Obituary and Memorial Service information for "Pastor Pete", one of St. Matthew's former pastors:

The Reverend M. Peter Ave-Lallement was called to glory on August 15, 2023. He was born in Eau Claire, WI on August 6, 1946, to Winfred and Irene Ave-Lallement. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Elisabeth Ave-Lallement nee Arndt, his children Matthew of Gadsden, AL, Rebecca Walker (Rick) of Euclid, OH, Jussara of Springfield, MO, and Lindsay Bradfield (Stephane’) of Atlanta, GA and five grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers, their wives, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Peter graduated from Concordia Seminary St. Louis in May of 1972. He was a faithful Lutheran pastor to various congregations in the United States for 51 years. Peter was well known for his love of pie and his many congregations rewarded him with pie socials. Peter attempted to retire many times; but it just didn’t take, and soon found himself with a new flock to lead.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church (310 Sneed Dr. Fairfield Bay, AR 72088) on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Memorials can be given to Faith Lutheran Church, Tunnel 2 Towers or a charity of your choice. 

(Please contact St. Matthew's church office if you plan to stay for the meal following Pastor Pete's memorial service.)

The new Sunday School year will begin at St. Matthew on Sunday, September 10, 2023. We plan to have three classes: Parents and Toddlers/Preschoolers, Elementary Children, and Youth. Families are invited to attend Sunday School on the 10th to visit with the teachers, to share in a brief lesson, and to enjoy some refreshments together. The 10:00am worship service on Sept. 10th will include a brief commissioning time for our Sunday school teachers and helpers. Following the service, everyone is invited to stay for lunch. Hotdogs, hamburgers, and buns will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share. (A signup sheet is available in the church entryway if you plan to bring something for the potluck.) We hope you will participate in Sunday School this Fall at St. Matthew!

On Wednesday, August 23, St. Matthew will be open for quiet prayer time from 5:00-7:00pm. You are encouraged to stop by for some time with the Lord. Resources to help guide your prayers will be available for those who would like them. You can come and pray for our congregation and our members, those affected by recent tragedies (such as the fires in Hawaii), or for any personal needs.

The island of Maui, Hawaii recently endured one of the worst natural disasters in recent American history ... We pray for the many who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses, livelihoods, and more in the devesatating wildfires. The California, Nevada, and Hawaii District of our Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod is active in relief efforts. You can learn more and donate by clicking here. An additional Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS, Lutheran Church Charities, is also serving in Hawaii. (LCC is most known for their Lutheran Comfort Dogs ministry.) To learn more about the efforts of LCC or to donate to support their work, please click here. 

Please plan to join us on Sunday, September 10, 2023. We'll have Bible study and Sunday school at 9:00am, introducing our plans for fall for both of these groups. After our 10:00am worship service, we'll share in a "Fall Kick-Off Meal." This will include a grill-out and potluck. Hamburgers, hotdogs, condiments and buns will be provided. Attendees are asked to bring something to share for the meal. We look forward to growing in Christ with you this fall at St. Matthew!