May 2018 Two years ago, I sat vigil at the altar of repose in St. Matthew s Episcopal Church, Indianapolis. That evening we heard Jesus commandment that we love one another as He had loved his disciples. Then He asked them to pray with Him in the garden while he prepared for the ordeal to come. They heard his words but did not understand the enormity in them. Here I was, sitting for my single hour with our Savior, and I knew of the tests to come. I began to study our print of the Sistine Madonna. Just three months ago, we were celebrating Jesus birth, welcoming the coming of God s kingdom. I looked into Jesus and Mary s eyes in the painting and saw determination Alice Moody and terror. My mind wandered to what they might be thinking. The following little story is the result of my imagination of what if the painted scenario really happened? What do you see? A Story Based on viewing the Sistine Madonna print in St. Matthew s Episcopal Church Indianapolis by Alice Moody (The writing began March 24, 2016) Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, You see this child; he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected - and a sword will pierce your own soul too - so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare. Luke 2:34-35 It s good to be home among friends and family, sighed Mary. Her two-year-old son played in the dust at her feet while she kneaded bread. Barely out of childhood herself, Mary sometimes felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising this special child. While in appearance he was just like so many other children of his age, his eyes betrayed wisdom beyond her understanding. He would draw in the dust outside their home and ponder things before speaking, and then sometimes his words seemed too advanced for his years. At least we are safe now. Her thoughts shattered. Mary, Mary! young neighbor Lazarus rushed in. There are strangers in town. They want to see Jesus. They are coming this way. Oh, my goodness! Here I am up to my elbows in dough, and Jesus has been running and playing around all morning. I can t have visitors now, despaired Mary. Looking down on her grimy Page 2 Page 1 cont. Page 3 Reports: Vestry/Christian Ed. Page 4 Christian Ed. Cont./Announcements but happy son, she continued, Lazarus, please run and ask your mother to start making my guests welcome. I have to make this young man more presentable. I have fresh water in the jar by the door for washing their feet and a little wine and bread there near the oven. Joseph will not be home from his workshop for some time. Sure, Mary. I will fetch her, replied Lazarus and off he ran. Mary tutted, Look at yourself, Jesus. You have more of our Father s good earth on you than a contented behemoth in the river Nile. I think a bath is in order. So Mary filled a basin with water and removed his clothing. Just as she was finishing, she heard voices behind her. She turned, holding her squirming son in her arms as two richly dressed strangers entered. Continued on page 2 Page 5 Happenings/Outreach Page 6 Ministry Schedule Page 7 Mother s Day Prayer
Continued from page 1 Shyly the young woman entered first. She knelt in the dust and greeted Mary and Jesus saying, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. Mary stepped back a bit and wondered to herself what manner of greeting this could be. Are not these the words with which she responded to Elizabeth only a few years earlier? How is that this stranger knows of the exchange? Mary s mouth formed an O stammering, What? Who? How? My name is Barbara, my lady. I was praying in the tower in which my father had imprisoned me asking the great Creator for some sign that I have chosen the right path. There was a great flash of light, brighter than any lightning, and then a deep, sustained rumbling more powerful than thunder. Suddenly, I find myself here in your town and time. A tremendous miracle and the only words that I could find that expressed my joy were your own Magnificat. Mary stood very still. Once again, God has stepped into her life unexpectedly. She smiled at the strange woman. Would you like to hold Him? My son, Jesus? Oh, may I? responded Barbara with her arms outstretched to cradle the holy child. Yes, he is human but those eyes. Those eyes are so old. They see right through me and everything that I have ever done, said, or did not do or say. Then Jesus touched his pudgy fingers to Barbara s cheek to catch the tears falling there. He smiled and then Barbara smiled back. Barbara continued, Thanks be to God. He knows me but still He loves me. Mary retrieved her small son as Barbara s tears of joy continued to fall. Mary then turned to the older man who entered behind Barbara. He too knelt at her feet removing his elaborate, princely tiara. Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae; vita dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve, Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Evae. Ad te surpiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte; Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc ex- silium ostende. O clemens! O pia! O dulcis Virgo Maria! was his greeting. 1 Mary was equally dismayed by this. Roman and yet your words are strangely accented? And you come to us? How is it that you cry to me? I am only a woman, a vessel and a human guardian. However, since you managed to appear here, it is God s will that you too see my son Jesus. Do you have an explanation for your arrival? Domina, my name was Francesco della Rovere, but I now I go by my adopted name Sixtus IV, Pope of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Like Saint Barbara, I too was praying for God s guidance. I am afraid that in my zealousness and greed that I have gone the wrong way in some things. May God forgive me. I am hoping that by being given this vision of his holy Son, I am forgiven. The words of Anselm of Canterbury, "potuit, decuit, ergo fecit" (He [i.e., God] could do it; it was appropriate; therefore, He did it) are the only explanation that I can offer to you, replied the visitor. And so here we are in your time and your place. Amazing. He turned to view his surroundings. Amazing, Sixtus repeated with a sigh. Yes, God is amazing. A thousand years are but a day to Him. I understand why He answered your prayers in an amazing manner, but I wonder what His message might be for me to see you both here in my home in my time? replied Mary. A long quiet ensued, while they pondered her question. Then Mary looked up. Where two impish village children who had been peeking through her window at the visitors, now their visage shifted. Wings sprouted on their shoulders. Oh my! explained Mary. Look! Sixtus turned and pointed, Look beyond them. In the clouds, my Lady. A host of witnesses from all times and places full of awe and wonder. Your son is truly special. The whole world and all generations will come to know him and his teachings. He will spread the message of love for God and for all people without reservation even to the point of his own sacrifice. Mary s eyes grew wide at the thought of sacrifice. She remembered what others had said about a sword that would pierce her heart and sadness over whelmed her face. Jesus meanwhile had stopped wiggling in her arms, his eyes seemed to be on the verge of tears but his smile became determined. He knew what was in store for him and his mother. That the scriptures are true and his path and death were already written. And it was good. 1 Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy; hail, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile, show us the blessed fruit of thy womb Jesus. O clement! O loving! O sweet Virgin Mary! This setting is a processional hymn for Marian feasts from the Abbey of Cluny 12 th century. https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/salve_regina#cite_note-frisk-3 2
We ask that you continue to hold all those persons listed on our prayer list in your hearts and prayers. Greg, John, Bill, Shawn, Teny, Alice, Susan, Mary Ann, Cheryl, Roy, Lou Jacob, Patrick, Walter, Bonnie, Kelly, Samantha, Sylvia, Brent, Brantley, Bill, John, Moses, Julie, Jerry, Cecilia, Peggy, Brandy, Mark, Janet, Gary, Cheryl, Cadence, Elizabeth Reports VESTRY Vestry meeting summaries April 16, 2018 It was a pleasure to welcome Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows to the April Vestry meeting. She was eager to learn about St. Matthew's current health as a parish, its recent history, and the vision Greg Staab for the future in preparation for Fr. Frank Impicciche's move to full time status as Priest-in-Charge. In addition to discussions within the Vestry, Treasurer Natalie Weir has had conversations with diocesan staff regarding the financial implications of such a significant step. Individual vestry members shared their history with the parish as well as their perspectives on its current well-being. The conversation was honest and forthright, but with great optimism for the future of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church. There was confidence that the Holy Spirit was acting among us, positioning the parish to be a strong anchor and partner for ministry on the east side of Indianapolis. Approvals the Vestry approved unanimously the following: 2017 Parochial Report Minutes of the March 19 meeting of the Vestry March Financial Statement May 6, 2018 A special Vestry meeting was called to discuss and vote a change to Fr. Frank s employment status from part-time Priest-in-Charge to full-time Priest-in-Charge. At the annual meeting held earlier this year, the Vestry laid out a vision of what would be possible with a full-time priest. Fr. Frank has been our part-time Priest-in-Charge since January 2016 and in that time, he has been very instrumental and effective in the growth and vitality of our parish. In order to meet Fr. Frank s timeline with his current employer, the Vestry needed to review and vote on his status with St. Matts prior to our May 21 st meeting. The single agenda item was final discussion and approval to change the status of Priest-in-Charge Frank Impicciche from part-time to full-time and to approve an adjustment in his compensation to align with the standards of the Diocese. The motion was made by Jeff Weir and seconded by Linda Sykes. The motion passed unanimously. His full-time status will be effective July 1, 2018. April Financial Update: To date our financial situation is faring better than we had projected. A couple of explanations for this is that we saw five Sundays in April, one being Easter Sunday. Also, we are seeing more use of our commercial kitchen from food vendors. Good news is that expenses are staying close to budget. This puts us in really good shape to increase Fr. Franks employment status from part-time to full-time. As of April 30, 2018 Actual Budgeted Total Receipts $72,944 $58,169 Total Expenditures $63,943 $62,846 Difference $9,001 ($4,677) CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Adult Forum The Adult Forum just ended last week. We will have a planning meeting on May 20. New classes will begin in September. 3
Children s Sunday school Whoever receives a child in the name of Christ receives Christ himself. Announcements by Angie Wilkinson Working in the nursery is both a joy and a challenge. For me, the joy comes when I see the light go on in their eyes like when I talk about a biblical concept such as the resurrection, and I can see when they get it. The children who are in the nursery are few; so we are able to see their individual specialties. I determined a long time ago that children are like flowers. Many times they are just waiting to blossom. Each possessing his/her own personality and individuality. Each child looking in the mirror to see his/her own reflection As I say, Seeing visions of God himself. The occasional laugh, the energy, the sparkling eyes are a pure joy to experience. One Sunday we were blessed with Elly, Cadence and Landon to COMING SOON be in the nursery together. The age span is 4, 5, and 6 years old. The energy level is high for all three, but the attention spans are short. To develop a lesson that all three would enjoy and comprehend is almost impossible. But this Sunday, I was blessed. Landon happened to bring his bag of cars to church. Landon has a name for each. Many are from the movie, Cars. He was gracious to share them with Elly and Cadence. The three actually at one moment were playing side by side and offering (sharing) with each other. This only lasted a short time. Each went his own make believe way quickly, but those few minutes of cooperation/sharing were pure joy, and you could see it on their faces. If we could only be like these innocent children: able to play together, cooperate, laugh and smile, the world might be a better place. ANNUAL KITE DAY Sunday, May 20 12 noon - 2 p.m. Held on St. Matt s lawn Bring your own kite, or fly one of ours! Joining us for Kite Day: Public Safety Personnel An Ambulance Crew IMPD Bike Squad Community Hospital Note: If you have a tent or canopy to make a booth for Kite Day, please let Cody Lock know. We are planning on using 2 3 for booths for some crafts for the younger children. May 15 Julie Hauptmann May 15 Buzz Hollett May 17 Peg Logan May 20 Ann Boruff May 20 Natalie Weir May 21 Peg Hasty May 21 Carter Bell May Birthdays May Anniversaries Remember: Please sign up for Coffee Hour. Bring some of your favorite pastry and fix the coffee. Thanks The next Wednesday Pitch-In will be on Wednesday, May 31ST following the 10am service. Come join the fun. Bring whatever; there s no set menu. Wednesday, March 30 is the deadline for sending in any calendar events, meeting dates and times, articles, and announcements for the June issue of smatterings. 4 May 23 Crystal Black and Greg Harris The June meeting of Book, Yarn, and Prayer will be Monday, June 4 at 7p.m. The new book we will be reading is The Faith Club.
Happenings On Saturday, April 28, Bishop Moses Anur Ayom and Mamma Rebecca Koryom from the Diocese of Athooch (in a region of South Sudan) visited St. Matthew s for a tour and luncheon. Fr. Jeff Bower, the Chair of Global Missions, hosted Bishop Moses and Mamma Rebecca this past week. They visited several parishes in the diocese, highlighting the many ways we exist in community and in support of the world beyond our doors. The luncheon was prepared by the Kheprw Institute who is one of our kitchen vendors. 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: http://rally.org/ican. The Irvington Community Advocacy Network (ICAN) Assistance Center is a non-profit organization serving neighbors in the east side of the Irvington community with potential financial assistance clothing and/or referrals to other programs. Main office is at Irvington United Methodist Church 30 N. Audubon. It is open Mon./Tues./Thurs. 9:30-11:30 a.m. The Clothing Closet is located at Emerson Ave. Baptist Church, 308 N. Emerson-Tues. 1-3 PM & Fri. 10-11:30 AM (317) 322-9645. The ICAN Food Pantry is located at the Downey Avenue Christian Church. Pantry hours are each Thursday (except Holidays) 1:00-3:00 PM. Enter at Hibben Street. Food pantry donations are welcome. An easy way to donate is by signing up and using your Kroger Plus card when you shop at Kroger, or you can contact the pantry at foodpantry@downeyavenue.com or at 317.936.9639. Volunteer assistance is also welcome. Several from St. Matthew s volunteer at the pantry. The Community Outreach Ministry, Eastside (COME) is designed to assist with utility bills, rent and mortgage payments, referrals to other agencies, and, of course, food. COME provides assistance to people in need in Warren Township in Marion County and western Hancock County. 116 S Muessing St. Cumberland, Indiana Call (317) 797-2629 5
Sunday Ministry Schedule May 2018 Ministry May May May May June Schedule 6 13 20 27 3 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM Easter 6 Easter 7 Pentecost Trinity Pentecost 2 Lectors Mark Carpenter Missy Ellis Joan Porter Jennifer Albrecht Bonnie Godfrey Suzanne Kissling Natalie Weir Linda Sykes Phil Sowders Vicki Mansfield Intercessor Jeff Weir Jeff Higbie Missy Ellis Andy Wilkinson Bonnie Godfrey Chalice Joan Porter Andy Wilkinson Joe Weaver Bonnie Godfrey Elaine Mattson Crucifer/Server Vicki Mansfield Bonnie Godfrey Cody Lock Joe Weaver Brayton Leswing Ushers Andy Wilkinson Greg Staab Jeff Weir Jeff Higbie Kaye Palmer Angie Wilkinson Missy Ellis Natalie Weir Nancy McFarland Joe Weaver Oblations Joe Weaver Natalie Palmer Leswing Vicki Mansfield Albrecht Kaye Palmer Denyse Palmer family Melissa Kleine family Counters Missy Ellis Angie Wilkinson Andy Wilkinson Greg Staab Natalie Palmer Jon Robbins Julie Hauptmann Zella Rosene Jennifer Albrecht Missy Ellis Altar Guild Team 1 Team 2 Team 3 Team 4 Team 1 Team 1, Alice Moody, Bonnie Godfrey, Barb Steward, Melissa Klein Team 2, Zella Rosene, Joan Porter, Cody Lock Team 3, Jenny Lloyd-Jones, Esther Weaver, Celeste Sheets-Eaton, Marla Davenport Team 4, Jenny Lloyd-Jones, Katy Ellis, Nancy McFarland, Linda Sykes Team 5, Sylvia Robles, Janet Higbie, Samantha Fraser 6 If you are unable to serve, please find a substitute and advise the Parish Office. Thank you.
` Dear Father, `A Mother s Day Prayer - Daniel Darling We approach your throne on behalf of the mothers whom you have entrusted with the care of your most precious little ones. We thank you for creating each mom with a unique combination of gifts and talents. We thank you for the sacrifice of self each mom gives for her children. For the late nights spent rocking a colicky infant. For the hands calloused from washing, wiping, scrubbing, mixing, backing, stirring, hugging, patting, disciplining, holding, writing, erasing, A Mother. We thank you for the gift of time moms give for their kids, whether it s stay-at-home moms, working moms, and moms who have some combination of the two. We thank you for the flexibility of moms, for their tirelessness, their perseverance, and their devotion. We pray you give each mom strength. Help her to see in every mundane task the eternal, cosmic significance that you place on motherhood. Help her to understand that the most radical, world-changing events may be happening anonymously in her home. Help her to forgive those who undermine her significance. H I A We especially pray for single moms, who must lean solely on you for the fathering of their children. We thank you that your big arms surround children who may never know their earthly father. We also pray for mothers who never had the honor of bearing children, but whose nurturing extends to the many poor and needy who cross the threshold of their lives. We ask you to be the daily bread of tired mothers. We ask you to be their living water. We ask you to be their source of spiritual and physical strength. We pray that the same grace that flowed from Father to Son to us in salvation will flow from mothers to their children. We pray that each mother rejects perfectionism and instead embraces the goodness of the gospel. We pray the rhythms of repentance and forgiveness shape every home. Lord, give each mother a worshipful reverence of you, the Creator and Sustainer of life. Help each mother to rest in the knowledge that they are but stewards of your children and that only your Spirit can produce change into the hearts of each boy and girl. May each mother find rest in you. Most of all, Lord, on this day in which we honor mothers, may we love and cherish the special women who have born us, who have nurtured us, and who have prayed for our well-being. May our hearts overflow with gratitude to you, who formed and knitted each of us in a mother s womb. AMEN 7
St. Matthew s Episcopal Church Come Grow with Us! Est.1916 8320E. 10th street * Indianapolis, IN * stmattsindy.org All Are Welcome St. Matthew s Episcopal Church 8320 East 10th Street Indianapolis, IN 46219 5399 Phone (317) 898-7807 FAX: (317) 898-1443 http://www.stmattsindy.org Parish E-mail office@stmattsindy.org Priest-in-Charge E-mail frfrank@stmattsindy.org May 2018 8 Formatting and editing: Esther Weaver, Photos by: 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.