This Week at the Cathedral!

Greetings,

We hope you will enjoy this issue of our weekly e-newsletter. Each week we'll keep you informed on what's happening here at St. Matthew's Cathedral - news from the week, what's coming up, and how you can be a part of it. This should reach your inbox by Friday giving you a heads up for the upcoming week. We hope this helps you plan your week, and maybe even provides a little inspiration to get you through it! Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook to stay in the know between emails.

A Message from the Dean...

On Rods and Staffs

"Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." -Psalm 23:4

Here's a picture that shows the difference between a rod and a staff. The shepherd in this photo is holding a heavy stick (rod) in the near hand and a thin stick (staff) in the other. Each has a different use.

I am a child of the suburbs. Grew up in Garland when it was a small town and our family lived on the northern edge of town. Immediately behind our house were fields and woods where my brothers and I and the guys in our neighborhood would roam day after day while not in school.

Although I grew up roaming, fishing, hunting, trapping, and camping in the woods, I had no real connection with farm life. So, when the shepherd David tells me, "thy rod and thy staff they comfort me," I really haven't a clue as to what he's talking about.

The rod (heavy stick) is used:

1. As a club or throwing stick to defend against predators.

2. For disciplining wayward sheep.

3. To assist in examining and counting individuals in the flock.

The staff (thin stick) serves different purposes:
1. Rounding up sheep into a flock.

2. Guiding sheep by applying pressure to an individual's flank.

3. Extricating sheep from bad situations.

How do you respond to the rods and staffs in your life? None of us likes to be disciplined or brought back into the flock. We each like to go our own way as masters of our own fate. It is comforting to know that the Good Shepherd loves us and will guide us with his rod and staff if we but let him.

Neal+

Adult Bible Study

Wednesdays, 11am

April 26 - May 17

Father George Luck will lead a

study of Philippians

11:00am, Library

Adult Christian Formation

Mere Christianity discussions led by

Dr. Jennifer Boulanger beginning

Sunday Mornings 9:35-10:15am

This 6 week discussion series will cover the book Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. One of the 20th century's most influential Christian writers, C.S. Lewis sought to explain and defend the beliefs that virtually all Christians at all times hold in common. His simple yet deeply profound classic, originally delivered as a series of radio broadcasts, is a book to be thoroughly digested by believers.


Adult Bible Study Sundays, 9:35 am May 14th - June 25th Varita Michell will be leading this bible study on the Book of James. The Lodge is located through the black iron gate next to Garrett Hall.	First Step Class Want to know more about the ministries at The Cathedral and how you can fit in? Come to the First Steps Class, Sundays, May 21, 27, and June 4th, 9:35am in Garrett Parlor. The Dean will conduct this class for people who are interested in learning more about the Cathedral. For more information contact the Dean at [email protected].

Newcomers Gathering, Friday, May19th.

Mark your calendars for the next Newcomers Gathering on Friday, May 19th, 6:30pm at the Dean's House, 6200 Bryan Parkway Dallas 75214. If you are new to the Cathedral or FEEL new please come! RSVP at [email protected].

Coffee Hour after 10:30

Service is back!

Please join us each week as food, drink and fellowship will be offered in the Gallery section of the Great Hall after the 10:30 service.

Honoring Graduates

Sunday, May 21st

St. Matthew's Cathedral will be honoring all of our 2017 High School and College graduates at the 10:30 service., followed by a reception in the Great Hall. Please contact Eileen Smith to let her know you have a graduate. This includes those who graduated in December 2016.

Mother's Day Brunch,

Sunday, May 14th,

after the 10:30 service

Sponsored by the Choir of St. Matthew's

$20 per person/$35 per couple/$40 per family Tickets on sale Sunday April 23rd during the Coffee Hour.

Please join us for a special Mother's Day Brunch sponsored by the Choir of St. Matthew's to celebrate mothers and all the significant women who have helped nurture us through our lives. This fundraiser will go to help provide Singers for the summer months and features:

A delicious lunch prepared by Lucy Creech
Mother's Day refreshments
Serenading by members of the Cathedral Choir.

SAVE THE DATE! Cursillo Weekend

Thursday, June 8th (7:00pm) thru

Sunday, June 11th (4:00pm) held at Camp All Saints at Lake Texoma

Cursillo weekend is a time for refreshment, personal renewal, and recommitment to be followers of Jesus. Questions? See Dean Michell or Angie Hodges or go to http://dfwcursillo.org. Applications are available at the Welcome Center.

St. Matthew's Crosses Available

These sterling silver crosses are meaningful and beautiful gifts for Easter or any occasion. They were designed from a sketch by a St. Teresa's Guild member and executed by James Avery. All proceeds on the sale of these crosses go the Guild's restoration projects for our wonderful old Cathedral. So, when you purchase a cross you are giving to St. Matthew and we thank you!

Contact:

Ann Sullivan - 214-533-9915

Joyce Graf - 214-533-0305

Jayne Brown - 972-771-4524

or any other Guild member

Pledging Made Easy

If you would like to submit your pledge card electronically please click here. The form provided is on secure site and all information is sent directly to the church office. For any questions please call us at 214.823.8134. If you are more comfortable with a traditional pledge card, they will be mailed out to you in the next week. Thank you for your continued support of God's work here at St. Matthew's Cathedral!

Breakfast Casseroles needed for Food Pantry Outreach

Many thanks to those who faithfully make breakfast casseroles for our food pantry neighbors. This is an ongoing ministry! Please, click here, to go to signup genius to sign up to bring casseroles. Pans and recipe are in the foyer. For more information contact [email protected] .