An important event in this period of history is the establishment of the Thrift Shop in 1980, which also started as a dream. Through the years, the Thrift Shop has become a major mission outreach of the church. This mission offers to the community an opportunity to purchase clothing and household items at a reduced rate, with the proceeds being used to fund local and world mission projects. Many times since its establishment, the Thrift Shop has been a generous supporter of projects within the local church, thus enabling Saint Matthew's to extend and improve its ministry and mission. At the 1992 Homecoming, we celebrated the burning of the parsonage mortgage note, thanks in part to a generous payment of that note by the Thrift Shop.
Churches tend to develop characterists as they grow and establish themselves.
Saint Matthew's has many wonderful characteristics, but perhaps the one most appreciated is our sense of mission-mindedness. Countless other mission projects, at home and abroad, are supported by our UMW Circles, United Methodist Men, and Junior and Senior United Methodist Youth. When South Florida experienced the devastating blow of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Saint Matthew's sent two Able Plumbing Company trucks to Homestead filled with bottled water, food supplies, and fun items for children such as crayons and coloring books the day after the hurricane struck. Then, a love offering was taken during the worship service and sent to Christ Allapattah United Methodist Church the home church of our pastor, The Reverend Susan Lindblade, for use in their discretionary fund. Some of our members lost their homes.