other Lutheran Church in the Charleston/Lowcountry area has an active Chapter. We take great pride in the many initiatives that our Chapter has supported through these many years. Some of you reading this report might ask – what do Lutheran Men in Mission do? South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission was organized in the mid 1800’s and is more than 150 years old and is probably older than St. Matthew’s on King Street. Our main objective is to support mission congregations. South Carolina Lutheran Men in Mission provides support for mission congregations through three programs. 

Through the Gift Fund, we have given over $1,000,000 in outright gifts.



Through the Loan Fund, we have loaned $4,000,000 to mission congregations interest free.



Through the New Mission Start Fund, we have raised nearly $900,00 that has been used to fully fund, or partner in the funding of starting at least 11 new congregations in our synod. Our group normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month, although we do meet occasionally on Sunday mornings. The time of the Tuesday meeting is 7:30 AM, in the auditorium with a full breakfast provided and cooked by our “expert chefs”. In addition, we have interesting speakers from within our church and community. We have great fellowship and interaction among our members and guests and conclude our meetings by 8:30 AM.

Locally, these are some things that Lutheran Men in Mission at St Matthew’s have done in the past: 

We gave a gift of $500 to St. Matthew’s Church to cover secretarial and other expenses.



We gave a gift of $120 to St. Matthew’s in memory of Robert Holland.



We gave a gift of $500 to SCLMM to support missions.



We gave a gift of $250 to the youth of St. Matthew’s.



We gave a gift of $250 to support Backpack Buddies.



Many of our men are members of the SCLMM “Committee of 100”, giving $100 per man to support statewide mission work.



We cooked a great pancake supper for Shrove Tuesday



We cooked a BBQ chicken supper for WAM.

All Lutheran men in St. Matthew’s are invited to become a Lutheran Man in Mission. Is there a better way to demonstrate commitment to be a mission minded church than to join a group of men who have a sincere interest in helping others and supporting the SCLMM initiative to start new Lutheran churches in South Carolina. Become a LMM member; you’ll be richer for it. Roger N. Branstiter Lutheran Men in Mission

41

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Report of the Endowment Committee Purpose: The Endow m ent Com m ittee is r espo nsible for the oversight of the Endowed Funds of the church, some established with Trust Documents, and some without. The duties of the committee include insuring that responsible investments are made, setting investment objectives, determining asset allocations, selecting investment advisors, tracking investment performance, and ensuring that distributions of income from the funds are made in accordance with the stated restrictions. The Committee functions under the Revised Endowment Agreement, put in place in February 1998, which designated that the distribution of income from the funds would include interest, dividends, and accumulated capital gains.

initial the bequests from Grace Huber, $3,162,123.96, reduced by any withdrawals of principal and increased by 1% every year, per the trustees. Correcting the (PTM) balance for the $515,049.84 withdrawal and adjusting the annual 1% principal increase reflecting the withdrawal, reduces the (PTM) of the fund to $3,325,763.50 at 12/31/2022. The details of these transactions are included in the Huber Trust reconciliation for 2022. Committee Members in 2022: Pastor Eric Childers, Senior Pastor; Julie Blair, Council President; Dale Ainsworth, Treasurer; Eric Aichele, Property Board Chair; Janelle Othersen, Member-at Large; Sue Proffitt, Worship; Brinkley McArver, Community Ministry Center; Ed Puckhaber, Advisor; Darryl Johnson, Committee Chair

For the past eight years, the Committee has used Raymond James & Company (RJ) as our investment advisor, so that each of the various funds would have the same investment objective and would achieve consistent investment results. The investment platform is a Unified Management Account, which utilizes both mutual funds and institutional managed accounts with equity, fixed income, and cash assets. David Rodenberg, our (RJ) account executive, continues to do an outstanding job overseeing our funds. Thank you, David! 2022 was again a very chaotic year for financial markets. We started coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, then Russia invaded Ukraine, and then inflation took off in the second half of the year. As a result, the market value of our Endowed Funds, invested with RJ, declined (15.48 %) versus the benchmark performance of (15.96 %). We are hopeful that 2023 will be a better year!

2022 Highlights / Activity: Th is infor m ation is found in the detailed report of each fund, 01/01/22 – 12/31/22, that follow the pages explaining the history of each fund. Ministry: The Com m ittee r eview s all r equ ests that are received for distributions from the Endowed Funds, to ensure the requested distributions are in accordance with any stated restrictions. Request for distributions from Endowed Funds, preferably in writing, can be given to any committee member or placed in the Endowment Committee mailbox in the church office. The Committee usually meets the first Tuesday of the second month of each calendar quarter. Our scheduled meetings in 2023 are on 02/07, 05/02, 08/01 and 11/07.

Funds Changes / Consolidations:

Thank You: Th an k yo u to all th e m em ber s w h o served on the Endowment Committee in 2022 and to Deborah Ross, our Parish Administrator, for her continued assistance!! On a personal note, thank you to our church council for their confidence in me to serve as chair of the Endowment Committee!

The Library Fund w a s esta blished in 1978 a n d has had very few transactions over the years. In August, the committee approved closing this fund and transferring the $7,679.89 fund balance to the General Endowment Fund. The Huber Trust Fund – While doing some research on the Huber Building for the Grounds for Growth Committee, I discovered that the $515,049.84 withdrawn from the principal of the fund, to purchase the building in 1998, had never been subtracted from the Principal To Maintain (PTM) balance calculations of the fund. The (PTM) balance of the fund is composed of the

Darryl G. Johnson Endowment Committee

42

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Endowed Funds Report All invested with Raymond James

Grace Huber Trust Fund – This fund was established in 1997 from the bequest of Grace Doscher Huber. The trust document stipulates that only the income from the bequest can be used, with no invasion of principal. Income from the bequest can be used for the maintenance, improvement, and beautification of the Nave in the traditional Gothic style. It further states that the principal and income from the bequest, can be used to acquire property for the use of parking. The trustees have stipulated that the principal of the Trust must be increased by 1% at the end of every year. Property Trust Fund - This fund was established in 1978 by Carl E. Renken, in memory of his father Walter. It was established to help provide the funds needed for the proper preservation, maintenance, and replacement of the church. It is not intended, however, that this Trust be allowed to relieve the church or its’ members of their normal responsibilities and duties to support the church financially. It is a Perpetual Trust which stipulates that only the income from the trust can be used for these purposes. The trustees shall have the right to transfer income to principal for investment purposes, but any money so transferred shall retain its designation as income for distribution purposes. In 1988, the Nagel Endowment Fund was closed and its’ $3.086.53 balance transferred to the Property Trust Fund. In 2015, the Stained-Glass Window Fund was closed and its’ $414.46 balance transferred to the Property Trust Fund. General Endowment Trust Fund – In 1956, the Special Bequest Account was established and received bequests and earned interest until 1964, when the account balance of $11,060.81 was transferred to the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church Endowment Trust Fund, which had been established, as a Perpetual Trust, on October 15, 1963. Additionally in 1964, $939.19 from the Repair & Improvement Fund was transferred to the Endowment Trust Fund. In August 2022, the $7,679.89 fund balance in the Library Fund was transferred to the General Endowment Fund. The trust document stipulates that all contributions and all income and appreciation in value shall only be used for purposes and functions which are charitable, educational, religious, philanthropic / benevolent, and therefore conducive to the public welfare. It further stipulates that the trust is not to be used for ordinary current operating expenses of the church. It is not intended that the trust ever be allowed to relieve the church or its member of their normal responsibilities and duties to support the church financially. Caldwell Music Fund (formerly the Music Trust Fund) - This fund was established in 1995, by church council, with the $40,000.00 originally given to the Music Fund from the bequest of Edna Caldwell, a nonmember. The bequest contained no stipulations as to how the $40,000.00 was to be used and no trust document accompanied the bequest. The fund is used to support special equipment purchases, special music programs and to provide additional funds for the overall improvement of the music programs of St. Matthew’s. In honor of Edna Caldwell and her generosity to St. Matthew’s, the fund was renamed the Caldwell Music Fund in 2015. Since the December 16, 2014, this fund balance was invested with the ELCA Mission Investment Fund, in the form of a Certificate of Deposit. The CD was for a term of one year and matured every December 15 th. This was done to satisfy a request by the ELCA-MIF, that we have funds on deposit with them while they held the mortgage on the sanctuary. The mortgage was paid off in late 2021, so when the CD matured on 12/15/2021, the funds were transferred to our Raymond James Designated Funds account. Community Ministry Trust Fund - This fund was established in 2003, with the funds remaining from the capital campaign to purchase and restore the Mauro Building at 403 King Street. The income from the trust can be used to support the programs of the Center and, per church council action on 03/24/2014, the income can also be used for capital replacements and facility repairs to maintain the center. On 03/24/2014, the name of the trust was changed to the St. Matthew’s Community Ministry Trust. Emergency Support Fund - This fund was established in 1995 with donations given to help defray the medical expenses of our member Donald Spellman. Mr. Spellman died in 1996 and since that time the fund has 43

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH continued to receive donations and is now used to assist members with unexpected catastrophic expenses, such as life-threatening medical conditions or natural disasters. Gifts & Memorials Fund (formerly Undesignated Gifts & Memorials) - This fund was established in 1991 by church council to receive all undesignated gifts / bequest / memorials to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Disbursements from this fund are controlled by church council. History Fund - This fund was established in 1981 to receive funds for the purpose of microfilming and preserving all written historical records held in the archives of St. Matthew’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church. Kitchen Remodel Fund - This fund was established in 2008, with a $10,000.00 donation from a member, for the purpose of remodeling the church kitchen located adjacent to the auditorium. Library Fund - This fund was established in 1978 to receive funds to purchase materials for the church library. It was closed in August 2022 and the $7,679.89 fund balance was transferred to the General Endowment Fund. Ludlum Music Fund (formerly the Music Fund) - This fund was established in 1981 and is used to support special music projects. In 1994, the fund received a $40,000.00 bequest from the estate of a non-member, Edna Caldwell. The bequest contained no stipulations as to how the $40,000.00 was to be used and no trust document accompanied the bequest. The $40,000.00 was used to create the Music Trust Fund in 1995. In 2015, the Hand Bell Fund was closed and its’ $400.75 balance transferred to the Music Fund. In 2016, the Music Fund was renamed the Ludlum Music Fund in honor of Wade Douglas Ludlum, who retired on January 17, 2016, after serving as St. Matthew’s Director of Music and Organist for 35 years. The fund is also now used to support the Ludlum Fine Arts Series. Men’s Work Crew Fund – This fund was established in 2019, “In appreciation of the significant contributions to the upkeep and repair of the property of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, as a tribute to the Men’s Work Crew. Recognition is given to the thousands of dollars saved by the church through the excellent work of these men.” The initial sum to establish the fund came from the contributions given in memory of Carlton Poulnot. It is anticipated that the fund will be sustained by additional memorials and special offerings in the future. The purpose of the fund is to provide funds for equipment and / or supplies needed by the Men’s Work Crew over and above those funds provided by the church’s annual budget. Pfaehler Memorial Paint Trust Fund - This fund was established in 1992 as the result of a gift by Edward E. Pfaehler to St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church of two single premium universal life insurance policies. Annual interest on the policies and the benefits from them at the time of the death of those individuals insured by the policies will go into the trust funds’ principal. Income from the trust is specifically designated to be used exclusively for painting the exterior and interior of our church building, not other church owned property. There can be no invasion of the trust’s principal and income may not be used for any other purpose. In 2009, following the death of Mr. Pfaehler in 2008, $69,720.39 was received from the Edward E. Pfaehler Charitable Remainder Unitrust and was added to the principal corpus of the Pfaehler Memorial Paint Trust Fund. Suhrstedt Family Music Fund - This fund was established in 1999 by the sons of Barbara Suhrstedt Brown, in honor of her 75th birthday, for the purpose of supporting an annual concert series at St. Matthew’s in the Suhrstedt Family’s name.

44

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

45

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

46

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

47

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

48

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

49

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Statement of Financial Position 2022 As of December 31, 2022

50

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

51

ST. MATTHEW’S

LUTHERAN CHURCH

Statement of Activity by Class

52

ST. MATTHEW’S

LUTHERAN CHURCH

Statement of Activity by Class

53

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Statement of Activity by Class

54

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Statement of Activity by Class

55

ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH Statement of Activity by Class

56

S T .

M A T T H E W ’ S

L U T H E R A N

Budget 2022

57

C H U R C H

S T .

M A T T H E W ’ S

L U T H E R A N

Budget 2022

58

C H U R C H

GO IN PEACE. SERVE THE LORD. THANKS BE TO GOD!

59

St. Matthew’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church 405 King Street Charleston, SC 29403 843.723.1611 smlccharleston.org

The Rev. Dr. Eric Childers, Senior Pastor The Rev. Rebecca Wicker, Associate Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism Mrs. Deborah Ross, Dir ector of Par ish Oper ation s Mr. Jason Bazzle, Dir ector of Mu sic Mr. Daniel Crofts, Dir ector of Y ou th an d Fam ily Ministr ies Mrs. Leoma Doctor, Sexton Mrs. Hayden Shook, ESL Min istr y Man ager Mrs. Vernell Walker, Ou treach Cen ter Adm inistr ative Assistan t Mr. Bill Schwab, B ethan y Cem eter y Su per in ten den t Ms. Cora Dvorovy, Nu r ser y Car e Attendan t The Rev. Dr. Richard Campbell, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Mr. Doug Ludlum, Organist Emeritus

Called to celebrate, grow, and serve in Christ’s love.

60