Fall 2026 Update

Dear St. Matthew Family,

As we prepare to enter a new season at St. Matthew, I am excited about all that God is doing in and through our congregation. Fall is always a time of renewed energy—new routines, new opportunities, and new ways to connect with one another and grow in our faith.

I want to share a few important updates with you as we begin this next chapter together.

Advent Exploratory Committee

As many of you know, St. Matthew is beginning an exploratory process regarding the possibility of taking on ministry and mission opportunities connected with Advent Lutheran Church. The following individuals have been placed on the Advent Exploratory Committee: John O'Malley (Chair), Steve Burdette; Joshua Miller; Janis McGuire; Christi Campo; Dave Gibson; Mark Moehlenkamp; Pastor Garet; and Pastor David. This committee will help us prayerfully explore the opportunities, challenges, and questions involved in this process. We ask for your prayers as this work begins and as we seek God's guidance for the future.

Fall Sunday School

Our Sunday School format will remain the same as it has been this summer. Children will begin the 11:00 a.m. worship service with their families. Following the children's message, children will meet their Sunday School teacher in the designated sanctuary area and head to class together. Classes will meet each Sunday and should conclude by approximately 12:15 p.m.

We are excited to continue creating a Sunday morning experience where children can worship alongside their families while also having dedicated time to learn, grow, and build relationships with one another.

Do Not Rush Out — Stay and Socialize!

One of the things I hope we can cultivate this fall is a stronger rhythm of fellowship and community. Do not just rush out after worship! Stay awhile. Catch up with an old friend. Meet someone you have not talked to before. Introduce yourself to a new member. Grab a cup of coffee. Talk about an upcoming fellowship or service opportunity.

Church is more than attending a worship service and heading home. We are a community, and being part of a community takes time. I encourage you to make staying and connecting with one another part of your Sunday rhythm this fall. You never know what conversation, friendship, or opportunity God may place in your path.

Board Information & Transparency

We are also working on a new website that will provide members with greater access to information from our Board of Ministry. The site will include items such as approved meeting notes and monthly financial updates. We expect this resource to be available beginning in September. You can access the site here: St. Matthew Board Information & Meeting Minutes

Our hope is that this resource will make it easier for members to stay informed about the work happening throughout our congregation.

Confirmation Classes Begin September 15 — REGISTER HERE

Confirmation classes will begin on Tuesday, September 15, and continue throughout the academic year. This year, we are approaching Confirmation a little differently by separating our 6th-grade students from our 7th- and 8th-grade students.

6th Grade Foundations Year

One of the most exciting additions this year is the introduction of a Foundations Year for our 6th-grade students and their parents.

This class will meet once a month for eight sessions starting in September. Parents and students will learn together as they:

• Become more comfortable using the Bible and Small Catechism

• Explore the overall story of Scripture

• Become familiar with the life of our congregation

• Establish foundational habits of worship and prayer

• Develop regular practices of Bible reading and service

• Learn what it means to actively participate in the life of the church

As part of registration, families will have the opportunity to indicate their preferred meeting time: Sunday mornings following worship or Tuesday evenings.

7th–8th Grade Confirmation

Students in 7th and 8th grade will continue in our rotating two-year Confirmation model, supported by congregational mentors.

Year A: The Bible

Students will learn to confidently navigate Scripture, trace God's story from Genesis to Revelation, recognize Jesus as the center of Scripture, and understand their place within God's story.

Year B: The Small Catechism

Students will discover how the Catechism is rooted in Scripture, how it applies to everyday life, how to understand and use the Six Chief Parts, why St. Matthew confesses the Lutheran faith, and how to clearly articulate that faith.

Classes will continue to meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30–8:00 p.m., beginning September 15. Parents of 7th- and 8th-grade students are asked to attend a Parent Information Meeting on Tuesday, August 25, at 6:30 p.m. This will be an important opportunity to hear more about the coming year, ask questions, and learn how we can partner together in supporting your student's Confirmation journey.

Looking Ahead

There is a lot happening at St. Matthew this fall, and I am grateful for the many people who continue to give their time, energy, gifts, and prayers to our congregation.

As we move into this new season, I hope we will remember that church is not simply a place we go—it is a community to which we belong.

This fall, let's make it a priority to Belong. Connect. Grow.

Belong by showing up and welcoming others.Connect by building friendships and sharing life together.Grow by worshiping, learning, serving, and deepening our relationship with Christ.

Save the Dates for Fall Happenings! 

Sunday, October 11 +  Sunday, October 18 — Connect Class
Are you new to St. Matthew or looking to get more connected? Save these dates for our New Member Connect Class, designed to help you learn more about St. Matthew, meet others, and discover ways to become more involved in the life of our church. More information will follow!

Saturday, October 24 — Annual Women's Harvest Tea
Ladies, save the date for one of our favorite fall traditions! Join us for an afternoon of fellowship, friendship, and all things autumn at our Annual Women's Harvest Tea. More information will follow soon.

First Communion Classes — October 25, November 1 & November 8
Children preparing for First Communion will gather for three classes following the 11:00 a.m. worship service on October 25, November 1, and November 8. We look forward to walking alongside our students and families as they prepare for this important milestone in their faith journey. More information will be shared with participating families. Registration information to come shortly. 

I look forward to seeing you this fall and to all that God has in store for St. Matthew.

In Christ,

Pastor Garet