A Christmas Thought Christmas At St. Matthew’s
DecemberA Christmas Thought2021Christmas atSt. Matthew’sBedfordSpring AntiqueSShowChristmas is around the corner, and I am curious: are you a thinkeror a feeler? Conventional wisdom suggests that people predominate oneof these two categories. Thinkers like to figure out what they think byThe Advent season at St. Matthew’s is filled with manyfinding reasons. Feelers, by contrast, go on instinct.wonderful and warm activities that fill our parish with joy. It is aFor the thinker, Christians contend that the premises of Christianitydelightful time for us to share the spirit, so mark your calendars andare actually true and well-attested (as Christians throughout the worldjoin in!have done for 2000 years), that Jesus was the son, not just of Mary,Champagne previewpartyChristmas Tree Sale - Sat., Dec. 4 and Sun., Dec. 5: Beautifulbut of God. Those who dig into the rationale behind faith are oftenfriday, Marchfreshly31, 2017harvested Frasier and Douglas firs of all sizes will begreatly relieved to discover that some of the smartest people in historyavailablefor sale in the back parking lot from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thesehave devoted considerable brainpower to the “reasons for” believing.honorary Chair: Christopher Spitzmillertrees are incredibly fresh – come early! volunteer help welcomed.Indeed, faith is more than “blind,” and Christians stand on the shouldersAdvent Lessons & Carols, Sun., Dec. 5: Enjoy the traditionalof a vast swath of history’s greatest intellectual giants (e.g., Augustine, Show hoursSaturday, April1 10 - 5that tell of the coming of Christ and sing the lovely carolsDostoevky, Dickens, Wharton, Eliot ).readings11 season.-5But feelers care less about credibility; instead, what matters most Sunday, Aprilof2theat the door Brunch, Sun., Dec. 5: There is no better way to getis how they connect emotionally with the world around them. In my 15 admissionChristmasfirst congregation in Charleston, there was an accomplished man namedthe harveyintoSchoolthe Christmas spirit than by coming to the annual St. Matthew’sBart. I went to visit him on his deathbed, and just before I walked into260 Jay Street, ChristmasKatonah, nYBrunch after the 10 a.m. service. The Women of St.the room his wife, Daisy, told me: “He’ll tell you he doesn’t believeanywill fill the Fellowship Room with beautiful poinsettiasSponsored by St. Matthew’s ChurchMatthew’swww.stmatthewsbedford.orgof this stuff, but the moment we start singing a Christmas carol,for moreBart’sinformation call 914-234-9636andbsas@stmatthewsbedford.orgother plants, notecard ornaments, candy and a scrumptiousthe first one with tears streaming down his face.” For Bart, and forbrunch.many, there was something undeniably moving about Christianity, atWish Tree, Sun., Dec. 5: Take a star from the St. Matthew’s Wishleast on an emotional level. Maybe Bart was a feeler who happened toTree and brighten the Christmas of someone from Hope’s Door,think of himself as a thinker?A-Home, or a child whose mother is incarcerated at the BedfordIn 2012, an English professor at Cambridge, Francis Spufford,Hills Correctional Facility.wrote a wonderful little book entitled Unapologetic: Why, DespiteChristmas Pageant, Sun., Dec. 12: At the 10 a.m. service, comeEverything, Christianity Can Still Make Surprising Emotional Sense. Inenjoy the Christmas story performed by our Church School childrenit, Spufford claims the most compelling aspect of Christianity is foundas they fill the parts of the Holy Family, friendly beasts, angels andin its emotional depth. As a new parishioner put it to me in the parkingwise men.lot after the Blessing of the Costumes service on Halloween morning, “IMen’s Fellowship Breakfast, Sat., Dec 18: Not only is thehave now come to St. Matthew’s four times, and you have made me cryfellowship and conversation great, but the food is super too. Startstwice.” Another Bart!at 7:30 a.m. and out by 9 . Join in!In spite of the categories, there is a part of Christmas that assumesBedford Chamber Christmas Concert, Sun., Dec. 19: For thewe are all actually feelers. I know a family here, in which, the motherfirst time, The Bedford Chamber Concert will present its popularis known for being “baby crazy ” If there is a baby in the room, sheChristmas Concert in the church in an all Handel concert featuringis magnetically drawn in that little one’s direction. But not long ago,the Messiah, Part I and Zadok the Priest. All are welcome and theduring a coffee hour, I caught her husband (the apparent thinker in thisconcert is free.familial dynamic), cradling a newborn. In that moment I saw all of“the feels,” not thoughts. And those who look upon a newborn and feelSt. Mary’s Traditional Christmas Service, Thurs., Dec. 23:nothing are not simply “thinkers;” they are callous and, in my opinion,Christmas story and carol service at 3 p.m. (outdoor) and 5:30 p.m.need therapy.(indoor) with Antioch Pastor Merle McJunkin and members of theAre we not all really feelers when Christmas rolls around? For all ofAntioch Choir.us, Christmas is the story of a baby, who has come into the world to putChristmas Eve Services, Fri., Dec. 24:our minds at ease. As we gather around his manger, and as we cradle4 p.m. Family Manger Serviceshim in our hearts, everything needless falls away, and the things that6 p.m. (outdoor) Christmas Eve Servicematter most, matter again. Picture it: “Silent Night, Holy Night, all is9:30 p.m. Pre-Service Concertcalm, all is bright.” Can you feel it?10 p.m. Christmas Eve ServiceIn gratitude and faith,Christmas Day, Sat., Dec. 2510 a.m. Holy Eucharist
December Bedford ChamberConcert in the Church, Dec.19For the first time in its over 20-year history, the BedfordChamber Concert will be presented on Sun., Dec. 19 at 11:30 a.m. inthe Church, instead of the Fellowship Room. With Tony Newmanat the organ, accompanied by an all-professional choir, the concertwill be an all-Handel program. The Church will be ablaze withChristmas color, a perfect setting for Christmastide music and thejoy of the Christmas spirit, a time for children and adults to enjoy theChurch and the music that accompanies crisp winter weather and theopportunity to welcome old friends and make new ones.Following a performance of Handel’s Concerto in G minor fororgan, the assembled musicians will present Part I of Handel’s TheMessiah. This oratorio is a traditional Christmas favorite. Part I isbased in large measure on Old Testament readings from the Bookof Isaiah that look forward to the birth of Christ. The Messiah isHandel’s most famous and best loved work. It includes solo piecesfor bass, soprano, alto and other voices as well as pieces for the entirechorus.A particularly spectacular finale to the concert will be Zadokthe Priest, a famous choral anthem Handel wrote to celebrate thecoronation of England’s King George II, in 1727. A glorious andtriumphal piece, it has been a featured part of every British royalcoronation since then.Attendance at this concert is free of charge and the concertis not part of a worship service. Tickets can be reserved online atbedfordchamberconcerts.org.“Sacred Ground: A Film-Based Dialogue Series on Race andFaith” is part of the “Becoming the Beloved Community” initiativeof The Episcopal Church. We will be bringing this excellent, wellpaced, significant program to St. Matthew’s in January. Pleasejoin one of our two small groups to travel together through variouschapters in our national history. Discussions may be difficult butrewarding as we seek to understand the roots of today’s lingeringsocietal divisions. The vision of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s“beloved community” is its guiding star – where all people arehonored, protected and nurtured.The Sacred Ground curriculum (preview here) is grounded in the Christian faith and framed as a spiritualjourney; employs the example of Jesus Christ and the power ofscripture, prayer, God’s grace, and the Holy Spirit to help uson the way to the beloved community; uses documentary films, short videos, and readings asjumping-off points for conversation; explores Indigenous, Black, Latino and Asian-Americanhistories as they intersect with European American histories; gives attention to issues related to race, while examininghow those issues interact with family history, class status,regional identity and political identity today.We will be offering a choice of 2 small group formats, whichwill be facilitated by June Blanc and Mary Farley: Thursday in-person daytime sessions: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.(bring your lunch) beginning Jan. 20 Thursday evening Zoom sessions: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. beginningJan. 20At Confirmation on Nov. 7, Bishop Dietsche spoke of followingChrist’s example, although it may be difficult at times, and remindedus of our baptismal covenant, which includes for us to “strive forjustice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of everyhuman being.” We hope you will join our Sacred Ground series aspart of that commitment. Please speak to any of us or call the ParishOffice to register.Noriko Akinla, June Blanc, Mary Farley, & Meredith PakmanSuper Confirmation CelebrationJoy abounded!!!fiSun., Nov. 7 was a wonderful,wonderful day for St. Matthew’swhen Bishop Dietsche con rmedor received 30 people.2
Report on the Diocesan ConventionArt Show: Bedford 2022On Sat., Nov. 13, John Z., Drew, Sarah, Bill Fagan, June Blancand I had the honor of representing our parish at the 245th DiocesanConvention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. The theme of theConvention was based on Luke 17:11-19, the story of the 10 leperswho were healed by Jesus, but only the Samaritan returned to thankJesus who stated: “Rise and go, your faith has made you whole, ”speaking of both physical and spiritual wholeness and health. TheConvention was held in the nave of the Cathedral of St. John theDivine in New York City. While incomplete (construction began in1892), the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the world’s sixth largestchurch by area and the world’s largest Anglican cathedral. Its floorarea is 121,000 square feet, spanning a length of 601 feet, and the roofheight of the nave is 177 feet. It was a most impressive and aweinspiring venue for the Convention that drew all the parishes togetherto conduct Diocesan business, including committee reports and votingon leadership and resolutions. The highlight was the celebrationof the Eucharist together as a Diocese, led by the Rt. Rev. BishopAndrew Dietsche and assisted by Rt. Rev. Bishops Allen Shin andMary Glasspool, and the most glorious music, drawn from the diversebackgrounds of the Diocese’s membership – which brought all tosong and occasional rhythmic clapping of hands. Collectively, we feltthe spirit of God with us.Bishop Dietsche addressed the Convention thanking the clergyand lay leaders who led their parishes through the difficulties ofthe past couple of years. He gave sobering remarks about the stateof the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Of the 183 parishes in theDiocese, only roughly one-half have a full-time Rector, and only 17have two or more full-time clergy. I could not help but be thankfulfor St. Matthew’s Church’s blessings, which were abundantlyclear by comparison with the position of so many parishes in theDiocese. Bishop Dietsche ended his address by announcing hisretirement, which had been postponed by the pandemic. Selectinga new Bishop is a process that will take 2 1/2 years, so BishopDietsche’s retirement will occur in 2024. A video link to BishopDietsche’s address can be found here.John Z.’s sermon on Sun., Nov. 14, was largely influenced bythe Bishop’s address. Click here for link to John’s sermon.The 49th year of ASB will start with our fabulous Preview Partyon Jan. 21 at 6.30 p.m. – and as our loyal patrons know, there is nobetter place to be on a coldFriday night in January!The aim of the showis, as always, to highlightthe work of local artists anddonate ALL proceeds to localcharities. The show, will rununtil Jan. 30 and be held inthe Fellowship Room.Along with sales ofpaintings, photography,wood turning, ceramics andjewelry, we will be holding a silent auction which will include uniqueworks of art, including a fabulous new piece by Carol Bouyoucosentitled “Renewal,” as well as fun experiences and a unique offeringfrom our very own John Zahl.Be a part of this special event, and in turn help the Women of St.Matthew’s support our local charities in lifting up our most vulnerableneighbors.Tickets will go on sale in January. For more information, pleasevisit www.artshowbedford.org.Thank you.The Art Show CommitteeOur Church School children have been busy this monthlearning new songs in Children’s Chapel, welcoming back theoffertory portion of our service, and learning more about Jesuseach week. On All Saints’ Day, we gathered outside and sang asparishioners left church after Confirmion with the Bishop and weremaking their way to Coffee Hour :) The program for our 6th and7th graders includes reading the lesson each week inthe Chapel, watching an engaging video about that lesson in ourclassrooms, and nally discussing the lesson and making acorresponding craft. Hopefully you’ve been seeing some of yourchild’s crafts at home.We have some very important dates coming up in December soplease put these in your calendar:Dec, 5: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Christmas Pageant PracticeDec. 12: Christmas Pageant at the 10 a.m. service, pleasearrive at 9 a.m.Dec: 24: 4 p.m. Manger/Family service. (children may alsoattend the 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. services. No nursery for any ofthe services.)Dec. 26: No Church SchoolJan. 2: No Church SchoolOnce again, thank you to all of our volunteers, we could not dothis without you!Elizabeth LindseyfiJohn Walker, Senior WardenHello Families!Our church school“saints” greetedparishioners whenthey came out ofthe Confirmationservice.3
Stewardship UpdatePacking for Midnight RunWe’re into December, so we’re well into stewardship season. Youshould have received your pledge card in the mail along withinformation to put this year’s campaign into context. Perhaps you alsoheard John’s Nov. 14 sermon and saw his stewardship videofollowing up on his sermon. We are working hard to ensure that youare fully informed and that your church is top-of-mind during thishectic season.There is much work to do, but we’re pleased to see a positivereaction from the parish as of Nov. 30: 71 pledge cards have alreadybeen returned, which is a 15% increase from the same time last year.And just as exciting is the fact that four new members have pledgedfor the first time.St. Matthew’s is truly blessed, but the news from our peers in thediocese is quite sobering: The number of churches in the diocese has fallen from 196 to183 over the past 10 years. The number of churches like St. Matthew’s with full-time clergyhas fallen from 117 to 90 over the past 10 years. 22 churches are currently operating with shared priests. Part-time clergy positions outnumber full-time. St. Matthew’s is one of only 17 churches with two or more fulltime priests, compared to 31 churches just ten years ago. Precious few positions exist for the next generation of clergy.It’s clear that there are significant headwinds facing the dioceseat this time. All the more reason for every single one of us to put ourshoulder to the wheel and do what we can to strengthen St. Matthew’s.We ask that you take a few minutes to pray and consider what StMatthew’s means to you. Then please make your commitment at thiscritical time. Each pledge—no matter the size—makes a differenceand supports a vital mission we know you value.Many thanks to members of the Youth Group and theWith thanks,ConfirmationClass for packing the Midnight Run bags and for all theStewardship Committeeparishioners who donated items.Welcome NewcomersA wonderful group of new St. Matthew’sparishioners came to our Newcomers’ Party in earlyNovember. Thank you to Janet Schloat and theWelcome Commission for all their hard work.Sim Ketchum, Ted Jacobi, Tina FosterDrew Courtright, Phebe Robertson,Geoff RobertsonEllen Milone, John Zahl, Joe Milone, Meredith KentSusan MacGill, Mary FarleyKris Salovaara, John Walker, Carol Matthews,Matt Cantwell, Meltem Cantwell4
St. Matthew’s PreschoolSt. Matthew’s Preschool has been quite busy with fun fallactivities! The children are busy raking leaves on the playground,attending weekly chapel, and having fun making turkeys! We gearedup to join the church in their Thanksgiving Food collection. Childrenwill color turkeys to accompany the food for families. The childrenare preparing for “Christmas in the Children’s Chapel,” learningChristmas songs; and you might even hear the children saying “Amen”with such great enthusiasm if you are on the campus on a Thursdaymorning! This season of thankfulness reminds us to look for the joy inthe little ones as they show us in many ways how to be thankful. GodBless your family during this “Season of Thankfulness.”St. Mary’s Festive ChristmasService, Dec. 233:00 p.m. outside on the church lawn (dress warmly!)5:30 p.m. inside the church (seating limited)There is no better wayto get into the holiday spiritthan to attend the traditionalSt. Mary’s annual Christmasservice of lessons and carols. St.Mary’s welcomes back MerleMcJunkin, Pastor of AntiochBaptist Church, Earl Brown onthe organ, and Earlena Theveninleading the congregation inholiday song. This is always amarvelous and moving service,and a strong celebration of spirit.Thanksgiving IngatheringThe Best Trees EverDon’t miss the St. Matthew’s Christmas Tree Sale, Dec. 4 - 5, 9a.m. to 3 p.m. with beautiful, fresh Frazer Fir and Douglas Fir, 5 ft.to 12 ft. Home delivery is available. Looking for Volunteers! If youwould like to help out, please email Paul Matthews or Will Gourd.On Nov. 14 bags were delivered to parishioners and on the 21st,they came back filled with all the makings needed for a Thanksgivingdinner. Meredith Kent, Jan Pinckney and Caroline Shepard sortedthe goods, then Laurie Sturz and Lisa Clymer inserted turkeys anddelivered the goods so our nieghbors in need can have a real meal forThanksgiving.5
Alpha Ends with Accoladesfrom AllThe last Alpha class was held on Thurs., Nov. 18. By accountsfrom participants, Alpha was an amazing and worthwhile experience– it deepened one’s relationship with God, helped forge newfriendships and strengthen old, and reinforced the sense of belongingto the St. Matthew’s family. The classes were fun, thoughtprovoking, heartfelt and supportive. That some 45 people camediligently for seven weeks is evidence of the relevance and quality ofthe program. (And the dinners were a culinary treat.) Each eveningopened with a song (see below) but particularly poignant, the lastevening ended with all participants forming a big circle around theFellowship Room, joining hands, and together saying the Lord’sprayer.Habitat for HumanityWork Goes OnHere Bonnie Tisi and Mary Farley install aninterior wall on the November volunteer dayand Rick Shepard works from above.Fall CleanupA hardy group showedup to help keep our beautifulparish grounds in great shape.PoinsettiasOur church ablaze with poinsettias atChristmas – remembrances of our lovedones no longer with us. Donations maybe made online (list loved ones’ names incomment box, or return the donation envelope with theirnames, by Fri., Dec. 10.Again, forThanksgiving, theFlower Committeedid a spectacularjob on the windowdecorations.Comings & GoingsIn MemoriamIn sure and certain hopeJoan Hisey Richter – November 1, 20216
Apr 01, 2010 · Christmas Concert in the church in an all Handel concert featuring the Messiah, Part I and Zadok the Priest. All are welcome and the concert is free. St. Mary’s Traditional Christmas Service, Thurs., Dec. 23: Christmas story and carol service at 3 p.m. (outdoor) and 5:30 p.m. (indoor) with Antioch Pastor Merle McJunkin and members of the
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