Living Faith: Celebrating New Life in Christ This Sunday
By Terese Lewis 
 
Children and youth from preschool through middle school will gather in the parish hall to celebrate new life in the Easter season this Sunday, April 10 during the education hour from 9:15 to 10:15am. We'll reflect on what Christ's resurrection means for us and talk about our own stories of new life. Then we'll respond with activities: planting seeds, creating some special stepping stones for St. Matthew's, or making a butterfly craft. All are welcome!
Faith and Finances Class 
By the Rev. Dr. Blair Pogue

Last Sunday, participants in the Faith and Finances Faith Forum thought about the following two questions. Below are a few of their responses:

What keeps you up at night?
  • How to make enough to be content and pay all my bills at the end of the month?
  • Will my place of employment go out of business, and if so, what will I do?
  • Are we following God's plan?
  • Struggling with scarcity - even though I have enough.
  • How are my neighbors and students going to participate equitably in our economy?

What do you yearn for? 

  • Financial freedom - enough to exist comfortably and to give generously to things I believe in: church, nonprofits.
  • Something left over.
  • Economic justice.
  • Money for travel, to take the kids to see something new and open their world.
  • Greater generosity of spirit and love.

This week we will dwell in the Parable of the Prodigal Son and look at three broad categories into which faith community members' struggles and yearnings can be placed: 1. Good household financial management; 2. How do we think about our finances biblically and theologically? and 3. Economic justice. All are welcome to join Dan White, Dwight Zscheile, and Blair Pogue in the Library from 9:15-10:15 this coming Sunday, April 10 to discuss these important topics.

 

Lisa Wiens Heinsohn to be Ordained June 21 
 
Lisa Wiens Heinsohn, deacon and the director of St. Matthew's Sunday Evening Service was recently notified by Bishop Prior that she will be ordained as a priest. She also graduates from Luther Seminary in May.

Save the date - Tuesday, June 21 at 7:00pm at St. Mark's Cathedral in Minneapolis.  Congratulations Lisa! 
The Undercroft Gallery Hosts "Witnessing Nature: Variations of God's Creation"
By Laura Bathke

The final show of The Undercroft Gallery this year features Sandi Pillsbury, the grand prize winner from our juried Community Art Show. St Matthew's has been hosting artists in our.vibrant art space (the welcoming walls of our parish hall) for 24 years. An opening reception will be held this Sunday, April 10th, from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM.   A portion of Sandi's artist statement appears below. 

"I draw my inspiration for my work from the beauty of the environment. I use multiple layers of paint, in glazes and sometimes over an acrylic base, to create more depth and movement in my work. It is my hope that the viewer would sense a deeper meaning in my work - one that goes beyond the surface of the painting and touches their soul. Thank you for your interest in my artistic journey!"  - Sandi Pillsbury, April 2016  (Read more) 
Women's Retreat

There is still time to register for the Women's Retreat on April 29-30. But do not delay! The deadline for registration is April 12.  
Back by popular demand is a bonfire on Friday evening (with s'mores!). There will be time for individual and group activities, including an excellent workshop on the Enneagram with Kay Vander Vort. The cost is $100 for a double and $150 for a single room. Sign up sheets are in the office and parish hall.

Leslie Barlow on Channel 2

The St. Matthew's Art Ministry commissioned a portrait of Beatrice Garubanda and after a careful search, chose Leslie Barlow, an artist and student at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD).  She is a rising star in Minnesota and one of 4 featured artists on the MN Originals TV show on TPT2 that aired last week.  Leslie explores multiculturalism and identity through portraiture.  Click on the arrow in the picture to see a video clip of Leslie and her work.  
 
According to Susan Hardman of the St. Matthew's Art Ministry, the portrait of Beatrice should be ready by September and installed in our sanctuary. 
Looking Ahead: Calendar Highlights
  • April 10: Resurrection Exploration for all children and youth, 9:15am
  • April 10 & 17: Faith and Finances Faith Forum, 9:15am with Dan White, Blair Pogue and Dwight Zscheile
  • April 10: Opening Reception at 11:30am for Sandi Pillsbury's show in the Undercroft Gallery
  • April 15-16: Middle School Youth Retreat at St. Matthew's
  • April 20: Confirmation Class for adults and youth, 7:00pm with the Rev. Blair Pogue
  • April 23: Jazz and Gospel Workshop 3:30pm  and Vespers, 5:30pm with Andy Barnett and the Theodicy Jazz Collective.
  • April 29-30: Women's Retreat at the Riverwood Conference Center
  • May 22: Pentecost Sunday
  • June 21: Ordination Service at St. Mark's Cathedral
 
Please share your news and photos with us: [email protected] 

Visit our website for the prayer list, calendar and sermons