SEPTEMBER 2025
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Friends in Christ,
Blessings in this Fall Season! Autumn is a time of returning—a season of reaping, gathering, and storing the fruits of what has been grown. Many of us have enjoyed fresh cantaloupe from Indiana, blueberries from Michigan and Ohio, and sweet corn from the fields in Plain City. We eagerly await the coming apple harvest (Honey Crisps—yum!).
I pray your summer has been restful and a time to reenergize. It certainly has been for us.
As our scripture from the Psalms reminds us, we have been given unique gifts, and we are called to use them to further the Kingdom of God. If you are interested in finding a way to serve at St. Matthew, please speak with church leadership or myself. We would be happy to help you find a place where your gifts can shine.
Sunday School Returns
Sunday School resumes on September 14th for all ages, young and old. This year, the adults will be studying the book, Together by Grace: Introducing the Lutherans, which was distributed at the end of Sunday School in May. My hope is that many of you will “come and see” what it means to be Lutheran from historical, geographical, and ideological perspectives. If you don’t have a copy of the book, please let me know—I have a couple of extras and will do my best to get one to you. Don’t worry, the reading is minimal, and even if you don’t have a book, the lessons will be both informative and conversational. I look forward to seeing you in Sunday School!
Holy Cross Day—September 14th
This year, we will also recognize Holy Cross Day on September 14th. Although it is considered a lesser festival during the church year, it holds great significance in our church calendar. Martin Luther emphasized a “theology of the cross,” where God is revealed in suffering—something we often reflect on during Good Friday. This festival in September serves as a powerful reminder of the price Jesus paid for our salvation. Why? Because God loves you that much, He gave his only son.
May this autumn be a season of blessing, growth, and renewed commitment to serving God and one another.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Kelly
Read more from the latest newsletter here.