Welcome Matthew & Catherine

As is tradition in some places, the white smoke rose from behind Saint Matthew's church announcing not only the 49th Holy Smoke Bar-B-Q but the coming of our new Rector; Fr. Matthew Frey and his lovely wife, Catherine.
Matthew comes to us from San Antonio by way of Colorado and Pennsylvania.  He was baptised by fire immediately upon his arrival with prep and line work at the bar-b-q!
The congregation welcomed the Freys officially last Sunday with a traditional Pounding (gifts of household and pantry supplies weighing at least 1 pound) and a reception after the Sunday Service.
Matthew and Catherine, we are very glad you are here.  We look forward to a long and productive relationship in the service of our Lord and Savior.

"And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do,

to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord."

Change is a good thing, though often a difficult time for all involved. That being said, Saint Matthew’s has weathered a year of change with the gracious help of Father Bob Soper.
Fr. Bob stepped up as Interim Priest in June of last year. He was immediately plunged into VBS, Youth trips to the beach and the summer planning period for the new school year. Bob has worked so very hard to help us hold everything together as we awaited the call of our new priest, Fr. Matthew. He and wife Julia have gone above and beyond to keep and encourage the enthusiasm, love and work ethic that is so much a part of Saint Matthew’s church.
Last Sunday Fr. Bob and Julia were presented with a small token of our thanks and appreciation by the Vestry and School Board...and our wishes for many a happy and well deserved fishing trip.

God Bless you Bob and Thank You.

Next Week...A welcome to Fr. Matthew Frey and Catherine!

Now the Season

Well, it's been a while but everyone knows how busy things get as Christmas approaches.  The approach of Christmas...better known in Episcopal circles as ADVENT!

So the Advent wreath is up at church and so far, two candles have been lit.  Now it's time for the Greening of the church. No...not the ECO type of greening, though that's all well and good.  This is the time for wreaths and swags and the Chrismon Tree to enhance our surroundings.  This is the time for twinkiling lights added to the candle light to remind us of the one TRUE Light...who was and is and is to come.

The Daughters of the King, The altar Guild and the Middle School Youth Group will de decorating the church on Wednesday, the 7th.  Kids will meet at 6:00 in the Parish Hall for dinner and be joined by the adults in the church around 6:30.

This is also the time to place your orders for Poinsettias to offer Thanksgiving for those who were, and are, and are to come.

Please be sure to look for the Poinsettia order form in Sunday's bulletin.  Fill it out and place it in the Alms Basin with your check made out to Saint Matthew's and note "poinsettias" in the memo section.

Our Christmas Eve Service will begin at 6:30 on December 24th with Carols ...a joyful noise to the Lord.  The service will begin at 7:00 and the children of the Sunday School will portray the Nativity Scene as the Christmas Story is read once again.

Please join us in the celebration of the first coming of Our Lord, as we await His return.
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Big Fisherman

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 15th.  Everyone is invited to a Parish Fishing Outing to Lake La Joya.  Here is the info from Father Bob:
*Outing at La Joya Lake:   Saturday, October 15th.  Meet at the Church parking lot at 9:00 AM to form a caravan to go to La Joya Lake.  Bring lunch and drinks and a side dish for supper.  Meat will be provided (hamburgers and hot dogs).  Bring fishing gear, sun screen and appropriate clothing for sun protection.  We will disperse after supper.  If anyone wants to join me to spend Friday night at the lake, I will probably be spending the night at the lake.  Let me know about Friday and Saturday so we can plan enough meat and buns.  We will have some boats on the lake.The Youth Group will begin a study on Peter, the Big Fisherman while we are there.  Parents, siblings, friends and acquaintances are invited to join in the brief lesson time.

The Newest Member of Christendom

With a congregation of more than 85 people, Saint Matthew's welcomed Mason Robert Rankin into a life in Christ.  His Mom, Glo, Dad, Robert and most of the DeLa Garza family looked on as Fr. Bob gently sprinkled the Holy Water of life on his little head.  Mason Robert behaved like a real gentleman, without a murmer of protest.  He watched the proceedings with interest and seemed to realize the importance of the day.  Welcome Mason Robert into the household of God! The Peace of the Lord be always with you.

The Moving Spirit

Well it's been a while since I posted but most of you know about the way things have been going in our lives lately.  Thanks be to God, Tom is home from the hospital and doing very well.  Thanks to all of you for your care and concern.  We now turn our prayers toward speedy healing for our friend Roy.  Hope he gets to go home soon.

Sunday past, the Spirit was truly moving through Saint Mats.  With more than 75 people there, the room was alive with a feeling of love and sharing.  The Saint Matthew's School First Grade certainly contributed to the joy in the room.  With them, we all made a Joyful Noise to the Lord!  Thank you, Mrs. Solis for bringing your beautiful students to share their songs and Bible Verses with us.

Another sign of the Holy Spirit's presence in our church is Father Bob's Children's Sermon.  Surrounded by little ones, he sits and explains to them in simple, often illustrated language the Gospel Story of the day.  It is truly a wonderful thing to see.  Certainly, Matthew 18: 5 is known at St. Mat's.  The little chidren come and are welcomed!

Remember that there is Sunday School for the little ones, K5 thru 5th grade on Sunday Mornings at 9:30. Our new Nursery Attendant, Annalise Castro has activities for the babies, 5 years and younger in the Nursery during Service.  Youth group for 6th grade up meets on Wednesdays at 6 in the Youth/DOK room in the Parish Hall. Come on, come all and feel the Spirit move!

Up-Coming Parish Profile

On September the 11th, Saint Matthew's congregation will be asked to take a good long look at themselves.  The Rev. Ed Donohey will be with us to lead us in an exercise of self discovery; the first step in making the transition to a new Priest.  Please come and join in this important process.  We will enjoy a coverdish luncheon together as we do some soul searching and some dreaming.  You are an important link in the chain!