The Bishop Knocks on the Door
St. Matthew's Church, Savannah

From 1968 to 1974, the Rev. Harry Nevels, a former altar boy at St. Matthew's, was the second rector of the parish. Under his leadership, the parish established the St. Matthew's Day Care and Learning Center in 1971. His wife, Loma M. Nevels, was the Center's first director. "From its inception, the Center has been a part of St. Matthew's Church, not a separate entity, although it functions semi-autonomously," said Arboleda. The Center, which serves 50 children age two to five, has the reputation of equipping children to succeed at school. "Through the years they've been able to keep the pricing affordable, below market value, and there is always a waitlist; the school is always running at full capacity," said Arboleda.

The current Director, Cynthia Stevens, has taught at the Center since 1979. "She taught a lot of the parents of current students and the annual Moving Up Ceremony [this year scheduled for Thursday, May 16th] has the feel of a family reunion with multiple generations in attendance," said Arboleda.

St. Matthew's holds periodic service days at Emmaus House, providing breakfast to our neediest neighbors. From left: the Rev. Steve, Emmaus House; St. Matthew's members Evalena Hoskins, Margaret Pearson and Idella Jones; Chef Frieda Payne, Gary Robinson, Emmaus House and the Rev. Guillermo Arboleda.

A longtime outreach ministry of St. Matthew's is its Bread Ministry: once a week volunteers pick up bread donated by Panera and bring it to St. Paul's CME and other food pantries. This simple ministry had been going on for years. Although St. Matthew's has consistently had members serve on Emmaus House's Board of Directors, a newer outreach effort is a monthly service day in collaboration with Emmaus House and the Community of St. Joseph. Recently the congregation has begun renting the parish hall to community arts groups like Front Porch Improv and Savannah Stage Company, which uses the space for rehearsals. Savannah Stage Company also hosted a Spring Break "Improv Camp" for children in grades three through eight at St. Matthew's.

Most of what we know about the parish's history was documented in a series of books written by the third rector, the Rev. Dr. Charles L. Hoskins (served 1976-1996). Since then, St. Matthew's made history by calling the first black female rector in the Diocese of Georgia, the Rev. Cheryl Parris (served 2007-2012). More recently, the parish celebrated the life and witness of St. Anna Alexander at the Revival and at the Dedication of the new Diocesan House Chapel. "We hope that by paying attention to the Great Story of our redemption in Jesus Christ and to our own local history," Arboleda said, "we will be ready to discern God's call for our parish now and in the years to come."

Sunday's Visitation: from left: Donald Jones, crucifer; the Rev. Guillermo A. Arboleda, Rector; Paul Berksteiner, confirmed; Paulette Sanders, presenter for Jaiden; Jaiden Jones, confirmed; Nolan Jones, torchbearer; Olivia Jones, torchbearer; Bishop Benhase; Joenelle Gordon, presenter for Paul

 

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Prayers for Weekly Liturgies

Diocesan Office Update and News

On Sunday, May 19, Bishop Scott Anson Benhase will make his annual visitation to Christ Church Augusta at 10 AM and to St. Mary's Augusta at 4 PM. The Bishop's full schedule can be found   here.  

The Rev. Frank Logue, Canon to the Ordinary, is on sabbatical through July 15.

The Rev. Joshua Varner, Canon for Children and Youth, will officiate and preach at St. Luke's Hawkinsville this Sunday. 

The Rev. Lauren Byrd, Rector of St. Francis of the Islands, Savannah, will officiate at the noon Thursday Eucharist in the Chapel of Saint Anna Alexander this week.