ANNUAL MEETING REMINDER
In order to prepare for the Annual Meeting Book, we need your reports turned into the office or to one of the Wardens by Sunday January 21. Please ensure any report longer than a page is sent by e-mail in Word (or Publisher) formatting to office@stmattsblm.org Thanks.

Men’s Breakfast
The men will meet this Saturday, January 14, 2023 for breakfast in the Parish Hall at 8:00am. We are back on the monthly meeting so the breakfast is scheduled for each month thereafter on the third Saturday of the month (same weekend as Theology Uncorked to make it easy to remember). Please let Rex or Roger know if you are attending so that there is plenty of food.

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.

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.

OUTREACH – ITEMS OF THE MONTH (January & February)
The Salvation Army has a long history in McLean County: It first arrived in November 1886 and has always been a presence in downtown Bloomington. The community center is now located at 611 W. Washington St. The new Safe Harbor Shelter is located at 601 W. Washington St. The Salvation Army now occupies the entire 600 block of West Washington St. in a campus-like setting. The Salvation Army’s “mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” Let’s help The Salvation Army feed and shelter needy people this winter by donation personal hygiene items for both men and women, and canned and boxed food such as: regular & travel sized items like deodorant, shaving cream, lotions, feminine hygiene products. Food items like hamburger helper, Ramen noodles, macaroni & cheese boxes, peanut butter, and hot sauce. Thanks for your donations!

COATS
After several Covid years, The Salvation Army will take gently used coats for adults. Place your donated coats in the big white box opposite the office and they’ll be delivered to The Salvation Army community center. Please, no “dress coats.” Thank you