St. Matthew's Lutheran Church - ELCA
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St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Taylorsville Utah
​(801) 965-8484
5200 So. 2700 W. Taylorsville, Utah  84129

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"We are called to proclaim God's grace by sharing the story of Jesus to bring light, hope and healing to the world"

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Streaming live: Sunday mornings at 10:00am MST
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Download the Bulletin for 5/22/2021
bulletin.pdf
File Size: 428 kb
File Type: pdf
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Out of an abundance of care and concern for the health and well-being of the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church community, the council and I are outlining the implementation of best practices during the current outbreak of the Coronavirus strain known as COVID-19. It is important to note that these changes are only temporary and are being utilized in order to reduce the risk of transmission and protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

In Christ,
Pastor Christine


maintaining_a_healthy_church_environment.pdf
File Size: 75 kb
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q__a_covid.pdf
File Size: 83 kb
File Type: pdf
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St. Matthew's Core Values

WELCOME

Worship is the center of our common life. Worship moves us to service. That service is supported by fellowship and community. Worship + Service + Community. We invite you to take part in these with us.

We are a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, committed to hospitality, justice, inclusivity, mercy and joy in the name of Christ.

We serve the West Side of the Salt Lake Valley. Our congregation came into being in 1989 when St. Paul and Atonement Lutheran churches merged.

Online Giving

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St. Matthew’s has chosen a new provider, named Tithe.ly, to manage it’s online giving. Make one-time donations or set-up a giving schedule that meets your needs. Tithe.ly will do the work for you, making your giving easy and convenient.

Donations

Newsletters:

Newsletter / Announcements Submissions
May Newsletter:
may_2022_newsletter.pdf
File Size: 2308 kb
File Type: pdf
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Comprehensive Ministry Review:
Comprehensive Ministry Review
File Size: 507 kb
File Type: pdf
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Council & Ministry 2019 Reports

2019_annual_report.pdf
File Size: 703 kb
File Type: pdf
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Events:

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​Mark Your Calendar – Upcoming Events
Conversation with Bishop Gonia - June 4th at 5:00pm Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
Pride Parade - June 5th at 10:00 AM.

Worship Sundays & Live Streaming on Facebook 10:00 AM

Please download the bulletin to your device or print out as we are not providing printed copies.

Don't forget that we are still wearing masks (they must be worn at all times, over the nose, mouth and chin) and social distance with your immediate family.

"It’s snowing", "I’m sick" or "I just can’t get moving on a Sunday morning".
Don’t worry you can still watch service.

St Matthew’s streams service live every Sunday at 10:00 am so join us online. If you can’t join service on Sunday that week, service is still on our web page www.stmatthewsut.org for five days.

So if you want to hear Pastor Christine’s sermon again or want to hear the gospel or Sam’s music during that week, just go to St Matthew’s web page and click on the link.

Submitted by Mike Stoker Communication Ministry

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Sunday School and Adult Forum


Sunday School for Pre-K through 5th grade and Confirmation classes will be held 9 AM.

Adult Forum classes will continue to be held immediately following worship every Sunday. Our year long program, “We Make the Road by Walking.” If you haven’t had a chance to join us before now, this is the time to start. We will be starting Part II, “Alive in the Adventure of Jesus.” The book is still available on Amazon in hardback, paperback and on Kindle.

Come for Conversation with Bishop Gonia

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Bishop Gonia will be here for Pride weekend and has planned to meet with every congregation in Utah over the course of his time here. While it would be wonderful to host him at St. Matthew’s and have hours of his time, right now the plan is for each congregation to meet with the bishop at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for one hour. The church leadership (which is you) is encouraged to come to brag about St. Matthew’s and share with him where the Spirit is moving us! We should plan on car-pooling and offering rides to those who don’t drive far from home. So, mark your calendars for, Saturday, June 4th from 5:00 to 6:00 PM

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Save the Date

St. Matthew’s will be marching in this year’s Pride Parade, June 5th at 10:00 AM. We will be joined by other ELCA congregations in the Utah Conference with Bishop Gonia. There will be a brief worship service on site with communion. This is one of the ways that we as a Reconciling in Christ congregation can show our support as allies for the LBGTQIA+ community.

There will also be a Pride Interfaith Worship Service on Thursday, May 5th at 1st Baptist Church at 777 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City tentatively scheduled for 7pm.

For now, we need to get at least an idea of how many people will be there and your t-shirt size. The t-shirts will be a light gray with the logo you see right here. There will be a nominal cost to cover the t-shirt expense. Please see anyone on the Hospitality and Evangelism team – Mike Stoker, Jacki Peercy, Mary Kay Arnold, Frank Cordova, or Pastor Christine to “register” and submit your t-shirt order.

For those that can’t make it, there will be a Service of the Word (no communion) at St. Matthew’s at the normal time of 10:00 AM with pre-recorded music.

First Communion Instruction

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Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." Matthew 19:14 NRSV



There are many schools of thought around allowing children a place at the table, but here is what I have come to believe through study, prayer, discernment, and experience.  If a child (or anyone for that matter) extends their hand, who am I then, to withhold the Body of Christ.  The elements of water, bread and wine are the means in which the Holy Spirit moves and stirs the hearts of the ones receiving this little piece of God’s grace.  This means that such an act is not taken lightly, that there is responsibility and accountability to teach what this means for us as Lutheran Christians for me as a pastor along with parents and sponsors. 
First Communion Instruction takes several steps:
  • Parents and/or sponsors must fill out the ‘First Communion Instruction’ form and turn it in to the pastor.
  • A Place for You-My Holy Communion Book is the ‘homework’ for parents and/or sponsors and the children.  If you need a copy or need additional help, feel free to consult with Pastor Christine. 
  • Then the children, parents and/or sponsors meet with Pastor Christine to talk about what they have learned and prepare for First Communion during a Sunday worship service.
  • Finally, a date will be set for the First Communion allowing adequate time to be announced and added to the prayers of the church.
If you are interested, please contact Pastor Christine no later than Sunday, May 15th.


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Reconciling in Christ News

Made in God’s Image – God’s Boundless Diversity
Reconciling in Christ (RIC)
Made in God’s Image
After a two-year journey, lots of discussions, many prayers, one on ones and development of a welcoming statement, St. Matthews Lutheran Church, has become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation.  Please rejoice with us as we celebrate.
“As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church is an inclusive and welcoming community. We affirm that all people are created in God’s image and, as beloved children, are worthy of God’s love and grace. We welcome those of any race, ethnicity, creed, class, age, gender, marital status, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. In creating a beloved community, we join together in a commitment to racial equity and to celebrate our uniqueness to live freely in God’s grace.”
 Come join us as we celebrate and rejoice in God's boundless diversity. 
St. Matthew’s Vision Statement
Our vision is a community deeply rooted in the love of God, energetically engaged in meaningful relationships with our neighbors near and far, committed to rich diversity, intentional inclusion, bold advocacy, and care for creation to connect people to God and transform lives.

On November 21st St. Matthew’s congregation voted unanimously to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation. “What does this mean for us?” is a question many of us might be thinking. Becoming a RIC congregation will provide opportunities as we lean into our new Visioning Statement and Welcoming Statement. Reconciling Works tells us, “Many LBGTQ1A+ people have learned by experience that they are not truly welcome in church, even in churches that state, “All are welcome here!” A general statement of welcome is often heard as meaning, “everybody but me,” so it can take a special effort to communicate and authentic welcome to LBGTQ1A+ people. The RIC program seeks to make known settings where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are truly welcomed.” 


There is so much to learn and to do that it might seem overwhelming, but have no fear, together we can take it one step at a time. Education is a good place to start. As Allies, we need to learn about pronouns and helpful ways to use them. Another good place to learn about the LBGTQ1A+ community is to become familiar with terminology that is welcoming and hospitable. Expressing and cultivating hospitable curiosity is something we can learn and do on this continuing journey of radical welcome. Here is a link for allies to become familiar with terminology.

https://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/allys-guideto-terminology_1.pdf.
To learn more about pronouns and terminology check out
https://www.reconcilingworks.org/pronouns-matter-helpful-suggestions/. 

The Little Pantry

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The Outreach and Advocacy Ministry would like to thank the Taylorsville Food Bank which contributed to our Little Pantry.

We are low on supplies for the Little Pantry. Contributions of these items would be appreciated.

Paper towels
Fruit
Toilet paper
Water
Juice
Spaghetti-o's
Ravioli
Chicken and other protein
Cereal 

Thank you to everyone for your generous support from your Outreach and Advocacy Committee.

Vacation Bible School
July 30th 9 am - 2pm

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The Faith Formation Ministry is planning to have an in person Vacation Bible School this year. So get your children ready to come have a fun day learning about the Tree of Healing. We will be preparing an online registration so keep your eyes open for it in the coming months. Additionally if you would be willing to Volunteer, please contact Sam Johnson


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Why become a member of St. Matthew’s in Taylorsville?  Here are a few reasons our members have expressed why they are part of the Mission and Ministry here:
  • I get to be a part of something larger than myself.  Together we can do more than I as an individual can accomplish.  (I get the) guidance to accomplish more in my personal life.
  • I get the chance to be forgiven, and to leave the church feeling spiritually better about the week to come.
  • Sense of family and community, friendship, and love
Membership is making a commitment to Christ and becoming active in faith as part of our calling through baptism.  Membership also means discipleship. Life is always a journey of learning and growing in Christ!  Membership involves participating in the life of the congregation through active worship, contributing and receiving communion. 
For how you can be part of the exciting ministry at St. Matthew’s as a member, ask Pastor Christine for a “Request for Membership” form.

Rally Day Sunday Parade 2020
Sept. 20, 2020


Sunday Worship 10:00 am
Christian Education 9:00 a.m.
(except for the summer break, when we simply worship)

2654 West Builders Drive (5200 S. and 2700 W.)
Taylorsville, UT 84129

Phone:  801-965-8484
office@stmatthewsut.org

Some of what goes on here....

Bible Study on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.
9:45 a.m. - 10:30 we staple, fold and stuff bulletins
Scouts on Wednesdays

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Food-bank (open when the office is open)
Samoan Christian Worship at 1 -2:30 p.m. on Sundays
Small Change to Change the World + The World Hunger Appeal


Our Bishop is the Rev. James Gonia
The Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA
www.rmselca.org | 800-525-0462 | The theme for the synod this year is Deeply Rooted, Bearing Fruit.

We are part of the Utah Conference of ELCA congregations and we work closely with our Episcopal sisters and brothers.

Our national church is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, www.elca.org   We are proud to be part of a church that is ecumenical, open and welcoming.



Building on the Spirit's
​work among us
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Naming what we get to do together as Christ’s Church here in the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod is what our strategic planning process is all about. In 2016 your Synod Council approved our first three year plan, with four major areas of emphasis and numerous goals and objectives related to each. In the Strategic Plan 2.0 Summary, you’ll see a sampling of the ministry and witness we have accomplished together during this period of time. It’s exciting to see how the Spirit has been at work among us!

2022 Synod Assembly
Reserve a room at St. Matthew's

Building Usage Policy:

building_usage_policy.pdf
File Size: 187 kb
File Type: pdf
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​Spread the Word

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Check into Facebook every time you are here at St. Matthew’s.  Tell folks what you are doing, post pictures and tag your friends.

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Do you have an Instagram account?  If so – take pictures to show your friends and family where you are and what you are doing at St. Matthew’s.


Opportunities To Serve

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Altar Guild – contact Mary Wimmer for the next training date and to be added to the schedule.
Choir or Special Music – the choir sings several times a year and practices for 20-30 minutes following worship most Sundays. For more information contact Leandra Ludlam. Counters – contact Karla Stoker to be trained and added to the schedule.
Facilities & Grounds – upkeep of the facilities requires many hands & a variety of talents. Contact Erich Thaemert.
Faith Formation – Sunday School Teachers needed for the upcoming year. We use the Spark Lectionary   Series. Contact Samantha Johnson for more information.
Fellowship – get together with a few others and sign-up to provide a simple meal or treats on Sunday   morning following worship. Sign-up sheet is located in the Narthex area.
Prayer Shawl Ministry – do you knit or crochet. Contact Henny Johnson for more information.
Outreach Ministry – needs help with the Food Pantry, meals for Family Promise, special collections for   organizations that St. Matthew’s supports. Contact Jenny Cox.
Worship Ministry – Worship Assistants, Lectors, Ushers, Greeters, Cantors, Acolytes – contact Mary Kay  Arnold to be trained and then added to the schedule. 


St. Matthew's is now operating on solar power.
Click on the picture above to see the System Details.
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