Called Home - 05-14-2024
✞ Bettye Jean Carter ✞ was given her baptismal promise and entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 92 years old.
UPDATED INFORMATION DUE TO POWER OUTAGES: Her funeral will NOW take place at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield, 21434 E. Hardy Rd., Houston, TX 77073 instead of the funeral home on Monday, May 20 at 12 pm Noon with Visitation the hour beforehand at 11:00 am. The committal will follow the funeral service at Paradise Cemetery, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, Texas 77088, where her body will be laid to rest to await the resurrection on the Last Day. Please keep her family in your prayers. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." ~Psalm 116:15
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/.../bettye-carter-11817365
Called Home - 03-20-2024
It has pleased the Lord to give ✞ Mrs. Eda Nitz ✞ the perfect healing for which she has longed. Eda has fallen asleep in Jesus and entered her baptismal promise of eternal life on Wednesday morning, March 20, 2024 at 96 years old. Visitation will take place at Addison Funeral Home, 18630 Kuykendahl Rd, Spring, TX 77379, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm. A Memorial Service will be at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Her body will have been laid to rest in the St. Matthew Cemetery at a private family committal to await the resurrection on the Last Day. Please keep her sons, Paul and Steve, in your prayers. Eda's Confirmation Verse: "For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." ~1 Timothy 4:8
Called Home - 03-19-2024
Our beloved organist of 23 years ✞ Mr. Michael Held ✞ has fallen asleep in Jesus and entered his baptismal promise of eternal life on Tuesday morning, March 19, 2024 at 80 years old. A lifetime of service to the Lord through music has brought Michael, his family, and many of God's people much joy and fond memories. After retiring in 2000 from being a Lutheran school teacher, Director of Music, and Organist of many churches, Michael came to St. Matthew where God has blessed our church family as Michael's music has been a witness to the Word of God for over two decades until his recent "second" retirement. Tentatively, a Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Houston Ave, Houston, TX 77007, on Saturday, April 6, at 3:00 pm with Visitation before the service and a reception following. The Committal will be that same evening at St. Matthew Cemetery at 7:00 pm. Please keep his wife, Jeanne, and their family in your prayers. "Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music." ~Martin Luther
Called Home - 09-03-2023
✞ Dixie Lee Garrett ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered her baptismal promise of eternal life on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 95 years old. Her Funeral will held at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Fwy, Houston TX 77039, on Thursday, September 7 at 2:00 pm with Visitation the hour beforehand at 1:00 pm and Committal following the funeral at 3:00 pm. A luncheon will follow at 4:00 pm at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield Fellowship Hall. Please keep her daughter, Mary, in your prayers. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." ~Psalm 116:15
Called Home - 08-27-2023
✞ William John "Jack" Lutsch ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered his baptismal promise of eternal life on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the age of 78 years. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 31 at 10:00 am at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield. "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!" ~Job 19:25-27
Called Home - 05-03-2023
✞ Richard L. Mavus ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered his baptismal promise of eternal life on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at the age of 82 years. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 1 at 11:00 am at Scott Funeral Home, 1421 E Hwy 6, Alvin, TX 77511 with Visitation the hour beforehand beginning at 10:00 am. Please keep his wife Karen and family in your prayers. [Jesus says] “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also." ~John 14:1-3
Called Home - 11-05-2022
✞ Mario Reyes ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered his baptismal promise of eternal life on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the age of 62 years. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 1:00 pm at St. Matthew with a Luncheon to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep his wife Becky and family in your prayers. [Jesus says] “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also." ~John 14:1-3
Called Home - 06-04-2022
✞ Martha Louise Simmons ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered her baptismal promise of eternal life on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the age of 97 years. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Plantersville Cemetery where her body will be laid to rest to await the Resurrection on the Last Day. "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~John 14:1-6
www.noblesfuneral.com/obituaries/Louise-Simmons-7/#!/Obituary
Called Home - 12-06-2021
+ Henry G Lawrence + was born sleeping on Monday, December 6 and is now forever in his Savior's arms. A private committal will be held at the St. Matthew Cemetery where his body will be laid to rest until the Resurrection in the Last Day. Please keep little Henry's parents, Sisilie and Chris, in your prayers as well as his grandparents Gary & Virginia Lawrence and Sam & Sylvia Osuna. "For You have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the Light of Life." ~Psalm 56:13
Called Home - 11-30-2021
✞ Arthur Martin Bolinger, Jr. ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered his baptismal promise of eternal life on Sunday, November 30, 2021 at the age of 84 years. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 20, 2021 at 5:30 pm at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield, 21434 E. Hardy Rd., Houston, TX 77073. His body will then be laid to rest on Tuesday, December 21 at 12:00 pm at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, 509 Zion Cemetery Rd, Cuero, TX 77954 to await the Resurrection on the Last Day. A luncheon will follow the committal at Arneckeville Community Center next to the church. Please keep his family especially his wife Joyce in your prayers. [Jesus] said to them, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospels will save it. ~Mark 8:34-35
Called Home - 09-13-2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brillinger family at the calling home of Pastor Otto Brillinger on September 13. Pastor Brillinger was our pastor here at St. Matthew in the late 1970's. "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master. '" ~Matthew 25:21
Called Home - 06-13-2021
✞ Gloria Kathleen Meyer ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered her baptismal promise of eternal life on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at the age of 81 years. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Addison Funeral Home, 18630 Kuykendahl Rd., Spring, TX 77379. The funeral will be Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield, 21434 E. Hardy Rd., Houston, TX 77073 with visitation an hour beforehand. Her body will then be laid to rest at the St. Matthew Cemetery to await the Resurrection on the Last Day. A luncheon will follow the services in the church fellowship hall. As Gloria joins her husband Paul in heaven, please keep their son Eugene in your prayers. [Jesus] said to them, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospels will save it. ~Mark 8:34-35
COVID-19 Update from 05-27-2021:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We, Pastor Mendez and I, continue to keep you in our prayers and pray that all is well. At this time all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Please join us for Bible Class & Sunday School on Sunday mornings at 8:45am and for Divine Service with the Lord’s Supper at 10am. We also would like to extend an invitation for you to join us on Wednesdays for Bible Study at both 10am & 7pm. As always, we would continue to encourage you to do what you believe necessary for your own health and that of your families. Please know that the pastors continue to be available and at your service. Just call the church office if there is anything you need. ~Pastor Bogs
COVID-19 Update from 08-11-2020:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Your Pastors continue to keep you in our prayers and pray all is well. We give thanks to the Lord for the health of our members as we have not heard of any of our congregation having the COVID virus. We would continue to encourage you to do what you believe necessary for your own health and that of your family.
We are continuing to attempt to return to normalcy, following the Attorney General of Texas “Guidance for Houses of Worship During the COVID-19 Crisis” guidelines. Since the beginning of August we are offering our Sunday morning Bible Classes and Sunday School at 8:45 am and Divine Service at 10 am. We do rejoice in those who are attending and give thanks for those who are live streaming the Divine Service. Also, we give thanks for those who continue to support the congregation through their offerings. We are also offering our Wednesday 10 am and 7 pm Bible Classes as well. These classes are for those who want to attend. If you are of a high risk, we would encourage you to do what you believe you need to do for your own health and safety. Because there are those who have been attending the regular Bible Classes, and we do not want anyone to miss the continuation of those studies (Sunday - James; Wed. am - Revelation), we are studying something new. On Wednesday evening we are continuing our study of Worship. If you have something in mind you would like to study, please let the pastors know.
The Parish Planning Council (PPC) met on Sunday, Aug. 9 after church to discuss the matter of a regularly scheduled Congregational Assembly Meeting (CAM) (voter’s meeting). It was agreed that we will postpone any regular meeting until the meeting in November to approve a new budget and elect new officers. At the same time it was approved that the September Newsletter would have information about what is happening, something similar to what would be reported during the regular CAM meeting.
Pastor Mendez and I along with the Board of Elders and the Parish Planning Council are trying to do the best we can with the information we have in making decisions and getting out information to as many of our members as possible. Unfortunately, we have never been in this situation before and we are making mistakes as we go along. We know that there are those who have been unintentionally overlooked, either because we do not have any current information on how to contact them or get information to and from them. We continue to pray for your forgiveness and patience and we also ask that if you know of someone who has not been included or contacted by the church, and you have been in contact with them yourself, please share with them what is going on and have them contact the church office.
Pastor Mendez and I are making shut-in visits on those who so desire as well as make hospital calls and nursing home visits when we are allowed. If you know of someone or if you would like a personal visit and have not been contacted, please let either of us know.
Please remember, God is still God, and He is still in control. He still loves you, and His desire is the best for you.
COVID-19 Update from 06-29-2020:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We, Pastor Mendez and I, continue to keep you in our prayers. We do pray that all is well. At this time we have not heard any news of members of our congregation having the COVID virus and for that we give thanks. At the same time we would continue to encourage you to do what you believe necessary for your own health and that of your families.
In consultation with the elders and working to follow national, state and local guidelines, we are working toward resuming church life to normal. Previously we were planning to have our church doors fully opened, meaning Sunday and Wednesday Bible Classes, beginning July 5; however, because of the upswing in COVID cases and the latest local recommendations we have moved that date back to August 2, again depending on what is happening at that time. With that stated, our church doors will be opened while continuing to take the precautions we have been taking. Hopefully and prayerfully the first Sunday in August we plan to resume our regular Bible Class schedule including Wednesday morning, Wednesday evening and Sunday morning studies. Again, at this time we encourage you to do what you know is best for yourself and your family. Please know that the pastors continue to be available and at your service. Finally, please continue to check our church web page and Facebook page for updates.
www.stmatthewlcms.com
https://www.facebook.com/stmatthewwestfield/
May the Lord continue to bless and keep us in these interesting times,
Pastor Bogs
COVID-19 Update from 05-29-2020:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We, Pastor Mendez and I, continue to keep you in our prayers. We do pray that all is well. At this time we have not heard any news of members of our congregation having the COVID virus and for that we give thanks. At the same time we would continue to encourage you to do what you believe necessary for your own health and that of your families.
In consultation with the elders and working to follow national, state and local guidelines, we are working toward resuming church life to normal. Beginning June 7 our church doors will be fully opened while continuing to take the precautions we have been taking. Hopefully and prayerfully the first Sunday in July we plan to resume our regular Bible Class schedule including Wednesday morning, Wednesday evening and Sunday morning studies. Again, at this time we encourage you to do what you know is best for yourself and your family. Please know that the pastors continue to be available and at your service. Finally, please continue to check our church web page and Facebook page for updates.
https://www.stmatthewlcms.com/
https://www.facebook.com/stmatthewwestfield/
May the Lord continue to bless and keep us in these interesting times,
Pastor Bogs
COVID-19 Update from 04-24-2020:
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'" ~ Psalm 122:1
Praise God for providing for us as we have been apart and for bringing us back together in "the house of the Lord!" Thankfully Governor Abbott considers religious services as "essential," and according to his Guidance for Houses of Worship from April 21, 2020, St. Matthew's doors will be allowed to be open for full worship this Sunday, April 26. All non-worship activities will continue to be suspended until further notice, and the Divine Services will continue to be live streamed on our Facebook Page every Sunday morning at 10:00 am and uploaded shortly after to our website and YouTube channel.
As we have been doing these past Sundays, we will neither encourage nor discourage your attendance at any service. Should you desire to attend, and until further notice, our Divine Services will be following the Governor's order and implementing the following practices:
Please continue to check our Facebook Page and website for updates and share the information with your friends and family. If you have any special needs, prayer requests, Lord's Supper or other visit requests, please let one of the Pastors know. Pray for each other, our nation, and our world, and continue to trust in the Lord to give us His strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God be with you!
COVID-19 Update from 04-18-2020:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." ~1 Peter 1:3-9
Praise God we are getting closer to coming together again soon. All non-worship activities continue to be suspended through April 30 and the Divine Services will be live streamed through Sunday, April 26. The services will continue to be made available on our Facebook Page and uploaded to our website and YouTube channel.
While at home during the worship services, you can find the order of service to follow along HERE under Sunday Bulletins. If you do not have a hymnal at home, you may call the church office to borrow one from the pews. You can also find the hymns at https://hymnary.org/hymnal/LSB2006.
Because the Governor has declared religious services as essential services, we will neither encourage nor discourage your attendance at any service. Should you desire to attend, we will follow the social distancing guidelines. Divine Service on the last two Sundays of the month, April 19 & 26, will be live streaming at 10:00 am. The Lord's Supper will also be available to any who would like to come and partake, practicing social distancing.
Please continue to check our Facebook Page and website for updates and share the information with your friends and family. If you have any special needs, prayer requests, Lord's Supper or other visit requests, please let one of the Pastors know. Pray for each other, our nation, and our world, and continue to trust in the Lord to give us His strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God be with you!
COVID-19 Update from 04-03-2020:
"For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His." ~Romans 6:5
All non-worship activities continue to be suspended through April 30 and live streaming of all worship services through Sunday, April 26 will continue to be made available on our Facebook Page and uploaded to our website and YouTube channel.
While at home during the worship services, you can find the order of service to follow along HERE under Sunday Bulletins. If you do not have a hymnal at home, you may call the church office to borrow one from the pews. You can also find the hymns at https://hymnary.org/hymnal/LSB2006.
Because the Governor has declared religious services as essential services, we will neither encourage nor discourage your attendance at any service. Should you desire to attend, we will follow the social distancing guidelines.
The Holy Week Schedule is as follows:
Please continue to check our Facebook Page and website for updates and share the information with your friends and family. If you have any special needs, prayer requests, Lord's Supper or other visit requests, please let one of the Pastors know. Pray for each other, our nation, and our world, and continue to trust in the Lord to give us His strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God be with you!
COVID-19 Update from 03-24-2020:
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. ~Psalm 62:5-8
Due to the Harris county "Stay at Home" order, our services will be LIVE STREAM only. Please join us on Facebook at Noon on Wednesday (March 25 and April 1) for the Lenten Services and at 10:00 am Sunday, March 29 for Divine Service. The services will be on YouTube as well later on those days. As a reminder, all non-worship activities are suspended until April 3. Please check back after then for another update. We will determine if an extension needs to be made closer to Holy Week.
While at home during the worship services, you can find the order of service to follow along HERE under Sunday Bulletins. On Wednesday, we will be using the Service of Prayer and Preaching on page 260 of the Lutheran Service Book. If you do not have a hymnal at home, you can find the hymns at https://hymnary.org/hymnal/LSB2006.
Please continue to check our Facebook Page and website for updates and share the information with your friends and family. If there are any special needs or prayer requests you may have, please let one of the Pastors know. Pray for each other, our nation, and our world, and continue to trust in the Lord to give us His strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God be with you!
COVID-19 Update from 03-20-2020:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved." ~Psalm 46:1-5
We all have strength and comfort knowing our God is with us wherever we are and when we are apart from each other. The difficult decision has been made to temporarily suspend all non-worship activities for the next two weeks here at St. Matthew and live stream the Lenten Services on Wednesdays at Noon and the Divine Service on Sundays at 10:00 am. You can find the order of service to follow along HERE under Sunday Bulletins. If you do not have a hymnal at home, you can find the hymns at https://hymnary.org/hymnal/LSB2006. We will determine if an extension is to be made closer to Holy Week. Please check our Facebook Page and website for updates and share the information with your friends and family.
If there are any special needs or prayer requests, please let one of the Pastors know. Pray for each other, our nation, and our world, and continue to trust in the Lord to give us His strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God be with you!
You will find today's bulletin (March 22, 2020 - Divine Service 1- 4th Sunday in Lent) on our website (https://www.stmatthewlcms.com/sunday-bulletins.html) with the hymns and readings for the day so you can follow along during the livestreaming here on Facebook at 10:00 am.
The announcements are there as well, but please understand that, due to the current circumstances, some information may not be updated at this time.
If you do not have a hymnal at home, you can find the hymns at https://hymnary.org/hymnal/LSB2006.
May God bless our worship together!
COVID-19 Update from 03-17-2020:
At this time, after much deliberation and precautions being made, We WILL BE HAVING our regular Wednesday schedule this week:
*Wednesday Bible Study at 10:00 am in Room 2
*Lenten Service of Prayer & Preaching at Noon in Sanctuary
*Carry In Dinner at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
*Hymn Sing at 7:15 pm in the Sanctuary
*Lenten Vespers at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary
All doors, pews, hymnals, fellowship pads and surfaces that are touched have been sanitized in the sanctuary, Room 2 and the Fellowship Hall.
Again, if you or anyone in your family is ill, we ask that you remain in God's Word at home.
We will be LIVE-STREAMING the 7:30 Vespers Service on Facebook.
If you have any special needs or prayer requests, please let us know.
God be with us all!
COVID-19 Update from 03-14-2020:
The doors of St. Matthew will be open on Sunday for the study of God's Word and the giving of His Sacrament. However, if you or anyone in your family is ill, we ask that you remain in His Word at home. We will do our best to livestream the Divine Service on Facebook, and if you have any special needs or prayer requests, please let us know. God be with you!
✞ Bettye Jean Carter ✞ was given her baptismal promise and entered her heavenly home on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 92 years old.
UPDATED INFORMATION DUE TO POWER OUTAGES: Her funeral will NOW take place at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield, 21434 E. Hardy Rd., Houston, TX 77073 instead of the funeral home on Monday, May 20 at 12 pm Noon with Visitation the hour beforehand at 11:00 am. The committal will follow the funeral service at Paradise Cemetery, 10401 West Montgomery, Houston, Texas 77088, where her body will be laid to rest to await the resurrection on the Last Day. Please keep her family in your prayers. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." ~Psalm 116:15
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/.../bettye-carter-11817365
Called Home - 03-20-2024
It has pleased the Lord to give ✞ Mrs. Eda Nitz ✞ the perfect healing for which she has longed. Eda has fallen asleep in Jesus and entered her baptismal promise of eternal life on Wednesday morning, March 20, 2024 at 96 years old. Visitation will take place at Addison Funeral Home, 18630 Kuykendahl Rd, Spring, TX 77379, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm. A Memorial Service will be at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Her body will have been laid to rest in the St. Matthew Cemetery at a private family committal to await the resurrection on the Last Day. Please keep her sons, Paul and Steve, in your prayers. Eda's Confirmation Verse: "For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." ~1 Timothy 4:8
Called Home - 03-19-2024
Our beloved organist of 23 years ✞ Mr. Michael Held ✞ has fallen asleep in Jesus and entered his baptismal promise of eternal life on Tuesday morning, March 19, 2024 at 80 years old. A lifetime of service to the Lord through music has brought Michael, his family, and many of God's people much joy and fond memories. After retiring in 2000 from being a Lutheran school teacher, Director of Music, and Organist of many churches, Michael came to St. Matthew where God has blessed our church family as Michael's music has been a witness to the Word of God for over two decades until his recent "second" retirement. Tentatively, a Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 800 Houston Ave, Houston, TX 77007, on Saturday, April 6, at 3:00 pm with Visitation before the service and a reception following. The Committal will be that same evening at St. Matthew Cemetery at 7:00 pm. Please keep his wife, Jeanne, and their family in your prayers. "Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to man that he should proclaim the Word of God through Music." ~Martin Luther
Called Home - 09-03-2023
✞ Dixie Lee Garrett ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered her baptismal promise of eternal life on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 95 years old. Her Funeral will held at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Fwy, Houston TX 77039, on Thursday, September 7 at 2:00 pm with Visitation the hour beforehand at 1:00 pm and Committal following the funeral at 3:00 pm. A luncheon will follow at 4:00 pm at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield Fellowship Hall. Please keep her daughter, Mary, in your prayers. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." ~Psalm 116:15
Called Home - 08-27-2023
✞ William John "Jack" Lutsch ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered his baptismal promise of eternal life on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the age of 78 years. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 31 at 10:00 am at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield. "For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me!" ~Job 19:25-27
Called Home - 05-03-2023
✞ Richard L. Mavus ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered his baptismal promise of eternal life on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at the age of 82 years. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 1 at 11:00 am at Scott Funeral Home, 1421 E Hwy 6, Alvin, TX 77511 with Visitation the hour beforehand beginning at 10:00 am. Please keep his wife Karen and family in your prayers. [Jesus says] “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also." ~John 14:1-3
Called Home - 11-05-2022
✞ Mario Reyes ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered his baptismal promise of eternal life on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the age of 62 years. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 1:00 pm at St. Matthew with a Luncheon to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep his wife Becky and family in your prayers. [Jesus says] “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also." ~John 14:1-3
Called Home - 06-04-2022
✞ Martha Louise Simmons ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered her baptismal promise of eternal life on Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the age of 97 years. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Plantersville Cemetery where her body will be laid to rest to await the Resurrection on the Last Day. "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ~John 14:1-6
www.noblesfuneral.com/obituaries/Louise-Simmons-7/#!/Obituary
Called Home - 12-06-2021
+ Henry G Lawrence + was born sleeping on Monday, December 6 and is now forever in his Savior's arms. A private committal will be held at the St. Matthew Cemetery where his body will be laid to rest until the Resurrection in the Last Day. Please keep little Henry's parents, Sisilie and Chris, in your prayers as well as his grandparents Gary & Virginia Lawrence and Sam & Sylvia Osuna. "For You have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the Light of Life." ~Psalm 56:13
Called Home - 11-30-2021
✞ Arthur Martin Bolinger, Jr. ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered his baptismal promise of eternal life on Sunday, November 30, 2021 at the age of 84 years. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 20, 2021 at 5:30 pm at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield, 21434 E. Hardy Rd., Houston, TX 77073. His body will then be laid to rest on Tuesday, December 21 at 12:00 pm at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, 509 Zion Cemetery Rd, Cuero, TX 77954 to await the Resurrection on the Last Day. A luncheon will follow the committal at Arneckeville Community Center next to the church. Please keep his family especially his wife Joyce in your prayers. [Jesus] said to them, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospels will save it. ~Mark 8:34-35
Called Home - 09-13-2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brillinger family at the calling home of Pastor Otto Brillinger on September 13. Pastor Brillinger was our pastor here at St. Matthew in the late 1970's. "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master. '" ~Matthew 25:21
Called Home - 06-13-2021
✞ Gloria Kathleen Meyer ✞ fell asleep in Jesus and entered her baptismal promise of eternal life on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at the age of 81 years. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Addison Funeral Home, 18630 Kuykendahl Rd., Spring, TX 77379. The funeral will be Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Westfield, 21434 E. Hardy Rd., Houston, TX 77073 with visitation an hour beforehand. Her body will then be laid to rest at the St. Matthew Cemetery to await the Resurrection on the Last Day. A luncheon will follow the services in the church fellowship hall. As Gloria joins her husband Paul in heaven, please keep their son Eugene in your prayers. [Jesus] said to them, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the Gospels will save it. ~Mark 8:34-35
COVID-19 Update from 05-27-2021:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We, Pastor Mendez and I, continue to keep you in our prayers and pray that all is well. At this time all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Please join us for Bible Class & Sunday School on Sunday mornings at 8:45am and for Divine Service with the Lord’s Supper at 10am. We also would like to extend an invitation for you to join us on Wednesdays for Bible Study at both 10am & 7pm. As always, we would continue to encourage you to do what you believe necessary for your own health and that of your families. Please know that the pastors continue to be available and at your service. Just call the church office if there is anything you need. ~Pastor Bogs
COVID-19 Update from 08-11-2020:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Your Pastors continue to keep you in our prayers and pray all is well. We give thanks to the Lord for the health of our members as we have not heard of any of our congregation having the COVID virus. We would continue to encourage you to do what you believe necessary for your own health and that of your family.
We are continuing to attempt to return to normalcy, following the Attorney General of Texas “Guidance for Houses of Worship During the COVID-19 Crisis” guidelines. Since the beginning of August we are offering our Sunday morning Bible Classes and Sunday School at 8:45 am and Divine Service at 10 am. We do rejoice in those who are attending and give thanks for those who are live streaming the Divine Service. Also, we give thanks for those who continue to support the congregation through their offerings. We are also offering our Wednesday 10 am and 7 pm Bible Classes as well. These classes are for those who want to attend. If you are of a high risk, we would encourage you to do what you believe you need to do for your own health and safety. Because there are those who have been attending the regular Bible Classes, and we do not want anyone to miss the continuation of those studies (Sunday - James; Wed. am - Revelation), we are studying something new. On Wednesday evening we are continuing our study of Worship. If you have something in mind you would like to study, please let the pastors know.
The Parish Planning Council (PPC) met on Sunday, Aug. 9 after church to discuss the matter of a regularly scheduled Congregational Assembly Meeting (CAM) (voter’s meeting). It was agreed that we will postpone any regular meeting until the meeting in November to approve a new budget and elect new officers. At the same time it was approved that the September Newsletter would have information about what is happening, something similar to what would be reported during the regular CAM meeting.
Pastor Mendez and I along with the Board of Elders and the Parish Planning Council are trying to do the best we can with the information we have in making decisions and getting out information to as many of our members as possible. Unfortunately, we have never been in this situation before and we are making mistakes as we go along. We know that there are those who have been unintentionally overlooked, either because we do not have any current information on how to contact them or get information to and from them. We continue to pray for your forgiveness and patience and we also ask that if you know of someone who has not been included or contacted by the church, and you have been in contact with them yourself, please share with them what is going on and have them contact the church office.
Pastor Mendez and I are making shut-in visits on those who so desire as well as make hospital calls and nursing home visits when we are allowed. If you know of someone or if you would like a personal visit and have not been contacted, please let either of us know.
Please remember, God is still God, and He is still in control. He still loves you, and His desire is the best for you.
COVID-19 Update from 06-29-2020:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We, Pastor Mendez and I, continue to keep you in our prayers. We do pray that all is well. At this time we have not heard any news of members of our congregation having the COVID virus and for that we give thanks. At the same time we would continue to encourage you to do what you believe necessary for your own health and that of your families.
In consultation with the elders and working to follow national, state and local guidelines, we are working toward resuming church life to normal. Previously we were planning to have our church doors fully opened, meaning Sunday and Wednesday Bible Classes, beginning July 5; however, because of the upswing in COVID cases and the latest local recommendations we have moved that date back to August 2, again depending on what is happening at that time. With that stated, our church doors will be opened while continuing to take the precautions we have been taking. Hopefully and prayerfully the first Sunday in August we plan to resume our regular Bible Class schedule including Wednesday morning, Wednesday evening and Sunday morning studies. Again, at this time we encourage you to do what you know is best for yourself and your family. Please know that the pastors continue to be available and at your service. Finally, please continue to check our church web page and Facebook page for updates.
www.stmatthewlcms.com
https://www.facebook.com/stmatthewwestfield/
May the Lord continue to bless and keep us in these interesting times,
Pastor Bogs
COVID-19 Update from 05-29-2020:
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We, Pastor Mendez and I, continue to keep you in our prayers. We do pray that all is well. At this time we have not heard any news of members of our congregation having the COVID virus and for that we give thanks. At the same time we would continue to encourage you to do what you believe necessary for your own health and that of your families.
In consultation with the elders and working to follow national, state and local guidelines, we are working toward resuming church life to normal. Beginning June 7 our church doors will be fully opened while continuing to take the precautions we have been taking. Hopefully and prayerfully the first Sunday in July we plan to resume our regular Bible Class schedule including Wednesday morning, Wednesday evening and Sunday morning studies. Again, at this time we encourage you to do what you know is best for yourself and your family. Please know that the pastors continue to be available and at your service. Finally, please continue to check our church web page and Facebook page for updates.
https://www.stmatthewlcms.com/
https://www.facebook.com/stmatthewwestfield/
May the Lord continue to bless and keep us in these interesting times,
Pastor Bogs
COVID-19 Update from 04-24-2020:
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'" ~ Psalm 122:1
Praise God for providing for us as we have been apart and for bringing us back together in "the house of the Lord!" Thankfully Governor Abbott considers religious services as "essential," and according to his Guidance for Houses of Worship from April 21, 2020, St. Matthew's doors will be allowed to be open for full worship this Sunday, April 26. All non-worship activities will continue to be suspended until further notice, and the Divine Services will continue to be live streamed on our Facebook Page every Sunday morning at 10:00 am and uploaded shortly after to our website and YouTube channel.
As we have been doing these past Sundays, we will neither encourage nor discourage your attendance at any service. Should you desire to attend, and until further notice, our Divine Services will be following the Governor's order and implementing the following practices:
- We encourage all attendees who are 65 and above along with anyone who has an underlying at-risk health condition to stay home and watch the services online.
- The nursery will not be available during Divine Services.
- All attendees will sanitize their hands and put on a mask before entering the building.
- Attendees will sit with their family unit and will use social distancing between each unit.
- Dismissal will be made by family unit, maintaining social distancing.
- Pews and frequently touched surfaces will be sanitized between services.
- The offering plate will be provided at the entrance into the sanctuary. You may also give your tithes & offerings by either mailing them to the church office or visit https://www.stmatthewlcms.com/giving.html for electronic giving.
- As our common practice every Sunday, the The Lord's Supper will be available and precautions will continue to be made during its administration.
Please continue to check our Facebook Page and website for updates and share the information with your friends and family. If you have any special needs, prayer requests, Lord's Supper or other visit requests, please let one of the Pastors know. Pray for each other, our nation, and our world, and continue to trust in the Lord to give us His strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God be with you!
COVID-19 Update from 04-18-2020:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him. Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." ~1 Peter 1:3-9
Praise God we are getting closer to coming together again soon. All non-worship activities continue to be suspended through April 30 and the Divine Services will be live streamed through Sunday, April 26. The services will continue to be made available on our Facebook Page and uploaded to our website and YouTube channel.
While at home during the worship services, you can find the order of service to follow along HERE under Sunday Bulletins. If you do not have a hymnal at home, you may call the church office to borrow one from the pews. You can also find the hymns at https://hymnary.org/hymnal/LSB2006.
Because the Governor has declared religious services as essential services, we will neither encourage nor discourage your attendance at any service. Should you desire to attend, we will follow the social distancing guidelines. Divine Service on the last two Sundays of the month, April 19 & 26, will be live streaming at 10:00 am. The Lord's Supper will also be available to any who would like to come and partake, practicing social distancing.
Please continue to check our Facebook Page and website for updates and share the information with your friends and family. If you have any special needs, prayer requests, Lord's Supper or other visit requests, please let one of the Pastors know. Pray for each other, our nation, and our world, and continue to trust in the Lord to give us His strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God be with you!
COVID-19 Update from 04-03-2020:
"For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His." ~Romans 6:5
All non-worship activities continue to be suspended through April 30 and live streaming of all worship services through Sunday, April 26 will continue to be made available on our Facebook Page and uploaded to our website and YouTube channel.
While at home during the worship services, you can find the order of service to follow along HERE under Sunday Bulletins. If you do not have a hymnal at home, you may call the church office to borrow one from the pews. You can also find the hymns at https://hymnary.org/hymnal/LSB2006.
Because the Governor has declared religious services as essential services, we will neither encourage nor discourage your attendance at any service. Should you desire to attend, we will follow the social distancing guidelines.
The Holy Week Schedule is as follows:
- Palm Sunday ~ April 5 @ 10:00 am ~ Divine Service - Live Streaming
- Maundy Thursday ~ April 9 @ Noon ~ Divine Service - Live Streaming
- Good Friday ~ April 10 @ 7:30 pm ~ Tenabrae (Service of Darkness) Live Streaming
- Easter SONrise ~ April 12 @ 7:00 am ~ Divine Service in Sanctuary ~ Live Streaming (The Lord’s Supper will be available to any who would like to come and partake, practicing social distancing.)
- Service of the Resurrection ~ April 12 @ 10:00 am ~ Divine Service in Sanctuary ~ Live Streaming (The Lord’s Supper will be available to any who would like to come and partake, practicing social distancing.)
Please continue to check our Facebook Page and website for updates and share the information with your friends and family. If you have any special needs, prayer requests, Lord's Supper or other visit requests, please let one of the Pastors know. Pray for each other, our nation, and our world, and continue to trust in the Lord to give us His strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God be with you!
COVID-19 Update from 03-24-2020:
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. ~Psalm 62:5-8
Due to the Harris county "Stay at Home" order, our services will be LIVE STREAM only. Please join us on Facebook at Noon on Wednesday (March 25 and April 1) for the Lenten Services and at 10:00 am Sunday, March 29 for Divine Service. The services will be on YouTube as well later on those days. As a reminder, all non-worship activities are suspended until April 3. Please check back after then for another update. We will determine if an extension needs to be made closer to Holy Week.
While at home during the worship services, you can find the order of service to follow along HERE under Sunday Bulletins. On Wednesday, we will be using the Service of Prayer and Preaching on page 260 of the Lutheran Service Book. If you do not have a hymnal at home, you can find the hymns at https://hymnary.org/hymnal/LSB2006.
Please continue to check our Facebook Page and website for updates and share the information with your friends and family. If there are any special needs or prayer requests you may have, please let one of the Pastors know. Pray for each other, our nation, and our world, and continue to trust in the Lord to give us His strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God be with you!
COVID-19 Update from 03-20-2020:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved." ~Psalm 46:1-5
We all have strength and comfort knowing our God is with us wherever we are and when we are apart from each other. The difficult decision has been made to temporarily suspend all non-worship activities for the next two weeks here at St. Matthew and live stream the Lenten Services on Wednesdays at Noon and the Divine Service on Sundays at 10:00 am. You can find the order of service to follow along HERE under Sunday Bulletins. If you do not have a hymnal at home, you can find the hymns at https://hymnary.org/hymnal/LSB2006. We will determine if an extension is to be made closer to Holy Week. Please check our Facebook Page and website for updates and share the information with your friends and family.
If there are any special needs or prayer requests, please let one of the Pastors know. Pray for each other, our nation, and our world, and continue to trust in the Lord to give us His strength and peace that surpasses all understanding. God be with you!
You will find today's bulletin (March 22, 2020 - Divine Service 1- 4th Sunday in Lent) on our website (https://www.stmatthewlcms.com/sunday-bulletins.html) with the hymns and readings for the day so you can follow along during the livestreaming here on Facebook at 10:00 am.
The announcements are there as well, but please understand that, due to the current circumstances, some information may not be updated at this time.
If you do not have a hymnal at home, you can find the hymns at https://hymnary.org/hymnal/LSB2006.
May God bless our worship together!
COVID-19 Update from 03-17-2020:
At this time, after much deliberation and precautions being made, We WILL BE HAVING our regular Wednesday schedule this week:
*Wednesday Bible Study at 10:00 am in Room 2
*Lenten Service of Prayer & Preaching at Noon in Sanctuary
*Carry In Dinner at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
*Hymn Sing at 7:15 pm in the Sanctuary
*Lenten Vespers at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary
All doors, pews, hymnals, fellowship pads and surfaces that are touched have been sanitized in the sanctuary, Room 2 and the Fellowship Hall.
Again, if you or anyone in your family is ill, we ask that you remain in God's Word at home.
We will be LIVE-STREAMING the 7:30 Vespers Service on Facebook.
If you have any special needs or prayer requests, please let us know.
God be with us all!
COVID-19 Update from 03-14-2020:
The doors of St. Matthew will be open on Sunday for the study of God's Word and the giving of His Sacrament. However, if you or anyone in your family is ill, we ask that you remain in His Word at home. We will do our best to livestream the Divine Service on Facebook, and if you have any special needs or prayer requests, please let us know. God be with you!