Rector's Notes - August 28, 2014

"Let your loving-kindness come to me, O Lord, ... according to your promise." (Psalm 119 verse 41)

The hope for blessing and promise is very real in our hearts every single day and God is the source of hope fulfilled. Focus your heart on God to start your days this last week of August and in the month ahead. I remember in Sunday School class, when in the 8th grade, being encouraged to devote 30 seconds of quiet prayer when I sat down for classes. It was like a revelation that I could just decide to do that. It was even more surprising to me how much better I felt (especially before a test or during a hard day) when I remembered to simply 'be still with God' for a minute. To this day I continue this practice of inviting God's loving-kindness and promise to be present wherever I am. Young or old, try it, you'll like it.

Please be on the lookout for the Fall Issue of the parish Newsletter, THE MATTHEAN. (Click here for the electronic version, get out your calendar, and note the great happenings and opportunities for spiritual nourishment and growth coming up in the weeks ahead.) Hardcopies will also be available as you enter the church for worship over the next few weeks. Additionally, check out the calendar on our website anytime www.stmattsepiscopal.org .

With Labor Day weekend coming up it is important that we honor the gift of human labor, of good honest work, of your work at home and on the job. In a time when too many bosses, politicians and industries try to take advantage of their workforce I think it important that each individual commits to always giving their best effort no matter what the circumstance while advocating for living wages, decent benefits and safe conditions on the job, and for pitching in together at home. Take pride in your work. Uphold fellow workers. Give thanks to God for the abilities and opportunities before us whether it's in the family garden, classroom, shop or boardroom. May God bless your labors and your leisure this week. Worship is at 9 am this Sunday August 31 and then, beginning September 7, Sunday worship will resume at 8 and 10 am.

Blessings, Rev. Wm. E. Exner+ Rector

+St. Matt's Altar Guild needs a few more volunteers to help set up the altar and worship space for Sunday worship through the year. It's a quick and easy duty on a rotating basis that affords you the chance for some quiet time in the House of the Lord while learning what all the 'Holy Hardware' is and what it is used for. It is also a great form of service to everyone who worships and prays at St. Matthew's. Please consider this ministry of Altar Guild service and contact David Greiner, Chief Sacristan at dgriner3115@comcast.net or 785-9988.

+ Singers are invited for a Hymn sing/Open House with the Senior Choir on Wednesday 3 at 7 pm. Tell your musical friends.

+ Note that Sunday School for ages 3 through grade 9 starts on September 14 at 10 am. If your kids have friends who might enjoy the weekly hour of fun and spiritual learning, please invite their parents to consider it. All are welcome.

The Altar Guild at St. Matthew's prepares the altar for Sundays services, plus holidays and memorials.  Members of the guild will typically share Altar duties two months a year with another guilder, setting up and taking down the altar.  If you are looking for a way to "pitch in" at St. Matt's, this might be a good way to do it.  The guild is currently made up of a great group of parishioners, but we're always looking for more.  If you're interested, please contact Kelly in the office, or guild coordinator Dave Greiner at 785-9988, dgreiner3115@comcast.net.

Thoughts on Kindness

 - Linnae Peterson, M. Div.   

Kindness seems a simple thing, one that should be part of our daily life. In fact the idea of kindness is rooted in many religions. Most have some version of what we call the Golden Rule. Take a look:

Confucianism- Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you. Analects 15:23

Buddhism- Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful Udana-Varga 5:18

Judaism-What is hateful to you, do not to your fellow man. This is the law: all the rest is commentary. Talmud, Shabbat 31a

Islam- None of you has faith until he loves for his brother or his neighbor what he loves for himself.  Sahih Bukhari 13; Sahih Muslim 45, 

Christianity - In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Matt. 7:12 NRSV

Each religion shares the idea that we should be kind to one another, should treat others as we wish to be treated. As parents we strive to teach our children to be kind to others. It is important that we model that kindness for them. Each day as we talk to those we encounter, at the market, at the pool or the soccer field, at work or at home, it is vital that we speak and act with kindness and compassion, both to those who are present but even more so to those who are not. Our children will hear how we talk about categories of people, about "those people who. . . ." Kindness can change our world.

Got 2 hours a month to spare?

  The Community Clothing Center could use you! We currently have openings for Floor People on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 6 - 8 pm and on the 5th Saturday of each month from 10 - noon.

What does a Floor Person do? Check clothes to make sure they are good enough to sell, put them on hangers and place them on the racks in the appropriate section, help shoppers find what they want and direct them to the counter to pay.

It's fun to work with others and to interact with the public and, best of all, you might find something you want! 

Please contact Joan Alayne Stevens if you can help - at

joanalaynestevens@gmail.com