St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
Episcopal Church in Snellville, GA
If you looked up in church on Sunday, you may have noticed an absence of cranes! They have been carefully removed by Greg Andrews and his magic magnet crane-remover. They will be carefully stored as Pam Kohler-Camp coordinates their safe “migration” to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park for display at the Children’s Peace Monument. We will miss them! Learn more about the Children’s Peace Monument in the Peace Park Hiroshima Japan!
We will be offering coffee, tea, and juice only on November 15.
As the Vestry Liaison to Inreach, I have a major focus on Pastoral Care as
an essential part of the Inreach ministry. Pastoral Care is important
because it helps people feel seen, supported, and connected as they
navigate life and faith. Through listening, prayer, guidance, practical help
and shared community, our church supports people in grief, illness, conflict,
doubt and major life changes.
It also strengthens the whole congregation as people build trust, care for
one another, and grow in compassion and faith. Pastoral Care does not
replace professional assistance when someone needs it; it can offer
spiritual and community support along with it.
Here at St Matthews, we are blessed with strong pastoral leadership and a
dedicated group of parishioners who support this effort. They take this care
directly to heart. I am confident that this effort will continue as we pursue
Jesus’ call for love and support for our neighbor.
Sunday, December 13 – 3:00 PM
Christmas Eve, 4:00 PM Family Service with Pageant
Christmas Eve, 10:30 PM Carol Sing
Christmas Eve, 11:00 PM Choral Eucharist
Christmas Day, 10:00 AM Festive Eucharist
Dear Friends,
Jesus promises us, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places” (John 14:2). We believe this means that God’s love is wide enough to hold us all, and that we are bound together in holy community.
This year’s theme, Plenty Good Room, reminds us that stewardship is not only about financial and in-kind gifts. It is also about relationships – the ways we are connected to God, to one another, and to our neighbors.
Our parish budget is one way we tell the story of those relationships. Each pledge and gift sustains our common life: children growing in faith, neighbors receiving meals and care, worshippers being welcomed, and friends finding hope. Our budget is more than numbers; it is a reflection of our values and our mission.
Next week, you will receive a final letter with details about how to make your commitment to this year’s campaign. For now, I invite you to consider the relationships that have sustained you in this church, and how your generosity can help extend that welcome to others.
There is, indeed, plenty of good room in God’s house. Together, let us make room for one another at St. Matthew’s.
In Christ’s service,
Dave Lott
I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. – John 13:34-35, NRSV
And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8, NRSV
Dear Friends in Christ,
Jesus assures us, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places” (John 14:2, NRSV). These words remind us that God’s abundance is spacious and generous. God’s household has plenty of room for each of us.
This year’s stewardship theme, Plenty Good Room, invites us to recognize the abundance God has already entrusted to us. Even amid uncertainty, we are called to trust that there is enough: for our families, our church, and our neighbors.
One way we live into this truth is by sharing our resources – our money, time, and talents – to support St. Matthew’s mission and ministry. These gifts support worship that lifts our hearts, teaching that shapes disciples, fellowship that strengthens our bonds, and outreach that embodies Christ’s love.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus invited people into relationships with God and their neighbors. Relationships require effort and sustain us through good and bad times. They help bring out the best in us. They help us remember our past, consider where we are, and discern where God is leading us. As we consider how we will express our appreciation for God’s abundance, how have your relationships at St. Matthew’s drawn you closer to God and to your neighbors?
Over the next several weeks, you will hear from parish leaders about Plenty Good Room and how our generosity makes a difference. Today, I ask you to begin praying with this theme, reflecting on the resources God has entrusted to your care, and considering how you might share them joyfully in the year ahead.
Together, let us rejoice that there is always plenty of good room in God’s house, and plenty of good work for us to do.
Faithfully,
The Rev. Tim Meyers, Rector
New Beginnings 52 (Nov 13-15 @ Mikell) | Participant Registration
Renewal weekend for Middle School youth held at Camp Mikell in Toccoa GA
For more information on St. Matt’s participation in these fun weekends, please see Christina. You can also find diocesan youth retreat information here.
