St. Matthew s Episcopal Church 2300 Edison Ave.

Transcription

1 St. Matthew s Episcopal Church 2300 Edison Ave St. Matthew s Episcopal Church 2300 Edison Ave Church Office (916) Fax (916) stmatthewsepiscopal@gmail.com Website: Spanish Service : 9:00 AM English Service: 10:30 AM Bishop of Northern California: The Right Rev. Barry Beisner Long-Term Supply: The Rev. David Howell Deacon: The Rev. Cindy Long Musicians: Marge Smith & Ruby Tiburcio Youth Coordinators: Kenneth & Kimberlyn Dandy Vestry 2011 Senior Warden: Jim McCartney Junior Warden: Norma Boge Clerk: Noella Bradbury Treasurer: CeeCee Coleman Vestry Members: Kimberlyn Dandy (925) Alfonso Cazares Marge Smith Robert Rugg Mark Donnelson

2 December 2011 St Matthew s is a multicultural Episcopal parish extending hospitality to all through outreach, formation and worship. St Matthew s Episcopal Church 2300 Edison Ave. Sacramento, CA Phone # (916) Change alter, to make different, transform, modify what an apropos term for St. Matthew s. I have told this story many times: I read an article on successful aging and they listed five to ten items that seemed to be present in those who aged successfully. I promptly forgot all of them except one. The ones I forgot I thought I had to some degree or another, but the one I have problems with I remembered. Change. The ability to accept and adapt to change. St. Matthew s tests us all in this area. We said good-bye to our priest in June, we said hello to the vestry and senior warden as the governing body of the church. We said good-bye to some beloved members the past year and said hello to some new. We will say good-bye to a couple who were a significant presence to our church family, Noella and Stu Bradbury, on Sunday, December 11 and we say hello to newly baptized and confirmed. We will say good-bye to four vestry members and say hello to new members in January. Our church and church family are in constant change and I do feel uncomfortable at times I don t want people to leave, I don t want priests to leave, I don t like changes. How interesting that you notice the word I quite frequently. Is it really I who is important? Is it really allowing me to grow if there is no change? Does the church grow with no change? The church is changing and in many good ways. Our physical plant, the buildings and grounds always are in need of change and repair. Did you know that we received an anonymous gift to fix the roof in the office? It is now repaired. Did you know that we received an anonymous gift to replace the floor? The vestry should decide within weeks about a new floor and have it installed. Did you know that we received a grant from the diocese for dollars to continue roof repairs on other Dr. Jim McCartney structures along with basic needs that the vestry will determine? Did you know that the Bishop and the diocese support our mission and outreach as a significant and important part of Episcopal outreach in Northern California? Did you know that the outreach at St. Matthew s has been combined and is now called St. Matthew s Community Resource Center which includes the food closet and cloths closet and the Charles Coleman Health Outreach and parent resources? Our spiritual growth continues and grows through Education For Ministry (EFM) that CeeCee Coleman will conduct; Deacon Cindy is conducting classes on what it means to be an Episcopalian for new members who are unfamiliar with our church; and Father David and Norma Boge have developed a stewardship schedule to help us all in our time/talent and tithe. Change can be uncomfortable and yet exciting. You will notice small and large changes in the physical plant over the next months be sure to climb on the roof to see some (well, just kidding!). What doesn t change is the Christian mission to love God with all your heart and soul and love your neighbor as yourself. What doesn t change is the Advent Season and the preparation for the peaceful presence of the Christ Child that we view with such anticipation. What doesn t change is St. Matthew s mission to be a multicultural Episcopal parish extending hospitality to all through outreach, formation and worship. Jim McCartney Senior Warden

3 Deacon's Corner As I write this we are one week past our great Thanksgiving turkey giveaway. This was the fifth year I have participated in this event. As always Deacon Cindy it seemed kind of up in the air how it would all happen- until pretty much the last minute. And yet, as always, it did come together. This year, with the help of all our great volunteers and many generous donations, over 400 families received a turkey or a pork roast plus all the trimmings for a delicious holiday meal. I have to admit that a couple of days before all this happened I was worried about how it would all come together. Yes, we had many generous donations to purchase turkeys but it seems there is a turkey shortage, so finding places to buy them was becoming a challenge. Yes, we had a list of volunteers but many weren t sure they could show up. And then there was the weather- would it rain? So I voiced my concerns. It was Mark Donnelson who gave me the words of wisdom. Cindy, he said, You just need to have faith. It was a good call. He was right. I had gotten myself into thinking that we had to do it all ourselves. I do not know about you, but for me that happens sometimes when I get really busy. I forget that the One who created us, the One who gives us all that we have, will be there to see us through whatever comes. And sure enough, God did. And so that is the message I most want to share, as we look toward the future. Times are unsure and difficult everywhere. Churches are struggling to keep afloat, all the while trying to be the bearers of the Good News of God s love, which our world so needs to hear. When I look around at all that goes on here, from the children taking First Communion or scurrying off to Sunday School, to the church services filled with heartfelt prayers and worship each Sunday and some weekdays too, to the gatheringsof shared soup and learning, of fellowship after church, of the planners and hopers and dreamers of all that St Matthew s is and could be, to the many hands and hearts that keep all the ministries of this place going full force and all the lives (our own and our neighbors) that are touched when I look at all that, I know that Mark Donnelson is right - Have faith! God will see us through. God s peace be with you all in this Holy season of Advent! Deacon Cindy Long

4 Christmas Eve Services at St. Matthew s Church 4:00pm: Christmas Pageant 8:00pm: Lessons & Carols with Eucharist Christmas Day services will be held at Trinity Cathedral at 10:00am The address is: 2620 Capitol Avenue Sacramento, California

5 Matt s Attic The youth group has had a great fall semester this year! We have been studying some of our favorite stories from the old testament as well as reflections on the weekly gospel readings. We have had a lot of fun activities including a trip to the world's largest corn maze in Dixon, and miniature golf at Scandia. We were very happy to welcome Father David to one of our Wednesday evenings and were able to teach him some of our favorite songs and games. We have an exciting winter planned. Our end of the year activity will be on December 14th when we are going out to the theater to see Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) performed by Capitol Stage. In February we are planning on going on our 2nd annual snow trip to Camp Noel Porter! The youth have also already started planning their summer camping trip which they promise will be the best camping trip ever as for three of them it will be the last! Which reminds me, save the date for May 20th as our three graduating seniors will be participating in the Baccalaureate Service at Trinity Cathedral. If anyone is interested in chaperoning one of our trips and can provide additional transportation, please call Ken or myself. Thank you to all our wonderful supporters! Thank you, Kimberlyn Dandy Seminarian Sentiments Although I wasn t part of St. Matthew s Thanksgiving events on November 22, the thanksgiving I experience over and over again is heartfelt gratitude for being part of your life and ministry during this special time in my life. This fall has brought opportunities to co-teach adult and First Communion classes, share soup suppers and fellowship, assist in the Health Center, and continue work in the Food Closet when needed. Sunday mornings have been rich with opportunities to serve in a variety of ways all of Anne Arthur them under the cover-all label of Seminarian. Thank you! Now that we have entered the season of Advent, a season of expectation and preparation, I find myself preparing inwardly for our celebration of Christ s coming into the world to live among us, as one of us, bringing new possibilities for hope, love, joy, and peace. On a different note, as I prepare end of semester assignments for CDSP, and look expectantly toward the spring term that begins in February, I am pleased that I will be able to continue my fieldwork at St. Matthew s for one more semester. Between terms, I will be at St. Matthew s part-time. I plan to spend Christmas with family and to continue fulfilling diocesan requirements for ministry in January. My wishes to each and all for a blessed Christmas and hope-filled New Year, Anne

6 St. Matthew s Community Resource Center St Matthew s Community Resource Center is the part of St Matthew s Church which serves our neighborhood through outreach. The Center, as it is known, is currently made up of four related programs: The Food Closet, The Clothes Closet, The Parent Resource Program and Charles Coleman Health Outreach. We utilize many volunteers for staffing and new people are always welcome! These programs are made possible through donations of goods and money, and through grants. Thank you to all who support us in these ways. The Center Steering Committee: Janet Van Wert, Convener, Kim and Mark Donnelson, Mary Ellen Ferguson, CeeCee Coleman, Sarah Arciga, Ana Aguilar, Anne Arthur, and Deacon Cindy Long. Charles Coleman Health Outreach For I was sick and you took care of me Matthew 25: 36 Another semester has come and gone and with it came our four great semester long Sac State Nursing students- Ned, Larissa, Yuliya and Shareen and about 20 other students who came and worked with us for one or two mornings. With the help of our regular volunteers, Corey Young,RN, Mary Groesbeck, Cheryl Powell, Tony Barratta, Chiropractor and the Ameri- Corps members, the students quickly learned the basics of what we do and jumped right in. Midway through the semester they presented trilingual (Spanish, Russian and English) Blood Pressure classes which were very well received. The students come to us for their Community Health rotation and we often hear how glad they were to have the St Matthew s experience which is so different from their hospital work. The people who come to us for their BP and weight checks and to learn more about health and how to access health care really appreciate the students enthusiasm and eagerness to help. As names are learned and relationships established it is always great to see how the personal connections made can help with making what we teach and do more meaningful and effective for the people who come seeking help. As always, we especially thank our regular helpers for their great dedication which keeps the Health Outreach going strong. Want to donate? We need: Canned soups, beans, tuna, vegetables and fruits and fresh produce, peanut butter, mac and cheese, small hotel toiletries, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, dental care items, baby diapers and clothing and cold weather items as mentioned above. Thank you! Deacon Cindy

7 Food Closet The Clothes Closet Open every Tuesday and Thursday Morning for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me Matthew 25:35 This year has continued to be a very busy one. In October we served 896 families. As of this writing our November numbers are not in yet but we expect to have served even more families- especially considering we served 430 families on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving alone! We would like to thank our many supporters from the congregation and around the diocese who made our pre- Thanksgiving giveaway possible by donating to our Every Turkey Counts drive. Thanks also to Assemblyman Richard Pan s office and the California Water Board for the donation of 100 turkeys through Operation Gobble, St Michael s Church and School, Carmichael, for gift cards and food collection, Episcopal Community Services for the mid-year grant and to the Truxel Rd. Target as well as our local Walmart and Sam s Club for special bulk discount prices on turkey purchases. Finally, thanks to Kim and Mark Donnelson for their prep work, purchasing and supervising, Janet Van Wert for her ongoing ministry of registration, Karen Jones, who arranged publicity and Katie Gabler and Shaunell Glass, who prepared a delicious turkey meal for the volunteers. Clothes Closet The Clothes Closet is staffed by Rosa and Sarah, two long time, dedicated volunteers. Warm winter clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and rain gear are huge needs right now. Cleaning your closets? Getting ready to move? Have friends, family or neighbors getting ready to do the same? Please remember your gently used items are a welcome donation for people who are in need. Thank you to all who donate! Parent Resource Center Deacon Cindy Our two AmeriCorps members, Sarah Arciga and Ana Aguilar have been very busy these past two months. Not only have they been teaching parenting and cooking classes, leading zumba and park walking, assisting in the Health Outreach and helping out around the Center in any way needed, but they have also been busy running Club Spark, the United Way grant funded afterschool program for 9-12 year olds which promotes healthy exercise and nutrition. Our AmeriCorps members are placed here and paid by our partners at CAPC (the Child Abuse Prevention Center) who know there are great needs in this neighborhood and want to help support us in our efforts to address those needs. Together, Ana and Sarah (and before Ana, Kimberlyn Dandy who has finished her AmeriCorps terms of service)make a great team. It is wonderful to have them as a part of The Center. Take a look at the calendar and come join a class!

8 Parish News Learning Together in Faith Tuesday Night Study Group-Come join our lively group for interesting discussions and learning as we study together. Currently we are exploring Bible passages of the upcoming Sunday but our subjects often vary as questions come up about faith, religion, traditions and what it all means in our lives today.our Tuesday nights start with soup supper at 5:30pm, continue with class from 6-7pm and end with Compline, a quiet service of evening prayer, at 7:15pm. Newcomers always welcome! Questions? See Katie Gabler, Anne Arthur or Deacon Cindy Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation Classes are also available. Please speak with Father David and Deacon Cindy for more information. Pastoral Partners Are you, or someone you know, in need of a home visit, a person to talk to, someone to offer prayers? Please call the office or speak with one of our team members- Jim McCartney, Katie Gabler, Kim Donnelson and Deacon Cindy. Also, New Pastoral Partner Team Member classes are coming soon- let us know if you are interested. New Church Website A new church website is currently under construction! The web address is Keeping checking back to see its progress! Lunch and Chatter Bunch (Bring a salad to share) NEXT LUNCH & CHATTER BUNCH Wednesday December 28, 2011 & January 25, 2012 at 12:00 PM

9 December 2011 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Services 11 Services (Morning Prayer) 18 Services Vestry12:00PM 25 Christmas Day Services at the Cathedral Parenting Class 12pm 19 8:00AM 20 Parenting Class 12pm 7 8:00AM Nutritious Cooking 12:00p 14 8:00AM Nutritious Cooking 12:00p 21 8:00AM Nutritious Cooking 12:30p 8 Parenting Class(Spanish)1:30 ESL Class 5:30PM 15 Parenting Class(Spanish)1:30 ESL Class 5:30PM 22 Parenting Class(Spanish)1:30 ESL Class 5:30PM Healing Circle 6-9:00PM 9 Group 8:00AM 16 Group 8:00AM Healing Circle 6-9:00PM 23 Group 8:00AM Christmas Eve Services 4:00pm Children s pageant 8:00pm Lessons & Carols with Eucharist 30 31

10 January 2012 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 Services (Morning Prayer): 8 Services (Morning Prayer): 15 Services: 22 Services: Vestry 12:00PM 29 Services: Walking Group Parenting Class 12:30pm 10 Walking Group Parenting Class 12:30pm 17 Walking Group Parenting Class 12:30pm 24 Walking Group Parenting Class 12:30pm 31 Walking Group Parenting Class 12:30pm 4 Nutritious Cooking 11am 11 Nutritious Cooking 11am 18 Nutritious Cooking 11am 25 Nutritious Cooking 11amp 5 Walking Group Clothes Closet 9:00Aam Parenting Class(Spanish)1:30pm ESL Class 5:30pm 12 Walking Group Clothes Closet 9:00Aam Parenting Class(Spanish)1:30pm ESL Class 5:30pm 19 Walking Group Parenting Class(Spanish)1:30pm ESL Class 5:30pm 26 Walking Group Parenting Class(Spanish)1:30pm ESL Class 5:30pm 6 Group Healing Circle 6-9:00pm 13 Group 20 Group Healing Circle 6-9:00pm 27 Group