Dear Friends,

I hope you are well and that you are finding your way in God's good but sometimes very challenging world!
We have new help in the office! Vern Wilson has joined us for 4 hrs a week and will be in the office on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.  After his training he will most likely be in on Wednesdays. I'm sure he'd appreciate a "hi" on this email or by phone.  Vern will serve alongside other folks who continue to help us in the office and online!
In our parish this week we celebrate the life and work of Rev. John Sovereign.  John's service will be this Saturday at 11 a.m.  The service itself is subject to the Covid restrictions so in-person presence is limited to "invitation only," however the service will be live streamed on both the St. Matthew and St. Thomas websites.  Let us keep Allyson and children Brad and Sarah in our prayers.
Just a reminder of our weekly Zoom offerings:
Tuesday: 6:30 Bible Study, please access through the St. Thomas webpage (working on getting it on the St. Matthew webpage)
Wednesday 7 pm -- A Christian Primer (Videos based on the book Simply Christian) -- access through this link https://zoom.us/j/95597353353?pwd=OWtzTXRDVzYzVmxUMHlWcGQ0MVEvUT09
Wednesday 8:30 -- Compline preceded by fellowship; please access through the St. Thomas website (working on getting this added to St. Matthew website)
Thanks for your support of the Food Bank drive.  Rev Art reported something like 195 lbs of food collected so far!  Though our competition with Peace Lutheran is a friendly one it would be great to give them a run for their money!
We are now offering in-person worship every Sunday!  We are fortunate at St. Matthew to have lots of space for physically distanced safety and comfort.  We look forward to seeing you!
 
As we move through this fall season please know that we are doing our best to keep all renters and users of our building safe.  Let's stay connected to God and each other!
In Christ,
Allen+