November 2025 Congregational Letter
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
I hope this fall season is treating you well. Fall at St. Matthew is always a busy time of year: we’re in full swing with activities and Bible Studies, the staff is preparing for Christmas, and the Board is planning for our upcoming Voters Meeting and the 2026 budget year.
During this season, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be a team — that our staff and members work together to share God’s love in Jesus Christ as we serve all people. Three words come to mind that shape our life together: Roles, Responsibilities, and Resources. Each one reminds us that ministry is never a solo effort, but a shared calling.
Roles – St. Matthew is made up of a large, diverse group of people, each with unique stories and gifts. Yet together we form the body of Christ in this place. Just as each part of the body has a purpose, so too at St. Matthew each of us has a role — leading, serving, teaching, giving, or praying — and each one matters. You belong here, and your role helps shape who we are as a congregation.
Responsibilities – Each of us shares in the life and ministry of St. Matthew. Together, we take responsibility for what God has entrusted to us — in worship, discipleship, outreach, and stewardship. We are called to care for one another, serve our community, and sustain the ministries that proclaim the Gospel.
Resources – Along with our roles and responsibilities, we also share our resources to strengthen the ministry we carry out together. Our gifts, abilities, and financial support are not ours alone; they are entrusted to us for God’s work. When we give, we’re not funding a budget — we’re fueling ministry. Every dollar supports worship, teaching, care, and outreach that extend Christ’s love into our community. As we look toward approving a budget for 2026, we’re reaffirming our shared commitment to the ministry God has called us to. The budget is one expression of our faith and our hope for what God will do through us.
I also want to share briefly my own “3 Rs” at St. Matthew. In my role as Lead Pastor, I work alongside a gifted staff and a dedicated Board of Ministry who each bring their own talents and insights to serve this congregation. My greatest joy, however, is shepherding the people God has gathered at St. Matthew.
In this season, my responsibilities focus on care, organization, and listening — caring for staff and volunteers, strengthening our structure, and hearing the needs and hopes of our congregation. You’ll notice in the proposed budget that we’re taking steps toward bringing staff salaries to fair and sustainable levels in 2026. I’m also working to strengthen our existing ministries and to explore new ways we can serve Bel Air.
My door is always open — please stop by, call, or email if you’d like to talk or meet for coffee.
My family and I also dedicate our own resources to St. Matthew. We give financially out of gratitude for all that God has done, and all five of us serve both in our church and our community. I encourage you to consider how you might join us in using your gifts, abilities, and financial support to serve the people of St. Matthew and share God’s love in Jesus Christ.
Looking Ahead to the November Voters Meeting
A few important budget notes:
We’re working toward greater transparency in our budget — this will take time, but progress is underway.
We’re moving away from relying on special gifts to fund core ministries and invite you to give through the general fund instead.
Special gifts will still exist but will be refocused to serve our community in new ways.
A midyear budget review will be shared at our June 2026 Voters Meeting.
We’re updating our space-use policies and fees to align with our ministry goals and fairly cover expenses.
The Finance Team, Board of Ministry, and staff all understand that we are merely stewards of the gifts you give to support the ministry of St. Matthew. As you examine this new budget, we hope you see it reflects our mission and ministry together.
Paper copies of the agenda, reports, and budget will be available in the narthex and office by October 26. We will also send this out in our digital communications. Or you can stop by the office for a paper copy.
Our meeting will be on November 09 at 11:30. We’ll keep both services (8:00 & 10:15 a.m.) that day to keep worship our focus and avoid guest confusion. Attendance has been stronger with this schedule, allowing all to worship before gathering at 11:30.
As we approach the end of our budget year, we’re facing a projected shortfall of about $30,000. If you’re able, would you prayerfully consider a one-time gift to help us finish the year strong? Your generosity supports the ministry we share—worship, care, and outreach that bring God’s love in Jesus Christ to all people. Gifts can be given online at www.smlc.org or placed in the offering box
As you prepare for our November Voters meeting, I invite you to pray about your own role, your shared responsibility, and how you might dedicate your resources — not out of obligation, but in gratitude for what God has first given.
In Christ,
Pastor Garet Ellis