Welcome to Our Guests! We pray that your visit to St. Matthew’s will richly bless you and that you will come back again soon. 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 Barbara at 345-8314 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.

10:30 AM Children’s Chapel " It IS a beautiful day -- and we invite you to join us to celebrate the day, and the fact that God loves us and we love God in Chapel each and every Sunday in Choir Room (B-7) at 10:30.  Children age 3 and older, parents, and anyone who is looking for a little change of pace in their worship style are welcome to join us.  We will all come upstairs at the Peace to share communion together.  Questions?  Contact Kathy Dugat -- 343-7989 or kdugat@austin.rr.com

Thanks for Wearing Your Nametag!  If you need a new nametag please visit 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.  Prayers will also be offered immediately after church by the team stationed near the windows.  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.

If you have articles for the Weekly Word please email your articles to Office@StMattsAustin.Org  and to JeriM@austin.rr.com  The Weekly Word deadline is noon on Wednesday.

 Receive weekly info and breaking parish news by subscribing to St Matt’s Email Notices. From the address you want to receive the email, send a blank email to: StMattsEmail-subscribe@yahoogroups.com .

Meet the Vestry. Endowment Committee and Diocesan Delegate Candidates

After church today the congregation is invited to gather in Huffman Hall for a brief opportunity to meet candidates for the Vestry and other offices.  If you would like to meet the current candidates for the Vestry, Endowment Committee or Diocesan Council representative, please come to Huffman Hall for simple refreshments.

*Parish Directory Update: On Sunday, January 7, the St. Matthew's Annual Parish Meeting will be held with distribution of the Parish Report and a new, Telephone Directory.  If you have changed addresses or phone numbers during the past year, PLEASE contact the church office to update your information immediately.  The information to be printed is only as current as the information you provide.  Call 345-8314 or email office@stmattsaustin.org  

*Pick Up Pageant News:  We still have openings for the "pre-cast" roles in our Pick Up Pageant.  Remember that ALL children are invited to be angels or shepherds in the pageant!  We do, however, cast the "leading characters" ahead of time.  If your child is in elementary school, and is interested in having a larger part in the pageant, please contact Kathy Dugat (kdugat@austin.rr.com or 343-7989).  We especially need some older young men!  There are NO speaking parts...no lines to memorize!  Just come have fun and help us share this wonderful story with our St. Matthew's family!

*Today in Chapel:  In chapel today, we had a special visit from Saint Nicholas!  We give each other gifts at Christmas time to help to share God's love to those around us and to remind each other of the most wonderful gift of all...JESUS!  Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, comes riding on a white horse, with his helper, Black Peter to bring gold coins and treats to the children of the Netherlands and other countries in Europe. Saint Nicholas teaches us by his example to love and care for one another, and thus to spread God's love.  Thanks to Hink Johnson for being Saint Nicholas for us, and to our third Sunday Chapel team (Sharon Barnett, Marjorie Bounds, Stephanie McCollum, Phaedra Kline and Allison Dady)! 

Outreach Opportunities

My How Daphne's Twins Have Grown:  Did you see their photo at the Alternative Gifts Market? Look for them and photos of other IHN kids at the volunteer sign up table.  St. Matthew's will have our first host week of 2007 in the Interfaith Hospitality Network beginning New Year's Eve.  We will have 3-4 families living with us as they seek affordable housing.  Just a little time (an evening host shift) or  a food donation (part of a dinner or portable breakfast foods) means so much to these families.  Like to help but can't make it by the table,  contact Sharon Lowe (345-1990,  sharonylowe@hotmail.com) or Amy Novak (795-8089, amy_m_novak@earthlink.net)

Angel Tree Ministry: Again this year, St Matthew’s will be supporting the nation-wide Angel Tree Prison Ministry reach out to the nearly half million children of incarcerated parents in the    U.S. with hope and the promise of the love of Christ.  Beginning today there will be a table in the foyer after the 10:30 Sunday Services and at the Alternative Gifts Market where you can sign-up to purchase, and deliver Christmas gifts to the child of an incarcerated parent.  If you would like to help but don’t feel that you can shop for\deliver gifts.  Your donation of a Wal-Mart gift card or check/cash will be given to Angel Tree volunteers to purchase gifts for the children of felons in some the very poor areas of South East Texas.  If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help coordinate the Angel Tree Ministry, call Susan LaValley at 345-3942.

YOUTH NEWS:

Special Holiday Events:

Wednesday, Dec. 20^th: Service Project at El Buen Samaritano*

                Please meet at St. Matt’s (Youth Building Parking Lot) at 12:15 p.m.

                Pick up will be at St. Matt’s at 4:45 p.m.

**There is a limit of 20 people who can serve, and signing up will be first come, fist served. Also, parent driver volunteers will be needed! Please contact Rebeka (Ext. 232 @ St. Matt’s) if you are a parent that will be able to drive.

Cancellations due to Holidays:

No Wed. Night Youth Group                                        No Sunday School

Dec. 20^th                                                                                               Dec. 24^th

Dec. 27^th                                                               Dec. 31^st

*LIBRARIES OF LOVE: We are collecting books for Ugandan Orphanages! Please bring Elementary and Middle School level books that are in good condition to the Youth Building on Sunday mornings any time between 9:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. Also, books can be dropped off at the Youth Office on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Annual Meeting January 7, 2007

Attention Chili Cooks:At St Matthew’s Annual Meeting on January 7^th you will get the opportunity to show your skills as a real Chili Cook.  Call Jack Ryfle at 345-3830 for details and join some of the finest chili cooks in North Austin. Each church organization should be represented with a team. Call today and get in on the fun!!

Friends, Please consider running for the Vestry.  Don't wait for us to ask as we do not know those of you who would like to serve their God and their church.  The experience allows you to become acquainted with every facet of church life; and remember you will be a part of the governing body where important decisions are made and where you will have a say in our growth and improvements.. Applications may be picked up from Barbara Haynes at the Office, or downloaded from the St. Matthew's website www.StMattsAustin.Org, Blessings, Babs, Jr. Warden

Endowment Committee Elections: Three of the nine elected positions on the Endowment Committee will be filled by election at the annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, January 7, 2007.  The term is three years, and the office is open to adult communicants of St. Matthew's.  Vestry members are not eligible to serve on the Committee except for the Senior Warden who serves ex officio.  The Endowment Committee oversees the management and investment of the Church's endowment funds and fosters legacy giving.  For additional information, contact any of the following members of the Committee:  Larry Simons, Steve Ryder, Kathleen Niendorff, Mark Monroe, Kevin McGillicuddy, Hink Johnson, Jack Eccles, Kate Canby, Mike Affleck, or Bert Hooper.

Do you need or desire to make a year end gift, either for tax purposes or out of gratitude for a special blessing in your life?

If you own stock that has appreciated in value, donating it to St. Matthew’s will provide you with a deduction equal to the full value of the shares. Provided you have owned the shares for more than a year, you avoid paying any capital gains tax. (Contributions of stock held for less than a year may be subject severe tax penalties.) This is especially attractive for stocks acquired a few years ago with a very low cost and which have appreciated significantly in value. All it takes is a phone call to Dave Bowman at 345-8314 at extension 213 or an email to David@StMattsAustin.org  for transfer details.

In the case of stocks with a capital loss, consider the opposite strategy: sell the shares and contribute cash. The capital loss from the sale can be used to offset your capital gains from other transactions and the cash will provide a deductible contribution. 

Regardless of which method you choose, please visit with your financial advisor to insure you take the action most advantageous for your particular situation.  .

This Sunday will be Instructed Eucharist with
Fr. Jim Willims and Joe Behen, Seminarian at 5:15 p.m.

Next Sunday: will be:

8:00 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Advent Rite I

No Sunday School Classes for Children or Adults

Christmas Eve Services

*10:30 a.m. Pick Up Pageant and Holy Communion

7:00 p.m. Festival Holy Eucharist

10:00 p.m. Congregational Carols and Choral Anthems

10:30 p.m. Festival Holy Eucharist

Monday, Christmas Day, December 25

9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II, no music

* Child Care Provided

If we can assist you in any way, please contact the Church Office.

Rector: The Rev. Merrill Wade

Associate Rector: The Rev. Susan Barnes

Rector Emeritus: The Rev. Charles Huffman

Assisting Clergy: The Rev. Jerry Chapman,
The Rev. Joseph Di Paola, The Rev. Jim Williams,
 Acting Music Director: Jim Henderson
Organist: Jean Farris Fuller

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
8134 Mesa Drive
   Austin, TX 78759

Telephone (512) 345-8314   FAX (512) 346-2085

www.StMattsAustin.org