Word from Father Tom
We are still planning to hold our Feast of the Nativity Candlelight Service this Saturday, December 24th, at 9:00 PM. If anyone does not feel safe to drive, please do not hesitate to call Father Tom on his cell phone (if someone does not have this, both of our wardens and many of our people do!), and he will work to secure a ride for you. This is one of the highest feast days in our Christian Calendar as Episcopalians. Let us come together to gloriously praise our God and encourage one another to faithfulness to Jesus in the coming year!
On Sunday, December 25th, we are still planning to have one combined service of Holy Communion together at 9:30 AM as we continue our celebration of the Christ-child in the Christmas Season. Again, do not hesitate to call Father Tom if you need a ride.
To those of us who are out of town, Merry Christmas and blessings to you as you travel and celebrate the Christ-child with family and friends.
Fr. Tom
Upcoming Schedule
Adult Christian Ed Class Sunday, 9 AM. No class on the Dec 25th.
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.
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.
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.