Word from Father Tom
There will be a Service of Holy Communion on Friday, January 6th, celebrating The Feast of the Epiphany. The service will begin at 11 AM in our sanctuary. We are asking that participants only use the first three rows in the Nave (area of congregational seating). The consecrated elements will be distributed at the altar rail. We hope you will make plans ahead of time to join us.
Epiphany is a season that engages Jesus as He was revealed to the world as “the light that shined in darkness”. May this Epiphany Season encourage us as we seek to engage the Bloomington-Normal community with the lived and proclaimed Gospel of the Lord Jesus in 2023.
Fr. Tom
Upcoming Schedule
Adult Christian Ed Class Sunday, 9 AM.
Friday Jan 6, 2023, 11 AM, Service of Holy Communion celebrating The Feast of the Epiphany.
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.
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.