Sunday is St. Matthew's Day
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,
Three Septembers ago, we celebrated St. Matthew's Day together for the first time. And since then, it's become rather an important day for us. It's the beginning of our formal "program year", it is in many ways our "homecoming" Sunday, and in our worship, we take a lesson from our patron Saint, learning about who we're called to be through his story. I am glad for the yearly reminder of his faith - which is very much like our own.
Jesus calls to Matthew in the midst of his life - a life that isn't perfect, a life that is complicated. Jesus calls to a man who isn't perfect, either - someone who's life is a little messy - someone who very likely had doubts and mixed feelings. We'll talk some about Matthew together on Sunday in the midst of our worship - but what's so striking about Matthew is how he responds to Jesus' call. Something in Jesus' voice, something in his promise of new life, calls Matthew away and allows him to make new choices, better choices. And as time passed, his relationship with Jesus would completely transform him. Allowing him, then, to go and transform the world around him.
How is Jesus calling to you? In the midst of your life, in the midst of whatever is messy or complicated about your life, your past, your choices, your future - how is Jesus calling to you now? And how can you begin to follow Jesus more closely, even in the midst of chaos and complication?
This week, we'll also say some prayers of thanksgiving for our new altar and font. They are in the sanctuary already and they look so wonderful. I can't wait to share them with you on Sunday and ask your help as we lift our hearts and our voices in prayer and gratitude.
Then of course, after church, we'll stay and celebrate a wonderful festival - a fitting thing on the day of our patronal feast! I'm grateful to Brian and Jen Angerame, to Pam Ely, our staff, WEPCO staff, and the Vestry for all they've done and are doing to make this wonderful day a reality. There are other lay leaders and volunteers helping with various pieces of the day, too - and I'm grateful for that, too. I'm so looking forward to it. I hope that you're inviting your friends and neighbors. There will be plenty to do and see - and plenty also to engage the littles among us. So come joins us, bring some folks with you to worship and to the festival, and let's be reminded of who we are and whose we are.
Until then, God loves you. And so do I.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector