St. Matt's Day, New & New-ish-comers, and news for the week!
Did you ever wonder why churches are named after Saints? Where the tradition came from of having a Saint's name preside over the whole community? For thousands of years, churches all over the world have claimed the name of a particular Saint (or sometimes Saints) of God. And in so doing, they've claimed a bit of the story of that particular person, because they thought it would bring them protection and well-being or because they thought they could learn to be more like the Saint. It's a linking of stories and a linking of journeys.
On Sunday, we'll celebrate the feast of St. Matthew, our patron saint. And like generations of Christians from around the world, we'll listen to the story of our Saint (at both services) and wonder what we might learn from it; how we, like Matthew, can follow Jesus. It's also an invitation for us, at the beginning of our program year, to think together about our work and our community and who God is calling us to be. So, this year, we've invited folks who have joined the parish in the last year or so to be officially welcomed into the parish on St. Matthew's Day at the 10:00am service. And today, I'd like to extend that invitation a little further back.
If you joined the parish in the last year or so, or even during the Interim, or at some point when you weren't able to participate in a formal welcome, send me a note before Sunday and let me know that. We'd love to make it official for you, too. Our Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Ian Douglas will be here at St. Matt's on May 31st, and he can officially welcome newcomers into the Episcopal Church. That piece is really important, too. And there will be more information on that and on an inquirer's/newcomers class that will take place in the first part of 2020. But until then, if you'd like to be welcomed into this community at St. Matt's and didn't really have the chance, send me a note so that we can include you on Sunday. We are richly blessed by all the members of this community, and this is a chance to further connect you to each other.
There's quite a lot going on at St. Matt's in the next few weeks. So, please take a careful look through our newsletter and keep an eye on our website. We're busy having meaningful conversations, exploring the Bible, sharing our stories, starting up Youth Groups and Confirmation, and so much more. Come be found, here. Come be a part of what God is up to in this community.
I hope to see you on Sunday. Flat Matt has a few surprises up his sleeve. And until then, know that you're in my prayers.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector