Author: Lealta Smith

St. Matthew’s Reformed Church
4575 Maiden Hwy.
Maiden, NC 28650
“A Faithful and Welcoming Congregation”
Church Phone: 828-428-9651
Church Email: stmatthewsoffice4575@gmail.com
Church Website: www.stmatthewsmaiden.org/
Reverend William M. Sowers
Phone: 336-687-3815
Email: wmsowers@yahoo.com
Music Director, Leigan Hoffman
Cindy Shrum, Office Assistant
Lealta Smith, Editor - Email: smithlea@charter.net

Volume 51 Issue 11

The Grapevine

November 2025

Dear St. Matthew’s Family,
This Sunday marks the beginning of a new Christian year—the First Sunday of Advent. While the world rushes into the holiday season with decorations, music, and shopping, the Church begins quietly, with candles and waiting. Advent is a season of holy expectation. It calls us to pause, to prepare, and to open our hearts once more to the One who comes to make all things new.
Advent reminds us that Christ’s coming is not only a memory of Bethlehem long ago, but a living reality now. In the Mercersburg tradition, we believe that the Incarnation—the Word made flesh—is not a past event to be remembered but a continuing presence to be encountered. Christ comes to us still: through Word and Sacrament, through the life of the Church, and through the moments of grace that meet us in our everyday lives.
Each candle we light on the Advent wreath marks the growing light of Christ’s presence in a dark world. As we gather for worship, sing hymns of longing and hope, and hear the ancient prophecies once more, we prepare not just for Christmas Day, but for Christ to be born anew in our midst.
This year, may Advent be for us a time of deep reflection and joyful anticipation. Let us look for the signs of Christ’s coming in the simple and sacred moments of life—in a kind word, a shared meal, a prayer whispered in the quiet of night. For the promise of Advent is not just that Christ once came, but that He comes still and will come again in glory.
Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly.
Grace and peace,
Rev. William M. Sowers

Financial Information for October 2025
General Offering $ 16,640.25
Budget 18,009.52
Benevolence $ 1,217.00
Budget 1,132.68
Year to Date
General Offering $ 189,094.30
Budget 193,602.34
Benevolence $ 13,018.25
Budget 12,176.31
Special Offerings
Van Fund as of 09/28/25 $ 45,176.13

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
James (Jim) and Beverly Page joined St. Matthew’s Reformed Church on November 2nd, 2025.
They are both retired and life-long residents of Lincolnton. They enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
James enjoys fishing and Beverly enjoys traveling and crafts.
They are looking forward to serving with their new
church family.
It is a full circle for Beverly.
She is the daughter of Joe and Helen Campbell and attended
St. Matthew’s as a child.

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St. Matthew’s Reformed Church
Consistory Meeting minutes—-October 16, 2025
In attendance: LaDonna Goodson, Cindy Shrum, Jerry Minteer, Robin Caskey, Sonya Leonard, Chris Carpenter, Pat Barkley, Pam Shrum, Walter Rice, Rev William Sowers, Wanda Snider
*Call to order, devotions from Matthew Ch. 22, vs. 34-39 by President LaDonna Goodson
Adjustment and approval of agenda: Several fellowship hall requests were added under new business. Motion made by Cindy Shrum to accept amended agenda. Second by Pat Barkley. Approved
Financial report: Report was emailed to Consistory members. Motion to accept the accountant’s financial report by Sonya Leonard, second by Jerry Minteer. Approved.
Consistory minutes: Motion was made by Robin Caskey, second by Sonya Leonard to accept minutes from September 11th and called meeting on September 28th. Approved
Pastor’s report: Many visitations, as well as, attendance to numerous committee and organization meetings during the month of September. Plans are well under way for services from Reformation Sunday through Christmas. World Communion and Homecoming were meaningful times of worship and fellowship. Fall Bible Study on the book of James has begun, with Zoom option has increased participation. In November, Pastor Sowers will continue to discuss with Consistory how a vision committee could/would be organize and its purpose.
Also stressed, the importance of reviewing all policies and guidelines and familiarizing ourselves with them. Women of the Church will be in charge of Worship on November 23rd.
*Jim and Beverly Page would like to join St. Matthew’s Reformed as members. Motion to accept this request by Pat Barkley, second by Chris Carpenter. Approved
Rev. Sowers would like to plan trips to Catawba College (service of Lessons and Carols) on December 1st and to McAdenville (Christmas lights and out to eat).
Motion to accept Pastor’s report by Pat Barkley, second by Robin Caskey. Approved
Committee reports
Finance: List of counters to be finalized by November consistory meeting. Sarah Fink will fill Jan Rice’s position on finance committee. Representatives from finance committee to review purchases and expenses on a monthly basis. Looking into the use of an expense manager to simplify these efforts, possibly through bank services. Recommendation to have church credit cards assigned to Pastor, Property Committee chairperson and church office.
Explanation page was added to the proposed 2026 budget. Committee will continue to explore electronic giving resources. Proposed budget approved by motion from Robin Caskey, second by Sonya Leonard.
Finance/VFT/Consistory officers meeting on October 5th resulted in—weekly counting, documentation process going well overall by VFT. Procedures being updated weekly as situations arise (led by Jacquelyne and Pam). Monthly financial reports have seen improvement, with the consensus being that one contact for accountants, even with Consistory leadership changing annually. Possible appointment of church treasurer. Proposed structure for church credit card also discussed, role of a church treasurer, Recommendations made for subscription payments to transition to ACH. Consideration of annualizing benevolence payments into lump sum in Q1 for the previous year, add check number field on offering envelopes, Creation of a financial protection policy to investigate and legally address any misappropriation of funds
.
JRVC financial report was available. Motion to pay $1241.00 to JRVC by Wanda Snider, second by Sonya Leonard. Approved (amount paid by campers for use)
Property: Landscaping contract with Kyle Crafton was reviewed. 2025-26 contract to include dates for two shrubbery trims a year (provide range of dates), ball field (mowed as needed), treatment for fire ants at $915.00 per month. Fall workday planned for Saturday, October 25th. Quotes are being gathered for refinishing of fellowship hall floors and also for grinding sidewalks to improve walking safety. Quotes and design for church sign have been finalized and all permits have been submitted to Lincoln County for approval. Old sign has been cleaned to better match brick color. Four separate inspected roof and storm/hail damage has been confirmed, with water damage to the fellowship hall and issues with wooden structures, walls and downspouts. RA Construction and the roofing company are working together to prepare next steps for insurance claim. RA Construction has advised that not all questions need to be answered on recent insurance renewal questionnaire.
BOCE: Lora Rice will fill Jan Rice’s term. Nominations submitted for coming year are Greg Barkley, Connie Stone and Burl Shrum. Motion to accept these nominees for ballot made by Wanda Snider, second by Chris Carpenter. Approved.
Trunk or treat time set at 4-6pm.
Instead of individual gifts for Sunday School teacher appreciation, it was decided that $100
Donation would be made to Nazareth Children’s Home. Bible to be presented to Levi Barnes. Sunday School grade levels were agreed upon. Children’s Church for 4th grade and under, youth will be grades 6-12. Christmas program will be December 21st in the evening.
Cemetery: Cemetery CD maturing on October 12th and will be rolled over into a 12 month CD at 3.25% interest. Motion made by Sonya Leonard, second by Robin Caskey. Bud Michael is taking a niche for engraving. Repairs needed to cemetery plot along far edge—Pastor suggested using soil from his garden.
***Motion made to accept all committee reports by Wanda Snider, second by Pat Barkley. Approved.
Old Business
Consistory action items—Van fund CD renewed for 4 months at 3.83%
Walter Rice is looking for minibus with good appearance and appropriately low mileage. Greg Goodson is assisting with the search and would maintain the bus. A finder’s fee would be probable for a successful search. Meeting with financial advisor is set for October 23,2025.
Thank you to Libby Herman and Sonya Leonard for being delegates to Western NC Assoc. Special project fund will be discussed at a future time. TV for youth room has not yet been purchased.
New Business
Consistory nominations are as follows—
Elders: Keith Goodson, Matt Painter
Deacons: Mike Stewart, Cathy Bumgarner.
Motion to accept these nominees for ballot by Sonya Leonard, second by Pat Barkley. Approved
Congregational meeting date set for November 9, 2025. Motion to accept this date by Robin Caskey, second by Jerry Minteer. Approved. Letters will go out next Sunday. Use of fellowship hall requests: Sunday, Nov. 2—Keever reunion-approved (motion Wanda/Pat)
March 7,8—Vick’s 95th birthday/McRee get together-approved. (motion Pam/Sonya)
Nov. 22,23—Kendall Stiles-Friendsgiving—approved (motion Cindy/Robin)
Corner Table request to partner with them/donate. Pastor Sowers will get in touch with a representative to come and speak briefly to the congregation.
St. Matthew’s will continue to collect Christmas food items to donate to Christian Ministry. This was approved by motion made by Wanda Snider, second by Pat Barkley.
Sign up sheets for ushers and greeters will be put in front pew of church.
**One last thing—Rev. Sowers was asked to leave. Motion made by Wanda Snider, second by Pat Barkley to present the Pastor with $400 check for Pastor Appreciation. Approved.
***Motion to adjourn by Pat Barkley, second by Robin Caskey. Lord’s Prayer ended meeting.
Next meeting——November 13, 2025
Respectfully submitted.
Wanda Snider, Consistory Secretary

Cont’d on page 3

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Cont’d from Page 2 - Consistory Minutes

Sunday School Record / October 2025
Date	Attd. / 2025	Offg. / 2025	Attd. 2024	Offg. / 2024
10/05	36	32.00	44	44.50
10/12	27	30.00	32	23.00
10/19	36	26.00	36	35.25
10/26	33	27.00	44	40.00

Jacquelyn Barger, Susan
Stewart, Annabel Barger,
Sonya Keibard, Greg Barkley,
Pam Shrum, Cindy Minteer,
Jerry Minteer, Joan Campbell, Sam Goodson, LaDonna
Goodson, Ruth Haynes,
Shirley McRee, Beverly Page,
Jim Page, Terrell Bumgarner, Chris Barger, Burl Shrum,
Pat Barkley, Cindy Shrum,
and Jean Funderburk.

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ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING — November 2, 2025
Consistory Members Elected
for 2026
Elders: Keith Goodson
Matt Painter
Deacons: Cathy Bumgarner
Mike Stewart
BOCE: Greg Barkley
Burl Shrum
Connie Stone
2026 Budget Approved
________________________________

Christmas Card Exchange
If you wish to participate in the card exchange, please alphabetize recipient by last name and place your cards in the box provided in the vestibule. Deadline to submit cards is Sunday morning, December 14th.
_____________________

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decembER

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday
♦ Birthdays / ♥ Wedding Anniversaries	1 / ♦ Buddy Funderburk / Connor Lee	2 / Departure at / 4:00 p.m. / Trip to Catawba College / Service of Lessons and Carols / ♦ J.R McRee.
7 2nd Sunday in Advent / 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship / Noon Senior Citizens / Christmas Dinner / 4:00 p.m. BOCE Meeting / Nursery: LaDonna Goodson & Cindy Shrum / Children’s Church Leader: Autumn Arruza / ♦ A.D. Shrum, Susan Goodson	8	9 / Departure at 4:00 pm / Trip to McAdenville Christmas Lights
14 3rd Sunday in Advent / 9:30 a.m. Sunday School / 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship / Noon Subs provided for Carolers / Caroling visiting Shut-ins / Nursery: Lora Rice and Vada Rice / Children’s Church Leader: Katie Barnes / ♦ Terrell Bumgarner	15	16 / 10:30 a.m. / Young at Heart
21 4th Sunday in Advent / First Day of Winter / 9:30 a.m. Sunday School / 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship / 6:00 p.m. Christmas Program / Nursery: Abby Sowers and Pat Barkley / Children’s Church Leader: Brittany Cook / ♦ Doug McRee, Kenneth Campbell	22	23
28 1st Sunday after Christmas / 9:30 a.m. Sunday School / 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship / Nursery: Jacquelyne Barger & Susan Stewart / No Children’s Church / ♥ M/M Sam Goodson	29	30 / ♦ Juneau Shrum

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2025

Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
3 / 11:00 a.m. / Women’s Fellowship / 6:00-7:30 p.m. / Choir Practice / ♦ Max Bumgarner, Sr.	4	5	6 / ♦ Jim Wilson
10 / 6:00-7:30 p.m. / Choir Practice / ♦ Lora Rice	11 / 6:30 p.m. / Consistory Meeting	12	13 / 5:00 p.m. / Operation Christmas / Child Packers / In Charlotte / ♦ Brad Ritchie
17 / 6:00-7:30 p.m. / Choir Practice	18 / ♦ Bruce Wray	19 / ♦ Jessica Hawn	20 / ♥ M/M Michael Fink
24 Christmas / Eve / 7:30 p.m. / Candlelight and / Communion Service / ♥ M/M Buddy Funderburk / ♥ M/M Matt Painter	25 Christmas / day	26	27 / ♥ M/M Charles (Butch) Wilcox
December / New YEAR’S EVE / HAPPY / NEW Year!	Volunteers for December 2025 / Acolytes……..Karlee Cook, Wells Carpenter, Keever Hawn, Cameron Goodson / Greeters………………………………………………………...Walter Rice & Lora Rice / Counters…………………………………………………...Chris & Candace Carpenter / Closer/Security…………………………………………………………………………….. / Ushers…………...…………Chris & Candace Carpenter, Walter Rice & Lora Rice / ♦ Birthdays ♥ Wedding Anniversaries

VOLUNTEERS FOR JULY 2025
Acolytes Meredith Lee, Emma Sims, Annabel Barger
Karlee Cook and Charlotte Sowers
Greeters
Closer/Security
Ushers
♦ Birthdays ♥ Wedding Anniversaries

Acolytes Meredith Lee, Emma Sims, Annabel Barger
Karlee Cook and Charlotte Sowers
Greeter Walter Rice
Counters Chris and Candace Carpenter
Closer/Security
Ushers Walter Rice, Chris & Candace Carpenter

Volume 51 Issue 7

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WORD SEARCH

Aaron, Abia, Accomplished, According, Barren, Blameless, Certainty, Cousin, Declaration, Delivered, Elizabeth, Executed, Eyewitnesses, Generations, Handmaiden, Herod, Incense, Instructed, King of Judaea, Manner, Ordinances, Performance, Power, Reproach, Salutation, Speechless, Theophilus, Womb, Women

POEMS OF PRAISE
Christian Poetry to Praise God
by Maurice Dyson
Worship
“God is Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24.
Worship is praising the One whom we love; Angels are gazing with rapture above; All we should render to Jesus our King; Lord and Defender His praises we sing.
He has created the stars at their birth; Scripture has stated His life on the earth; Friend of the outcast, the poor and the blind; Love which He broadcast is food for the mind.
Since He has finished His work on the tree, Sin has diminished in those who are free; By His salvation: His life and His blood, Sweet adoration is fitting and good.

ALTAR FLOWERS
Sundays available to serve as an
Altar Flower Sponsor in
the month of December 2025.
Please confirm any dates you have requested.
Contact Lealta Smith (428-8327) or email:
smithlea@charter.net if interested in serving.
Thank you, Lealta

NOTES … A total of 58 filled shoe-boxes were collected and taken to Charlotte for Samaritan’s Purse to be distributed to children around the world.
... A volunteer is needed to serve as Nursery teacher for Sunday School. Please see Andrea Shook or contact a member of the BOCE if available to serve.
... Members and friends are invited to share in the Senior Citizen’s Christmas Dinner. All who attend and plan to eat are asked to bring a covered dish.

VISION … To strengthen our ministry to youth, to provide fellowship opportunities, to grow in membership, to deepen in faith, and to expand the church’s outreach to the community.
VALUES …Strive to love and serve God, to love one another and keep relationships healthy, and to
welcome and befriend new-comers.
MISSION… To worship God, to provide training and support for discipleship growth, and to proclaim
the Gospel of Jesus Christ through word and deed.
Approved 05/04/2008

c
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Volunteers for August
Acolytes Karlee Cook, Wells Carpenter, Keever Hawn, Cameron Goodson
Greeter Walter & Jan
Counters Chris & Candace Carpenter
Security/Closer
UshersChris & Candace Carpenter, Walter & Jan
♦ Birthdays ♥ Wedding Anniversaries