St. Matthews Lutheran Church Kitchener
54 Benton Street N2G 3H2 Kitchener, ON, Canada

In-person worship is currently suspended while the Region is in the Red or Grey levels. With the return to the Orange (Restrict) level, in-person worship (with pandemic safety measures in place as in October 2020) will resume, with two weeks’ notice.

From Worship on Sunday: All Good Gifts (S. Schwartz)

Jesus Call Us O'er the Tumult

Music from this past Sunday: Will You Come Follow Me.

Meditation Corner: God is My Rock Based on Psalm 62 with spoken word by Pastor Carey.

Check out the online Open Door service @ 5pm today.

Casting Call! People of all ages needed.

Pastor Sebastian plays Bach G Minor Adagio which was recorded for Sing Fires of Justice virtual 2020 concert. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/yxyFyvEMG5E

The St Matthews Quilt was removed for cleaning during our March Narthex renovations. It will be hung back up soon.

Sonata #1: Siciliana by JS Bach

Meditation Corner for this week is based on Matthew 25. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/vGTT5yHAa54

Hymn Sing in the snow today!

A first trial of Facebook Live for our worship service on All Saints Sunday, Nov 1, 2020.

We did a one-off trial on Facebook live this month. The numbers suggest it was a success but we want to hear from you. If you haven't already taken this brief survey about Live Stream worship, please take a minute to do so. Thanks in advance!

The RCCO Toronto is putting out a series of Bach's Orgelbüchlein Chorale Preludes with organists from around the country: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCmozrjHBklNDe8n-21nioQ

Our Bishop's letter in support of Bill C-6

Deacon Scott plays a spooktacular Prelude in G (Bird) for this years RCCO Halloween Concert. It is feartastic. Boo!

Carol sing with pastor Sebastian after church. Thanks for the photo Kevin Ernst.

Story Corner for this week tells the story of Matthews 22:15-22 and is called Paying Taxes. It's read by Pastor Carey from the Spark Story Bible published by SparkHouse. Additional materials are available such as children's bulletins and a family page. If you'd like to receive copies sign up for our weekly E-Blast communication or send a private message. Blessings!... https://youtu.be/Xgimy_q6UvU

Meditation Corner: The Beatitudes Take a moment to pause during the day to breathe in deeply with a scripture meditation based on Matthews 5:1-12.

Meditation Corner! Enjoy our bells at St. Matthews and the birds in the background of this meditation on Psalm 96. Take a moment to pause during day to breathe in deeply with a scripture meditation. https://youtu.be/bwb_i_HViw4

In Story Corner this week, Pastor Sebastian reads a story called 'Be Humble' which is based on Matthew 23: 1-12.

A message from Bishop Michael.

A very tall sunflower is growing in our garden.

Keeping up appearances.

Kids of St Matthew’s, find out how this object will play a role in our first worship back in building, tomorrow, Sunday October 11th!

Yesterday's Worship Service Recording is available here: http://stmattskw.com/worship/online-worship/worship-audio/

Some pictures of congregations in the Eastern Synod, including St. Matthews this past Sunday. Unfortunately, the Golden Hour Radio Broadcast had some technical difficulties but we'll be making the worship service available to you in the near future as there were too many good things to miss.

The handbell tables are set up in our new physical distancing-flexible space, and the Thanksgiving decorations are in place for our re-opening for worship on Sunday, October 11th!

Martin Luther, told by children.

As promised, Story Corner for this week! Two puppets (aka mother and son team Lana and Jeremy) tell the story of the Wedding Banquet. The puppets are handmade by Lana. If you'd like a children's bulletin or a Family Activity Page to go along with the story, send us a pm and we will get it to you. Blessings! #myELCIC

The choirs of St. Matthews and Mount Zion Lutheran Churches joined together for our anthem, In Christ Alone. It was pre-recored this week using Soundtrap and will be played on our Golden Hour Radio Broadcast this morning!

Lana and Pr. Carey have been busy prepping some bags for our Sunday school children with @ home activities to go along with our weekly bible story. This week, two puppets (Lana and Jeremy) tell the story of the Wedding Banquet. Stay tuned!

Meditation Corner Take a moment to pause during the day to breathe in deeply with a scripture meditation. https://youtu.be/2ifz6oxiVUs

The puppets are back! Story Corner for this week is based on Matthew 22:34-46, the Greatest Commandment. Thank you Lana and Jeremy! https://youtu.be/uEKdbF_cm2g

Our walk-through video for our re-opening for worship on Sunday, October 11th! https://youtu.be/VgYNZeeWymw Other important items: Seats: There are 50 marked locations in the pews for sitting, including the balconies. All locations are 2 meters distant from other seats, as well as 2 meters from the centre of the aisles (the balcony seats have the greatest distance from one another). Couples and parties can sit together at a seat location.... Capacity: At the moment, we anticipate an average Sunday attendance of 30-50 people. If more than 50 people arrive, we will have to turn people away. Children are welcome to attend, but must stay with you/ your family in your seat at all times. Personal belongings: Please bring a minimum of belongings along, as all items must remain with you at all times (ie. the coat racks are not to be used) The Peace will be shared without physical contact Coffee Hour is cancelled until further notice. Pastors will not be greeting at the door or mingling indoors. If you wish to talk to them, best to call or email at another time. Water Coolers have been removed. Please bring your own filled water bottle if needed, and be sure to take it with you when you leave. Property Cleaning and Sanitizing: Will be increased throughout this time The Choirs will not be singing at this time, since music will be provided by soloists and musicians (e.g. handbells) Lectors, Communion Servers and the Altar Guild will not be active at this time. Other building usage (meetings, meals, office hours etc.): the building remains closed except for worship, and individual groups are approved by the Board on a case-by-case basis, upon presentation of a COVID re-opening plan. Communication will follow upon such approval. Other changes: Due to the constantly changing pandemic situation, it is possible that our building will re-open for even more usage in the future, or alternately be closed again. We will inform you as best as we can when decisions are made. Continue to listen to the Golden Hour, check our website and social media, or sign up for our email updates at [email protected]

An open letter from the ELCIC regarding the Mi'kmaw Fishing Crisis: https://www.elcic.ca/d/2020-09-21ALetteronMikmawFishing.pdf

This week in Story Corner for the Children we continue with the Parable for the Vineyard series. Listen to the video below and see a few pictures from our community garden at the end. Thank you to the Karen, the Lakings and Linda for caring for one part of our vineyard at St. Matthews. https://youtu.be/Py_BOxqMdf8