Follow the Dream
Pastor David Kiel
January 24, 2001
This week Pastor David has us focus on just exactly what it means when Jesus asks us: “Follow Me.” And whom is he calling anyway? Does the call go out only to those we deem worthy? Or is God calling each and every one of us? And if and when we hear that call, do we follow without hesitation, like those first fishermen disciples, or are we easily distracted? But one thing is certain. When we do hear that call and follow, our lives are changed forever and we discover an abundance of life beyond our wildest dreams.
Do You Know Your Story —
Your Whole Story?
Pastor Kathy Vitalis Hoffman
January 17, 2021
We all think we know our own life stories, right? After all, it is our life? But do we really see the whole picture? Although we may not realize it, oftentimes we don’t see everything and miss many of the important details. Sometimes we need help to see things in a new way. Pastor Kathy reminds us that there is always more to our story than we may think, especially when we realize that our story is really part of a much larger one — a bigger story, a better story — part of God’s story.
For previous Sermons and Special Service videos and audios,
please click on this link.
Christmas Eve Service
Pastors Kathy Vitalis Hoffman, David Kiel & Faye Snyder
December 24, 2020
There is so much that is different about Christmas this year with the ways we celebrate and worship. The message is the same and what it means for us is as important as ever. In Pastor Kathy’s message she reminds us of the wonder and helps us see the surprises of the Christmas story as experienced by Imogene Herdman in the book by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Tucked in this story is a word---Behold! It is a word that puts us on hold so that we stop what else we are doing and perk up, lean in and pay attention to what is happening. Behold!
Blue Christmas Service
Pastors Kathy Vitalis Hoffman, David Kiel and Faye Snyder
December 20, 2020
Drive-In Worship Continues on Sundays at 9 am
TUNE YOUR RADIO TO 101.5 FM for our Sunday 9 a.m. worship service. We will remain outdoors as long as weather permits and will evaluate on a week-to-week basis.
Please click here for Drive-In Worship Guidelines and Details.
Hello From Discovery Place Preschool
YES, we are actively planning for preschool, along with some extra health and safety measures in place. Our enrollment is low this year due to concerns about COVID-19, and we need your help and support so the preschool program can continue beyond the current health crisis.
Please spread the word to local friends and families with young children that we are planning a FUN and SAFE preschool year! We have condensed our class offerings to 3s and 4s classes in the morning only this year. While we pray our preschool remains open all year, we are also planning “distance learning” lessons and activities in case our preschool is mandated to close.
Discovery Place needs your support more than ever! Watch our special Temple Talk from Director Martha Lobaugh. Please say some prayers for God’s guidance and protection for ALL of our students and school personnel as our community school systems open up to in-person education in the coming weeks.
As always, please reach out to Martha with any ideas on how to help your church preschool program grow! You can reach her at discoveryplacehanover@gmail.com or 717-637-1864.
Remain Connected with St. Matthew While Social Distancing
We have settled into a way of functioning during a time of staying home and staying distant. This has a huge impact on our congregation as we continue our suspended activities at church. What has not been suspended, however, is our mission and ministry. Christ is risen and is actively at work bringing hope and life to all. Thanks be to God!
Please make note of the opportunities that abound in the weeks ahead.
Celebrating God’s Love!
We continue with worship. You will find our worship videos on our Facebook page: St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hanover PA and our website.
Our week-end worship services with the pastors preaching on the lectionary gospel readings are posted each weekend. You will find the most recent on the home page and past services on the Sermons page.
Learning and Fellowship Opportunities.
For all Zoom meetings: Please e-mail the church office at info@stmattlutheran.org with your name, e-mail address and the Zoom meeting(s) you would like to attend. You may also call the church office at 717-637-7101 with that information. An e-mail will be sent you the day before or the day of the Zoom meeting you plan to attend.
YOUTH (7th to 12th graders) are invited to Zoom meetings from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. each Sunday.
YOUTH ALUMNI (post-high school to 24-ish) are invited to connect via Zoom from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. each Sunday.
Week Day Devotions: Call in 24/7 to receive a new devotion each Monday through Friday read by one of St. Matthew's ministerial staff. Call 717-637-7101. When prompted, press 3. Between 8 and 5 on weekdays, our Administrative Assistant will answer your call and connect you to the devotion for the day.
Cyber Women Zoom Sessions will take place each third Monday of each month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Any changes will appear in the Messenger newsletter, bulletin and our Facebook page.
Welcome to Our New Lead Pastor, Kathy Vitalis Hoffman
The community of faith at St. Matthew Lutheran Church is pleased to welcome our new Lead Pastor, The Reverend Dr. Kathryn M. Vitalis Hoffman. Pastor Kathy received her Master of Divinity at Luther Northwestern Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and her Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
Pastor Kathy has served faithfully in ministry for over 31 years and in five different ministry settings before coming to St. Matthew. She comes to St. Matthew with a passion for people and ministry and offers great insight and leadership. Pastor Kathy is married to the Reverend Mark Vitalis Hoffman, a professor at Gettysburg Seminary. Together, they have two daughters, Sarah and Amy.
Pastor Kathy will be a blessing to not only this congregational family but also to the community of Hanover. We hope you will come and welcome her and experience first hand, how blessed we are to have her in our midst.
To the Glory of God —
The St. Matthew Austin Organ
The St. Matthew world renowned Austin organ was built and dedicated that its music might resound to the Glory of God and to the uplifting of God’s people in worship. It was also the desire of the donor, and the earnest hope of the designer-organist, that its beautiful and glorious tones might give inspiration and pleasure to many beyond the membership of our congregation. The organ has 14,470 pipes and 238 ranks.
Enjoy Adam Brakel as he puts St. Matthew's Austin organ and it's pedals to the test during his 2018 performance at St. Matthew. It is a sight (and sound) to behold. And this is real time. Simply amazing.
REGISTER FOR DISCOVERY PLACE PRESCHOOL
Discovery Place Preschool is accepting registrations for our 2020-2021 school year. While how school will resume in September is yet to be decided, … Read More . . . .
DISCIPLE TRAINING CAMP AT HOME FOR FAMILIES
DISCIPLE TRAINING CAMP (formerly known as Sunday School) is our Christian Education experience for children 2 years old through 6th graders. Although … Read more...
Hear it Again? Or Maybe for the First Time
Did you miss worship this past week (or perhaps the week before)? Maybe you want to hear the sermon a second time. If that is the case you have come … Read More . . . .
Enjoy a virtual tour of the st. matthew nave
