Pastor Kory’s Page

Invitations and Gifts

Sunday, September 27, 2026

Invitation #1:  On October 4, 2026, we will have a Fall Feast & Fellowship Sunday at St. Matthew. Not only do I want to invite all our church members and frequent visitors to join us that morning, but I’d also like for you to consider who you might invite to come along with you. Whether it’s a friend, family member, neighbor, or classmate, please prayerfully consider who you might invite to join you that day.

In our 10:00am service on October 4th, we’ll be celebrating God’s gift of Holy Baptism for one of the newest additions in our church family. However, the rest of the service will be a bit simpler than a typical Sunday Divine Service. The service will not include Holy Communion and will be more oriented to our guests and visitors. Following the service, we’ll share in a potluck meal and grill-out. Grilled hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. Church members have signed up to contribute a variety of sides and fixings. It should be a great time, and I look forward to seeing you there!

Invitation #2:  Beginning on Sunday, October 18 at 6:00pm, I’ll be offering an Adult Instruction Class at St. Matthew. This class will explore the core beliefs of the Lutheran Church using Martin Luther’s Small Catechism as our guide. We’ll discuss our teaching about Scripture, Baptism, good works, and more. This instruction class can be a pathway to church membership for adults who might like to be confirmed in the Lutheran church. Additionally, college students are welcome to attend and learn more about our Lutheran beliefs. Church members who’d like a “refresher course” are also invited to participate.

I’ll be offering this class in-person in the church fellowship hall but will also offer the option of participating live on Zoom Meeting or viewing a recording afterward if you miss a night. If you are interested, please sign up in the church entryway or contact me with any questions. 

Gift #1:  What are some basic “gifts” you can give to guests and visitors who come to our church? One gift begins right when people arrive – a place to park. If you are able-bodied, please consider parking on the east side of St. Matthew’s parking lot or at the medical offices at the corner of Prince St. and Farris Rd. This keeps more parking near the church entrance open for guests and attendees with limited mobility.

Gift #2:  The gift of a place to sit. Consider sitting near the middle of a row to allow seating to fill in on the ends of the row around you. Also, if you ever see someone in need of a place to sit, be willing to adjust or slide down to help accommodate them.

Gift #3:  The gift of a warm welcome. Whenever you see guests at church, offer them a warm greeting! Make a point to introduce yourself and ask for their names. When you see them again after the service or the next Sunday, call them by name and welcome them back. Let our visitors know you are glad to see them, be willing to address questions they may have, and invite them to join us again.

I hope you’ll take these invitations to heart and also consider how you might share simple gifts like these with visitors to our church!

Peace in Christ,

            Pastor Kory Janneke