Sunday 2/26 11am - First Sunday in Lent

The season of Lent is an opportunity to re-focus our attention on our spiritual lives, to re-engage with others in faith, to re-turn to the Lord. On Ash Wednesday, we received ashes as a reminder of our mortality and God's saving grace. In Lent, the Sunday gospel readings turn towards the cross, as Jesus journeys towards Jerusalem and the events which lead up to his death.

This year at St. Matthew's, each Sunday in Lent will lift up one theme related to salvation. This Sunday we will focus on the symbol of water, so important to life and in the Bible. Noah and his kin were brought safely through the flood; God led the people of Israel out of slavery and through the sea; we enter Christian community through the water of baptism.

This Sunday we will "wade in the water" with an 11am service led by David Sitler and with Myrna Perez preaching.
God will see you through.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
85 Wayne Street (btwn Barrow & Jersey Aves)
Downtown Jersey City
201-432-9319
stmatthewsjc.org

Sunday 2/12 - 11am worship

A leper came to Jesus begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him... Mark 1:40-41

Of course Jesus chose healing. It is a reflection of God's love, and also God's wisdom. For God knows, we all need healing. If you see people being healed, God is near.

This Sunday the Rev. Paul Brndjar will preside at a service of Holy Communion at 11am.

The Lord is good; God's steadfast love endures forever.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
85 Wayne Street (btwn Barrow & Jersey Aves)
Downtown Jersey City
201-432-9319
stmatthewsjc.org
Congregation news:
150th Anniversary Celebration dinner next Saturday 2/18 4-8pm. All are invited, $25 contribution, we need to hear from you to confirm our numbers. Please contact Stephanie Sheppard (201.320.1265, Stephanieas23@aol.com).
 

Sunday 2/5 - 11am worship

At sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And Jesus cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons... (Mark 1:32-34)

In his public ministry, Jesus seems to be known first not as Messiah, not as Savior, not as Son of God, but as a healer. This - probably more than his teaching - is what seems to have attracted crowds. And why not? Today health care is one of the things we will pay the most for. When you are ill or suffering, finding relief and especially a cure becomes supremely important.

Healing has always been Jesus' and the Church's mission. Theologically, in the sense that Jesus came to heal the wounds of sin. But more immediately in the care and cure of the sick, the wounded, the possessed.

This Sunday we seek healing in the balm of scripture, in the bread and wine, in the companionship of those gathered 'round the hope of Jesus. This Sunday, Pastor Pat Olausen will preach and preside at a service of Holy Communion, beginning at 11am.

Seek, and you shall be found.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
85 Wayne Street (btwn Barrow & Jersey Aves)
Downtown Jersey City
201-432-9319
stmatthewsjc.org

At sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And Jesus cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons... (Mark 1:32-34)

In his public ministry, Jesus seems to be known first not as Messiah, not as Savior, not as Son of God, but as a healer. This - probably more than his teaching - is what seems to have attracted crowds. And why not? Today health care is one of the things we will pay the most for. When you are ill or suffering, finding relief and especially a cure becomes supremely important.



 

Sunday 1/22 - Annual Meeting

St. Matthew's 2012 Annual Meeting will take place Sunday January 22, after the worship service, beginning at approximately 12:30pm. Our Annual Report (PDF, 1.3MB) includes the meeting agenda, financial reports, and reports from many of the congregation's ministries. (Printed copies are available at the church building.) At the meeting we will elect members to the Council and several other offices, and adopt a budget for the coming year.

Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." Mark 1:14-17


This Sunday we will hear how God calls people into mission. As Jesus once called disciples on the shores of Galilee, so he calls us again into ministry together in and through this church. Rev. Paul Brndjar will preach and preside at a service of Holy Communion.

Believe in the good news!

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
85 Wayne Street (btwn Barrow & Jersey Aves)
Downtown Jersey City
201-432-9319
stmatthewsjc.org

Sunday 1/15 - Worship at 11am

This Sunday's lessons highlight the call of the Lord. The young prophet Samuel hears the Lord calling in the night but needs help to recognize God's voice. Psalm 139 speaks of a God who knows us intimately: "You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you are acquainted with all my ways" (v2-3). Then the gospel of John gives us a conversation between Jesus and the reluctant disciple Nathaniel.

God calls each of us uniquely into relationship and into the holy mission of transformation. This Sunday we will listen again for the voice of God, with a service of Holy Communion led by Rev. Jack DiMatteo.

Wonderful are your works, O God!

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
85 Wayne Street (btwn Barrow & Jersey Aves)
Downtown Jersey City
201-432-9319
stmatthewsjc.org
Congregation news:
Our Annual Meeting will take place NEXT Sunday 1/22 after worship. A bulletin of reports will be available at church this Sunday.

The painting "Calling Disciples," 2001, is by Dr. He Qi ,a professor at the Nanjing Union Theological Seminary in China.
 

Sunday 1/8 11am worship - 3 Kings

This Sunday we celebrate the beginning of Epiphany, the season of Light.

We hear the story of the magi, seers from the East (traditionally known as the 3 Kings) who come to pay homage to Jesus, with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

And we receive the gifts Jesus gives to us: salvation, the hand of fellowship, forgiveness tasted in bread and wine. Rev. Will Henkel will preach and preside.

Come! Let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
85 Wayne Street (btwn Barrow & Jersey Aves)
Downtown Jersey City
201-432-9319
stmatthewsjc.org

Congregation news:
Our Ministry Site Profile for the call process is available on our website, click here to view or download. It will be finalized at Monday's Council meeting.