JUNE 2024

I hope all is well with you and your dear ones. It is a joy to say hi to you in this June edition of the Agape! June is when we pass throlugh the summer solstice and enjoy all the things summer can offer to us. I’m looking forward to our annual picnic scheduled for June 15!

In the church calendar we are now in the season after Pentecost, the timeafterEaster. The Sundays after Pentecost make up the longest portion of the churchyear.This is “the time of the church”, when we focus on growing together inthelifeofthe Holy Trinity. For those who desire scripture readings for individual or familydevotional time, here are a few suggestions: Acts 2:41-47; Ephesians 1: 15-23;Ephesians 3: 14-19 and Colossians 3: 12-17.

You must have noticed that our church is now decorated in green, the colour of growing plants. This marks the season of growth in living in our Baptism and receiving the Lord’s Word and Sacraments. Our weekly online Bible studies areanexcellent way to grow in our faith through a valuable time together infellowshipwith others. And, of course, our Sunday worship time is the main activity we do as Christ’s body. We have missed a few members/friends who haven’t attended our services at church! We do care and pray for you!

And, speaking of growth and green, have you noticed how our lawn andflowerbeds are well taken care of? I want to thank the volunteers who comehereregularely and care for the gardens and lawn. Your hard work is appreciated! Let uswelcome the summer season and enjoy it as much as you can. But don’t forget:asyour flowers and vegetables grow in your garden, so God expects you togrowinHis Word. Let us grow together and may God bless you in your growth inHim.

In His service,
Your pastor Zeuch (or Pastor Markus)

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A FEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

BIBLE STUDY: We continue to meet on zoom every Tuesday@7pm.Our last Bible study before the summer break will be June 25th . If youhaven’t joined us yet, you may ask me (pastor) to sendyoutheinvitation to log in.

MEN’S BREAKFAST June 8 @ 9 AM: We are inviting all men of the congregation(18+) to join us at our men’s breakfast! We will spend some good timetogetherwith fellowship, Christian discussion, and excellent food as always!

SUMMER PICNIC: Please come and join us in fellowship and fun for our annual church picnic on Saturday, June 15th , 2024. The picnic will be held at North Glenmore Park, the Snowy Owl Picnic site. We will start to set-up at 11 am. The site is booked until 2:45 pm. We will have the hotdogs and burgers going on the grill around noon. The site has a shelter, a main fire pit, several picnic tables and smaller fire boxes. The washrooms and playground are close by and there are lots of grassy areas to play some games. St. Matthew will provide hotdogs and burgers and buns with some condiments. We ask you to bring a salad or snack or fruit ordessert to share. There are several parking areas around the picnic sites, but lotLis closest. Please RSVP to the church office if you are coming by June10thso we have enough food supplies. If You have a portable BBQ we couldborrow,please contact Lori at 403-862-9690. WE truly hope to see you there!

BADLANDS PASSION PLAY: It’s coming up on July 6 th in Drumheller. Wehaveagroup who signed up to go and see “The Canadian Badlands PassionPlay”. Ifyou’ve never been to that event, I totally recommend it! If you missed thedeadlinefor the signup, I still recommend it for you to experience it.

ALCOHOL-FREE WINE: As per our last elders meeting, the board of elders has decided to start offering non-alcoholic wine (not grape juice) for communion. People may have different reasons for avoiding alcohol. If you have any personal reason to prefer the alcohol-free wine, please let the ushers know prior to taking the sacrament. This will be offered in both services every Sunday.

SACRED MUSIC: This is only for those who read this Agapeonan electronic device (computer, smartphone, tablet etc). If youlove sacred music, Christian music, Lutheran hymns andchoirs,then you may enjoy this website called “Issues Etc”. Youmayalso listen to podcasts, Bible studies and interviews aboutimportant topics for our faith. Just click on the picture ontheleftand listen to beautiful inspiring music to help your personal growth in Christ.

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WHAT’S PLANNED FOR THE MONTH?

June 1 (Sat): Hospital Lutheran Ministries Education luncheon 11:30 am

June 2 (Sun): Worship in German @ 9:30 a.m. In English @ 11 a.m.

June 4 (Tues): Pastor leads worship at Bethany Riverview

June 4 (Tues): Online Bible Study at 7 p.m.

June 8 (Sat): Men’s breakfast @ 9 am

June 9 (Sun): Worship services: In German @ 9:30 a.m. In English @11 a.m.

June 11 (Tues): Online Bible Study at 7 p.m.

June 12 (Wed): Pastor leads worship at Bethany Calgary

June 13 (Thurs): Committee Meeting for the Tannenbaum Lighting Festival

June 15 (Sat): Summer picnic

June 16 (Sun – Fathers Day): Worship in German @ 9:30 a.m. In English @11a.m.

June 18 (Tues): Online Bible Study at 7 p.m.

June 20 (Thurs): Summer Begins. Elders Meeting @ 7 p.m.

June 23 (Sun): Worship services: In German @ 9:30 a.m. In English @11 a.m.

June 24 (Mon): The nativity of St. John the Baptist June 25 (Tues): Online Bible Study at 7 p.m.

June 26 (Wed): Pastor attends the Calgary Circuit winkel.

June 27 (Thurs): PPC online meeting @ 7 p.m.

June 30 (Sun): Worship services: In German @ 9:30 a.m. In English @11 a.m.

June 30 (Sun): Bible Study in Portuguese (online).

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ABOUT THE SUPPORT FOR THE FLOODS IN SOUTHERNBRAZIL

The flood waters in South Brazil are finally slowly receding. Thanksbeto God. Now the “gaucho population” needs to return to their homesto see what’s left – if anything – and start life fromscratch. Our congregation has sent a generous donation of $4,000 to the BrazilianLutheran Church to be used to help families who have lost everything.The Brazilian community in Calgary has put together a big garagesalefor that cause and all proceeds (around $4,000 as well) will gotowards families in need. A big thank you to our Saint Matthew family, for usingthemission budget to bring relieve to so many people!

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ARE YOU INTO MOVIES?

What kind of „values“ or worldviews are present in a certain movie? What is the Christian/Lutheran point of view about the things we watch in movies or TV shows? What is related to our faith and what speaks against our belief? How is the 4 4 Bible related, present or quoted in some movies? Where do we see „hiddenimages“,figures or metaphors of Christ? How can you talk about a certain movie withyourfamily and have a healthy discussion? Rev. Ted Giese fromMount Olive LutheranChurch in Regina, SK is the „movie expert“ in our Lutheran Church-Canada. Someof his reviews are award-winning. He writes reviews for movies and TVshowsinaLutheran perspective. You may visit the following website https://lutheran-church-regina.com/pages/movie-review-index If you read this on any electronic device, you may just click directly on the linkoron the picture above.

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E-MAIL LIST

If you are not on our e-mail list yet, I recommend you to contact me(pastor) and give me your email address, so you can receive the Agapeeverymonth and other notifications or announcements that are important for membersorfriends of our congregation. You will also receive the invitation to participateonSunday worship on zoom in case you are not able to make it to church, or forwardit to someone you think would like to worship with us. May God’s amazing and unconditional love (agape) reach you and your family during this Pentecost season.

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