APRIL 2023

THE

MESSENGER

THE NEWSLETTER OF ST. MATTHEW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH | CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

WORDS FROM THE PASTOR

Bittersweet Several weeks ago, Daniel and Pastor Rebecca and I were recording an episode of King Street Kids Q&A, and we were discussing Maundy Thursday. We read together the story of the Last Supper, trying to explain to the boys and girls what was happening in the story and the messages we might take from the story. We read in the Spark Children’s Bible the events that Jesus and his friends shared in the night of his betrayal, the eve of his crucifixion.

IN THIS ISSUE Volume 71 | Number 3

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

Much transpires on that Upper Room evening. Jesus and the disciples gather for the final time, a moment in which they all must have sensed was an ending of sorts. Jesus taught and demonstrated a spirit of servanthood and humility in the act of footwashing. Jesus demonstrated hospitality (radical welcome!) and promise in the sharing of the meal. Jesus commanded his friends—and us—love one another. But a cloud hovers over this quiet gathering, the dread of Good Friday in the dusk of night. The evening is filled with disparate emotions: happiness, gratitude, sadness, fear, confusion, uncertainty.

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Words from the Pastor

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Team Reports

8

Worship

10

Education

14

Features

20

Service

22

Care

24

Koinonia

34 Last Words from the Associate Pastor

SUBMISSIONS FOR THE MESSENGER ARE DUE AT [email protected] BY THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH.

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After we read the story aloud, I asked the question: “How are we supposed to feel after hearing that story of the Last Supper?” And after a pause, Pastor Rebecca offered the perfect word: “Bittersweet.”

pack Buddies, Charleston Hope, and Reading Buddies, to name just a few. I appreciate her partnership with me, alongside our city leaders and service partners trying to find solutions for the homeless challenges in our community, often invisible work to others. I am grateful for her strong pastoral voice from the pulpit and her steady leadership on the chancel. I am thankful for the care she gave to welcoming new parishioners into the congregation, always working to reform and strengthen our Welcome Process. I am encouraged by her gifts as teacher and her potential to grow as a sharer of Good News, an inspirer of new insights. I appreciate her creativity in developing communion enrichment and especially her keen technological abilities to produce our many videos and social media content. Pastor Rebecca’s gifts are varied, and I hope that we have played a role in helping her develop these gifts and discover new ones.

Bittersweet. That is the word I have been rattling around in my head these last few weeks after I learned that Pastor Rebecca would likely be accepting a new call. Like listeners of the Last Supper story, we too are left with many emotions: happy for Pastor Rebecca and the new congregation she will serve; proud that we shared in a small part of her pastoral development; sadness because she will not be physically part of our community; worry as we consider how we will cover the ministries PR led in this upcoming transition time; disappointment that all seasons eventually fade into a new season; excitement about the possibilities of ministry that PR will lead at her new church; curiosity about our own ministries at St. Matthew’s and how they will unfold in the coming months and years. We are likely feeling many emotions, all at the same time. In summary, bittersweet.

Returning to the “bittersweetness” of Maundy Thursday, we enact these events in our worship that evening—the commandment to love one another, to serve, to celebrate the Supper. Isn’t that what we are called to do in our lives as Christians? Isn’t that what we do as pastors? Isn’t that what Pastor Rebecca’s ministry has been about during her ministry at St. Matthew’s?

Over the coming weeks, our congregation will celebrate Pastor Rebecca’s ministry with us. We will share memories, laugh about funny times, express gratitude to her for sharing so much of herself with St. Matthew’s, and say prayers of Godspeed as she leaves her first call for a new solo gig in the Midlands.

This month, following Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, we will celebrate the most sacred of our Christian festivals—the Resurrection of our Lord. What follows is the Season of Easter, a 50-day period in which we

As I reflect on Pastor Rebecca’s contributions, I give thanks for her ability to create new avenues for our Service Ministry, including Back2

emphasize themes of new life, hope, and promise. This Easter season will be a time of transition for us all, especially Pastor Rebecca as she is embraced into a new community of faith as its shepherd, but still part of that same Body of Christ here in Charleston. In these coming weeks, please join me in expressing our gratitude to Pastor Rebecca for her ministry among us in the Holy City.

GROUNDS FOR GROWTH The update from Grounds for Growth this month is brief. Remember that the team continues to focus on two separate efforts—the 405 property (the Education Building) and the 423 property (the Huber Building). While there is nothing new to report for the 405 property, exploration about the future of 423 is proceeding. Once more formalized information is ready, the Grounds for Growth Team will share news with council and congregation. As I said in last month’s update, please join us in having patience. Though our properties are in need of renovation, this is a slow process. —Pastor Eric

For now: Pastor Rebecca, well done, good and faithful servant.

The peace of the Lord be with you always,

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

You are invited. Join us for a Congregational Covered Dish Luncheon in Pastor Rebecca’s honor following worship on April 23. Bring a side dish to share. The main dish and dessert will be provided.

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through Holy Week. We miss the storyline, the narrative, the reason why we call ourselves Christians.

TEAM

J. Gordon Davies in his book Holy Week: A Short History states that the purpose of Holy Week was to set the facts of the Gospel before the worshippers; but it must be emphasized that this should not be taken to mean that Holy Week is merely an occasion for pious remembrance.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Jason Bazzle

Our lives are wrapped in the story and events of the cross. Every year during Holy Week, we don’t just tell the story, we live the story of Christ’s Passion. It is by our ability to identify ourselves with Christ in his life, death, and resurrection that we can fulfill the mission to which we are called.

HOLY WEEK I remember a few years back I got roped into going to the movies on a Friday night. It was the premier of the Star Wars Movie, The Force Awakens. I had been up since 5:00 that morning, and I hadn’t planned on seeing the movie that night but Thomas and Joseph had tickets, and because it was after 8:00 pm, they needed an adult. So I got suckered into it. I purchased the last of the three seats remaining, which were up front on the floor. The seats reclined, which I obligingly did, and I remember seeing the opening narrative that always precedes a Star Wars movie and thinking this is great. Then I remember the lights coming up, people moving around and the movie credits rolling. I had slept through the whole thing. So much for the Force AWAKENS! Most expensive nap I’ve ever had.

This year, I invite you to live the Passion story during Holy Week as we worship together. Don’t be satisfied with the opening title and closing credits. Stay awake, and see the whole story.

There are times we treat Holy Week like a late night movie premier. We see Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, the beginning and end of Holy Week, and don’t attend the services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. We sleep

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DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES

play a role in her growth, and that we have equipped her to step into this exciting new call in Newberry. We all mourn the loss here at St. Matthew’s as Pastor Rebecca brought so many gifts to our community. I will miss her sermons and worship leadership. I have to admit as well that I will miss having someone else who understood how to manage and edit all of the videos we have produced during the past four years.

Daniel Crofts

For everything, there is a season…

Our time with Pastor Rebecca has been great, and it is hard to imagine the team that wandered the wilderness of COVID will no longer be together. However, for everything there is a season. We give thanks for our time with Pastor Rebecca and how it has allowed her to discern more fully her own sense of call leading her to Newberry and the good people of Summer Memorial. As we head into her final weeks at St. Matthew’s, let’s turn our focus to giving thanks and celebrating her time with us. When it comes to throwing parties and giving thanks, I dare say we do it better than any church in the Synod.

Where to begin? Following PR’s announcement, I found myself reflecting on her time here and also just how our careers have overlapped in so many ways. From serving together on staff at Lutheridge, to both serving in the Malaysia program for Young Adults in Global Mission, and then finally these past four years on staff together at St. Matthew’s.

For now, I close with giving thanks for the impact you had on this community of faith. Well done, Pastor Rebecca, good and faithful servant.

Change is never easy, but it is one of the few things that remains a constant in the world. While we are all sad to hear the news, we give thanks that this place and community could

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ST. MATTHEW’S

TEAM

SEXTON Leoma Doctor

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS The Vocation of being a Grandmother

Deborah Ross

After raising her daughters, Sexton Leoma Doctor didn’t expect to raise their children too. But that’s exactly what she’s doing. Her grandson Kaidin, 14, has lived with Leoma and her husband ever since he was born, and granddaughter Rae’yelle, 6, spends 90% of her time with them. So being a grandmother has become a vocation for Leoma, along with holding a full-time job.

Last month, I wrote about the recent upgrades to our burglar and fire equipment. This month I would like to share our other safety measures and to remind you to always call 911 first. Last year we acquired a new defibrillator and upgraded our first aid equipment. The defibrillator is just outside the nursery in the Altman Room. Our new first aid equipment has been installed in the Sacristy, Education Building Workroom and the Outreach Center’s kitchen, all marked with large red and white signs. Also, Daniel Crofts has a portable backpack first aid kit for use at youth camps and outings.

She feels good about providing the necessities of food and clothing, but is often challenged by setting and enforcing boundaries that are sometimes at odds with those of their mothers. Leoma says, “I’m old fashioned. Their mothers are modern.” Sometimes when Leoma says “no,” for example, to a sleepover in homes she doesn't know, Kaidin will appeal to his mother, and she will say “yes.”

A Health Committee has been established with six health care professionals: Pat Aysse, Kirsten Campbell, Anne Flynn, Wills Geils, Biemann Othersen and Bob Wolfrom. Committee members’ contact information is posted by the defibrillator and the first aid stations.

Recently, she has struggled along with Kaidin when he’s gotten in trouble at school for showing off or talking back. She’s been heartbroken to see her former “A” student’s grades continue to drop. Yet she won’t give up.

We have 41 fire extinguishers campus-wide. They are also by each exit door, and posters will soon mark their locations as well as exit routes.

Though Leoma doesn’t like being the primary disciplinarian, always trying to enforce the rules and keeping a close eye on her grandchildren, she does it because she loves them. It’s like a vocation. She keeps working away at it, no matter what happens, because she cares.

Panic buttons that silently call the police are located in all three buildings. Please let me know if you have any other safety concerns and we will work to resolve them.

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PARISH NEWS

EMERITI

COURTYARD SALE

CHURCH COUNCIL

ST. MATT’S DISCIPLES The Rev. Dr. Richard Campbell, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Mr. W. Douglas Ludlum, Organist Emeritus

Dale Ainsworth, Chris Altman, Jeff Aysse, Dennis

Come, wallet in hand, to support the St. Matthew’s Courtyard Sale on May 20 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The sale is hosted by Lutheran Men in Mission and other ministry teams to support the church, particularly the upcoming Youth Service -Learning Trip to Florida. Watch for details in the coming weeks.

Bates, Julie Blair, Kellyanne Burbage, Chris Campbell, Pastor Eric Childers, Bruce Cross, Russ Long,

Harold Nielson, Steve Nichols, Sue Proffitt, Jim Smith, Melinda Summer, Marty Wall, John White, Pastor Rebecca Wicker

OFFICE AND VOLUNTEER SUPPORT Rial Fitch, Facility Rentals & Guest Parking Joan Holling, Parish Records Melinda Summer, Archives Coordinator

CALLING ALL GRADUATES

Janice Pearce, Parish News & Messenger Express

Please send the names of parishioners who are graduating this spring from high school, college, and graduate school to Deborah Ross in the church office by April 20 to be recognized for Graduate Sunday in May.

Carolyn Witte, The Messenger and Annual Report

Editor, Memorial Acknowledgements

OFFICE AND HOSPITALITY Elizabeth Christian, Anne Dodenhoff, Jan Dorn, Marsha Dimitri, Fran Fisher, Sue Harmon, Carol Johnson, Janelle Othersen, Anne Patterson, Janice Pearce, Carolyn Witte

CLI DISABILITIES MINISTRY

PARISH REGISTER

Our Congregations Lead Initiative Team is working on several projects to expand welcome and inclusion for parishioners and guests with disabilities: chancel handrails, signage, access ramp study, more accessible restroom, and large print bulletins. The team will attend an ELCA conference in Chicago in April.

TOTALS FOR FEBRUARY

Baptisms: 1 Weddings: 0 Funerals: 1 In-person : 848 Livestream: 924

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APRIL WORSHIP AT ST. MATTHEW’S

WORSHIP SUNDAYS AND SEASONS

Gather around the themes of radical welcome, life-changing stories, and biblical literacy as we worship the Risen Christ through Word and Sacrament. Welcome!

Sunday, April 2, 2023 We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all, we are invited into the promise of life through Christ’s broken body.

SUNDAY MORNINGS

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Gather Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the nave following the parish education hour for our weekly Service of Holy Communion, ELW Setting 4 in Lent. Stay for Courtyard Koinonia and various ministry hour offerings. A livestream option is offered. Welcome!

We sing hymns of praise and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love. Sunday, April 16, 2023

In today’s gospel the risen Christ appears to the disciples and offers them the gift of peace. Even amid doubts and questions, we experience the resurrection in our Sunday gathering around word and meal, and in our everyday lives.

TUESDAYS AT NOON Gather Tuesdays at noon in the nave following the Tuesday Class for a brief but Spirit-filled weekly service of prayer and Holy Communion. A livestream option is offered. Welcome!

Sunday, April 23 Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS WAM—Wednesdays at Matt’s—concludes another ministry year on April 19 with a cookout hosted by the Council. Come for supper at 6:00 followed by informal worship at 6:30. WAM returns September 13 for another year.

Sunday, April 30 Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism.

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HOLY WEEK & EASTER AT ST. MATTHEW’S ALL ARE WELCOME. THERE’S A PLACE FOR YOU AT ST. MATTHEW’S.

HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday Come April 2 for sweet hosannas, waving palms, and a King Street Kids musical, “The Singing Bishop,” during the Children of God Moment. An Egg Hunt for King Street Kids and Joyful Noise follows in the Courtyard.

Celebrate Easter Sunday on April 9 at 8:00 and 11:00 and proclaim the good news of the Risen Christ during the most sacred of all festivals in our church year: the Resurrection of our Lord!

Maundy Thursday

at 9:30 a.m. between services in the Parish Hall for a celebratory Easter reception hosted by the Parish Life Team.

Hear again the mandate to love one another, celebrate the Holy Supper, and witness the unsettling stripping of the altar on April 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the nave.

Good Friday

Gather on the seven Sundays of Easter and at Tuesday Noon Prayer to proclaim and celebrate Choose between two Good Friday worship exthe Risen Christ throughout the Easter season. periences on April 7. At noon, gather for a quiDo not miss the WAM season finale on et, contemplative reflection on the Crucifixion. Wednesday, April 19. He Is Risen! Return at 7:00 p.m. to hear the Passion Narrative told through compelling dramatic monologues offered by seven parishioners.

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EDUCATION

SUNDAY MORNING PARISH EDUCATION

RADICAL WELCOME

SUNDAY MORNINGS @ ST. MATTHEW’S

LIFE-CHANGING STORIES

Sixty Key Bible Stories | 9:00 | Parish Hall Come learn basic Bible stories.

KUDU AND KOINONIA

BIBLICAL LITERACY

Off-the-Path Bible | 9:00 | Kudu Coffee

Come, experience parish education and share radical welcome, witness and participate in life-changing stories, and deepen your own biblical literacy. All are welcome. There’s a place for you at St. Matthew’s.

Come learn about unusual Bible stories.

CROSSROADS Conversations | 9:00 | Kudu Coffee Come to chat and visit and listen.

JOYFUL NOISE Nursery Fun | 8:45-11:30 | Nursery Come learn first Bible stories.

KING STREET KIDS Spark Stories | 9:00 | Educational Building Come learn to use your Spark Bibles.

YOUTH AT MATT’S (YAMS) Colaborate Bible Stories | 9:00 | YAM Cave Come learn how the Bible relates to you. The Joyful Noise Class and teachers on a recent Sunday preparing for “The Singing Bishop.”

Summer at St. Matthew’s...

Please watch for a special cross-generational Sunday Morning Summer Series in June and July for adults and YAMs. Details will follow in the May Messenger. All are welcome! 10

PARISH EDUCATION THROUGH THE WEEK GRACE NOTES Listen to Jason’s weekly podcast, a meditation on the following Sunday’s readings. (Digital Digest)

THE TUESDAY CLASS Pastor Eric leads a Year of the Gospels, using the Books of the Faith Series. We will study Luke in March and April. (Tuesdays at 11:00, Library)

CATECHISM Pastor Eric leads the Class of 2024, and having finished study of the Old Testament, the group will finish the second of four semesters in March. (Wednesdays at 7:00, Library)

KSKQ&A SERIES FINALE After three years, four seasons, and 146 episodes, the beloved King Street Kids Q&A comes to an end. The kid show (really watched by adults) answered the deep questions of our faith, with a little fun and laughs along the way. Hosted by Pastor Eric, Pastor Rebecca, and Daniel, the show simply cannot go on without its Unholy Trinity, as PR flies the coop. Check out some highlights from KSKQ&A on page 13.

St. Matthew’s Book Group

COFFEE TALK

The St. Matthew’s Book Group will gath-

Pastor Eric and Pastor Rebecca lead a weekly discussion on Freeing Jesus by Diana Butler Bass through April. (Thursday mornings at 9:00 via Zoom)

er to discuss an American classic: The

KING STREET KIDS Q&A

sion on Thurs-

Pastor Eric, Pastor Rebecca, and Daniel host this lighthearted YouTube show that addresses big Bible stories for little kids. (Digital Digest)

day, April 20,

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mr. Mark Twain. Join the discus-

from 7-8 p.m. via Zoom. Watch for the link in the Digital Digest.

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EDUCATION

JOYFUL NOISE KIDS AT PLAY

Spring has Sprung It is officially Spring, and the Joyful

Noise (ages 5 and under) and King Street Kids (K-5th Grade) classes are really starting to blossom! If you happen to walk through the Parish Ed Building on Sunday between 9:00 and 9:45 a.m., you will hear the sweet sound of children singing and perhaps see the activity of cute crafts and creations being made. These classes are starting to grow in number as they prepare for “The Singing

Bishop,” a musical which the children will perform during the Child of God Moment on Palm Sunday. Our dedicated Parish Ed teachers make learning about God fun, and the children are starting to form friendships with their brothers and sisters in Christ. It is our hope that this growth will con-

tinue after Easter and into the Summer months! Please be on the lookout for more info to come regarding Summer Parish Ed opportunities and ways to get involved. —Jenny Tate, Education Team Chair 12

KSKQ&A FAN FAVORITES

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL We are preparing for a busy summer and Vacation Bible School! We will be partnering with Lutheridge to host a fun-filled day camp from July 10-14.

FIRST EPISODE

LUTHEROAD is a fantastic program that brings camp to our congregation. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon on Friday. We want to invite all of our King Street Kids to have a fun week, and become familiar with Lutheridge.

THE BISHOP STOPS BY

We are working with Lutheridge on programming for our Joyful Noise-aged children. Currently, children in Kindergarten through 5th grade group will be able to attend. We encourage you to invite friends and family to join St. Matthew’s for a fun week.

CHRISTMAS EPISODE

HARBOR EPISODE

HERO HOTLINE IS AT NIGHT. Come back in the evening for a shared dinner and VBS programming for our middle school and adults. We are exploring programming for our KSK and younger, but it will be more informal, given the structure of Lutheroad. Watch for more information in the weeks to come. VBS is set to be one of the busiest for our community and we hope all can make it!!

LIVE FROM TOKYO!

REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN ALWAYS GO BACK AND WATCH EVERY EPISODE OF KSKQ&A ON ST. MATTHEW’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL. 13

FEATURES HELLO, MY NAME IS… Five questions, fascinating answers:

Get to know the people of St. Matthew’s! This month, get to know Sondra Pfaehler. What is your favorite book, movie, song, and food?

What is/was your profession, your vocation God calls you to be?

I have read so many books, but I think my favorites are historical fiction. I am not much on movies. I guess I am sort of boring. My father never encouraged us to go to movies. As for food, I eat any kind with the exception of crab, mushrooms, and kale.

I was a registered nurse, working in the newborn nursey for 10 years and then in an ophthalmologist's office for 28 years, mainly working with glaucoma patients. What is your hometown? My hometown is Charleston, where I have

What is your most memorable vacation or trip?

lived all of my life and have never cared to live anyplace else. My vocation? God calls me to help others.

I have traveled to many places both here and abroad, but I think my most memorable trip was to Europe when my son, Reedy, was stationed over there in the Air Force. I stayed mostly in Germany with them, but took many side trips. My trips in the U.S. in my older years have been with my good friend Margaret Baptiste. We went to her NAPFE Conventions.

What are your hobbies, the way you

love to spend your free time? My hobbies are reading, needlepoint, crocheting, working in my yard, volunteering at church, and with the homeless.

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“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

After nearly four and a half years of service to St. Matthew’s, Pastor Rebecca spreads her wings. Take a moment to revisit PR’s ministry in the Holy City.

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As Pastor Rebecca has been a blessing to us, so now send her forth to be a blessing to others; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

FAREWELL

AND

GODSPEED, PASTOR REBECCA

Pastor Rebecca Wicker answers call to become pastor of Summer Memorial in Newberry, SC

Later this month, Pastor Rebecca will pack up her sermons, her bike, her Wednesday Addams Halloween costume, her light-up skirt, and her colorful shoes for every Ecclesiastical season as she prepares to assume her new role as pastor of Summer Memorial Church in Newberry, SC. Over the past four years, the people of St. Matthew's have grown quite fond of Pastor Rebecca's lighter side, and they have held her in high regard for her hard work, dedication, and deep faith. In short, we will miss her. In the coming weeks, we will say goodbye, both personally and publicly, by honoring her at several special gatherings including the WAM season finale cook-out/ going away dinner on April 19 and a special congregational lunch following her final Sunday service on April 23.

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Messenger: What are you looking forward to in the new call?

A CONVERSATION WITH PASTOR REBECCA

Messenger: We hope you have time to answer a few of our burning questions.

PR: Summer is in a very different context that will let me explore gifts in new ways. There's also a lot of collaboration going on already amongst Lutheran pastors and Lutheran churches that I'm excited for. The congregation is also very open to exploring what church looks like after COVID and ready to try new things.

Pastor Rebecca (PR): Yes, it's been an emotionally exhausting 24 hours, but I still keep

landing on 'bittersweet' to describe how I'm feeling. Messenger: What is your proudest accomplishment at St. Matt's?

Messenger: How does it feel to go back to Newberry?

PR: The ways we were creative during the pandemic. From an outdoor food pantry to WAM on the road (or in the harbor or the bell tower or where ever) to Coffee Talk. We figured out how to be church in the midst of wilderness. Figuring out how to use technology to communicate. I had some experience, but it was still a steep learning curve.

PR: I went to Newberry as a student, but it's interesting to see how the town has changed and even grown. It's also different to connect with a wider town than just a college campus. There are former classmates and professors who live in Newberry and it will be neat to catch up with them, but I'm also excited to explore as a new resident of the town.

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Messenger: What will you miss most about St. Matt's?

Messenger: What are some of your

PR: All of the koinonia! Not just the Oktoberfests and Oyster Roasts, but all the ways we get together to celebrate and build community together.

(Driving around in the golf cart dur-

fondest memories about St. Matt's? ing Covid? Ha!) PR: Celebrating and remembering milestones with families whether it be weddings, births, baptisms, confirmation,

Messenger: What will you miss about Charleston? PR: My Holy City Woodchucks soccer team. Being so close to the beach. The Lowcountry in general has meant a lot to me since I grew up around here.

graduation, or funerals. It's an honor to be a part of those big life moments. Watching volunteers try something new and grow into a role. Turning 30 in a pandemic and still being greatly surprised by the congregation.

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Messenger: Will you be able to cycle to your new church? PR: Maybe during the day, but I wouldn't at night. There are some places to ride around Newberry. I just need to explore (carefully!) Messenger: Have you checked out Newberry's women's soccer opportunities? PR: The closest teams are in Columbia, but that doesn't mean a bunch of soccer loving folks can't pull something off in Newberry.

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A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR ERIC ABOUT SERVICE MINISTRY

SERVICE ON THE ROAD WITH LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION

We give thanks for Pastor Rebecca’s leadership with the Service Ministry. Over the coming weeks, I will work with our Service Ministry leaders to continue our work. With PR’s departure, we will depend more on parishioners to lead these ministries with staff supporting these efforts. How might you be part of Service Ministry at St. Matthew’s? MAJOR SERVICE MINISTRIES

Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM) is taking

ESL (English-as-a-Second Language)

their mission on the road. First project,

SWAN (Sharing with a Neighbor)

Lutheran Retreat Center located on the

Food Pantry (soon to be renamed)

Isle of Palms. We have been asked to spruce up the center with various pro-

Cradle Closet

jects. Secondly, Camp Kinard has re-

Backpack Buddies

quested and LMM has accepted to assist

Charleston Hope

in work-related projects as the camp. So,

Global Missions

help is needed. LMM appreciates the

wonderful support from our church fami-

LSC (Lutheran Services of the Carolinas)

ly and know that God’s work is being

CAJM (Charleston Area Justice Ministry)

done

through

you.

Please

call

Wes

Men’s Work Crew

Haynes, Rusty Patterson, or Karl Zerbst

Docent Ministry

for more details.

The Smallest Seed 20

Carter Altman’s “Nerf Battles” Party benefits Food Pantry Carter Altman celebrated his 12th birthday on March 10. This year he opted for a “real” birthday party for the first time since Covid, to include school and neighbor-

hood friends. We sent out invitations “drafting” his friends for an epic Nerf battle. Along with that came a request from Carter, to bring items for the Outreach Center Food Pantry, instead of gifts for him. We included the list of Carter with his birthday gifts of food for pantry

food needs on the back of the invitation as Operation Feed Hungry People, in keeping with the party theme.

Carter’s friends

were so generous with their gifts! We had four very full, very heavy bags of food for the Outreach Center that added up to 46 pounds!

I’m so proud of Carter

and his own generosity in putting

others before himself!

—Laura Altman Carter’s invitation may have been a surprise.

Thank you for your partnership in Service Ministry at St. Matthew’s. 21

CARE PARISH PRAYER LIST St. Matthew’s disciples held in perpetual care: K evin, Ow en, Rosa, In ez,

You’ve Got Mail!

Ginny, and all homebound parishioners.

You may not be aware of a behind-the-scenes ministry at St. Matthew’s that very quietly maintains ties with our homebound parishioners who can no longer attend services.

Parishioners of St. Matthew’s: B ill, Arnie, Joan, Rudy and June, LaRae and Johnny, John, Ron and Ina, Thad and Sylvia, Hilda, Wanda and Mick

Each week, the church office sends an envelope containing the week’s bulletin, the Parish News, and a publication called “Home Touch.” This one-page newsletter has an essay on the week’s scripture reading and an activity page that may have a biblical crossword, scrambled Bible verses, or word search, plus suggested daily Bible readings, and the week’s “Verse to Remember.”

Neighbors beyond St. Matthew’s: Lily, Gayle, Jonathan, Alexis, David, Frank, Mason, Virginia, Leoma and Kaidin and family, Cheryl, Ed, Bill, Jim and Ida, Grace, Wren and family, Miny, Anne, Violet, all who ask for prayer through our website. For all the saints, who from their la-

A number of homebound parishioners and their caregivers have reported how much this “letter from (their church) home” means to them. It lets them know they are still a part of St. Matthew’s and are not forgotten.

bors rest: Do nn a Oliver , Car l Ulm er , Jim Kilpatrick Those seeking comfort, clarity, and peace: In w ar -torn parts of the earth

If you know of someone who would benefit from receiving this weekly mailing, please send his/her name and address to: [email protected]. We will be glad to add them to our mailing list.

A full prayer list is available at Tuesday’s Noon Prayer.

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to offer someone that kind of support.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

As

one

recipient

through Grief

said,

“Journeying

helped me understand

the emotions I felt after my wife passed away. I read the books with my two teenage daughters, talking with them after each chapter.” St. Matthew’s Stephen Ministry Team mails these books to families who have lost loved ones.

We hope these re-

sources are an aid and comfort in a time of grief.

Coping with Grief We all face grief. It is one of the most universal experiences we share as humans, and one of the most painful. Just as universal is the need for comfort and hope after losing a loved one. Encounters with grief vary from person to person, but reaching out with care and concern can transcend those differences, bringing us together in the deeply human

Interested in learning more about the next training cycle for Stephen Ministry? Contact the church office for information or to receive a copy of this Stephen Ministry resource, Don’t Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart.

experience of caring for one another. Receiving care during these times can make a profound difference for those who are grieving, and the Journeying

through Grief

books provided by the

Stephen Ministry are one powerful way 23

Care boldly.

k

KOINONIA

WELCOME TO KOINONIA!

Koinonia, the Greek word for sacred community, is an important part of our ministry together at St. Matthew’s. Come, gather, enjoy one another’s company, get to know a new person, and celebrate our ministries together. Consider yourself warmly invited to these upcoming events.

WAM SEASON FINALE You are warmly invited to Wednesdays at Matt’s for supper at 6:00, followed by informal worship at 6:30 and ministry hour at 7:00, including Gallery Choir practice, YAMs (Youth at Matt’s), special events, and catechism. APR. 5: NO WAM (HOLY WEEK)

-UPCOMING KOINONIA-

APR. 12: NO WAM (EASTER WEEK)

Courtyard Koinonia| after w or ship Kudu and Koinonia | after W AM KSK/JN Egg Hunt | Apr il 2 Easter Morning Reception | Apr il 9 PR Farewell Lunch | Apr il 23

APR. 19: COUNCIL COOKOUT WAM FINALE

—WAM returns September 13!—

Brochure coming soon An information brochure detailing the trip will be available in a few weeks, at which time registrations for the trip can begin. For now, the trip is shaping up this way: June 10-19, 2024 Milan, Venice, Lake Garda, Ravenna, Montecatini Terme, Pisa, Florence, Assisi, Rome June 20-24, 2024 (Add-on) Castel Gandolfo, Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii

ITALY JUNE 2024

SOJOURNERS TRIP WITH PASTOR ERIC

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LAISSEZ LE BON TEMPS ROULER!

DINNER/AUCTION TO BENEFIT THE 2024 NEW ORLEANS YOUTH GATHERING

NOVEMBER 4, 2023 Get out your Mardi Gras beads! We’re looking forward to another fantastic Dinner/ Auction to help sponsor our YAMs’ trip to New Orleans. Already, we’ve received commitments from donors including Wes Haynes’ original wood working, a Shrimp Boil from Mt. Pleasant Seafood, a Kubota chainsaw, a custom-made charcuterie

board from Charleston Woodworking School, and a boat rental from Shem Creek Boats. Please contact Daniel Crofts if you have a donation to add to the list!

Are you a fan of Cajun cuisine? Check out Chef Caleb Fischer’s work on episodes of Iron Chef, Guy’s Grocery Games, and Spring Baking Championship.

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PANCAKES LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION HOST SHROVE TUESDAY SUPPER At St. Matthew’s, if it’s Shrove Tuesday, it’s PANCAKE SUPPER, hosted by Lutheran Men in Mission! This year, as always, they cooked up the best ever flapjacks. And Music Director Jason Bazzle dazzled with a talent show and “Name That Tune” competition to top off the night. The Pancake Boys traded spatulas for sheet music proving they

can sing too!

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OYSTERS ST. MATTHEW’S HOLDS 52ND OYSTER ROAST AT HOBCAW

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LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY COUGAR CORNER BY LAURA ALTMAN

March has been an amazing month for LCM! We’ve welcomed two new students through worship and fellowship. We regularly have 4-6 students gathering at Kudu on Tuesdays. And, the Second Annual Mac & Cheese Cookoff was a HUGE hit! We had nearly 100 people enjoying 15 different types of mac and cheese. Thank you so much to all who made this a success, especially our cooks and the decorating team (Jenny Tate & SMLC staff).

Wednesday night LCM gathering and often helps with prep work beforehand. Her consistent presence, friendship, and pastoral guidance have been critical to establishing the current student group. Our second big goodbye is to Carli Baker, our graduating senior. We’ll celebrate Carli during LCM Sunday on April 30. Carli started at CofC and LCM in fall of 2019 and was our only returning student in fall 2020. Like PR, Carli has been instrumental in growing our campus ministry. We’re going to really miss both these ladies, but I know God is up to great things as they head off to new adventures.

In April, LCM is offering opportunities for fellowship, fun, worship, and service. We are looking forward to assisting the YAMs with the Palm Sunday Easter Egg Hunt. We are planning a special family dinner for students, following Easter worship.

Thank you so much for your continued support of LCM, through your hospitality, cooking, prayers, donations, and more. As you’ve seen in our ROI series of articles and as you’ll hear from students, LCM MATTERS! We may currently have a small group, but this group is dedicated. They show up consistently, whether we are gathering for fun, service, or worship. We’ll say some big goodbyes in April, as students go their separate ways for the summer. Several students will return in the fall, maybe bringing new friends with them, while others may go away for grad school and return later to SMLC. Others

April will also be bittersweet, with some big goodbyes to two ladies who have meant a lot to LCM and to me over the past 4 years. Pastor Rebecca has been a big part of LCM as we’ve rebuilt our campus ministry. In addition to serving on our LCM board, PR has also been at nearly every

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may not return, but they will certainly make an impact on their new church and community. Your support of LCM is making a difference in the lives of our students and in the future of our church! Thank you!

When we invest in

Tuesdays 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Lutheran Campus Ministry…

Coffee & Conversation at Kudu,

...we support college students during a vul-

following Noon Prayer

nerable time in their lives

Wednesdays, 6-7pm

...we mentor young adults to become lead-

April 5: Chalk the Walk for Holy Week

ers in society and the church

April 12: Dinner on the Town

...we provide a safe space for students to

April 19: WAM finale

form faith-based relationships

April 26: LCM farewell dinner & worship May 3: Dinner & Chill (Exam week)

...we show love to students away from

______

home and family for the first time ...we open our own eyes to the needs of our

ROI in LCM

neighbors on the campus right outside our gates

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

...we spread the Good News and witness to

“That’s a lot of money for 8 students.” We

those who may not have heard it before

heard this recently related to investing in Lu-

...we invest in the future of the church

theran Campus Ministry, BUT a few years ago, we had 2 students. Perhaps in a few more years, we’ll have 20 students. What if one of

Do you have a story to share regarding how

our current 8 students goes on to become a

campus ministry changed your life? Speak

Sunday School teacher? What if they return to

to a member of the LCM Board or shoot us

St. Matthew’s and serve on Church Council?

an email at [email protected].

What if they become a pastor? What if they never return to St. Matthew’s, but they serve at other churches and share their faith stories

Help us tell the story of

that started at St. Matthew’s in Charleston, SC? What if they move away and have suc-

Lutheran Campus Ministry.

cessful careers and remember their time at St. Matthew’s as a foundational period in their lives and continue to support LCM at St. Matthew’s through alumni giving?

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KOINONIA CONTINUED LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION Like the women of the church, Lutheran Men in Mission are also evaluating their ministry, planning new events, and seeking to involve more parishioners in men’s small group ministry. LMIM have recently expanded from its traditional Tuesday morning breakfast to offer evening dinner and programming. Next up are more service opportunities at church, at Camp Kinard, and at Lutheridge, as well as koinonia and special-interest events this spring and summer. For more information, contact Wes Haynes or Karl Zerbst.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY AT ST. MATTHEW’S Women’s Ministry is alive at St. Matthew’s and reevaluating its structure as it works to engage more parishioners into the life of women’s small group ministry. Recently, a group of representatives from the existing small groups, as well as women not currently in small groups, met to envision a way forward for women’s ministry. If you are interested in participating in these discussions, want to share your input, or simply want to learn more, please contact Janelle Othersen, Courtney Prickett, or Stephanie Ramia.

LUTHER LEAGUE

Pastor Eric is working to plan a launch event for this new koinonia with a throwback name. With Pastor Rebecca’s departure, this event may be slightly delayed, but know that plans are in the works. Watch for details in the coming weeks.

ST. MATTHEW’S 50+ MINISTRY

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Dear Staff, Thanks so much for all that you do. All the time and effort you put into making this the wonderful church that it is are greatly appreciated.

MEMORIALS AND GRATITUDE

Happy Easter, Pam & Richard Wieters

The following memorials and gifts were designated to the Memorial Men’s Work Crew, Music, Community Center and Capital Campaign Funds during March, 2023. Acknowledgements are sent to the family as well as the donor.

St. Matthew’s, Thank you so much for the support that you gave me to attend Lutheridge this summer! I always enjoy going and growing in my faith. I loved the celebration party and fireworks!

In honor of Joan Drews’ Birthday Given by: John & Kelly Burbage

Thanks, Anna Cross

In honor of Will Edwards’ Baptism Given by: John & Kelly Burbage

THANK YOU to the talented Flower Guild members who prepared the greens for the altar during Lent and the beautiful sprays for the Easter crosses. Thank you for sharing your time and talents!

In honor of Buddy Fitch Given by: Paula Kilpatrick In memory of Al Hancock, Carol Koon’s Father Given by: Robin & Sandra Collins In honor of Wes Haynes Given by: Biemann & Janelle Othersen

PREPARING FOR THE SACRAMENTS Holy Baptism and Holy Communion are gifts from God for the life of the church and of the faithful. Families interested in baptism at St. Matthew’s are to complete the catechumenate training sessions, offered during Lent and in the fall each year. These informative sessions are led by the pastors, staff, and parishioners and provide a cohort for young families as they are living into faith at St. Matthew’s. Young worshippers are encouraged to receive Holy Communion at the discretion of the parents. Communion enrichment is offered periodically to help inform parishioners of the sacrament. Questions? Feel welcome to contact Pastor Eric.

In memory of James Kilpatrick Given by: Mark & Connie Brown, Dennis & Laneen Woods, Joan Holling, Virginia Phillips, Ralph & Juanita Peters In memory of Donna Oliver Given by: Joan & Gerald Flack, Maryanna Disher, Todd Vice, The Herchek Family In honor of Pastor William and Karla Trexler Given by: Dick & Butler Mappus In memory of Carl Ulmer Given by: Paul & Mottie Wieters, Melinda Summer, Henry & Lang Theiling, Joan Holling, Richard & Pam Wieters, Debbie & Johnny Doscher, Lillian Salvo, Rev. William & Karla Trexler, Sally Suhrstedt, John & Catherine Rodenberg In memory of Nick Wackym Given by: Joan Holling In memory of Ellie Zeltman Given by: Robin & Sandra Collins

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CALENDAR APRIL 2 PALM SUNDAY APRIL 2 KSK/J0YFUL NOISE EGG HUNT APRIL 5 HOLY WEEK (NO WAM)

Hats Off to… Dennis Bates & Cathy Nielson

APRIL 6 MAUNDY THURSDAY APRIL 7

This month’s “Hats Off” must go to Dennis Bates and Cathy Nielson for masterminding another successful Oyster Roast. This dynamic duo are Event Planners Extraordinaire, managing every detail—from booking the location, planning for food and drink, publicity and ticket sales, to managing entertainment and clean up, taking it all in stride. Thanks from everyone to this Parish Life team who went above and beyond to make St. Matthew’s 52nd Oyster Roast so much fun!

GOOD FRIDAY APRIL 9 EASTER SUNDAY APRIL 12 EASTER WEEK (NO WAM) APRIL 19

WAM SEASON FINALE COUNCIL COOKOUT & FAREWELL PARTY FOR PR APRIL 23 CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK FOLLOWING WORSHIP HONORING PASTOR REBECCA 32

THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS

SERVING THIS MONTH AT ST. MATTHEW’S MONTHLY

WEEK OF

MINISTRY Sunday Council Team on Duty Sunday Altar Guild

WEEK OF

WEEK OF

WEEK OF

WEEK OF

April 2

April 9

April 16

April 23

April 30

Julie Blair

Sue Proffitt, Julie Blair, Jeff Aysse, Chris Altman

TBD

TBD

TBD

Sarah Bates-Leader, Courtney Prickett, Mary Beth Hill, Anne Patterson, Ann Flaherty, Cathy Nielson

Sunday Lectors

Mandy Geils

Jim Dorn

Peggy Fitch

Tyler Carter

LCM Sunday

Sunday Oblation Bearers

George & Mandy Geils

Jim & Jan Dorn

Buddy & Peggy Fitch

Chris & Laura Altman

LCM Sunday

Audio-Visual Team

Dennis Bates, Michael Black, Sarah Fitch

Dennis Bates, Michael Black, Sarah Fitch

Dennis Bates, Ross Campbell

Michael Black, Sarah Fitch

Sarah Fitch, Wes Kornahrens

Sunday Acolytes

Brantley Kornahrens, Rory Baldanado, Avery Campbell Cora Dvorovy

Jack Childers, Tyler Altman, Caleb Young, Andrew Nichols Cora Dvorovy

Lauren Cross, Anna Cross, Rosalie Carpenter

Robert Flynn, Andrw Flynn, Tillman Strehle

Cora Dvorovy

Corya Dvorovy

Caroline Campbell, Avery Campbell, Ross Campbell Cora Dvorovy

Sunday Welcome Table

Neschla McCall

Marsha Dimitri, Paul Egonut

Cheryl Steadman

Robin Heffron

Cathy Singletary

Sunday Altar Flowers

In thankful appreciation of Pastor Eric and Mending Meals by Mick and Wanda McEvers, in honor of Caroline Massey and in memory of Scottie and Merv Moeller & Jack Massey by Sara & Andy Massey

In memory of Louis H. & Matte Sohl by Carl & Mary Sohl, in memory of Ken Bolin by Inez Locke and family

In memory of my husband, Richard Patierno by Silvine Patierno, in memory of my mother, Ann Ragsdale Terrell, by Billy & Kay Smith.

In honor of Pastor Rebecca Wicker in appreciation for her service to St. Matthew’s by the Altar Guild, in honor of Cynthia Amick in celebration of her birthday by Larry Amick

In memory of my grandson, Tripp Oldham, by Sondra Pfaehler,in memory of Claire Mehrtens by Joan Wilcox & family.

Courtyard Koinonia

Fran & Bruce Cross

Easter/No Koinonia

Anne Patterson

Laura & Chris Altman

The Fitch Family

Joan Drews, Marsha Dimitri, Mary Scott Chesnut, Paul Egonut, Dixie McMahan, Jonathan Heins

Biemann Othersen, Donna Poulnot, John Larisey, Cathy Hughes, Bill Fellers, Jonathan Heins

Nursery Care Attendants

Docents

Anne Patterson, Melinda Summer, Sondra Pfaehler, Mary Metz, Lisa Ainsworth, John Beahm

April 2023 Servant Grid |

Jim Smith, Laurie Thompson, John Burbage, Ray Patterson, Stephanie Tucker, Doug Ludlum

Teddy Mappus, Becky Campbell, Betty Haynes, Janice Pearce, Nancy Romness, Darryl Johnson

DOCENTS ARE LISTED BY CONSECUTIVE DAY OF THE WEEK.

PLEASE SUBMIT NAMES TO [email protected] BY THE 20TH OF THE MONTH.

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do something new and I had no idea if this new ministry would ‘take.’ Perhaps it would take time to cultivate the support for this program. But we struck a chord with BackPack Buddies and it quickly became a favorite at St. Matthew’s. After a hiatus for the COVID-19 shutdown, this ministry bounced back almost immediately and it is the ministry we chose to share in when doing service alongside Synagogue Emanu-el. This service event has also become a koinonia event as we share in fellowship along the assembly line. I think it’s a great illustration of how service builds community.

LAST WORDS ASSOCIATE PASTOR FOR OUTREACH & EVANGELISM A St. Matthew’s Top 10

Pastor Rebecca

Turning 30…in a Pandemic

As I wrap up my time here at St. Matthew’s, I felt my final word should be a look back on my top ten most memorable events here.

I had no idea if I’d really be able to celebrate my 30th birthday with all of the precautions happening (I was even nervous to go over to my parents’ house at the time). So I was surprised that St. Matthew’s came together with a birthday parade and an outdoor courtyard visit. I knew it must’ve taken a lot of coordination to pull off and it meant a lot that everyone would come together for me to celebrate this milestone. Greeting people with masks in a courtyard or in Pastor Eric’s front yard as cars went by still seems surreal in my mind. But it will also stand out as a time that the people of St. Matthew’s creatively came up with a way to celebrate. (And the car signs definitely count as the biggest birthday cards I’ve ever gotten).

Prost! Oktoberfest at St. Matthew’s is one of the biggest events of the year. In terms of the number of visitors we see in a single day, it ranks up there with Christmas and Easter and it’s become just about as near and dear to people’s hearts as the annual Oyster Roast. So jumping into my first year of call and learning the ropes for how to pull off such an event was certainly intimidating. I didn’t want to mess up something that was such a public and monumental event, but I also had to learn quickly on the fly. That first year, I’m pretty sure that I didn’t get a full night of sleep from late July until the day after Oktoberfest (I completely crashed the night it was all over). But I weathered the learning curve and made it through with a phenomenal team that knew how the pieces fell into place and how we could make Oktoberfest even better. They were honestly my teachers that year. In following years, the workload hasn’t decreased and the desire to make Oktoberfest even bigger has stayed the same. But what has also remained consistent is the support of the congregation and the Oktoberfest team that comes in each and every year. And each year, the fellowship has grown. As I move on from this, I look back on all I managed to learn from this experience and feel I can walk confidently into any other event that needs planning. The first step is to just find my team.

Welcome Back to Charleston, LSC! In summer of 2021, we watched as thousands of people fled Afghanistan, desperate to flee from the Taliban. I don’t know if we could have predicted how close to home this event would come to us or how much it would demonstrate that the world is indeed an interconnected place. But shortly after, Lutheran Services of the Carolinas reopened its office in Charleston and we soon realized that current events would come knocking at our door in the form of new neighbors. We welcomed Qayoom and Zakirullah in February of 2022 as they arrived in Charleston and worked to help them acclimate to the area. As a YAGM (Young Adults in Global Mission) alum, I could remember what it was like to try and grasp an entirely new culture as quickly as possible. But there were certainly major differences. I had chosen and planned my arrival in Sabah, Malaysia and knew that I would be there a year before beginning seminary. Qayoom and Zakirullah had fled their home, leaving family behind in dire circumstances, come to the United States with no ability to return to their home, and had the timeline of their lives dictated by the US government. The only thing I could

Backpack Buddies In fall of 2019, I was surprised at how quickly Backpack Buddies took off in the congregation. We were looking to

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imagine was to recall my overwhelmed feelings as I arrived in Malaysia, ramp them up more, and maybe that would be remotely close to what our new neighbors were dealing with. But in the months that passed, we learned a deeper meaning of hospitality. It meant seeking out and embracing different customs, foods, ideas, and way of communicating for the sake of Qayoom and Zakirullah. This definitely took a lot of energy, but I’m sure it doesnt’ amount to the energy that it took for this father and son to take their first steps in a new country. Over the Cobblestones and in the Harbor, WAM hits the Road

150 Years on King Street Going through the archives with Melinda Summer, it was fascinating to discover all the ministries and events that St. Matthew’s has been a part of while we have been on King Street. Yes, the building is beautiful and aweinspiring, but it is amazing how the events of the community and world have shaped the ministry of St. Matthew’s. We have been a testament to God’s love to our ever changing neighbors around us. It was a priviledge to celebrate this milestone and look back on the story of St. Matthew’s. Bible, Beer, and Bonfire: Bring Your Burning Questions, Uvalde Edition

In summer of 2020, staff realized it would be quite some time before we would be able to return to in person Wednesdays at Matt’s. While we tried some pre-recorded WAM’s that spring in the fellowship hall, those first steps only got a lukewarm response. We jokingly talked about taking WAM into Charleston on Janice’s golf cart and somehow, that idea never went away. The more we thought about it, the more we thought that maybe we could make this happen. And so we took off, visiting homes of parishioners, bringing church to their yards and porches. We showed that worship could happen anywhere. Yes, filming WAM on the Road, whether it was in a harbor, at a fire station, on cobblestones, or right next to a marsh while being devoured by mosquitos was definitely memorable. More memorable were the bonds that we built as a staff while worshipping on the road.

Bible, Beer, and Bonfire was started as a space to bring forth whatever questions people had about the Bible, Faith, the church, and or worship. It was a continuation of a powerful theme we have tried to carry through parish education: Whatever questions you may have, whatever doubts you may carry, there is a place for all of it in the community of St. Matthew’s. Baggage and burdens should not be left outside the circle, but shared. This certainly proved true when we met two days after the shooting of 19 school children and 2 teachers in Uvalde, Texas. I was glad for the outlet this community provided and the trust that we had to ask questions, vent rage, and mourn. This group gave me yet another glimpse of what it meant to be Christian community. Preach the Blessed Gospel

Coffee Talk, King Street Kids Q&A, Digital Ministry

Central to my call has been to preach the Gospel and administer the sacraments. Whether I’ve been up in the pulpit or presiding at the table, it has been my privilege to proclaim God’s love. When the pandemic hit and we held worship virtually, I realized more acutely that this call has always made sense when it’s focused on the gathered people of St. Matthew’s. While the nave was empty, I had to remind myself of the people watching at home. Your messages after worship and presence in the communion drive-thru helped me keep community in mind. We’ve had quite a few Sundays together since that wilderness, but I still look out and remember what a privilege it has been to walk alongside the people of St. Matthew’s.

We continued with education through a pandemic! Coffee talk has become one of my favorite parts of the week, drawing together a group that has become close-knit as we explore topics and questions of faith. In that same idea, we started King Street Kids Q&A as a means to speak to our kids (and often adults) about faith, church, worship, and the Bible. I think in both instances, we have shown that faith can welcome questions. We’ve even built community around such questions. Jazzy Animals A courtyard full of adorable animals? Jazz music while we sing the praises of God’s creation? What’s not to like? I love how this event made room for people to bring their dearest companions with them to church. I love how this worship drew passers by off the street. I love that we could celebrate creation and our pets in the most laid back way.

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1074 Charleston, SC

405 KING STREET AT MARION SQUARE CHARLESTON, SC 29403 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

ST. MATTHEW’S STAFF The Reverend Dr. Eric Childers, Senior Pastor, ([email protected]) The Reverend Rebecca Wicker, Associate Pastor for Outreach and Evangelism, ([email protected]) Mrs. Deborah Ross, Director o f Parish Operatio ns, (o ffice@sm lcch ar lesto n.o rg) Mr. Jason Bazzle, Directo r o f M usic, (m usic@sm lcchar lesto n.or g) Mr. Daniel Crofts, Directo r o f Y o uth and Fam ily M inistries, (yo uth@sm lcch ar lesto n.or g) Mrs. Hayden Shook, ESL Ministry Manager, (h aydensh oo k70@gm ail.co m ) Ms. Vernell Walker, Outreach Center Adm inistrative Assistant, (ver nell_w alker @yah oo .co m ) Mr. Bill Schwab, Superintendent o f B eth any Cem etery, (beth anycem etery@sm lcchar lesto n.or g) Mrs. Leoma Doctor, Sexton Mc. Cora Dvorovy, Nursery Care Attendant

OFFICE: 843.723.1611

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HOURS: M-F 8:00-4:00