The Weekly Word

October 15, 2006

To Know Christ, Grow in Christ, and Share Christ’s Love.

 

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

 

CONVOCATIONAL ULTREYA TONIGHT.  Cursillo Ultreya tonight (Sun 15 Oct.) at The Church of the Resurrection, 6pm.  Come welcome the newest Cursillistas.  .Child care provided

 

The Ladies of the Book Group will meet Oct. 16th in the Bride's Room at 5:00.  Our book is White Teeth by Zadie Smith.  It comes highly recommended by several sources.  Come join in our discussion.  It should be lively.  In November, we will read Guests of My Life by Elizabeth Watson.  Hope to see you there.

*For those interested in running for the Vestry, please fill out an application and file it in the office.  The application is on the reverse side of the qualifications.  Applications are available in the office or from  Babs Clendenin. This is a great opportunity to share in the many exciting plans we have for St. Matt's and to say "I was there."

 

 

*We will observe All Saints’ Day on Sunday, November 5.  On that day a special prayer request bulletin insert will list names of our loved ones who have died.  In the Commons today you will find a basket containing cards where you may print the names of those in your family you wish to have listed.  Fill out a card and return it to the basket.  All names received by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 31 will be printed.  Please write legibly and include your own name so that we may call if we can’t read your writing.  Or better yet, just email betty@stmattsaustin.org with your names.

 

*The next dates for Holy Baptism will be Sunday, November 5, and Sunday, January 7, 2007.   If you or one close to you desires to be baptized, please notify the church office, 345-8314 or email Betty Mitchell betty@stmattsaustin.org

Spiritual FormationEnneagram Workshop at E.T.S.S. October 27 - 28  Why in our encounter with life do we human beings so often keep running up against ourselves instead of making a breakthrough to God? Rev. Margaret Waters offers an opportunity to explore the Enneagram—nine distinct and fundamentally different patterns of thinking, feeling, and acting that influence our spiritual journeys.
Time: Friday evening (6:30 - 9) and Saturday (9 to 4)
Venue: Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, 606 Ratherview Place, Austin 78705
Fee: $50.00 (includes lunch and materials); call 531-9594, or email srmangele@austin.rr.com

 

*Feasibility Study - this week you will likely receive a Questionnaire with a letter from the Rector regarding the life of the church and the Vestry's work toward a new construction and other projects which would require a Capital Funds Campaign.  No decisions about new construction or other plans can be made, or even considered, until we hear your feedback.  Please take the time to read the Questionnaire carefully, pray and fill it out.  Your responses will be sent directly to Cargill Associates, who will analyze and compile the information, maintaining your anonymity, in a report to the Rector and Vestry.  We are all in this together and seriously are counting on your cooperation and efforts on behalf of your church.  Thanks, the Rector, Wardens and Vestry.

 

*SOULFOOD RETREAT - November 3-5, 2006 Camp Allen, TX -
"A Time of forgiveness" Tenth Anniversary of SoulFood Retreat is celebrating the theme this year of "forgiveness."  Sponsored by Recovery Ministries of the Diocese of Texas, this annual retreat features traditional Twelve Step type speakers and meetings. The unique environment allows participants to discuss the experience of their faith and the church in their spiritual journey. This special opportunity is open to all Episcopalians, other denominations, and unchurched folks. Its program deals with alcoholism, drug addiction, and other addictions, and illnesses involving food, gambling, sex, and other issues. Information is available from Troy Whitehurst, or info@episcopalrecoverytexas.org.

 

 

 

*Rector’s Downtown Women’s Group I would like to host a women’s group in downtown Austin that could meet to study or pray together once a week for 6 weeks.  I have thoroughly enjoyed the Men’s Group that has been meeting weekly downtown and would sincerely appreciate an opportunity to lead a group for women.  We could study Scriptures, work issues, or any topic of interest to the group.  Our group will meet at Paul Williams office located near 12^th and Nueces.  Those who attend gather from 11:30AM to 12 Noon to eat and the class begins promptly at Noon with Noonday Prayer and ends at 1:00PM sharp.  I would recommend that we meet six consecutive Mondays beginning November 13 through Monday, December 11.  Please email me at Merrill@stmattsaustin.org if you are interested in this gathering.  I would like to have a group size of 12 minimum and 18 maximum.  Let me hear from you!

 

The Kerygma Bible Study training session for the Diocese will be held at St. Matthew’s Thursday, Nov. 9^th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Lunch is included.    As hosts our registration fee is $10.00 per person and there is also a price reduction on materials.  If you have questions regarding the program call Kerygma 1-800 537-9462 or Email explore@kerygma.com.  You can register with Rita Eccles 345-7396 or Email jandr@austin.rr.com.

*Stewardship of Resources.  With the new A/Cs in for the Sanctuary and Commons and the new lighting we have invested in the ability to better manage our energy costs and still worship in comfort. We can reap the best from these improvements if you can help take the initiative with three tasks when you leave an event or meeting.

        1. Turn off the A/C.

        2. These are two basic types of thermostats around

             the campus – programmable and non-programmable.

             Most of the basement rooms have non-programmable

             thermostats. Just slide the SYSTEM SWITCH to OFF.

             The sanctuary and the commons have programmable

             thermostats. Before you leave, please push the button

             labeled RUN PROGRAM.

        3. Turn out all the lights.

        4. Close all the doors and lock them behind you.

Thank you for helping. Dave Bowman, Business Manager

 

*New IRA's Laws Promote Your Generosity: People 70 and 1/2 years old and older can now give to St. Matthew's from their IRA accounts without having to report the amount as income.  Gifts may be up to $100,000.00 per year per person and may be made only in 2006 and 2007.  For more information please contact Vestry Representatives Reid Kirchem at 821-1866 or Allen Keith at 467-7171(work) 454-1677(home) or our Business Manager, Dave Bowman, at 345-8314.

The St. Matthew's ECW 2007 Annual Women's Retreat will be held March 2-4,2007 at Camp Allen. Virginia Stem Owens, author and retired English Professor will be our retreat leader.  Her topic is "The Spirituality of Imperfection”. Virginia is a bright, funny and inspirational speaker you will not want to miss.  Registration began Oct 1st and will run through  Jan 15th. Payment of 50% of the registration fee is due at registration. The balance is due by Jan 15th.   Double room(2 per room)-$180 per person,  Single room- $210 per person, teens (4 to a room)-$90 per person.  Registration forms are available in the Commons or Church Office.  You may also download the form from the www.StMattsAustin.org website.   Please contact Debbie Marshall at 926-5424 or Janie McMahan at 341-7432 if you have questions.