A warm welcome to our visitors! Those of us who worship and minister in this church pray that your visit to St. Matthew’s will bring you closer to the Christ whom we love and serve, and that the Holy Spirit may fill your life with the love, joy and peace of Jesus Christ. Please fill out one of the visitor cards and visitor name tag available in the chairs in front of you so that we may identify you and welcome you. For newcomer information, call Dedee Norman at 345-8314 Ext. 229.

St. Matthew’s offers nursery care from 8:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Sundays. Nurseries for children 0-18 months are located in Huffman Hall on the parking lot side of the hallway. The nursery for children 18 months - 4 years is in the Education Building. There is also a cry room upstairs for parents with unhappy babies.

When life's challenges appear overwhelming, we encourage you to call on your St. Matthew's family for love, prayer, the support of a friend, or a meal in time of need. With loving respect and confidentiality, we offer these and many other pastoral care services to our church family. Contact the church office,

345-8314, with needs and requests. In case of emergency Fr. Joe Di Paola may be reached by calling 345-8314 x 214, 231-1206, or 771-0680.

Homebound? If you or someone you know are unable to come to church and would like Holy Communion brought to you on Sunday, please call Jim Sparks at 345-7757.

*The Flowers on the Altar are given to the Glory of God by Mary Nell Frucella in memory of Brian Frucella’s birthday.

*Episcopal Schools Week Celebration As one of the 1,035 schools associated with the Episcopal church in the U.S., we pause today to take special note of the eternal influence that our own St. Matthew’s Day School has had and can have on the lives of young children and their families. Congratulations to all of you who have supported this school in the past. May we all dedicate ourselves to supporting St. Matthew’s Day School as it seeks to fulfill its mission to promote each child’s spiritual, physical, mental and social development.

*Looking for fellowship? Look for the Xplorers (a fellowship/study group for those ages 20 to 40) in Huffman Hall today after church (12:30). We're having a potluck lunch and beginning our study of "Deep and Interesting Doctrines" with a discussion on baptism. We'll be exploring several topics over the next few weeks together (all opinions will be welcome). Next week, we'll attend the stewardship luncheon. Questions? Call 339-4063, Robisons, or 996-8913, Sommervilles.

*Attention Ushers! There will be an Usher Training Session on Monday, October 15 at 7:00 p. m. in the Sanctuary. Goal: 100% attendance - Be There!

*Casa Marianella desperately needs men’s blue jeans and shoes. If you have used items to share that are in good, useable condition, please call Holly Decherd, Outreach Chair, 328-3944.

*Are You the One? St. Matthew’s is looking for someone to perform maintenance and set-up duties on a part time basis (15-20 hours per week). If you’re interested, or know someone who would be, please contact Brad Wagner in the Church Office for an interview appointment.

*Joy in the Mourning: A newly-formed grief support group will be meeting weekly on Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in B-6, beginning October 16. Anyone who is grieving the loss of a loved one is cordially invited to attend. The group is open to people of all faiths, all denominations.

*In Defense of Freedom Prayer Watch is beginning in our Bell Tower Chapel with the placement of a Book of Remembrance and Prayer. If you care to make the special effort for prayer in our war against terrorism, you may drop in at the chapel and write prayers in the book for loved ones, friends, specific leaders, countries, etc. When any one of us come to pray, we can lift the book up to God with all the prayers. The prayer book will also be marked for the location of appropriate prayers for your additional reading and worship.

*The Jewish-Christian Relations Group (of Austin Area Inter-religious Ministries) will again meet at St. Matthew's this year. This is an advance invitation for the next meeting on Tuesday, October 16, at 7:00 p.m. in B-21. Interim Rector, Joseph Di Paola, will be our special guest speaker as we continue our discussion of inviting those of the Islamic Faith to join us. All are welcome. Additional information: Jim or Betty Newman (345-0544) or Anna Dodge (339-8011).

*The Next Scheduled Baptism Day will be Sunday, November 4. If you know of one needing to be Baptized, please contact Betty in the church office at 345-8314 x 215 or email to betty@stmattsaustin.org

*Commemoration of the Faithful Departed Those wishing to have the names of departed family members printed on a special prayer list for All Saints’ Day, Sunday, November 4, simply fill out a card in the Commons. Please write legibly and include your name on the card so that we may call if we can’t read your writing. Completed cards may be dropped in the offering plate or left in the basket on the table in the Commons. If you prefer you may email your names to betty@stmattsaustin.org Names received through 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 31 will be printed.

Welcome Visitors/Newcomers Class - For the next two Sundays, one of the priests will meet with Newcomers and Visitors in Room B-6 (in the Basement) at 9:30 a.m. Please join the group at that time and have your questions answered. We are SO glad you are here!

Baby Sitters Are Desparately Needed for Mothers’ Ministry from 9:00 until 11:45 a.m. each Wednesday. This is a paid position. Please call Tracey Nichols at 331-0653.

We need 8 more presiders, 6 more helpers and 2 musicians to make our new chapel program complete for this school year. This is a once a month, first half of the service commitment. Substitutes are also greatly appreciated. Please contact Heather Harmon (345-8314 x 221) for more information or to sign up to share your love of God with the children of St. Matthew’s.

If you have a love for God and like children, please consider helping with Children’s Chapel. Contact Heather Harmon (345-8314 ext. 221) for more information or to sign up to help.

Jr. High Youth...How about spending the weekend at Enchanted Rock? The Jr. High youth will load up and head to "the rock" the weekend of Oct. 12-14. We only have reservations for 20 Jr. High youth, so make your reservation ASAP. Cost of the weekend -- $85. Questions? Call Eric Liles -- 345-8314, ext. 232.

Swingin' with the Saints: A St. Matthew's Talent Show. Please join us Saturday, October 13, at 7:00 p.m. in Huffman Hall for a fantastic program, good fellowship, and yummy desserts. See 15 acts featuring over 35 performers!

Want to Know More About the Episcopal Church? The Inquirer’s Class will begin Monday, October 8. Sign up at the Welcome Table in the Commons or call Dedee Norman at 345-8314 or write dedee@stmattsaustin.org

New policy about announcements. There is so much going on at St. Matthew's that it puts us in a Good News-Bad News bind. So much to share, too much to share in the context of the 10:30 service. The Weekly Word, the web-site and the Monthly Word are our communications tools, and we must rely on them. Exceptionally, and at the discretion of the Interim Rector, the clergy or Senior Warden will make announcements about parish life during the service. If you want your announcement to be considered please send or give it--typed--to Fr. Joe by noon on Friday. Thank you.

Your Associate Vestry and Episcoplayers present

A St. Matthew’s Talent Show

Saturday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. in

Huffman Hall

15 Acts = Over 35 talented performers!

No admission fee - dessert and coffee at intermission