CHURCH LOOKS AHEAD ON ITS ANNIVERSARY.Byline: Holly Andres Staff Writer GLENDALE - As committee chairman for the 55th anniversary of St. Matthew's Church St. Matthew's Church may refer to any of many churches, including:
``When we started planning, we thought it would be ordering some sandwiches, a cake and punch. But the committee thought that was silly,'' said Murray, a 20-year member of the Glendale church. ``We decided to turn the focus into strategic planning Strategic planning is an organization's process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy, including its capital and people. . We asked ourselves, How does the church need to change for the next 50 years? We need to take what we've learned in the past and get realistic programs started for the future. Now the fun really starts.'' Fifty-five years ago, the congregation was composed mainly of families from small towns in the Midwest who came to the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. after World War II. Now the church, registered as a uniquely designed post-World War II building in the San Fernando Valley, is located in a rapidly changing cultural and ethnic neighborhood. ``We're in the heart of the Armenian business district,'' said the Rev. Keith Banwart of St. Matthew's Church. ``We've had some people come in who only speak Armenian. Even though we're unable to communicate in words, I think that the liturgy is close enough to an Orthodox service so they can follow it.'' The church has added prayer cards and Bibles in Armenian in the pews, and a Bible study Bible study may refer to:
``The term 'Lutheran' doesn't communicate to many people in the community. There is no Lutheran presence in some parts of the world,'' said Banwart, recalling an Armenian woman asking if the church building was a mosque mosque (mŏsk), building for worship used by members of the Islamic faith. Muhammad's house in Medina (A.D. 622), with its surrounding courtyard and hall with columns, became the prototype for the mosque where the faithful gathered for prayer. or a church. ``We've also added icons to the walls inside, and we have an icon of the baptism of Jesus In the synoptic gospels, Jesus is baptised by John the Baptist. In these accounts, John the Baptist preaches repentance before the coming judgment, baptism for the forgiveness of sins, and the imminent arrival of one far greater than he. near our fountain outside. We want people to come and gather here, and feel warm and welcome.'' Murray's committee has studied census reports and demographics The attributes of people in a particular geographic area. Used for marketing purposes, population, ethnic origins, religion, spoken language, income and age range are examples of demographic data. of the area to help make plans for the future. ``The community around the church has changed totally, but the core values haven't,'' Murray said. ``The church has survived because it kept up with and changed with the times.'' As part of the anniversary celebration the church will dedicate a new section of faceted colored-glass windows, designed by Pasadena-based Judson Studios, representing the Beatitudes Beatitudes (bē-ăt`ĭt  dz') [Lat.,=blessing], in the Gospel of St. Matthew, eight blessings uttered by Jesus at the opening of the Sermon on the Mount. of Jesus. The beauty of the windows is part of what students of architecture admire when they visit the church on tours. Guests attending a Sunday service enjoy not only the sanctuary's aesthetics but a congregation that will make them feel welcome. ``People will talk to you. We're very welcoming to young people and children,'' said Janet Whitehead whitehead /white·head/ (hwit´hed) 1. milium. 2. closed comedo. white·head n. 1. , who was raised, confirmed and married at the church. ``You can come in jeans or a hat and gloves. To me, it's like a family that I'm coming home to.'' ``Pastor's knowledge of the Bible and biblical history and his insight into people's needs are spiritually rewarding. He doesn't preach at you. He has real spirit, and that's part of the reason that I'm a member.'' The congregation is proud of its music program, run by the church's music director, Melissa Bridge. The church has a state-of-the-art pipe organ, adult, youth and hand bell choirs. A variety of musical styles including calypso Calypso, in Greek mythology Calypso (kəlĭp`sō), nymph, daughter of Atlas, in Homer's Odyssey. She lived on the island of Ogygia and there entertained Odysseus for seven years. singing, classically trained guest musicians and bluegrass bluegrass, any species of the large and widely distributed genus Poa, chiefly range and pasture grasses of economic importance in temperate and cool regions. In general, bluegrasses are perennial with fine-leaved foliage that is bluish green in some species. band performances enhance the worship experience. ``The 50th anniversary was more of a remembrance,'' Banwart said. ``The 55th is for looking forward. Our mission is different now. We want to do more outreach and share God's love in the neighborhood. We're in this city for good, and we will shine with God's love.'' The Rev. Dean Nelson, bishop of the Southwest California Synod of the Lutheran Church, will be the guest speaker at the 55th anniversary service at 10 a.m. Sunday. An ice cream social reception will follow the service. St. Matthew's Church is located at 1920 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale. Call (818) 842-3138. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: Members of St. Matthew's Church, Lisa and Craig Murray, the Rev. Keith Banwart, Marv Schoenrock and Janet Whitehead, from left, are among those celebrating the church's 55th anniversary. A special service is planned for Sunday. David Sprague/Staff Photographer |
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