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Dear siblings,
I am a citizen of the world
I am a member of humanity
I am one with the universe
I am a child of God
Such words arise within me as I watch the FIFA World Cup (soccer to us, football to the world). More important than the competition on the field, I have been moved by the intersection of the human race (as we serve as a host country) and that in spite of inhumane politics around our world and in this country, there is still the majority of humanity that celebrates the best of who we are united by a sporting event. As someone who counts themself among the community of such a humanity, I realize that I am rooting for the world, I am a fan of the human, and I am a proud member of the human race, I am citizen of the world. In this revelation, I recognize the image of God, not only in the joy of sport, but also in the way that rescue workers seek for survivors in the rubble in Caracas and those who stand with the marginalized and oppressed. Deep down we are made for love, compassion, mercy, and the celebration of all that is common for a thriving creation.
To open our eyes and fall in love with this world with all its beauty and holiness is to realize that we are not who we are without other humans and without Mother Earth. I invite you to fall in love with the human possibility in every moment and embrace a world that God created and proclaimed “Good.” Let us live into the way of human compassion and hope and choose life, even in the face of death.
I am reminded of Thomas Merton’s revelation in Lexington, KY as I bask in this feeling being a human fully alive, when he wrote:
“In Louisville, at the corner of Fourth and Walnut, in the center of the shopping district, I was suddenly overwhelmed with the realization that I loved all those people, that they were mine and I theirs, that we could not be alien to one another even though we were total strangers. I was like waking from a dream of separateness, of spurious self-isolation in a special world, the world of renunciation and supposed holiness…this sense of liberation from an illusory difference was such a relief and such a joy to me that I almost laughed out loud…I have immense joy of being [human], a member of a race in which God [himself] became incarnate. As if the sorrows and stupidities of the human condition could overwhelm me, now I realize this! But it cannot be explained. There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.”
My friends, it is time that we live the image of God we have all been created in and recognize such an image in each other for the sake of the world and community.
Shalom,
Fr. Joe
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Partners in Ministry in Liberia (PIMIL)
17th Annual International Luncheon and Silent Auction
Saturday, July 18
12:30-3:30 pm
St. Philip Episcopal Church
166 Woodland Ave., Columbus
Plenty of Parking
Come for West African and American food, cookies from international recipes, music, children’s activities, a fascinating keynote speech, bidding on special silent auction items, Mother Abby’s book signing, and so much more!
This is a great opportunity to raise funds for St. Matthew’s international ministry and to experience the wonderful fellowship of the PIMIL community. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children 5-19, and free for kids under 5, and are available at the church office and from Mother Abby and Clifton, Greg Leaf, and Mark Flanders.
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Donate a Raffle Basket!
Also, please consider donating items for the PIMIL silent auction. Bring your donations for gift baskets (or create your own) to the PTL House or to any Sunday service prior to the event. Tickets are available at Sunday services or at the PTL House or email Mother Abby.
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Ladies' Holy Happy Hour
TONIGHT, July 1, 6:30 pm, Pray.Think.Love House
Cheese Trays/Wine
Please bring a friend!
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Save the Date: Wed., July 29th!
The Ladies of St. Matthew's invite the entire congregation and friends to a Holy Happy Hour Potluck in July! Details will be coming soon, but be sure to mark your calendars now—you won't want to miss it!
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Brave Young Voices Summer Performance is Here!
Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12
Three Shows Each Day
2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 pm
Pray.Think.Love House
Here’s what the troupe has to say: “This is a theatrical experience like no other, where the script isn’t handed down from generations past—it’s written right here, right now, by the very voices shaping our future. Told through powerful monologues, original music, movement, and multimedia, the performance brings real stories lived by young people into sharp focus and dives headfirst into the issues that matter most to them.
This isn’t just a performance—it’s a call to listen, to reflect, to act. Created in collaboration with youth artists and community leaders, this immersive production aims to spark dialogue, ignite empathy, and celebrate the resilience and vision of the next generation. Click their ticket page HERE and get yours today. Let’s support this St. Matthew’s ministry!
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A Financial Update
From Our Treasurer
In May, our congregation's faithful giving through pledges met our budgeted goal. While non-pledge and outreach donations came in slightly below budget, our careful stewardship of expenses helped offset those differences.
Looking at the year as a whole (January through May), the picture is encouraging. Thanks to your generosity, pledge giving is 16% above budget, exceeding expectations by more than $10,000. Combined with prudent management of expenses—which are running 10% below budget—our church has a positive net position of $17,307 through the end of May.
As of May 31, St. Matthew's had $28,359 in cash on hand, providing a solid foundation as we continue our ministries, outreach, and mission in the community.
Thank you to everyone who has faithfully supported St. Matthew's through your financial gifts, prayers, and commitment to our shared ministry. -Doug McCann, Treasurer
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Immigration 101
How Our Immigration System Works
Zoom Presentation
July 16, 6:30 pm
An Offering from our Diocese
From our Bishop, Rev. Kristin White: "Last week our Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can end Temporary Protected Status for Haitian and Syrian refugees, a humanitarian provision that has existed since 2010 which permitted people from those countries to live and work legally in the United States, including countless friends and neighbors living in Springfield, Ohio. …Please join us for this online workshop, led by Samantha Searls of Ignite Peace, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that educates and advocates for peace, challenges unjust systems, and promotes the creation of a nonviolent society."
Learn the basic terms, hear a local story, and join in the discussion on current events and challenges facing the immigrant community in Ohio. Hosted by The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio. To learn more and register for your Zoom link, click HERE.
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Feed Hungry Souls at Street Church
Volunteers are needed for Street Church, Sunday, July 14, at St. John’s Episcopal Church on West Town Street, Franklinton, from 12:30-2:30 pm. We need hard boiled eggs, as well as people to help cook, serve and clean up. If you are able to provide items for our free store, drop them off at the PTL house by Saturday, July 13.
Donate Items for the Free Shop: soap, washcloths, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, lip balm, non-alcohol mouthwash, first aid supplies (band aids, ointment), batteries (AA, AAA), emery boards, tissues, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, socks.
Text, call Marsha or email her if you can in join in, boil some eggs or have any questions.
Discover the Quiet Joy of the Altar Guild
TEN Things About Being on the Altar Guild That May Surprise You
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It's not a huge time commitment. Most of the work is done in a short time after the 10:30 service.
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You don't need any experience. We'll teach you everything you need to know—no liturgical degree required!
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It's one of the most peaceful ministries in the church. Many members say they cherish the quiet moments spent preparing God's table.
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You get a behind-the-scenes look at worship. You'll gain a deeper appreciation for the meaning behind our Episcopal traditions and symbols.
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You become part of a team. Serving together creates friendships and plenty of laughs along the way.
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It's a ministry of hospitality. Long before anyone enters the sanctuary, you're helping prepare a welcoming, sacred space for everyone.
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There really is a right way to fold the linens. Don't worry—you'll learn! And yes, everyone gets it wrong at least once.
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You'll notice details you never noticed before. Candles, colors, vessels, seasons, and symbols begin to tell a richer story of our faith.
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You can try it without making a long-term commitment. Come serve alongside us for a few Sundays and see if it's a good fit.
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You may receive more than you give. What starts as "helping out" often becomes a deeply meaningful, even holy, part of someone's spiritual journey.
Why not look into Altar Guild? Talk to Fr. Joe, he'll tell you everything you need to know to step inside this ministry of St. Matt's.
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PIMIL
Partners-in-Ministry-in-Liberia
There’s still plenty of time to get your tickets for the 17th Annual PIMIL International Luncheon and Silent Auction Fundraiser on Saturday, July 18, 12:30–3:30 pm at St. Philip Episcopal Church in Columbus!
Enjoy delicious Liberian and American dishes, African drumming, intercultural activities, door
prizes, a silent auction, children’s activities, and more — all while supporting education for
children in Liberia. This year’s fundraising goal is $22,000 to help provide students with hope and opportunity through education.
Guest speaker: The Rev. David Kendall-Sperry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Delaware. Rev. Kendall-Sperry is an expert on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Tickets:
• Adults: $25
• Ages 5–19: $10
• Children 4 and under: Free
St. Philip Episcopal Church
166 Woodland Ave., Columbus
Lots of parking available!
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Fr. Joe Receives Golden Chicken Award!
By Kristie Voucolo, Founder of Good Medicine Productions
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On June 7, Good Medicine Productions Celebrated it's 10th Anniversary with a show, games and the Golden Chicken Awards...of which Father Joe and the community of St. Matthews were one of the recipients. Back in 2016 when Good Medicine was still just a wild collection of ideas, we needed a home base. A place to host some audiences, dressing rooms, costumes, Tiny Tims, etc.
Good Medicine came to the community of St. Matthew’s Episcopal church and said could that happen here? Also, could we rehearse here for our hospital work, senior engagements, ghost tours, Clue shows, Whiskey Wars, and all the other strange things we dream up along the way? Oh—and after you renovate the space, could we maybe throw a party there the very next day?
And over and over again, St. Matthew’s said yes. With love. With grace. For 10 years, the community of St. Matthew’s has given Good Medicine a home base...in a town where finding physical space to rehearse is almost impossible! You made space for artists to create and for connection to grow.
Your generosity has helped Good Medicine not only survive, but truly thrive. This Golden Chicken Award goes to Father Joseph Kovitch and the Community of St. Matthews Episcopal Church. - Kristie V.
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LoveBoldly Presents Over the Rainbow
A Symposium on LGBTQIA+ Death and Dying
Saturday, August 22
11 am to 4:30 pm
The Franklin County Forensic Science Center.
The event is free, open to the public, and lunch will be provided. Find out more information and register BY CLICKING HERE.
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