Page THE EVANGELTHE EVANGEL THE MONTHLY … · Their ministry really helps make St. Matthew's...
Transcript of Page THE EVANGELTHE EVANGEL THE MONTHLY … · Their ministry really helps make St. Matthew's...
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Dear Friends, This month I would like to share with you a little about our assisting clergy. We are very blessed to have five assisting clergy at St. Matthew's. They are not "on staff" but rather serve as they feel called, in agreement with me. Here is a little about each of them:
The Rev. Bob Engels. Bob is a retired priest and a retired employee of the US Postal Service. Bob previously served at Church of the Nativity; Bob and his wife Carolyn have lived in Grand Junction for 24 years. Bob has been with us for nine years, and was a Godsend when I was out with chemo back in 2011. These days Bob celebrates at the Wednesday healing
service and at one Saturday evening worship service a month, when he is in town.
The Rev. Vern Hill. Vern and his wife Melinda moved to the Grand Valley a year ago, following retirement in California. He is an ordained Episcopal priest, previously having been ordained in the United Methodist Church. Vern and Melinda split their time with us and with Church of the Nativity in the Redlands. His passion is preaching and celebrating Holy Communion, and I promise that you will be seeing more of
him in that capacity.
The Rev. Tom Lee. Tom and his wife Kay joined us a little over a year ago. Tom is a retired ELCA pastor. ELCA stands for Evangelical Lutheran Church of America -- Pastor Ray is also ordained in this tradition. The Episcopal Church is in full communion with the ELCA, which means Tom may preach and celebrate Holy Communion and the other sacraments, and I am delighted to invite him do so. At present he is serving at Shepherd of The Valley ELCA on
Patterson, while they are searching for a permanent rector. He is also good enough to celebrate at the Saturday evening worship service once a month.
The Rev. Nicholas Mayer. Nick is a retired Episcopal priest from San Antonio, Texas with a love of traditional liturgy. Nick teaches an extremely popular Tuesday Bible class; they are currently studying the Letter to the Romans. He prefers not to celebrate or preach, although I am grateful for that one Sunday when I became ill in the middle of the service and he was good enough to cover!
The Rev. Lee Wyman. Lee and his wife Joy have been members of St. Matthew's for seven years. Lee is ordained in the American Baptist Church, which makes things a little different. You won't see him celebrating Holy Communion. Why is that? Because the Episcopal Church is not in full communion with American Baptists. But I regularly invite Lee to preach and he also sometimes teaches Bible studies. Lee is a full-time hospice chaplain at Hope West.
There is something special, I think, about all this. Surely the Holy Spirit must be looking out for us, to send us these prayerful, faithful people! I was asked recently why one didn't do this thing, or another that thing. The answer is simple: they are not "on staff", which is to say they are not paid and are truly retired (except for Lee Wyman, and he works full-time). Also, they tend to travel. I am delighted that they wish to be involved in clerical leadership, and happy to give permission for pretty much any area of ministry.
I am deeply grateful for each of them! Their ministry really helps make St. Matthew's vital, and their prayers lift our souls! When you see them, please join me in thanking them.
Faithfully, Pastor Hollis
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Assoc. Pastor Letter
Sr. Warden’s Letter
Children’s Ministry
Stewardship
St. Matt’s Labyrinth
Ministry News
Ministry Schedule
Artist of the Month
Ministry News
Missionary Letter
Birthdays/Anniversaries
Treasurer’s Report
October 2016
Inside this issue:
THE EVANGELTHE EVANGELTHE EVANGELTHE EVANGEL T H E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T TT H E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T TT H E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T TT H E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R O FE R O FE R O FE R O F
S T . M A T T H E W ’ S E P I S C OS T . M A T T H E W ’ S E P I S C OS T . M A T T H E W ’ S E P I S C OS T . M A T T H E W ’ S E P I S C O P A L C H U R C HP A L C H U R C HP A L C H U R C HP A L C H U R C H
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Associate Pastor’s Letter
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in
you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I love this verse. It's a question that is worth asking ourselves repeatedly as a simple reminder of the powerful truth it contains: We are God's
temple and the Spirit of the Living God, the Source, the One in whom all things hold together, dwells in us. Each moment, wherever we go, whatever we're doing, whatever happens to us, God is in us, with us, surrounds us, keeps us. This truth, even after being a Christian most of my life, is still not at the forefront of my mind even most of the time. It's easily not thought of because other thoughts and mind-clutter vie for my attention: the daily to-do list, did I remember to do this or that, or some worry or stress takes up more than its fair share of mind space. But when the simple truth of this reality is allowed space to roam in my mind, a shift happens. Sometimes subtle, sometimes vast; but all of the other little things orbiting my attention center in chaotic fashion suddenly take their place and become orderly. I have peace in the moment, I am present to what lies immediately before me, and I'm aware most importantly that God is also there, sees what I am experiencing, and cares about it. The danger in this is that God also calls my attention to the other people and places where God's Spirit also dwells (in everyone and everywhere), and so also calling attention to the injustice and violence that pervades God's world and God's children. It's staggering, and overwhelming, at the sheer amount of work that needs to be done but thankfully we are promised we are never alone in this work. As part of your spiritual discipline ths fall, I encourage you to tape this scripture verse somewhere where you can see it and pray it everyday and ask God where you might be led to make a difference. Maybe it's becoming a pledging member for the first time, maybe it's in sponsoring a child through Compassion International, maybe it's making a regular donation to Episcopal Relief & Development, or perhaps beginning a new ministry through St. Matthew's. May God's grace and wonder stir your soul in new and life-giving ways, Pastor Ray
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Senior Warden’s Letter
Dear All,
It is hard when you have something that is oh so good but yet has a secret something that no one wants to hear or talk about. That is the way I felt after our last back to back finance committee and Vestry meetings. One in which we discussed the proverbial kicking the can down the road, of the general funds arrearage. Then the evident accounting of the low turnout of the givers of records, and the pledges that were made but still some yet to be kept. Something had to be said and some of us had to hear about it. Then in the Vestry meeting to discuss all the fun, spiritually rewarding and church life excitement, that is going on all around us in a joyful and fun loving spirit filled way.
But again the financial side of the story. Saint Matthews, as loving, hospitable and spirit filled church as there ever was, is/was financially speaking, not being supported in a long term sustainable way. However, it must be reported that in short order, by just informing and discussing this in writing in the form of a letter of askance and awareness, many have already begun to awaken to their responsibilities and desires with regards to financial support. Some looked within their own family finances and found a way to assist. Some in abundance and in excess of their original intent and some as well made the effort to at attempt to catch up to their original promises. The goal in this effort, no, in this challenge is to regain our financial footing. The challenge is not so much give till it hurts, but know how it could hurt if we do not. St Matthew’s has always had a fiscally frugal approach to all things. Sadly at times with regards to the services of the Lord that we embrace. Not so much because we want to, but because we have to. But of course, that is not to say if we didn’t have to we wouldn’t want to, as we are indeed fiscally frugal Episcopalians J. But truly on a monthly basis, we barely take in the income to cover the needs of the established and required operational expenses. But and as always, when the call of a need arises, I can proudly say, we as the membership of St Matthews rise to the occasion and provide for the needs of the church.
Sometimes though if we could give fully to the church with our hearts and let God take care of the needs we have….who knows. Certainly, it would be nice as a church if we had enough financial resources to do more than the basic needs but with ample resources to rise to the challenge embracing the change we want both outreach and operationally speaking. So please if possible live into your pledges, give as you receive and bless those around you.
Remember too, to make yourselves aware of the St Matthews Legacy Foundation. This is a unique opportunity to give back to the church at a later date. Lovingly and with kind remembrances.
Finally, As we live, we learn, and we love, it is only by us and through us that St Matthews
Episcopal Church can do the same.
Peace and Grace,
Darin Carei
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Children’s Ministry News
Sunday school children are learning that they are never too young to share their unique gifts - whether it is serving their church, their family, or their community. Each month we will focus on a different area of service and this month’s focus will be on family. Children have been asked to bring in a dime for collection each week to be offered during the 10:00 service on Ice cream Sundays. Sunday school children will also help with the collection on Ice cream Sundays. Fourth graders through seventh graders have joined Mr. K- Roy’s and Miss Heather’s class in the library during the 10 am service. Each week the kids practice reading scripture aloud, hold discussions on Bible stories, and will be crafting a gift to be given to our youth during Advent. They will also take part in ice cream Sundays by reading the scripture readings. Terri Vair and Heather Knavel have served our children well and will continue to do so, but would like to be in service one or two Sundays a month. St. Matt’s needs a couple of
volunteers to help with Sunday school. If you are available to laugh, play, and craft with our youth, please contact Becky Vroman at [email protected]. The nursery and Sunday school are open for both the 8:00 am and 10:00 am services.
Fundraising Workshop
St. Matthews Episcopal Church will hold a workshop on year-round fund raising, stewardship and pledging, lead by Charles LaFond. Mr. LaFond wrote and published “Fearless Church Fundraising”, which has been well received and is available on line at Amazon. He will base the majority of the workshop on his book. He recently ran a year-round stewardship program at his church and increased the pledging amounts by as much as 30%. He is a tremendous speaker and has some new and exciting ideas on how to fearlessly run a church fundraising program.
Mr. LaFond’s visit is rescheduled for November 12, 2016 at St. Matthew’s. The workshop will run from 10:00AM until 4:00PM. There will be a fee of $25 for attendance and lunch. We are polling the main line churches within a reasonable distance to get a feel for attendance. Everybody is welcome.
RSVP – Church Office 970-242-3293 or [email protected]
Ed Groenert, Chairman, St. Matthew’s Stewardship Committee
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PRAYING & WALKING THE LABYRINTH
As many of you are no doubt aware, our prayer and meditation labyrinth is ready to use. A number of people in the community have already discovered it and have been spotted walking and praying. If you are unsure of how to pray and meditate using the labyrinth, be assured that there is really no wrong way. This article will provide a few examples to help get you started. The Wide Open Path (2 Samuel 22:33) While following the labyrinth pathway, explore the possible meanings of "The God who has girded me with strength has opened wide my path." Refreshment (Revelation 21:5-6) Before walking, read Rev. 21:5-6: "See, I am making all things new... I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.' Imagine a strong spring bubbling up from the earth in the center of the labyrinth. As you walk toward the spring, experience your thirsts--physical, spiritual, emotional. When you arrive at the center, drink whatever divine gifts are offered you. Return to the mouth of the labyrinth gratefully conscious of the spring that remains in the center. Praying a Question Ask a question at the mouth of the labyrinth. Ask it out loud if you feel comfortable doing so. Write it down if it helps to see it. Hear it internally as you consider it. Share it with God. Walk the labyrinth open to receive whatever comes. Welcome the ways that the question may change as you walk. Note new ideas, memories, and images that present themselves. Make mental or physical notes of all that you have experienced before leaving.
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OPENING DOORS - OPENING HEARTS
Seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened. On Saturday, October 15 and Sunday,
October 16, we are excited to kick-off our 2017 pledge campaign, Open Doors - Open Hearts! YOU
CAN BE A KEY to opening doors, and opening hearts if you pledge to support the current
opportunities we offer and to support the dream of all that is possible when sharing the love, peace,
and grace of God. Over the past couple of months we have highlighted numerous opportunities
regarding Youth and Education and listened to how these programs have impacted the lives of young
and older. Over the next couple of months, we will explore Outreach and Worship. Please prayerfully
consider making a monetary pledge in 2017 as you reflect about what St. Matt's means to you and
how this community has blessed you in your faith journey. Let us be the keys that open doors to
possibilities and opens hearts to the love of God.
MOSM Service Brigade - If you need help
with a project, or maybe repairs and
maintenance, the Men of St. Matt’s are taking
requests and are available Saturdays upon
appointment. Contact Ron Kupinski at (303)
668-7453 or [email protected], or fill
out a form at the back of the gathering space
and the guys will get back to you.
Fall Clean-up.
Please bring your raking and pruning spirit to the Fall Clean-up on October 22, 2016. Also, please bring your electric tools, racks, etc. We will start at 8:30AM with some coffee and then have a BBQ about lunch time.
Community Garden
has a new partner!
We have been feeding those in need from our
little garden for 3 years now, and an opportunity
has just come up for us to help meet an
incredible need in the community. As always, if
you are a member of St. Matthew's who is on a
fixed income and has need of fresh produce you
are very welcome to take what you need from
the garden. The remainder will now be donated
to a new day center for homeless women with
children called The Joseph Center. They are
happy to have our little offerings from the
Community Garden for their clients, and we are
happy to bring it! Thank you for your continued
support for the Community Garden."
Fundraiser Come support St. Matt’s shoe ministry by eating at Dos Hombres in Clifton on October 12th from 4-9 pm. 10% of your bill will be donated to the Outreach fund. Thank you for your support!
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October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30
8:00 AM
Altar Minister Altar Minister Acolyte Lector OT/PS Lector NT/PP Usher Usher
Terry Farina Jim Paronto Jason Hughes Terry Farina Jason Hughes John McConnell Lucia Webster
K Roy Jones Carol Jones Carol Jones Marilyn Ruland Deb McLaughlin Marilyn Ruland
Jason Hughes Dennis Pretti Jan Smith Laura Mockler Peggy Pretti Laura Mockler Carol Jones
Jim Paronto Jason Hughes K Roy Jones Terry Farina K Roy Jones Terry Farina
K Roy Jones Jason Hughes Carol Jones Jason Hughes Carol Jones John McConnell Lucia Webster
10:00 AM
Altar Minister Altar Minister Acolyte Acolyte Acolyte Lector OT Lector NT Lector PP Usher Usher
Laurie Kadrich Richard Paul Andrew Gustafson Phil Gustafson Sean Gustafson Youth Youth Youth Merrilyn Simpkins Youth
Jeanette Benson Sharon Conrad Jim Sidwell Payton Levine Jeanette Benson Richard Paul Linda Jameson Barclay Jameson Linda Jameson
Allan Conrad Cora Galbasini Rebecka Plank Lucy Foley Ryan Foley Sharon Conrad Casey Wren Marjorie Suedekum Jim Campbell Chip Newton
Ann Hayes Laurie Kadrich Eli Paul Richard Paul Ava Paul Ann Hayes Laurie Kadrich Cora Galbasini Jim Campbell Chip Newton
Barclay Jameson Tanya Wren Cade Bickham Owen Bickham Blake Bickham Linda Jameson Richard Paul Tanya Wren Garry Bird Lynne Bird
Children’s Chapel
Terri Vair K.Roy Jones Camie Dewey K. Roy Jones Terry Vair
Coffee A—Fl Fo—L M—Pa Pe—Z A—Fl
EVs Commons
K. Roy Jones Carol Jones
Sugar Rabel Rocco De Bona
Laura Mockler Lois Jarre
Barclay Jameson Linda Jameson
Jeanette Benson Corky Perry
Evs Home Corky Perry Mary Mills
Jeanette Benson Debra Feeley
Barclay Jameson Linda Jameson
Tellers Barbara Schaak Darin Carei
Conrad Litz Ron Kupinski
Sharon Conrad Jason Hughes
Buzzie Aust Janette Deagle
Ron Kupinski Barbara Schaak
Altar Guild
Debbie McLaughlin Jeanette Benson Joan Karp Jean Koizumi Joan Wright
Marjorie Brown Joyce Grove Carol Jones Kay Rushing
Merrilyn Simpkins Lynne Bird Peggy Pretti Sue Sidwell Marjorie Suedekum
Mary Mills Beve Farina Marge Lair Dorothy Stevenson Billie Taylor
Debbie McLaughlin Jeanette Benson Joan Karp Jean Koizumi Joan Wright
Saturday Celebrant Officiant Acolyte Ps. OT. NT Gospel Meditation Usher Usher
October 1
Pastor Hollis Wright Marjorie Suedekum Buzzie Aust Pastor Hollis Wright Pastor Hollis Wright Debra Feeley Barbara Schaak
October 8
Fr. Bob Engels Spike Howard Barbara Schaak Clare DuPont Fr. Bob Engels Spike Howard Sugar Rabel Rocco DeBono
October 15
Don Aust Debra Feeley Don Aust Don Aust Spike Howard Lori Howard
October 22
Pastor Ray Barbara Schaak Lori Howard Pastor Ray Pastor Ray Marjorie Suedekum Debra Feeley
October 29
Pastor Tom Lee Deacon Nancy Angle Marjorie Suedekum Clare DuPont Deacon Nancy Angle Deacon Nancy Angle Spike Howard Lori Howard
Ministry Schedule - October 2016
If you have days in November that you cannot serve, please call Marjorie at
270-1882 or [email protected] by October 1. If you cannot serve on a scheduled day, please exchange with someone or get someone to serve for you.
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Have a photo, painting, or craft you would like to display in the gathering space? Don’t be shy, please share with us! St. Matt’s is looking for artists to fill several slots in 2016 calendar. Please contact Beve Farina at [email protected] or the office at 242-3293 or [email protected].
Artist of the Month Beve Farina
“Country Road”
YOGA CLASS NEEDS PARTICIPANTS!
Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Yoga helps with flexibility, balance and overall health. Open to men and women, a donation of $2 - $5 is recommended. Both floor and chair versions. We need at least 4 people per class, and sometimes we have cancelled during the summer due to lack of participants. To find out if the class is “on”, please call the church office Tuesday mornings.
Study of the Bible Fr. Nick Mayer’s Bible Study class s now studying the letter to the Romans, Tuesday mornings at 10:00 AM. All are welcome, no need to sign up.
St. Matthew's Shuttle
This ministry needs a few good men or women
to drive the bus. Please contact Linda Jameson (255-1679) about joining this community outreach ministry.
Heritage Project Update All the planning, all the financial gifts and all the hard work are showing results! Here is a quick update:
• Organ - purchased, installed, up & running.
• Labyrinth - laid out, cut filled in and nearly complete. In need of benches and a few adjustments.
• Playground - Space enlarged with fencing moved and more fencing added. Existing equipment moved, new equipment built and installed; still room for mor
• Sign - New sign ordered and ready for installation; the rector wants the portion showing our name to be permanent, so a little revision is needed to the latest plan.
• Pavilion - The planning application is now complete and on the planner's desk; there is another two week process for approval.
General Fund Thank you for your help in bringing the General Fund into shape. The recession years left us with more spending than income and a negative balance; we are working to rectify this. Our appeal for one-time contributions is bearing fruit, with contributions to date of $7,750. We won't repeat the request, but if you are able to assist with a contribution, that will help us get our church in good financial shape. The General Fund now stands at -$25.6k -- and that's a real improvement! We'll provide an update next month. -- Ann Hayes, Treasurer and Darin Carei, Sr. Warden
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Cathy Donahoe is a missionary with SAMS, the Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders. She is serving in the Dominican Republic as a physical therapist in San Pedro de Macorís and Santo Domingo.
E-mail: [email protected] Donations (checks made to SAMS with Cathy’s name in the memo line): PO Box 399, Ambridge, PA 15003. Snail mail: Apartado 587, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic 21000 website: www.cathydonahoe.net
Letter from St. Matt’s Missionary in the Dominican Republic
Dear Partners in Mission, While much has been happening here, thoughts of what to share with you and how to do so have been slow to materialize. God’s timing, however is perfect, when we get out of the way and let God work. Elena and Ana, two of the therapists I’ve worked with in the past, had dreams of opening a PT clinic, using space at the Clinica Episcopal Esperanza y Caridad. The bit of funding that they had to help get started, however, went to another purpose so that dream folded. But the story goes on.
Several years ago the ADR moved the rehab clinic out of the Clinica’s space to a rented building and now they have land outside of San Pedro where they have begun construction for a center of their own. The bishop spoke with me early on following their departure about opening a PT clinic, but it was not the right time. Changes made last year in clergy assignments have brought a dynamic priest to oversee the clinic. Ana and Elena want to change their job settings and are anxious to work in a Christian environment. Now it seems that God has put the pieces in place for it to be the right time. We have begun some necessary remodeling and thanks to supporters of this ministry we have begun purchasing equipment, such as electrical stimulation, parallel bars and a
universal-type gym piece. We do not have a projected opening date as of yet, but with God’s help we will be seeing patients sometime this fall. Given my teaching schedule, it is unlikely that I’ll be treating patients here although I’ve been busy helping prepare the clinic to open. As always though, we’ll see what God has in store as things progress. Please pray that we follow God’s lead and that as Gideon battled against a much larger army for God,
may we succeed for God’s glory and honor in order to serve with love and compassion those in need of physical therapy. May God help you overcome all obstacles in your path. As Paul said to the Corinthians, I thank God for you, and for your support for this ministry. In Christ, Cathy
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St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
3888 27-1/2 Road
Grand Junction, CO 81506
Phone: 970-242-3293
Email: [email protected]
Rector: Hollis Wright
Email: [email protected]
Associate Pastor: Ray McKechnie
Email: [email protected]
Deacons: Nancy Angle & Judy Schneider
Assisting Clergy: Bob Engels, Vern Hill, Tom Lee, Nick Mayer & Lee Wyman
Church Office Hours
Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, and meetings with staff are available by appointment.
Sr. Warden Darin Carei Treasurer Ann Hayes
Jr. Warden Ron Kupinski Clerk Lynn Dunham
STAFF
VESTRY
Buzzie Aust Sharon Conrad Janette Deagle
Sue Emerson Lyn Fraser Jason Hughes
Con Litz Barb Schaak Don Schneider
Parish Administrators Beth Fisher
Desiree Bougeaux
Youth Minister Pastor Ray McKechnie
Director of Children’s Ministry Becky Vroman
Music Director Richard Morgan
Contemporary Music Shannon Castañeda
Nursery Supervisor Jaymee Galbasini
Sexton Kayla Bougeaux
The Evangel Editor Desiree Bougeaux
Giving Other Income Expanded Ministry Giving Total Income
Operating Expenses Expanded Ministry Expense Total Expense
Treasurer’s Report August 2016
28,486 231 3,980 32,697 30,392 5,054 35,446
August
Pledged giving has fallen behind schedule in the last few months. If you are able to bring your pledge up to date, that would be deeply appreciated. Ann Hayes, Treasurer.
246,568 6,086 37,855 290,509 268,947 42,542 311,489
October Birthdays
10/1
10/5
10/10
10/11
10/11
10/13
10/13
10/16
10/21
10/24
10/26
10/28
10/29
10/31
Judy Wildhaber
Suzanne Williams
Sue Van Voorhees
Gary Brown
Deborah Robinson
Marilyn Ruland
Tabatha Kissner
Robbie Breaux
David Farny
Betty Cosio-Avalos
Kay Atchley
Don Schneider
Kevin Bouwhuis
Richard Lair
10/1
10/4
10/4
10/16
10/20
10/26
10/28
David & Sherry Farny
Gary & Marjorie Brown
Spike & Lori Howard
Richard & Marjorie Lair
Mark & Sherri Brown
Ken & Susan Brownlee
Mike & Cindy Murray
October Anniversaries