St. Matthew's Midweek Update

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "St. Matthew's Midweek Update"

Emmeline Watts
5 years ago
Views:

St. Matthew's Midweek Update January 25, 2018 Note from the Rector This week's e-bulletin is going out later because I have been away at a Church Pension Fund conference on Clergy Wellness for the

1 St. Matthew's Midweek Update January 25, 2018 Note from the Rector This week's e-bulletin is going out later because I have been away at a Church Pension Fund conference on Clergy Wellness for the last two days. Next week an abbreviated e-bulletin will go out since I will be away from January 29 through the morning of February 6. I do want to make this Note about attending the Annual Meeting this Sunday. I encourage you to go. We will have a lasagna and salad luncheon in Matt's Place before the meeting begins. The meeting is important because we elect new Vestry members and delegates to the 2018 Diocesan Convention which will be held October 19 and 20. At this Convention, the delegates will be able to vote on the next Bishop-elect of our diocese. Subsequent to the election at the Convention, the Bishopelect will need to have 51% or more of the House of Bishop's confirm her or his election and 51% of the Standing Committee of each Episcopal Diocese to confirm her or his election. The election of the Vestry members is absolutely essential and crucial to a parish. Many Episcopalians come from Christian traditions which are Congregationalist (i.e. Presbyterian, Baptist, etc.). In those traditions, the congregation votes on church matters. Not so in the Episcopal Church. The Rector and the Vestry make decisions regarding church matters. For example, the Financial Statement of Mission (aka budget) is approved by the Vestry. The Vestry is the legal representative of the parish for fiduciary matters. The Vestry also works with me regarding the approval or discontinuation of church programs.

2 What are the qualifications to be a candidate for Vestry? Qualified Member of the Parish as defined by the Parish Bylaws (Communicants in good standing [meaning pledging members] who have not served a three-year Vestry term within the last year, are at least 16 years of age, who have been canonically resident in the Parish for at least 6 months and who have been financial supporters of record for at least 6 months). Willingness to serve and fulfill the responsibilities of the position. The Vestry are the congregations' elected representation. It is important to approach them with any questions and/or concerns you may have. They are there for you. So this Sunday, be there to ask questions of the three Vestry slate candidates: Cheryl Burke, Linda Konkel, and Jim Nelson. God's Peace! Rick Wilson NATIVE AMERICAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT As Rector of the Episcopal Church of St. Matthew, I speak on behalf of our community that we acknowledge the traditional peoples of the land on which we stand especially the Pascua Yaqui and Tohono O'odham nations. We pay our respect to them for their care of the land. - Fr. Rick ANNUAL MEETING ASSISTANCE Saturday, January 27 and Sunday, January 28 Our Annual Meeting will be held in Matt's Place on Sunday, January 28 after the 10:30 service. Lunch will be provided (lasagna and salad). Matt's Place will be set up on Saturday the 27th at 11:00 am. If you are able to help with setting up on Saturday, serving the lunch on Sunday or cleaning up on Sunday, please contact Tricia Galvin at pgalvin@cox.net or

3 SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER We will be hosting a pancake supper on Tuesday, February 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Cost will be $5.00 per adult with children under 12 free. Matt's Place will be decorated for the event on Sunday, Feb 11 after the 2nd coffee hour (approximately 12:00 pm) Please join in the fun. If you are able to help decorate or clean up after the dinner, please contact Tricia Galvin at pgalvin@cox.net or ADULT EDUCATION SERIES: Confucius, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammad Sunday, February 11, 9:15 We live in an increasingly pluralistic society in an effort to learn about other ways of worshiping and thinking we will be offering an adult education program on the 2nd and 4th Sundays between services. The topic of the first series will be Confucius, Buddha, Jesus, and Mohammad, (Listed in chronological order) will be led by Mother Ellen. The teachings of these four men have defined much of our philosophical, ethical, and religious thinking. Join us for some lively and thought provoking discussion. MINISTERIAL NEEDS Coffee Hour Hosts Needed for the 10:30 service. Coffee hour is our primary opportunity to fellowship with one another after we have worshipped together. We are in need of additional coffee hour hosts. Would you be willing to provide this service to your fellow parishioners? It is an important ministry at St. Matthew's. If you are interested, please contact Gini Jones at Thanks for your help.

4 Nursery Caregiver Needed We have an opening for a new nursery caregiver. Details about the position are as follows: This position is for Sunday morning from 10:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Our nursery is for children, 3 years of age and younger. A safety training course is required and the successful candidate will be compensated for the time spent doing the no-charge training. A background check is also required and will be provided at our expense. Following the departure of the last child, both caregivers will sanitize the nursery in preparation for its next use. If you are interested, contact Fr. Rick at or at saintmatthewsrector@live.com. Altar Guild The Altar Guild is seeking new members. Serving on Altar Guild is very rewarding as we prepare the altar for each liturgy and care for the items used. It is a blessing to have a part in preparing the space for our services. If you would like to be part of this vital ministry, or would like more information, please contact Caroline Wolstenholme at or nickandcarolinew@msn.com. Greeter Ministers Needed Do you like to be energetic and welcoming? Can greet parishioners old and new? Then we can use you as a greeter. If interested please contact Jessie Billhardt at with days you can greet, in case you do other things in the church. I need to know soon so I can start a schedule. The Daughters of the King have taken this project on but we need more people if interested.

5 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Dream Study The next Dream Study meeting will be Saturday, January 27 at 10:00 am in the library. MATTY'S ANGELS TRIP TO TUMACOCORI MISSION Saturday February 3, 2018 On February 3, 2018 Matty's Angels will be visiting the Tumacocori Mission in Tumacocori, Az. Angels and guests will meet at church at 9:00 am to carpool to the Mission. If you have not made a reservation with Julie Neff-Encinas, (520) , please do so by January 29, It is necessary to register with Julie so she will know the number of people on the trip. Additional drivers may be needed. Guided tours are from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. There is a guided walking tour map available. Upcoming Matty's Angels events March 3, 2018: The Angels and Guests are going to the Desert Museum. April 7, 2018: NAMI Walk All members of St. Matthew's and their guests are always welcome on the trips. If you want to attend the event, please let the contact person know that you are planning to attend. Monthly Celtic Liturgy Saturday February 3, 2018 The next monthly Celtic Liturgy will be Saturday, February 3, 2018, 5:30 pm. The liturgy is based primarily on A Celtic Eucharist, compiled and edited by Brendan O'Malley. The Eucharistic Prayer is taken from the Scottish Book of Common Prayer.

6 O'Malley says of this liturgy represented in his book, "drawing together from Scripture, the mainstream Irish, Scottish, and Welsh traditions, and contemporary spirituality, A Celtic Eucharist is a vital liturgy that relates to the here and now while it fosters a connection to the past." It is a different experience from the regular Sunday morning liturgies. CONVERSATION & COFFEE WITH A JESUIT Sunday February 4, 2018 What's on your mind? Civil, Serious, Sensitive Conversation in the library, Sunday February 4, at 9:15 am. Join Fr. Frank Bergen for an hour and share your concerns about everything from the congregation to the cosmos. We may or may not find answers. And when we do, we may not all agree, but we will enjoy the questions and find areas of agreement where we may least expect them. See you for caffeinated conversation, February 4, 2018! Special Presentation Wednesday February 7, 2018 We Need a Movement: Four Problems to Solve to Restore Rational Government. Dr. John Johnson, presenter. Many are concerned about the needs of so many people in the world and the direction of our own country, leaving us wondering what steps are possible for us. Our neighborhoods and congregations are so small compared to the global scope of the problems confronting us. A proposal for a response is forming a movement of people who believe in truth, right and wrong, and the good of the whole; who find ways to bring moral balance to decisions affecting our nation and world. Understanding why and how to do this has been my 50-year concern. I live in this neighborhood and have visited your parish. I just published my findings in the book, We Need a Movement: Four Problems to Solve to Restore Rational Government. I will be at St. Matthew's speaking on February 7 at 7:00 pm in Matt's Place. Questions and discussion will occur afterward.

7 APPEALS MONTHLY FOOD COLLECTION REMINDER Food collection on the first Sunday of each month is for the Community Food Bank. Food collection for Gale Elementary School is on the third Sunday. Feel free to bring food any and every Sunday! There are people in our community who are hungry and we can help! COMMUNITY WIDE ANNOUNCEMENTS Social Security 101 A FREE workshop from Social Security. When are you eligible to receive retirement benefits? How does early retirement affect your benefits? Do you qualify for disability, survivors, and spouse benefits? How do you get the most from your benefit? What is the future of Social Security? When should you file for Medicare? Learn how to use my Social Security online account and other online services. You should go to to create a my Social Security account and print out your Social Security Statement before attending the workshop.

8 Speaker: Jack Burns, Public Affairs Specialist for Social Security in Arizona Location: Abrams Public Health Center, 3950 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson; Room first floor Date: Friday, February 2 Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm WANT TO GO TO THE HOLY LAND? The Dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the Very Rev. Troy Mendez will be directing a 12 day journey to the Holy Land. See Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem, Nazareth, Jordan River and many other significant places of Biblical importance. The dates are from November 5 through 16, The cost of this journey is $2,650 plus airfare. Single supplement fee of $560. The cost includes: 1. Hotel Accommodations; 2. All meals (drinks not included); 3. Transportation in Deluxe buses as per program; 4. Guiding fees; 5. All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary; 6. Guest speakers; 7. Portage at all hotels; 8. Tips for restaurant and hotel staff; 9. Bus driver tips; 10. Farewell dinner. To reserve: A deposit of $500 should be made by January 31, To make payment, please contact Ms. Ernie Stuckey at pilgrimage@trinitycathedral.com.

9 St. Michael and All Angels' Twice a Month Taize Service Every first and third Sunday, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church has a Taize service. It begins at 6:45 pm and goes until 7:30 pm. The church's location is at 602 N. Wilmot Road. What exactly is a Taize service? It is a contemplative service of music, prayer, spiritual readings, silence and meditation. It is a time to rest in God, to let the words listened to and sung penetrate one's being. [Brother John, a Taize Community monk] Information about Donations for Homeless Vets Folks can make donations at Esperanza and Escalante building on Escalante road. To reach it: as you exit the base on Wilmot road, turn right on Escalante and after the first curve turn right into village. Proceed to building with flagpole and flag. Donations are needed to help homeless vets, men and women. Anything is appreciated. If you have curtains, pans, sheets. etc. Information from Gloria Smith of M.A.C. committee (Military Affairs Committee. Healthcare Prayer Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you the poor, the neglected, and the sick who rely on the generosity of our nation's people and government to live meaningful lives. Help us to not forget people living with homelessness and people who are destitute, people who are elderly, sick and everyone who has no one to care for them nor the financial means to provide for their well-being. Guide the Congress of our country to develop just laws which follow the words and actions of your Son who taught us that we all have a responsibility to care or those who are in need within our society. Amen. [Unknown deacon of the Episcopal Church]

10 ONGOING ANNOUNCEMENTS Men's Gathering: Matty's Men 3rd Saturday The third Saturday of each month, Matty's Men (St. Matthew's Men's group) meets at 7:30 am at Breakfast Stop Family Restaurant 6135 E. 22nd Street for breakfast and fellowship; then meets in the Parish Hall from 8:30 to 9:30. Please consider joining us to get so we can get to know each other better and hatch our plans to reach out into the community. If you would like to get our s, please contact Bob DeLaney ( ). Name Badges at Liturgy The value of name badges at worship is considerable. Wearing a name badge allows the person extending the body of Christ to say the communicants' name. Also, wearing the name badge gives us at the Exchange of Peace an opportunity to get to know one another's name. If you do not have a name badge, please sign-up to get one. The sign-up sheet is located in the narthex (church entranceway) next to the large name badge holder. Getting to know each others name can be helpful as we fellowship in the Parish Hall after the services. There, we can go up to someone whose name we just learned and introduce ourselves and have a longer conversation than what the brief Exchange of Peace allows. Desert Chrism Chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King We are very proud to be a part of St. Matthews ministries and invite you to inquire about our group. Our goal is to assist St. Matthews in the spiritual upbuilding of the parish. We are doing this by working with all members of our parish to greet visitors and provide a welcome packet which gives them an idea about who we are and activities provided.

11 The Daughters also are organizing the Caring Casseroles Ministry, I like to call them the Kitchen Angels. They assist parish members by providing meals to those who are ill and/or recovering. I know that sometimes just a few meals and loving thoughts can help one heal faster. All interested in being part of either group please contact Karen Hatfield at or k.hatfield@att.net. Little Free Library We have had lots of activity around the Little Free Library since it was installed last June. Many strangers have donated books. It is important to rotate the selections and I do that every Sunday. We do have a sizable supply of children's books at this time but are definitely in need of contemporary adult fiction. There is a plastic bin in Parish Hall labeled for this. If you would please look through your slightly used books at home and possibly donate a few to the library it would really help keep it vital. Many parishioners have heard from passers-by how much they appreciate it. Any questions? Please ask Cheryl Burke ( ). Healing Prayers after Sunday 10:30 Liturgy Need prayers for a friend, family member, or yourself? Healing prayers are offered after the 10:30 service at the back of the church by Judie Bass. PRAYER CHAIN CONTACT Judie Bass is serving as the Prayer Chain Coordinator. If you have any prayer requests for which you would like to have the prayer chain activated, please contact her at (520) Additions to the prayer list can be made by informing the office. The church number is (520)

12 Rector's Discretionary Fund Every fifth Sunday of the month, the general collection goes to the Rector's Discretionary Fund. This Fund exists primarily for emergency situations. There are five such Sundays in Additional contributions to the Rector's Discretionary Fund can be made at anytime by designating the donation as restricted to Rector's Discretionary Fund. Your generosity makes possible the assistance we can give to people in need. Thank you. - Fr. Rick P.S. One purpose of the Fund is for you to defer to me anyone who approachs you for assistance at St. Matthew's. Episcopal Church of Saint Matthew 9071 East Old Spanish Trail Tucson Arizona (520) stmatthew.azdiocese.org Instagram: Saintmatthews_Tucson Mailing address PO Box Tucson, AZ 85731

St. Matthew's Midweek Update

St. Matthew's Midweek Update January 11, 2018 Note from the Rector Our Annual Meeting will be held in Matt's Place on Sunday, January 28 after the 10:30 service. Lunch will be provided (lasagna and salad).