Wardens Corner – What’s Going on at St. Matthew’s?
by Trisha Voiles, Sr. Warden
Hopefully you have been keeping up with everything going on at St. Matthew’s with our bulletins, newsletters, and FB page. These are the best way to get communication about St. Matthew’s. Here is a little bit about what is going on behind the scenes with the Vestry and our Committees. All of the committees will be writing up a more detailed report for our annual meeting report coming January 28th. We have had a very productive year!
Youth – A great group of leaders and participants went to New Beginnings in November. Fr. Tim was their weekend spiritual director.
Worship – Please note upcoming time changes for December. The Lessons and Carols will be at 5pm this year. December 24th and 31st will have one morning worship service at 10am.
Stewardship – We have had a positive Stewardship Drive! Please read Terri’s update on the numbers. If you pledged, you should have received a thank you letter this past week. The Time and Talent cards will be compiled in the next month and given to the committee chairs. They should be contacting you the beginning of the new year.
Outreach – We collected $2100 for the Christmas Lights project with the SE Co-Op. Thank you to those who contributed.
Long Range Planning – This committee is working on having a campus study to pin point our needs for 1 year, 2-3 years, and 4+ years. They have contacted all the committees to see what our greatest needs are for the future.
Inreach – The Pastoral Care Team is making thinking of you bags for those they have been in contact with. If you know of someone or you yourself is needing a pastoral care visit , please let Fr. Tim know.
Finance – We have finalized the 2024 budget and will be presenting it to the Vestry for approval this month. We are on the road over the next few weeks to meet the 2023 budget!
Fellowship – We are finishing this year with our annual Lessons & Carols with Wassail & Cookies. Please read the newsletter and bulletins for upcoming restaurant foyers and lunch bunch plans. Read the Breakfast notice for signing up to help with this ministry. Join us December 31st for a New Years Eve Potluck Brunch after the one 10am service. If you remember our beginning of 2023 New Years Day Brunch, we had a lot of fun!
Communications – Our three Communications Sub groups have been busy reaching out to our parishioners and community. Thank you to AV, Informational, and Church Group teams! Please read the publications and check out Facebook posts. We have been working on communication this year, but it takes someone receiving the information as well.
Church Growth – We have been inviting our community through new street banners, inviting our scout and preschool families, and notices on Facebook, Snellville Spirit, and The Patch. We welcome all our newcomers. We have many newcomers who have jumped right in giving their time, talents, and treasures.
Christian Formation – We had a great turn out for the Advent Wreath Making Party. Please see Carolyn and Mona if you are called to help in the Middle and High School classes. Plans are for confirmation/receiving in March, 2024. A Inquirers Class will begin Jan 7th for adults wanting to know more about the Episcopal Church, which can lead to being confirmed. If you have not been confirmed or received in the Episcopal church, please talk to Fr. Tim.
Building & Grounds – Behind the scenes B&G has been busy fixing blinds, replacing mops, getting bids for freezer repair, completing yearly cleanings & inspections. Grounds Team is getting ready to replace the courtyard flower pots. The last freeze knocked off the gorgeous plants that have been faithfully been watered all summer. Thank you for always being on call for those little jobs sometimes no one knows about.
Peace and Prayers, Trisha Voiles, Senior Warden