Dear Visitor,
2017 is a banner year at St. Matthew’s. The Lutheran Reformation of the Church began 500 years ago, and St. Matthew’s was founded 125 years ago as the first Lutheran congregation in Wilmington to worship in English.
St. Matthew’s is an evangelical catholic parish, which means we are “evangelical” by being committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and “catholic” by being rooted in the faith once delivered to the saints. When you worship with us, you experience a vibrant Christianity that would be recognizable to the previous centuries of Christians. We are biblical, creedal, and sacramental!
Why is this so? St. Luke’s description of the birth of Christ’s Church in Acts 2 begins with Holy Baptism in response to the preaching of the Gospel. He says of Christ’s Church: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). Biblical, creedal, and sacramental worship continues today the Great Tradition built upon Christ the Cornerstone and the foundation of His apostles.
We welcome you in Jesus’ name to worship with us on the weekend of September 23-24, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost. Pastor Sam Zumwalt preaches, “Christ Crucified: We Work” (Matthew 20:1-16). From the console of our 25 rank Austin organ with trompette-en-chamade, Bill Glisson leads worshipers at 6pm Saturday and 11 am Sunday in the singing of joyous hymns: “There’s A Wideness in God’s Mercy” (Entrance); “Rise Up! O Saints of God!” (Hymn of the Day); and “Lord of All Hopefulness” (Recessional). Our Sunday distribution hymns are: “Give Me, Jesus” and “O Jesus, Blessed Lord to Thee.” Sunday School classes continue at 9:45 a.m.
The Joyful Noise Ensemble leads the Sunday 8:30 a.m. Eucharist in the Chicago Folk Service and in the singing of a blend of older and newer hymns and spiritual songs.
Discover the Lutheran difference this week. At St. Matthew’s, when it says Lutheran on the sign, you can actually count on scriptural, creedal, and sacramental worship week after week. Please find your way often to St. Matthew’s where Christ has promised to be present in the Word and Sacraments always!
Thanks for stopping by!
Peace and joy,
Pastor Sam Zumwalt, STS
If you would like any event posted on this web site, weekly bulletin, newsletter or web site calendar, please submit all the necessary information to Donna Capozio the church Administrative Assistant
For immediate update of the web site, you can e-mail the Webmaster directly.
Calendar at a Glance for 1 Week
Youth Groups (excluding May thru August)
Wednesday at 6:00 pm (Middle School) and Sunday at 5:00 pm (High School) .
Music Practice Schedule:
12:15 pm Sunday -- Luther Choir (age 4-5th grade, August 30)
6:30 pm Tuesday* -- Joyful Noise Ensemble (*before 2nd and 4th Sundays)
6:00-6:45pm Wednesday -- Handbell Choir (older youth and adults)
7:00-8:30pm Wednesday -- Adult Choir