Committees and Responsibilities

Worship Task Force
This task force functions as an advisory/visioning group to facilitate and coordinate the planning of worship at St. Matthew's. The chair of the Worship Task Force is the council representative so designated. Other members include the Pastors, the Minister of Music, other music and education staff members, and one or two additional members of the congregation.

In cooperation with the staff of St. Matthew’s, the committee works to provide members the opportunity to experience God in a meaningful setting of word, sacrament and music. Other responsibilities of the Worship Task Force include:

• Assist in implementing the mission statement of the congregation.
• Review, maintain, and update liturgical formats consistent with Lutheran theology.
• Periodically advise the church council on changes for worship times.
• Establish appropriate worship environment for the liturgical seasons via the Decor Subcommittee.

Contact: Church Office

Education Committee
This committee oversees the budget and activities for Sunday School, Vacation Bible
School, Confirmation, adult education classes, and the church library.  It plans and sponsors special events for Sunday School children and their families.  The goal of the committee is to assist all who take part in the life of St. Matthew’s to establish, maintain and strengthen their homes as places centered around Jesus Christ and His command to spread the Gospel everywhere.
Contact: Amy Schmidt (414-475-0247)

Social Ministry Committee
This group oversees and supports the many outreach ministries in which our church is involved and determines where our benevolence dollars are allocated.
Contact: Michael Wolaver (414-526-6617)

Care For Creation Ministry
This committee is responsible for: encouraging existing ministries to consider creation care initiative and celebrating results, networking with other churches and environmental organizations and determining content for St. Matthew’s creation care web site. Sample projects include: recycling, salsa, Reformation/St. Matthew’s garden.
Contact: Pastor Margaret (414-774-0441)

Adult Education & Small Groups
Facilitates adult education opportunities with a  focus on small group interaction. This team also oversees the home based small group ministry, providing support and study resources to all small groups that meet in homes and in the church.
Contact: Julie Schmidt (414-252-7219)

Healing Prayer Ministry
The Healing Prayer Ministry team meets the second Sunday of the month during the education hour. All who feel called to serve as a conduit of God's healing love are welcome. We have group discussions on assigned readings to deepen our faith and understanding. We also seek to increase awareness of this ministry by:

• Educating new members about Healing Prayer Services and inviting them to join this ministry
• Offering Healing Prayer Services monthly, or upon special request
• Wearing small stoles during these services so that we are identifiable to anyone who wishes further conversation afterwards
• Organizing "Healing Prayer Gatherings" annually at Luther Manor which bring together people from throughout the area to learn from one another, and to support congregations seeking to begin healing ministries in their own churches.

Contact: Church Office

Women’s Ministry
This group seeks to increase the opportunities for women to be touched by the life and love of Jesus, and to develop relationships with others in a caring Christian community. The committee plans, implements and supports small and large group gatherings of varying styles and durations to further Christian growth among women.
Contact: Ginny Cleppe (414-536-0818)

Men’s Ministry Team
The mission of our Men’s Ministry program is to reach out to all men where they are at, so they can grow in Christ and in their commitment to church, family, workplace and community. We provide a variety of opportunities to get involved, including Sunday and weekday morning growth/study groups, service projects, Men in Christ, outings, etc.
Contact: Tom Wanezek (414-476-8175)
or Pastor Gary (414-774-0441)

Youth Board
This group is responsible for overseeing all the youth activities, retreats, service projects, fund-raising efforts and the yearly summer mission project. Its goal is to provide opportunities that will enhance the healthy development of our youth and to create a safe environment for building relationships in a Christian community.
Contact: Cathy Laszewski (414-453-4473)

Property Committee
This group is responsible for maintaining the church building and property, and for ensuring that safety and code compliances are followedfor the safety of the public. The committee also addresses issues concerning building usage out-side the normal worship or fellowship activities.
Contact: Jerry Wirtz (414-350-2338)

Stewardship Committee
This committee plans ways that we can share our total stewardship of time, skills, abilities and financial support.  The committee coordinates the annual stewardship drive each fall and sponsors the Activities & Ministries Fair.
Contact: Al Van Lith (414-784-0134)

Historical Committee
This group keeps records of historical value and arranges displays of historical items.
Contact: Jim Neubauer (414-774-0441)

Fellowship Committee
Oversees the planning and facilitation of St. Matthew’s larger social events, including the annual church picnic, Thanksgiving pie social, Brewer’s games, New Member receptions, etc. The committee welcomes your ideas for future events, as well as your help in making the events a success.
Contact: Kristin Charlson (414-476-5578)