The Weekly Word

September 4, 2005

 

LOVE LETTERS:  “I love St. Matthew’s because of our range of ages – old, middle-aged, young and very young – all searching for God’s love and wisdom as we struggle through the trials of life..”

 

[Note:  The Love Letter quotes printed here each Sunday are randomly selected from remarks written by parishioners in response to the question, “What do you like most about St. Matthew’s.”  ]

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

Welcome to Our Guests! 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. From there, step out to the porch and enjoy a cup of coffee or a cold glass of lemonade with the church family. For information about St. Matthew's, call Dedee Norman at 345-8314 Ext. 219 and visit our web site at www.StMattsAustin.org 

 

The Church Offers Nurturing, Experienced, Child Care for children who are infants to four years of age.  Because of the small number of children who attend the 8:00 a.m. nursery, all children ages infant to years of age four are in the Education Building nursery beginning at 7:45 a.m.   At 9:00 a.m., children below two years old are taken to the Huffman Hall Nursery (located on the parking lot side of the hallway) and children from two to four years are cared for in the Education Building nursery.  Both the Huffman Hall and the Education Building nurseries close at 12:15 p.m.  There is also a comfortable, soundproof room in the church balcony (sanctuary) for adults who wish to keep their babies with them during the service.

Thanks for Wearing Your Nametag!  If you need a new nametag please see Dedee Norman at the Welcome Table in the Commons right after church. Thanks for faithfully wearing your nametag each and every Sunday.

 

Personal Prayer Teams are available during Communion at Prayer Stations on either side of the sanctuary.  One station is located on the east side, by the windows, and the other station is on the west side in the gallery. Prayer requests and discussion are completely confidential.

 

Home Delivery of Holy Communion   If you are unable to come to church and would like Holy Communion brought to you on Sunday, please call the church office at 345-8314.

 

If you attend church but are unable to walk to the altar for Holy Communion, please notify an usher and the communion elements will be brought to you where you are seated.

 

The Good Samaritans Ministry offers love in the form of a hot meal for you and your family if you are in the hospital, sick, or recovering from adversity.  In addition, other pastoral care services are available if you will just call the church office, 345-8314 with your needs and requests. In case of emergency, St. Matthew’s clergy may be reached by calling 771-0680.

 

Receive weekly info and breaking parish news by subscribing to St Matt’s email. Just send a blank email to: StMattsEmail-subscribe@yahoogroups.com then respond to the confirmation email.

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

Today is Good Faith Sunday

 

Please see letter at page bottom from Bishop Wimberly regarding

Hurricane Katrina Relief.

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

*Items marked with an asterisk (*) are run for the first time today.

 

Care for the Caregiver Ministry is looking for a few good men and women. Actually, we are looking for more than a few to volunteer the third Friday of each month for approximately three hours. We will be providing respite care for caregivers attending the Alzheimer's Support that meets at St. Matthew's. This is incredibly rewarding work!  A FREE training will be provided by the Alzheimer Association on Wednesday., September 7 from 9 a.m.-noon in Room  B-13. This training is open to anyone and is full of interesting and timely information. Lunch, of course, will be provided. Please contact Gidget Fisher @  328-2088 or gid92get@yahoo.com to sign up for the training and to volunteer!

 

Brotherhood of Saint Andrew.  Over three dozen men have joined the St. Matthew’s chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.  All men and older teenagers of the parish are invited to a Men’s Dinner with speaker on Thursday, September 8, at 6:00 p.m. in Huffman Hall.  Questions? Call Tony Hatheway, Jim Sparks, or Bill Smith. And keep your eyes open for forthcoming details of our Men’s Dinner on Thursday, September 8, at 6:00 p.m. in Huffman Hall.

 

*The Thursday Afternoon Study Group will resume on September 8 at

 3:50 p.m. in Room B-14. We will be studying the 10 Commandments as presented on tape by Bishop Howe of Florida.  His interpretation is interesting, thought provoking, and enjoyable.  Dr. Ralph Comer will present our first session. All are welcome to attend this inspirational class.

 

*Second Friday Golf – not first this month! Call David Bowman at 345-8314 x 213 if you are interested in playing on Friday, September 9, at Jimmy Clay. 

 

Young adults! Are you looking to connect with friends and fun at St. Matt's? Xplorers may be for you. The Xplorers is a fellowship group for young adults that meets for social times and does service projects together. Our next event is our FALL PLANNING MEETING, Sunday, Sept. 11, after the 10:30 service. Please join us as we head over to Mr. Gatti's to eat and discuss: social events, service projects and the future direction for Xplorers. We are always happy to have new folks and visitors, but this is the IDEAL TIME for you to come and have a say in what's next for Xplorers! For more information, contact Heather Walter, 627-6938, or Kristi Robison, kristi_robison@gsdm.com.

 

*Mom’s and Tots will be meeting weekly in the Bride’s Room (Room B-6) from 9:15 until 10:30 a.m. each Monday starting, September 12.  Childcare is available in the Nursery in Huffman Hall.  Please contact Marilyn Wright at 401-8382 or mjwright@austin.rr.com if you have any questions. 

 

The Sacrament of Holy Baptism will be administered on Sunday, September 18, at the 10:30 a.m. service.  If you or one you know desires to be baptized at that time, please call Betty Mitchell in the Church Office, 345-8314 x 215 or email betty@stmattsaustin.org

 

Discovery Class: Our Rector will lead the Discovery Class which is for people new to St. Matthew's, new to the Episcopal church, or who just want to get to know us better.  Registration will begin today at the Welcome Table in the Commons.  You can also call Dedee Norman at 345-8314 or email her at dedee@stmattsaustin.org to register. Classes will begin Sept. 18 at 9:30 in B-14.

 

The Edge of Adventure   Last September three Edge of Adventure groups met for thirteen weeks in a pilot study to help with editing and revising the small group study course called The Edge of Adventure.  Revision is now complete, and the new edition has been published. New Edge of Adventure groups are now forming, to meet for 13 weeks beginning the week of September 18.  .  The cost per person will be approximately $30 for study materials. Please sign up today in the Commons. Contact Keith Miller (at keith@keithmiller.com) or Andrea Wells Miller (at Andrea@keithmiller.com) for more information.

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

TRADITION AT ST. MATTHEW’S:

THE SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE

Each Sunday evening there will be a service in the Sanctuary at 5:15 p.m.

Some days it will be Contemplative Eucharist, some days it will be Youth Led Worship.  It may be Compline, it may be Taize music or a Healing service.  Whatever the service, it offers you an additional opportunity for Sunday worship at St. Matthew’s.  And to fit into your family schedule, we will do our best to complete the service in 45 minutes.  Please join us!

Tonight’s Service:  Contemplative Eucharist with Fr. Jim Williams

Next Week, Sunday, September 11: Monastic Evensong in Huffman Hall

(see announcement below)

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

*“Welcome to Emery House”. This past July, twenty-three youth and adults traveled to Boston for a week of prayer, service, and learning with the monks of Emery House.  Many of you supported the Discipleship Journeys and we want to say “Thank You!”  On Sunday, September 11, the Discipleship Journey participants want to offer the entire parish a “Welcome to Emery House”.  This program will start with a monastic evening prayer at 5:15 in Huffman Hall.  After prayers, there will be an Italian dinner and a brief video presentation of our time in Boston.  There is absolutely no cost for this event – it is simply our way of sharing with all of you the hospitality that we received from the brothers at Emery House.    If you plan to attend, please contact the Youth Office so that we can prepare enough food!  Call 345-8314 x 232.

 

*After the Italian dinner, plan to stay and enjoy the first in a series of talks in the “How to be a Family” Conference.  Bob Lively begins his presentation at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  Families are encouraged to come together – and only younger children (infants through 5^th grade) need to be pre-registered.  Call Betty at 345-8314 x 215 or email betty@stmattsaustin.org.

For complete conference details please go to www.stmattsaustin.org

 

Sunday, September 18 – 5:15 p.m. service: Experiential Worship Service

This service is designed to draw us into an experience of worship that engages our whole beings.  While all of our worship together strives to do this, this service, led by Seminarian Cara Spaccarelli, will explore different way to engage the mind, body, and soul through visual and interactive elements not typically a part of our worship life.  While the flow of the service will certainly be familiar, its design will provide a unique worship experience that hopes to expand our forms of communal worship.

 

Invitation into Prayer and Silence   This is your distant early warning for the next Quiet Day which is scheduled for Saturday, September 24, from  9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in Room B-21.  It is on the Saturday before the Feast of St. Matthew.  It will be our first Quiet Day for the fall season and will be conducted by The Rev. Jim Williams. Mark your calendars.

 

Safeguarding God’s Children

Attention: Volunteers in Programs Involving Children or Youth if you have not yet completed the Safeguarding God's Children program, including the interview,  please note the following schedule for training.

St. Matthew's, Thursday, September 8, 9:00 am - noon
*St. Matthew's, Friday, September 9, 9:00 am - 10:30 am

*St. Matthew's, Thursday, September 22, 9:00 am - 10:30 am

*St. Matthew's, Friday, September 23, 9:00 am - 10:30 am

*(For occasional volunteers only)

If you need to set up a screening interview, please email rcthompson@austin.rr.com with the subject of “SGC Interview” and the body being your email address.  You will receive a current copy of interview times available with simple instructions for emailing your selection.

There is no charge for this program.  Registration is through the Diocese of Texas at www.epicenter.org   Forms may also be picked up in the Church Office but must be mailed or faxed to the diocesan office.

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

Sundays4 YOU th>>>>>Faith-in-action

TODAY Sunday, September 4 ~ Labor Day Weekend

Don’t miss: The Big Bash with Ragan Courtney ~

storytelling like you’ve never heard before….

St. Matt’s Youth Bldg.

Grades 6-12^th       9:15-10:15

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

O__R Sunday School is Saving
a Place for Ur Children & Youth!

                  

 9:15-10:15        Youth: 6-8^th Gr. ~ Day School Breezeway;

                          9-12^th Gr. ~ Youth Bldg.   

 9:30-11:05        Children: 3-yr-5^th Gr. ~ Basement classrooms

10:30-11:05       Children: 3-yr-3^rd Gr. ~ Basement classroom

 

Remember, without U, O__R family is incomplete.
See you in Sunday School!

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

Family ConneXions

I would like to invite those families that have not joined ConneXions in the past to join Family ConneXions.  Family ConneXions is designed to meet the needs of those parents/families who would love to enjoy the ConneXions experience, but don’t always know what to do with their children. Family ConneXions will be structured in much the same way as ConneXions, however, unlike most groups in ConneXions, children are welcome to attend. I really hope to see many families involved in Family ConneXions. If interested please contact Thilde “Teal” Smith by September 9th at thildec@yahoo.com or feel free to call me at 657-2882. Let’s make St. Matthew’s on big happy family.

 

ConneXions

Want to meet some new people? Join ConneXions! New groups are forming for the Fall 2005 cycle. ConneXions is one of St. Matthew’s most popular and longest running groups. ConneXions consists of groups of about 8 to 10 – couples and singles – who gather for meals in the homes of members monthly during a six-month cycle. You need only make a meal for your group one time in the cycle. The meals can be breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner—whatever works for your group. It’s a chance to meet members of the St. Matthew’s family in a more relaxed, casual environment - making lasting friendships. Think - Food, Fun, & Fellowship. If interested please contact Thilde “Teal” Smith by September 9th at thildec@yahoo.com or feel free to call me at 657-2882.

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

Adult Education Programs

For Fall 2005

 

“What Does it Take for Forgiveness and Reconciliation to Happen?” taught by Keith Miller

Beginning September 4, 11, 18, 26, October 2 and 9,

9:30 – 10:15 a.m. in Huffman Hall

This class, taught in six sessions, will examine the way Jesus presents the attitudes, awareness and courage necessary to hear another person’s pain, to face the effects of our own behavior on others, and to enter the process of spiritual transformation that slows us to move from needing to be right, to wanting to receive God’s kind forgiveness and love.

 

Discovery Class taught by The Rev. Merrill Wade

Beginning  September 18, through October 23 -

9:30 - 10:15 a.m. in Room B-14

If you are new to St. Matthew’s or would just like to know more about the Episcopal church, this class is for you.  To prepare individuals for Confirmation, the Rector will teach this class for six weeks.  On October 30, The Rt. Rev. Rayford High will be here for Confirmation.

 

Contemplative Spirituality taught by Sharon Lowe

and Jim Duncan 

Beginning  September 18    9:30 - 10:15 a.m. in Room B-18

The goal of this class is to share life experiences as Christians listening to each other and connecting them to the larger story of Christianity.  We seek to accomplish this through prayer, meditation, reflection, dialog, witness and the study of scripture, poetry and works by contemplative spiritual writers.

 

Bible Study   taught by Joe Behen and Clive Smith

Beginning  September 18    9:30 – 10:15 a.m. in Room B-21

The goal of this study of Scripture is to gain a greater understanding of our relationship with the Lord through study of the story of God’s reaching out to His chosen people as given to us in Scripture.  In addition to the words of Scripture itself, fairly extensive use will also be made of study aids. The format of this study is not that of lecture but of group study.  Participation in discussions is always optional but encouraged.  Topics of study will by decided by the group, with deference to topics that give some logical flow to the material over time.

 

The History Corner   taught by Marty Novak         

Dates and Location to be announced    9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

The History Corner:  Thoreau wrote that “Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in.”  One Sunday a month, Marty Novak will act as historian and fishing guide in exploring a wide variety of topics relating to Christian history and belief.  This fall’s topics include:  “Joseph and the Siblings of Jesus”, “Bishop Ussher and the Dating of Creation”, “The Council of Nicaea”, and “What We Can Learn From Discrepancies, Errors and Alterations in the Gospels”.  Be assured that Marty will be chasing a great many different “fish” of interest over the course of the class.

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

Edge of Adventure Groups Are Forming

Have you ever wondered what would happen to you if you really tried to give God the keys to your future, to find and do God’s will the rest of your life?  What would happen if you stepped up to the edge of adventure of faith and looked toward God?

 

St. Matthew’s members have a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in a small group, 13-week experience studying and learning from Keith Miller and Bruce Larson’s book

The Edge of Adventure.

 

Sign up is underway now for groups forming soon.

Possible times are:

Monday night, 7 – 9 p.m., beginning September 19

Tuesday night, 7 – 9 p.m., beginning September 20

Thursday night, 7 – 9 p.m., beginning September 22

Tuesday morning, 10 a.m. – noon, beginning September 20

Wednesday morning, 10 – noon, beginning September 21

Sunday afternoon 3 – 5 p.m. (ending just before 5:15 evening service)

beginning September 18

There is no way to know how many will sign up to be in these groups, but your first step is to email info@keithmiller.com and indicate your interest.

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

Bob Lively to Begin Sunday Evening

Relationship Course

Beginning Sunday, September 18, Bob Lively will teach

new and cost-free course

for singles and couples entitled,

“Breaking New Ground…

A Course in Making Your Relationship Work.”

The class will involve voluntary homework and will meet in the Sanctuary of St. Matthew’s on Sunday evenings from 6:15 until 7:45 throughout the fall semester. The focus of this fun and informative experience will be to invite individuals to think and perhaps behave in new and more functional ways in the cause of making relationship systems more open and communication patterns far more honest.

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

St. Matthew’s Day

is

 

Sunday, September 25

Feast Day Celebration!

 

We will have Sunday School as usual and only one church service that morning – at 10:30 a.m.

followed by lunch in Huffman Hall and in the Courtyard.

 

Sponsored by the Associate Vestry

and the Holy Smokers

 

Wear Red! Enjoy Lunch! Bring the Kids!

Celebrate St. Matthew’s Day!

 

† † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † † †

 

 

September 4, 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

We have been in contact with Bishop Charles Jenkins from the Diocese of Louisiana and Bishop Duncan Gray of the Diocese of Mississippi as well as others in the area affected by Hurricane Katrina to offer our prayers and assistance during this most challenging time. We have an opportunity to show our neighbors what One Church looks like in the face of adversity and as our prayers continue to go out to those in need, we are gathering resources to help.

 

The Episcopal Foundation of Texas has made an emergency grant of $50,000 to both the Dioceses of Louisiana and Mississippi. Additionally, the diocese will collect a special offering this Sunday, September 4, 2005 from our congregations with a goal of another $100,000 to fund $50 food cards be distributed to persons displaced by Hurricane Katrina. I ask you to give generously to this effort, as the need is great and longterm.

 

You may give at your church. Those funds designated for Katrina Relief will be forwarded to the Diocese of Texas and added to the relief funds or you may send donations to the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, 3203 West Alabama, Houston, TX 77098 earmarked for Katrina Relief.

 

You may also send donations to Episcopal Relief and Development at www.er-d.org 24 hours a day; by calling ERD at 800.334.7626, extension 5129 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard time; or by sending a check payable to Episcopal Relief and Development, Box 12043, Newark, New Jersey 07101-5043.

Our congregations continue to rise to the challenge, gathering food, diapers, water and clothing to be distributed to relief agencies while others are preparing food for evacuees.

 

God of mercy and compassion, be in our midst and bind us together in your Spirit as a community of love and service to bear one another’s burdens in these days as we face the ravages of storm and sea. This we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord from whom alone comes our hope. Amen.

 

Faithfully yours,

Don A. Wimberly

Bishop of Texas