I will sing of mercy and justice; to you, O LORD, will I sing praises. Psalm 101

Transcription

1 April 2018 Playing a supportive role I will sing of mercy and justice; to you, O LORD, will I sing praises. Psalm 101 In the movies, a supporting role is an actor or actress who performs a role below that of the leading character. This role is so important that the best supporting actors and actresses are recognized and given a separate award! The part of a supporting role is often pivotal or vital to the story. Did you know that St. Matthew s has had an award-winning supporting actor for many years? Indeed! And, the nomination goes to the St. Matthew s Bell Stand! The leading actor the St. Matthew Bell could not fulfill its important role of ringing us into worship or ringing out important tolls on special occasions, like the funeral of one of our members, without the faithful and sturdy functioning of a Bell Stand. From my reading of the parish history, the St. Matthew s Bell was one of the first contributions to the addition of the new Sanctuary in The letter of dedication reads: To the congregation of St. Matthew s: This bell is given in the memory of Sandy Elberg, Addie Flanick, and Martha Plumhoff, and our fun together as members of St. Matthew s. Please consider this bell as your first donation for the new building. Apart from the obvious symbol for our growing congregation, the embellishments were added with much research and consideration: The endless three strand sennit with three passes symbolizes the endless Trinity. The three cartouches around the waist are St. Matthew as the Divine Man, from some of the earliest artistic depictions; The Triquetra with Circle is another oft-used symbol of the Trinity; The Episcopal Shield as our flag of faith. The inscription around the soundbow was taken from Psalm 101. It was chosen as a hope for the future as St. Matthew s grows and moves out into the community. The dedication references the memory of three people for which the Bell was given Sandy Elberg, Annie Flanick, and Martha Plumhoff. Sandy was George Elberg s wife. She and their son Tom were killed in an auto accident. Annie was a friend of the Elberg s and she died of cancer. Martha was the daughter of Bob and Gene Halligan. Martha died during surgery. As indicated by the dedication, the St. Matthew s Bell had, and continues to have, a big role to play in the life and faith of the parish namely, to be a herald of hope in the neighborhoods and communities that we serve. Continued on page 2 Inside... Page 2 Reports: Vestry, Page 3 Financials, Page 4 Christian Ed./Engagement & Outreach/Announcements Page 5 Happenings Page 6 Happenings cont. Page 7 Ministry Schedule

2 Continued from page 1 The first supporting Bell Stand that helped the Bell ring out hope was a short white wooden stand with castors. It must have been a site when the children at Morehead School and the neighbors surrounding the parish property first heard the crier of hope ringing from St. Matthew s! In time, the first Bell Stand was retired, and Bill McFarland went to work on grooming a new supporting character. The new wooden Bell Stand was blessed and dedicated and found a place in the Sanctuary a durable, well-made character that supported the harbinger of hope! When I arrived at St. Matthew s in 2016, the Bell and its trusty sidekick stood near the entrance of the Nave, welcoming all who came to worship. It was moved in between the doors of the Narthex as a further sign of welcome to all who used our building. It takes a lot of strength and endurance to support such a leader of hope like the St. Matthew s Bell. As with all things, the McFarland Bell Stand weakened over the years and was not able to safely support the Bell and went into retirement. The McFarland Bell Stand was given to Nancy Gatewood and is finding a new sense of usefulness as a holy piece of art made with love by her father. In the wake of retiring the McFarland Bell Stand, the St. Matthew s Bell took a brief hiatus. The strength of a leading character is nothing without its support! Bell needed, we looked for something that With the help of a friend of Fr. Steve Giovan- and Clock Company located in Camby, Indi- Bell also got a make-over as the clapper was ate location that lets it ring more clearly and Stand was dedicated to the memory of Ernie Fr. Steve. As we thought about what kind of support the would be long-lasting and resistant to aging. gelo s, JJ Smith, the President of Smith s Bell ana, the idea for a metal stand was born. The adjusted to strike the bell in a more appropritruer to its nature. On Sunday, February 18, 2018, the new Bell and Rose Giovangelo, who were the parents of Over the years, the St. Matthew s Bell has had many charges as a forerunner of hope. It has called many to worship, welcomed many home as its toll rang out at funerals, recognized the men and women who have served our country on special days like Veterans Day and those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom on Memorial Day, and has been known to ring during Coffee Hour to make a space for special announcements and celebrations. And, all through these changes, standing in faithful service, in one form or another, has been the St. Matthew s Bell Stand. Psalm 101 stills calls us at St. Matthew s to grow and be visibly present in our neighborhoods and community; to continue as heralds of hope on east 10 th street ringing out sounds of open hearts and caring hands who are ready to welcome and embrace and care for those we meet. May it be so! Reports 2 VESTRY Greg Stabb Vestry has March meeting Vestry Members Present: Steve Albrecht, Natalie Palmer, Celeste Sheets-Eaton, Greg Staab. Vestry Members Absent: Phil Sowders, Linda Sykes, Jeff Weir Others: Priest-in-Charge Frank Impicciche, Vestry Clerk Dale Caldwell, guest Cody Lock from the Engagement & Outreach Committee were present. Cont. on page 3

3 Continued from page 2 Report from Engagement & Outreach Committee: Cody Lock reported on some of the initial brain-storming ideas. Meeting people where they are St. Matthew s should be a hub for community organizations Marketing: St. Matt s serves a very large area without encroaching on other Episcopal parishes Networking Possible hosting possibilities: EMF; Financial Peace University; evening topic oriented study or Bible studies; concerts; hosting monthly/quarterly dinners Having a presence at school board meetings & school activities New 12-step group for underserved group Opening Remarks from Fr. Frank Bishop Jennifer will make her Pastoral Visitation to St. Matthew s on Sunday, July 29. She will Preach and Preside at the Liturgy. Both Vicki Mansfield and Melissa Kleine will be Received into the Episcopal Church at this service. We will follow with a pitch-in and coffee hour where Bishop Jennifer will hold a Question and Answer Forum. He charted the new emerging structure of the Diocesan office, who are filling the positions that personnel are retiring from. The Diocese will soon have a new website. Also, a new Communications company working with the Diocese will be helping parishes revamp their individual websites. The Vestry will be meeting with several individuals who will consult about growing outreach and engagement. Some of the presenters include Fr. Jim Lemler (Pathways), Fr. Gray Lesegne (Church Planting), Rev. Robert Heimach (Irvington Presbyterian Church). Deacon Fatima Madus (Asset Mapping and Outreach). Feedback from Congregation A number of vestry members have received positive feedback from recent visitors who have found genuine warmth and acceptance into the St. Matt s family. Old Business There being no formal People's Warden Report, it was reported that an insurance claim had been settled with Church Insurance for the clean-up work in the rectory with the sewage back-up in the amount of $6, There is a $1,000 deductible on this claim. Considerable conversation was held regarding the detail of the February financial report. Additionally, considerable discussion was held on the various options the parish has with regards to the Rectory and what options we have about its future. The Wardens and Fr. Frank will work closely with the Diocese to formulate a desirable outcome for all parties. New Business The Altar Guild submitted a detailed list of linens that need to be purchased to replace long-used and well-worn ones. The cost of the replacement linens totaled $3,500. The vestry voted unanimously to approve the expenditure with final funding source to be determined in consultation with Natalie Weir, treasurer. FINANCIALS Dear Friends of St. Matthew s, Happy Easter to you all! I love this time of year. It brings a sense of renewal, both physically and spiritually. And I feel that strong sense of renewal within our congregation too. Even during the Vestry meeting in March, much of the discussion was focused on our vision of renewal through Engagement and Discovery of our Mission (see the Vestry Summary for more details). During our meeting, the Vestry spent considerable amount of time examining the current state our financials and discussing our future options with regards to the Rectory. Even though they both are separate issues, we realize that the recent required repairs of the Rectory are having an impact to our overall financial state and the goals we have set. We need to decide if this will be ongoing or short-term. The Wardens, along with Father Frank and our Treasurer have reached out to the Diocese to share our current state and decide on an outcome that works favorably for all parties. Greg Stabb, Rector s Warden Here is our current financial position: As of March 31, 2018 Actual Budgeted Total Receipts $54,590 $43,627 Total Expenditures $50,492 $48,635 Difference $4,098 ($5,008) 3

4 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Adult Forum resumes After a couple weeks of vacation for Palm Sunday and Easter, the Adult Forum will resume Sunday, April 15 at 9 am in the Narthex at the Cozy Corner. For the next few weeks, we will be discussing the history of the Episcopal Church in America. There is no book for this series, but Fr. Frank will provide handouts for all who attend. Come and join us for coffee/tea, fellowship, and good discussions! OUTREACH Thank you all, and please continue to help St. Matt s to help stock several neighborhood shelters and pantries on the far east side with toilet paper and other toiletries. In addition, as you are able, please consider giving to ICAN. You can mail personal checks made out to ICAN C/O IAM and mail to ICAN, c/o Emerson Ave. Baptist Church, 308 N. Emerson Ave. Indianapolis, IN46219 or you can give on line at: ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH The Engagement and Outreach Team met on Tuesday April 10th at 7 pm. The main topic for this meeting was talking about ideas for Community Day. The purpose for this group is to explore new ways to increase our presence in both the neighborhood and community at large, to serve our neighborhood and grow our parish at the same time! Our next meeting is Tuesday, April 24th at 7 pm Please JOIN OUR ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH TEAM We need your ideas and help FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE CODY LOCK 4 Announcements April Birthdays April 18 Natalie Palmer April 22 Andrew Lloyd-Jones April 23 Lester Burkeen April 23 Sylvia Robles April 25 Carter Bell April 28 Elaine Mattson April Anniversaries April 29 Frank and Susan Impicciche Please "like" and "follow" our new official Facebook page at fb.com/stmattsindy to stay up to date and remember to share the new page with all of your friends! Remember: Please sign up for Coffee Hour Bring some of your favorite pastry and fix the coffee. Thank you. The next Wednesday Pitch-In will be on Wednesday, April 25 following the 10am service. Come join the fun. Bring whatever; there s no set menu. Wednesday April 25 is the deadline for sending in any calendar events, meeting dates and times, articles, and announcements for the May issue of smatterings.

5 Happenings Preparing for Easter Altar Guile Work Day Palm Sunday Tenebrae Maundy Thursday 5

6 Good Friday Stations of the Cross The Great Easter Vigil Easter Sunday 6

7 The Baptism of Asher Dylan on Easter Sunday Sunday Ministry Schedule April 2018 Minis- April April April April April May Sched :00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM Easter Easter 2 Easter 3 Easter 4 Easter 5 Easter 6 Lec- Andy Wilkinson Bonnie Godfrey Phil Sowders Crystal Black Natalie Weir Mark Carpenter Suzanne Kissling Missy Ellis Vicki Mansfield Steve Albrecht Marla Davenport Suzanne Kissling Inter- Steve Albrecht Phil Sowders Jennifer Albrecht Vicki Mansfield Mark Carpenter Jeff Weir Chal- Joan Porter Joe Weaver Bonnie Godfrey Elaine Mattson Suzanne Kissling Joan Porter Crucifer/ Bonnie Godfrey Cody Lock Brayton Leswing Devon Teague Andy Wilkinson Vicki Mansfield Ush- Jeff Weir Greg Staab Natalie Palmer Kaye Palmer Joe Weaver Andy Wilkinson Natalie Weir Missy Ellis Denyse Palmer Jeff Higbie Bonnie Godfrey Angie Wilkinson Obla- Natalie Palmer Jennifer Albrecht Celeste Sheets-Eaton Leswing Natalie Weir Joe Weaver Denyse Palmer Melissa Kleine Suzanne Kissling family Jeff Weir Kaye Palmer Count- Jennifer Albrecht Jon Robbins Julie Hauptmann Andy Wilkinson Natalie Palmer Missy Ellis Missy Ellis Angie Wilkinson Zella Rosene Greg Staab Jennifer Albrecht Jon Robbins Altar Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4 Team 5 Team 1 If you are unable to serve, please find a substitute and advise the Parish Office. Thank you. 7

8 St. Matthew s Episcopal Church Come Grow with Us! Est E. 10th street * Indianapolis, IN * stmattsindy.org All Are Welcome St. Matthew s Episcopal Church 8320 East 10th Street Indianapolis, IN Phone (317) FAX: (317) Parish office@stmattsindy.org Priest-in-Charge frfrank@stmattsindy.org April Formatting and editing: Esther Weaver, Photos by: Esther Weaver, Alex Picillo St. Matthew s clergy and staff: The Revd Frank Impicciche, Priest-in-Charge Dale Caldwell, Parish Administrator Crystal Black, Hand Bell Choir Director Dale Caldwell, Organist/Choirmaster Services Sundays: Holy Eucharist Rite II 10:00am Wednesdays : Holy Eucharist 10:00am Nursery available on Sundays starting at 9:45 Parish Office Hours: Mon. & Thurs. 8am-1pm, Wed. 8am-2pm St. Matthew s Mission Statement The mission of St. Matthew s is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. We do this through worship of God, education of ourselves and our children, care for each other and outreach to others, sharing faith stores with others, and caring for all our resources (our time, treasure, and talents). Smatterings is published monthly except in the summer. The deadline is the 15th of the month for the following month s publication.