Read a history of the church here.

Letter from the pastor: November 1st, 2009

In the tradition of the Church, a “moveable feast” is a holy day whose date is not fixed to a particular day of the calendar year, but moves in response to the date of Easter.  The anniversary of St. John-St. Matthew-Emanuel Lutheran Church is multiply movable; we could celebrate on a number of dates.  We chose to follow the customary practice for congregations such as ours, and take the oldest church’s (St. Matthew) anniversary date, May 24th, 1859, as the date for all.

But none of our constituent predecessors organized on this date. Why do we gather, after so much preparation, to celebrate 150 years of ministry on November 1st?

Because it is All Saints’ Sunday.  And, insofar as human time is concerned, the one immovable, immutable constant in our history is the faithful activity of the saints of the church, hard at work among us, guided by the activity of the Holy Spirit. 

Through the years, so much has changed at St. John-St. Matthew-Emanuel.  All our founding forebears were German and Lutheran from birth.  Today, our congregation reflects the spectacular diversity of Park Slope and the surrounding neighborhoods.  Many among us come from religious backgrounds other than Lutheran; some have found their first church home here, as adults. 

For much of our history, the church was at the center of most aspects of its members’ lives.  Today, in many families both parents work outside the home, and we all juggle calendars that include educational, cultural, civic and sports activities undreamed of by our founders.

But the work of the saints continues, in ways old and new. The heart of our ministry beats as strongly as ever. Each Sunday we gather for Word and Sacrament.  Our Sunday School thrives; last year almost 50 children and youth attended classes. Stewardship is strong; this congregation is among the leaders in the synod.  The Sesquicentennial Capital Campaign has funded significant improvements to our several buildings.  Our “home-grown” Passion Play inspires us anew each Easter season.  

So this is St. John-St. Matthew-Emanuel today; in itself a movable feast.  Moving through the community as groups gather at the church throughout the week, regardless of their faith traditions; moving through an ever-transforming congregation which has responded to God’s grace for the past 150 years; moving with the Spirit, looking to the revelation of God’s grace for our next 150 years.   It is a blessing to be called to be a part of this Holy feast.

- Pastor David Parsons