Episcopal Church in Snellville, GA
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.
Striving to be a church community when the “church” is closed.
Out of our care and concern for our parish and community, St. Matthew’s campus is closed due to the COVID-19 virus emergency, St. Matthew’s will be offering online services on Facebook Live at the following times:
You can find our Facebook page here. Scroll down until you see the video.
Go to St. Matthew’s Facebook Page
Browse past Facebook broadcasts
Please read this important information regarding worship services and other activities during the next few weeks, and watch the website and our Facebook page for updated information in the coming days.
Update 7:06 p.m.:
Worship
For the full communication from Bishop Wright and a word from Mother Liz, click here.
Episcopal Relief & Development Receives $600,000 Grant from Islamic Relief USA
to Expand Work to Combat Violence Against Women and Girls in Liberia
New York, NY (March 9, 2020): Episcopal Relief & Development has received a second, three-year, $600,000 grant from Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) to expand a ground-breaking partnership with the humanitarian arm of the Episcopal Church of Liberia (ECL-RD) to combat gender-based violence in Liberia. This program, which equips faith and community leaders to transform harmful cultural and religious attitudes towards women, is also supported by a grant from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, The Laura Ellen & Robert Muglia Family Foundation, and other generous donations.
Read the full article here: ERD Grant Notification
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 beginning 3/15/2020 — Due to the COVID-19 virus, we are suspending services and all activities at the church through the end of March. Please see the letter to this effect regarding worship and activities at St. Matthew’s here.
You can find our Facebook page here.
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.
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.
