A warm welcome to our visitors! We pray that your visit to St. Matthew’s will richly bless you and that you will come back again. Please fill out the Welcome Card located in the chair slot in front of you. Place the information portion in the offertory plate and affix the name tag so that we may identify and welcome you. And we have a special gift for you so please stop by the Welcome Table in the foyer after the service. For information about St. Matthew's, call Dedee Norman at 345-8314 Ext. 229 and visit our web site at www.StMattsAustin.org

Quality Care for your Children is available from 8:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. 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 comfortable, soundproof room upstairs for adults who wish to keep their babies with them during the service.

When you hit the wall and life's challenges take center stage, 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, St. Matthew’s clergy may be reached by calling 771-0680

Would You Like to Receive Holy Communion in Your Home? 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.

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Did you wear your nametag today? If you answered "Yes" – We Thank You! If you need a new nametag please see Dedee Norman at the Welcome Table in the Commons right after church.

*Visitor’s Orientation will be held every other week. At that time one of the priests will meet with you to greet and answer questions you may have. If you are visiting today and would like to know more about St. Matthew’s and what it has to offer you, please gather at the front of the sanctuary NEXT WEEK immediately after the 10:30 service.

*A New Adult Education Class Begins Next Sunday, September 1, 9:00 am At that time Merrill Wade will begin a six-week course on the Synoptic Gospels, a comparative study of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Please bring your Bible (preferably the Revised Standard, the NSRV or Jerusalem version. Contemporary paraphrased Bibles are less useful for this setting.) The class will meet in Huffman Hall. The full compliment of adult classes will resume October 13.

*St. Matthew’s Observes September 11 with Three Services. 7:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, 12:00 noon Holy Eucharist with Healing Prayer, and 6:00 p.m. with Music, a Sermon, and Holy Eucharist. Come reflect with us on this special day of remembrance.

*The Austin Civic Orchestra kicks off its fall season with a concert honoring the heroes lost and fallen on September 11, 2001. Please come Sunday, September 15, at 3:00p.m. to St. Matthew’s sanctuary. Admission $8 adults, $6 seniors and students, $3 children. Tickets available at the door. For more information please visit www.austincivicorchestra.org or call 990-8ACO,

*The ECW Diocesan convention needs HELP! We are hosts this year! Volunteers are needed for paste work on putting the "Goodie Bags" together. It’s quick, easy and if ya’ll come it won’t take long. We need you on September 18 at 1:00 p.m. in Huffman Hall. If you can bring Elmer’s clear glue, or contribute some cash to the glue fund it will be greatly appreciated, as will your help. Please call the Church Office, 345-8314, to get on the volunteer list.

*The Parish Community of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church will honor its Rector, The Rev. Merrill Wade, on Monday, September 23, 2002, with the Celebration of a New Ministry. (See Book of Common Prayer p.559) The service, with The Rt. Rev. James Brown, begins at 6:30 p.m., and will be followed by a reception in Huffman Hall. We hope you will be with us to celebrate this joyous occasion.

HOLY BAPTISM The next Baptism Sunday for our parish will be September 29. If you or your child wish to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, please contact Betty Mitchell in the church office 345-8314 or email her betty@stmattsaustin.org

LAREDO BUS TRIP 2002 It’s that time again! The St. Matthew’s Laredo trip is scheduled for October 19-20 at a LOWER cost of $110. This includes bus and hotel but does not include meals. The first 50 to send their checks to Margaret Parker, 3631 Kentfield Road, Austin, 78759, will have their reservation made. Checks will not be cashed until October 1. Questions? Call 345-0495. Would you believe I have discovered another good shopping deal?

ALL CALL Our Children's Chapel is currently looking for people who would like to lead the children in song and worship. The requirements are: a heart for children, some musical ability, and a commitment of at least one Sunday morning each month from 10:30 until the Peace. (Note: there is no age requirement. Teens to Grandparents are welcome.) We will gather and work on the music together at least once before the new year begins. If you have a desire or you think you might be interested, see Barbara Pitts after the service in the Courtyard. You can call Barbara at 345-8314 x221.

Make ConneXions! Join ConneXions Dinner Groups beginning this fall. About ten people – couples and singles – are assigned to one of nine dinner groups that meet monthly for good food and Christian fellowship. Meals can be brunches, lunches, picnics, swim parties or dinners. One of the longest running activities at St. Matthew’s. New groups form in September and March for a six-month cycle. For questions or to join, call Leslie or Bill Kjellstrand, 331-2121 or email: stmconnexions@hotmail.com. You will automatically be re-enrolled for the next cycle unless you call or email the Kjellstrands.