A special message from the Rector, October 6,2020

Dear Parish Family:
 
I am happy to report that Virtual Diocesan Convention went smoothly last Saturday with our Sr. and Jr. Wardens Joe Ervin and Sam Stokes as well as Cathy Howle and Davd Welch participating and voting. Rev. Frank Stoda was with us as well. The Diocese is in good shape, however, Saint Christopher continues to suffer because the Barrier Island Education program has been cut back due to state educational schedule changes.
 
We met in the Parish Hall socially distancing and we all thought the Bishop's Address was beautiful. It is noteworthy to report St. Matthew's is well represented on the Bishop's Search Committee with Bill Ervin, Rev. Hunter Jordan, and Rev. Andrew O'Dell who will search and discern for us our next Bishop.
 
Here is the link below for the Bishop's Address:
www.saintmatthews.us/st-matts-news-blog/2020/10/4/2020-anglican-diocese-of-south-carolina-convention

 
Last Sunday we celebrated our first Holy Eucharist since March 16th and I think it went reasonably well. I was overwhelmed with emotion at the 8:00am service speaking and hearing Jesus' words: "Do this in remembrance of me."  The Holy Spirit helped me realize how much the Sacrament means to me, through tears of joy in receiving His grace and salvation and the hope of the resurrection. I needed that and I bet you did too. We had 31 virtual communicants and 39 who received the Sacrament At-Service. There were a few glitches in the 11am virtual service thanks to Zoom, but I promise we'll get the kinks worked out as we move forward.
 
Finally, I will be away next Sunday October 18th for a men's retreat at Saint Christopher. This is a chance to detach from the world for a few days and seek the Lord's guidance in personal meditation and in fellowship with other men. I am grateful for this much needed downtime. Worship will be Morning Prayer for both services, with Rev. Frank Stoda officiating and preaching. I am so thankful for Frank's dedicated service to St. Matthew's as well as Janet Stoda's technology leadership. We have learned much over the past six months, and very soon, I hope to work with Vestry on a plan to increase our volunteer participation in these important support functions. Remember we are here to Love, Learn, and Serve!
 
Finally, now more than ever, we all need to remain vigilant for our health as flu season is upon us as well as continuing guidelines for COVID-19. Our prayer list continues to grow and while I am thankful of our awareness for needed prayers (keep listening!), it reminds us of how many people continue to suffer. God hears our prayers, but let's remember the mystery is that His timing is always perfect and ours, well - it's a mystery! Tim Keller writes: "prayer is not merely a way to get things from God, but a way to get more of God himself. Prayer is a striving to 'take hold of God"(Isaiah 64:7)
 
God Bless you always!
Faithfully,
Rags+