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A Message from Fr. Joe
Dear friends in Christ,
Victor Frankl (psychotherapist and Holocaust survivor) writes in his book Man's Search for Meaning: "Everything can be taken from a person [man] but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." And "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
As I read Frankl, I am struck by the times we live in and how we can be distracted by those who seem determined to demean, dehumanize, and degrade what it truly means to be human and humane. Our freedom lies in the ability to choose our own way and change ourselves in the face of fear and despair. This is the way of the cross, where God is in solidarity with those crucified in this world, the poor, the outcast, and the vulnerable. This is the way of Jesus, and the movement of radical love and speaking truth to power. This is the way of the church, and our counter-cultural ways of choosing courageous hope and being willing to be light in dark places. I invite us, as a faith community of Jesus Christ, called St. Matthew’s in Westerville, Ohio, to transform ourselves increasingly into the likeness of Jesus Christ and to seek ways to be the change we want to see in the world (as Gandhi wrote). It begins with our transformation in how we pray together, love each other, and love the world. Let us love God, love others, and change the world.
As 1 John 4 proclaims: 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Those who say, “I love God,” and hate a brother or sister are liars, for those who do not love a brother or sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Don’t let this world consume your hope,
Father Joe
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Ladies' Holy Happy Hour
The focus this month is FLOWERS. Please bring a flower-themed show and tell item...such as a drawing, photo, or perhaps a real flower that just recently bloomed in your garden! PLEASE ALSO bring a covered dish to share for a light meal. Wine provided.
Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 pm, Pray.Think.Love House
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Thanks St. Matt's Family
Thank you all for the many "Get Well" messages and prayers for my health. I am now out of the boot and can wear regular shoes. Also, my physical therapy is going well. I look forward to being back at worship on a regular basis, and being able to be a working member of our family.
Peace, Clifton Flemister
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St. Matt's Online Poetry Group Survey
The St. Matt's Poetry Group is doing a survey! We want your help in making our poetry time better. We have been active for over five years now, and have weathered a lot, including a transition to Zoom during the pandemic. Through this survey, we want your help in navigating the next few years and maybe boost participation.
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Right now, we meet weekly, at 10:30am on Saturday morning, for an hour and a half over Zoom. We mostly read and discuss a selected poem, but we also talk about our own writing and occasionally present our work to the group.
With that in mind, please click HERE and complete our survey—it will take you all of two minutes.
If you know anyone who might be interested, from anywhere (we will always have a Zoom option), please invite them! Thanks. Kevin A.
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Last weekend, the Spirit was moving powerfully at the Marion Correctional Institute. I had the privilege of attending the Kairos closing ceremony, and it is a scene I won’t soon forget.
The afternoon began with a powerful sight: over 100 men who had previously completed their Kairos journey stood in support as 30 new participants entered the auditorium. They marched in to the jubilant sounds of "When the Saints Come Marching In", marking the end of a transformative weekend and the beginning of a new walk in faith.
As the new graduates spoke about their experience, one theme arose above the rest: the deep, tangible sense of love they felt from the outside team. Many shared that they had never experienced anything quite like it.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at St. Matthew’s who baked and prayed over the 2798 cookies sent into the facility. Those cookies were far more than a treat; they were a physical manifestation of God’s love and your prayers. The men felt that care with every bite.
Thank you for your time, your effort, and your intercession. In the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing specific testimonies from the participants about how this weekend—and your generosity—has changed their lives. - Glenn M.
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We are so pleased with the first three gatherings of Coffee and More with the Wardens that we are hoping to do it again soon just for the fun of it. Our meetings resulted in four new volunteers plus we heard many good ideas for St. Matthew's as we strive to bring those who desire to know God better and share the Holy Eucharist with all who hunger for belonging." (from our St. Matthew's Collect). - Donna W. and Mark F.
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Vestry Retreat May 2
9 am-Noon
Moderator Nikki Buskirk
Rev. Nikki Buskirk, a friend of Fr. Joe’s from his work at Children’s Hospital and experienced Christian formation presenter will lead our sessions.
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Why not consider joining the Altar Guild, a dedicated group who prepares the Altar for the Eucharist and cares for the vessels after each service. We need you!
Contact Debbie Leaf or Sandra Weisner.
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Could you use a meal, a ride or some coffee time with a friend? St. Matt's WeCare Team was organized to stay in touch with our members. If you don't know who your WeCare leader is, contact Marie K. at 740-808-0093.
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Article on Promise House
For those who are a bit unfamiliar with Promise House at Otterbein, a food pantry for students that St. Matthew's supports, there is an article from the Westerville City Scene Magazine.
Click HERE, (page 28 and 29) to read Otterbein's Promise House Marks 10 Years of Feeding Students and Breaking Down Barriers.
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Opportunities to Serve
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Help with Street Church
We will be serving a Mother's Day meal for Street Church on May 10. As always, we need hard boiled eggs and helpers to cook and serve. If you would like to help that effort in any way, text or call Marsha at 614-477-9122.
Volunteer to Build a Garden
St. Matthew's is looking for some garden enthusiasts for our plot at the Otterbein community garden this season. text or call Marsha at 614-477-9122 if you are interested in getting your hands dirty. "If you plant a garden, you believe in tomorrow. "
Donate School Supplies
Glenn M. has been in contact with Mrs. Lee Rutherford at Blendon Middle School and she replied with the wish list below. Glenn would like to take our donations to the school on Monday, May 11. Please bring to worship or the church office. Thank you!
Glue sticks, colored pencils, tissues, sidewalk chalk (just a few boxes), highlighters, word search books, cross word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, cross stitch kits, crochet kits, multiplication flash cards, small journals and notebooks, coloring books.
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PIMIL
Partners-in-Ministry-in-Liberia
Mother Abby to retire as PIMIL Executive Director
Rev. Abigail Flemister will retire as Executive Director of PIMIL although she will serve until a replacement is found.
Mother Abby has been PIMIL’s executive leader for more than 25 years, since the program’s beginnings as St. Matthew’s Liberian Ministry. Now, a new volunteer executive director is needed. All members of St. Matthew’s who have been involved with PIMIL are invited to prayerfully consider if the Lord is calling them to take on the position.
Contact Mother Abby or PIMIL Chairperson Greg Leaf with questions about the position or to apply. Another good resource is Mother Abby’s 2024 book, The Story of PIMIL.
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PIMIL's Annual Fundraising Luncheon/Silent Auction Date Set
PIMIL’s Annual Luncheon will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. Philip Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio. The PIMIL Council and the Fundraising Luncheon Committee work hard to put together a wonderful event to celebrate all things PIMIL. The featured speaker will be The Rev. David Kendall-Sperry. Rev. Kendall-Sperry is a PIMIL sponsor and the rector of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (Delaware, Ohio).
You can assist PIMIL now with the Annual Luncheon planning. Donated baskets are for sale at the silent auction. Do you have gift duplicates, extra scented candles, unwanted gift cards, or extra perfume sitting at home? Do you like shopping for special items? Please consider starting to collect items for the silent auction. Mother Abby or Greg Leaf would be happy to receive your extra items to add to gift baskets.
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Good Medicine
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St. Matt's is Invited to Good Medicine’s 10th Anniversary Celebration!
Come to this one-of-a-kind evening, part party, part performance, and all heart—for a chance to gather as a community and share in the joy you’ve helped create.
Tickets are available by suggested donation, so everyone can join the celebration!
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS HERE!
The night includes:
- A performance of 10 Silly Things!
- Refreshments and Carnival Games - Good Medicine Style
- A heartfelt finale featuring beloved characters and special thank you's.
Fun for the WHOLE FAMILY. And a great night to FIND YOUR JOY.
Sunday, June 7, 2026
5:00–7:00 PM
American Legion
393 E. College Ave.
Westerville, Ohio
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