St. Matthew marks 150th anniversary with events

St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods hosts two events culminating a year of activities marking its 150th anniversary.

An Oktoberfest celebration is set for 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Open to the entire community, children’s activities will begin at 11 a.m. and run through 4 p.m. Activities for adults are all day until 9 p.m.

A high feast celebration is scheduled for Reformation Sunday, Oct. 27, with a single service beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, president of the Missouri Synod, will serve as guest preacher.

Following the service, members and guests are invited to attend a “walking brunch.” Everyone is encouraged to wear 1800s-style clothing. During the brunch, awards will be given for costumes, and judging will take place for the Beard Growing Contest (which officially began Sept. 8).

For more information, email 150years@stmatts.net or visit: www.stmatts.net

Oktoberfest schedule of events

11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Children’s games. Games with prizes, bobbing for apples, face painting, pumpkin painting and more

Noon-1 p.m.: Fire truck visit

12:30-3 p.m.: Hayrides

12:30-3 p.m.: Cake walk

3-4 p.m.: Trick or Treat. Kids come in costume and trick-or-treat at specially decorated vehicles in our parking lot.

2:30 & 3 p.m.: Adult pumpkin-carving contest (preregistration/prizes)

4-5 p.m.: Men’s two-man log sawing contest (preregistration requested/prizes)

5-6 p.m.: Ladies’ beer stein races (preregistration requested/prize)

11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Lunch served

3:30-9 p.m.: Dinner and Beer Hall Music and entertainment

There’s no fee for entrance to Oktoberfest. Fees will apply for activities, food and beverages. There’s an entrance fee of $5 per person for the pumpkin carving contest, log sawing contest and beer stein races.

For more information, email: Oktoberfest@stmatts.net,