Rally Day 2026 - Pastor Brian’s Preponderant Business

This summer has seen a tremendous flurry of activity at St. Matthew. The sanctuary and garth have undergone beautiful renovations, and as I write this we are approaching Rally Day and the Sanctuary Grand Reopening on September 13^th.   

Our final worship service before construction began in the sanctuary was held on Pentecost Sunday May 17^th. It was a moving worship service which ended with Rev Ryan and me being joined by two former pastors, Pastor Carter and Pastor Sinibaldo, to pray over the sanctuary’s past, present, and future. We gave thanks for the past: for the faithful members who built the sanctuary, for all the special moments held in it, and all those who maintained and cared for it over the years. We gave thanks for the present moment: for the gift of community and growing membership, for those who have dedicated much time and energy to designing and planning this project, and for the generosity of all who have contributed to the campaign. And we prayed for the future of St. Matthew: for the children who will grow up here, for future members, those alive today and those not yet born—that the sanctuary be a blessing for them, a space where they grow in faith and a springboard from which to love and serve the world beyond our church walls. 

Throughout the summer, CORE Construction did an excellent and timely job managing everything on our behalf. Likewise, M&G Landscaping did a wonderful job in the garth. We have been blessed with dedicated teams who take pride in their work and who were committed to doing an impressive job to enhance our sacred spaces. We are excited for you to see their completed work!

On Sunday, September 13^th we will celebrate our “Sanctuary Grand Reopening” which will coincide with Sunday School’s Rally Day this year. The thirteenth of September will be a special and historical day at St. Matthew. Worship will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a blessing and consecration of the renewed sacred space. There will be high energy and enthusiasm as we worship God together, and we’re excited that we will also celebrate a Baptism that morning. Following worship, there will be an expanded coffee hour, guided tours of the sanctuary and garth, and a Rally Day carnival in the backyard. That will include a bounce house, yard games, craft table, snacks, music, and an ice cream truck! There will be a celebratory atmosphere and it will be a Spirit-filled day, as we give thanks to God and enjoy the gift of community and fellowship on this special occasion.

Rev Ryan and I are so grateful to all those who helped make these projects possible. God has blessed St. Matthew with many talented individuals who are willing to share their gifts and expertise. Thank you to the sanctuary committee: chairperson Anita Mielert, Deb Brodeur, Hal Eberhard, Meg Kraft, Doreen O’Leary, John Pearson, George Reider, Sarah Schiener-Redenz, George Spoering, and Roy Zurell. Thank you to the garth committee: chairperson Karen Wright, Deb Brodeur, Myles Brown, Paula Cunningham, Ann Eberhard, Sydnee Goddard, Mike and Stacey Held, Jean Tuve, Ben Wright, and Roy Zurell. Thank you to our capital campaign committee: chairperson Jason Lindquist, Mark Coslett, Elaine Menezes, Doug Peterson, George Reider, and Debbie Steinberg. Thank you to Robert and Brady Abbott for filming, editing, and creating our sanctuary mini-documentary. Thank you to Missy Lindquist, who worked closely with Rev Ryan and me on creating the commemorative booklet. Thank you to all who contributed financially to the Refreshing Our Sacred Space capital campaign. And thank you to the entire congregation for your trust in and support of these efforts. Thank you to those who shared your ideas and vision, offered your time and energy, provided your encouragement and enthusiasm. It really does take a village! God has blessed our congregation enormously and this whole process has been an amazing thing to witness. Thank you. It is truly a gift to be St. Matthew together!

In gratitude and appreciation,

Pastor Brian Rajcok