Saint Matthew's Episcopal Church - The Chronicle: April 2006

I WENT TO AN ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETING LAST NIGHT

I went to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting last night. It was the first one I have visited in more than a decade. I am not an alcoholic. In fact, the strongest beverage I drink is Diet Dr. Pepper. Yet, I attended AA with a "first_timer" acquaintance who needed an understanding friend by his side. My friend, in his early twenties, mirrored the sixty_some others in the meeting geared for college_aged alcoholics.

None of these young alcoholics were dressed for church. Some used language that would be shocking at coffee hour. Few would feel comfortable in a Eucharist service. Nevertheless, I was struck by the deep desire they all shared to be in a right relationship with God. These young people know they are powerless over the things that control them and only God can restore them. So, they have decided to turn their wills and their lives completely over to God's care and control.

In this season of Lent, how might our own spirituality blossom if we were to take a lesson from a group of young people struggling with alcohol abuse? For in life we too are so often powerless and out of control. Only God can truly restore and heal us. Our Lord patiently waits for us to give our lives into his gentle, loving care.

The Rev. Dr. John C. N. Hall

FOOD BANK

The Saint Matthew's Food Bank continues to assist people in Chandler and the surrounding communities. In addition to our regular volunteers, several students donated their time during spring break to help. What a pleasure it has been to have them here. Most are earning community service hours for their confirmation class. Thank you to them and to everyone who supports this wonderful outreach ministry.

YOUTH CONFIRMATION

During the church's new Lenten Program this spring, while the adults of the church are learning about being Christians and Consumers and the little ones are busy making crafts and enjoying fellowship, something exciting is going on at the far end of the church property for our young people. This happening is leaking into local community service participation, involving adult mentors for guidance and encouragement, traveling to a local campground on April 7th for a spiritual retreat, and will result in something that will last for a lifetime. To be exact, it will be life_changing for 15 Saint Matthew's youth.

It's this year's Confirmation Class! Please keep these young people in your prayers as they look to "make their faith their own" (in the words of one of the class members), and get confirmed by Bishop Smith on June 3, 2006.

STEWARDSHIP

As of Monday, March 27, 2006
$ to operate YTD $138,600
$ received YTD $117,871

Automatic Payments: You can now pay your monthly pledge by charging against your credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express) or by automatic checking account withdrawals. Contact Cindy Cosmas at the church office, 480-899-7386, extension 18, if you would like to sign up for this new program. We would like to thank the families that have already signed up. Your financial commitment to Saint Matthew's is appreciated.

Leaving a Legacy: Have you started planning for your entrance into the glory of God? Please remember to include Saint Matthew's in your estate planning.

Saint Matthew's Building Fund: Did you know Saint Matthew's has already started receiving money to begin the next 50 years? You can indicate in your estate planning that you would like donations to the Building Fund in your memory in lieu of flowers.

Offering Envelopes: If you would like offering envelopes, call the church office, 480-899-7386, or sign up on the clipboard in the narthex. Your envelopes will be placed in the narthex for you to pick up the next time you come to church.