Fraternal Programs > Volunteer Excellence Award > Youth/Young Adult - 2006 > Matthew Stachel
Youth/Young Adult - 2006

Matthew Stachel
East Lansing, MI
Ingham County Chapter #30810

Matthew Stachel is a member of the Ingham County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. He is one of the university students commissioned to be a Stephen Minister while at college and after he graduates in December 2006. The Stephen Ministry program was made possible at Martin Luther Chapel by a Thrivent Financial Youth Leadership Grant. Matthew’s role in the ministry as a trained caregiver is one he takes joyfully and seriously. When asked if he was glad he did it, he responded, “Absolutely!” He added that his training in Stephen Ministry is “applicable in every relationship he has.”

Matthew served as one of the student leaders (formally a Peer Minister) in the ministry at Martin Luther Chapel, co-leading the Monday night Student Bible Study over the past year. He also helped plan and organize retreats and other outreach activities. He was one of the leaders of the Spring Break Servant Event in which 11 university students worked with Habitat for Humanity and Ascension Lutheran Church in Casselbury, Florida, in March 2005. The students he led worked behind the scenes at the Habitat for Humanity Thrift Store, which sells donated items to raise money for new construction and rebuilding of hurricane-damaged homes. Matthew said that while their hope initially was to do a more publicly visible job, they grew with great satisfaction in their understanding of service as they worked behind the scenes.

Matthew is also one of the Sunday Supper coordinators providing Sunday evening meals at Martin Luther Chapel, an all-university Lutheran congregation. Throughout the academic year, university students, permanent community members and families come together for a meal prepared by different people each week, which attracts between 40 and 45 people ranging in age from 10 to 75. Matthew was also involved in chapter events in 2005, including the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at Martin Luther Chapel.