The Holy Eucharist: Liturgy of the Word
1st Sunday in Lent (Year B) February 21, 2021
Watch the Livestream at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav/Live/
Sunday, February 21, at 9:30 a.m. (or anytime afterward)
Preface
We at St. Matthew's Church in Savannah are unable to gather together in person due to the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. Under the guidance of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia, the Vestry has decided to keep our church building closed for all in-person gatherings.
At 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, I will broadcast the following worship service using Facebook Live at www.Facebook.com/StMattSav. After the service concludes, you can re-watch it at any time.
This worship service is designed for for use at home while watching the live stream or reading the prayers when you cannot physically attend worship. Lay people may read the entirety of this service.
In 2021, we have made some technological and liturgical changes to our live stream, in accordance with the latest COVID-19 Safety Guidelines from the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. All these changes are intended to simplify the production process of these worship videos and comply with those guidelines.
This liturgy will be performed live on Sunday morning as you watch from home, rather than pre-filmed and edited together. In other words, you are looking at a live feed of what we are doing in the church. This means there will be fewer flourishes on the video, but it will look like actually attending church again.
Due to the "live" nature of this video, there will be 3-4 people in the church on Sunday morning (Ms. Dandy, 1-2 lay readers, and myself). In compliance with the Diocese of Georgia's COVID-19 indoor worship guidelines, we will engage in social distancing, wear masks at all times, and aim to keep the liturgy under 40 minutes.
Therefore, most hymns will be shortened (typically to 3 or fewer verses) and some portions of the liturgy that may be sung will be spoken.
May God protect you from this virus and protect the most vulnerable among us. May we be God’s hands and feet of compassion and service to all in need during this time. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Guillermo A. Arboleda
The Holy Eucharist: Rite II
The Penitential Order
Hymn #142: Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days
[Verses 1-3]
1. Lord, who throughout these forty days
for us didst fast and pray,
teach us with thee to mourn our sins
and close by thee to stay.
2. As thou with Satan didst contend
and didst the victory win,
O give us strength in thee to fight,
in thee to conquer sin.
3. As thou didst hunger bear and thirst,
so teach us, gracious Lord,
to die to self, and chiefly live
by thy most holy Word.
Words: Claudia Frances Hernaman, Public Domain.
Music: St. Flavian; adapt. and harm. Richard Redhead, Public Domain.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #84254. All rights reserved.
Opening Sentences
[BCP, p. 351]
Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins.
God's mercy endures forever. Amen.
The Decalogue
[BCP, p. 350]
Hear the commandments of God to his people:
I am the Lord your God who brought you out of bondage. You shall have no other gods but me. Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not make for yourself any idol. Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not invoke with malice the Name of the Lord your God. Amen. Lord have mercy.
Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Amen. Lord have mercy.
Honor your father and your mother. Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not commit murder. Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not commit adultery. Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not steal. Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not be a false witness. Amen. Lord have mercy.
You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. Amen. Lord have mercy.
Confession of Sin
[BCP, p. 351]
Jesus said, "The first commandment is this: Hear, O Israel: The Lord your God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these."
[Mark 12:29-31]
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
[1 John 1:8-9]
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
[Hebrews 4:14,16]
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Silence may be kept.
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Bishop, when present, or the Priest, stands and says
Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Kyrie Eleison
[BCP, p. 356]
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
The Collect of the Day
[BCP, p. 357, 218]
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us pray:
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
A Reading from the Book of Genesis (9:8-17)
God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
Psalm 25:1-9
[BCP, p. 614]
Read responsively by half-verse (at the asterisk).
1 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; my God, I put my trust in you; * let me not be humiliated, nor let my enemies triumph over me.
2 Let none who look to you be put to shame; * let the treacherous be disappointed in their schemes.
3 Show me your ways, O Lord, * and teach me your paths.
4 Lead me in your truth and teach me, * for you are the God of my salvation; in you have I trusted all the day long.
5 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love, * for they are from everlasting.
6 Remember not the sins of my youth and my transgressions; * remember me according to your love and for the sake of your goodness, O Lord.
7 Gracious and upright is the Lord; * therefore he teaches sinners in his way.
8 He guides the humble in doing right * and teaches his way to the lowly.
9 All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness * to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
A Reading from the First Letter of St. Peter (3:18-22)
Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you-- not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ According to St. Mark (1:9-15)
Glory to you, Lord Christ.
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Christ.
The Sermon
“The Good News of Lent” by Fr. Guillermo A. Arboleda
The Gospel of Mark covers Jesus’ “Lent”, his forty days of fasting and temptation in the desert, in just two sentences. Mark tells this part of the story quickly and leaves out most of the details we learn from Matthew and Luke. But that’s not a criticism. By telling the story in quick succession, Mark helps us to see more clearly the connection between baptism, temptation, and sharing the Good News. Mark’s perspective reminds us of God’s overwhelming goodness.
Jesus launches his ministry by going to John the Baptist for baptism. As he was baptized, Jesus witnessed a miracle. The skies opened up and the Holy Spirit fell upon him like a Heavenly Dove. Jesus hears a voice from heaven, the voice of God the Father, reminding Jesus, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).
Jesus the Divine has always known and trusted the plan for salvation. Jesus the Divine Nature has always been from before time began, co-creating the universe with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus the Divine is ready to restore all things through his ministry, death, resurrection, asension, and return in glory. But Jesus the human being… for him it’s harder.
Of course, Jesus does not have a split personality. But as fully human as fully divine, he was at times conflicted about his purpose and calling. Here, in the moment of baptism, Jesus the human being is encouraged and uplifted. He is reminded of his true identity. He is being prepared for the trials to come. Everything around him will try to sow doubt about the fact that he is God’s Son, the Beloved.
When he was tempted in the wilderness, Satan tried to persuade Jesus that he is not really God’s Son, the Beloved (Mark 1:12-13; cf. Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). Later, when even Jesus’ family lost faith and thought he was out of his mind, he surely doubted that he was God’s Son, the Beloved (Mark 3:21). When John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, friend, and fellow Prophet, was executed, he surely doubted that he was God’s Son, the Beloved (Mark 6:14-29). When Peter, his closest disciple, rebuked him for talking about his coming death, Jesus surely doubted that he was God’s Son, the Beloved (Mark 8:31-33). When he was arrested, beaten, and sentenced to death; when his disciples abandoned him; when he hung on the Cross; when he cried out with the devastating words of Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”; Jesus surely must have doubted that he was God’s Son, the Beloved (Mark 15:34).
But that’s the Good News, isn’t it? Not that we don’t go through hard times, or that we never doubt. The Good News is that God’s love and goodness are greater than the worst evil the world can throw at us. The Good News is that God can and has overcome the forces of sin and death. The Good News is that, though Jesus died, he did not stay dead. He rose again!
It is with that hope that we enter into the season of Lent, preparing both for Jesus’ death, but always hoping in the coming resurrection. Our Lent is not a time to degrade or beat ourselves up. It’s not about wallowing in guilt or self-hatred. Lent is about giving thanks for God’s amazing goodness. Even when things are hard, even when the world around us feels like it’s falling apart (which it often does these days), God never leaves us nor forsakes us. God’s good plans will come to fruition. Even though we die, whether metaphorically or literally, we will rise again with Christ Jesus.
Lent is a time for us to deepen our practices of hopefulness and thanksgiving. It’s a time to remember that nothing the world can hit us with is ever stronger than God’s grace. It’s a time to remember that, whatever anyone else says or does, you too are God’s child. You are beloved. You are worthy of honor, dignity, and respect. We build our lives upon that foundation. The hardships will come and they may go, but God’s love and God’s image within you remains.
That is Good News worth sharing. When we deal each day with a deadly plague, with stagnant political leadership, with the daily realities of racism, and much more, we do so with our heads held high. Nobody can take God’s love away from us. No one can change the fact that we are children of the Most High God, and that we share in the new life of Jesus.
That’s not to say that the new life is only in the future, or that we should not try to resist the injustices the world heaps upon us. We can and must stand up for our own dignity and worth, and especially the dignity of others whose voices have been stifled. But we do so trusting that God is on our side in the pursuit of freedom for all of God’s children. The path to freedom is full of temptations to give up and to lose faith in the truth God has given us. But Good News of God’s love remains. We are children of God and so is everyone else. Try as they might, no one can change that.
So throughout this Lent, do not despair. Rest assured in the promises given to you in baptism. You are God’s beloved child, and you follow in the footsteps of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lived, who died, and rose again to great glory. Amen.
LEV #121: Baptized in Water, Sealed By The Spirit
[Verses 1-3]
1 Baptized in water,
Sealed by the Spirit,
Cleansed by the blood of Christ our King:
Heirs of salvation,
Trusting His promise,
Faithfully now God's praise we sing.
2 Baptized in water,
Sealed by the Spirit,
Dead in the tomb with Christ our King:
One with His rising,
freed and forgiven,
Thankfully now God's praise we sing.
3 Baptized in water, Sealed by the Spirit, Marked with the sign of Christ our King: Born of one Father, We are His children, Joyfully now God's praise we sing.
Words: Michael Saward © 1982 Hope Publishing Co.
Music: Eugene Hancock © 1992 Eugene W. Hancock
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #00017. All rights reserved.
The Nicene Creed
[BCP, p. 358]
We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made,
of one Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son.
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Prayers of the People
[Adapted from the Rev. Rick Morley, http://www.rickmorley.com/archives/1431]
Celebrant: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your loving kindness; in your great compassion, hear our prayers.
Intercessor: We pray for the whole church, all leaders and ministers, and all the holy people of God. Wash us through and through, And cleanse us from our sin.
We pray for our nation, for all the nations of the earth, and for all who govern and judge, especially for Joseph our President, Brian our governor, Van our mayor, Chester the chair of our County Commission, and Ann the Superintendent of our Public Schools. Purge us from our sin, And we shall be pure.
We pray for those who hunger, those who thirst, those who cry out for justice, those who live under the threat of terror, and those without a place to lay their head. Make them hear of joy and gladness, that those who are broken may rejoice.
We pray for those who are ill, those in pain, those under stress, and those who are lonely. Give them the joy of your saving help, and sustain them with your bountiful Spirit.
In this season of Lent we pray for those who prepare for baptism, and we pray that we all might be given the grace and strength to repent and grow closer to you, O God. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us.
We pray for those who have died, (especially _____ ) and who have entered into the land of eternal Light and your abiding peace. Cast them not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from them.
We pray for our Day Care staff, students, and their families, and for the people of our Parish Prayer List: Martha Avery, Zavier Bradley, Myrtle Brow-Hollis, Jacquelyn Bryant, Christine Brown, Genella Chamberlain, Taylor Blue Clemons, Annie Colbert, Lazola Cope, Alice Dailey, Beryl Dandy, Mark Dashiell, Brittany Dawson, Eduardo Espinosa, Imani Ferguson, Ruby Fernandez, Harry Frazier, Charles Gordon, Amanda Green, Jocelyn Bryant Harden, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Enoch Henderson, Charles E. Hines, Kenneth Howard, Terri Howard, Dale Hundley, Jared Hundley, Tracy Hundley, Milinda James, Alvin Jenkins, Dana Jenkins, David Jones, Frances T. Jones, Lori Jones, Robert L. Jones, Sr., Whitney Kennedy, Leonard Law, Jr., Ralph Lovett, Ryan Lovett, Tammie Lovett, Marcus Marzen, Joan Maty, Craig Maxwell, Sada Maxwell, Altheria Maynard Carmelita Maynard, Bette Milledge, Hollie Moultrie, Patricia Murry, Russell Nails, Dorothy Neal, Jameel Newton, Glenzy Payne, Robert Payne, Willie Mae Robinson, Paul Rockwell, Dison Washington Slaughter, James Small, Gwendolyn Smith, Courtney Watts Vista, Ed Vista, Willie Stephens, Lori Ward, Gertrude Washington, and Noel Wheeler.
We give thanks for Blair Berksteiner (2/21), Charles Gordon (2/21), Monica Magoola (2/21), Christine Folsome (2/22), JoAnne Mitchell (2/23), Robert Day (2/24), the Rev. Kelly Steele (2/24), and Annie Colbert (2/27) on their birthdays.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Concluding prayer led by the Celebrant:
Lord Jesus, you proclaimed the Good News in Galilee, saying that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God has come near; grant us the strength and wisdom to repent and believe in the Good News, this day and always. Amen.
The Peace
[BCP, p. 360]
The peace of the Lord be always with you.
And also with you.
The Offertory
[BCP, p. 377]
Giving to St. Matthew's: We know that many people are feeling the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The church is feeling it too. We still need your support to pay our staff, pay our bills, and provide for these online live streams. There are several ways to give, but the simplest are these:
Mail us a check or money order at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1401 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, Savannah, GA 31415; OR
Make a secure online gift to St. Matthew’s and/or automate future gifts at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now; OR
Text “stmattsav” to 73256 to make a secure online donation through your phone.
NOTE: Donations made online (#2 or #3) through Realm incur a processing fee of about 2.5%. Please consider adding an additional 2.5% to your online gift to cover these costs.
“If you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.”
[Matthew 5:23-24; see BCP, p. 376]
Give online at: https://onrealm.org/StMattSav/-/give/now
LEV #170: Yield Not To Temptation
[Verses 1-3]
1 Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you,
Some other to win;
Fight, still pressing onward,
Dark passions subdue;
REFRAIN:
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.
Ask the savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
2 Shun evil companions,
Bad language disdain;
God’s name hold in rev’rence,
Nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest,
Kind-hearted and true; [Refrain]
3 To him that o’ercometh,
God giveth a crown;
Through faith we will conquer,
Though often cast down;
He who is our savior,
Our strength will renew; [Refrain]
Words: Horatio R. Palmer, Public Domain.
Music: Horatio R. Palmer, Public Domain; arr. Carl Haywood; harm. © 1992 Caarl Haywood.
Reprinted with permission under ONE LICENSE #995570. All rights reserved.
The Lord’s Prayer
[BCP, p. 364]
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Solemn Prayer Over the People
[The Book of Occasional Services 2018, p. 11]
Let us bow down before the Lord.
Grant, Almighty God, that your people may recognize their weakness and put their whole trust in your strength, so that they may rejoice for ever in the protection of your loving providence; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Parish Announcements
[See below]
The Dismissal
[BCP, p. 366]
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God.
Parish Announcements - 2/21/21
A. Wednesday Study in Lent: This Lent, St. Matthew's will hold a weekly discussion about the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia's Thriving in the Vine: Daily Reflections for Lent. We encourage parishioners to read the daily devotions prepared by priests and laypeople from around our Diocese (including folks from St. Matthew's). Download the Lenten Devotional Book here: https://gaepiscopal.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Lent-2021-Book.pdf
On Wednesdays from February 24 - March 31 at 5:30 PM, right after Evening Prayer ends, we will hold a discussion group focusing on the spiritual practice of the week (highlighted each Saturday and Sunday), and provide time for a conversation about the other weekday devotions. The Devotional Study will meet over Zoom using the same call information as Wednesday Evening Prayer. All you need to do is log into the call at 5:30 to join the study. If you log into the call at 5:00, you can pray with us and be featured on the Zoom Facebook Live-stream. Note that the discussion group will not be live-streamed to Facebook.
For security purposes, below is the Meeting ID only; please check your St. Matthew's e-Newsletter for the password (or email FrGAA@StMattSav.org to request it).
Topic: Zoom Evening Prayer
Time: 05:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) every Wednesday
Join Zoom Meeting: See e-Newsletter
Meeting ID: 991 8577 8541
Passcode: See e-Newsletter
Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
Meeting ID: 991 8577 8541
Passcode: See e-Newsletter
B. Virtual Coffee Hour 2/28: Join us for virtual coffee hour over Zoom next Sunday at 10:30 AM.
For security purposes, below is the Meeting ID only; please check your St. Matthew's e-Newsletter for the password (or email FrGAA@StMattSav.org to request it).
Topic: St. Matthew's Coffee Hour
Time: Feb 28, 2021 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: See e-Newsletter
Meeting ID: 825 7251 1175
Passcode: See e-Newsletter
Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Meeting ID: 825 7251 1175
Passcode: See e-Newsletter
C. Annual Meeting & Annual Report ONLINE: On January 31, St. Matthew's held its 2021 Annual Meeting virtually through Zoom. You can read about the Annual Meeting and download the Annual Report here: https://www.stmattsav.org/post/annual-meeting-on-january-31-2021.
The entire meeting was recorded through Zoom and has been posted to a private YouTube link. If you missed the Annual Meeting and would like to watch it, please check your e-Newsletter for the link. If you have trouble accessing the e-Newsletter, please contact the church office (see below). If you would like a paper copy of the 2021 Annual Report to be mailed to you, please call or email the church office at (912) 234-4440 or Office@StMattSav.org.
D. Raleigh Bryant Burial Plans TBD: St. Matthew's mourns the death of Mr. Raleigh A. Bryant, Jr., who passed away on December 18, 2020, at the age of 96. Mr. Bryant will be cremated and buried at a future date to be determined. A graveside burial service will be announced once plans are finalized. For Mr. Bryant's full obituary and online guestbook, please visit the following link to Adams Funeral Services' website: https://www.adamsfuneralservicesinc.com/obituary/MrRaleigh-BryantJr
E. Donations for New Security System, Internet, & Camera: In the last month, the Vestry and Rector have planned several improvements to our facility using the Building Renovation Fund. The Vestry approved a wholesale replacement and upgrade of the burglary alarm system across our entire building and we have asked several members to contribute to the upfront installation costs. The Vestry also approved a complete upgrade to our internet and wifi equipment, such that there is universal hi-speed internet coverage throughout the building (Office, Parish Hall, Day Care, and Sanctuary). Finally, we are purchasing a new HD video camera for use during live-stream worship on Sundays and holidays (see above).
Now that the internet installation is complete, the total cost of all these upgrades has increased to approximately $6500.00. We thank all those that have already contributed designated gifts toward these projects. If you have not already contributed, please consider making an additional donation to the Building Renovation Fund for one or all of these building upgrades.
The Altar Guild invites parishioners to offer memorial gifts in honor of departed loved ones toward these projects in lieu of flowers. Raffle tickets for the quilt also go toward the Building Renovation Fund and can support this cause.
F. T/W/Th Evening Prayer via Zoom: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Fr. Arboleda invites you to pray Evening Prayer with him over Zoom. The video will continue to stream to Facebook Live at 5:00 PM. Please join the Zoom call by 4:50 PM. Otherwise, watch the prayer service as you have been on Facebook Live.
During Lent, we will use the Evening Prayer liturgy from Enriching Our Worship 1, an Episcopal worship resource that includes new prayers from more parts of the Bible, an emphasis on non-gendered language for God, and featuring more feminine perspectives both ancient and modern.
For security purposes, below is the Meeting ID only; please check your St. Matthew's e-Newsletter for the password (or email FrGAA@StMattSav.org to request it).
Topic: Zoom Evening Prayer
Time: 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Join Zoom Meeting: See e-Newsletter
Meeting ID: 991 8577 8541
Passcode: See e-Newsletter
Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
Meeting ID: 991 8577 8541
Passcode: See e-Newsletter
G. “Trip Around the World” Quilt Raffle: The Quilter's Guild, through St. Matthew's ECW, is raffling a "Trip Around the World" Quilt to benefit St. Matthew's Building Renovation Fund. This fund supports major extra-budgetary building improvement projects, such as painting, replacing the sound system, replacing the oven in Toomer-Walker Hall, etc.
This beautiful, jewel-toned quilt measures 103"x90" and will fit a queen-sized bed. This machine-stitched quilt in tones of deep violet amethyst, blue sapphire, green emerald, blue topaz, and green peridot will enhance any bedroom.
The winner will be announced on September 30, 2021. Winners do not need to be present to win. In addition to the grand prize of the "Trip Around the World '' quilt, there will be interim raffles of seasonal quilt-type projects for no additional ticket purchase. Interim winners will still be eligible for the grand prize.
The first interim drawing was on December 16, 2020. Sheila Jones won four Christmas potholders and Yavonne Taylor won a set of six Christmas placemats. The next interim drawing will be in late February.
Tickets are $15 each. Please make donations in $15 increments. Tickets may be purchased by:
Mailing a check to St. Matthew's with "Quilt Raffle" in the memo line; OR
Expect your raffle tickets to be returned to you by mail or email within 5-7 business days of receipt. Direct any questions to office@stmattsav.org.
The Parish Prayer List
Prayer List: Martha Avery, Zavier Bradley, Myrtle Brow-Hollis, Jacquelyn Bryant, Christine Brown, Genella Chamberlain, Taylor Blue Clemons, Annie Colbert, Lazola Cope, Alice Dailey, Beryl Dandy, Mark Dashiell, Brittany Dawson, Eduardo Espinosa, Imani Ferguson, Ruby Fernandez, Harry Frazier, Charles Gordon, Amanda Green, Jocelyn Bryant Harden, Loretta Harmond, Marva Harris, Enoch Henderson, Charles E. Hines, Kenneth Howard, Terri Howard, Dale Hundley, Jared Hundley, Tracy Hundley, Milinda James, Alvin Jenkins, Dana Jenkins, David Jones, Frances T. Jones, Lori Jones, Robert L. Jones, Sr., Whitney Kennedy, Leonard Law, Jr., Ralph Lovett, Ryan Lovett, Tammie Lovett, Marcus Marzen, Joan Maty, Craig Maxwell, Sada Maxwell, Altheria Maynard Carmelita Maynard, Bette Milledge, Hollie Moultrie, Patricia Murry, Russell Nails, Dorothy Neal, Jameel Newton, Glenzy Payne, Robert Payne, Willie Mae Robinson, Paul Rockwell, Dison Washington Slaughter, James Small, Gwendolyn Smith, Courtney Watts Vista, Ed Vista, Willie Stephens, Lori Ward, Gertrude Washington, and Noel Wheeler
Birthdays: Blair Berksteiner (2/21), Charles Gordon (2/21), Monica Magoola (2/21), Christine Folsome (2/22), JoAnne Mitchell (2/23), Robert Day (2/24), the Rev. Kelly Steele (2/24), and Annie Colbert (2/27)
Wedding Anniversaries: N/A
Recent Deaths: Raleigh Bryant (12/18)
May the souls of all the departed rest in peace; and may light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.
Note: This service is reproduced from The Book of Common Prayer 1979 (BCP), The Hymnal 1982 (Hymn), Lift Every Voice and Sing II: An African American Hymnal (LEV), and other sources cited. The Scripture readings are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.