Kevin Schubert
I am happy to announce that Bishop Wimberly and the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Texas have now approved our Deacon and Curate, the Rev. Kevin Schubert, for ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests. The ordination will take place here at St. Matthew’s on Tuesday night, January 22, 2008, at 6:30PM. A reception will follow in Huffman Hall. More information will be provided in the January edition of the Monthly Word.
Annie Byrom
I am also happy to announce that, effective December 1, 2007, Annie Byrom will serve as our Acting Choir Director, under the direction of our Director of Music, Jean Fuller. Annie is a graduate choral direction student at the University of Texas and has been directing the choir since early this fall. She will have weekly office hours, which will be announced soon. If you do not already know Annie, please introduce yourself to her!
Last month I initiated a conversation about “community building” in our parish, expressing a felt need for members of the church to have numerous and regular opportunities to come together for times of simple fun and fellowship, as well as for times of serious faith-sharing and study. The articles below describe two events intended for the entire parish to consider!
FAMILY EUCHARIST and CAROLING - Sunday evening, December 16 - 5:15p.m.
Come to worship and sing Christmas carols led by the youth and the parish choir, Sunday evening, December 16, 5:15 - 8:30 p.m. To start our evening of communitiy and thanksgiving, come to the regular Sunday evening Eucharist at 5:15 which will be held in Huffman Hall and stay afterwards to have finger foods, holiday treats and hot drinks. We then will get organized for our "walk" in the neighborhood by passing out the carol booklets, practicing a few carols, and getting to know each other. The carolers will walk around our church neighborhood bringing music and joy to our neighborhood ending around 8 p.m. Please come prepared to walk with warm clothes, bring flashlights and a joyful spirit.
MULTIGENERATIONAL GAME NIGHT AT ST. MATTHEW'S - January 18, 2008 at 6:30PM in B18
Friday, January 18, at 6:30p.m. in Room B-18 downstairs below the Sanctuary, St. Matthew’s will be holding a pizza and game night for all interested players of checkers, chess, dominos, cribbage (or your favorite game!) This is an opportunity for children to have some exposure to some of these all-time favorite games. Everyone is welcome. In particular, it would be a great chance for some of our members to take on the role of surrogate grandparents to some youngsters who may not have grandparents in Austin and for kids and parents who are interested in gathering as families to come, eat and have some fun. A nursery will be provided for infants and children under age 4. Please RSVP to Paul Huggins at 736-7541 or email him at paul.a.huggins@gmail.com in order that he might know how much pizza to purchase and if you need nursery services!
Annual Meeting – Mark your calendar
The parish will gather for its annual meeting on Sunday evening, January 6, 2008. We will elect new members to the Vestry and Endowment Committee, and three alternates to 2008 Diocesan Council in Galveston. Other than those essential obligations, this Annual Meeting will not resemble any other Parish meeting you have ever attended. The 50th Anniversary Committee is in charge of planning the events – it will be fun and memorable – you can count on that. More information will be forthcoming in the January edition of the Monthly Word.
Faithfully, Merrill
