What's Going On... Latest happenings!

What's going on ...

Sing and Ring with us ~

Rookies and Veteran Musicians are Welcome to all groups:

(no experience required!)

Chancel Choir: Adults and teens invited, rehearse Wednesday’s 7:00 - 8:30pm, sings during worship 1st, 2nd, 4th Sundays. Director Michelle Spala mspala@wowway.com

Spirit Choir – (grades 4 - 8): rehearse 1^st & 3^rd Sunday’s after church. Director Michelle Spala. Sunday’s to sing TBD.

Bible Singers (ages 3 thru 3^rd grade): rehearse every Sunday 11:30am. Sing 3rd Sundays during worship. Director is Tonda Rose Shimbo tonda.rose@gmail.com

New Vibrations - Handbells: rehearse Sunday’s 9-10am, performs during worship on the 1st Sunday of the month, Director is Darlene Ebersole darlene.ebersole@gmail.com

New Wave Ringers - Handbells: rehearse Tuesday’s 6:30-7:30pm. Will play the 2^nd Sunday during worship. Lead by Grace Chetosky graciepooh133@yahoo.com

Praise Band – Rehearse Wednesday’s 8:30pm, performs every 3^rd Sunday - Lead by Mark Ingersoll ingersoll_mark@yahoo.com

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Be a LAY READER on Sunday’s during worship! Whether you are a regular or wish to learn this important ministry, please sign up in the hall on the board. Indicate if you need training. We have posted dates and hope you will sign up for several Sunday’s throughout the year!

OPEN VOLLEYBALL! ~ Wednesday's at 7:00 pm - All skill levels welcome! It’s a better game with 8-12 on a team – It’s just for fun and a little exercise, PLEASE JOIN IN, bring a friend! No cost - Ongoing...

STEPHEN’S MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY ~ Stephen’s Ministry is a lay ministry of compassionate individuals who minister to those in need through one on one relationships. The Stephen’s Ministry motto is that we are the caregivers, but God is the curegiver. As a lay ministry, emphasis is put on lay leadership of this program. St. Matthew’s has been fortunate to have Ellen Horie and others lead this ministry for over 25 years. Ellen has decided to step aside and there is an opportunity for interested individuals to attend Stephen’s Ministry classes in the future. If you are interested, please contact Marsha Abendroth 734-812-8698 or Reverend Covintree at 734-422-6038 for more information.

DO YOU HAVE CLUTTER IN YOUR WAY? Donate to this fundraising effort of the Missions Committee. Bring it to church to sell on e-bay. ~ Items we are looking for are: books, smaller collectibles, videos, DVD’s, music (cd’s, cassette’s, records), special occasion clothing, small electronics (camera’s, iPod’s, etc.), accessories (jewelry, purses, etc.), crafts, video games, memorabilia (sport’s, entertainment). Donations must be in good condition and clean. Please turn in items to the church office on Sunday morning or during the week (10:30-3:30pm). If you would like to look us up on e-bay, go to advanced search and look up by seller - then type in stmatthewsumc. Our first goal with this fundraising effort is to sponsor Scott Dorton for Mountain Top. If you have any questions call John Everett 248-476-1997, Jennifer Guedesse 734-513-9943, Joe Black 734-591-0084, Rachel Nys 248-374-8491 or the church office 734-422-6038.

The NURSERY is in need of “baby rockers” from 10:15-11:35 EVERY Sunday during worship. We need two volunteers each week to wipe tears, read stories and care for our little ones. If you have volunteered in the past or have never had the pleasure, please sign up for a week(s) of your choice. Look for the sign up sheet on the board in the hall and by the nursery. New faces would be a welcome sight!:) Call Sue Craik at 734-422-6038 or email cec@stmatthewslivonia.com

If you would like to help with FUNERAL LUNCHEONS/DINNERS, please contact Mary Beltzman 734-513-9943.

TABS from pop cans and food cans which helps us fundraise! The Music Committee thanks you so much! Please keep them coming to the plastic box by the stoplight in the north entryway. The box is being emptied weekly. We will receive $.22 per pound. Wonder how many tabs in a pound? See the stoplight (church entrance to rear lot).

WANTED: CARING INDIVIDUALS ~ St. Matthew’s is in need of individuals who feel the calling to minister to fellow church members and friends through listening, support, prayer and encouragement. If you would like more information about how to become a Stephen Minister, see Lee Weber or call her at 734-422-8293

COMMUNION is available to anyone who is unable for various reasons to come to church on the first Sunday of the month. If you would like to receive communion at home please call the church office 734-422-6038. We will arrange for someone to bring communion to you. You will be contacted for a convenient day and time. If you are willing to take communion to our members, please call Jan Kirby 734-422-2786.

ALTAR FLOWERS CALENDAR SIGN UP … Altar flowers may be purchased "In honor of" … "In memory of" … "Anniversary"… "Birthday" … or any other occasion. Cost: $20 Single Vase, $40 Two Vases. You may take the flowers home following the worship service. Please fill out the yellow request form on the bulletin board (next to the "Flower Calendar") and turn it in to the office or Secretary mailbox in the hall. You may also call the church office to reserve your date. Be sure to sign up on the Flower Calendar to reserve the date you are requesting.

VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION (VIM) ~ If you would like to be on a team to volunteer in Haiti, you can sign up on this United Methodist website: www.umvimhaiti.org

Given the economic situation in our region, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, in cooperation with the City of Livonia, has started a Non-Food Pantry for residents of Livonia. The demand is great, so we are asking for help from other congregations. Government assistance covers only food items. Items needed include: toilet paper, dish soap, paper towel, floor cleaner, Kleenex, shampoo, bleach, toothpaste, laundry soap, bar soap, dryer sheets. Any help (one time or on going) will be greatly appreciated. We can receive donations between 9 and 4 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays. Holy Cross Lutheran Church is on 6 Mile (bet. Merriman & Middlebelt).

Questions, contact Rickey Amstutz rickey@holycrosslivonia.org 734.427.1414 (9-4 M, Th, F).

The METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME SOCIETY'S programs offer Residential Care: Provides an intensive residential treatment program for 70 boys ages 7 to 17. Each child receives individualized therapy targeting his special needs. Foster Care: Foster families receive on-going training and support. Adoption: Their adoption staff work to unite children who cannot return to their birth families with loving adoptive parents. Educational Empowerment: Summer School and After School Mentoring are offered for children who need help with reading, writing and math.

The need for monetary donations continue as abused and neglected children face increased needs for their services, especially during a time of high unemployment, record home foreclosures and financial stress. The recently introduced “Guardian Angel” program provides summer camp, sports equipment, and birthday and Christmas gifts. Please write “Guardian Angel” in the left-hand corner of your check if you would like your donation to go toward these services. Again, we thank you from the bottom of our heart for your on-going support. Envelopes can be found on the table in the Narthex.

Kroger Community Rewards Card – RE-ENROLLMENT time!

Once every year, all of us have to renew our Kroger Community Rewards Card … beginning APRIL 1, 2011. Every time you shop at Kroger and swipe your Kroger card, Kroger rewards St. Matthew’s with a percentage of your total bill. It costs you nothing but it helps the church earn some extra money. In order for St. Matt’s to continue earning rewards for the May 1^st 2011 to April 30^st 2012 in this program, ALL MEMBERS (not organizations) MUST re-enroll at krogercommunityrewards.com beginning April 1^st 2011 (just follow the online instructions). Any member who does not remember the email address they used - can call 1-877-KRO-PLUS. Kroger will remove any email address attached to the card and the customer can then go online to enroll again. If you do not have a computer or need help, see Gail Cruce or Lynn Kerchen on Sunday mornings in Fellowship Hall.

St. Matthew’s SCRIP

BIRTHDAY’S, EATING OUT & GAS CARDS! ~ Busch’s/Hiller’s Gift Cards available.

Through the SCRIP program,each grocery gift card can be recharged at any register.

The church receives a percentage of the gift card amount and you receive the face value.

SCRIP profits support St. Matthew’s General Fund.

Questions? Gail Cruce at 734-462-1421 or Lynn Kerchen at 734-844-7336.

Place orders in Fellowship Hall on Sundays.

They make great gifts and a great way to say “thank you” to someone!

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors...

the People of the United Methodist Church