St. Matthew's 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.

 

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

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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Epiphany Meditation: Searching For Joy, by Jay Sidebotham+

If I could meet the magi, the question on my mind: What made them take that road trip? What did they hope to find?

Assume their lives were comfortable. It paid well to be wise. They spent their days at camel chase. At night they scanned the skies.

They knew the stars like back of hand. They’d studied well and hard. Advanced degreed astrology, In school they got gold stars

Another way to ask it: What was it they were lacking? Was there some royal restlessness that sent them westward packing?

One eastern night when moon was hid and stars were shining bright, They wisely cast a glance above and spied a different light.

Next night the same, but brighter. Where did that star come from? How could they have been missing it? And had it been there long?

Mounting camels, off they went following that light. No need to go to mapquest. The star would steer them right.

I’m sure you’ve heard the gender jokes, how men can’t ask directions. Not so for these astrologers: They made a course correction.

By calling on a colleague. King Herod, deemed much wiser. They asked if he would point the way. He called in his advisers.

Who searched the scripture for a text to pass along to them They told the Magi where to go “Head straight for Bethlehem”

We each are like the magi. I wonder if you know it. (Though you may think it less than wise for priest to pose as poet)

Our lives become predictable. We live out our routines. But then a light makes us look up and restlessness creeps in.

We realize then we’re seekers for things that fill the bill. Will money make us happier? Relationships fulfill?

We sometimes shop at Herod’s (the king, and not the store) To see if power fills that place. We’re always after more.

If we could just work harder. The next promotion reach. If we could just act better. And practice what we preach.

We each are on a journey to find joy in our lives. In many ways, we try to fill the gaps that life supplies.

What are you seeking in your life? Is search for joy your quest? Have you a clue where it is found? Or where it’s best expressed?

A search for joy can lose its way when clouds obscure the star. And pain of life can hide the light and then we don’t get far.

Our search for joy can get bogged down, get gridlocked spiritually Our lives get in a traffic jam. There’s no green light to see.

We focus on what others have. But what we fail to do Is seek for joy by looking up, by looking for what’s new.

What’s new is represented in Bethlehem’s young boy. That’s where we find an answer if we’re really seeking joy.

Like those kings who made that trip and left their status quoing. There’s new life to be found by all if we will start let going.

Let go. Let God. Our travel tip. Let star become the guide. And know that when we take a step we go with God beside.

We each are on a journey that’s guided by the Spirit. It sometimes is a bumpy road. It’s sometimes hard to steer it.

But the journey is a gift itself when made by me and you. When traveling with other folks we come on something new.

A life we’d not expected. Grace that helps us cope. A light that shines in darkness. Amid the cold night: Hope.

Community in loneliness. A place to bring our gifts. A common spirit traveling. A star that spirits lifts.

It’s possible to travel far and never leave this place. A journey of the spirit starts with one small step toward grace.

The biggest trek can be one step of welcoming God’s love. Of worshipping with eyes raised up. That is the way we move.

Our world sure needs us magi. Needs wise folk seeking love Who look beyond the glitter to see a star above.

So let’s head back 2000 years to what these magi teach us. Across the miles, across the years their witnesses still reach us.

We find the magi traveling. The Exit: Bethlehem They’re slouching in their camel seats. The next step’s up to them.

They’ve traveled far. They’re tired. They’ve quarreled just a bit. Go right. Go left. Head north. Head south. But it was worth the trip.

For when they met the infant king, entitlement surrendered. They offered gold, incense and myrrh, the best they had to tender.

The star they followed led them to the child they now adore. The one they flood with presents has given them back more.

It all made sense, so quickly clear, the reason for those miles The search for joy now ended with holy family smiles.

It all made sense in worship. They found it filled their needs And when we worship Christ child king, our search for joy succeeds.

This ending a beginning. Move ahead they must They headed home another way, left Herod in the dust.

Their story teaches lessons still, through years more than 2k It teaches us to move ahead. Go home another way.

Go forward from the place you offered gift on bended knee. Go forward to the journey next based on Epiphany

Go forward based on glimpse of light that guides when dark surrounds. Go forward on your journey. There’s more joy to be found.

-Jay Sidebotham



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Tenth Annual St. Matthew’s Car Show WrapUp

Our 10th Annual St. Matthews Car Show turned out to be a great success this year.  Some of the best vintage classic cars, trucks and motorcycles in Georgia were in attendance to the tune of over ninety cars.  We had a fantastic Silent Auction with over 30 items and we had bidders on every single one of them.  We had several new arts and craft vendors and, last but not least, we had Tipsy Pig who brought us great ribs, chicken, and barbeque.

Family Promise of Gwinnett County, who works to help homeless families in the area, was the recipient of a whopping $20,000 donation. We couldn’t have done it without our sponsorships, our volunteers, our Bake Sale, Knit Pearl and Pray, our Kids Zone, the car registrations, vendor fees and the monies raised from our silent auction.  Plus Bishop Rob was here with us to pick the Bishop’s Choice trophy recipient and stayed with us through the trophy presentations.

A great big Thank you to all that helped to make this show such a great Outreach and Fellowship event.  The Car Show Committee, our volunteers, all of our sponsors, those who supported us with your prayers and encouragement and all of St. Matthews , we thank you all!!

Check out the photos here! 



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Baptismal Promise # 3

Rooted in Christ and carrying the cross of cross we are to Proclaim the good news.

In case you have not taken a good look at the prayer card that you got in the mail with your ministry commitment form. I invite you to take a deeper look. Rooted in Christ – what does that really mean to you?

The cross reminds us of Christ’s saving act, but it also reminds us that in our humanity we are capable of great sin. But Jesus doesn’t leave us in that sinful place – he offers grace and forgiveness. Jesus came among us in order to show us how to live and he came to share God’s forgiveness and grace with us. The Church is Christ’s body – that means that we are to live in such a way that people meet Jesus when they meet us. That is how we live out our third baptismal promise which is to PROCLAIM by word and example the good news.

That is what we are supposed to be about. We are to be that compassionate and caring place, the church, where Christ is proclaimed, lives are transformed and people’s needs are met through word, sacrament, service and community.

We, as the committed disciples of Christ at St. Matthew’s, are to be that place which centers and grounds all who come to us. We are the place where people do not have to be ashamed of their sins but rather find and experience God’s abundant love and forgiveness in our midst

In our third baptismal promise, God asks “Will you Proclaim by word and example the good news?” “Will you”, Jesus asks us again and again everyday. Will you be my eyes and ears to see and hear the needs of the world? Will you take action by your words and deeds to bring the love of God to those who have not yet found their way?

Will you, Jesus asks us. And we prayerfully and faithfully say, “I will with God’s help”.

I invite you to continue your prayerful discernment about how you are called to live into your discipleship. Rooted in Christ, supported by worship, education, community & service we grow in our spiritual maturity and in our faith. As we fix our focus on the cross gazing toward God, we see the outstretched arms of Christ which form the crossbeams of the cross – we are invited and challenged to reach out in evangelism and social outreach. As we journey with Christ we find ourselves more and more opening our arms in a wide embrace proclaiming by word and deed the good news of God’s love for all creation. Blessings, Mother Pat+



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History Minute: St. Matthew’s Pavilion

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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Update On Masking Policy From the Diocese

The CDC, local Public Health Authorities and the Diocese have issued updated guidance on the COVID virus and the continuing pandemic as infections are again on the rise and hospitalizations are increasing quickly. The only change to St. Matthew’s current practice is that masks should be worn when there are gatherings at the parish. The Diocese has not “changed” any of the other options. Fully vaccinated choir members can still sing without masks (although we want them in the choir loft 20 ft. from the congregation) and the clergy and other fully vaccinated individuals actively leading worship are also able to read and sing without masks (again those activities take place away from the gathered congregation). Masks are still required for clergy and others during the administration of the bread during communion because of our close proximity to each person who will be removing their mask to receive communion.
Therefore, the Vestry and clergy strongly encourage everyone wear a mask regardless of vaccination status while in the parish buildings (both pre-school and parish). On Sundays, the ushers will have masks available for anyone who does not have one. Everyone is welcome to attend worship at either service as there are no numeric limitations on attendance.
Fully vaccinated small group gatherings can decide when they have gathered, if they wish to wear masks during their meeting or if they feel comfortable deciding to remove their masks for their time together. Our goal remains the same to protect the vulnerable and to extend hospitality to everyone by taking on the responsibility of wearing masks at worship and in larger gatherings in order to prevent an outbreak of the latest viral variant which spreads so easily. We appreciate your willingness to protect those around you by wearing a mask. We invite your prayers for those impacted by the pandemic and for those who are sick.
The Rev. Dr. Pat Miller+



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Warden’s Corner April, 2021

Spring has sprung and we are moving right along with preparations so that we can get everyone back in the sanctuary. The replacement of the fabric on the organ speakers is taking place this week and the HVAC replacement in the sanctuary will take place during the next month.

The Flower guild had planned a plant and flower sale for this Saturday, but the predicted rain means that it must be rescheduled for May 8th. If you still have plants or flowers to donate, please contact Trisha Voiles or Janis Williams. The funds raised will help with our ongoing Buildings and Grounds expenses.

The Buildings and Grounds committee has planned a Parish Workday Party for May 15, and I know I will see all your smiling faces there eager to help them clean and organize our Parish home! For more information, contact Steve Charron or Janis Williams.

We just found out this week that we have another unit that needs to be repaired and the estimate is $2,500.00. Anybody have some spare change?

Since we are speaking about money, I would love to say Thank you to all who are continuing to give online, through the mail and in person. In the first quarter, the operating revenue was $96,223.00 and operating expenses were $92,459.00 which meant we had a surplus of $3,764.00! Having a surplus is great but we must understand that the main the reason our expenses were lower is that we have not been paying a full-time rector and we are using restricted funds to pay for Father Tommy’s expenses.

Thanks to the hard work of Chuck Marsh, we were able to secure another PPP loan for $45,530.00 which will used for salaries for the upcoming months and we hope it will be forgiven as the last PPP loan we received in the fall. We are still waiting to here back from the Diocese on whether our loan application has been approved which will be used to fund the HVAC sanctuary repairs and AV upgrades. So please continue to send in your offerings and continue your prayers for St. Matthew’s.

In February, Canon Alicia Schuster-Weltner joined us through Zoom to explain the Interim and rector search process that we will be going through over the next year or two. In that meeting, she addressed that Father Tommy would have to look for another job as his contract with St. Matthew’s ended when Mother Liz retired. We have been truly blessed to have him at St. Matthew’s and he will be missed.  He has begun to have interviews and hopes to have something in place by the end of May.  I will be speaking with Canon Alicia next week about our next steps in the process.

The Vestry has been working on putting together a list of names for the nominating committee this past month as well as working on updating our website and ministries information. Please continue to pray for guidance and discernment your Vestry.

Blessings and Peace,

Becky Olbon



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“Lord, I love the house in which you dwell
and the place where your glory abides. *
Psalm 26:8