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Dear Friends, This month I would like to share with you a little about our assisting clergy. We are very blessed to have five assisting clergy at St. Matthew's. They are not "on staff" but rather serve as they feel called, in agreement with me. Here is a little about each of them:

The Rev. Bob Engels. Bob is a retired priest and a retired employee of the US Postal Service. Bob previously served at Church of the Nativity; Bob and his wife Carolyn have lived in Grand Junction for 24 years. Bob has been with us for nine years, and was a Godsend when I was out with chemo back in 2011. These days Bob celebrates at the Wednesday healing

service and at one Saturday evening worship service a month, when he is in town.

The Rev. Vern Hill. Vern and his wife Melinda moved to the Grand Valley a year ago, following retirement in California. He is an ordained Episcopal priest, previously having been ordained in the United Methodist Church. Vern and Melinda split their time with us and with Church of the Nativity in the Redlands. His passion is preaching and celebrating Holy Communion, and I promise that you will be seeing more of

him in that capacity.

The Rev. Tom Lee. Tom and his wife Kay joined us a little over a year ago. Tom is a retired ELCA pastor. ELCA stands for Evangelical Lutheran Church of America -- Pastor Ray is also ordained in this tradition. The Episcopal Church is in full communion with the ELCA, which means Tom may preach and celebrate Holy Communion and the other sacraments, and I am delighted to invite him do so. At present he is serving at Shepherd of The Valley ELCA on

Patterson, while they are searching for a permanent rector. He is also good enough to celebrate at the Saturday evening worship service once a month.

The Rev. Nicholas Mayer. Nick is a retired Episcopal priest from San Antonio, Texas with a love of traditional liturgy. Nick teaches an extremely popular Tuesday Bible class; they are currently studying the Letter to the Romans. He prefers not to celebrate or preach, although I am grateful for that one Sunday when I became ill in the middle of the service and he was good enough to cover!

The Rev. Lee Wyman. Lee and his wife Joy have been members of St. Matthew's for seven years. Lee is ordained in the American Baptist Church, which makes things a little different. You won't see him celebrating Holy Communion. Why is that? Because the Episcopal Church is not in full communion with American Baptists. But I regularly invite Lee to preach and he also sometimes teaches Bible studies. Lee is a full-time hospice chaplain at Hope West.

There is something special, I think, about all this. Surely the Holy Spirit must be looking out for us, to send us these prayerful, faithful people! I was asked recently why one didn't do this thing, or another that thing. The answer is simple: they are not "on staff", which is to say they are not paid and are truly retired (except for Lee Wyman, and he works full-time). Also, they tend to travel. I am delighted that they wish to be involved in clerical leadership, and happy to give permission for pretty much any area of ministry.

I am deeply grateful for each of them! Their ministry really helps make St. Matthew's vital, and their prayers lift our souls! When you see them, please join me in thanking them.

Faithfully, Pastor Hollis

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Assoc. Pastor Letter

Sr. Warden’s Letter

Children’s Ministry

Stewardship

St. Matt’s Labyrinth

Ministry News

Ministry Schedule

Artist of the Month

Ministry News

Missionary Letter

Birthdays/Anniversaries

Treasurer’s Report

October 2016

Inside this issue:

THE EVANGELTHE EVANGELTHE EVANGELTHE EVANGEL T H E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T TT H E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T TT H E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T TT H E M O N T H L Y N E W S L E T T E R O FE R O FE R O FE R O F

S T . M A T T H E W ’ S E P I S C OS T . M A T T H E W ’ S E P I S C OS T . M A T T H E W ’ S E P I S C OS T . M A T T H E W ’ S E P I S C O P A L C H U R C HP A L C H U R C HP A L C H U R C HP A L C H U R C H

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Associate Pastor’s Letter

Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in

you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I love this verse. It's a question that is worth asking ourselves repeatedly as a simple reminder of the powerful truth it contains: We are God's

temple and the Spirit of the Living God, the Source, the One in whom all things hold together, dwells in us. Each moment, wherever we go, whatever we're doing, whatever happens to us, God is in us, with us, surrounds us, keeps us. This truth, even after being a Christian most of my life, is still not at the forefront of my mind even most of the time. It's easily not thought of because other thoughts and mind-clutter vie for my attention: the daily to-do list, did I remember to do this or that, or some worry or stress takes up more than its fair share of mind space. But when the simple truth of this reality is allowed space to roam in my mind, a shift happens. Sometimes subtle, sometimes vast; but all of the other little things orbiting my attention center in chaotic fashion suddenly take their place and become orderly. I have peace in the moment, I am present to what lies immediately before me, and I'm aware most importantly that God is also there, sees what I am experiencing, and cares about it. The danger in this is that God also calls my attention to the other people and places where God's Spirit also dwells (in everyone and everywhere), and so also calling attention to the injustice and violence that pervades God's world and God's children. It's staggering, and overwhelming, at the sheer amount of work that needs to be done but thankfully we are promised we are never alone in this work. As part of your spiritual discipline ths fall, I encourage you to tape this scripture verse somewhere where you can see it and pray it everyday and ask God where you might be led to make a difference. Maybe it's becoming a pledging member for the first time, maybe it's in sponsoring a child through Compassion International, maybe it's making a regular donation to Episcopal Relief & Development, or perhaps beginning a new ministry through St. Matthew's. May God's grace and wonder stir your soul in new and life-giving ways, Pastor Ray

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Senior Warden’s Letter

Dear All,

It is hard when you have something that is oh so good but yet has a secret something that no one wants to hear or talk about. That is the way I felt after our last back to back finance committee and Vestry meetings. One in which we discussed the proverbial kicking the can down the road, of the general funds arrearage. Then the evident accounting of the low turnout of the givers of records, and the pledges that were made but still some yet to be kept. Something had to be said and some of us had to hear about it. Then in the Vestry meeting to discuss all the fun, spiritually rewarding and church life excitement, that is going on all around us in a joyful and fun loving spirit filled way.

But again the financial side of the story. Saint Matthews, as loving, hospitable and spirit filled church as there ever was, is/was financially speaking, not being supported in a long term sustainable way. However, it must be reported that in short order, by just informing and discussing this in writing in the form of a letter of askance and awareness, many have already begun to awaken to their responsibilities and desires with regards to financial support. Some looked within their own family finances and found a way to assist. Some in abundance and in excess of their original intent and some as well made the effort to at attempt to catch up to their original promises. The goal in this effort, no, in this challenge is to regain our financial footing. The challenge is not so much give till it hurts, but know how it could hurt if we do not. St Matthew’s has always had a fiscally frugal approach to all things. Sadly at times with regards to the services of the Lord that we embrace. Not so much because we want to, but because we have to. But of course, that is not to say if we didn’t have to we wouldn’t want to, as we are indeed fiscally frugal Episcopalians J. But truly on a monthly basis, we barely take in the income to cover the needs of the established and required operational expenses. But and as always, when the call of a need arises, I can proudly say, we as the membership of St Matthews rise to the occasion and provide for the needs of the church.

Sometimes though if we could give fully to the church with our hearts and let God take care of the needs we have….who knows. Certainly, it would be nice as a church if we had enough financial resources to do more than the basic needs but with ample resources to rise to the challenge embracing the change we want both outreach and operationally speaking. So please if possible live into your pledges, give as you receive and bless those around you.

Remember too, to make yourselves aware of the St Matthews Legacy Foundation. This is a unique opportunity to give back to the church at a later date. Lovingly and with kind remembrances.

Finally, As we live, we learn, and we love, it is only by us and through us that St Matthews

Episcopal Church can do the same.

Peace and Grace,

Darin Carei

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Children’s Ministry News

Sunday school children are learning that they are never too young to share their unique gifts - whether it is serving their church, their family, or their community. Each month we will focus on a different area of service and this month’s focus will be on family. Children have been asked to bring in a dime for collection each week to be offered during the 10:00 service on Ice cream Sundays. Sunday school children will also help with the collection on Ice cream Sundays. Fourth graders through seventh graders have joined Mr. K- Roy’s and Miss Heather’s class in the library during the 10 am service. Each week the kids practice reading scripture aloud, hold discussions on Bible stories, and will be crafting a gift to be given to our youth during Advent. They will also take part in ice cream Sundays by reading the scripture readings. Terri Vair and Heather Knavel have served our children well and will continue to do so, but would like to be in service one or two Sundays a month. St. Matt’s needs a couple of

volunteers to help with Sunday school. If you are available to laugh, play, and craft with our youth, please contact Becky Vroman at stmattsyouthgj@gmail.com. The nursery and Sunday school are open for both the 8:00 am and 10:00 am services.

Fundraising Workshop

St. Matthews Episcopal Church will hold a workshop on year-round fund raising, stewardship and pledging, lead by Charles LaFond. Mr. LaFond wrote and published “Fearless Church Fundraising”, which has been well received and is available on line at Amazon. He will base the majority of the workshop on his book. He recently ran a year-round stewardship program at his church and increased the pledging amounts by as much as 30%. He is a tremendous speaker and has some new and exciting ideas on how to fearlessly run a church fundraising program.

Mr. LaFond’s visit is rescheduled for November 12, 2016 at St. Matthew’s. The workshop will run from 10:00AM until 4:00PM. There will be a fee of $25 for attendance and lunch. We are polling the main line churches within a reasonable distance to get a feel for attendance. Everybody is welcome.

RSVP – Church Office 970-242-3293 or stmattsgj@gmail.com

Ed Groenert, Chairman, St. Matthew’s Stewardship Committee

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PRAYING & WALKING THE LABYRINTH

As many of you are no doubt aware, our prayer and meditation labyrinth is ready to use. A number of people in the community have already discovered it and have been spotted walking and praying. If you are unsure of how to pray and meditate using the labyrinth, be assured that there is really no wrong way. This article will provide a few examples to help get you started. The Wide Open Path (2 Samuel 22:33) While following the labyrinth pathway, explore the possible meanings of "The God who has girded me with strength has opened wide my path." Refreshment (Revelation 21:5-6) Before walking, read Rev. 21:5-6: "See, I am making all things new... I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.' Imagine a strong spring bubbling up from the earth in the center of the labyrinth. As you walk toward the spring, experience your thirsts--physical, spiritual, emotional. When you arrive at the center, drink whatever divine gifts are offered you. Return to the mouth of the labyrinth gratefully conscious of the spring that remains in the center. Praying a Question Ask a question at the mouth of the labyrinth. Ask it out loud if you feel comfortable doing so. Write it down if it helps to see it. Hear it internally as you consider it. Share it with God. Walk the labyrinth open to receive whatever comes. Welcome the ways that the question may change as you walk. Note new ideas, memories, and images that present themselves. Make mental or physical notes of all that you have experienced before leaving.

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OPENING DOORS - OPENING HEARTS

Seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened. On Saturday, October 15 and Sunday,

October 16, we are excited to kick-off our 2017 pledge campaign, Open Doors - Open Hearts! YOU

CAN BE A KEY to opening doors, and opening hearts if you pledge to support the current

opportunities we offer and to support the dream of all that is possible when sharing the love, peace,

and grace of God. Over the past couple of months we have highlighted numerous opportunities

regarding Youth and Education and listened to how these programs have impacted the lives of young

and older. Over the next couple of months, we will explore Outreach and Worship. Please prayerfully

consider making a monetary pledge in 2017 as you reflect about what St. Matt's means to you and

how this community has blessed you in your faith journey. Let us be the keys that open doors to

possibilities and opens hearts to the love of God.

MOSM Service Brigade - If you need help

with a project, or maybe repairs and

maintenance, the Men of St. Matt’s are taking

requests and are available Saturdays upon

appointment. Contact Ron Kupinski at (303)

668-7453 or lonemavrick@yahoo.com, or fill

out a form at the back of the gathering space

and the guys will get back to you.

Fall Clean-up.

Please bring your raking and pruning spirit to the Fall Clean-up on October 22, 2016. Also, please bring your electric tools, racks, etc. We will start at 8:30AM with some coffee and then have a BBQ about lunch time.

Community Garden

has a new partner!

We have been feeding those in need from our

little garden for 3 years now, and an opportunity

has just come up for us to help meet an

incredible need in the community. As always, if

you are a member of St. Matthew's who is on a

fixed income and has need of fresh produce you

are very welcome to take what you need from

the garden. The remainder will now be donated

to a new day center for homeless women with

children called The Joseph Center. They are

happy to have our little offerings from the

Community Garden for their clients, and we are

happy to bring it! Thank you for your continued

support for the Community Garden."

Fundraiser Come support St. Matt’s shoe ministry by eating at Dos Hombres in Clifton on October 12th from 4-9 pm. 10% of your bill will be donated to the Outreach fund. Thank you for your support!

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October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30

8:00 AM

Altar Minister Altar Minister Acolyte Lector OT/PS Lector NT/PP Usher Usher

Terry Farina Jim Paronto Jason Hughes Terry Farina Jason Hughes John McConnell Lucia Webster

K Roy Jones Carol Jones Carol Jones Marilyn Ruland Deb McLaughlin Marilyn Ruland

Jason Hughes Dennis Pretti Jan Smith Laura Mockler Peggy Pretti Laura Mockler Carol Jones

Jim Paronto Jason Hughes K Roy Jones Terry Farina K Roy Jones Terry Farina

K Roy Jones Jason Hughes Carol Jones Jason Hughes Carol Jones John McConnell Lucia Webster

10:00 AM

Altar Minister Altar Minister Acolyte Acolyte Acolyte Lector OT Lector NT Lector PP Usher Usher

Laurie Kadrich Richard Paul Andrew Gustafson Phil Gustafson Sean Gustafson Youth Youth Youth Merrilyn Simpkins Youth

Jeanette Benson Sharon Conrad Jim Sidwell Payton Levine Jeanette Benson Richard Paul Linda Jameson Barclay Jameson Linda Jameson

Allan Conrad Cora Galbasini Rebecka Plank Lucy Foley Ryan Foley Sharon Conrad Casey Wren Marjorie Suedekum Jim Campbell Chip Newton

Ann Hayes Laurie Kadrich Eli Paul Richard Paul Ava Paul Ann Hayes Laurie Kadrich Cora Galbasini Jim Campbell Chip Newton

Barclay Jameson Tanya Wren Cade Bickham Owen Bickham Blake Bickham Linda Jameson Richard Paul Tanya Wren Garry Bird Lynne Bird

Children’s Chapel

Terri Vair K.Roy Jones Camie Dewey K. Roy Jones Terry Vair

Coffee A—Fl Fo—L M—Pa Pe—Z A—Fl

EVs Commons

K. Roy Jones Carol Jones

Sugar Rabel Rocco De Bona

Laura Mockler Lois Jarre

Barclay Jameson Linda Jameson

Jeanette Benson Corky Perry

Evs Home Corky Perry Mary Mills

Jeanette Benson Debra Feeley

Barclay Jameson Linda Jameson

Tellers Barbara Schaak Darin Carei

Conrad Litz Ron Kupinski

Sharon Conrad Jason Hughes

Buzzie Aust Janette Deagle

Ron Kupinski Barbara Schaak

Altar Guild

Debbie McLaughlin Jeanette Benson Joan Karp Jean Koizumi Joan Wright

Marjorie Brown Joyce Grove Carol Jones Kay Rushing

Merrilyn Simpkins Lynne Bird Peggy Pretti Sue Sidwell Marjorie Suedekum

Mary Mills Beve Farina Marge Lair Dorothy Stevenson Billie Taylor

Debbie McLaughlin Jeanette Benson Joan Karp Jean Koizumi Joan Wright

Saturday Celebrant Officiant Acolyte Ps. OT. NT Gospel Meditation Usher Usher

October 1

Pastor Hollis Wright Marjorie Suedekum Buzzie Aust Pastor Hollis Wright Pastor Hollis Wright Debra Feeley Barbara Schaak

October 8

Fr. Bob Engels Spike Howard Barbara Schaak Clare DuPont Fr. Bob Engels Spike Howard Sugar Rabel Rocco DeBono

October 15

Don Aust Debra Feeley Don Aust Don Aust Spike Howard Lori Howard

October 22

Pastor Ray Barbara Schaak Lori Howard Pastor Ray Pastor Ray Marjorie Suedekum Debra Feeley

October 29

Pastor Tom Lee Deacon Nancy Angle Marjorie Suedekum Clare DuPont Deacon Nancy Angle Deacon Nancy Angle Spike Howard Lori Howard

Ministry Schedule - October 2016

If you have days in November that you cannot serve, please call Marjorie at

270-1882 or greywolfwb@gmail.com by October 1. If you cannot serve on a scheduled day, please exchange with someone or get someone to serve for you.

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Have a photo, painting, or craft you would like to display in the gathering space? Don’t be shy, please share with us! St. Matt’s is looking for artists to fill several slots in 2016 calendar. Please contact Beve Farina at bevefarina@gmail.com or the office at 242-3293 or stmattsgj@gmail.com.

Artist of the Month Beve Farina

“Country Road”

YOGA CLASS NEEDS PARTICIPANTS!

Wednesdays 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. Yoga helps with flexibility, balance and overall health. Open to men and women, a donation of $2 - $5 is recommended. Both floor and chair versions. We need at least 4 people per class, and sometimes we have cancelled during the summer due to lack of participants. To find out if the class is “on”, please call the church office Tuesday mornings.

Study of the Bible Fr. Nick Mayer’s Bible Study class s now studying the letter to the Romans, Tuesday mornings at 10:00 AM. All are welcome, no need to sign up.

St. Matthew's Shuttle

This ministry needs a few good men or women

to drive the bus. Please contact Linda Jameson (255-1679) about joining this community outreach ministry.

Heritage Project Update All the planning, all the financial gifts and all the hard work are showing results! Here is a quick update:

• Organ - purchased, installed, up & running.

• Labyrinth - laid out, cut filled in and nearly complete. In need of benches and a few adjustments.

• Playground - Space enlarged with fencing moved and more fencing added. Existing equipment moved, new equipment built and installed; still room for mor

• Sign - New sign ordered and ready for installation; the rector wants the portion showing our name to be permanent, so a little revision is needed to the latest plan.

• Pavilion - The planning application is now complete and on the planner's desk; there is another two week process for approval.

General Fund Thank you for your help in bringing the General Fund into shape. The recession years left us with more spending than income and a negative balance; we are working to rectify this. Our appeal for one-time contributions is bearing fruit, with contributions to date of $7,750. We won't repeat the request, but if you are able to assist with a contribution, that will help us get our church in good financial shape. The General Fund now stands at -$25.6k -- and that's a real improvement! We'll provide an update next month. -- Ann Hayes, Treasurer and Darin Carei, Sr. Warden

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Cathy Donahoe is a missionary with SAMS, the Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders. She is serving in the Dominican Republic as a physical therapist in San Pedro de Macorís and Santo Domingo.

E-mail: cathyd@turbonet.com Donations (checks made to SAMS with Cathy’s name in the memo line): PO Box 399, Ambridge, PA 15003. Snail mail: Apartado 587, San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic 21000 website: www.cathydonahoe.net

Letter from St. Matt’s Missionary in the Dominican Republic

Dear Partners in Mission, While much has been happening here, thoughts of what to share with you and how to do so have been slow to materialize. God’s timing, however is perfect, when we get out of the way and let God work. Elena and Ana, two of the therapists I’ve worked with in the past, had dreams of opening a PT clinic, using space at the Clinica Episcopal Esperanza y Caridad. The bit of funding that they had to help get started, however, went to another purpose so that dream folded. But the story goes on.

Several years ago the ADR moved the rehab clinic out of the Clinica’s space to a rented building and now they have land outside of San Pedro where they have begun construction for a center of their own. The bishop spoke with me early on following their departure about opening a PT clinic, but it was not the right time. Changes made last year in clergy assignments have brought a dynamic priest to oversee the clinic. Ana and Elena want to change their job settings and are anxious to work in a Christian environment. Now it seems that God has put the pieces in place for it to be the right time. We have begun some necessary remodeling and thanks to supporters of this ministry we have begun purchasing equipment, such as electrical stimulation, parallel bars and a

universal-type gym piece. We do not have a projected opening date as of yet, but with God’s help we will be seeing patients sometime this fall. Given my teaching schedule, it is unlikely that I’ll be treating patients here although I’ve been busy helping prepare the clinic to open. As always though, we’ll see what God has in store as things progress. Please pray that we follow God’s lead and that as Gideon battled against a much larger army for God,

may we succeed for God’s glory and honor in order to serve with love and compassion those in need of physical therapy. May God help you overcome all obstacles in your path. As Paul said to the Corinthians, I thank God for you, and for your support for this ministry. In Christ, Cathy

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St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church

3888 27-1/2 Road

Grand Junction, CO 81506

Phone: 970-242-3293

Email: stmattsgj@gmail.com

Rector: Hollis Wright

Email: revhwright@gmail.com

Associate Pastor: Ray McKechnie

Email: pastor.ray.mckechnie@gmail.com

Deacons: Nancy Angle & Judy Schneider

Assisting Clergy: Bob Engels, Vern Hill, Tom Lee, Nick Mayer & Lee Wyman

Church Office Hours

Monday thru Thursday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm, and meetings with staff are available by appointment.

Sr. Warden Darin Carei Treasurer Ann Hayes

Jr. Warden Ron Kupinski Clerk Lynn Dunham

STAFF

VESTRY

Buzzie Aust Sharon Conrad Janette Deagle

Sue Emerson Lyn Fraser Jason Hughes

Con Litz Barb Schaak Don Schneider

Parish Administrators Beth Fisher

Desiree Bougeaux

Youth Minister Pastor Ray McKechnie

Director of Children’s Ministry Becky Vroman

Music Director Richard Morgan

Contemporary Music Shannon Castañeda

Nursery Supervisor Jaymee Galbasini

Sexton Kayla Bougeaux

The Evangel Editor Desiree Bougeaux

Giving Other Income Expanded Ministry Giving Total Income

Operating Expenses Expanded Ministry Expense Total Expense

Treasurer’s Report August 2016

28,486 231 3,980 32,697 30,392 5,054 35,446

August

Pledged giving has fallen behind schedule in the last few months. If you are able to bring your pledge up to date, that would be deeply appreciated. Ann Hayes, Treasurer.

246,568 6,086 37,855 290,509 268,947 42,542 311,489

October Birthdays

10/1

10/5

10/10

10/11

10/11

10/13

10/13

10/16

10/21

10/24

10/26

10/28

10/29

10/31

Judy Wildhaber

Suzanne Williams

Sue Van Voorhees

Gary Brown

Deborah Robinson

Marilyn Ruland

Tabatha Kissner

Robbie Breaux

David Farny

Betty Cosio-Avalos

Kay Atchley

Don Schneider

Kevin Bouwhuis

Richard Lair

10/1

10/4

10/4

10/16

10/20

10/26

10/28

David & Sherry Farny

Gary & Marjorie Brown

Spike & Lori Howard

Richard & Marjorie Lair

Mark & Sherri Brown

Ken & Susan Brownlee

Mike & Cindy Murray

October Anniversaries