March 8, 2021 Message from our Rector

 Message from your Rector:

 
Dear Parish Family:
 
Hear these words from Isaiah 25:7-8
"And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken."
 
This is one of many messianic prophecies in the Old Testament when God spoke of how he would redeem His people. The veil of death relates to how God the Son chose to take upon himself the veil of our worldly sin upon the cross, and by his resurrection he "swallowed up death forever". Our sure and certain hope is by His grace, our risen Lord offers forgiveness and eternal life if we choose to believe.
 
As I often pass by Round O Baptist Church - the marquee this week says "Believe and See". So true - when we accept God's Word and living Spirit as truth, we immediately begin to see or witness a better way of living. Do you sense there is a change coming?
 
I am pleased to announce plans for Saint Matthew's Church to re-open In-Church Worship beginning on Palm Sunday, continuing on through Holy Week and of course Easter!
 
Being sensitive that we may not see the full effect of "herd immunity" until August, we may have some lingering restrictions for indoor services.
To this end we will begin 8:00am backyard Outdoor Services (bring your own chair) after Easter's sunrise outdoor service.
Finally, we will continue offering Virtual Church in our 11AM indoor services for those who are unable to come to the outdoor and indoor services.
 
I hope you will join us for Palm Sunday (March 28th) as we will gather in the Parish Hall just before 11am to join the procession of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It will have been a full year since we have processed in Church, and yet the liturgy calls for us to walk together into our Church from outdoors. Is that cool or what?
 
From triumphal entry to Easter resurrection - our Lord's journey through the cross is to become our own.
"For only in thee can we live in safety."
 
Please watch for additional details and prepare your hearts over the final two weeks of Lent as we seek to be living witnesses of our Lord's Passion and Resurrection!
 
Faithfully in His Love,
Rags+