This Week At St. Matthew's
Sunday, November 3, 2019
21st Sunday after Pentecost
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Don't Forget! Daylight Savings Time ENDS this
Saturday night. Turn Clocks back 1 hour!
Editor's Note:
The Messenger
is now published on Thursdays, in order to give more notice about weekend events. Please submit articles/content for publication
no later than the Monday prior to Thursday publication
. Thanks!
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THIS SUNDAY
21st Sunday After Pentecost
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8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
9:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Sunday School & Christian Ed
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist**
with the Sacrament of Baptism
READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY
(All Saints Day)
** Nursery available 6 mos - 4 years
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ALL SAINTS DAY
Tomorrow - Friday, November 1
MORNING PRAYER
7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL &
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
ALL AGES
Join us
this Sunday, November 3
9:30 a.m.
For information on
Adult Christian Ed classes,
Youth classes meet in the Undercroft.
Sunny's Kids (Pre-K - 5th grade) meet in the
Christian Education wing.
Nursery available for children 6 mos - 4 years
in the Christian Education wing.
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The loose plate offering on first Sunday of each month is traditionally designated for the Rector's Discretionary Fund. Please give generously as you are able.
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CHRISTMAS FLOWERS
Flowers adorning St. Matthew’s sacred spaces for Christmas services are made possible by your generous donations. To donate toward our flowers and ensure proper recognition in the Christmas Eve bulletin, fill in the formin the Sunday bulletin and drop it in the offering plate or basket provided in the Narthex, by December 15. Please make a check payable to St. Matthew’s for $12.00 and mark it for Christmas Flowers. Please note, donations received after December 15 may not be printed in the bulletin.
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"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight..., and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.."
Hebrews 12:1-2a
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Our thanks to Wilhelmina Wilson for sharing her story with us last Sunday at both services. We have reprinted her testimony here with her permission.
In my testimony for today, I am moved to tell you about my journey from Liberia to the United States as a result of the Liberian civil war. The war started in late 1989, and by early 1990 we were displaced and had to evacuate our homes.
My children were at the ages of 12 years, 10 years and 8 years, and I was in my mid-thirties, living comfortably and hoping to be able to retire within a decent time. All of that changed.
My first born, the 12 year old, was American born, a US citizen, so he was evacuated with other Americans who were being taken to the US to safety. I was given a choice to travel with my first born and leave my two Liberian-born children behind, or stay in the war with them. I chose to stay and let the US citizen be taken to safety,
With that our journey began. The two younger boys and I left our home with only what we had on and stayed in many displaced locations as we walked through active fighting and seeing many persons being pulled out of the group, and you can imagine the rest.
But God covered us and blinded the eyes of the soldiers so that we were safe until it was night, and we sleep at whatever place we found ourselves. The next day we continued and eventually crossed the border.
We lost everything, as what we thought was going to end within a short period, turned out to be for the long haul.
Upon crossing the border, we were able to get alternative travel documents as we had no passports. It was called a Lasse Passe (a sheet of paper with our names and picture stapled to it).
Who would think the US embassy would look at something like? But God who walked with us in our journey, touched hearts and made it possible, and our visas were stamped on each of those sheets.
We had no clothes decent enough to travel in but God again provided the means and we were given clothes for me and my two boys to travel in. So we arrived in the US in the January of 1991 with no baggage or sweaters. And so our new life started in 1991 with absolutely nothing.
We met strangers touched by God who advised that we see a counselor, especially for the boys for the trauma experience during the war. But I could not afford that and so I chose Jesus as our counselor. We stayed in prayers, found a church where we met some church families.
Nobody knew us as we were in this strange land, but for some reason these people we met treated us like they already knew us. They helped me with everything needed to get started. Every time I thought we weren’t going to make it, I received a pleasant surprise as God always exceeded my expectation.
To me this was a miracle, as who would have kept us safe and brought us thousands of miles away from home with nothing? Only Almighty God.
Things began to come together and I continued to ask God and pray for restoration Though I was working some odd jobs and sometimes three jobs at a time, I asked God to give me back my job as a professional and as I worked before in Liberia. I had to start at entry levels because nobody knew me, but I grew in m job and today I have been given back all of what I lost and more. God restored us and gave us back everything we lost, and extras.
I am therefore in the position to give back because now we are living comfortably.
My faith and my relation with God had deepened and become even stronger because of this experience. To overcome all the trauma and challenges we experienced can only be attributed to a divine intervention and as such I am of the strong conviction to give back through my time, talent and treasure. I know and believe that God’s work and blessings for each and every one of us can only be fulfilled through us and our stewardship to the church. Therefore, for me to give and to serve is a pleasure and not an inconvenience. It is only when we give of whatever blessings God has bestowed upon us that someone like me and my children could have made this journey.
I will close with 2nd Corinthians 9:6-7 The point is this:
whoever sows sparingly with also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Each on give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
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Prayer For The Parish
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (BCP, p. 817)
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ALL ARE INVITED TO THE PREMIER PERFORMANCE OF
Dan Mitchell's "Requiem"
All Saints Day
Friday, November 1st, at 7:30 p.m.
at the
Peachtree Road Lutheran Church
3680 Peachtree Road, Atlanta
Tickets for the concert are $10, with the funds going to the Peachtree Road Lutheran Church Preschool. Tickets may be obtained from Warren Drury, Sheila Ferrell, or Reid Peterson, or purchased at Peachtree Road Lutheran Church the night of the concert.
UPDATE:
There's still time to grab a seat on the shuttle and avoid the hassle of driving downtown to attend this event! There are just 2 seats left on the shuttle bus leaving at 6:00 p.m. Friday evening for this premier event. Please call the church office TODAY at 770-979-4210 if you wish to hop on board!
St. Matthew's has secured a shuttle for those who do not want to drive to the event. The van will pick riders up at the church at 6:00 p.m., for a cost per person of $25.
Limited space is available--reserve your spot now !
If you are interested, please call the office 770-979-4210.
Dan Mitchell is the former choir director for St. Matthew's and several members of the St. Matthew's Sanctuary Choir are performing in the event.
You are cordially invited to attend the premiere performance of a Requiem for choir, organ, and string ensemble. composed by Dan Mitchell, in memory of his son Daniel Thomas Mitchell. Soloists are Nathan Holmes, Elaine Camacho, and Warren Drury. A $10 donation is suggested for church ministry, as Daniel donated time and money to serve the needy.
It is fitting to present this tribute on All Saints' Day to the life of Daniel Thomas Mitchell, whose exemplary character and service are an example to us all.
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ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
Evening of Remembrance
THIS Sunday, November 3
6:30 p.m. Quiet Reflection
Labyrinth, Cairn, Flowers, Candles and more
7:30 p.m. Service of Remembrance
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LUNCH BUNCH
Thursday, November 14 at 12 noon
at Sam's on Main, Grayson
All are invited to the next gathering of Lunch Bunch on Thursday, November 14 at 12 noon at
Sam’s on Main, 415 Pine Grove, Grayson, GA. This locally owned restaurant has a broad menu of sandwiches, salads and flat-bread pizza. Portions are fairly large, so bring your appetite! Please let us know you are going by calling
Susan in the church office at 770-979-4210. It’s important to give the restaurant a head count. Thanks for your help and see you there!
Lunch Bunch is an opportunity for fellowship and good conversation with others from St. Matthew's, and meets monthly on the second Thursday of each month at local area restaurants. No reservation is required; however it is helpful to have a head count for seating purposes.
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GLIMMERS OF HOPE
Once again the
Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-Op is offering gift cards as their Christmas assistance program to eligible clients who have minor children living in their household. This small offering will help the heads of house–holds care for their children’s needs and remind them that they have friends walking alongside of them. You can make a donation in the form of a
$25 gift card from Kroger, Target or Walmart. A gift card tag board will be in the Narthex. Gift cards should be placed in the collection container in the church office, or given to Cheryl Wheeler, Greg Andrews or Dotty Merrifield.
All donations must be submitted by Sunday December 1st.
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Knit, Crochet and Pray:
Winter Warmth for Rosebud Reservation
Rosebud is a reservation in Mission, South Dakota for Lakota Native Americans. Nancee Cekuta, formerly a member of St. Matthew’s (and now the rector at St. Bartholomew’s in North Augusta, SC), did a summer internship at Rosebud as part of her postulancy to the priesthood at that time and found great need in the Native American community there due to exceedingly cold temperatures in winter. As a result,
St. Matthew’s Knit, Crochet, and Pray Ministry and the parish at large began sending hats, scarves, gloves or mittens each year to the children (ages 4-18 years) living on the reservation who have to wait for school buses in the brutal cold. We mailed one shipment in September (25 sets) and hope to get another to them in November.
What you can do to contribute:
1. Knit or crochet the above items and place them in the labeled basket in the old narthex (parish hall entryway).
2. Purchase the items and put them in the basket.
3. Donate money designated for Rosebud.
4. Get in touch with Beth DiGiovanni at 678 227 8131.
Let’s share our Thanksgiving blessings and Christmas joy with these sweet children. Any help is greatly needed and appreciated.
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THE RUTH CHAPTER OF ST. MATTHEW’S Daughters of the King (DOK)
is planning a study in preparation to become a Daughter. At this time we are projecting January 2020 for those who feel so called. It will also be open to those Daughters seeking renewal. The DOK is a group of women dedicated to Prayer, Service, and Evangelism. If you would like to know more about DOK, please contact
Peggy Isaacs at 770-923-1955. Or Lynne Kiker at 770-235-6650.
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It's the People -- and It's the Volunteers!
Time and talent are two foundational elements of stewardship in a church community. There are many things that happen in the life of the church that depend entirely on volunteer hours offered in service to God. Here are a few ways YOU can serve at St. Matthew's, and who to contact to offer your time and talent to God and your parish family:
Ushers, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers
-- join the rotation for reading lessons on Sunday mornings, and/or serving for either 8:00 or 10:30 service. We especially need servers for the 8:00 a.m. service. See
Greg Andrews about training/licensing for these rewarding ministries.
Sunday Breakfast -- We are in need of volunteers to sign up to prepare breakfast. If you haven’t taken a turn since last school year, we need you now. If you are on a committee, please ask others on your committee to cover breakfast one Sunday. Breakfast doesn't have to be elaborate, For more information, contact
Nancy Drury
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JUNIOR WORSHIP
Every Sunday during the Sunday School year, children ages 5-7 spend a portion of the worship service in a child-size worship environment learning about how we worship in the Episcopal church, with hands-on opportunities to examine and experience elements of the worship service and ask questions about what we do in church. Additional
helpers are needed to take turns in rotation assisting in this ministry. Lesson plans are available and training will be given. For more info, speak to
Debbie Inman or
Mona Livermont.
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POLICE BIRTHDAYS
Please keep the following
Snellville Police officers in your prayers as they celebrate birthdays in November:
- Communications Brian Howard, November 7
- Officer David Nguyen, November 7
- Communications Officer Barbara Ratcliff, November 7
- Officer Scott Hermel, November 11
- Lt. David Matson, November 14
- Communications Lisa Maddox, November 21
- Officer Neal Carter, November 24
Prayer for Police Officers
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all men and women in law enforcement in our neighborhoods, cities, and on our highways. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; protect their families; strengthen them in their trials; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Adapted, BCP p.823)
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THANK YOU!
All the women of Matthew's ECW would like to extend a Humongous Pumpkin Smiley face Thank You!!to Becky Olbon! We were all blown away by her thoughtfulness to detail for our annual Bingo Bash. Thank You also to Becky for making two kinds of chili for all to enjoy.
Thank You also to all who brought a snack to share. We would like to send a day late, 9th Birthday Wishes to Maddie Ferrell, who got to celebrate with all of us and didn’t laugh at our off key rendition of happy birthday.
Thanks to Becky Olbon for donating 10 round purple table cloths I can see them being used at the Youth Pancake Supper! Hope to see everyone again on Dec. 9th for our Annual ECW Christmas Party. Look for more details to come.
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--- YOUTH GROUP NEWS ---
BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO YOUTH GROUP!
Youth group meets in the parish hall and/or undercroft most Sunday nights throughout the school year. All youth 6th - 12th grades are invited to attend. Bring a friend!
NOTE:
Youth Group now meets
from
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday evenings.
For questions or to volunteer to help with youth group activities, please speak with
Thank you for being a part of our amazing youth program!!
Faithfully,
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Please note:
The church office will close at 12 noon on Wednesday, November 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday, and be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28 & 29. It will reopen on Monday, December 2.
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IMPORTANT:CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE CHURCH OFFICE
PLEASE NOTE that the
stmatts@bellsouth.net
email address has been discontinued and we no longer have access to email sent to that address.
It should be deleted from your contact email lists.
Please use
admin@stmatthewssnellville.org
to reach Charmaine, our parish administrator. Thanks.
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The following is a letter from our Treasurer, Chuck Marsh.
This letter was sent out with updated statements to all members this past week.
If you did not receive your statement, please contact the church office.
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THE REALM CORNER
Are YOU logged into Realm yet?
Pledge payments and financial giving through REALM is easy:
Go to the church website,
www.itsthepeople.org
. Click on the blue Give Online button near the center of the page, and follow the prompts to choose the desired fund designation from the drop-down menu.
If you wish to set up automatic pledge payments, you can do so by logging into REALM and choosing Giving from the left side of the page. (If you have not yet logged into REALM, please contact
Susan Carson
).
Realm Directory and Your Privacy Settings
For instructions on how to change your privacy settings
, or other REALM information,
click here.
Stay connected! For information on logging in, and to view other Realm information and tutorials, check out the link below:
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LOOKING AHEAD:
November 1 -- All Saints Day
Morning Prayer 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
November 1 -- Dan Mitchell's "Requiem"
7:30 p.m.
November 2 --
Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 3 -- All Saint's Sunday -- Baptism
10:30 a.m.
service
November 3 -- Evening of Remembrance
6:30 p.m.
November 16 -- Acolyte Training
at 10:00 a.m.
November 17
--
Stewardship Ingathering
at both services
November 22 & 23 -- Diocesan Council
November 24 -- Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner
after the 10:30 a.m. service
December 1
--
First Sunday in Advent
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Events and Serving Schedules
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St.Matthew's Episcopal Church | Ph 770-979-4210 | admin@stmatthewssnellville.org | www.itsthepeople.org
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