Dear Friends,

 

As we move to the end of the Easter Season, I remind you that one of the mysteries of the resurrection is that it was, after all, such a profound surprise.  The disciples never imagined, even though the gospels said he told them, that Jesus would or even could rise from the dead.  The disciples were sorely afraid of living their life without him.  He had changed everything – his teaching and preaching and miracles had infused their lives with purpose and they did not want to return to that prior land of oppression and shame.  The resurrection was, indeed, a surprise.  It is a reminder that God is never through with us.  Ever.  Our lives are ultimately in God’s hands.  Never give up on God.  God surprises us. 

 

Construction

As I write these words I am surprised in another way.  Out my window I see steel frame looming above the edge of the Educational Building across the location of the old temporary youth building.  In the coming months we will be finishing this project, preparing the building for use and starting a new chapter in the school/church relationship.  The new Youth Center will “crown” our campus.  If you have made a donation to this project, thank you.  If you can increase your donation, please do.  If you have not made a donation to the new construction, now is the time.  Please speak to me. 

 

Re-Construction

The basement flood is almost in our past.  We are painting, laying carpet and refurbishing the bathrooms.  I continue to be amazed by and grateful for your patience in this slow moving project.  Thank you.  Thank you!!!  One of the real changes coming is that B-14 will be decorated in a different motif that the rest of the rooms downstairs.  In gratitude for his years of service to this parish, and in loving memory, B-14 will be rededicated as a place of prayer, worship, healing and study in honor of the Rev. George Wilson.  The weekday services will be held in that room and it will be decorated to serve small groups and ministries in a more prayerful environment.  When ready, we will announce a dedication service.  This new room will, of course, preserve its place of honor for Ernestlea Williams and the Prayer Shawl Ministry.  Moreover, the Order of St. Luke will be able to conduct its ministry in a more sacred space.  All is well!!

 

Ascension Night Service, Thursday May 1 at 7:00PM

We will observe Ascension Day, the commemoration of our Lord’s Ascension into heaven, with the Holy Eucharist, with music and sermon.  All invited.

 

Discovery Class – Learning about St. Matthew’s and the Episcopal Church

The Rev.’s Kevin Schubert, Susan Barnes and I will offer a class for those new to St. Matthew’s or the Episcopal Church.  This is an opportunity for you to ask questions about our beliefs, our Sunday services, the church’s expectations of its members, or anything you might want to know or better understand.  We will be offering a variety of classes to make them as accessible to you as possible.  There will be two Saturday morning classes in the next two months, they will be identical and, assumedly, you would choose to attend one of them.  The Saturday classes are as follows:

Saturday, May 17 – 9:00AM – 11:30AM – B-18 downstairs in the basement.

Saturday, June 28 – 9:00AM – 11:30AM – B-18

In these Saturday morning classes, we will focus on the role of faith in daily life, prayer, Sunday worship including the involvement of children and youth, and topics raised by the group gathered.

 

Please let me know by email if you desire child care, which will be provided if needed. If you want to learn more about our child care, please feel free to contact our Nursery Coordinator, Tracey Nichols.  She can be reached by phone at 331-0653 or by email at ldncars@austin.rr.com.

 

In June, we will offer a Discovery Class on Sunday mornings at 9:15AM in Huffman Hall.  The classes will meet each Sunday morning in June and each class will cover different topics. Child care and Sunday School options will be available for children at the same time.  The topics covered in the classes in June will be focused on your questions but will certainly touch on the following at least:

            *The Sunday Eucharist explained in detail.

            *Baptism of infants and Holy Communion for children.

            *The ways Episcopalians understand and interpret the Holy Bible.

            *The life of prayer and service to God.

            *Finding balance in our lives.

            *Following Christ at church and away from church on weekdays!

            *The faith of the church and how your faith fits in.

            *How to contribute time, prayer and money for the sake of the church.

If you are not confirmed and desire to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church when Bishop Harrison comes the weekend of September 27-28, these classes will serve as preparation.  In August, we will offer more classes in preparation for her visit.  Please contact me directly and let me know if you will be to participate.

 

Day School Kindergarten Graduation – Thursday, May 22 at 11:00AM

All are invited to attend the ceremony wherein the kindergartners at the day school graduate and move on to greater heights.  It is a sweetly inspirational service.

           

Bishop Election, May 24 – at Christ Church Cathedral

The Diocese of Texas will elect its new Bishop Coadjutor on Saturday, May 24.  Information about the candidates and election can be found on the diocesan website at www.epicenter.org  Please pray for the diocesan officials gathered, your delegation from St. Matthew’s and the candidates.  The St. Matthew’s delegation includes Jim Sparks, Judy Bomar, Vickie Blumhagen, and Margaret Carpenter as lay delegates and Esther Garcia as alternate. Clergy delegates include Merrill Wade, Susan Barnes, Kevin Schubert, Jim Williams, Chuck Huffman and Joe DiPaola.

 

Spanish Language Service at St. Matthew’s 5:15PM – Sunday, June 1, 2008

In the context of many conversations over the last few years, it has become more and more clear to me that there are many Spanish speakers in this congregation.  Some of us are Americans of Hispanic descent; some of us are Anglos or from other backgrounds.    We are from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Peru, Honduras, Bolivia, Cuba and, perhaps, Spain and other countries.  I have identified over 60 members of our parish that speak Spanish as either a first language or a learned language. Some of us are fluent, some are eager learners. Many of us want to worship occasionally in Spanish, recognizing that it is a part of our lives and thus, another way of expressing our faith.  The Book of Common Prayer has been translated into Spanish and I will prepare an Order of Service that includes both the Spanish and English for the sake of those who might need help following the service.  I invite all who would like to be a part of a celebration of the Holy Eucharist in Spanish to come to St. Matthew’s on Sunday, June 1, at 5:15PM.  We will conduct the service in Spanish and I will preach the sermon in Spanish.  After the service (around 45 minutes), let’s walk across the street to Molcas, the new Mexican restaurant on Mesa behind Mirabelle’s for dinner together!

 

Much love, Merrill