THE EVANGELDecember 2015

In This Issue

The Bishop is Coming!

Annual Meeting

Advent Study

Christmas Services

Ministry Training

St. Matt's Missionary

Artist of the Month

Ministry Schedule

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Welcome to the New Evangel!

Dear Friends, Welcome to St. Matthew's new digital newsletter. I admit that it'staken us awhile; once we find a way to communicate we don'treally want to change it unless there's a good reason. And thereare a few good reasons. Our printing costs run close to $6,000 ayear and maybe $1,000 of that is the newsletter. These days most of our members dohave and use email. And the final good reason: it is almost 2016, the world has gonedigital and we need to consider this in our daily church functions. We are holding on to our ancient traditions however, don't worry. Our Sunday worship

continues to include King James language at 7:30, a liturgy that includes currentChristian music at 9 am, and classic Rite II at 10:30 am, as well as the Saturdayevening service of evening prayer, communion and familiar Christian hymns andsongs. Over time we will consider other means to minimize printing, but we're not in a hurry.It took us two years of discussion to take the newsletter digital. We are excited totake on this new challenge, and we welcome your thoughts and ideas. Now as we enter the season of Advent and Christmastide I bid you God's peace. Ipray that we will all pause and consider the miracle of God choosing to enter the veryworld he created, not to take power and control, but rather to save our souls. Hisindeed is the glory, the victory and the majesty! Faithfully,Pastor Hollis

Our Bishop is Coming!

Bishop Rob O'Neill will visit St. Matt's on January 24th. He regularly visits each parishin our diocese. There are so many parishes it takes him 3 years to make the rotation!We're looking forward to welcoming him, and have 5 confirmations planned.

Annual Meeting Scheduled This year's annual meeting is scheduled for January 31st, following a combining of the9 am and 10:30 services into one service at 9:30 am. We will still have worshipservices on Saturday at 5 pm and Sunday at 7:30 am. At the annual meeting we willconsider where we've been for the past year and where we are going in 2016. We willelect three vestry members and two delegates to convention, and the budget for 2016will be presented. All are welcome, and a potluck brunch will be served.

Advent Study

Can Christmas still change the world? We believe so! Join us on Thursday eveningsDec. 3, 10, and 17 at for a three-part series called "The Advent Conspiracy."

If you are tired of how consumerism has hijacked Christmas, this study is for you!

Through videos, scripture reflection, and discussion, The Advent Conspiracy will

show us how to substitute consumption with compassion by practicing four simple,but powerful, countercultural concepts:

Worship fully: because Christmas begins and ends with JesusSpend less: And free your resources for things that truly matterGive more: of your presence (your hands, your words, your time, your heart)Love all: the poor, the forgotten, the marginalized, the sick, in ways that make adifference

Celebrating Christmas at St. Matthew's!

There are three different service to choosefrom:

Quiet Christmas Service - Sunda,y December 20 at 5pmThis service offers a calm yet joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus. Christmascarols are traditional, yet serene. It has the power to renew your soul in the midst ofhurry and worry!

Children's Nativity Play and Holy Communion with carols, bells, andcommunion - Thursday, December 24 at 5pmThe children of St. Matthew's enter into the wonderful ancient story of Jesus' birth,together with Christmas Carols and Bells. The joy and excitement of the children iscatching!

Traditional Christmas Eve Worship - Thursday, December 24 at 9 pmThis is our classic Christmas Eve service with Christmas Carols, Candlelight andHoly Communion. Our new organ, the choir and the praise band will add depth andtexture to this lovely evening service, which ends with candlelight.

Christmas Stewardship

During this time of year -- which the Church calls Adventbut the secular world knows as the pre-Christmas shopping season -- Christiansexperience a profound tension. The Church urges us to prepare for Christ's comingagain by intensified prayer, fasting and sharing with others. That's not the messageour culture proclaims now. "Shop till you drop" is what we hear incessantly during thisfrenzied season, and "beat everyone else in getting the best bargains on the latestgadgets, fashion accessories and status symbols." No wonder our hearts are troubledmore than normally during this erstwhile season of comfort and joy.

Fortunately, there is a way of setting aside the commercial Christmas and not letting ittake over this holy time. The best way to save Christmas from secularism is by

concentrating on basic stewardship principles: gratitude, responsibility, generosity anda willingness to return all God's gifts with increase.

Gratitude is the soul of stewardship. It is impossible to be overcome with anxiety (orgreed) when we are truly thankful. Gratitude focuses our attention on the gifts wealready have -- not on the things we desire (material or spiritual). Saying "thank you"draws us outside ourselves and helps to deepen our appreciation for the good thingsthat we have been given by a good and gracious God. Saying thank you helps usovercome self-centeredness. It reminds us that we are not self-sufficient or isolatedfrom the human family. Practice saying "thank you" during this holiday season. You'llbe amazed at how it helps dispel the dark clouds of pre-Christmas gloom.

Responsibility is fundamental to the practice of stewardship. Remember the scene inCharles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" where the miserly Scrooge refuses to takeresponsibility for the poor? He didn't feel responsible for the needy, for his employeeBob Cratchit and his family, or even for the only family Scrooge had -- a nephew andhis young wife. Until his conversion, and his willingness to take responsibility forothers, Scrooge was unable to enjoy his wealth, status or success. The money heaccumulated over many years in business only made him miserable. Takingresponsibility for all the gifts God has given us and accepting our role as stewards ofall God's creation -- especially our sisters and brothers in Christ -- allows us tocelebrate Christmas with an open heart.

Generosity is a value that even the secular Christmas recognizes through the value itplaces on gift giving. But what do we give? Is generosity primarily about buying andgiving away material things? Or does it mean something more? Stewardship teachesthe primacy of self-giving. Jesus Christ is the supreme example of someone whogave himself -- first and foremost. Christmas invites us to follow his example. AsPope Emeritus Benedict XVI says, "Whether a gift is expensive or cheap matterslittle; if we have not given a bit of ourselves along with it, any gift we give is too small."This Christmas season let's give "a bit of ourselves" (time, presence, prayer,kindness, laughter, encouragement, etc.) as well as giving the gifts that are placedunder the Christmas tree.

The final stewardship principle is "giving back to the Lord with increase." As weprepare for Christ's coming again, we should ask ourselves what we haveaccomplished during the past year? Have we grown personally? Have we made apositive contribution to the world we live in? Have we helped others -- in small ways orin large ones? Have we taken God's many gifts (material and spiritual) and "buriedthem"? Or have we nurtured, cultivated and grown our gifts, skills, talents andrelationships? Can we honestly say we are ready now to return all these gifts to theLord with increase?

A stewardship Christmas trumps a commercial Christmas every time. Instead of

anxiety, hassles, overspending and tension among family members, a stewardshipChristmas allows us to experience joy through giving thanks, taking responsibility forothers, sharing ourselves with others and giving back God's gifts with increase. That'sa much better way to spend Christmas.

Conway has served as consultant for mission advancement for the Archdiocese ofSt. Louis. He now is senior vice president of Marian University in Indianapolis.

Dan Conway

Ministry Training

Interested in training to be a Eucharistic minister, Eucharistic visitor, or a lector(reader)? Come to the next training on January 23! For those specifically desiring to train to be Eucharistic visitors, the training will be8:30 am - noon. Those desiring training to be Eucharistic ministers, we only need youfrom 10:00 - 11:00. Those desiring training to be lectors (readers) and those who needa refresher, the training will be held from 9:00 - 10:00. It is strongly encouraged thatthose who haven't served in these capacities in a while come in for a refresher. Lector training will include proper microphone usage, diction, and practice with thosepesky hard-to-pronounce Bible names. For those desiring training in both Eucharistic visitation and the other lay ministries,we will figure out another time to provide the additional training for you.

Letter from St. Matt's Missionaryin the

Dominican Republic Dear Partners in Mission,

Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement! In November I had thehonor of presenting at an event for the fledgling PT association along with Victor, aDominican physical therapist who continued his studies in Spain for his master'sdegree and now is applying for a PhD in Spain. It was refreshing to hear his passionfor his subject and for sharing it with his fellow Dominicans. I presented first and heseamlessly related his talk to aspects of mine, all the while teaching me things I canshare with my students in the future. Thanks to my friends Nick and Laurie, who livein Santiago and have more opportunity to interact with him, I understand he struggleswith some of the same issues that the three of us face. Please join me in thanking

God for planting this gift in Victor and for God to grant him the wisdom in surmountingthe obstacles that he faces. Additionally, please pray that God touches the hearts ofother Dominicans in this field with similar desires to pursue deeper knowledge of thiscareer in order to better serve the people of this country.

May God bless and guide each of you as you enter this Advent season, granting youthe peace to refresh yourself through the news of the coming of our Lord!

In Christ,Cathy

Cathy Donahoe is a missionary with SAMS, the Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders. She is serving inthe Dominican Republic as a physical therapist in San Pedro de Macorís and Santo Domingo. E-mail:cathyd@turbonet.com Donations (checks made to SAMS with Cathy's name in the memo line): PO Box 399,Ambridge, PA 15003. Snail mail: Apartado 587, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic 21000 website:www.cathydonahoe.net

New Columbarium Pricing

Due to an increase in the cost to engrave our columbarium niches, the pricewill increase by $200 beginning on January 1st of 2016. A single niche will be$800 and a double niche will be $1000. Keep that date in mind if you areconsidering purchasing a niche.

St. Matt's New Organ!

Our new Allen Bravura 3- manual, 38-stop organ has arrived. Thank you to allwho donated to the Heritage Project!

Clothing Drive

Thank you to all who donated and helpedto make the clothing drive a hugesuccess!

Artist of the MonthAva Paul

"Snail Bridge"

Ava took this photo while on vacation one morning inCarlsbad, California with her dad's IPhone. This intelligent

snail seems to be trying to cross the sidewalk (where other snails have met theiruntimely demise) by bending a flower stem across it. This photo won her third prizelast year in the Bank of Colorado's calendar contest. Ava enjoys art, singing, reading,and playing percussion. She will also be singing as the lead in Ahmal and the NightVisitors with the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra this month on December 12th.

Ministry Schedule - December 2015

December 6 December 13 December 20 December 27 January 37:30Altar MinisterAltar MinisterAcolyteLector OT/PSLector NT/PPUsherUsher

Terry FarinaSherry FarnyJan SmithCamie DeweyMarilyn RulandGeorge DunhamLynn Dunham

K Roy JonesJoy WymanCarol JonesLaura MocklerCarol JonesJohn McConnellAudrey McConnell

Dennis PrettiCamie DeweyJan SmithJoel RobinsonD. RobinsonTerry FarinaK. Roy Jones

Joel RobinsonD. RobinsonCarol JonesDennis PrettiPeggy PrettiDennis PrettiPeggy Pretti

Terry FarinaR. EmersonJan SmithCarol JonesK. Roy JonesSherry FarnyDave Farny

9:00 Media Sharon Conrad Sue Emerson Janette Deagle Darin Carei SharonConrad

10:30Altar MinisterAltar MinisterAcolyteAcolyteAcolyteLector OTLector NTLector PPUsherUsher

Ann HayesNancy HunterCade BickhamJim SidwellOwen BickhamYouthYouthYouthMerrilyn SimpkinsYouth

Barclay JamesonRichard PaulRebecka PlankAndrew GustafsonPhil GustafsonJeanette BensonLinda JamesonBarclay JamesonGary BirdLynne Bird

Laurie KadrichM. SuedekumEli PaulAva PaulRichard PaulVicki CanadayLaurie KadrichM. SuedekumN. FillingerM. Fillinger

J. BensonAllan ConradJim Sidwell P Van VoorheesCasey WrenAnn HayesB. JamesonLinda Jameson

Richard Paul M. Suedekum YouthYouthYouthM. SimpkinsYouth

Children'sChapel

Terri Vair K. Roy Jones Camie Dewey K. Roy Jones Camie Dewey

Coffee A-CO CR-Ha He-Mc Mi-R S-ZEVsCommons

K. Roy JonesCarol Jones

Sugar RabelRocco De Bona

Mary MillsLaura Mockler

B. JamesonLinda Jameson

J. BensonCorky Perry

Evs Home Joel RobinsonDeborahRobinson

Corky PerryLaura Mockler

J. BensonLois Jarre

B. JamesonLinda Jameson

J. RobinsonD. Robinson

Tellers Lori Howard Ron Kupinski Sharon Conrad Don Schneider L. Mockler

Charles Breaux Lyn Fraser Buzzie Aust Sue Emerson Lori HowardAltar Guild

DebbieMcLaughlinJeanette BensonJoan KarpJean KoizumiJoan Wright

Marjorie BrownMargery FillingerJoyce GroveCarol JonesKay Rushing

M. SimpkinsLynne BirdPeggy PrettiSue SidwellM. Suedekum

Mary MillsBeve FarinaMarge LairSue OrloffD. StevensonBillie Taylor

D. McLaughlinJ. BensonJoan KarpJean KoizumiJoan Wright

SaturdayOfficiantAcolytePsOTNTGospelMeditationUsherUsher

December 5Fr Bob/Marjorie S.M. SuedekumLori HowardBuzzie AustDeb FeeleyBob EngelsM. SuedekumSugar RabelRocco DeBono

December 12Nancy Angle Spike HowardDon AustM. SuedekumNancy AngleNancy AngleBuzzie AustDon Aust

December 19Pastor RayB. SchaakDeb FeeleySpike HowardDon AustPastor RayPastor RaySpike HowardLori Howard

December 26

January 2

If you have days in January that you cannot serve, please call Marjorie at 270-1882 orgreywolfwb@gmail.com by December 1.If you cannot serve on a scheduled day,

please exchange with someone or get someone to serve for you.If you are going to be in town over Christmas and wish to participate in the Christmas

services, please sign up in the gathering space.

THANK YOU to everyone who has pledged to date. Of course, we will acceptpledges anytime. Pledge cards are available at church or call the church officeand we will mail you one.Don and Buzzie AustRoger and Jeanette BensonBlake Bickham and Allison MorrisGary and Lynne BirdChuck and Robbie BreauxBarbara BriggsMarjorie BrownMark & Sherri BrownKen & Susan BrownleeJim CampbellVicki CanadayDarin & Tammy CareiAllan and Sharon ConradShirley Ann CrockerRene CrowKathleen DavisMelvin and Tanya DavisJanete DeagleRocco DebonaCamie DeweyGeorge and Lynn DunhamMarjory EdmanDave and Sue Emerson

Nicholas MayerJohn and Audrey McConnellRay McKechnieBill and Deb McLaughlinJanet McRaeKurt and Cynthia MillKaren MillerLaura MocklerDale and Sandra MooreLinda MorehouseRichard and Kathy MorganMike and Cindy MurrayMaureen NealChip and Charlene NewtonJean NissenWalt and Sue OrloffMargaret PaloCraig and Emily ParkerJim and Rita ParontoChristopher Parsons & Rev. Hollis WrightRich and Amy PaulJohn PearsonCorky Perry

Rich and Betty EmersonTerry and Beve FarinaDave and Sherry FarnyDebra FeeleyNorm and Margery FillingerSally FlournoyMarilyn ForteLyn FraserRuth GormleyJoan GrahamEd and Nancy GroenertJoyce GrovePhilip and Theresa GustafsonHenry and Ann HayesSpike and Lori HowardPamela HuberLela HuntNancy HunterLinda JacobsenBarclay and Linda JamesonLois JarreJason Hughes and Matthew McGrawLaurie KadrichJoan KarpMarti KluteCarl and Jean KoizumiRon KupinskiEvelyn KyleRichard & Marjorie LairPastor Tom and Kay LeeFrank and Helen LigonGretchen and Bob Lubinski

David and Heidi PlankDennis and Peggy PrettiSugar Jane RabelMargaret RaleyJoel and Deborah RobinsonMarilyn RulandKay RushingBarb SchaakDon & Judy SchneiderVirgina SettleJim and Sue SidwellMerrilyn SimpkinsJanet SmallwoodAllen and Janet SmithBud and Harriet SmockKurt and Chris SpriggsAllen and Dorothy StevensonMarjorie SuedekumBillie TaylorTerri VairPeter and Sue Van VoorheesDick and Karel WatsonTyler and Paul WayLucia WebsterJudy WildhaberDonna WilliamsMarie WohlfahrtCasey and Tanya WrenJohn and Joan WrightLee and Joy WymanKatie Zollner

December Birthdays

12/2 Daniel Foster 12/4 Heidi Plank 12/7 Donna Williams 12/7 Katie Zollner12/9 Philip Morrow12/10 Buzzie Aust12/15 Ann Hayes12/16 Larry MacDonald12/16 Beth Watson12/20 Ruth Gormley12/20 Jeanette Benson12/20 The Rev. Edward Konieczny12/21 Mari Kyle-Martin

12/21 Marjorie Lair12/21 Vicki Canaday12/21 Teri Vair12/22 Joyce Cunningham12/22 Marrilyn Simpkins12/25 Lucia Webster12/25 Carol Jones12/27 Landon Aldridge12/27 James Campbell12/29 Debra Feeley12/30 John McConnell12/31 Janet Smallwood12/31 Jamie Galbasini

December Anniversaries 12/3 K. Roy & Carol Jones 12/20 Henry & Ann Hayes12/24 Stephen & Jocelyn Young

Rector: Hollis WrightEmail: revhwright@gmail.com

Associate Pastor: Ray McKechnieEmail: pastor.ray.mckechnie@gmail.com

Deacon: Nancy AngleEmail: nangle@bresnan.net

Assisting Clergy: Bob Engels, Tom Lee, Nick Mayer, & Lee Wyman

VESTRY STAFF

Darin Carei, Sr. WardenRon Kupinski, Jr. Warden

Ann Hayes, Treasurer

Buzzie AustChuck Breaux

Sharon ConradSue Emerson

Lyn FraserLori Howard

Laura MocklerBarb Schaak

Don Schneider

Parish Administrators Beth Fisher Desiree BougeauxYouth & Family Minister Camie DeweyMusic Director Richard MorganNursery Supervisor Jaymee GalbasiniSexton Tara SommersThe Evangel Editor Desiree BougeauxComputers/Networks Sharon Conrad

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church | 970-242-3293 | stmattsgj@gmail.comhttp://stmatthewsgj.org

3888 27 1/2 RoadGrand Junction, CO 81506

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