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The Messenger August 2026

Edition 70

Dear friends,

As we continue to create opportunities for renewal in prayer, study, and action, I invite you to join an August pilot project on Thursdays. These are days to deepen our relationship with God and our neighbor.

AUGUST PILOT FOR: PRAY THINK LOVE THURSDAYS

6 pm to 7:15 pm, Pray.Think.Love House

On Thursdays, we will explore a monthly topic through the lens of pray, think, and love.

First and Third Thursdays will be a Whole Heart exploration of the topic through prayer and spiritual practice. Come open to prayer and love in a liturgy of relationship with God and others as we utilize a worshipful experience to gather with the theme.

Second and Fourth Thursdays will be a time to think through the topic through readings and study. Come open to listen, learn, and love through readings and conversations on the topic. Through articles, books, intellectual engagement, videos, and other media, we will gather together in study with the theme.

AUGUST TOPIC: THE POWER OF REST AND RE-CREATION

Throughout the month, we will utilize portions of the book by Tricia Hersey entitled Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto. We also invite others to bring favorite readings, prayers, and thoughts regarding the power of rest and resilience.

In Rest Is Resistance, Tricia Hersey, aka the Nap Bishop, casts an illuminating light on our troubled relationship with rest and how to imagine and dream our way to a future where rest is exalted. Our worth does not reside in how much we produce, especially not for a system that exploits and dehumanizes us. Rest, in its simplest form, becomes an act of resistance and a reclaiming of power because it asserts our most basic humanity. We are enough. The systems cannot have us.

THE FLOW OF THE MONTH:

(August 6) First Thursday: Whole Heart (Pray and Love)

(August 13) Second Thursday: Readings, Ponderings and Book Talk (Think and Love)

(August 20) Third Thursday: Whole Heart (Pray and Love)

(August 27) Fourth Thursday: Readings, Ponderings and Book Talk (Think and Love)

In Christ’s hope,

Fr. Joe

We're excited to announce that our own Marsha Adkins (among others) will be inducted into the Society of St. Simeon and St. Anna's Class of 2026 at the annual celebration and luncheon, taking place Wednesday, September 9 at 11 am at the Procter Center, our Episcopal Retreat Center in London, Ohio.

Marsha is an energetic and joyful witness of Christian faith. Marsha, AKA "The Groveler" lets the congregation know of a need in one of the ministries she is involved in several times a month, and she always does it in a fun and loving way. Her loving spirit shines through, and every time the need is met.

Some examples of ministries that she has either led or been involved in are: the former His Place meal ministry now known as St. John's Street Church--serving approximately 75 meals in a parking lot in downtown Columbus, Promise House--providing food and items for Otterbein University students through a food pantry, and their Community garden. She sings in the choir and recently joined Vestry. She is heavily involved and present in many aspects and programs/events at St. Matthew's and in the Westerville community.

On Thursdays, we will explore a monthly topic through the lens of prayer and spiritual practice (first and third Thursdays), and through reading and intellectual exercise (second and fourth Thursdays). We will utilize a reading or a visual to help give focus and guidance to our time together each month. Join us on Thursdays.

A Special Thank You

Please extend your gratitude to the following St. Matt's members for their contribution to some necessary tasks at the PTL House recently: Elaine Freund (landscaping clean-up) and Greg Leaf (electrical and roofing repair).

And thank you, Lynn and Wayne Miller for stepping up to fill the Altar Guild role being vacated by Marc Hopper who is moving soon to be close to family. We so appreciate all that Marc contributed to St. Matt's in his years with us as well.

Lastly, thank you, Jeni Jerrell for taking the initiative to apply for a Gund Foundation grant with the help of Marsha Adkins.



A Financial Update From Our Treasurer

A Six Month Roll-Up for January - June 2026

Pledges 12% over Budget (+$8,695)

Non-Pledge 9% below Budget (-$ 449))

Outreach at Budget 7% over Budget (+$319)

Six month total Income 6% over Budget (+$ 6,115)

Six Month total Expenses 9.4% below Budget (-$9,685)

Cash on Hand as of 06/30/2026 $ 26,852

As of the end of June, St. Matthew's had $26,852 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



There is Always Street Church...

We will be serving a meal for Street Church on Sunday, August 9, at St. John’s Episcopal Church on West Town St., Franklinton, from 12:30-2:30 pm. If you can provide any items for our free store, see the list below or check the table at church for additional suggested needed items. Drop them off at the PTL House by Saturday, August 8.

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 at (614) 477-9122 or email her if you can in join in, boil some eggs or have any questions.

Donate Shelf-Stable Breakfast Items to Promise House

Food insecurity is a very real barrier for a college student’s overall well-being, health, and success in their studies. It affects more students than one might imagine.

Food items, hygiene products, and fresh produce are always needed, but St. Matthew's has been a constant help in providing breakfast items. Bring your items to the PTL House during office hours or to church on Sundays labeled "Promise House".

Folks taking time to visit and enjoy coffee and refreshments after a Sunday service.

The finale of one of six performances by Brave Young Voices at the PTL House.

Micia Clemmons from Otterbein’s Center for Student Engagement at the potluck.

Mother Abby, Stephen, Marsha and Elaine at our Summer potluck meal.

Caroline and Tim at the Summer potluck where we learned about Promise House.

PIMIL

Partners-in-Ministry-in-Liberia

17th Annual Fundraiser a Great Success!

Thank you to everyone at St. Matthew’s who attended or helped in any way. A number of attendees commented that it was the best luncheon ever! A special thanks to Rev. Christopher Richardson, Robin Holland, and the members of St. Philip (Columbus) for hosting the event, especially the many St. Philip members who worked at the event!

The money raised at the luncheon helped the PIMIL Council to meet and exceed its fundraising goal for the year! As a result, PIMIL has authorized the recruiting of 24 new students to participate in the program for the upcoming school year. There were 14 students who graduated last year, so the net increase will be 10. Below are photos of three of the recent, happy graduates.

The total number of students for whom tuition will be paid will be around 195. Besides helping the students and their families have a better future, our ministry provides significant assistance to Liberia’s recovery from its 20-year civil war in the late 20th century. Praise the Lord for bounteous blessings!

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. 

Online Weekly Offerings for Your Well Being

Quick Links

St. Matthew's Website

St. Matthew's Facebook Page

The Diocese of Southern Ohio

Fr. Joe's Blog

Rick Kohut's Substack Page

Donate to St. Matthew's via PayPal

St. Matthew's Partners

Brave Young Voices

Coming Out Christian Podcast by Love Boldly

Good Medicine

Love Boldly

Partners in Mission in Liberia

Pause and Paint

The Westerville Queer Collective