Trunk or Treat at St. Matt’s
A Day of Divine Blessings, and a Cast of Furry (and Not-So-Furry) Characters
St. Matthew’s hosted over 50 people and a menagerie of 29 dogs, 5 cats, 1 lizard, 1 python snake, several stuffies, and photos of pets who could not attend in-“person”. The undercroft courtyard provided plenty of green space and safe space for such a wild group.
Father Tim, in his specially-designed stole, personally and divinely prayed over the individual animals. The non-human guests of honor were served treats which were meticulously prepared with love, and even the snake and lizard had a few veggies, also prepared with the utmost care. Humans from church and humans from the community chatted and laughed at the animal antics, all under the watchful eye of St. Francis, our patron saint of animals.
With blessings, love, and treats all around, the St. Matthew’s Blessing of the Animals was an event that reminded us of the quirky and wonderful creatures we share our lives with.
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Gettin’ Crafty with Sunny’s Kids!
Using crafts in Sunday school can be an effective way to teach Bible stories to young parishioners for several reasons:
- ENGAGING! When kids create, they are more likely to pay attention and remember the lesson.
- INSPIRES CREATIVITY! Children express their creativity while learning about Bible stories. They can personalize their crafts, which can make the lesson more meaningful to them.
- STARTS the CONVERSATION! Teachers can facilitate discussions while crafting, encouraging children to ask questions and share their thoughts. This promotes a deeper understanding of the lesson.
- INCLUSIVE! Crafts accommodate different learning styles and abilities, providing an inclusive teaching method for all children, including those with special needs.
- FUN for ALL! Children often associate crafts with fun and enjoyment. When Sunday school is enjoyable, children are more likely to want to attend and continue learning about the Bible.
Are you INTERESTED in BECOMING A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER?
Being a Sunday school teacher is a critical ministry within a church community. It is a ministry of love and dedication. It can be incredibly rewarding to witness the spiritual growth of young parishioners and to be part of their faith journey. Sunday school teachers play a significant role in shaping the faith and values of the next generation.
At St. Matt’s, being a Sunday School teacher is not a full-time commitment! Rotating schedules and having the option to serve as a helper allows for a diverse group of volunteers with varying levels of experience and availability to contribute.
A Note about Planning: Not having to plan lessons can be a relief for some volunteers who may feel more comfortable assisting with established curriculum. However, those who are interested in creating lesson plans should also be encouraged to do so, as it can be a fulfilling aspect of teaching.
Interested in becoming a Helper? Please contact Mona Livermont or Cheryl Wheeler
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September is Food Drive Month
For the Month of September, we are collecting CANNED TUNA and CANNED CHICKEN. Please place items in the food barrels in the main hallway outside the parish hall.
Special Outreach Needs – Food Drive
The Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-op has asked all their supporting churches to hold a Special Food Drive in the Month of September. The state-run GNAP program (Georgia Nutrition Assistance Program) ended on Aug 31st. This program offered food products for purchase to all the food banks for pennies on the dollar. The co-ops will now have to stock their shelves by purchasing food wholesale. The co-op normally distributes 100 lbs. of food to the client households each month. That amount will have to be reduced to 40 lbs. The more donations the churches can raise will be a huge benefit to the Co-op. For those wishing to donate by check, please make the check payable to St. Matthew’s and put Food Co-op in the memo section.
Please support the food bank during this immediate need in keeping their shelves stocked!
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Youth Bear Witness at Camp Mikell Retreat
St. Matthews youth had their annual retreat at Camp Mikell, and it was amazing! The weather was hot, but the kids enjoyed learning about this year’s youth ministry theme, “Witness.” It is a noun for a person who sees an event take place, but it is also a verb – To profess Christ and proclaim Him. The group did Bible lessons on bearing witness and learned about the great commission and how they can bear witness and be witnesses in today’s world. Many thanks to our ministry leaders, adult chaperones, and program leaders, Jessie Hurst and Caroline Bowen, for making the weekend retreat successful.
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Many STM Hands Serve Dinner at the SE Gwinnett Co-op!
We’re so grateful for the many hands that helped prepare and serve dinner for clients of the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry on July 31, 2023. After the 10:30 a.m. service on July 30, several volunteers bagged sliced watermelon, and made and packed coleslaw. On July 31, at the Co-op, nine volunteers served more than 200 dinners from 4-6 p.m. Volunteers grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, and packaged them along with watermelon, coleslaw, chips, cookies and condiments to share with co-op clients.
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Christian Formation Registration Round-Up!
Sunday, July 30 — In between services
GAMES | CRAFTS | MUSIC | BREAKFAST
PreK-K
Learn bible stories, read about biblical heroes, and have fun with arts and crafts!
LOCATION: Christian Formation Wing
Grades 3-5
Review liturgical lessons for the day, explore our Episcopal identity, and have lots of fun!
LOCATION: Christian Formation Wing
Middle & High School
Join peers for liturgically based instruction, thought-provoking questions, and confirmation preparation
LOCATION: Undercoft
Adults
Small groups format for fellowship, unity, and interactive discussion
LOCATION: Parish Hall & Surrounding Locations
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SERVICE SCHEDULE
SUNDAY
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast
9:30 a.m. Christian Formation Classes for all ages (AUG-MAY)
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (with Livestream)
WEDNESDAY
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Healing Service and Bible Study
Click HERE for more information!
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Vacation Bible School July 10-14
Vacation Bible School 2023
OPERATION RESTORE — Mending God’s World
July 10-14, 2023
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Pre-K to 5th Grade
$25/child (max: $50/family) VBS 2023 CAMPER Registration Please contact the office with any questions!
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