St. Matthews Episcopal Church

Episcopal Church in Snellville, GA

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Lent At St. Matthew’s

Lent is a time of stepping back and being thoughtful about deepening our relationship with God, mindful of what God has done for us, the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and the ways we fall short of what God asks of u. s.  At St. Matthew’s we have many opportunities to step closer to God in relationship and service, reaching out for reconciliation and God’s healing presence in our lives.

Sunday Services in Lent (March 1 through April 4) — Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Lenten Christian Education program will center around St. Matthew’s outreach programs, with guest speakers from several area ministries to at-risk families and individuals.

Weekday services — Morning Prayer at 7:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Healing Eucharist at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.

Wednesday evenings — beginning March 4 — 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist, 6:00 p.m Soup Supper, and 6:30 p.m. Discussion on Spiritual Disciplines

Fridays — 7: 00 p.m. Stations of the Cross (church open at 6:30 p.m. for quiet meditation

Palm Sunday — Services at 8:00 and 10:30 with a Palm Procession prior to both services. Dramatic Gospel reading by the Youth at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Holy Week (March 6 – 11) — Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist with hand-and foot-washing; Stripping of the Altar; Maundy Thursday Overnight Watch from 9:00 p.m. through 12 noon on Friday; Good Friday — Stations of the Cross 11:30 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. with Holy Eucharist at 12 noon and 7:30  p.m

Easter Sunday — Festive Holy Eucharist at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Flowering of the Cross by the congregation (especially children) at both services.

For a printable pdf of these events at St. Matthew’s,  click here: Lent and Easter 2020 calendar 2 sided

 

 

 

 



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Come Join Foyers at St. Matthew’s

Invitation to Join Foyers 2020

Foyers Groups have been a part of our Episcopal tradition since WWII in the 1940’s when Churches in England were demolished, and believers wanted to gather and maintain their collective Christian spirit, friendships and relationships.

Whether you are a visitor considering St. Matthew’s as your church home, a new member or a long-time member you are cordially invited to join Foyers Groups for the 2020 cycle. The groups are made up of 6-8 adults (singles or couples) who gather informally to get to know one another better.

If you are interested in signing up for the next Foyers group beginning in February then please email Clay Olbon at olbonc@yahoo.com or Becky Olbon beckyolbon@yahoo.com or call 678-464-8273.

Foyer Group Q&A

Q. How will Foyer Groups be set up?

A. Once you sign up, you’ll be randomly grouped with three or four other singles and/or couples, potentially from different circles of the parish community and in varying phases of life. We will take into consideration your preferences regarding smoking, alcohol, and pets in the home and will mail you contact information for your group, as well as a list of suggestions for how to get started.

Q. I’m not much of a cook. Do I really have to be able to prepare a full meal for eight or ten people in order to join a Foyer Group?

A. Foyer Group gatherings are intended to be shared meals, and that includes the preparation. Typically, the host might provide the main dish and beverages, with other members contributing the appetizer, salad, side dish, bread, and/or dessert. Many grocery stores and restaurants offer tasty, freshly prepared take-out dishes that you can serve. Those with the inspiration and capability to prepare a full meal on their own are, of course, welcome to do so, but that’s not the expectation.

Q. I’m afraid my home isn’t grand enough to host other parishioners. Will my standard of living be judged if I join a Foyer Group?

A. Here’s what Foyer Groups are not: they’re not a House Beautiful tour, they’re not a Martha Stewart showcase, and they’re not an Iron Chef cooking competition. They are casual gatherings where the focus is on fellowship and friendship, conversation and conviviality. We meet each other where we live and accept our surroundings as they are just as God does.

Q. My home/condo/apartment isn’t large enough to hold eight to ten people for a sit-down dinner. Can I still join a Foyer Group?

A. Who says the meal must be a sit-down dinner? There are several alternatives. You could plan a menu of finger- and fork-food that can be eaten from plates held on laps while sitting on sofas, chairs, or the floor. Or, when it’s your turn to host, arrange for the group to meet at St. Matthew’s**, a restaurant or reserve the picnic area at a county park and host a cookout.

**Must call church office to check for availability.



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Annual Parish Meeting Election Results

Election Results for Sunday’s Annual Parish Meeting 1/26/2020: Congratulations to John Eberhart, Joan Compton Kengla, Judith Kimsey, Debbie Stallings, and Karen Wilson. Thank you for your willingness to serve St. Matthew’s. 

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

Parish Affairs and Election of New Vestry Members and Council Delegates

Sunday, January 26, 2020
9:00 a.m. Sign-In / Coffee & Donuts
9:30 A.M. Meeting & Voting Begins
FOLLOWED BY HOLY EUCHARIST
(single combined service)
in the Sanctuary
BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW ANNUAL FISH FRY FOLLOWS THE SERVICE
(Old and New Vestry meets during the fish fry)



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Lunch Bunch Kick-Off October 17

Attention All Lunch Bunch-ites!

The long and valued tradition of Lunch Bunch continues with Mother Liz as host. Join her on Thursday, October 17 at 12 noon at Three Blind Mice to kick off the 2019-2020 season of Lunch Bunch. As this is the first time out for this year, it is really important to know who will be coming so we can reserve adequate space. Please confirm with Mother Liz via email at rector@stmatthewssnellville.org. I look forward to seeing you there!
Lunch Bunch meets monthly at restaurants in the area for fellowship and conversation, and everyone is welcome. It’s a great way to get to know other members of the parish.
Three Blind Mice is located at 1066 Killian Hill Road, Lilburn, near the intersection of Five Forks Road and Killian Hill Rd. in Lilburn.



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ECW Annual Halloween Bingo Party

All women and girls are invited

to the

ECW Annual Halloween Bingo Party

Monday, October 28

6:30-8:30 p.m. in the parish hall.

We promise there will be Ghoulish Drinks and Tasty Chili to eat.
Please bring a sweet or salty dish to share.
For those who wish to get into the Halloween spirit
we will have a costume contest as well as the creepiest food contest
with lots of great prizes!
This will be a night to have lots of Spooky fun!
All women in the church are members of ECW (Episcopal Church Women) .
Please come and bring a friend!



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We Have A New Associate Rector!

WE HAVE A NEW ASSOCIATE RECTOR!

Announcing our New Associate Rector:
The Reverend William T. “Tommy” Matthews
With God’s blessing I am pleased to announce that The Reverend William T. “Tommy” Matthews has accepted a call to be the Associate Rector of St. Matthew’s, effective October 1, 2019.
Reverend Matthews hails from Sebastian, Florida where he served for four years as chaplain of St. Edwards Episcopal School in nearby Vero Beach. Father Tommy also served as associate at St. Peter the Fisherman in New Smyrna Beach, FL, and at St. Richard’s Episcopal Church in Winter Park, FL. Prior to ordination, Father Tommy served as lay youth minister at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Orlando, and All Saints Episcopal Church in Winter Park.
Father Tommy received his Master of Divinity degree from Nashotah House Theological Seminary in May 2014 and was ordained to the diaconate that same month. He was ordained to the priesthood in January of 2015. Tommy is a second-career priest, following many years’ experience in construction.
Father Tommy and his wife Debby have been married for 25 years. Debby is an occupational therapist. They have two children, Eli, a first-year physical therapy major at Advent University in Orlando, and Emily, a junior majoring in public health at the University of Florida (Go, Gators!!).
I have asked Katherine Reynolds, chair of the search committee, to help establish a transitions committee. If any of you would be willing to help Tommy and Debby transition to life in central Georgia, please let Katherine know.
Tommy’s email is tmattkayak@gmail.com, if you would like to send he and Debby a message of welcome.
was made Sunday, August 25 during both services on Sunday. Please join me in prayer that God will bless Father Tommy’s ministry among us and his work in the Diocese of Atlanta.
Peace,
Liz+



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St. Matthew’s 40th Anniversary Celebration

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.

Register & Sign Up on REALM / Events

/go to Sept 22

(Non members please email registrar@stmatthewssnellville.org to let us know you will attend. 

Games and activities

**Don’t miss it**

IT’S THE PEOPLE!



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The Episcopal House at Candler School of Theology – Furnishings Needed

You might have heard that Candler just acquired a house ( “The Episcopal House” ) to use for formation. Emory owns the house but it will be used as a residential community . Four new students will live in TEH next academic year. The new House Rector will be a  Postulant from The Diocese of Atlanta Will Drosos. ( copied) Will has agreed to work on furnishing the house this summer as everyone moves in Aug 1st. The house needs some furnishings ( see list below) and I wondered if you would be willing to make an announcement to see if anyone has any  furniture that they might donate. Will will co-ordinate with anyone interested so this will not become a hassle for you .

We will also need to fit out a chapel so any chairs , altar , prayer books , etc that you may be able to loan would be helpful as well. We are expanding morning prayer to include a service at the house . The community will be an intentional community with a Covenant . Dr Kyle Lambelet is on point to pull together the community and is also working on a chaplain.

Here is a list of items I believe we’ll need:

  • Leaves for the dining room table
  • Additional dining room chairs (4)
  • Couch
  • Love seat
  • Arm chairs (2)
  • Seating for chapel
  • Altar/kneeler for chapel
  • Lawn table and chairs (4)
  • Lawn mower
  • Vacuum and cleaning supplies
  • TV and TV stand
  • Side tables (2)
  • Lamps (4)
  • Book shelf

 



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At St. Matthew’s, our MISSION is to continue the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, by serving the greater community through loving its children, caring for the unfortunate and witnessing to the healing power of God’s love.