St. Matthew's Midweek Update APRIL 5, 2018 Note from the Rector Note from the Rector Sunday afternoon begins my three month sabbatical. With that in mind, I want to share with you the contact information for the office and various ministries in my absence. First of all, the Senior Warden is in charge of a parish in the absence of the Rector. Jeff Patten is our Senior Warden and his contact information is 520 323-0593 and rumin8nguy@yahoo.com. As our Parish Administrator, Brian Arthur will continue to prepare the Sunday bulletins including the announcements, to schedule space usage for both church and non-church groups, and to add names as requested to the prayer list and generate the list each week. Our office hours while I am away are 9 am - 3 pm, Tuesday through Thursday. Office ministers will be present during those six hours and Brian will be here three - four hours each of those days. The office number is (520) 298-9782 and email address parish01stmatts@outlook.com. Requests for ebulletin announcements should go to my email address saintmatthewsrector@live.com. The request will be made available to the ebulletin editor, Caroline Smith. The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals will be our supply priest who will address administrative, liturgical, and pastoral care functions. Fr. Sumith De Silva will also be providing pastoral care. Although not here full time, Rev. Debbie will have office hours and can be contacted directly at (520) 907-0616 and at revdebroyals@gmail.com. An exciting aspect of Rev. Debbie's time here is that she will be leading a parish retreat June 22- June 24. Having been a part of the CREDO program (clergy wellness retreats), Rev. Debbie brings a great deal of experience with her.
Fr. Frank, Mother Ellen, Father Sumith and Clyde Kunz will also be preaching at various times. Our Catechist, Nadine Cole will preach on Good Shepherd and Pentecost Sundays. I will miss you but I also know this is a good thing. The parish is in such excellent hands that I don't have to fear about any problems developing. A sabbatical is encouraged for a Pastor at 7 years. It has been 9 for me. The opportunity for me to study, pray, and rest will hopefully refresh me with new insights and energy to give to our parish. While I am away, I am sure the parish will also get new insights and energy. I firmly believe it is a win-win. You will be in my prayers and hopefully, I will be in yours. God's Peace! Father Rick 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 NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS Thanks for the Easter Egg Hunt Thank you to all the parishioners that donated all the wonderful, delicious, yummy candies used to fill our plastic Easter Eggs. The children enjoyed them very much. I would also like to thank my crew of egg stuffers, egg hiders and day of the hunt helpers. Thank you Edwin, Omar,(Guest,new to the area) Shelia, Pat, Father Rick, Caroline and Gini. I couldn't have done it without you.... Lisa Butler
EARTH DAY SPECIAL PRESENTATION APRIL 22 On April 22, 2018 from 1-4 pm in honor of Earth Day the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona Council for Native American Ministry in partnership with St. Matthew's Native Ministry will host the world-renowned musician and activist, Gabriel Ayala, Pascua Yaqui, who will present Standing Rock: Through the eyes of Gabriel Ayala. The event in Matt's Place is open to the public and a love offering is welcome. Folks who are planning to stay for Gabriel's presentation may be wondering what to do about lunch. Rev. Debbie's sister, who has often assisted with catering at St. Matthew's, will be whipping up a $5 lunch. If you are interested, Rev. Debbie will have a clipboard sign up sheet on the counter in the Parish Hall during the next two Sunday (April 8 and 15). There will also be an envelope with the sheet so you can reserve a lunch and pay your $5 as a way for us to keep up with the count. Margaret usually charges $12-15/person for lunches so she is really giving St. Matthew's a deal. Lunch will be available immediately following the 10:30 service so we can plan to be done and ready at 1 pm when the program begins in Matts Place. Lios enchi hiokoe utteesia Thank you and many blessings Rev Canon Debbie Royals revdebroyals@gmail.com 520-907-0616 UPDATING PARISH DIRECTORY It is time again to update our Parish Directory. Copies will be in both the Narthex and Parish Hall in an orange folder. Please take a moment to verify that your address, phone numbers and e-mail are up to date. If you are not listed there will be blank paper to add it in the orange folder; should you have any questions, please contact Gini Jones 822-7542.
MINISTERIAL NEEDS Money Counter Ministers Needed Every church has numerous ministries which are not visible to the parishioners. Being a money counter is one of them, yet it is a crucial ministry. St. Matthew's needs parishioners who are willing to provide this service to our faith community. You would be asked to be a money counter (one of two each Monday morning) regularly once a month with an occasional but not frequent second time in a month. The money counters provide their ministry Monday morning beginning about 9 and are finished within an hour and a half. If you are willing to be a money counter minister, please contact Allan Jones at 520 822-7542 or at adjones9966@yahoo.com. 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 749-4368. Thanks for your help. 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 520-548-2544 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 520-333-8084 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. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS MATTY'S ANGELS UPDATE April 7, 2018 NAMI Walk at Kennedy Park Fiesta Area Lisa Butler is Matty's Angels' co-chairperson Eddie Montano is Matty's Mens' co-chairperson The NAMI WALK is a wonderful way to provide mental health advocacy, education and support to people in our community with mental illness and their loved ones. Mental illness is like any other disease, with proper care it can be treated. There are different walks available; 1K, 3K or 5K. It will be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time with friends and family. Do register with the co - chairpersons; Lisa (789-1431) and Eddie (271-41430. They will have the instructions for registering for this event. Monthly Celtic Liturgy Saturday April 7, 2018 The next monthly Celtic Liturgy will be Saturday, April 7, 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.
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. Dream Study The next Dream Study meetings Saturday, April 14 and April18 at 10:00 am in the library. For questions, contact Nancy Haugh. CONVERSATION & COFFEE WITH A JESUIT Sunday April, 8 2018 What's on your mind? Civil, Serious, Sensitive Conversation in the library, Sunday April 8, 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, April 8, 2018! ADULT EDUCATION SERIES: SPECIAL SPEAKER: THEOLOGIAN MURRAY FLAGG Confucius, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammad Next Class Sunday, April 15, 2018 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. Murray Flagg (Father-in-law-of Brother Dave, Rector of St. Michael's and All Saints) will be joining us for some lively and thought provoking discussion.
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 Grace St. Paul Earth Day Gala April 21 Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church needs help from you! As part of our interfaith community, we all believe in the programs which assist the homeless, hungry and needy. GSP is hosting our 1st annual Gala event on April 21st, in conjunction with Earth Day, from 5-9 p.m. at the church: 2331 E. Adams Street in Tucson. There will be a dinner, musical and other entertainment, and a silent auction. Help Grace St. Paul's Episcopal Church continue to provide food for the journey and change the world by supporting its programs! Plan to attend the Gala on April 21st from 5-9 p.m. Tickets are $25. Homeless Veterans Donation Needs Homeless veterans at Camp Bravo are in need of socks, small antibacterial bottles, male and female shoes. Especially tennis shoes (gently used is fine), aa and aaa batteries, paper products for serving food. And Quart and gallon Ziploc style bags. Jim Thompson will be collecting and delivering them to Camp Bravo. Contact: Jim Thompson
Family Camp at Chapel Rock Family Camp registration is now open! Our 3rd annual Diocesan Family Camp is a time for the families to unplug from the busyness of their daily lives and reconnect with each other and with God. This camp is for families with children and youth of all ages and even with multiple generations. Past attendees have expressed that time at camp has helped them bond with each other and create friendships with other families. JULY 5-8, 2018 PRESCOTT, AZ For more information, see the flier on the Narthex Table. 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] 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 emails, please contact Bob DeLaney (520.203.4565).
Procedures for Submitting Announcements to the E- Bulletin and/or Sunday insert Submit to the office or via email to parish01stmatts@outlook.com or saintmatthewsrector@live.com no later than Tuesday at 4 pm for the weekly e-bulletin and/or Sunday Bulletin. Identify yourself and the reason for this particular St. Matthew event or activity. Activities and Events other than St. Matthew's require the approval of the Rector. Include how long to run the announcement. The announcement will be printed as you submit so make sure everything you want to say and how it is to be said is in the announcement. Do not forget to place in your announcement the name of the contact and that person's contact information if a response is requested. If your announcement includes a collection of anything, make sure you have cleared with the Rector the location if the collection is to be on the church campus. If it is to be elsewhere, identify where that location is. Either way, have the collection location in the announcement. Provide a small description exceeding no more than a paragraph. The announcement may be edited for space requirements. Pictures may be submitted but only in a JPEG format. No more than 4 pictures per article and text description must accompany the pictures. Posting up to more than 5 but less than 10 pictures of a St. Matthew's event or activity will require a separate electronic mailing. Hard copies of the postings will be available on the narthex table. 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. 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 989-426-4435 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 (665-1227). 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) 790-6581. Additions to the prayer list can be made by informing the office. The church number is (520) 298-9782. 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 four such Sundays in 2018. 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. From November 11, 2017 through April 5, 2018, we assisted nonparishioner community households with $2,216.95 of help for utilities, rent, food, and gas. From November 17, 2017 through April 5, 2018, we assisted parishioner households with $3,511.64 of help with utilities, rent, and food. Thank you for your generosity! 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 85710 (520) 298-9782 stmatthew.azdiocese.org Instagram: Saintmatthews_Tucson Mailing address PO Box 17116 Tucson, AZ 85731