St. Matthews Episcopal Church

Episcopal Church in Snellville, GA

All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Ps.25:9

Musings May 29, 2020: Honoring Those Who Have Died

May 29, 2020

5,940,560; 362,859

1,768,461; 103,330

The numbers are staggering and almost beyond belief:  as I write this, at 9:30 p.m. on a Thursday night, those numbers represent the number of cases of COVID-19 and the number of deaths.  The top set of numbers is worldwide; the figures below are for the United States.  By the time you read this, all those numbers will have changed.

In the midst of fighting this pandemic with all the science, medicine, creativity and resourcefulness available to us, it is well if we stop for a minute (or several) and acknowledge this profound loss.  It is time to recognize those who have died as someone’s sister, brother, mother, grandmother, aunt, godmother, uncle, father.  These are people who had family, and people who loved them; they had lives and interests; they went to the theater and played soccer; they lived.

This past Sunday, the New York Times published the names and a brief description of 1,000 of the 100,000 who have died in the US (since the Times went to press, that number has increased by close to 3,500).  It was sobering to see the entire front page taken up with names, in very tiny print.  In addition to the front page, the newspaper needed two more pages to print the names.

And combined with the huge numbers is the inability to mourn them properly.  Many died separated from loved ones.  There was no opportunity to say ‘good-bye’; no opportunity for a last kiss, a last hug.  And proper funerals have been unable to take place.  One of the biggest outbreaks in Georgia was sourced back to two funerals that took place in Albany.  So, burials take place with mourners watching from a distance in their cars.

For this reason, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has called on Episcopal Churches to join the National Council of Churches in a National Day of Mourning, set for Monday, June 1st.  We will be offering a morning and an evening service, at the usual times of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.  These services will allow us to honor those who have died, and perhaps reflect on the value of this time as being time in the wilderness.  Please join me on Monday morning or evening, as we remember and pray for those who have died.  As always, these services will be recorded for those who wish to watch them later.

Peace,

Mother Liz+



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Letter of Farewell From Karen Anderson, Our Seminarian (and A Note From Mother Liz+)

Dear  St. Matthew’s Family,

I have been reflecting recently on the last two and a half years and the work I was blessed enough to be able to experience while in this parish. Back in January of 2018 I arrived in the middle of the school year, which is an odd time to try and start a ministry as a seminarian. You did not blink, but instead you accepted me readily and happily, incorporating me into the life of the parish.

I think the best part of any seminary education is the field work placement. For me, my time at St. Matthew’s has kept me grounded in reality. The headiness of theology can run away with me sometimes, but being able to come back week after week to discuss the reality of what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and how to make that matter in our everyday lives – that is what kept me focused for three years through this degree.

The relationships I have formed through my time at St. Matthew’s have been invaluable, and that is what I will carry forward into my next placement. This parish values each other deeply and individually, and you choose to invest your time, whether it is in person at breakfast, a mid-week event, or online through our prayer services.

This may not be the goodbye any of us envisioned, but please know that as I go, I leave with the full knowledge of your love and care for me. I leave behind my own love and care. I was taught a tradition in New Zealand, that everywhere you go, and everyone you love becomes a part of yourself. And you carry it for the rest of your life. I will carry St. Matthews with me for the rest of my life because of the love we have shared.

I always sign my letters  with one of two phrases: “arohanui” which means “big love”. Or ngā mihi mahana”. Ngā mihi is an acknowledgement, and mahana means warm. It’s a way of giving your highest respect or of greeting someone with respect. So that is how I will close this farewell:

Ngā mihi mahana St. Matthew’s. I will miss you greatly.

Arohanui,

Karen

From Mother Liz+:

Saying Good-Bye to Karen

As all of you know, the corona virus pandemic has caused a major upheaval in calendars, at a time of the year usually filled with celebrations.  This is the time of school proms, of graduation celebrations, and a time when a lot of weddings take place.  Our collective moments of celebration and joy have been cancelled in the need for safety, leaving very little closure for those individuals who will be moving on to the next phase of their journey.

One of these people is our seminarian, Karen Anderson.  Karen came to us in February of 2017, in the middle of her first year in seminary.  It did not take her long to fit in to the rhythm of life at St. Matthew’s.  In her two and a half years with us, Karen has contributed much, and she has said she has received much in her time with the community.

Karen completed her time at St. Matthew’s and received her Master of Divinity degree from Emory.  Like all of our graduates, we were not able to celebrate Karen’s success, but the good news is that she will remain local for the next year, so we will schedule a celebration sometime in the future.  I would ask that you keep her in your prayers, as she begins her first course in hospital chaplaincy and continues her discernment with the diocese on her call to Holy Orders.

Karen, we were blessed to have you with us!  We wish you God-speed and best of luck as you begin your summer of Clinical Pastoral Education, and we look forward to a time when you can return so that we can celebrate your time with us in our warm, St. Matthew’s style.



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Final Week For May Food Drive Collections!

We look forward to seeing everyone dropping off donations this Saturday May 30, from 9-11 a.m.  All items go immediately to the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry. Thank you for your generosity–It’s the People!
Most needed items this week include: Diced tomatoes (canned), Pasta Sauce, Canned Pasta, (Ravioli, SpaghettiOs etc.), Toothpaste, Bar Soap, Toilet Paper



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Musings By Mother Liz — May 2020

As we move towards Memorial Day and into June, we see more and more businesses and offices opening around the state and around the country. I am sure that many of you are like me – as much as I love attending church service in my PJs with a cup of coffee next to me, I miss the St. Matthew’s community and I miss worship in the sanctuary.

Every other Wednesday the clergy of the diocese have a Zoom conference call with the bishop, and the question of when we will reopen always comes up. The bishop’s latest answer is “not yet”. He bases his decision on advice of medical and scientific experts both here in Atlanta, as well as representatives from Episcopal Relief and Development. While it is difficult to wait, I know his decisions are based on maintaining the safety and well-being of all of us.

However, I am very happy to report we have received permission to return to the sanctuary to either livestream or record services. At St. Matthew’s, we do not have the ability to live-stream from the church sanctuary, but we will start recording the main part of the service from the sanctuary, beginning with our service on Pentecost on May 31. And at some point, we will receive the clearance to move back into the church. It will not be a return to church as we knew it in February, but will happen in phases, much as opening the country has been done in phases.

What that means is that when we are able to hold worship in the church, it will come with restrictions, much as there are restrictions for other businesses that have opened. And whatever we are able to do, we will want to do it as safely as possible for all concerned.

With that in mind, I am forming an Advisory Committee, whose work will be to advise the clergy, vestry and various church and preschool committees of best practices regarding safe use of the space and precautions we must take before, during and after worship, classes or meetings. The development of this committee is still in process, but as soon as the committee is complete, I will send more information on this out to the parish using the weekly Messenger.

Beloved I have felt your prayers during this challenging time, and I am sure Father Tommy, Charmaine, Kyle and Susan feel the same way. We are all blessed by your phone calls, emails, text messages and chats on Facebook. As I mentioned in another announcement, Father Tommy and I are humbled by the success of daily worship – the numbers of those watching live have not diminished over the past ten weeks, and the numbers of those who have watched later have grown.

Father Tommy and I are both available to talk with you anytime. Please do not think we are too busy! Walking this part of the journey with you is what our ministry is all about.

God’s Peace, Liz+



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May Food Drive Update — We’re Halfway There!

With 2 weeks left in the May Food Drive we are currently just over halfway to our goal of 5,000 items donated to the Co-Op! So far, through food and cash donations, 2,551 items have been received by the co-op and the Outreach Committee has an additional $1,127 from donations to purchase high need items.

We look forward to seeing everyone dropping off donations this Saturday from 9:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

Most needed items this week include: Canned tuna, Macaroni and Cheese, Canned Pasta (Ravioli, SpaghettiOs), Pasta Sauce, Toothpaste, Bar Soap, Diapers (size 2,3,4), Baby Wipes

If you can’t make it to drop off food on Saturdays, you can:
If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Papadatos at jenniday1229@yahoo.com Thank you!

Check out all the photos from the food drive–it’s the People!!



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Musical Musings by Kyle Osborne, Director of Music

MUSICAL MUSING

During these trying times I, like many of you, turn to music for solace. I am particularly drawn to hymns and instrumental music. Many of our favorite hymns have been around for hundreds of years. This past week I have been listening to and playing a hymn tune by Thomas Tallis that was written over 459 years ago.

For the full article and some lovely music, click here: musical musings – the third tune.

 



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Musings With Mother Liz+

Striving to be a church community when the “church” is closed.

Dear beloved, as I write this, I am quarantining-in-place at home. I was seated very close to some friends last Friday only to discover that they in turn had been close to someone who was presumptively diagnosed with COVID-19. So, out of precaution, I am at home through next Thursday. I would imagine that some of you receiving this email are in the same position.
It is a stressful and scary time right now in our country and throughout the world. A virus over which we have little control is having its way with us. I noticed this week that it feels a lot like the days following 9-11, and then realized it’s because I don’t hear any planes. Travel has been cut back so much that I don’t have the constant noise of jets on their way to ATL passing over my house.
As we were able to do after 9-11, we are able to do now – we may not have much control over this virus, but we do have control over how we respond. With that in mind, your clergy and vestry have decided that “church” is not a building, but a people, and, as such, “church” will continue.
The Greek word for church is εκκλησία – otherwise spelled, ecclesia. The word is a combination of ‘ek’, meaning ‘out’, and kaleo, meaning ‘called’. It refers to a people, not a building. Therefore, I am pleased to say that life at St. Matthew’s continues, perhaps in a different “building”, but with the same ‘ecclesia’. Make sense?
Members of the Christian Ed and Communications committees, along with clergy and members of the vestry, are developing programs that allow us to stay connected during this time. Many of you have participated in the daily devotions we lead on our Facebook page at 8am and 6pm, Monday through Saturday, and many others attended worship using Facebook Live last Sunday. We are exploring the addition of Christian Ed programs, youth programs, Wednesday with the Word, Café Theology and the Brotherhood lectionary study using Zoom software. And of course, we will continue with Sunday worship.
This Sunday, at 10:30 from the Coil Chapel, join us as we celebrate EUCHARIST-IN-PLACE!
To do this, you will need bread or crackers (gluten free for those who need that), and either wine or grape juice, or another clear juice. If you have them, a tablecloth or small cloth to go on your table, a set of candles, a plate for the bread/crackers and goblet or wine glass for the liquid. Set up your altar as you would like – you can even invite your children to decorate it!
Bring your family and your computer, tablet or mobile phone to the table. Log on to Facebook on Sunday, go to the St. Matthew’s page and wait for the Facebook Live video to start. As I am home through next Thursday, our celebrant will be Father Tommy and his on-site congregation will be Debbie; I will be with you next week.
When Father Tommy gets to the Eucharistic Prayer, pay close attention as he begins the Words of Institution (where he talks about the bread and the wine). When Father Tommy lifts the bread, you are to lift up your plate. When he lifts the wine, you are to do likewise. When he blesses the bread and wine by asking the Holy Spirit to make them the Body and Blood of our Lord, hold up your plate and glass for the same blessing. The Holy Spirit, who knows no boundaries, will consecrate your offering at the same time as the bread and wine that Father Tommy holds up. Then share the holy bread and wine around your table with the words we use on Sunday:
This is the body of Christ, the bread of heaven.
This is the blood of Christ, the cup of salvation.
Share this sacrament with one another. If you live alone, partake of this sacrament, knowing that the rest of the “body” is doing the same thing, so you are not having Holy Communion by yourself, but with your church community. We will then close our service with the Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Blessing and Dismissal.
Beloved, even in uncertainty, we are blessed to be a worshipping community. I look forward to celebrating the Eucharist with you on Sunday. I pray you and your family will be able to join Father Tommy, Debbie and me as we celebrate the promise of the resurrection together.
In God’s Love, Mother Liz+



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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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Episcopal Relief & Development’s Gifts For Life Catalog

During the holiday season, Episcopal Relief & Development encourages friends and supporters to give a gift that will transform a life with Gifts For Life, an alternative giving catalog that offers tangible and meaningful ways to create lasting change in communities around the world.

“Gifts for Life is a tangible way to bring the work of Episcopal Relief & Development to life,” said Betsy Deisroth, Vice President of Advancement for Episcopal Relief & Development. “We know that many churches and individuals look forward to participating each year and we hope you will join them, and us, this holiday season.”

The Gifts for Life program enables individuals and groups to empower transformation in communities worldwide through the purchase of gifts to support those communities. The catalog features a wide range of gift options from $15 to help parents nurture and nourish a child to $1,284 to provide a complete care package to empower a community.

The catalog also includes a new offering to help give children with special needs the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the life of the community. Hearing aids, glasses and other assistive devices are life-changing to children with physical challenges. Additionally, disaster relief kits, drought-resistant seeds, vocational training and bicycles are just a few of the other gift options.

This year, the Gifts For Life catalog is organized to align with the organization’s three key program priorities: helping communities promote the rights of Women; supporting and protecting Children so they reach appropriate health and developmental milestones; and working with families and communities to adapt to the effects of a rapidly changing Climate.

“Organizing the gifts by priority program areas allows supporters to see just how each gift contributes to Episcopal Relief & Development’s work to benefit Women, Children and Climate,” said Esther Cohen, Chief Operating Officer for Episcopal Relief & Development. ”With each order you can be a part of making lasting change for an individual or family, both now and for years to come.”

Gifts for Life purchases are fully tax-deductible, and an excellent way to support the organization’s life-giving work and share that impact with family and friends. These items can be ordered online at episcopalrelief.org/gifts, and donors can choose to send a customizable e-card or a beautiful printed card to tell the recipient about the life-changing gift made in their honor. Orders can also be made over the phone by calling 1.855.312.4325 or via mail through the instructions on the catalog or brochure.

Additionally, supporters can download digital resources such as prayers, bulletin inserts, and an Advent calendar poster from the online Advent Toolkit to help dioceses, congregations or groups plan, construct and host an Advent campaign to support Gifts for Life.

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.



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Musings From Mother Liz

Finally! Fall is here. Last week’s car show was a great success; the fall weather arrived this week, and rain over the past few days has refreshed the area. My favorite liturgical season is Advent, but my favorite of the four seasons is fall. I love the crisp air, the smell of woodsmoke and the changing color of the trees.
I confess that I also look forward to our time of stewardship celebration. That may seem an odd term, “stewardship celebration”, but that’s the way I think of it. If you read Terri Hurst’s stewardship letter elsewhere in this e-letter, then you know that all the work we do as a community is part of our promise of stewardship – to take care of one another and of the many gifts and blessings which God has given us. This year’s theme, “Shining Our Light”, gives me context in which to do a reflection on where I am on my Christian journey. How have I allowed God’s light to shine through me? How have I offered my time, skills and financial resources to share God’s light both in the parish and in the greater community? I love stewardship because it allows me to be intentional as I realize that all that I have and all I can offer are gifts from God – I am only returning to God that which belongs to him already. If I am totally honest with myself, I must admit that on my own, I am not much, but as an instrument of God’s light and love, I can make a difference.
We have a motto at St. Matthew’s: “It’s the People”. Every month, when I meet with people new to St. Matthew’s, what they always share with me is the warmth they’ve felt from this community. I believe God has given us special gifts of hospitality and welcome, however, I believe that God does not call us to rest in this, but to continue to move forward. To do the work God has called us to do takes financial resources and the commitment of all of us.
So yes, I love our time of stewardship; I love this time of reflection on where we’ve been and where God is calling us to go. I will use these next four weeks to thank God for all the ways God has blessed me, and I will prayerfully ask God what I can offer in return. I hope you will join me this season in celebrating stewardship: by giving God thanks for his light that you have received from others; by giving him thanks for his light in you that you in turn have shared, and by making a financial commitment to God and St. Matthew’s out of the blessings you have received.
Happy Fall!!  Liz+



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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.

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