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.

 

Plug in to Christian Formation!

There are several new offerings this fall at St. Matthew’s!

Where’s My Class?

 

 St. Matthew’s 101
NEW for month of NOVEMEBER
Meets in the Undercroft (downstairs from the parish hall)
November 2, 9, 16 & 23
This four-session class is especially for those new to St. Matt’s or to the Episcopal Church. Join us for fellowship, fun and facts!

Jesus of Nazareth 101
Meets in the Undercroft
Come to our class on the basic principles of Jesus. We hear and read about Jesus throughout our church services and daily lives. However, do we truly understand the details of his life and how the Gospel writers presented his story and transformative faith? We will spend the first half of fall exploring topics such as the virgin birth, the essence of the Good News, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. The second half will focus on some of the key issues Jesus raised (economics, politics, religion) that remain relevant today. If you know nothing or little about Jesus, want to learn more about the Gospels and who Jesus is, or need a refresher about the Son of God, everyone is welcome to join us for this class.

Fam Jam: Parenting – Joys, Struggles, and Raising Children to Know Christ
Meets in Room #1 (off the main hallway on the right)
Sunday’s Bible Study – Starts Sept 7: A continuation of the study of Genesis
Meets in the library (from the parish hall)

BEE a Part! Pre-K through 5th grade
Meets in the Christian Education wing
Youth 6th – 12th grades
Meets in the Undercroft (downstairs from the parish hall)

Wed Bible Study – Wednesdays 11:30am – 12:30pm, “Questions that Jesus Asked”
Meets in the library
Led by Father Tim. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus asked many questions that people either answered quickly or went away pondering for the rest of their lives. During the fall, we will explore questions that Jesus asked, including what we long for, who deserves compassion and healing, who Jesus is, and issues of faith and doubt. We will



Share this on your social network:

Vestry Corner – July 2025, by Dave Lott, Finance Liaison

I am honored to be serving in my second year on your Vestry. I am the liaison with the Finance Committee. Under the leadership of Mark DiGiovanni, the Finance Committee assists in preparing our annual budget and, working with Treasurer Chuck Marsh, reviews monthly the financial status of the parish and provides recommendations to the Vestry on financial issues. The parish has a very strong dual-control process in place for approving ongoing expenditures and our financial accounts are audited every year by an outside accounting firm. The Vestry has the final responsibility for approving the budget, the monthly financial reports as well as ongoing and extra-ordinary expenditures.

As I write this column in mid-July it is hard to believe we have already passed the halfway mark of both the calendar and our financial year. It seemed like we dashed through the seasons of Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost and a new school year will be starting for the kids in just a couple of weeks. I wanted to pause and take a moment to reflect with gratitude and share a few financial updates with the St. Matthew’s family.

Thanks to your ongoing generosity, our church’s financial health is strong and continues to recover from the Pandemic years. A summary of our current month and year-to-date revenue and expenses is included in each week’s Messenger newsletter as well as posted on the parish bulletin board in the hallway outside the parish office. Your faithful giving continues to support the daily life and ministries of our parish and we are so grateful for each and every contribution—whether it’s time, talent, or treasure.

Our Capital Campaign is progressing well, and we’re already seeing the fruits of your commitment. One of the most meaningful milestones so far has been the refurbishment of two of our cherished stained-glass windows. These windows don’t just beautify our sacred space—they tell stories, inspire prayer, and reflect the light of faith that shines through our parish and the Snellville community. It was a joy to see this first major project completed, and it’s a hopeful sign of things to come as there are several more significant and essential projects to be undertaken. If you haven’t made a pledge to the Campaign, it is never too late and I ask you to prayerfully consider doing so.

As we continue into the second half of the year, the Vestry remains committed to stewardship, transparency, and walking together in faith. Vestry meetings are normally held on the third Sunday of the month beginning around 12:15 in the Library. The meetings are open to all and we encourage those that might be interested in serving in the future on the Vestry to come and observe. If you are so interested, contact Fr. Tim, Senior Warden Susan Jung, Junior Warden Lindsay Isaacs or any Vestry member. There are four current members that are completing their three-year term at the end of this year.

Thank you again for your support and for being a vital part of the life of this church.

Blessings,

Dave Lott



Share this on your social network:

VBS Wrap Up: What a Week!

Our campus was filled with music and excitement as we explored the gospel of Matthew at TRUE NORTH: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World. We had 70 campers, our highest number since 2019! It was only possible because we also had an abundance of volunteers – 19 youth and 36 adults. Wow!!

Huge thanks to everyone to contributed to VBS, especially the center leaders who organized the various areas. Their hours of preparation made the week run smoothly.

There is no tired quite like “VBS tired,” but there’s also nothing quite like “VBS energy.” The songs will be playing on loop in our brains for weeks to come, and the sheer joy of witnessing the unrestrained exuberance as the children experience God’s love in our sacred space is incomparable.

As always, the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable the entire week, so it was perfectly fitting that Friday’s theme was all about Pentecost and the Great Commission. Truly, we lived out the Great Commission this week.

The army of volunteers who made VBS so successful:

Crafts: Laurel Goetz-Williams, Nancy Griner, Sharon Hansen; Music: Heather Roca; Recreation: Greg Andrews and his fabulous granddaughter Cheyene Hencley; Snack: Pam Denton, Vicki Conway, Diane Eberhart, Cheryl Wheeler, Liz Ludwig, Grayce Rector, Jaclyn Faircloth; Sticky Scripture: Deb Herron, Judith Kimsey; Registration and carpool: Amanda Livermont.

Shepherds: Ana Ittayem, Barbara Goodwin, Beth Fisher, Carolyn Coil, Chris Rouse, Christina Dedo, Eva Mitchell, Josh Hurst, Kim Schmidt, Lindsay Isaacs, Olivia Bridges, Pam Player, Scott Fisher, Susan Jung, Tom Penna.

Youth: Arabella L, Caroline W, Cyrus L, Declan M, Denton L, Ella Y, Emelia F, Emmanuel M, Graydon F-M, Hannah L, Harper S, Kenley F, Maddie F-M, Miranda L, Rory M, Wolfgang L, Noah L, Allyson F, Chloe W.

Special thanks to Fr. Tim for his spiritual guidance throughout the week: sharing the Bible to 5 groups every day, praying at opening and closing, and setting the tone for the week. And to Mandy Johnson and Jessie Hurst for managing the youth, leading opening and closing, and always being willing to fill in wherever needed. They modeled servant leadership as well as cheerful flexibility.

And finally, special thanks to Susan Carson and Karen Wilson, who fielded countless phone calls and emails, helped people register on Realm, and then assisted throughout the week behind the scenes. Karen even led yoga during recreation on Friday.

Being able to work alongside these incredible people is a true privilege, and I am always grateful for the opportunity to head up an amazing week of VBS. Being able to see God at work in ALL the details, and to witness God’s perfect provision is both awe-inspiring and humbling. I pray that everyone leaves this week feeling as blessed as I do.

Terri Hurst

Watch for more photos to be posted in the coming week!



Share this on your social network:

Stock the Shelves at the SE Co-op!

A group of 15 St. Matthew’s Volunteers participated in the Outreach opportunity to Stock the Shelves at the SE Co-Op in Grayson. We brought the food our parishioners have contributed where it is weighed and recorded. We then sort the items into bins, bag bulk items, sort items others bring to donate, and more. Best of all, we all have a fun time with smiles and laughter as we help our  community and share God’s Love!



Share this on your social network:

Summer “Jam Session”

The ECW, Episcopal Church Women, had a great Strawberry “Jam” Session! We learned a lot about the art of canning and enjoyed great fellowship! There will be a sample at breakfast this Sunday.
Heavenly Father, bless this jam and bless those who partake. May it nourish them and remind them of Your Goodness. Lord, thank You for these strawberries, a bounty from Your earth. May this jam bring sweetness and joy to those who eat it.

 



Share this on your social network:

Mystery Dinner Theater – SOLD OUT!

SOLD OUT! Saturday, Aug 23 7:00 PM

SOLD OUT! Sunday, Aug 24 1:30 PM

Thank you for your support for this dinner theater — stay tuned for future events!

LIMITED SEATING — don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

“Mystery of Montley’s Manor”

by Kimberlee Mendoza

Produced with special permission by Christian Publishers

Join us for an evening of intrigue, laughter, and delicious food. Step into a world of suspense with a colorful cast for thrilling whodunit while enjoying a delectable Italian-themed dinner!

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? Contact Beth Fisher to find out more about the volunteer opportunities for this event.

Our menu includes:

    • Garden fresh greens salad
    • Grilled chicken, nest of pasta and choice of marsala or bryan sauce and a vegetable medley (*vegetarian option available upon request)
    • Limoncello bread pudding
    • Beverage choices include iced tea and lemonade
    • Cash bar will be available with beer and wine

Questions?  See Beth Fisher or contact her via EventsStmatts@gmail.com

 



Share this on your social network:

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