From the Rector:
After our six-week break, Christian Education classes for all ages will begin again on Sunday morning, August 17, at 9:15AM.
Rector’s Forum
Reflecting on encouraging comments from people throughout the parish and my desire to teach, I have decided to offer a regularly scheduled class called the Rector’s Forum in Huffman Hall from August 17 through May 2008-2009. Sometimes I will give one- hour talks or lectures, sometimes I will teach briefly then allow time and space for group conversations at tables. Some classes may involve guest teachers, multimedia presentations, music, or other media.
Continuing Adult Classes on Sunday Mornings
This past year we had several offerings that met on Sunday mornings throughout the year.
B-14 - Discovering Christian Community
B-21 – Bible Discussion Group
B-6 – Living What We Believe
Bell Tower Chapel – Lectio Divina
Education Building – Sunday Morning Book Group
B-18 – Church History – Conflicts and Controversies
Most of these classes will resume meeting in the fall. At my request, these separate classes will not begin to meet until Sunday, September 7. I would like to have the first three adult classes to be “plenary” sessions in Huffman Hall to get us all started together. You will receive information in the near future about all the classes that will begin on September 7. Below is the “plenary” class I will teach August 17, 24 and 31.
Rector’s Forum – August 17, 24 and 31- Huffman Hall – 9:15AM
Background: In the quiet of a three-day retreat in early August I recognized three basic yearnings in my life that I believe are typical and worthy of exploration.
August 17: A yearning to be understood and to understand
In the daily sprint we call life, our relationships and self-respect suffer. We develop a “public self” to get along in the world, to get our “work” done and to be approved of by others. Rarely does this “public self” reveal our “true self” to anyone, even those we know well. In this class, I will draw on the Holy Scriptures and the work of Thomas Merton to encourage us all to live a more authentic life.
August 24: A yearning to know and do what is good and right
In a world of competing interests and constant busyness, I am often confused about what is good and right in any given moment. Moreover, all too often, when I believe I know what I should do or what I should not do, I cannot bring myself to do the thing that is good or right. Discernment and self-control involve more than will power. In this class, I will draw on the Holy Scriptures and the work of modern authors to give insights into this daily struggle.
August 31: A yearning for perspective and acceptance of life
At times, I look in the mirror and wonder what difference I am making in my life. The truth is that I cannot know for sure. The worth of my life is not mine, ultimately, to judge. In this class, we will examine ways that the life and teaching of Jesus and subsequent Christian tradition encourage us to trust that God will provide the wisdom we need for daily living. In addition, that the meaning of our life, indeed our salvation, is a gift to be revealed, received and accepted, and not earned.
Resumption of Multiple Sunday Morning Adult Classes on September 7:
On September 7, most of the classes listed above that are continuing from last year, including a Discovery Class for those to be confirmed or received, will be held on Sunday mornings at 9:15AM. The Rector’s Forum will continue in Huffman Hall, in the following format:
September 7, 14 and 21: Going Deeper
In this three-week period, I will give a 15-20 minute talk each week on the themes of the first three weeks of classes and then invite small group table conversation using a brief study guide prepared for each class. Again, we will provide details about all the adult classes beginning in September in the near future...
Bishop Harrison to Visit September 27 and 28, St. Matthew’s 50th Anniversary Weekend
You will soon hear details about the Dinner Party (for grownups) on Saturday night, September 27. Bishop Harrison and former clergy and church members will be our honored guests. Please reserve that time on your calendar now.
Here is the schedule for St. Matthew’s Day, Sunday, September 28:
8:00AM – Holy Baptism, Confirmation and Reception with Bishop Dena Harrison. We anticipate around 20-30 confirmations and receptions that morning. This will not be a service of Holy Communion. After the service the newly baptized, confirmed and received will spend time with the Bishop and will be introduced to the congregation at the 10:30AM service.
9:15AM – no Christian Education today.
10:30AM – Festival Holy Eucharist – we will have a glorious celebration of the Love of God and the work of the people and clergy at St. Matthew’s for the past 50 years. Bishop Harrison will preside, Chuck Huffman will be our preacher, and the music for the day will be special!
After church, we will enjoy our St. Matthew’s Day Picnic Lunch in Huffman Hall and on the parish grounds. This will be a grand celebration. You will, of course, hear more about the St. Matthew’s 50th Anniversary festivities as the time approaches.
Do you want to become a part of the life of this parish?
If you are interested in being confirmed or received, joining St. Matthew’s or receiving other information about becoming a part of the life of St. Matthew’s, do not hesitate to contact me at merrill@stmattsaustin.org. If you are a teenager or are responsible for a teenager, and would like information about confirmation, please contact Kevin Schubert at kevin@stmattsaustin.org.
First a Vacation
I write this on July 17 as I look ahead to a family vacation to Florida in early August. We will leave after church on August 3 and I will return in time to preach and teach on Sunday, August 17. I will be back in the office on August 18. As always, call on your staff as needed. Susan and Kevin will respond to pastoral needs and emergencies and Dave Bowman will handle office management. You are fortunate to have an experienced, capable and caring staff that loves and respects you. I am proud of them!
And a Thank You
Finally, I happily acknowledge that I have now served as your rector for six years. I remember the first Sunday I presided and preached, July 14, 2002. The clergy processed in and I was to say, “Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit”, to properly begin the service. However, what came out was, “well, here we are!” Here we still are!
I feel blessed to be your priest, and doubly blessed to serve as a priest with Susan, Kevin, Jim, Joe, Chuck and Jerry.
God bless you all!