The Saint Annual Magazine 2024 : simplebooklet.com

Table ofContents0708204045WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL MAGAZINEDEVELOP DEEPLY FORMED LIVESNURTURE FAMILY WHOLENESSPOWER POSITIVE AGINGCOMMUNICATE GOD’S RADICAL LOVE57SAINT MATTHEW BY THE NUMBERSA look back at the year’s milestones, stories of transformation, and theways Saint Matthew has embodied God’s radical love in our community.Exploring spiritual growth through discipleship, worship, and community—LIFEgroups, new faith pathways, and stories of transformation that deepenour connection with God and one another.A celebration of family, children, and youth ministries, from joyfulmilestones and vibrant youth programs to faith-filled experiences thatstrengthen connections across generations.Championing lifelong faith, purpose, and connection—highlights from 3rdGen Ministry, meaningful partnerships, and events that empower andsupport our older adults.From digital outreach to community care, discover how Saint Matthew issharing stories of faith, welcome, and inclusion with our congregation andbeyond.A snapshot of the impact we've made together—key stats and figuresshowcasing the reach and growth of our ministries.

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Pastor Rustin ComerAs we bid farewell to 2024, our hearts overflow withgratitude for the incredible journey we’ve sharedthis year at Saint Matthew Church. It’s been a yearof growth, connection, and dedication to living outGod’s radical love in our community and beyond.From the very first days of last year, we sensed that2024 would be extraordinary. The momentum of ourstrategic plan, launched in the prior year, hascontinued to breathe life into every ministry andcorner of our church. It has been a guiding force,weaving together vision, purpose, and action. Over200 of you participated in “Next Step Gatherings,”and our micro-volunteering initiative welcomed 150new participants into roles that make an immediateand lasting impact. These moments remind us thatGod is at work not only within our walls but in thehearts and hands of those who serve.Our digital presence expanded in leaps and boundsthis year, reflecting our commitment to sharingGod’s message in new and meaningful ways. Fromshort-form discipleship content that has engagedcountless individuals across platforms to a rise inSunday viewership, we have embraced theopportunity to meet people wherever they are. This growth in digital engagement isn’t just numbers—it’s lives touched, hearts encouraged, and faithsparked.Within our local community, the Third Gen Ministryhas become a testament to the power of positiveaging. From engaging Lunch and Learn events to thesteady growth of our Wednesday traditional service,this ministry has created a space where we findbelonging and purpose. And yet, these momentsextend beyond any one group. When children meetJesus for the first time at a Halloween Trunk-or-Treator when a young family finds welcome andsustenance at our Easter Eggstravaganza, we see thewide embrace of our church’s mission.The growth in our Youth and Children’s Ministries hasbeen nothing short of remarkable, thanks to ourgrowing middle school population. Youth ministry hasexpanded by 40%, with middle schoolers and parentsfinding deeper connections. Children’s ministryattendance also grew, with more than 30 childrenregularly joining on Sundays and family eventsdrawing unprecedented participation. These numberstell the story of lives touched by dedicated leadersand volunteers who continue to plant seeds of faith,joy, and belonging.Joyful TRANSFORMATION04

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05We’ve seen our faithful pastor, Mike Basil, finally get ordained and were able to host the ordination of our SynodBishop. These are the moments that remind us why Saint Matthew exists—to be a place of healing, welcome, andhope, centered in the grace of Jesus. This year wasn’t just about milestones; it was also about preparation. Fromnew training initiatives for staff to the launch of LIFEgroup leadership and retreats, we are building foundations forsustained impact. Partnerships like those with the Modern Elder Academy and local advocacy organizations haveallowed us to engage in the slow, steady work of meaningful change—whether that’s empowering positive aging,nurturing family wholeness, addressing loneliness, or expanding opportunities for connection in our neighborhood.As we close 2024, we carry with us the joy of this year’s transformation and the promise of what is to come. Thestory of Saint Matthew Church is far from finished. Together, we will continue to write chapters of hope, hospitality,and courage as we walk faithfully into the future God is unfolding.To all of you—our faithful volunteers, devoted staff, engaged members, and those who joined us this year—thankyou. You are the heart of this church, and through your gifts, love, and presence, Saint Matthew thrives.Through Lent, our Character School seriescaptivated hearts with its focus on resilienceand faith. Daily podcasts became anunexpected lifeline for some, proving thatdiscipleship can take root in the digitalspaces of our lives. Holy Week broughtmoments of sacred beauty, from theGolgotha Experience on Good Friday toEaster Sunday services that reached recordattendance levels both in person and online.These gatherings set a new benchmark forwhat it means to be a community of joy andworship.And in this year of transformation, we’ve seenlives change. Families reconnected throughfaith and therapy. Families seeking a newbeginning after facing rejection elsewherehave found a home here, where love has nolimits and leadership is open to all.

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With Gratitude: A Letter From CouncilThank you for the unwavering support, faith, anddedication that make our community such a beacon oflove and grace. Your commitment to our mission and oneanother is a testament to Saint Matthew's strength andunity.First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincerestthanks to our incredible staff, whose hard work anddevotion to our shared vision have been nothing short ofinspiring. Your tireless efforts behind the scenes and infront of our congregation enable us to fulfill our mission.Each of you plays a vital role in ensuring that our churchremains a place that nurtures and loves all who walkthrough our doors.A special thank-you is owed to Rustin for his remarkableleadership. Rustin's dedication to our church and itspeople has been an incredible blessing, and his exampleinspires us to deepen our own walks with God. We areprofoundly grateful for his unwavering faith, stewardship,and vision.This year, we were also blessed to witness amonumental event in the life of our congregation: MikeBasil's ordination. Mike's journey to ordination has been a powerfultestament to his calling and the transformative work ofthe Holy Spirit. His commitment to serving God and thiscommunity fills us with joy and pride. We are confidentthat Mike's ministry will continue flourishing and bringblessings to all he serves.Reflecting on the past year, we see evidence of growthin both spirit and numbers within our congregation. Thisgrowth demonstrates our unwavering commitment tosharing God's love and light with others. Together, wehave accomplished so much and look forward to theopportunities to continue doing God's work in the world.The future of Saint Matthew is indeed bright. With faith asour foundation and love as our guide, we will continue togrow as a community, deepen our relationships with God,and extend outreach to those in need. May we remainsteadfast in our mission, united in purpose, and alwaysmindful of the blessings we have received.Thank you once again for being part of this extraordinarycommunity. Your prayers, generosity, and love makeSaint Matthew a truly special place. May God continue tobless you and your families abundantly.PHIL GOMEZ

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This year, we’re excited to share the story of our community through the lens of our fourstrategic pillars: Communicating God’s Radical Love; Nurturing Family, Children, and YouthWholeness; Developing Deeply Formed Lives; and Power Positive Aging. These pillarsshape everything we do at Saint Matthew and guide us as we live out our mission together.Each section of the magazine highlights how these core values have come to life over thepast year, offering a glimpse into the ways we’ve grown, connected, and extended lovebeyond our walls. From moments of deep spiritual formation to joyful communitygatherings, from stories of justice and advocacy to nurturing the next generation, everypage reflects the heart of our shared journey.Thank you for being part of this community. We hope this magazine inspires you andreminds you of the many ways God’s love is at work among us.Welcome to Our The Saint07Annual Magazine

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A Church Rooted in FormationFor too long, discipleship has been seen as alinear process, a series of steps leading toward afixed destination. But through the work of theDeeply Formed Lives Task Force, we have cometo understand that true formation is relational,dynamic, and as unique as each person who walksthrough our doors. Our recent research andinterviews with over 350 members of ourcommunity have reinforced this truth: formationdoes not look the same for everyone, nor shouldit. It is not a one-size-fits-all model but rather anexpansive and inclusive pathway shaped byindividual experiences, communal practices, andthe ever-present work of the Spirit.At its core, deeply formed lives are cultivatedthrough intentional engagement—by knowing andbeing known, seeing and being seen, receivingand participating. We are shifting from a model ofdiscipleship that prioritizes mere informationtransfer to one that fosters transformation. Thismeans creating diverse and accessible on-rampsfor people in all seasons of faith—from those newto Christianity to long-time disciples seeking freshexpressions of faith to those walking throughmoments of deconstruction to reconstruction.The Invitation to TransformationOur guiding scripture for this initiative is found inJohn 3:1-18, where Nicodemus comes to Jesusseeking understanding. In their exchange, Jesusspeaks of a new birth—a transformation not of theflesh but of the Spirit. This is what it means to bedeeply formed: to allow the Spirit of God to shapeus in ways that are sometimes unseen,unpredictable, yet undeniably real. Formation is not about perfecting ourselves; it isabout aligning our lives more fully with the love ofChrist. Recent studies show that religious affiliation in theUnited States is changing. Many aredeconstructing faith traditions that no longerserve them, while others feel disconnected frominstitutional religion altogether. And yet, our Godis a missional God—one who steps into themessiness of life to redeem and restore. Ourchurch is called to be a reflection of that mission,welcoming those who are seeking, questioning,and longing for a faith that is both deeply rootedand radically inclusive.

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A New Paradigm for DiscipleshipSaint Matthew is embracing a holistic approach to faith formation, moving beyond traditional paradigms tocreate multiple pathways for spiritual growth. Here are some key elements of our evolving discipleship model:Worship as a Hub: Sunday morning worship remains our central collective gathering, where we arenourished by the Word, connected to community, and sent out to live our faith. It is the primary act ofdiscipleship for the majority of our community.Diverse Group Experiences: Whether through LIFEgroups, lecture series, service teams, or mentorships, werecognize that faith is best formed in relationship.Service as Formation: Discipleship is not just about learning—it is about embodying the love of Christthrough acts of justice, compassion, and service in the world.Personalized Faith Journeys: We honor that each person’s formation looks different. By providing intentionalpathways—from faith-curious seekers to mature disciples—we nurture growth that is meaningful andsustainable.A Special Thank YouA special thank you to the Deeply Formed LivesTask Force: Dave Pierce, Jan Richards, DickSeibert, Paul VanMaanen, Jeff Vande Wedge, andScott Van Voorhis. I also want to extend a specialthanks to all the subgroups who met with us todiscuss what God has done in your life and throughSaint Matthew over the years. Your insights wereprofoundly valuable.11Living the Call: An InvitationOur vision is clear: we seek to develop deeplyformed lives that reflect the boundless love ofChrist. This means becoming a community where allare seen, valued, and invited into a journey oftransformation. As we continue this work, we inviteyou to take the next step—whether that meansjoining a LIFEgroup, serving in a ministry, or engagingin a one-on-one discipleship conversation.

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In September, I stood before my church community, family, and friends,surrounded by the weight of both tradition and new beginnings. Myordination was not just a personal milestone but a moment of deepaffirmation, a reminder that God’s call is not a solitary journey but onecarried in the arms of the community.Walking into the sanctuary that day, I was struck by the faces of thosewho had shaped my faith, mentors who had encouraged me, friends whohad challenged me, and my family who had walked with me in bothconfidence and uncertainty. The service was full of sacred moments, theprayers of the gathered people, the laying on of hands, and the spokenwords of blessing and commissioning. Each one carried echoes of God’sfaithfulness.One of the most moving parts of the day was the reminder that ordinationis not just about the work of ministry but about being shaped by thepeople we serve. I was reminded that the church is at its best when itgathers at the table, whether in worship, in fellowship, or in shared acts ofservice. That day, we celebrated with tacos, laughter, and a deep sense ofjoy because ministry is meant to be both holy and human, filled with graceand gratitude.I am so thankful for the people who made that day possible and for thejourney that led me here. PASTOR MIKE BASILSHAPING OUR FUTURES TOGETHER

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SARAH STREET13It has been such a beautiful gift and privilege toserve at Saint Matthew for my internship.Drawing from the breadth of experience withinthis community and the vibrant ministries thatare active here, I am getting to soak up somuch. Witnessing the warmth and welcome youprovide through hospitality in big events likeTrunk or Treat and Breakfast with Santa and inthe steadfast everyday service you providethrough AA meetings and Contra Costa FosterFriends gives me a vision for the kind ofcommunity I would like to cultivate as I moveforward in ministry. Even on a personal level,your warmth and generosity in welcoming meand my family have been a great blessing tome. In our formation process in the ELCA, internshipis a time to practice and to learn. This has beena tricky concept for me to wrap my headaround since for much of my adult life, I havebeen oriented toward how I can be mosthelpful. Fortunately, here at Saint Matthew,there’s no shortage of opportunities to learnand grow. Getting to preach at both theWednesday and Sunday services “The place God calls you to is the place where your deepgladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”— Frederick BuechnerShaping our Futures Togethergives a unique experience and opportunity to tryout different styles and approaches topreaching. Doing the podcast with Mandi andTami (with so much help from Rustin and Mikebehind the scenes) provided an opportunity toexplore how our digital offerings can helpcultivate a sense of community and sharedlearning. One portion of the internship process is to do aproject in an effort to learn, gain experience, andrespond to the needs of the community.Bubbling up from conversations with folks in thecommunity and my own heart’s desire to spendtime in worship, my project will center aroundthat. On Sunday evenings throughout Lent, Iwould like to invite you to join me forexperiential worship services at 5 pm in theChapel. Rooted in music, beauty, and the Spirit,we will explore worship as an act of love. It is that love moving through us all that I havefelt so clearly from all of you at Saint Matthew.Thank you for sharing God’s love with me andmodeling it for your community.

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A New Experiment in Community & FormationThis January of 2025, Saint Matthew took a bold step forward in our commitment to spiritual growth,connection, and discipleship with the launch of 17 new LIFEgroups across our community. Over 190 peoplehave already joined these groups, stepping into deeper relationships with God, one another, and theirneighbors. This milestone is the result of months of preparation, training, and a shared vision for what itmeans to live a deeply formed life.The Foundation: Training Our LeadersOne of the initial convictions of the Deeply Formed Lives Task Force was that we needed a new type ofsmall group for Saint Matthew to invest in. LIFEgroupsThe SaintAfter months of planning what theseLIFEgroups would look like, fromSeptember to December 2024, weinvested in training 30 new LIFEgroupleaders. These dedicated individualsmet twice a month to develop practicesthat would help them lead groups withintention and care. Guided by theprinciples outlined in our LIFEgroupLeaders Guide, they learned to:Live Out the Mission: Ensuring their groups stay focusedon growth in love of God, neighbor,and self.Invest in Spiritual Growth: Fostering a space whereparticipants deepen their faith anddiscipleship.Facilitate Shared Leadership:Empowering group members tocontribute and take ownership of thegroup’s success.Encourage a Healthy Environment:Creating spaces where everyonefeels seen, heard, and valued.

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Modern Elder Academy Workshops15Throughout 2024, Saint Matthew hosted four community-wide workshops inspired by the core themes of theModern Elder Academy (MEA)—an innovative movement founded by renowned author and entrepreneur ChipConley. Conley is on a mission to reframe our relationship with aging, challenging traditional notions of bothhigher education and senior living through MEA, the world's first midlife wisdom school.These workshops provided a space for over 200 participants from our neighborhood and wider community toreflect, grow, and embrace the possibilities of midlife. Each Sunday evening gathering centered around keythemes that shape this stage of life:Navigating TransitionsChange is a constant in life, yet expected or unexpected transitions can feel overwhelming. This workshophelped participants recognize, embrace, and thrive in times of transition. Together, we explored the top 40 lifetransitions and the emotions they bring, developing transitional intelligence—the skills needed to navigatechange with greater confidence and resilience.Cultivating PurposeWhat gives your life meaning? This workshop provided tools to ignite a sense of purpose by helping participantsdiscover, develop, and share their unique gifts. As we explored the idea that "the purpose of life is to discover ourgifts, the work of life is to develop them, and the meaning of life is to give them away," we built personal purposeportfolios, equipping ourselves to live with greater intention.

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Owning Wisdom (MEA continued)Wisdom isn’t just about age—it’s aboutexperience, curiosity, and the willingness toshare what we’ve learned. This workshopinvited participants to unearth their wisdom andunlock hidden potential. What does it mean tobe a modern elder at any stage of life? Howcan we fully embrace and share our gifts inprofound and meaningful ways? Together, wecultivated a deeper sense of curiosity, allowingwisdom to flourish in our lives andcommunities.As we reflect on this year of learning andtransformation, we are grateful for the insightsgained and the connections formed. 16

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17We had a full year of monthly “Lunch and Learn” events onthe first Tuesday of each month. In partnership withAndriana Mendez, these events draw from our communitypartners to bring in speakers to address different topicsthat help us age well. They also involve a meal sponsoredby community partners.I facilitated a well-received conversation on “HealthySpirituality in the Third Third of Life” at one of the Lunch andLearn gatherings. Many of our Saint Matthew folks whowere not able to attend asked if we could repeat thisworkshop, so I offered it again on a Sunday morning inSeptember after worship, and there were 38 participants.Under the outstanding leadership of Rob Pattison, welaunched a “Thriving in the 3rd 3rd of Life” small group inApril. Using the materials from the DePree Center at FullerSeminary a group of about a dozen folks dove deeply inwhat flourishing looks like in the third third of life. We hopeto offer this opportunity on an annual basis, and potentiallymore frequently.3rd GenDeeplyFormedLives Pastor Tim Philips

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WorshipZACH PATTISONWorship is a central function of our communal gatherings, andeven though we understand that worship is an all-encompassingpractice throughout our lives, we believe that God toucheshearts through song, empowering us to live out worship in otheraspects of our lives.When we worship together at any one of our 100+ worshipgatherings throughout the year, our hope is that we leave with alittle more of God’s wisdom, courage, and love to share with ourworld. This year, we continued to experience God workingthrough our regular Sunday services, our Wednesday traditionalservice, and special gatherings like Good Friday and ChristmasEve, each of which offers unique expressions of worshipthrough music. We hope that worshiping together on any ofthese occasions has helped you experience the love of Godand walk more closely with Jesus.In our ongoing efforts to make Saint Matthew a place whereeveryone can experience joy, belonging, and the tangiblepresence of God’s love, we pray that every song, prayer, andsermon may be an opportunity for God to work in and throughus. Thank you for worshiping with us!The Saint18

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Going to the Chapel Can you believe our Chapel Service has been gathering for over a year? Every Sunday at 8:30 AM, wemeet in this beautiful space for community, prayer, and worship. A lot of heart and craftsmanship went intocreating this sacred place, including a handmade solid wood altar crafted by John Rector—a fittingcenterpiece for a tranquil and inviting worship experience.Music is led by Billy Roy alongside Rich and Emilie Kirkpatrick (A Beautiful Liturgy). Over the past year,we’ve written original music specifically for the Chapel service, continually refining a familiar yet freshworship experience. One of the greatest joys of singing in this space is that every voice is heard—apowerful reminder that worship is a co-creation with God that renews us and strengthens our love for God,neighbor, and self.This service is centering—a place to pause, connect, and be renewed. In a large church, it offers anintimate space where everyone feels known. If you haven’t joined us yet, I encourage you to give it a try.It’s early, but it’s worth it—and you are always joyfully welcome!19BILLY ROY

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21Family CampMy husband and I attended Family Camp for thefirst time over the Labor Day Weekend with ourthree kids, ages 6, 5, and 1. We had no idea whatto expect but looked forward to a weekend inthe beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains! Over theweekend, we enjoyed team-building activities(go team pink!), family worship sessions, gettingto know other attendees, swimming, and lots ofplaying. My favorite memories were of the familyworship sessions where the kids playedinstruments and danced with tulle while we allsang passionately. The energy in the room wasincredible! My daughter made several new"besties" over the weekend, and my older sonhad a great time constructing (a ratherunseaworthy!) boat for the boat races. In thebreaks between sessions, kids ran free andplayed with toys and balls in the green areaamidst the towering redwoods while we adultsvisited and chatted. - Regina San Diego It was so nice to get to know fellow churchmembers in a relaxed environment while the kidsenjoyed themselves. The crowning jewel of theweekend was the final worship session in theoutdoor Redwood Grove Cathedral. The kids hada blast finding banana slugs while we adults tookin the glory of God's natural creation. Having theopportunity to connect with other families andshare the joys and struggles of parenting was sorefreshing. The speakers were strikingly honestand related the parables in novel ways thatpertained to the challenges of family life andhow to use Jesus' example to guide our childrenand offer ourselves grace. We left with aprofound sense of community, a stronger familybond, and a renewed relationship with our faith(as well as some tired kiddos!). We can't wait togo again next year and encourage all familiesfrom Saint Matthew to consider attending aswell!

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Between worship, team building, swimming,dirt bikes, zip lines, the beach, late-nightmovies, and family games, Family Camp atMission Springs was full of fun and adventure.We balanced structured Mission Springs-ledworship and conversations along with simplyenjoying each other’s company in beautifulScotts Valley. Ten families, includingnineteen children, enjoyed time together inthe redwoods. Mission Springs staff providedall the meals and programming, whichallowed Saint Matthew participants to fullyengage in relaxing and being present withone another.The Saint22-Tami Gomez

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This year has been an incredible journey for ouryouth ministry, marked by tremendous growth,deepened relationships, and unforgettableexperiences. We kicked off the year with a high-energy party that set the tone for a season ofexcitement and connection. Wednesday nightscontinued to be a cornerstone of our ministry,offering a blend of small groups, games, food, andimpactful messages that helped students grow intheir faith. Different series we have gone through,like our Be Humble series, challenged students tolive with confidence, courage, authenticity, and aheart for growth, while one-on-one conversationsduring youth group nights created opportunities formeaningful discipleship.24A YEAR OF GROWTH AND CONNECTION Winter Camp was one of the highlights of theyear, giving students a chance to unplug,connect with God, and form deeper bonds witheach other. Summer Camp took things to thenext level as we hosted our own camp atAlliance Redwoods for the first time. The weekwas filled with worship, outdoor adventures, andlife-changing encounters with God. The successof this year’s camp has inspired us to dreameven bigger, and we are thrilled to announce thatnext year’s Summer Camp will be held at ZephyrPoint on Lake Tahoe, offering a breathtaking newlocation for students to encounter God in freshand transformative ways.JASON SLAGLE

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Our ministry has also expanded its impactthrough partnerships with local schools,including El Dorado and Foothill Middle Schools.I’ve had the privilege of establishing a weeklypresence at Foothill Middle School duringlunchtime, building relationships with studentsand faculty in their everyday environments, andextending the reach of our ministry into thecommunity. Special events like our summerouting at Rockin’ Jump, our festive Halloweenand Christmas celebrations, and theunforgettable kickoff party have providedadditional opportunities for students to connect,build friendships, and grow in faith.25As we reflect on 2024, we are overwhelmed withgratitude for all that God has done in and throughour ministry. From the weekly growth of ouryouth group to the life-changing moments atcamp and the ongoing relationships built inschools and the community, it has been a year ofGod’s faithfulness. We are excited to carry thismomentum into 2025, continuing to build aministry where students feel seen, loved, andencouraged to grow in their faith. We can’t waitto see what God has in store for us next!YOUTH (continued)

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EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA27Our third annual Easter Eggstravaganza was heldon Saturday, March 30, and was our highest-attended year. Once again, an amazing team ofvolunteers came together to provide a deliciouspancake breakfast, and the weather allowed usto enjoy it on the plaza. Around the rest of ourcampus, we had Easter-themed craft projectsfor kids, bouncy houses, a beautiful photo boothbackdrop, and, of course, egg hunts happeningabout every 15 minutes for two different agegroups for the duration of the event. Donationsfrom the Saint Matthew community generouslyprovided all of the thousands of egg hunt eggs,and over 40 volunteers teamed up to make thisa very successful event that brought many of ourneighbors not just onto our campus but into ourwelcoming sanctuary and classroom spaces.SUE BURKE

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28In an effort to reach families in a different way, this yearwe held our Vacation Bible School in the evening.Making this switch was a challenge in some ways, butoverall it was well-received by the families whoparticipated! It allowed volunteers who could not servein our normal daytime program to join us.About 50 kids ages 3-11 participated in this fun, faith-forming event! Our theme was Start The Party!Celebrate The Good News. This was a great themebecause we don’t think having fun is just okay; we thinkit should be a priority. Why? Because people whofollow Jesus have a lot to celebrate. Jesus gives ussome amazing reasons to party. Friendship, belonging,forgiveness, life, purpose. That’s why we believe theGospel of Jesus is the ultimate good news. And wesaw that in our memory verse for the week: Acts: 2:28,NIrV: “You always show me the path that leads to life.You will fill me with joy when I am with you.”We began each evening with a shared dinner and thenmoved into daily bible lessons and great music led byan enthusiastic team of young worship leaders. Kidsconnected with leaders and friends during small grouptime and made daily crafts. We played lots of wild (andoccasionally wet) outdoor games! VBS also provides agreat opportunity for leadership development in ourteen leaders who are in middle and high school.We wrapped up with a family worship celebration onSunday morning, where we shared what we learnedwith the adults. The hard work of more than 40volunteers before, during, and after made it possible toput on a truly impactful program and plant the seeds offaith in our young disciples.VBS

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KIDS’ NIGHT OUT29Kids’ Night Out events are held about six times ayear and are open to all kids ages 1-11. Kids join usfor an evening of food, friends, and fun, and formiddle and high schoolers to come and serve asleaders. Every 3.5-hour event in 2024 sold out!Kids love to come to hang out with friends in theTeen Center, where we have dinner together(usually pizza!), do creative seasonal crafts, playlots of games, show a movie with popcorn anddessert, and maybe even end with a dance party!And parents love the opportunity for some quiettime, dinner with friends, or a date night. Everybodywins when we build community among our kids,build leadership skills in our teen helpers, providerespite for single parents, and give couplesdedicated time to strengthen marriages.TRUNK OR TREAT & OKTOBERFESTThanks to our generous community, Trunk or Treat2024 was our biggest outreach event yet! With aline forming before our 4:00 PM kickoff, wewelcomed 2,000 guests for a night of fun.The main parking lot featured 36 creativelydecorated trunks, friendly faces, and Pastor Rustin,who served over 1,000 cotton candy cones (andwore quite a bit of it!). Guests enjoyed bouncyhouses, an inflatable obstacle course, and a fall-themed photo booth. In the Biergarten, great music,seating, and The Guzzler truck kept the energy highwhile our hardworking food team made sure no onewent hungry.These events are a vital way to welcome peopleonto our campus, where they experience theradical, inclusive love of Jesus through ourhospitality. We are committed to building asupportive, connected community where familiesand youth feel valued and empowered.

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30On January 12, we invited families to join us in theTeen Center for a Family Movie Night! This is agreat opportunity to bring families together for atime of fellowship after the busy holiday season.We provided fresh hot popcorn and beverages,and families brought their own snacks and cozyblankets and enjoyed a free screening of TrollsBand Together.We changed the format of our fourth annual familyAdvent event. Breakfast and Crafts with Santa was heldon Saturday, December 7. This year, we served adelicious pancake breakfast, moved Santa into oursanctuary for photos, and spread the craft stationsthroughout the Teen Center and ElementaryClassroom Wing. Where Trunk or Treat gets familiesinto our parking lot, this event receives them actuallyinside our buildings! We added the breakfast elementthis year in hopes of bringing more hospitality andconnection to this event, and our amazing team ofvolunteers made it possible! There were at least 800 people in attendance over thecourse of the 2-hour event, enjoying breakfast and hotbeverages at beautifully decorated tables and visitingwith Santa. There was a steady flow of kids workingtheir way through the amazing and well-organized craftstations. One hundred twenty-five families waited theirturn to see Santa, and the photographer capturedsome beautiful shots of families visiting with him. Thefood team was kept very busy serving breakfast andkeeping two beverage stations stocked for our guests!Family Movie NightBreakfast and Crafts with SantaThe Saint

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Lin AshlockThis year’s Breakfast and Crafts with Santa was a huge success. It was a chance to serve the neighborhood andexpress love and joy in tangible ways. I signed up to be a greeter, hoping the neighbors would show up, andindeed they did! What struck me first was the excitement and joy on the kids’ faces (many all dressed up in their“Christmas best.”) My first impression: Who are all these families I don’t recognize? And as I greeted parentsand grandparents, I was a bit blown away. Here are some highlights: So many were not Saint Matthew families but “returnees” from our events last year or Trunk or Treat thisyear. I sensed that these events were becoming known in the community. I heard comments like, “We feel sosafe here,” “Our neighbors always come; they invited us,” or “This is one of the highlights for our kids atChristmas.” The bottom line is that I think this is becoming a community “tradition.”The diversity of our community was on full display. What a joy to hear such a variety of languages andcultures represented. I had wonderful conversations with families and couples from various backgrounds,including Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Iran, and Korea. And those were just the ones I met—our greeterswelcomed even more!Then there were the couples I talked to who were “church shopping.” Here are some specific comments Iremember: “We’ve been hearing such good things about Saint Matthew; we’ve come a few times and reallylike it,” “We haven’t found a church yet that is as welcoming as Saint Matthew; we feel comfortable here,”“We’ve come to Trunk or Treat and this event…can’t believe how many volunteers. It seems like a churchwhere people really get involved.” “We’re really impressed that this church reaches out to the community.Our last church seemed very ingrown.” And a final comment, one of the last couples to leave, “We have triedso many churches. This place has a different vibe! I honestly can feel the love flowing. It’s really a joyfulplace.” I also met a single mom who was curious about MomCo. She asked if she needed to be ‘religious’ tojoin, and I was glad to reassure her that she would feel completely welcome, no matter where she wascoming from. It was a joy to share information with her and see her interest in connecting with the group. It was a beautiful experience for me to have these brief encounters. I definitely felt the Presence of Christ “onthe move.” I am so thankful for the direction Saint Mathew is going!31Hospitality in Action: Welcoming Our Neighbors with Joy

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32The SaintKindergarten Backpack BlessingOne of our Key Initiatives is celebratingmeaningful milestones that help children andfamilies take the next steps in their faith journey,starting with the Kindergarten BackpackBlessing on Sunday, August 25. We blessed 12Kindergarteners and their families, presentingeach child with a backpack tag as a reminderthat God is with them in every step of theireducational journey. This tradition helps youngstudents begin the 2024-2025 program yearwith encouragement, faith, and communitysupport.First Grade Prayer MilestoneThe First Grade Prayer Milestone is a specialtime for families to gather, share a meal, andlearn how to incorporate prayer into daily life.Prayer strengthens our relationship with Godand one another, forming the foundation of aChrist-centered life. On Sunday, September 29,we celebrated this milestone, equipping parentswith practical ways to nurture faith at home.MilestonesFirst Communion MilestoneThe First Communion Milestone invites childrenages 4-7 and their families to share a meal andengage in a hands-on learning experience aboutJesus and Holy Communion. Families explorethe meaning of Communion through discussion,a behind-the-scenes altar tour, and baking theirown bread. This year’s class was held on March3, with 20 children celebrating their FirstCommunion during worship on March 17.

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33Fourth and Fifth Grade Bible MilestoneFourth Grade Bible Milestone provides a public chancefor us, the Church, to celebrate what the Lord has donefor the children of Saint Matthew through our kids'ministry in the past 3-4 years. By fourth grade, childrenhave heard of the Bible and already have a foundation which they can begin building a strong house that will lasta lifetime. This milestone class gives us a chance tocelebrate that foundation and introduce the next steps,empowering parents to guide their children forward asthey transition to a new developmental phase (physicallyand spiritually). We choose to gift kids with their ownBible in fourth grade because it is the beginning of kidslearning how to read the Bible independently. We chosethe CSB Explorer Bible because it is a real Bible with areadable translation and format that makes personalBible reading attainable for an elementary student. It hasintroductions to help kids understand every book's keytruths and takeaways and other great features such asQR codes and beautiful illustrations and maps.We opened the invitation this time to include fifth gradersin order to have more participants (and because we didnot offer this milestone in the 2023-24 program year).First, we gathered for lunch and the educational class,and then, on Sunday, January 28, we presented the Biblesto the kids at the beginning of the 10:00 worship service.

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Young AdultsThe Young Adult ministry at Saint Matthew is budding slowly and beautifully. A small, coregroup of our church's young adult members have begun meeting two to three times a monthfor fun events and relationship-building. I cannot stress the absolute joy of growing incommunity with such wonderful people. From trivia nights, pickleball, movies in the park, andholiday parties to our Young Adult LIFEgroup that launched in mid-January, the best part of thisministry is the joy of doing a small bit of life alongside new friends. I firmly believe that when we connect intentionally with one another, we connect more deeplywith God and grow spiritually. When we deepen our relationship with one another, we enlivenour relationship with the God who transforms us and gives us life. This ministry hopes for theYoung Adults of Saint Matthew to continue to grow in relationship with one another, centeredon shared values of love, gratitude, transformation, renewal, and radical inclusivity. We are always excited for more people to join our group! Please know that you are joyfullywelcome, just as you are. Contact me directly at billyr@saintmatthew.org, or come and talk tome at church to learn more about all that is happening with the Young Adults of Saint Matthew.34BILLY ROY

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The Mom Community, fondly known as MomCo, is now in itsthird year at Saint Matthew. It continues to grow in depth ofcommunity, belonging, welcome, care, and encouragementfor mamas of all ages and stages. In Fall 2024, MomCo grewfrom the previous year’s group of over 55 women tocurrently over 75 registered mamas. We are grateful for theuse of the Saint Matthew fellowship hall and how it enablesus always to have an open door and never have to turnanyone away due to space. MomCo at Saint Matthew continues to meet the 2nd and 4thWednesday evenings, September-May. Our evening timesets us apart from the three other Walnut Creek MomCogroups who only meet on weekday mornings. A largemajority of our group are working moms, and it is a privilegeto provide a place for them to connect with each other andbuild community amidst their busy lives. About two-thirds ofthe group attends Saint Matthews regularly or occasionally,while the rest attend other churches or no church at all. Thecontinued growth of the group has shown us the great needfor belonging, community, and support, which mamas of allages and stages are seeking today. It has been particularlymoving to see how the Lord has continued to bringnewcomers to the group through personal invitations fromfriends, neighborhood, daycare or school acquaintances,local Facebook mom groups, or the nationwide MomCowebsite. Mamas are yearning to walk the trenches ofmotherhood in solidarity with each other, and it is a privilegeto facilitate a community for those relationships to form andgrow. With the growing size of the Saint Matthew MomCocommunity, Fall 2024 also grew our leadership group toover 30, adding new table group leaders and mentormoms and women leading our registration and finances,creative projects, service projects, and hospitality. Afour-person coordinator team leads the full group andannual calendar. MomCo is truly an illustration of howmany hands make light work. The global MomCo theme for 2024-2025 is Wild Hope.On Wednesday evenings, we watch a short video anddiscuss topics related to Wild Hope and the threetenets of Be Open To Receive, Build Endurance, andLive Passionately. Our time together has also included aservice project, building toiletry kits for MonumentCrisis Center, a fall craft project, and an evening offsitewhere table groups get to know each other better overa meal.We look forward to a longer calendar in spring, whenwe also hope to include guest speakers and panels.It has been a joy to watch mamas new to Saint Matthewfind community in the MomCo group while also watchingmamas who find their way to our MomCo group startattending Saint Matthew and participating in the SaintMatthew community with their families. We are grateful to Saint Matthew for all the support inhosting and encouraging our MomCo group, and wewelcome your prayers for how the Lord will use theMomCo community to walk with each mama on adeepening spiritual journey. MomCoKari Anders

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MissionThe Saint36A Faith Community Rooted in NeighboringAt Saint Matthew, we are deeply committed to being a good neighbor—both in spirit and action. Webelieve that anyone placed in our path is our neighbor, and we are called to extend belonging, care,and connection to those around us.Neighboring is more than proximity; it’s an intentional way of living. We listen to our community, seekto understand its needs and work together to create meaningful solutions. At the heart of our missionis the belief that our gifts, abilities, and passions are meant to serve the world around us.We also recognize that God is already at work in our neighborhood. That’s why we partner withorganizations, making a tangible impact, joining them in the shared work of love, justice, and renewal.

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YOUNG LIFE MIDEURASIAGod at Work in Surprising PlacesFor nearly 25 years, Saint Matthew haspartnered with Young Life leaders in Russiaand Ukraine, bringing hope to teens facingwar, displacement, and fear.Despite the ongoing war, Young Life in Ukraineis growing, reaching every major city. Leadersrisk their safety to provide food, shelter,emotional support, and community. This year,thanks to our support, 75 new leaders weretrained, trauma counselors were brought in,and countless kids found healing and hope.Life is difficult under strict leadership in Russia,yet Young Life leaders continue to offerstability, friendship, and love. In Krasnodar, ourpartners have even expanded to theCaucasus, launching a “Camp on Wheels” tobring joy to kids in small villages.These courageous leaders inspire us. To heartheir stories and pray with them, join ourmonthly Action Team—email Lin Ashlock atlin@dafoto.com.Saint Matthew is proud to partner with Mealson Wheels, extending care and compassion tohomebound seniors in our community. Throughthis mission, we help provide nutritious meals,friendly visits, and a vital connection for thosewho might otherwise face isolation. Ourvolunteers deliver more than just food—theyoffer kindness, dignity, and a reminder that noone is forgotten. Whether making deliveries orsimply sharing a warm conversation, we arehonored to be part of this life-giving ministry.This year alone, we delivered well over 100meals. If you'd like to get involved, reach outto the church office and join us in serving ourneighbors with love!MEALS ON WHEELS

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CONTRA COSTA FOSTER FRIENDSContra Costa Foster Friends (CCFF) providesessential items and wraparound support to over800 foster children and caregivers in Contra CostaCounty. Saint Matthew partners in several ways:The Resource Center: A Pleasant Hill storefrontoffering free essentials to foster youth. SaintMatthew MomCo volunteers assist with sortingdonations and providing critical baby careproducts while the church responds to urgentneeds shared in the eNews.Support Groups & Childcare: Saint Matthewhosts monthly support meetings, provideschildcare for foster families, and serves meals—offering respite and connection forcaregivers.Financial Support: Donations from SaintMatthew help keep the Resource Centerrunning and provide extra aid to strugglingfoster families, especially during the holidays.Through these efforts, we help foster children andcaregivers feel supported, valued, and loved.Thanks to the partnership between Points of Lightand Saint Matthew, lives are being transformed inOakland. Each week, 500 children and youth areengaged through programs that foster growth,connection, and positive change, including 250 homevisitations and prayer support for parents.In 2024, Points of Light:Welcomed 70-80 youth every Friday night,serving 3,055 mealsHosted 50 kids on Saturday mornings, serving2,250 mealsLed 50 Bible studies, engaging 45-60 youthweekly with 2,700 mealsImpacted 520 students monthly through theSLICE school programGathered 170 youth and families for aThanksgiving dinnerThis year, we hosted a Wine Tasting Fundraiser andhelped raise over $20,000 for much-neededtransportation for the students of Points of Light. POINTS OF LIGHT38

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FRIENDS FEEDING FRIENDS39Friends Feeding Friends is a partnership withGood Shepherd Lutheran Church, working toprovide essential support to those in need. Thisyear, we helped feed over 50,000 people andsupplied countless families with householdfurnishings and care packages. This year, SaintMatthew contributed 900 bags of groceries,ensuring our neighbors have access to nutritiousfood.Your generosity makes a difference! If you seethe blue donation barrel outside the church,please consider donating to help us continuecaring for our community.GROW CONCORDIn December 2024, Saint Matthew Churchlaunched a partnership with GROW, a non-profitdedicated to providing kindness, compassion, andbasic necessities to unhoused individuals in ourcommunity. Together, we are fosteringrelationships, offering nourishment, and creating asupportive environment for growth and stability.Volunteers prepare meals in the Saint MatthewKitchen each Tuesday, then serve them in BaldwinPark, providing food, hygiene services, andfriendship. This partnership goes beyond meetingphysical needs—it’s about building trust, dignity,and hope.Want to get involved? Contact Mike Basil atmikeb@saintmatthew.org to serve, donate, or learnmore.

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LABOR OF LOVE & LAYETTES40Our Labor of Love ministry uses the gift of sewingto serve those in need, creating girls' dresses,pillowcases, and bags for foster children astangible expressions of care and compassion. Inaddition, our Layette Ministry provides quilts,baby blankets, clothing, and essential newbornitems for families welcoming a new baby underchallenging circumstances. Through theseministries, we extend love and support tovulnerable children and families, ensuring theyfeel seen, valued, and cared for in times of need.This year, over 150 layettes were created for ourcounty hospital.LOVE-A-CHILDLove-a-Child is the only family shelter in ContraCosta County, providing a safe place for families incrisis. Each year, Saint Matthew Church partnerswith this vital ministry to help maintain and improvetheir facilities, ensuring families have a clean, safe,and welcoming space.This year, we teamed up with CommunityPresbyterian Church Danville to restore the well onthe property and install new solar lighting,enhancing safety and sustainability. In addition, ourdedicated Thursday team works tirelessly eachweek to ensure the shelter remains in topcondition, offering families the best possible livingarrangements.Through our ongoing commitment, we reflectGod’s love in action, bringing hope and stability tofamilies in need.

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Power Positive AgingIt continues to be an incredible privilege for me to participate in the leadership of the 3rd Gen Ministry atSaint Matthew. Despite the health challenges I faced throughout the first half of the year, 2024 provedto be a year of exciting growth for us.The strategic plan that guides the development of this ministry sets out three priorities for 3rd GenMinistry:Connection and CommunityHub and AllyAdvocacyMy report is organized around these strategic objectives along with the overarching objective of“Deeply Formed Lives,” which impacts every age and stage of our ministry at Saint Matthew.Pastor Tim Philips41

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Our activities and events team led a full calendar of socialevents and activities throughout the year. Karen Ball and Pat Fabsits have continued to do anoutstanding job of planning and coordinating events, andKonie Collins and Barb Feiereisel have joined the planningteam. Many thanks are due to these faithful servants andthe host of other volunteers who offer their time and talentto make our events possible.Our events and activities are a critical part of our efforts tobuild community and create meaningful connections thatcombat loneliness and isolation.Another anchor point of our ministry that seeks to establishconnection and community is our Wednesday worship andlunch. Each week, we gather 35-45 people (mostly, but notexclusively, 3rd Gen folks) for worship and fellowshiparound the table as we enjoy lunch and build relationshipstogether.You will notice that almost every event that we offerincludes a meal. This is not just because we love to eat!Jesus knew that community is built around a table and ameal in a unique and powerful way.Connection &Community

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In 2024, the 3rd Gen Ministry Socials continued tooffer a variety of gatherings for fellowship and fun.Quarterly co-ed events served as key highlights,including the Saint Patrick’s Day Corned Beef andCabbage Dinner, complete with a Leprechaun auction,and Fiesta Friday in May, where guests enjoyedauthentic Mexican food and lively Mariachi music.These events provided a wonderful chance for friendsto come together, share a meal, and enjoy meaningfulconversation—celebrating community through food,laughter, and connection.Continuing that theme, we enjoyed a chance to NoshAround the World as we kicked off the new churchyear in September while enjoying a variety ofappetizers. The year finished on a high note with theHometown Christmas celebration in December –agathering dedicated to the favorite foods,decorations, and activities of our childhood. Thesecasual parties allowed everyone to enjoy an eveningchatting with old friends and get to know someonejust a bit better.3RD GEN SOCIAL MINISTRYKaren Ball & Pat Fabsits43Between the larger events, our 3rd Gen menenjoyed a Happy Hour outing at Calicraft in thespring and a morning of bocce and beer later inthe year. Women’s events included smaller“ladies’ luncheons” at a local restaurant, a pop-upsalad lunch, and an afternoon creating a beautifulfall wreath to usher in the Halloween andThanksgiving seasons. In April, we enjoyed aspecial outing at the Lesher Center for the Arts,where we enjoyed a performance by the DanceTheatre of Harlem, followed by dinner at a localrestaurant.As we move into the new year, we will continue tooffer many different opportunities to join with oldfriends and make new friends while enjoying funand interesting activities. We come up with ideasand help with all 3rd-generation activities.

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HUB AND ALLYFrom the beginning of our partnership, AndrianaMendez has been engaged in a conversation aboutproviding leadership for developing a network ofservice providers for 3rd Gen folks in Central ContraCosta County.In September, these conversations came to fruitionwhen we hosted a networking mixer at Saint Matthewand had 86 organizations represented in the gathering.The energy and enthusiasm that pervaded the eventwas amazing! We surveyed the attendees to see theirinterests and needs for networking, indicating that we,Andriana and I, would be willing to do the organizingwork. We learned that there is a yearning to gather in personregularly, so we plan to host quarterly network eventsat Saint Matthew starting in January 2025. Eachgathering will include a meal sponsored by one of ourcommunity partners.In addition, we will be hosting a Senior Resource Fairin March. This will be an opportunity for us to invite our3rd Gen neighbors to come and meet these wonderfulorganizations and learn about the services theyprovide to help power positive aging.Finally, we have been able to use our facility tosupport the work of partner organizations throughoutthe year. These efforts have created an opportunity topartner with Meals on Wheels Diablo Region tobecome a site for their “A Matter of Balance” classesin 2025.This has been an area of exciting growth anddeeper engagement for our 3rd Gen Ministry thisyear. From the MEA (Modern Elder Academy)partnership to the rich collaboration throughoutContra Costa Country, our allyship has grownsubstantially. Throughout the year, I continued participating inmonthly network meetings with the Contra CostaCounty Seniors & Adults with Disability ProviderNetwork and the East County Senior Coalition. I made a presentation about 3rd Gen Ministry atSaint Matthew at the April meeting of the EastCounty Senior Coalition. The presentation was wellreceived and helped to give our communitypartners a better idea of what we are all about. Youmight be interested to know that we are the onlycongregation in the area participating in local agingservices networks. Our intentional focus on 3rdGen Ministry is also unique among localcongregations, and our 3rd Gen-serving communitypartners love it!At the beginning of the September meeting of the Contra Costa County Seniors & Adults withDisability Provider Network, one of the AreaAgency on Aging staff members made thefollowing unsolicited comment: “This is Pastor Timfrom the 3rd Gen Ministry at Saint Matthew, if youdon’t know him, you should get to know himbecause Saint Matthew is doing great things andthey are incredible partners to other agenciesserving seniors in the county.”44

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Many of our events and activities aim to create better narratives and generate more positiveunderstandings of the aging process. Our work with the Modern Elder Academy, lunch and learnevents, the small group on flourishing, and the presentations on healthy spirituality all advocated forrobust and positive understandings of aging.Our Fall Kick-off Event provided the opportunity for us to engage a number of folks who are curiousabout what we are doing in the 3rd Gen Ministry. Some were new folks in our community looking toengage, and others were folks in the first or second phases of life who wanted to understand betterwhat we were all about (and why we seemed to have all of the fun!).This provided a platform to talk about what Powering Positive Aging means and to advocate forequipping and supporting our 3rd Gen saints as we continue to grow, learn, give, and serve within ourSaint Matthew community and out in our neighborhoods.2024 also saw significant progress from Contra Costa County’s Area Agency on Aging as it rolled outits 4 Year (2024-2028)—Master Plan for Aging. The Contra Costa County local playbook of the Master Plan for Aging was presented to the Family andHuman Services Committee. The Board of Supervisors approved it in October.This important document will help shape policy and guide resource allocation within the county forsupportive services for the 3rd Gen population. One out of four Central Costa County residents are 60years and older. This is the highest of all regions in the county.This underscores the importance of our ministry within our congregation and the communities weserve. As our 3rd Gen Ministry thrives, it helps God’s people and the organizations that serve themthrive.Advocacy

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Finding a Church FamilyWhen looking for a new church, I believed it wasessential to have a sense of community andbelonging while also feeling spiritually fed. On ourfirst visit to Saint Matthew, we were greeted byfriendly, welcoming faces, and I love that wecontinue to have this experience every Sunday. Afterfilling out one of the Hello cards, we received anemail and phone calls from the Pastors and othermembers offering to meet up for lunch or coffee toget to know us better and answer any questions wemight have. A few weeks after our first visit, wemade the easy decision to become members andjoin the Saint Matthew family.STACEY JONESShortly after joining, I began looking for ways toconnect with others in the church and was happy to findthat there are many. One of the ways is a group calledMomCo. When I was initially invited to check outMomCo, I originally declined because my children areolder, and I thought it was for new moms, but I wasreassured that many moms with adult children attend.At my first meet-up, the other moms were sowelcoming and friendly. The MomCo gatherings haveallowed me to meet new people and connect withsome lovely ladies, making it easy to form closerconnections and get to know other women. I feel so blessed to have found Saint Matthew andMomCo. I am looking forward to what comes next!

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MANDI SLAGLEAt Saint Matthew, we are committed to fostering acommunity where all are welcomed, embraced, andvalued. As the Marketing and Communications Director, Ihave the privilege of helping tell the story of our church—both within our congregation and to the broadercommunity. We constantly strive to connect with peoplein ways that reflect God’s radical love and extend an openinvitation to anyone looking for a place to belong.In 2024, our communications efforts have focused notonly on strengthening our brand identity within ourcongregation but also on reaching out to the broadercommunity around us. We’ve been intentional about usingplatforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTubeto showcase Saint Matthew’s mission and message tothose who may not be familiar with our church or its work.Through engaging posts, event promotions, and stories oftransformation, we’ve reached people outside ourcongregation, inviting them to experience a loving,inclusive church home.One of the key areas of focus has been promoting eventsand initiatives that resonate with the local community.From Trunk or Treat to Music on the Lawn, we’ve workedto reach families, young adults, and seniors in ourneighborhood, showing them that Saint Matthew is a placewhere they can connect, grow, and be supported. Byshowcasing these events on our social media channelsand in local communications, we’ve been able to attractnew faces to our church and make meaningfulconnections with people who may not have consideredSaint Matthew as a place for them before.Extending God’s Love through ConnectionWe’ve also emphasized telling stories that matter to ourcommunity—stories of faith, transformation, and lovethat resonate with people outside our congregation.Through personal testimonies, sermon highlights, andministry spotlights, we’ve demonstrated how our churchis a welcoming space that reflects God’s radical love.This external outreach has increased engagementacross our platforms and helped establish Saint Matthewas a visible, compassionate presence in the community.This year, we’ve seen growth in our digital engagement,with new followers and deeper connections withindividuals exploring what it means to be part of a faithcommunity. We’ve intentionally offered messagesinviting people to learn more, visit, and see forthemselves how we live out our mission of inclusion andradical love.As we move into the coming year, we remain committedto extending God’s radical love through ourcommunication efforts. I’m grateful for the opportunity totell the story of Saint Matthew to our congregation andthe wider community. I look forward to continuing tobuild bridges and connections that invite others into ourfaith family.

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Care means different things to different people. Like the differences that make each of us unique, we give and receive care in many lovely ways. Sometimes, care is one-on-one, and sometimes, it is given and received in a community setting.Through our online prayer support team, a dedicated group of folks on our TLC team who provide meals and rides, and the CCMs (our Community Care Ministers), care ministry at Saint Matthew offers many opportunities to serve as the hands and hearts to show Jesus’s radical love to those around us.Care is a gift of time, such as a walk or a phone call, a moment of connection like sharing prayer, a hug or a listening ear, and enjoying a cup of coffee or breaking bread with someone else. Care ministry tells each of us, “You are LOVED!”Care49TAMI GOMEZTLC Our Tender Loving Care (TLC) meal and ride team radically communicates the love of Jesus to our communitythrough gifts of service and time. During 2024, the TLC team shared over one hundred meals with more than adozen families in our community. The TLC teams’ support is a gift and is appreciated by our community as theyface moments of strain:Following the death of a loved one: “Thank you all so much. We’ve never had this much support come in from ourpast churches, and it just means so much to see and feel the love.” After the birth of a child: “We were just talking about how much of a difference it’s made for us to have the supportfrom Saint Matt’s with this baby even though we had more medical challenges this time around. We have felt veryloved by the community.”Recovery after a hospitalization: “Our church family has come around us in such a beautiful way. It brings tears ofjoy to both of us.”This year, Lynn Hoyle took over coordinating TLC, and we are very grateful for her leadership of this team.

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50Saint Matthew has a team of 20 trained CommunityCare Ministers (CCMs) who nurture wholeness byaccompanying individuals and families with spiritualsupport amid life’s challenging times. Some CCMpartnerships are short-term, providing support forindividuals or families during a brief season, whileothers may last longer. This year, families facingchallenges such as job loss, miscarriage, terminaldiagnoses, the death of loved ones, illness, andsurgery received support.Our CCMs receive ongoing training all year long tocontinue developing their own spiritual gifts andself-awareness, grounding our team and equippingthem to be present for those they accompany. We all go through moments in life that leave usfeeling overwhelmed—whether it's the arrival of anew baby, adjusting to a new spouse, strugglingwith anxiety, loneliness, grief, parenting challenges,balancing the needs of aging parents and children,discouragement, health changes, or moving to anew location. The difficulties we face are countless,and caring spiritual support is a universal source ofcomfort that eases these burdens. By bringing thepowerful presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit into adifficult situation, we create space for healing. If youare interested in partnering with CCM, please visitsaintmatthew.org/care to learn more.CCMDarkest NightSaint Matthew sets aside time during the holidayseason to pause and reflect, recognizing thatChristmas can be both joyful and a time that bringsup many complex emotions. This year, on thephysically darkest day of the year, December 21,Saint Matthew held the Darkest Night service forthose of us facing a variety of losses. We set asidetime to intentionally welcome the coming of Christinto a world that needs Emmanuel, God with us. Theservice is a time to recognize our burdenscommunally and to share in hope as we sing, listen,light candles, share in silent meditation andreflection, and pray for peace within ourselves andthe world around us.

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Prayer51Saint Matthew is a community rooted inprayer. We have a prayer team for thoseseeking prayer partnership after the 10 amservice. Praying side by side with a member ofour prayer team can be a powerful healingtime, reinforcing that we are never alone andthat God is present with us. Our prayer shawl team knits and crochetsbeautiful shawls, which we have available foranyone facing a challenging time. Each prayershawl has a prayer attached that somebodycan pray with the recipient and a note sharingthe loving prayer from Saint Matthew. Onemember shared two prayer shawls with friendsfacing cancer who both felt incrediblysupported and loved when being literallywrapped in prayer. GriefShareSaint Matthew offered two GriefShare opportunities open to the public, allowing individuals to processgrief and the loss of a loved one. The new Loss of Spouse class served as a much-needed resource,giving grieving spouses a safe and supportive space to navigate their loss in a single session. Thisalso served as a natural starting point for those who wished to continue their journey with thetraditional GriefShare series, which ran from August to November. While Loss of Spouse focused onthose grieving a partner, the full GriefShare series welcomed anyone processing the loss of a lovedone, offering comfort and community through every stage of grief.Our prayer line invites anyone in the communityto email prayers@saintmatthew.org or visit theSaint Matthew website to make a request.Prayers submitted to the prayer line areconfidential to those called to prayer ministry. Aprayer line recipient shared that ‘the thought ofpeople praying for me fills me with anoverwhelming amount of gratitude.’ Our team of Community Care Ministers are alsoavailable to visit and pray with their carepartners who are facing a challenging time. Oneprayer recipient shared that having a CCM‘prayer warrior stop by was a breath of fresh air.’

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For those who don't know me, my name is Billy Roy,and I've been a member of and a worship leader atSaint Matthew since the fall of 2021. Aside fromcontinuing to lead worship in the 8:30 AM Chapelservice and the 10:00 AM Contemporary service, I amgrateful to be stepping into the role of CommunityOrganizer. I am excited to discover new ways thiscommunity can live into our core values ofDeveloping Deeply Formed Lives, Nurturing Youth &Family Wholeness, Empowering Positive Aging, andCommunicating the Radical Love of Jesus. I ampassionate about discovering concrete andmeaningful ways for our church to live out the Gospelin our community. I believe deeply in the power oflove, and this church loves BIG! Love is the driving force of the Gospel; it guides ourmoral compass; it is the very thing that gave us life,and we, in turn, give life to love when we love others.The loving work of social justice is not only for thesake of those we serve but is deeply integral to ourown spiritual work. Feeding others feeds our souls. Iam overjoyed at the opportunity to find ways forSaint Matthew to serve and be served by ourcommunity because the truth is that we need eachother. We are, all of us, co-creators of God's radicallove in the world. We are empowered to lovebecause of God's infinite and abundant love for us. Community Organizing52Here at Saint Matthew, we know that faith is not static;it is not a thing to be understood nor a simple doctrineto be espoused. We believe deeply that our faithjourney is lived and dynamic, moving, growing,changing, and transforming. Faith is not a simple set ofbeliefs but is, instead, a radical and transformative wayof being in the world. Every moment is a newopportunity to awaken to the love of God around us. Iinvite you to open yourself up to the surprise andwonder of how God is at work and explore how God'slove enables you to love others. When we listen deeply to the Spirit, we see that God isinfinitely unfolding before our eyes, calling us into newways of loving God, ourselves, the planet, and oneanother. The work of social justice is a powerfulspiritual practice capable of transforming ourselvesand the world around us. If you want to learn moreabout how you can be involved in this crucial work ofthe Gospel, don't hesitate to contact me. I would loveto help you find opportunities for serving that you canbe excited about! There is so much good work to bedone. Please join us, and let's discover together thebeautiful transformation that might happen in our livesand those around us when we awaken to God's callingto love and serve one another.Billy Roy

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HospitalityThis year, the hospitality ministry at Saint Matthewcontinued its mission of creating a welcomingenvironment where no one feels left out orunwelcome. The feedback we’ve received has beenoverwhelmingly positive, with many sharing howwarmly they are greeted and how quickly they feel“at home” when they arrive on campus. Thesemoments of connection reflect the heart of who weare as a church.To strengthen and grow this ministry, we expandedour training sessions from once a year to threetimes a year. These sessions allow us to recruit andequip new team members and ensure that everyoneinvolved in hospitality feels supported in their roles.As part of this growth, we are also looking towelcome new leaders for our Coffee and Welcometeams, ensuring these critical parts of our Sundaymornings remain strong and vibrant.This year, we also made hospitality a focus beyondSunday mornings, ensuring our efforts extended tolarge events and special services. 54Pastor Mike BasilFrom Trunk or Treat to Santa’s Workshop, summerconcerts, and services like Rock the Manger,Darkest Night, and Easter, our teams have beenpresent to welcome every person who attends,offering consistent care and connection across allgatherings.One story stands out from the many shared thisyear. A new member visited several churches butfelt overlooked and unwelcome. When they arrivedat Saint Matthew, they were greeted by threepeople before the Sunday service even started.That experience led them to choose Saint Matthewas their home church.Looking ahead to 2025, our goal remains clear: tocontinue creating a space where everyone whosteps foot on campus feels welcome, cared for, andconnected. This is the work of our entire community,and we are grateful for everyone who contributes tomaking Saint Matthew a place where people knowthey belong.

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THE LEGACY FUND In 2024, the Legacy Foundation Fund providedmore than a dozen awards to support theStrategic Plan and Mission of Saint Matthew: Awarded two Scholarships for graduating HighSchool seniors.Continued underwriting a series of 3rd Genseminars, including food and refreshments. Awarded a Barrett Scholarship.Purchased new cleaning equipment for theupkeep of facilities.Funded coaching for all Staff in churchoperations and development.The installation of the Peace Garden, incollaboration with B'nai Tikvah, outside theentrance doors will include a peace stone, asmall tree, and a bench, which will becompleted in 2025.Purchased a new supply of pew Bibles for thesanctuary. The Voice was the version selectedafter much research. Partnered with the Modern Elder Academy tohost quarterly events bringing in people fromthe community and our Saint Matthew 3rd Genparticipants. Partnered with the Council to fund the FiscalFeasibility and Planning Study.Established and developed a Young AdultMinistry at Saint Matthew.Provided funding for supplies and maintainedactive participation in countywide eventssupporting LGBTQIA+ organizations andpartnering with other area churches andcommunity groups.Provided funding for Mike Basil's participationin 2025 ELCA events for new ministers (inhonor of his ordination in 2024).Co-sponsored three events with the WestValley Center for Aging at Saint Matthew in2025.Provided roses in celebration of All Saints Day.55In addition to these monetary awards, theLFF completed several other tasks andactivities, including:Installing a replacement Fountain in theMemorial Garden.Moving the existing plaques in theMemorial Garden and installing a newTree of Life commemorating loved onesresting elsewhere. Providing upkeep, cleaning, and newplantings in the Memorial Garden.Working with our Mission Partners tooffer the JoAnne and David PerkinsScholarship to the populations theyserve. Unfortunately, no one completedthe application in 2024. We will workwith the two organizations' leaderships todevelop candidates for 2025. Gwen Ross

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Digital MinistryThis year, Saint Matthew's YouTube channel has been an incredible way to share ourministry far beyond our walls, reaching people we might never meet in person.Through live streams, devotional and teaching videos, and our new YouTube Shorts,we've connected with over 51,000 viewers, with more than 6,000 hours of contentwatched. Our Shorts have been especially impactful, drawing in 35,946 views and182 hours of watch time, with 64% of new viewers discovering us through thesequick, engaging videos. Shorts have also brought in 68 new subscribers, helping usconnect with a younger audience—65% of our viewers are under 50. Each view, eachsubscriber, and each moment of watch time represents someone engaging withGod's love and grace in a fresh way. Thanks to your support, we're sharing the hopeof Jesus with a world longing to feel connected and included.57

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In 2024, we continued to expand ways for the congregation to donate and register for eventseasily. The most visible of these expansions was the “Tap-to-Give” electronic giving sites onthe back of the worship center pews. This new system helps new donors quickly and simplyhelp support the missions of Saint Matthew. Updated and expanded event registrations and volunteer opportunities on Community ChurchBuilder make it easier to communicate and organize all the various activities that take place atSaint Matthew. The age of our campus really started to show itself in 2024. We currently have 3 HVAC unitsthat are only half-functional. 2 of them function as air conditioners but not heaters. The otherprovides heat in the space but cannot provide air conditioning. These units are over 30 yearsold, so no parts are available for repair. We took the time to evaluate all of the HVC systems oncampus and are in the process of putting together a plan to replace the older unitssystematically. We also had a fairly large water leak from a cracked pipe under a sidewalk. Asalways, we replaced various faucets, toilets, light fixtures, TVs, and computers, trimmed trees,patched small roof leaks, and repainted marred walls – the more regular wear & tear on ourcampus.With the continued increase of events at Saint Matthew (YAY!), we also increased utility bills(not YAY!). At the end of 2024, we spent time looking at increasing our solar power productionby expanding our solar panel banks. Adding more solar panels will help reduce our electric billsand help balance our monthly expenses. This will be a project that we will be looking at closelyin late 2025.KATHY FRATTINIOPERATIONS58

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17 BAPTISMS23 COMMUNITY CAREMINISTERSVOLUNTEERED OVER1,400 HOURS OF TIME22 PRAYER SHAWLSSHARED WITHTHOSE NEEDINGCOMFORT900 BAGS OFGROCERIESCONTRIBUTED TOFRIENDS FEEDINGFRIENDSOVER 200 KIDSPARTICIPATED INKIDS’ NIGHT OUT600+ UNIQUEVOLUNTEERS FOROUTREACH EVENTSDONATEDOVER 2,400 HOURSOF TIME61 NEW MISSIONPARTNERSHIPS27 SUMMER SUPPERSHOSTED WITH MORETHAN 350INDIVIDUALSPARTICIPATING178 IN PERSON CCMVISITS108 TOILETRY KIDSASSEMBLED BYMOMCO FORMONUMENT CRISISCENTER40 TEENSCONSISTENTLYINVOLVED AT SAINTMATT YOUTH EACHWEEK0 RUBBER CHICKENSHARMED IN THEMAKING OF WEEKLYANNOUNCEMENTS

The Saint Annual Magazine 2024

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