St. Matthew's Messenger July 25, 2021
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Worship This Sunday
8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Holy Eucharist
IN THE SANCTUARY
Registration Not Necessary
or find the 10:45 service livestreamed on
(You do not need to have a Facebook account
to watch the FB livestream)
for both services
This is Fr. Tommy's Last Sunday at St. Matt's
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Wednesday Healing Service
at 10:00 a.m.
in the sanctuary
The church office is open 10 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Monday through Thursday.
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CALLING ALL STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND SUPPORT PERSONS
NEXT SUNDAY
August 1
Blessing the Backpacks
and
Commissioning & Blessing of Teachers & Formation Leaders
As school starts in the area, we would like to recognize all of you who work so hard to educate and care for the children and youth both here in St. Matthew's Sunday School & Youth programs, the preschool, and in public or private schools in the area.
If you are a SS teacher, preschool, classroom teacher or para-pro, bus driver, librarian, lunchroom worker, or serve in any capacity involved in teaching or caring for our children and youth in the community,
please plan to attend church next Sunday August 1
for the blessing and commissioning of your coming year.
BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS
All children and youth are encouraged to bring their school backpacks to church Sunday August 1 to be blessed, and receive a backpack tag.
This is a very special day in the life of St. Matthew's--don't miss it!
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Farewell Picnic
THIS SUNDAY
July 25 after the 10:45 Service
Please join us after the 10:45 service this Sunday 7/25, for a farewell picnic for Father Tommy and Debbie, Kyle Osbourne, and Charmaine Warmington. Let’s show them how much we will miss them! Registration is not required, and all food and drinks will be provided. If you would like to give them a card, there will be baskets set up for each of them
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A Word From Fr. Tommy
Dear St. Matthew’s Family,
What a whirlwind it has been these past 22 months. I was just getting my bearings when Covid came knocking and disrupted everything. These past 16 plus months have been challenging, exciting, stressful, traumatic, and joyous. I remember in those early days how this community pulled together and creatively and resourcefully set a course to gather “virtually” for worship, prayer, and the well-being and the care for each other. Mother Liz along with Kyle Osborne, Charmaine Warrington, Susan Carson, the vestry, and many others began to guide us through the many hurdles and obstacles that we faced and set a course, so that we could open and return to in-person services.
While my time at St. Matthew’s has not been “normal” in any stretch of the imagination, and many of you are concerned about all the changes that are occurring here, I know that St. Matthew’s will emerge from this season stronger, with a deeper sense of vision, and with a robust commitment to share God’s redeeming love. How do I know this? Because, over these past 22 months, Debby and I have personally observed and witnessed how deeply this community loves the Lord. You have done this by sharing in God’s passion by caring for, tending to, and loving one another, as well as the community at large.
As Debby and I step out in faith, for our next adventure I want to say a general “thank you” to everyone in this community for your prayers, support and love these past months. More specifically, I want to thank Mother Liz for the opportunity to be at St. Matthew’s. I also what to especially thank Mother Liz, Kyle, Charmaine, Susan, Joan, and Becky who have had to endure my idiosyncrasies, my sarcasm, and my silliness. Thank you for your guidance, patience, generosity, and love. I could not have made it through this season without you. THANK YOU!!
Please know that the St. Matthew’s community will continue to be in our prayers, and I hope that you will continue to pray for Debby and me, as we both travel along God’s unfolding journey. May we all be awakened to God’s abundant, grace-filled, and everlasting love in our lives.
Grace & Peace,
Tommy
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Dear St. Matthew's Family,
It has been an honor to serve as your Director of Music Ministries and Organist for the last 3-plus years. It has been a pleasure making music for worship with our choirs and musicians.
I hope you will pray for my move and transition to Durango, Colorado. With the help of Mother Debbie Shew and St. Mark's parishioners I was able to find an apartment 3 blocks from the church.
St. Mark's is a vibrant parish with a very active music ministry and hosts over 25 concerts/recitals each year. The church was founded in 1881. The current gothic revival building was built in 1892 and houses a beautiful pipe organ. There is a vibrant musical community in Durango that includes a Choral Society, Chamber Choir, Chamber Music Festival, Bach Festival, Music of the Mountains Festival, and St. Mark's Recital Series. I am very much looking forward to being involved in this community and I have already been invited to sing with the Choral Society and play organ for a Chamber Choir Concert. I also have several organ and piano students waiting for my arrival.
I will keep St. Matthew's in my prayers during this time of transition. I know God has great things in store for you. Keep the faith and keep singing!
Peace,
Kyle Osborne
Director of Music Ministries and Organist
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My Dearest St. Matthew’s Family,
Well, I am writing this letter as a goodbye note to all of you, as you might be aware that after six years, I will be leaving St. Matthew’s at the end of this month. While I am excited about the opportunities that await me in the future, it is with sadness that I say goodbye. My time here has been marked by both challenges and triumphs, and I will cherish the many friendships I have made along the way. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have served this Parish. I have enjoyed my time here, albeit shortened, I will miss all that St. Matthew’s represents. As with any special place “it’s the people” who make it, and that is what I will miss the most. Even though I am moving to a new horizon, I will always have my memories of St. Matthew’s.
Very special thanks to all who volunteered in the office over the years, you know who you are. I could not have done it without your support, guidance, and encouragement. Thanks to all for the lovely letters, cards, and gifts and for checking on me during the pandemic. Your love and kindness will always be remembered. A very, very special thank you to Susan, Fr. Tommy, Kyle, Mother Liz, and the Vestry. it was my pleasure having had the opportunity to work closely with you all.
St. Matthew’s is a special place, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all as individuals, as well as a church, all the very best for the future.
Best wishes always,
Charmaine
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**ALL AGES**
VBS - Wednesday Evenings in July
Last Week July 28
Every Wednesday evening in July
(7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th)
from 6:30 to 8 pm
crafts, games, camp fire songs and story telling.
If y'all have any questions contact
Last Wed., July 21: We decorated and adorned our Prayer Journals and played BINGO. Journaling can help in many ways from helping to create a gratitude list, to writing about how your day went, as well as clarifying your thoughts. We discussed how journaling can assist us when we journey through those times of testing, similar to when Jesus entered the wilderness.
We have one VBS Night left, Wednesday, July 28th. We will be visiting Jim & Susan Jung’s barn, giving us a truly authentic western flavor.
If you are interested in attending please contact me so we have enough supplies. Fr. Tommy
For more pictures from this fun event, click here. See you next week!
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Important Needs - Opportunities To Serve At St. Matthew's
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Do Small Things With Love
“We ought not to be weary of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.”
― Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God
At our annual meeting, you asked that we let you know how you can help with our beloved parish building. Because we currently do not employ a cleaning company for our weekly parish needs we have created a sign-up to help with the ongoing cleaning of our parish.
Are you part of a group or ministry? Consider coming as a group one Saturday to make quick work of the various tasks. You do not have to bring supplies as we already have them ready for you. You will find that most of the tasks will not require a huge time commitment. Please click on the link below to sign up.
Thank you again for your time and willingness to keep our parish plant clean and inviting!
SIGN-UPS ARE STILL AVAILABLE ON AN ONGOING BASIS. Can you help?
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These I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer...for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Isaiah 56:7
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Vergers, Acolytes, Lectors, Ushers & Greeters Needed!
Please consider serving in one of these areas below:
We are OPEN! And this means that we need to begin regular scheduling of vergers, acolytes, lectors, ushers and greeters for both in-person Sunday services again. This is good news! To join (or re-join) any of these important ministries, please contact Fr. Tommy, Becky Olbon, or Greg Andrews.
Sunday School, Youth, and Nursery Care Ministries
We need teachers in order to plan effectively, and fall is approaching.
Can you help?
We are also getting ready to resume Sunday School, Adult Christian Education, Youth, and Nursery Care in the fall. If you have an interest in serving in any of these areas, or have any questions about it, please contact Elliot Griffiths.
Audio/Visual Ministry Help Needed
This past year has shown us how valuable our presence online is, giving us a vital way to share the Good News to those who cannot physically come to the church to worship in person. Though many pandemic restrictions are lifting, livestreaming the Sunday morning services will continue so that we can continue to reach out to the homebound, and to the wider community.
In order for this to be successful, we need a few more folks with some knowledge of audio/visual technology to join the team on a rotating schedule for Sunday mornings. No worries--we will train you! Please contact Amanda Livermont, Mindy Barringer, or Becky Olbon with any questions or to join the team.
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Brotherhood of St. Andrew
Meets Saturday, July 31
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
A men's group of service and fellowship
All men of the parish are invited. Please contact Greg Andrews for more information.
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Cafe Theology This Saturday, July 24th, Cafe Theology will begin a new book The Great Spiritual Migration, How the World's Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way to be Christian by Brian D McLaren. Please read the Preface, Introduction and Chapter 1 for the 24th.
The class meets alternate Saturdays in the Johnson library from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. All are welcome-- come see what fun it is to read, share and learn with other curious parishioners.
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Birthdays and Anniversaries
8/1 -8/7
Birthdays: Carol Podeszwa, Jim Bennett, Judith Kimsey, Reid Peterson, Caroline Bond, Scott McEvoy
Anniversaries: Sheila & Dick Ferrell, Anne Marie & Marc Chavenet, Jennifer & Jay Gesner, Omolara Fyle-Thorpe & Rodel Desamu-Thorpe, Diane & John Eberhart, Wally & Dick Kelleman, Lori & Christopher Bean
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St. Matthew's Episcopal Church | Website
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Financial Giving in REALM
or
Text Stmattsnell to 73256
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