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  More Ways To Stay Connected

New mask policy for the Nave: We now require everyone (over two years old) to wear a mask inside the Nave during services. Unfortunately, Covid-19 infection rates are surging, and the best way to protect our parish is to mask-up when we gather together in a confined space. Masks are not required in the rest of building.

Pentecost is next Sunday, June 5. Next Sunday will be special day at St. Matthew’s. The Rt. Rev. Terry White will be here to join us in celebrating our confirmands and those being received into the church. The bishop will preach and preside at the service. He will also offer the laying on of hands and prayer for those who would like to renew their baptismal vows. Please remember to wear red.

Memorial Garden Workday at St. Matthew’s, Saturday, May 28 from 9-11:30a. If you don’t want dirt under your finger nails, bring gardening gloves, and your favorite tools for weeding, mulching, or pruning. Sara Ceresa guarantees that enjoyable fellowship will be had. Contact Sara at ceresas@gmail.com with any questions or to join the email list for future scheduling. In case of rain, the workday will be rescheduled for a later date.

Take a stand against gun violence, #WearOrange Saturday, June 4. Wear Orange and Mom’s Demand Action are hosting a peace walk and survivor rally on June 4, noon-2p, at Trinity House Christian Childcare, 4108 Greenwood Avenue. This rally, which was schedule prior to the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, now takes on additional relevance. Your participation will add another voice to the chorus calling for change. If you attend, it is suggested that you wear orange to show your support for sensible legislation. For more information, contact Anne Shelby, annekshelby@gmail.com.



How to talk to children about gun violence. If you are struggling with how to answer children’s questions about what’s happening in the news, this Mayo Clinic video may be of help. It is heartbreaking that such videos are necessary and that we feel there is a need to share such information. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/helping-children-cope-with-school-shooting-tips-for-talking-about-tragedy/

St. Matthew’s new website look and feel. The web address is the same, but the look has been refreshed for easier navigation. Check it out: www.stmatthewsepiscopallouisville.org


St. Matthew’s Environmental Task Force, digital message. The task force is sponsoring a campaign to ask Louisville Metro Council to move towards 100% renewable energy. Last week we made available postcards for reaching the Mayor and, this week we have a digital link for you if you would like to send an electronic communication. Follow this link to message the mayor’s Office of Management and Budget (you can copy and paste the message below in the comments section after you click the link): https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/contact-management-budget/
Here’s the recommended message:

Dear Mayor Fischer,
As you are preparing the city's upcoming budget, I hope you will be sure to include funding for solar energy and other renewable energy sources. Previously, you endorsed the 2020 Metro Council Resolution which calls for 100% renewable energy for city operations by 2030. I feel it is critical that we begin to fund that transition as quickly as possible. Please consider budgeting at least one million dollars for solar energy and replacing gas-powered lawn equipment and gas-powered vehicles. Reducing emissions and improving the air we breathe will impact every Louisvillian every day. Our future depends on your actions today!
Sincerely, YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS

St. Thomas Read to Grow Camp volunteers needed. The St. Thomas Episcopal Church Read to Grow Summer Reading Camp seeks volunteers to help with afternoon camp activities such as water play, relay races, board games, story time and field trips. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and have the 3 R’s: Responsible, Reliable and their own Ride. Call or email Earl Trevor at (502) 298-7893 or earl_trevor@yahoo.com for more information.


Crisis in Ukraine. Episcopal Relief & Development is now assisting with civilian humanitarian relief efforts for those fleeing the violence in Ukraine. The donations will support ERD’s immediate response, providing cash, blankets and hygiene supplies. Their faith networks are currently on the ground in Poland, Hungary, and Romania. To make a donation, go to: https://bit.ly/3HVD2Dd

OUTREACH

Life Skills returns to in person classes! On June 7, the Life Skills program will meet in person for the first time since the pandemic started. Classes in basic independent living skills will be held on Tuesday evenings at Home of the Innocents for former foster young-people who are now homeless. St. Matthew’s volunteers will prepare a meal for the Life Skills participants and their children once a month through the summer. Please support this ministry by signing up on the bulletin board to contribute a food item for the meal or to cook on Monday, June 6, at 9: 30a. If you cannot sign-up at church, contact Sharon Nesmith at 228-5918 and offer a batch of homemade cookies or some loaves of French or Italian bread. Thank you for donating and helping us stretch our nine-month Outreach budget to cover 12 months

Food Collections for St. George’s and Calvary are still ONGOING, and the can/jar moratorium is lifted! You can help alleviate hunger in the Louisville area by leaving food donations for St. George's and Calvary Food Pantries at any time in the shopping cart on the portico at church. All non-perishable staples such as canned, jarred, and dried foods or personal care items are again welcome. If you donate boxed items, please put them in waterproof bags in case it rains. Donations of paper products, toiletries, and laundry supplies are always welcome and will be allocated to low-income senior citizens. For everyone's protection, please place items in the basket only if you are healthy.

NOTICES

The parish office will be closed Monday for Memorial Day. The remainder of the week, the office is open Tuesday – Friday, 9a – 3p.

To subscribe to the eSpirit, follow this link: stmatthewsepiscopallouisville.org/espirit/.

10a Wednesday Healing Eucharist. The Healing Eucharist is open to all of those who wish to worship in-person. The service will be streamed on Facebook and our YouTube channel.

Service bulletins are available online to download. Go to our website homepage: stmatthewsepiscopallouisville.org

Facebook is St. Matthew’s fastest communication. When something pops up for us, we’re putting it on Facebook first. That’s where you can get information when we need to communicate quickly between eSpirits. We understand that not everyone is on Facebook, and we are also clear that given our staff resources it’s the best way that we’ve found to communicate. There will be a recap in the eSpirit for items that are still relevant.

The Parish Directory Is Online. You can access the entire parish directory online, through our app (St. Matthew’s Episcopal – found on Android Play Store and Apple Store).

  • You can update all your personal information right on the app!
  • You can upload your own pictures for the directory through the app as well!
  • You can get directions through Google maps directly from the directory.
If you have never accessed the directory online before, or you experience any issues, contact Joanne Coleman.

Visioning videos: Sharing Our Story. Where we have been helps determine where we are headed. If you would like to learn more about St. Matthew’s past, please click here: stmatthewsepiscopallouisville.org/church-history-archives


The St. Matthew’s App is available for free at Google Play and the Apple App store. 

Listening-assist technology in the nave. If you have a hearing aid that is t-coil compatible, our listening-assist system feeds audio into your hearing aid. The devices turn on as soon as they are removed from the charging station, which is located at the doors into the nave. To use; simply hang the device around your neck. It will turn on and connect to a compatible hearing aid automatically. You need only adjust the volume on the device using the up and down arrow buttons. If your hearing aid is not t-coil compatible, you can still use the devices with any earbuds. We have earbuds available, but we recommend that you bring your own. To use: place the device around your neck and use one of the earbuds in the basket. Plug the earbud into the device jack and adjust the volume. The devices accept all standard earbud jacks. When the service is over, place the earbud in the “used” basket. Please return the device to its charging station at the end of the service. If you have additional questions or need assistance, please see Charles Frank.

Consecrated Communion is available to be picked up during office hours. Consecrated wafers are in sealed bags in Myll Chapel if you would like to come to pick up a package for yourself and your family. If you are interested in receiving communion, but are unable to drive to the church, contact Benjamin at bhart@stmatthewsepiscopallouisville.org 
 
Birthdays and anniversaries. If you want your birthday and/or anniversary read during the 10a Sunday service, we are now accepting names and dates for June. Please email Benjamin with the specifics.

Daughters of the King prayer box. Please email your prayers regarding a loved one or person of concern to Sarah Johansen. Requests remain on the confidential prayer list for one month unless otherwise requested.

Library hours. The library is open from 9:15 to 9:45a and also for 30 minutes after the 10a Sunday service.

   Children and Youth 

Sunday School and Godly Play have ended for the season. See you in the Fall.

Youth Group. Keep track of all the upcoming Youth Group events with our Youth Group website. https://bit.ly/YouthGroup22

Walking in the Word. Walking in the Word is great for families with young children, grades K-5. The children are seated with their parents as the 10a service starts. After the procession, the children are called to gather with the chaplains during the Gloria, who will guide them from the nave to Clingman Chapel or outdoors for the Gospel. Children come back to the nave at the peace in time for communion.


 

   Adult Sunday & Weekday Classes

Clingman Forum: Charles' Himalayan Trek. As the church program year nears its summer break, you won't want to miss our exciting final Clingman Forum of the season this Sunday, May 29. We have a very special program as Charles Frank, St. Matthew's Director of Communications, shows us his photos and tells us about his recent trip to Nepal and the Himalayas. It's a virtual journey that you won't want to miss, especially when we tell you that we're also going to have some delicious Nepali snacks on hand!

Clingman Forum will be Sunday, May 29, from 11a - noon, immediately after the 10 o'clock Eucharist. It is a hybrid in-person and online gathering: You are welcome to participate in person, or you may check in from home (or wherever you are) via Zoom on your computer or device, using the following login information:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87875167110
Meeting ID: 878 7516 7110
Passcode: 890271
If you prefer to join the meeting by telephone (voice only, no video):
Dial (929) 205 6099 US (New York)
 
Virtual Adult Ed takes a Memorial Day break. Virtual Adult Education is taking a break from its regular Monday session for the Memorial Day holiday, but come back the following Monday, June 7, as we continue getting to know Henri Nouwen (1932-1996), the Dutch Catholic priest, psychologist, writer and pastor, who wrote more than 40 books on the spiritual life. We'll discuss another thought-provoking Nouwen quote and continue watching the documentary about Nouwen's life and work, “Journey of the Heart: The Life of Henri Nouwen," narrated by Academy Award Winning Actress Susan Sarandon.

Virtual Adult Ed happens via Zoom from 6-7 p.m. on Mondays. Susan Brokenshire-Prater, Amy Tidwell, and Robin Garr moderate this program. If you participate regularly, you are already registered. If you aren't on the list, please contact Robin by email at robingarr@gmail.com to receive your Zoom invitation by email or text.

Women in Conversation. For Tuesday, May 31, Women in Conversation will discuss a podcast of an interview with NYT reporter Ruth Graham, which is found ahttps://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzM4MTQ0NDkwOC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbA/episode/NGVmZmQzYjItZDI2OC00ZWU3LTg1Y2QtNzY0ZmVhMWEzOTI1?hl=en&ved=2ahUKEwjIrcLn_vP3AhVXGs0KHXNABicQieUEegQIAxAL&ep=6

Monday Bible Study. Bible Study has concluded for the summer. We will resume our study after Labor Day.

    Readings for Sunday

Acts 16:9-15
Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
John 14:23-29
Psalm 67
 
The Liberation of St. Paul (early 1640s), oil painting on canvas by Antonio de Bellis (1616-c.1656). The Blanton Museum of Art, University of Texas at Austin.

   Illuminations on Sunday's Reading

Our readings this Sunday continue a theme of Eastertide: God’s love is for everyone, for all Earth’s nations and all Earth’s people. The way of Jesus is open to all, not just a few. Our first reading continues following Paul’s evangelical journey as told in the Acts of the Apostles, where we find Paul moving westward from Asia Minor, taking Jesus’ message into pagan Greece for the first time. He has seen a man in a vision who asks Paul to come there and help them. When he arrives in the Greek region, he encounters a woman, Lydia, a wealthy and influential member of her community. Baptizing Lydia and her household, Paul begins the community that will become the church at Philippi.
 
To read the entire post for all of Sunday's Lessons, click here.

Or visit Lectionary Reflections on Facebook. 

   Our Prayers

Weekly Prayer List
Ann and David Hendren, Ann Hines, Monty and Janna Hocker, Patrick Hohman, the Holmes/Farra family, the Holzknecht family, Caitlin and Jamie Horsley, the House-Mansfield family, Dick and Judy Hudson, Faith Huff.
 
Prayers for Pastoral Care
Cathy Pauline, Jim Brown, Joe, Carol Fricke, Bill, Audrey, Lisa W., Kevin, Joyce Stringfield, Hayden, Kathy and Mike McFall, Greg, Lynn Miller, Dave, and the city of Buffalo, NY and families of Roberta Drury, the city of Uvalde, TX.
 
Flowers Given in Memory of: Terry and Colin Yule.
 
Prayers for those who have died: Marjory Richardson, the victims of the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas -- Eva Mireles, Xavier Lopez, Uziyah Garcia, Alexandria Aniyah Rubio, Irma Garcia, Jose Flores Jr., Tess Mata, Amerie Jo Garza, Jayce Carmelo Luevanos, Jailah Nicole Silguero, Miranda Mathis, Anabell Guadalupe Rodriguez, Jacklyn Cazares, Eliahna Garcia, Alithia Ramirez, Rojelio Torres, Makenna Le Elrod, Nevaeh Bravo, Maite Rodriguez, Elihana Cruz Torres, Layla Salazar.  
 
We pray for those serving in our Armed Forces.

   Financials

   Links and Email

VIDEO 

The First St. Matthew's (1839-1912)
https://vimeo.com/459594194

St. Matthew's Builds Again (1948-2000) 
https://vimeo.com/459727636 

St. Matthew's in the 21st Century (2000-today)
https://vimeo.com/459788731



VIDEO ARCHIVE
See videos of special celebrations and speakers on the St. Matthew’s Video page.


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