Dear St. Matthew’s Friends,

What a fabulous Sunday! My heart is full (and so is my stomach)--and I hope yours is too!

As most of you know, our Music Director, Tom Killian, will retire at the end of this calendar year. We will miss his presence and musical leadership looking forward to celebrating his ministry when his retirement date gets closer.

I have begun the process of looking for our next Music Director by forming a small search committee. I have asked our associate rector, Taylor+, two choir members, Marie Lutz and John Charlton, and an at-large member, Hayley Simoneau, to serve on the committee, and I am grateful for the thoughtfulness, musical acumen, and vision they bring. We have met to prepare a job description which will soon be posted. We welcome your ideas and feedback as we consider the next chapter for music at St. Matthew’s. Please feel free to be in touch with any of the committee members. We will continue to provide updates throughout our search process. I know that the recent months have brought many transitions, but I am excited to look forward with all of you about what is to come.

Every blessing,

Emily+

Events and Outreach

Celebrate Lee Ann Mack’s Ministry

Join the reception this Sunday, September 27 between the two services to honor Lee Ann Mack’s ministry as Director of Christian Education and Communications. We will collect cards, gift cards, and cash for a money tree which will be presented during the reception.

INREACH NEED

Rebecca Hunter, daughter of Roberta Anderson, and her family are still in need of items for their home following a recent house fire. Please go to the attached Amazon list and help with this in-reach opportunity.

Hunter Family Amazon Wishlist

Blessing of the Animals

Join us Sunday, October 4 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church for the Blessing of the Animals. You are welcome here, whether you bring a dog, a cat, or a photo of a beloved friend.

We will gather cat and dog food donations to support animal rescue efforts.

Social Justice Pilgrimage to Washington DC

March 8-12, 2027

Church of the Nativity in Huntsville is organizing a Social Justice Pilgrimage to Washington DC from March 8-12, 2027. They are looking for a few more folks to sign up. Interested? Cost is $2,000, which includes the flight, room, museum costs, and dinners. Contact Amy Brooks at abrooks@nativity-hsv.org with questions or to sign up.

Formation

ADULT AND CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS OCTOBER 4TH AT 10:00 A.M.

Adult Sunday School (10:00-10:50 a.m.)

Historical Bible Study

Dive into Scripture through discussion of its historical context and relevance for today. Led by Michael Cape.

Location: CE 2

Contact: Jen Woyotwich, christianed1@stmatthewsmadison.org

Contemporary Book Study

Join this discussion-based small group as we explore modern Christian life through themed books. No reading is required—just come and join the conversation! Led by Andy Williams.

Location: CE 1

Contact: Jen Woyotwich, christianed1@stmatthewsmadison.org

Taylor-Made Sunday School

Taylor-Made Sunday School is a welcoming Bible study led by Rev. Taylor Johnson, inviting us to engage Scripture through the lens of our Episcopal tradition and shared life of faith. Each week stands on its own, offering an accessible opportunity to discover meaningful themes and connections in the Bible.

Location: Gruman Hall

Contact: Rev. Taylor Johnson, associaterector@stmatthewsmadison.org

Children’s Sunday School (10:00-10:50 a.m.)

2026-2027

REGISTER • CONNECT • SERVE

It’s time to get ready for a new year of faith formation!

Register all children (Birth–12th Grade) with the church. This is for our church database.
Sign up for Sunday School (Pre-K–12th Grade).
Volunteer as a Sunday School Teacher (Pre-K–12th Grade) or serve in Nursery Ministry.

We’d love to have you join us!

Jen Woytowich, Christian Formation Director: christianed1@stmatthewsmadison.org

Jann Eich, Youth Director: youthdir@stmatthewsmadison.org

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church Annual Christian Formation Registration Permission Packet (2026-2027) link

Click here for Children's Chapel Family Survey link

Book Study

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

Dates / Time: Tuesdays, September 15–November 10, 6:00–7:30 p.m.

A series exploring time, intentionality, and what it means to live well. We gather not merely to manage our schedules, but to reflect on our finitude—and find freedom there. Led by Karen Price.

Location: CE 2

Contact: Karen Price, Karen.Price@conditionedairsolutions.com

Ladies Bible Study

Dates / Time: Thursdays, 9:30–11:00 a.m. (weekly)

All women are warmly invited to join our Ladies Bible Study—a welcoming space for fellowship, connection, and meaningful discussion as we grow together in faith.

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." - Matthew 18:30

Location: Gruman Hall

Contact: Jen Woyotwich, christianed1@stmatthewsmadison.org

Coming Soon...

EfM — Education for Ministry

St. Matthew’s is exploring the possibility of starting an EfM group in January 2027. More information about the program, schedule, and registration will be available soon.

EfM is a theological education program that helps participants explore Scripture, church history, theology, and the Christian tradition while discovering how faith connects to everyday life. Through study, small-group discussion, and theological reflection, participants deepen their faith and grow in their understanding of ministry.

Karen Price, Karen.Price@conditionedairsolutions.com

and

Margaret Ott, drmargaretott@gmail.com

Stewardship: Plenty Good Room

Stewardship Online Form

Stewardship Theme Song

General Information

Church Office Lunch Hours

Please note that the church office is closed from 12-1 pm daily for lunch except on Wednesday, when it is closed from 1-2 pm. If you have donations for the food pantry or items that you need to leave at the church, you are welcome to leave them outside the front door and the staff will bring them inside when they return from lunch.