|
Dear St. Matthew’s Friends,
What a great Sunday! We recognized St. Matthew’s veterans at both services yesterday and celebrated them with a lovely spread of food at a reception. The Gratitude Committee gathered 53 names of members who have served in the military and presented them with pins. If you did not receive a pin, please let us know. Also, be sure to check out the pictures on social media or at the bottom of this email. As you reflect on this special day, you might be interested in learning more about the history of Veteran’s Day and the Episcopal Church Service Cross.
Also, on Thursday, I would love for you to join me for the Celebration of New Ministry service at 6 pm. Following the service, we will have a reception with heavy appetizers. The service will also be livestreamed. Bishop Richard will be with us to recognize that we are beginning a new chapter of ministry together. I am delighted by the work we have already started doing and know that many more good things are in store!
Blessings,
Emily+
| | Celebration of New Ministry – November 12 | | Join us on Thursday, November 12 at 6:00 p.m., as Bishop Lawson presides over a Celebration of New Ministry service for the Rev. Emily Rowell Brown. This special liturgy recognizes that a new rector has been called to Saint Matthew’s and celebrates the shared ministry between the church and the priest. The service will also be livestreamed for those who cannot join us in person. A reception with heavy appetizers will follow the service. Nursery care will be available during the service. | | Stewardship: Plenty Good Room | |
2027 Stewardship Update
as of November 9, 2026
94 total pledges for a total of $487,972.80
Goal: $675,000
| |
|
Christmas Angels Outreach
Now through Sunday, December 8
It is time for our Christmas Angel outreach. We’ll have our angel trees set up this Sunday through Sunday, December 8th. We will have 50 children from Friends of 400 and 25 senior and homebound adults from Enable of Madison County to support.
Please visit our tables and trees in the Narthex and get instructions on how to support this annual ministry.
| |
St. Matthew’s “Senior” Women’s Lunch & Fellowship
November 17 • 11:30 a.m.
When: Tuesday, November 17 at 11:30 a.m. (Note: Meeting one week earlier than usual due to Thanksgiving)
Where: Outback Steakhouse (7640 US-72 W)
RSVP: Please sign up in Gruman Hall by Sunday, November 15, so we can provide an accurate headcount to the restaurant.
Questions? Contact Melissa Barton (256-230-8252) or Dee Buzby (256-684-6949).
| |
Cheese Ball Fundraiser
Sunday, November 22
Stop by our table in Gruman Hall after both services.
We will be selling cheese balls for $15.00 each this holiday season to help raise funds for our Medical Outreach Team’s trip with Kenya Relief, July 7–18, 2027!
Your purchase will help our team travel to villages in Western Kenya, where we’ll serve alongside Kenyan medical staff to provide much-needed care to patients & families in the Migori community. Thank you for supporting our team & helping make this care possible!
| |
Annual Blanket and Coat Drive
Our annual Blanket and Coat Drive is happening throughout November! St. Matthew’s is proud to serve as a collection point for the Continuum of Care for the Homeless. Your donations help keep our neighbors warm during the cold winter months.
Please place your donations of blankets, coats, and other cold-weather gear in the white collection bin located in the breezeway. Every donation makes a difference!
| |
Support Our Ministries! Christian Formation Amazon Wishlists
At St. Matthew’s, we are blessed to grow in faith, build relationships, and learn together. Our Christian Formation Amazon Wishlists make it easy to support the supplies and resources that help our ministries thrive.
Explore our wishlists:
Every gift, big or small, helps create meaningful opportunities for all ages to learn, grow in faith, and experience God’s love. You can purchase an item from a wishlist or donate supplies.
It takes a village, and we are blessed by ours! Thank you for your generosity and for supporting the ministries of St. Matthew’s.
Questions? Contact Jen Woytowich at christianed1@stmatthewsmadison.org or Jann Eich at youthdir@stmatthewsmadison.org.
| | Here are the HAP Food Pantry needs for November. They’re running super low on cereal, so any donations would be greatly appreciated. | |
|
Sunday Nov. 15th, 5:00 p.m.: Botanical Gardens
Nov. 1st-22nd, 10:00 a.m.: Sunday School in Amy West House
Nov 29th, 10:00 a.m.: Intergenerational in Gruman
Please RSVP if your teen is attending! If you are willing to volunteer for any event, please let me know! youthdir@stmatthewsmadison.org
| | | |
EYC Jr. & Sr. High
Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Galaxy of Lights
Sunday, November 15
Join us on Sunday, November 15, at 5:00 p.m. for a fun evening at the Huntsville Botanical Garden’s Galaxy of Lights! Meet at the garden entrance just before 5:00 p.m. Need tickets? Please contact Mrs. Jann.
youthdir@stmatthewsmadison.org
| |
Altar Flower Dedications
Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory, thanksgiving, or celebration for people or events important to that day's flower donor. One dedication per Sunday is accepted; flower donations are $45. Please email Father Taylor at or complete the form in the staff office hallways to sign up for a date.
| | Looking Ahead at St. Matthew’s | | |
November 29th, 10:00 AM – Intergenerational Sunday School in Gruman Hall (Children & EYC)
December 6th, 10:00 AM – Last day of Sunday school for children and Jr/Sr High. Holiday celebrations.
December 6th, 5:00 PM – Lessons and Carols
December 13th, 10:00 AM – First Stop Snack Pack assembly event (all ages outreach opportunity)
December 24th, 4 PM – Family Christmas Eve service with Christmas Pageant
December 24th, 11 PM – Christmas Eve service with choir; carols begin at 10:45 PM
December 27th, 10:00 AM – Combined Sunday service followed by reception to celebrate Tom Kilian’s ministry to St. Matthew’s.
| | Remembering and Thanking Our Veterans | |
| |
Worship at St. Matthew’s
Sundays: 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Sunday School: 10:00 a.m.
Wednesdays: 12:00 p.m.
Nursery is available for Sunday services and Sunday school.
| | | |
Connect with St. Matthew’s on Social Media
Follow St. Matthew’s on Facebook and Instagram for church news, upcoming events, ministry updates, and ways to get involved. Stay connected throughout the week!
| | | | |
