St. Matthews Episcopal Church

Episcopal Church in Snellville, GA

 “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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Clergy Availability & Office Hours For Staff

August 26, 2021

Clergy availability & Office hours for staff

In case you were trying to determine the best time to catch me or the office staff, here is an overview of the clergy and staff’s weekly schedule.  Since we have limited paid staff in the office, I thought perhaps a brief idea about the hours that we are usually at the church would be helpful.

Susan Carson as Registrar and Communications Coordinator is also filling in for bulletin preparation.  Other activities previously assigned to the Parish Administrator are being evaluated and reassigned to committee chair persons or will become part of the new staff position when we finalize the office needs assessment.

Susan currently is trying to be at the office Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 2 pm.  Office volunteers and those hoping to drop by should do so from 10 am to 1 pm since you will find Preschool pick up and drop off will be a challenge at other times.

Please note that this is a general idea and not specific to each week since I often have meetings on Friday or Saturday and have to adjust my days off accordingly.  Susan’s schedule is also flexible since she works to facilitate parish needs and she has gone above and beyond to step in to help cover the bulletins and other urgent needs.

Sunday – Mother Pat is at the church from 7:30 am until around 1 or 2 pm and is available for meetings after worship as the parish calendar permits.  Pastoral calls are also made in the afternoon as the pandemic allows.  No office staff are scheduled for work on Sunday.

Monday – Mother Pat works at home from 9 am until 12 pm on sermons and preparation for the weeks events.  Mother Pat is in the office from around 12 pm until 3 or 4 pm depending on pastoral calls and meetings.  Susan is in the office from 10 am to 2 pm.

Tuesday – Mother Pat works at home from 9 am until 11 am on newsletter articles, special programs, and other upcoming events as well as continued sermon work.  Tuesday afternoons work continues at the church with meetings and various projects – appointment times and opportunity for phone calls are usually available.   Once a month there is an afternoon meeting of the Deanery clergy.  Also quarterly there are meetings with the clergy, or the Bishop, or a continuing education event and those may be all day meetings.  Some weeks Mother Pat will come into the office later in order to be able to stay until 8 pm to meet with folks who work during the day and for scheduled committee meetings or worship opportunities.  Susan is in the office from 10 am to 2 pm.

Wednesday – Mother Pat arrives at the church around 9 am to prepare for preschool chapel and Wednesday Holy Eucharist & service of healing.  Worship is followed by meetings and appointments as well as outreach and other pastoral activities in the afternoon.  Susan is in the office from 10 am to 2 pm.

Thursday – Mother Pat works at home on Thursday finalizing sermon preparation, working on projects and trying to answer e-mails, voice mail etc.  This day is also for finalizing newsletter articles, working on special projects and items which need uninterrupted time to complete.  Susan is in the office from 10 am to 2 pm.  Mother Pat may be in the office if there are meetings or appointments requiring a clergy presence.

Friday – Mother Pat’s day off except for meetings of the Diocese, wedding rehearsals, or urgent pastoral needs.  Mother Pat will often work at home on sermons and other projects.  No office staff are currently scheduled to work on Friday, the office is closed to routine activities.

Saturday – Mother Pat’s other day off except for Diocesan events, weddings, and other activities which are occasionally scheduled in addition to this; but not a routine day for appointments.  No office staff work on Saturday.

The best way to get information to me is to e-mail I pick up email several times a day.  If it is urgent, please text or call the emergency cell phone at 404-754-6980.  That phone remains on 24 hrs a day, so unless you need something urgently, please email the church at the address.  You can call the church office and usually I will be able to answer, although I have been known to accidently cut off the call.  If that happens, please call back and I will attempt the complicated phone system again, hopefully with more success.  If all else fails leave a message and someone will try to get back with you as quickly as we can.  If you leave a voice message at the church on Thursday afternoon or over the weekend, we won’t get your message until Monday morning so e-mail if you can.  If we don’t answer, we are either in a meeting, worship, or working on issues which do not allow us to answer the phone.  If you have an emergency illness or family death, always try the church office during the day because that is likely where we will be; but if you don’t get a “live person” then call my (Mother Pat’s) cell phone which is always on.  Of course if your question is about the parish office operations, communications (print and electronic) or registrar function, you can e-mail Susan at and she will either provide you the information or forward your e-mail to the clergy or appropriate vestry person.

I realize this transition is difficult and I am here to support you in the best way that I can.  Please let me know how I can help you and the parish in this time of change.  We are evaluating the needs of the parish and how to use paid staff and volunteers in the best way possible.  We will finalize position descriptions for the Music Director and the Parish Administrator and then move forward with the Vestry to seek the best individuals for those positions.  St. Matthew’s has all the resources needed to move forward, so we invite you to pray for the work of discernment as we continue to evaluate what is needed now and in the future to ensure God’s work is done in and through St. Matthew’s.  God’s peace and joy, Mother Pat+



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Filed Under: Spotlight on Ministry

2021 Tenth Annual Car Show – October 16, 2021

August 24, 2021

Register your car, truck or motorcycle HERE.

Saturday, October 16, 2021

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain or Shine!

A judged event for cars, trucks, and motorcycles!

Food–Fun–Family-Event

 

 



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Update On Masking Policy From the Diocese

August 5, 2021

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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Intergenerational VBS Meets Every Wednesday In July

July 9, 2021

Wanted By God: Intergenerational VBS
Wednesday Evenings in July (7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th)
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Week 1: We had a great evening creating our riding partners for our journey of faith. Not only did we make horses out of pool noodles we also discussed how the concepts of loyalty and commitment are important to our faith journey, using the book of Ruth as our setting. This coming Wednesday, July 14th, we will be discussing Moses’ encounter with the burning bush. See you next week!

Week 2: This week we had a wonderful time creating beautiful string art projects of crosses, hearts and horses. We also discussed Moses and the burning bush and how we can practice being aware and present to what God is doing within our world.

Week 3: We decorated and adorned our Prayer Journals and played BINGO. Journaling can help in many ways from helping to create a gratitude list, to writing about how your day went, as well as clarifying your thoughts. We discussed how journaling can assist us when we journey through those times of testing, similar to when Jesus entered the wilderness.  We have one VBS Night left, Wednesday, July 28th. We will be visiting Jim & Susan Jung’s barn, giving us a truly authentic western flavor. If you are interested in attending please contact me so we have enough supplies.         Fr. Tommy 



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Filed Under: Christian Education, Parish Life

St. Matthew’s God Bless America 4th of July Picnic

June 17, 2021

Sunday, July 4 in the parish hall
After the 10:45 a.m. service (about noon)

Let’s celebrate coming back together in a big way!

The Fellowship committee will serve a holiday meal
of fried chicken, potato salad, individual bag of chips
and a brownie.
Water and tea will be provided.

Please Register On Realm to give us a head count for the meal.

A love offering will be accepted to cover the cost of the food and supplies.

You may want to bring lawn chairs, games (indoors or outside) or cards to play, or sidewalk chalk, etc. for the children.
(Be sure to dress in red, white and blue!)

Don’t miss it!

 

 



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Filed Under: Parish Life, Spotlight on Ministry

Fun, Free Fellowship Wednesdays At. St. Matt’s

June 17, 2021

Wednesdays In June
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

All are invited.
Gather with friends (or make new ones!) and reconnect with your parish family
for an evening of fellowship and games every Wednesday evening in June.

Outdoors or in the parish hall depending on weather conditions.
Outdoor Tic Tac Toe, Corn Hole, and others.

Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating outdoors
Bring your own picnic or snacks & drinks if desired.

Have a game to share, or have any questions?
Contact Trisha Voiles or Becky Olbon

See You There!

 



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St. Matthew’s Service Schedule

June 14, 2021

St. Matthew’s offers in-person worship opportunities on Sundays and during the week. Visit our Location and Worship Information page for the current schedule.

 



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Volunteers Needed — SE Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry

May 27, 2021

The National Guard soldiers who have been assisting at the Co-Op since the beginning of COVID, have been  recalled, and there is a dire need for more volunteers to help ensure the continued smooth process of food distribution to the clients. Anyone interested please contact Dot Desjardin at ddesjardin@segwinnettcoop.org

Volunteer Skills Needed:
• Able to easily lift 20 lb box
• Ability to stand and walk on concrete floor for long periods of time
• Willing to take and follow directions from team leads and CoOp management
• Set up Canopy Tents and 6-8ft tables outside
• Easily work both indoors and outdoors as needed

Special Volunteer Skills
• Able to use a pallet jack to help unload and safely move pallets of food

Pantry Shift Hours:
• Mondays 1st shift: 9am-1pm 2nd Shift: 2pm – 7pm
• Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9am – 12n
• Wednesdays and Fridays: 8:30am – 12n
• Saturdays: 10am -12n
All volunteers must:
• Wear closed toed shoes
• Masks are required for unvaccinated volunteers and anyone preferring to wear one

To see other current outreach needs and area resources, please visit our Outreach page.



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Filed Under: Outreach, Spotlight on Ministry

Hymn Highlights: Music For Rogation Days

May 6, 2021

Our opening hymn this coming Sunday (5/8/2021) is hymn #292, “O Jesus, crowned with all renown”, a hymn for Rogation Days by Archbishop of Canterbury Edward White Benson (1829-1896). Archbishop Benson is perhaps best remembered as the creator of Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in 1880 when he was Bishop of Truro. Hymn 292 was written in 1860 whilst he was headmaster of Wellington College. This hymn first appeared in The Hymnal 1916.

Traditionally, the three days before Ascension Day are observed as Rogation Days. The Sunday before the Ascension, the Sixth Sunday of Easter, is traditionally known as Rogation Sunday. These are days of prayer to ask God’s blessing on crops, for an abundant harvest, and protection from natural disasters. Traditionally the parish vicar, wardens, choir boys, and others would process around boundaries of the parish, carrying long sticks, while occasionally stopping to recite or chant Psalms or the Litany of Saints. This procession around the geographical area of the parish was known as “beating the bounds”. Rogation days were also a time for people of the parish to settle disputes and disagreements to come together as a community. See the following link for more information on the history of Rogation Days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eLmFv-ilXA  

In The Hymnal 1982, hymn #292 is paired with the tune Kingsfold. Kingsfold was originally an English folksong that Ralph Vaughan Williams arranged for The English Hymnal, 1906 where it was paired with the text “I heard the voice of Jesus say”. Vaughan Williams first heard the tune in the village of Kingsfold in northwest Sussex where the text was about “Dives and Lazarus”. The tune was used by Vaughan Williams in Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus for string orchestra and harp which you can listen to here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQoP9iLwoos

O Jesus, crowned with all renown

1. O Jesus, crowned with all renown,
since thou, the earth hast trod,
thou reignest and by thee come down
henceforth the gifts of God.
Thine is the health and thine the wealth
that in our halls abound,
and thine the beauty and the joy
with which the years are crowned.

2.Lord, in their change, let frost and heat,
and winds and dews be given;
all fostering power, all influence sweet,
breathe from the bounteous heaven.
Attemper fair and gentle air
the sunshine and the rain,
that kindly earth with timely birth
may yield her fruits again:

3.That we may feed the poor aright,
and, gathering round thy throne,
here, in the holy angel’s sight,
repay thee of thine own:
That we may praise thee all our days,
and with the Father’s Name,
and with the Holy Spirit’s gifts,
the Savior’s love proclaim.

Edward White Benson (1829-1896)



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Filed Under: Music, Spotlight on Ministry, Worship

Warden’s Corner April, 2021

April 22, 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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At St. Matthew’s, our MISSION is to continue the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, by serving the greater community through loving its children, caring for the unfortunate and witnessing to the healing power of God’s love.

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