Sunday, September 22, was a day filled with sunshine, joy, and even a few tears. As I greeted many who had returned to join our 40th anniversary celebration, I was filled with joy that they wanted to take time to come celebrate with us. As I watched the red streamers enter the church, their beauty and the energy of the acolytes holding them brought some tears. The music, and seeing the parish hall beautifully decorated, with tables full of laughing and chatting parishioners, also caused my eyes to sting. It was a privilege to serve at the altar with Father Doug, and to celebrate our accomplishments even as we challenged ourselves to continue to share God’s love in the many ministries we offer to the community beyond our doors.
This celebration would not have taken placed without the dedication and energy of many people – Susan Carson’s note elsewhere in this e-letter provides those details. However, the one person Susan is not really able to thank is herself! Without her vision of what this day could be, which started the middle of LAST year, our celebration would not have been the huge success it was–so this note is to thank all who made our celebration possible, including Susan, who remained committed to bringing this forward and who spent more hours than I can imagine in getting it done.
We are a parish blessed with talented people who hear God’s call to use their gifts for furthering the Kingdom. May God continue to bless us with grace and strength as we serve the world in His name.
In Peace, Liz+
What a Day!
Oh my goodness, many thanks to all for the wonderful turnout Sunday for our 40th Anniversary Celebration! From the participation in our joyous Eucharist of thanksgiving for God’s providence, and the tables laden with God’s bounty expressed by all the delicious food brought by everyone, to the attendance of so many current and former members on this special day, it was an outstanding celebration, and you all made it possible.
Thanks to Fr. Doug and all who served at the altar and in the service, and those who set up the dinner and served in the kitchen or elsewhere in any capacity on this special day. Thank you to the Flower Guild for the gorgeous flowers on the altar, including the 40 roses (pictured) in front of the altar itself–one for each year as a parish. A special thank you to Nancy and Warren Drury, who helped design and create the fans, completed the decoration and setup of the parish hall, and organized the pot luck dinner that day; to Marsha Elixson for her work putting the 40-year timeline together; thanks to Mindy Barringer for her design of the 40th Anniversary logo; to Steve McFarland and others who took photos; and to the 40th anniversary committee as a whole for their ideas and energy and hard work, (and for putting up with me): Nancy Drury, Sylvia George, Marsha Elixson, Janis Williams, & Steve Charron. The kitchen was abuzz with so many willing hands in addition to Nancy and Warren: Todd & Tina Camden, Vicky & Chuck Conway, Oscar DeLeon, Bruce & Rebecca Bowen, Jim Jung, Beth DiGiovanni, Becky Olbon, Sylvia George, Buddy Mixon and Greg Andrews, just to name a few. If I’ve missed your name, please forgive me–I truly appreciate everyone’s efforts!
I hope to have a photo gallery of this special day posted on the website within the week. If you have photos to include, please send them to registrar@stmatthewssnellville.org.
St. Matthew’s came into being because God put us here. It continues in its mission because we, God’s people, work to bring that mission to fruition. It is through all our efforts that God continues that work here in our corner of the world. This day of celebration reminds us that working together, we can accomplish much for God in Christ Jesus, and it challenges us to re-double our efforts and dedication to God’s purpose for the future. Again, thank you.
Y’ALL COME!
–All members, former members, and residents of the local community are invited–
Sunday, September 22
we will celebrate
St. Matthew’s 40th Anniversary –
Single Service at 10:00 a.m.
Worship and give thanks for the ministries begun at St. Matthew’s
and the people who have given of their time, talent and treasure
to make those ministries a reality.
Followed by a huge pot luck dinner—
Members are invited to bring one or more of your favorite covered dishes
to share–
main dish, salad, side dish, or dessert.
