St. Matthews Episcopal Church

Episcopal Church in Snellville, GA

St. Matthew’s strives to be a welcoming home for all who
seek Jesus Christ as we share God’s Love with the community.

 

Stewardship Closing Talk, Terri Hurst, Stewardship Chair

Hello, St. Matt’s Family!

I hope you have enjoyed hearing the stories of some of your fellow parishioners, and that they have resonated with you. I personally really appreciate learning about people’s spiritual journeys, and how different they all are. But each of these had a common thread: trusting in our Lord.

Ingathering is a little earlier than usual this year, and I’ve been thinking that it’s not the best timing. We’re living in an uncertain time, to put it mildly. Most of us don’t know what our financial situation will look like next year – we don’t even know who’s going to be leading our country. I think it’s pretty safe to say that most of us are feeling more than a little bit of anxiety about what 2025 is going to look like.

But as I’ve reflected and prayed on it over the past few weeks, it occurred to me that perhaps it is the PERFECT timing. Because despite the uncertainty of our world, there are a few truths that are absolutely – and perpetually – certain. God is GOOD. God is GRACIOUS. And God is GENEROUS. We may not know who will be ruling our country in just a few days, but we DO know who rules the world. And that knowledge brings me comfort. We are called to TRUST in God’s perfect provision, and the BEST time to lean in and trust is when things seem topsy-turvy and uncertain.

Four years ago this week, just days before the last presidential election, I was studying Genesis. We had just met Abram, who God called out of a very comfortable life to follow Him into an uncertain future in the wilderness. One of my Bible study prompts that week was, “What scary wilderness is God calling you to, and how are you responding like Abram?” That question hit me hard, as I was waiting to learn if I had breast cancer. But God was gracious enough to prepare my heart for the news I’d receive the following week, because it put me into the right mindset to respond like Abram. Truthfully, I wouldn’t have been intentional about doing so if I hadn’t been in exactly that study, at that exact time. God’s perfect timing and provision, for sure.

And just like He carried Abram and his descendants through their wilderness, He carried me through mine. I will tell you, it was infinitely easier to withstand the trials being confident that God had my back. I won’t bore you by listing all the countless examples of His perfect provision and faithfulness through that time, but I’ll fast forward to the end of my 17 months of treatment.

We were wrapping up our Bible study of Habakkuk, and I was astounded by his faith in his Lord. He was a prophet during a terrible time, and after lamenting a bit, he landed in the perfect place. His attitude is one which I try to emulate. In 3:17-18, Habakkuk declares,

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my savior.” He’s saying, no matter how bad things are now, he will remember God’s past faithfulness and rejoice in it.

Think about that. What would it look like if everyone responded with that attitude during their most scary times, instead of fear or anger? I can tell you that for me personally, it is MUCH easier to trust in God’s faithfulness having had to walk in the wilderness for a bit.

And Habakkuk knew about all those times when God proved His faithfulness to His people over the course of many generations. So he could draw on that knowledge and be confident in his trust that God would continue to do so. Habakkuk learned, as I did, that walking in faith and trust brings not only comfort and joy, but also a blessed relief.

This should encourage all of us to fret just a little bit less about making a commitment of ANY of our spiritual gifts, during these uncertain times. Because again, those three certain truths – God is GOOD, God is GRACIOUS, and God is GENEROUS. And one more certain truth about us – we need to feel God’s love, presence, and faithfulness. One of the best ways for that to happen is to be in community with each other. We all benefit – individually, as a faith family, and as a community.

Just like Habakkuk’s confidence was bolstered by knowing the stories of God’s faithfulness to those who preceded him, I hope that hearing some of our St. Matt’s family share their stories about God’s faithfulness has bolstered your own confidence and prompted you to reflect on the times when God has been faithful to you. And, perhaps, to share your own stories with others.

And as for wandering around in the wilderness? It’s only scary when you try to navigate it alone. Abram was never alone, for God was guiding him, and he was accompanied by family. I was never alone, because Jesus was beside me, and I was accompanied by all of you. Of all the gifts God gives us, one of the most precious is a huge family of fellow believers – past and present. We are all the hands and feet of Jesus for each other.

How blessed are we?

Walk in love, my friends.

Terri Hurst, Stewardship Chair



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Spring Parish Workday – Stewardship in Action

Saturday, April 13 was a busy day at St. Matthew’s! About thirty parishioners of all ages pitched in to work on sprucing up the campus grounds and gardens and doing various needed indoor jobs. Lunch was served by our wonderful Brotherhood of St. Andrew.  Altogether, the members accomplished the following:

  • Spread mulch to freshen up the outside of the campus
  • Swept the shed roof and cleared out the area outside the shed including removing railroad ties, stacking bricks/pavers for reuse, removing brush and debris
  • Deep cleaned the ice maker and kitchen. Organized and de-cluttered pantry
  • Cleaned out the old narthex
  • Cleaned and organized storage and classrooms in the undercroft
  • Recycled old computers and other electronics
  • Replaced MANY burnt out light bulbs including parish hall, library, and other spaces

Thank you to all who contributed to this busy day!

 



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Stewardship Update from Terri Hurst, Stewardship Chair

Stewardship Update

Thank you to all who share their gifts with the St. Matthew’s community, whether you pledge or not. It’s important to remember that everyone has something to offer, regardless of their age, circumstances or stage of life. 

It’s with profound gratitude that I am happy to report that as of December 6, 78 families have made pledges of their Time, Talent and Treasure for 2024 and that the “Treasure” part is just under $300,000. 

If you have not yet submitted a pledge, it’s not too late to do so! Please prayerfully consider whether God is calling you to serve in some capacity (or perhaps a new role) here at St. Matt’s. If you have questions, please feel free to ask Fr. Tim, a vestry member or any committee chair. We will be happy to help you engage more fully!

As 2023 comes to a close, most of this year’s pledges are nearly or completely fulfilled, and giving has greatly exceeded the pledged amounts. If you are not able to fulfill your 2023 pledge, please do not let that stop you from making a pledge for 2024. It’s a new year and GRACE abounds. 

Also – the Stewardship committee needs some new members with new ideas. Please prayerfully consider whether the Spirit is nudging you to venture out of your comfort zone and serve with us. I’m pretty sure Stewardship is out of everyone’s comfort zone, but it’s not as scary as most people think. 

As we await the coming of Christ this Advent season, may we all be humbled and grateful for the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us. God is good!!!

May the peace of the Lord be always with you.



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Warden’s Corner 12/10/2023: What’s Going On at St. Matt’s?

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



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Stewardship Talk for October 22 by Greg Andrews

I was born in Covington, Kentucky in 1949. I was raised by a single mother with very little formal education, but she taught me the importance of hard work and good character. She always encouraged me in school to do better than my best. Growing up in Covington, I was destined to work in the local factories or go to jail. I chose a path far outside my realm of reality. I decided to go to college. I started college prep courses in my freshman year of high school. I also felt that basketball would be my golden ticket. I wasn’t a great player, just a good one. Good enough to draw the attention of Leon Ford, the coach at the University of Chattanooga. He gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. He set me on a path that I will always be eternally grateful for.
Coming to Chattanooga was indeed challenging, I was a young African American male going to a college whose student body consisted of less than 2% African Americans. I was to be the first African American on an athletic scholarship. As monumental a task as this appears, I was more concerned with molding into the team and being an asset to the organization. Our nation was undergoing a social revolution which made life very challenging. I was able to surround myself with a fantastic family of athletes and supporters that made those challenges insignificant. I was able to focus on what was important.
I wouldn’t know where to start in thanking the many people who guided me along this journey. During a period when getting drafted was forever looming in the shadows, I chose to join the college’s ROTC program because it offered me the opportunity to lead men, rather than to follow. Another organization which acted as a compass in keeping me pointed in the right direction was the Fellowship of Christen Athletes. It was this group that gave me strength and hope during the dark periods of my college life. It was the men of this group that taught me the joy and love of Christ’s salvation. During my junior and senior year, I was part of a service organization, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. This organization strengthened my community service involvement. Being connected to these great organizations was secondary to why I was at Chattanooga. I was there to get an education and to play basketball. I accomplished both. I played varsity the four years that I attended and was recognized as one of the leaders during that period. I completed my degree and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U. S. Army upon graduation.
My military career took me around the world. I served in Korea, Germany and the U. S. I served with some great soldiers during my 20 years career. I commanded, supported and taught troops from basic training to college ROTC programs. My greatest joy was being a company commander of an armor unit. The power of the equipment, the skill, the quality of the soldiers and having the knowledge that they would go into combat with me were something that most people will never understand.
Throughout my life, the one factor which has been constant is my ability to adapt to a new or changing environment. Making the jump from military to civilian life was no different. Military training and leadership experiences made me more than ready to handle most civilian job opportunities. For all the blessings I received, I knew that it was also time to give back to the community. Prior to joining St Matthews, I was a Cub Scout pack leader. As an active member of St Matthew’s Episcopal Church, I have filled many roles. I served on the Vestry with Father Doug; I was involved in both Reading Camp and Vacation Bible School. I am the President of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, I currently serving on the Outreach and Worship Committees. I am also on the St. Matthew’s Preschool Board. I am the head verger and scheduler for the LEMs, Ushers and Readers. I take what I do as a sign of God’s blessings. Some day I know that I will have to slow down, but till then I will continue to serve in whatever ministry I can. In summation, I have lived a simple life, called by God, filled with wonderful people who have touched my soul and have allowed me to touch theirs.
May you too be called by God to fulfill a ministry and share your time, talents and treasures.



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Stewardship Talk #2, Given by Trisha Voiles, Senior Warden Oct 1

(Dressed as a pirate with cloak and pirate hat)

Did someone say there was a search for an Abundance of Time, Talent, and TREASURE here at St. Matthews???? Argh!

For those who do not know me by now, I am Trisha Voiles, Senior Warden of St. Matthew’s.  I began coming with our family to St. Matthew’s in 1984, 39 years ago.  I was a senior at Brookwood, and my parents were the ones in the family in charge of the giving of the Treasures.  I volunteered with VBS.

After a year, I moved out, went to college, faded away from going to church regularly, and got married.  Treasure was definitely NOT in abundance in those years.  I remember counting pocket change to just get gas to get to Snellville to my teaching job. I got involved with our ECW, Episcopal Church Women, and got hooked giving much of my Time and Talent. Although it wasn’t a great abundance at first, the more I was able to give the better I began to feel about myself, and the abundance of Love from God as He sent it through the Love of our Church members.  I began getting involved in VBS, Christian Formation classes, and helped with breakfast between services. I was Sunday School Superintendent and Youth Group Parent Team for a few years. I was ECW President for almost 20 years. Now, I have Vestry and Senior Warden. My children were involved in Christian Formation, youth choir, VBS, Acolytes, Youth Group, Talent Show, and were my shadows for many years, especially after my divorce.  We did not have an abundance to give in treasures, but we gave what we could every year.  I increased my percentage of giving each year, even if the increase was just a few extra dollars at first. I circle where I am on the proportional giving chart and see if I can make a jump to the next step or two.

Now for today, although Jim and I have had two bittersweet losses in recent years, God has blessed us abundantly. We are able to help where we can with Time, Talent, and Treasure now.  The treasure may not be the overflowing abundance, but it has increased from the long ago days counting the coins.  If you are just starting out or are in a place of less than treasure-ly abundance, I would like you to prayerfully consider what you do have to give.  Consider helping in a new ministry you have been thinking about, if you have been in a ministry for a while, consider taking on a leadership role in that ministry. Encourage your family members to get involved in ministries.  Even if you can only give $1, 5, 10, 20, or just two coins a week, you can add that on the pledge card in the envelope.  Only our treasurer and financial secretary see any of the giving cards.  These are between you and God, a promise that you can help in any way you can. On the front of the card you can list your treasure. On back of the card, list areas you do– or would like to– spend some Time and Talent.  I wrote my name on the Ministry card, checked my ministries, and added that in my envelope. If you’re filling out the card for your family, you can put the initials of each family member also by the areas of their involvement.  You can return the envelope in the mail, on one Sunday in October in the offering plate or bring it up to the basket on the altar, or put it in the slot in the office door. We would like to have them by Sunday, Nov. 5th.

Right now, I would like to call on my crew, Fr. Tim, The Vestry and Finance Committee, to join me in Surrendering our Stewardship Envelopes.  We have all been blessed with our Abundance of Areas we can help serve St. Matthews. We cannot do our jobs without YOU! We would like to encourage you to prayerfully listen to where God is leading you to put your Time, Talent, and Treasures in order to help St. Matthews share our abundance of Love with each other and the community. I promise you, YOU won’t regret the abundance given in return!  Thank you!   Trisha



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St. Matt’s Preschool: Five Year Highlights, by Juanita Little

FIVE YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

Since being asked to submit an update on the preschool, I have been taking the time to reflect on the life-changing role that God placed me in 5 years ago. There has been much accomplished and many changes were made that affected the preschool in that timeline.

2017 – The Great Flood

The flood in the preschool caused us to find another location to hold school during renovations or face closing for a time. Since the undercroft at the church flooded at the same time, that was not a viable option. Thankfully God provided a community church just down the road that was not using their education wing. We moved there in November and returned home to St. Matthew’s in February 2018. Little did we know that this move would also plant a seed for the preschool. We could have lost some families during the transition but God is so faithful – because we didn’t. In fact, we added to our numbers starting a succession of years of full enrollment.

2018 – Playground Addition #1

The church we used while renovations from the flood were being made had playground equipment unlike ours. Because the children enjoyed theirs so much, the Executive Board decided it was time to replace the older wooden structure, that had been repaired numerous times, in the bigger playground area. Because God provided – through great stewardship and because another year of full enrollment was expected, new playground equipment and layout was prayed about, voted on by the Vestry, purchased by the preschool and installed that Fall.

2019 – Trike-A-Thon

For the first time, we held a Trike-A-Thon raising funds for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. The Trike-A-Thon was as a fun, service-learning program for the children that included a week of learning the importance of bike (scooter/riding toy) safety. It was a great way to teach our children about the power they have to help others, the spirit of giving, and serving other children.

2020 – Covid and WAP/TV installation

The Covid pandemic shut down the preschool in March causing much alarm and a scramble to figure out how we could keep our students and staff currently engaged while favorably effecting the future of the preschool. We quickly moved to digital learning for the remainder of the school year without requiring tuition from our families. Not only did we hold learning Zoom sessions; we added a weekly story/music hour where many of our teachers and students participated. It took all summer to write new Covid policies and have them approved by the Vestry so we could proceed to open later that September. We safely opened to smaller class sizes and fewer staff members with only shutting down one class that year for a week right before the Christmas break.

While the church and preschool were still closed, we purchased new wiring and television mounts to be installed throughout the preschool wing. This wiring was needed to upgrade the WI-FI connection and give the ability to add televisions in each of the classrooms for educational purposes and Sunday school usage.

2021—The “New Normal”

Like all schools around the world, we faced incorporating a “new normal” at the preschool. Which included not allowing parents into the building, continuing mandatory carpool and figuring out how to hold our cherished family events and in-house field trips in a safe way. All while wearing masks and continuing all of the vigorous safety and cleaning protocols. Again, God was faithful as we resumed our usual class sizes to full enrollment and more teachers returned.

We welcomed, for the first time, the Art Auction preschool fundraiser. Held in the Parish Hall with donations given by St. Matthew’s Episcopal parishioners, staff, students, local artists, students’ parents and grandparents. This fundraiser replaced the Silent Auction that was held yearly every Spring. Because the Art Auction was so successful in raising $2,875 for the preschool, we decided to hold it again the following year.

2022 – Playground Addition #2 & Welcomed Changes

I can’t even put into words how much of my faith it took to embrace the idea of adding yet more playground equipment after seeing how the disruption of the pandemic shut down so many preschools and businesses for good. But God! God continued to bless our diligence with our preschool families and faithfulness in continuing to grow the preschool by once again showing us it was time, yet again, to replace the last wooden structure on the smaller playground with new equipment. Hence, new equipment, along with a long-desired rubber pour-in-place, was installed last summer.

During the pandemic, we had to learn how to creatively hold our cherished events in new ways. Holding Graduation in the lovely gardens that the Flower Guild so diligently donates their time and talents to is one of our new favorites. It’s a lovely backdrop for pictures and we don’t have to limit our families. Another new thing we will continue to do is hold our open houses outside in the pavilion avoiding overcrowding in the classroom and allows families more individual time to chat with their child’s teacher.

This was the year of returning to some of our traditional events and embracing new changes teaching us to be so flexible. Having breakfast with Santa returned this year. We hosted a Sweetheart Dance which we haven’t held in many years. We allowed the parents to come into the building again giving them the ability to connect and communicate with teachers in person. We started the year with masks being required and changed to masks not required in January. Again, the Art Auction was a success; even better than the previous year, raising $3,800 for the preschool.

2023

As we begin another school year in just a few weeks, I realize that a change has taken place in me. A change that is teaching me that traditions or “the way we used to do it” may need adjusting or be disposed of and that’s okay. As I change positions in the preschool this Fall to Assistant Director — for family reasons — I am reminded that modifications can be good though sometimes difficult to embrace. It’s been a little hard for me to release the reins from “what we’ve always done” as Dalex Sullivan, takes on the role as Director. As she teaches me new things and makes me more tech savvy, I am trying to remember to be flexible and to see the preschool in a new light while still holding onto the mission of the ministry that embraces our preschool families, the church, and our community. A few things we never want to change is: our staff to share the light of Jesus with our little ones; not only teach academics and socialization but love for one another; and to let our actions be an illustration of the hands and feet of the body of Christ.

Juanita Little

For more information on St. Matthew’s Preschool and Kindergarten, click here.

 



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Easter 2023 Photos



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A Word from Fr. Tim+: New Community

Last weekend, New Beginnings #45 was held at Camp Mikell. New Beginnings is a spiritual retreat for middle school youth staffed by high school youth and adult leaders. The retreat is a wonderful way to connect or reconnect with God.

Many youth from around the diocese, many of them from St. Matthew’s, gathered for music, spiritual talks, small group time, four-square competition, and fellowship. Having been the spiritual director for the weekend, I observed what I call “instant community.” No matter where everyone came from, what the previous week was like, or what grade you were in, people formed a community. I loved seeing how strangers and old friends created community and everyone was a part of it. No prerequisites or applications, just presence. As the weekend restart unfolded, I saw how tight the community had become and friendships that became solid and treasured. I saw the community that Jesus envisioned for the world unfold, which is beautiful and hopeful.

We are always asked in the baptismal liturgy, “Will you respect the dignity of every human being?” and New Beginnings is the place where the answer to this question is not just answered but is put into practice. We have the opportunity to learn so much from teenagers about our faith. We can see how the love of Jesus for all is the community that young people form.

Let’s continue to support our youth ministries and renewal retreats for youth as much as possible. And let’s embrace New Beginnings as a model for the community we want to build, not just because Jesus wants to make it a reality for us, but because it will help form us into the people that God wants us to be.

Blessings and Beginnings, Fr. Tim+



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Pancake Supper Served by our St. Matt’s Youth on Shrove Tuesday

Many thanks! and kudos to the Youth and the youth parents for an outstanding Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday, February 21! We had a great turnout for the evening, and appreciate all the support from the parish for our youth program. All funds generated will support youth programs.

Check out a few photos from the evening!



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“Lord, I love the house in which you dwell
and the place where your glory abides. *
Psalm 26:8