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 As
a partner in the total ministry of the church, the organization
affirms, supports and challenges women in their daily ministries at
home and around the world. Women of Saint Matthew is a unit of Women
of the ELCA.
Here
at Saint Matthew, we gather in Circles for Bible study and
fellowship. Both Circles use the Bible study that is printed in the Lutheran
Woman Today
magazine. For the most part, our Circles meet September through June.
We invite all women of the congregation to join us at the Martha
Circle meeting. Martha Circle meets on the third Monday of the month
at 10:30 a.m. in the Education Building. Please check the Calendar
of Events for specific dates.
During July and August, Martha Circle meets for fellowship
an"out to lunch" meal. Please watch the Announcements
Section of the Sunday Worship Bulletin, Saint Matthew's News
Network monthly
newsletter, or this web site for details.
We
also invite all women of the congregation to join "Monday
Prayer at Noon." This prayer vigil is a creation of the Lutheran
Women's Cooperating Committee. LWCC is comprised of leadership of the
women's organizations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA), the Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), and the Lutheran Church-Missouri
Synod (LCMS). The Committee comes together to "seek the best
available knowledge and practice for addressing its issues and
opportunities." Weekly prayer concerns may be found in the News
Network,
Saint Matthew's congregational
newsletter. Additionally, we encourage women to pray continually for
those affected by the September 11th, 2001, acts of terrorism in New
York City and Washington D.C.
Women
of Saint Matthew relates to other Women of the ELCA through our
synodical organization. Watch this site as well as the weekly Worship
Service bulletin and monthly newsletter for information concerning
upcoming events.
We
encourage all women to participate in the life and activities of the
congregation. One of these activities is a special Worship Service
celebrating the mission and ministry of Women of the ELCA at the
local, synodical, and church wide levels. This Service is normally
held in September.
Another
activity is the annual convention of Southeastern Women of the ELCA
normally held in midsummer. We invite all women of the congregation
to travel with us to attend the convention. Part of this annual
gathering includes a collection point for Lutheran World Relief
quilts and kits. We have monthly project concerns, which include
donations of "in kind" items to prepare Health, School, or
Sewing Kits for Lutheran World Relief, as well as local concerns.
Currently, October through December, we are collecting toys for
Sister Judy's AIDS Kids. As the holiday season approaches, we will
have specific information regarding special needs for these children
and their families.
We
also have a tradition of supporting LWR by hosting a Dessert Auction
in November and German Meal on All Saints Sunday. All proceeds are
donated to LWR and are matched by a Helping Hands grant from the
local Thrivent Financial for Lutherans (formerly Aid Association for
Lutherans/Lutheran Brotherhood).
Each
year, Women of Saint Matthew also host a Christmas Social for the congregation.
For
additional information, please contact Linnea Grosse or the Church
Office 706-561-3406.
Links
to web sites of organizations referenced on this page:
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