Word from Father Tom
As we continue to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Christ-child, we invite you to participate in the Hanging of the Green in our sanctuary following the second service on Sunday, December 18th. Led by our Altar Guild, the hanging is an annual tradition, and “many hands make light the work.”
In Christian tradition, the evergreen tree symbolizes longevity and strength. Thus, as we hang the green, we remember our almighty, everlasting, and unchanging God who sent his Son so that we might have eternal life with Him.
As we string the lights on our two Christmas trees (and related green), we remember that the Christ-child came to shine into the darkness of the created world, shrouded in sin and pain. Although the world did not want God, He sent his Son to give them hope. Even though His own Covenant People overwhelmingly rejected him, God kept his covenant promises to them and sent Jesus to fulfill their calling to the rest of humanity: “to be a light to the Gentiles, and the Glory of His People, Israel.” May it not be said of us as the New Covenant People of God: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.”
As we decorate our sanctuary this year, may our labor be a physical act of worship regarding our need, our thankful hearts, and the reality of our hope.
Fr. Tom
Upcoming Schedule
Adult Christian Ed Class Sunday, 9 AM.
Saturday Dec 24, 2022, 9:00 PM, Feast of the Nativity Candlelight Service. This is one of our highest feast days in our catholic tradition as Episcopalians. Let us come together to gloriously praise our God and encourage one another to faithfulness in the year to come!
Sunday Dec 25, 2022, 9:30 AM combined service of Holy Communion together as we continue our celebration of the Christ-child in the Christmas Season.
Friday Jan 6, 2023, 11 AM, Service of Holy Communion celebrating The Feast of the Epiphany. We are asking that participants only use the first three rows in the Nave (cong. area of seating). The consecrated elements will be distributed at the altar rail. We hope you will make plans ahead of time to join us.
Saturday Jan 21, 2023, 11 AM, Ayers baby shower. Sign up on the bulletin board.
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL: Click link to see: link
VESTRY NEWS
St. Matthew’s Vestry will have four (4) positions available for election at the Annual Meeting scheduled for January 29, 2023. There is a new process for candidates interested in becoming a member of Vestry in compliance with the Diocese Canons and St. Matthew’s Bylaws. Interested members should obtain a packet from the church office and complete it on or before January 10, 2023. If you have any questions regarding the process, please contact Fr. Tom, a Warden or a member of Vestry.
CHRISTMAS CHOIR
We are hoping to assemble a small group to sing at the Christmas Eve service. If interested, we will be having a practice on Thursday, December 22 at 6:00 PM in the choir loft. Additionally we will gather at 8:15 PM prior to our Christmas Eve service. We will be singing familiar Christmas music. Everyone is welcome!
LADIES OF ST MATTHEWS!
Join us on Saturday, January 21st, at 11:00 a.m., as we celebrate the expected March arrival of baby Ayers. They are registered at Target, on Amazon, and on Babylist.com. A Sign-up sheet will be available on the bulletin board outside the office so we know how many to plan for.
FINANCIAL YEAR END REMINDER
We are always grateful for all contributions given for the work and ministry of St. Matthew’s. If it is important to have your Annual Giving Statement reflect your contribution in 2022, then it should be turned in by December 27th. Of course, your personal records will be proof of any contributions dated in 2022.
THE OUTREACH COMMITTEE THANK YOU for your overwhelming generosity to The Home Sweet Home Mission! Collecting cozy winter accessories for children is a December tradition at St. Matthew’s, and this year The Outreach Committee is adding November to our gathering period. We’ll set up two “mitten trees”, one in the narthex and one outside the parish hall. We’ll ask for NEW mittens, hats, scarves, and even coats for small kids, to be distributed by The Boys and Girls Club. These items can be hand-made or store-bought. Thanks for giving! -The Outreach Committee
NEW MEMBER/CONFIRMATION CLASS In early 2023, Father Tom will be leading a Confirmation/New Membership class for those who are interested in considering the next important steps in their journey with Christ. Also invited are those who would like to grow more in their understanding of the Episcopal-catholic tradition. When we are baptized in Christ, we become a part of the past, present, and future church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The visible expression of this unseen reality is our membership, commitment, and service to a local New Covenant Family, i.e., the church. Our commitment to our Triune God and to one another culminates in our committing to and serving with a local body of people who also have been baptized in His love. Please talk to Father Tom if you are interested.