St. Matthews Episcopal Church

Episcopal Church in Snellville, GA

St. Matthew’s strives to be a welcoming home for all who
seek Jesus Christ as we share God’s Love with the community.

 
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St. Matt’s Preschool: Five Year Highlights, by Juanita Little

July 14, 2023

FIVE YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

Since being asked to submit an update on the preschool, I have been taking the time to reflect on the life-changing role that God placed me in 5 years ago. There has been much accomplished and many changes were made that affected the preschool in that timeline.

2017 – The Great Flood

The flood in the preschool caused us to find another location to hold school during renovations or face closing for a time. Since the undercroft at the church flooded at the same time, that was not a viable option. Thankfully God provided a community church just down the road that was not using their education wing. We moved there in November and returned home to St. Matthew’s in February 2018. Little did we know that this move would also plant a seed for the preschool. We could have lost some families during the transition but God is so faithful – because we didn’t. In fact, we added to our numbers starting a succession of years of full enrollment.

2018 – Playground Addition #1

The church we used while renovations from the flood were being made had playground equipment unlike ours. Because the children enjoyed theirs so much, the Executive Board decided it was time to replace the older wooden structure, that had been repaired numerous times, in the bigger playground area. Because God provided – through great stewardship and because another year of full enrollment was expected, new playground equipment and layout was prayed about, voted on by the Vestry, purchased by the preschool and installed that Fall.

2019 – Trike-A-Thon

For the first time, we held a Trike-A-Thon raising funds for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. The Trike-A-Thon was as a fun, service-learning program for the children that included a week of learning the importance of bike (scooter/riding toy) safety. It was a great way to teach our children about the power they have to help others, the spirit of giving, and serving other children.

2020 – Covid and WAP/TV installation

The Covid pandemic shut down the preschool in March causing much alarm and a scramble to figure out how we could keep our students and staff currently engaged while favorably effecting the future of the preschool. We quickly moved to digital learning for the remainder of the school year without requiring tuition from our families. Not only did we hold learning Zoom sessions; we added a weekly story/music hour where many of our teachers and students participated. It took all summer to write new Covid policies and have them approved by the Vestry so we could proceed to open later that September. We safely opened to smaller class sizes and fewer staff members with only shutting down one class that year for a week right before the Christmas break.

While the church and preschool were still closed, we purchased new wiring and television mounts to be installed throughout the preschool wing. This wiring was needed to upgrade the WI-FI connection and give the ability to add televisions in each of the classrooms for educational purposes and Sunday school usage.

2021—The “New Normal”

Like all schools around the world, we faced incorporating a “new normal” at the preschool. Which included not allowing parents into the building, continuing mandatory carpool and figuring out how to hold our cherished family events and in-house field trips in a safe way. All while wearing masks and continuing all of the vigorous safety and cleaning protocols. Again, God was faithful as we resumed our usual class sizes to full enrollment and more teachers returned.

We welcomed, for the first time, the Art Auction preschool fundraiser. Held in the Parish Hall with donations given by St. Matthew’s Episcopal parishioners, staff, students, local artists, students’ parents and grandparents. This fundraiser replaced the Silent Auction that was held yearly every Spring. Because the Art Auction was so successful in raising $2,875 for the preschool, we decided to hold it again the following year.

2022 – Playground Addition #2 & Welcomed Changes

I can’t even put into words how much of my faith it took to embrace the idea of adding yet more playground equipment after seeing how the disruption of the pandemic shut down so many preschools and businesses for good. But God! God continued to bless our diligence with our preschool families and faithfulness in continuing to grow the preschool by once again showing us it was time, yet again, to replace the last wooden structure on the smaller playground with new equipment. Hence, new equipment, along with a long-desired rubber pour-in-place, was installed last summer.

During the pandemic, we had to learn how to creatively hold our cherished events in new ways. Holding Graduation in the lovely gardens that the Flower Guild so diligently donates their time and talents to is one of our new favorites. It’s a lovely backdrop for pictures and we don’t have to limit our families. Another new thing we will continue to do is hold our open houses outside in the pavilion avoiding overcrowding in the classroom and allows families more individual time to chat with their child’s teacher.

This was the year of returning to some of our traditional events and embracing new changes teaching us to be so flexible. Having breakfast with Santa returned this year. We hosted a Sweetheart Dance which we haven’t held in many years. We allowed the parents to come into the building again giving them the ability to connect and communicate with teachers in person. We started the year with masks being required and changed to masks not required in January. Again, the Art Auction was a success; even better than the previous year, raising $3,800 for the preschool.

2023

As we begin another school year in just a few weeks, I realize that a change has taken place in me. A change that is teaching me that traditions or “the way we used to do it” may need adjusting or be disposed of and that’s okay. As I change positions in the preschool this Fall to Assistant Director — for family reasons — I am reminded that modifications can be good though sometimes difficult to embrace. It’s been a little hard for me to release the reins from “what we’ve always done” as Dalex Sullivan, takes on the role as Director. As she teaches me new things and makes me more tech savvy, I am trying to remember to be flexible and to see the preschool in a new light while still holding onto the mission of the ministry that embraces our preschool families, the church, and our community. A few things we never want to change is: our staff to share the light of Jesus with our little ones; not only teach academics and socialization but love for one another; and to let our actions be an illustration of the hands and feet of the body of Christ.

Juanita Little

For more information on St. Matthew’s Preschool and Kindergarten, click here.

 



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Filed Under: Children's Ministry, Christian Education, Ministries, News, Preschool, Spotlight on Ministry

Easter 2023 Photos

April 13, 2023








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Filed Under: Easter, Ministries, News, Parish Life, Worship

A Word from Fr. Tim+: New Community

March 10, 2023

Last weekend, New Beginnings #45 was held at Camp Mikell. New Beginnings is a spiritual retreat for middle school youth staffed by high school youth and adult leaders. The retreat is a wonderful way to connect or reconnect with God.

Many youth from around the diocese, many of them from St. Matthew’s, gathered for music, spiritual talks, small group time, four-square competition, and fellowship. Having been the spiritual director for the weekend, I observed what I call “instant community.” No matter where everyone came from, what the previous week was like, or what grade you were in, people formed a community. I loved seeing how strangers and old friends created community and everyone was a part of it. No prerequisites or applications, just presence. As the weekend restart unfolded, I saw how tight the community had become and friendships that became solid and treasured. I saw the community that Jesus envisioned for the world unfold, which is beautiful and hopeful.

We are always asked in the baptismal liturgy, “Will you respect the dignity of every human being?” and New Beginnings is the place where the answer to this question is not just answered but is put into practice. We have the opportunity to learn so much from teenagers about our faith. We can see how the love of Jesus for all is the community that young people form.

Let’s continue to support our youth ministries and renewal retreats for youth as much as possible. And let’s embrace New Beginnings as a model for the community we want to build, not just because Jesus wants to make it a reality for us, but because it will help form us into the people that God wants us to be.

Blessings and Beginnings, Fr. Tim+



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Filed Under: Christian Education, Ministries, News, Parish Life, Spotlight on Ministry, Youth

Pancake Supper Served by our St. Matt’s Youth on Shrove Tuesday

February 23, 2023





Many thanks! and kudos to the Youth and the youth parents for an outstanding Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday, February 21! We had a great turnout for the evening, and appreciate all the support from the parish for our youth program. All funds generated will support youth programs.

Check out a few photos from the evening!



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Filed Under: Lent, Ministries, News, Parish Life, Spotlight on Ministry, Youth

Celebration of New Ministry: Installation of Fr. Tim Meyers

January 25, 2023

God Willing,

The Right Reverend Robert Wright

Bishop of Atlanta
Will Celebrate a New Ministry
with

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

and

The Reverend Timothy Meyers

Thursday, February 2, 2023

at Six o’clock in the Evening

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
1520 Oak Road
Snellville, Georgia 30078
Your prayers and presence are requested
Clergy White Stoles
Reception



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Warden’s Corner: August Update

August 19, 2022

August Update on Our Ministries at St. Matthew’s
from Trisha Voiles, Sr. Warden

Building & Grounds has had another busy month! We began the month scaring the attendees of the Wednesday Healing Prayer service when they arrived for the service by having a parking lot full of Snellville and Gwinnett Police officers. BUT The reason was for protection training–and not crime. John Eberhart had attended a Homeland Security Presentation sponsored by the Diocese and had the speaker come speak with our local law enforcement, the vestry, and the preschool directors. We walked the campus and received a security audit. We discovered there are grants to help purchase systems for the church, and many other tips and procedures we will be working on in the next months/year.

Other projects: B&G is having the roof repaired over the Parish Hall where a leak is causing the parish hall ceiling to peel away. The roof is now repaired, and bids are coming in for the ceiling. Have you noticed the front courtyard sidewalk dipping? This is another issue that is being repaired. Apparently, the ground below was being compressed, but PolyLift has been able to lift and level it to eliminate the tripping hazard. Thank you to our Building and Grounds Team for their vigilance.

Christian Education began the CE year with a wonderful Sign-Up Circus. There were clowns, popcorn, facepainting, and even an elephant (although it was one of the wonderful balloon creations along with turtles, ladybugs, swords). The children and youth classes will begin full force this week. The adult classes met initially last week and will resume on September 11. And come out for our August Adult Forums! We will be having informational sessions to help you listen for God’s Gifts to help you serve St. Matthews (Stewardship-but don’t let that keep you away or you will miss the fun.) and an Update of the new rector search with the Parish Profile Presentation.

Youth Group began last weekend with a wonderful Youth Retreat up at Camp Mikell! What a great way to build the group with a “Be At Peace” theme. This school year the Youth Group has hired two interns to help guild the spiritual growth in the program. Caroline Bowen and Jessie Hurst are former Youth members, returning to share God’s Love with our young adults.

Some Upcoming Dates – Mark your calendar to be involved in our ministries:

August 26 – Restaurant Foyers: Universal Joint, Lawrenceville, Dinner at 7pm

August 29 – Outreach Co-op Dinner

September 17 – St. Matthew’s Gwinnett Stripers Baseball Game (Stripers are a type of fish known in the GA waters.)

September 25 – St. Matthew’s Celebration Luncheon and Ministry Fair

October 8 – Vestry and Committee Chairs Planning Meeting

October 9 – Blessing of the Animals



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We caught the wave of God’s love at Surf Shack!

July 15, 2022





























Wow! What a fun week surfing through the scriptures at VBS! The sanctuary was transformed to a coral reef and the parish hall was home to a tiki bar and beach scene. You may feel like you’re under the sea thanks to Becky Olbon’s handiwork with the window decorations.

We had a smaller than usual group of campers but it was the perfect way to get back in to the swing of things after a 2-year hiatus. Most of our campers were from the community so we’re hoping some will return to St. Matt’s for Sunday School and church.

Thanks so much to all our adult and youth volunteers who made VBS happen! We had many “VBS veterans” and many “rookies” who made it a great week for everyone. Huge thanks to our center leaders: Juanita Little (crafts), Trisha Voiles and Cheryl Wheeler (snack and Bible story), Karen Whitehead and Rich Morris (music), and Greg Andrews and Kenny Adkins (recreation). Jessie Hurst organized the youth, and Susan Carson helped with registration and check in. Our Shepherds were Betty Medlin, Carol Maneol, Carol Walsh, Jay Jones, Josh Hurst, Judith Kimsey, Mona Livermont and Liz Livermont. And additional volunteers in Snack, Bible Story and Crafts were Gail Sawyer, Beth DiGiovanni, Nancy Griner, Sharon Hansen, Susan Adkins, Vicki Conway and Paula Pownell. And Karen Wilson even taught yoga during Recreation one day!

Our youth volunteer force was small but mighty: Becky and Jessie Barringer, Maddie Ferrell-Mixon, Mia Lewis, Rory Morris, Stanley Livermont and Jacob Hurst.

Thank you all for answering the call to be the hands and feet of Jesus at VBS!

Terri Hurst and Becky Olbon
Co-Directors



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Filed Under: Children's Ministry, Christian Education, Ministries, News, Parish Life, Spotlight on Ministry, Youth

Spotlight on Ministry: Flower Guild

April 1, 2022

Have you ever wondered about the beautiful flowers on the altar? Did you know that there is a small group that arranges them each week? At one time in St. Matthew’s history the flowers were purchased from local florists in Snellville and the altar guild would place them on the altar. The guild was formed by Ildy Mezey in 2015 and continues now under Janis Williams and Beth DiGiovanni. The guild purchases some flowers, in addition to using greenery & flowers right from the St. Matthew’s campus.
There are times in the liturgical season that dictate the color of the flowers – Red for Pentecost, White for Easter, funerals, Bishop visit, Bare Branches for Lent, Greenery for Advent. Then there are the other times where the Flower Guild members have an open pallet for colors!
We are looking for members for the guild. You do not have to be a floral expert! We have a group of members now who are shadowing members a week a month. If you are interested in finding out more about the Flower Guild please contact Janis Williams or Beth DiGiovanni.
Flowers for the altar are supported by donations from the St. Matthew’s members. Since we are now fully open and in person after the pandemic closure in 2021, we currently have many weeks open on the Sunday Flower chart outside the church office. If you have a special week to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, memory of a family member, or just a Thanksgiving, please consider adding their name (and yours) to our flower chart or contact the office to help. The suggested amount of the donation is $65, but any contribution you are able to make is appreciated.



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A Huge Thank You From the Knit, Crochet & Pray Ministry

January 13, 2022

The Knit, Crochet, Pray Ministry (KCP) at St. Matthew’s thanks all people who donated money, yarn, hats, scarves, gloves or mittens to our drive for Rosebud Episcopal Mission in Mission, SD.  From this particular donation (starting our 2022 contribution), we mailed 36 hats/scarves/gloves sets, 17 hats/gloves sets, 24 extra pairs of gloves, and one pair of socks. These items were mailed last week when the temperatures were from -12-6 degrees F. The Rosebud Lakota Reservation has over 4,000 children between the ages of 4-18 years. Hence, you understand why this project is ongoing for KCP, even though our biggest collections are in the winter.

We also appreciate your donations for prayer shawls (which go to parishioners or their family/friends in need of support because of illness, death, other hardships) and/or chemo caps (which go to the Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Hospital) and/or hats and scarves for the local homeless.

Last year, KCP donated the following items, thanks to your support.

Prayer Shawls given – 89

Chemo caps – 72

Rosebud Reservation:
63 hat, scarf, gloves/mitten sets
32 hat, scarf sets
13 hats
5 scarves
10 pairs of gloves
1 pair of socks
4 headbands
Clean, but gently used:
10 hat, scarf, glove sets
5 scarves
5 pairs of gloves
4 headbands

Homeless at the Church of the Common Ground
30 hat/scarf sets
Box of flat flashlights

We are so grateful for your help, and we hope you will consider assisting us in the future.

Thanks and Prayers,

Beth DiGiovanni



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Filed Under: Global Mission, Outreach, Spotlight on Ministry

History Minute: St. Matthew’s Pavilion

September 24, 2021

Have you ever wondered about our beautiful pavilion, and how it came to be? Check out the new display at the pavilion chronicling the history of this structure and the important role it’s had in the fellowship events at St. Matt’s. To see the display, click here. (Note: the old plaque did not photograph well and is missing in the graphic. To see the full display, check it out in the in the current pavilion, located next to the rear parking lot.

Our thanks to all those instrumental in the planning, funding, building, and completion of our St. Matt’s pavilion since its inception. Special thanks to the Oren Morris Chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew at St. Matt’s, those Boy Scouts from our Scout Troop 533, whose Eagle projects centered on the pavilion, and to Phil Morgan for his work in putting together and erecting the history display.

 



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Recent Posts

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“Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.” Psalm 95, v.1-2

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