THANKS TO EVERYONE for the enthusiastic response to the call for requests for the annual distributions from the St. Matthew's Endowment Fund. We received requests for work both inside and outside the Parish amounting to more than double the amount of funds available. We are pleased to announce that funds will be provided for a deep cleaning/refresh of the Parish Hall, baby/toddler furniture for the Parish Hall, installing windows in doors throughout the church, and to begin design on improvements to the Narthex. For work outside the Parish, funds will be used to support the work of C.H.A.T., Washington & Lee Reformed United Fellowship, New Hope Children's Home, the Virginia Christian Alliance, the Virginia Center for Christian Thought (Schole House), the Shepherd's Center, Anglican Frontier Missions, Emmaus Encounter, Needle's Eye Ministries, C.R.U. and also to support scholarships for St. Matthew's Preschool. Distributions will be made to these organizations in early December. We plan to welcome representatives from several of these organizations to join us for upcoming events to detail how the funds are being used to advance the Church's mission.
WHAT IS "MORNING PRAYER"? When Thomas Cranmer compiled the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549, he combined the various prayer services used in convents and monasteries into the forms we know as Morning (Prayer Book pp. 37 or 75) and Evening (Prayer Book pp. 61 or 115) Prayer. For various reasons Morning Prayer became the most frequently-used Sunday service in Anglican and Episcopal churches until the late 20th century. Holy Communion, while generally celebrated every week at the early service, was only observed quarterly, or later on, monthly. The Prayer Book (p. 354) offers Morning Prayer as an alternative to the regular Service of the Word for Holy Eucharist. We are worshiping accordingly at 10:30 a.m. this Sunday.
C.H.A.T. IS IN NEED of volunteers for the Fall Festival! This is a two hour commitment serving in the Kids Zone, hosting games like ring toss. This is a one-time opportunity that may be great for those who cannot volunteer on an ongoing basis. We are grateful for your help! Contact Emiline Lyell,
[email protected], at C.H.A.T. with questions and to sign up.
October 29th, 2017
Robinson Theater Community Arts Center
Shift A: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Shift B: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
RECTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE Thanks to all of you who returned a survey! The response was encouraging and very positive with the number of participants totaling more than 70% of our average Sunday attendance. The Search Committee is currently in the process completing the Community Ministry Portfolio (C.M.P.), a document that will be used to describe who we are and to attract candidates. Please pray that God's will be done as we continue to search for our next rector.
ROOM AROUND THE TABLE Thanksgiving Day provides an opportunity tooffer a warm welcome to someone from another country and broaden your understanding of a different culture. V.C.U.'s Global Education Office invites you to share this special holiday with V.C.U. international students who are eager to visit an American home and make new friends. For more information, contact Pam Haney at
[email protected] or call 828-8309 no later than November 6th or go to
http://www.global.vcu.edu/media/geo/pdf/students/
THE THURSDAY 4:30 p.m. WOMEN' S BIBLE STUDY will start their fall study book of Genesis on Thursday, November 2nd. All are welcome. Contact Sue Lough (804)514-3107 or
swlough@gmail for questions or to order your book.
THE FALL FESTIVAL will take place October 28th, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. There will
be snacks, games, and a bounce house! Kids can dress up and trick or treat at trunks set up by parishioners. There will be prizes for the best decorated trunks and costumes. We need volunteers to set up trunks. We always get a big turnout from the neighborhood so it's a great opportunity to meet new people and let them know about who we are at St. Matthew's. Please contact Bethany Piersol at
[email protected] or January Britt at
[email protected] if you would like to sponsor a trunk or have any questions.
FALL TIME IS PIE TIME! The Annual Youth Pie Sale and Leaf-Raking Raffle is coming soon. Pie orders will be taken beginning Sunday, October 22nd through Sunday, November 5th. Leaf Raking Raffle tickets, can be purchased from October 22nd - November 26th. Proceeds from these two important fund raisers support youth missions during the year. Please support our youth and enjoy their delicious pies and/or the chance to have those pesky leaves raked up for you!
