Volume 49 No. 1 The Epistle€¦ · your living room, backyard or other favorite socially distant...

1 The Epistle –September 2020

The

Epi

stle

The monThly newsleTTer of

sT. maTThew’s Parish, Pacific Palisades, ca

September 2020Volume 49 No. 1

(Continued on Page 2)

I think we are ready. The onesies and blankets are cleaned, the bassinet is set up, and our hospital go-bags are packed. However, I also know that there are some things about going from being a family of three to a family of four that we can just never be ready for. This new baby will bring with him many sleepless nights, a rude awakening for our three-year-old, and many surprises, but he also will bring much love.

Thank you so much for your many kind notes and prayers. We could not feel more supported and loved by the parish. I take great comfort and joy in knowing that this baby is being born into such a loving, kind, and warm church community.

Though my family is excited to welcome its newest member, as I prepare to go on maternity leave I have to admit that I am more than a little sad to be missing out on fall at St. Matthews. As the song goes, it is truly “the most wonderful time of the year.”

Every year, August gets a little too quiet around St. Matthews. There are a few weeks when Day Camp ends and nothing new begins that seem to last an eternity. It’s not unlike the last few weeks of a pregnancy, really. In Founder’s Hall, we prep and plan and dream of what September and a new school year will bring, but mostly it feels like we are just waiting.

Then, the first day of school arrives and the quiet campus explodes in the joyful sounds of people. Not only do students come back to campus, but other groups start meeting again. The church office buzzes with people stopping by to say hello or plan events. And on Sunday mornings, it feels like the family is all back together again.

As we know all too well, in striving to keep one another safe, this strange year is already different. Yet in this prayerful and active community, different does not mean quiet. This fall may not be quite what we expected and planned for, but I know we are more than ready to follow Jesus and be community to one another in the midst of it, anyway.

Already, creativity abounds as continuing ministries take new shapes and new ones emerge.

Saints Alive already has a full calendar. On October 1, Santa Monica City Council member Gleam Davis and public strategy consultant Matt Klink debate Propositions 15 and 16. Other upcoming speakers include Bishop John Taylor, DIESEL A Bookstore, and our own Dwayne Milburn (who will talk about music and diplomacy).

WE’RE READY!


We’re Ready, continuedOn October 4, throw your family and all of your pets in the car for a drive-through pet blessing on Loop Road.

The Race, Justice, and Equity Book Group started this summer is continuing virtually October 8 with a new book: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. Join them every other week to discuss the book and our role as Christians in a racially divided world.

Circle November 20 on your calendar as preparations are already well underway for this year’s Christmas Faire. The Faire is moving online this year with special plans to bring us holiday delight, while supporting our many Outreach Partners. Look out for announcements about how you can volunteer and donate.

Also, look out for sign-ups for Emmaus Groups. As many of the groups continue to meet online, now may be the easiest moment to join one of these prayerful, supportive small groups. If Emmaus is something you have always wanted to try, this is your year.

Compline, a new opportunity to pray and meditate during the week, is starting up Thursday nights at 8pm online. See Christine’s description below about this beautiful, nighttime service, but also do your soul the favor of finding the link in the Carillon and joining in.

We are also elated to have our preschoolers and Scouts meeting safely back on campus. We also look forward to participating in online chapel services and building relationships with our elementary and middle school students.

Make sure to read the Carillon in your inbox on Thursdays to catch all of the events happening this fall. Though many of our gatherings continue to be online for now, the joyful, hopeful anticipation of a new back to school season cannot be tamped down.

The Holy Spirit is on the move in this community and we are ready.

In love and gratitude,Stefanie+

Thursday Evening ComplineBeginning September 24, the Prayer Ministries at St. Matthew’s will be sharing this lovely, brief liturgy via Zoom on Thursday evenings at 8 pm. All are invited to join in this “goodnight prayer of the Church”.

Compline, or Night Prayer, emerged out of the monastic practice of praying at prescribed hours throughout the day. The monks would say this simple office in their dormitories before going to bed, inviting God’s presence to accompany and sustain them through the coming night.

Praying Compline, as darkness begins to fall, offers us the opportunity to surrender ourselves into God’s hands; to trust when we are vulnerable; and to allow God’s love to transform the deepest darkness of our souls and bring us to the light of eternal day1.

Join us by clicking the Zoom link in the weekly Carillon.

1 Eucharistic Prayers, Services of the Word, and Night Prayer Supplementary to The Book of Alternative Services. Copyright © 2001 by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada.


Right: A wall with windows and a doorway divides the Parish Center into two separate

classrooms. Above left and right: The Mill Building and St.

Timothy transformed into classroom spaces.

Parish New

sThank You from ST. maTThew’S PariSh School

Last month, we shared news about the Parish of St. Matthew, Troop 223 and St. Matthew’s Day Camp coming together to support the St. Matthew’s Parish School in an effort to create additional classrooms on campus. Increased spaces for students will be critical in order to comply with modifications necessary for students’ in-person return to campus sometime in the future. Each of these groups has reimagined their programming, activities and traditional locations to help during this unprecedented time.

The Board of Trustees of St. Matthew’s Parish School delivered a letter thanking all of those involved for their sacrifices and hard work reshaping their programs. The Board also lauded the groups’ strong and productive relationship together. Work on these buildings is nearing completion. A new wall, complete with video monitor, now divides the Parish Center into two, separate classrooms, while the Mill Building’s previous Parent/Toddler space and the room above it called St. Timothy are now outfitted for lower school students.

Thanks, indeed, to all of the individuals and groups who have made changes in order to provide safe space for the Parish School students once they are allowed to return to campus.

“Thank you for your generosity and graciousness in allowing St. Matthew’s 3rd and 4th Grade students to use both the Mill Building and Parish Center for their classrooms this year. Your help in allowing us to house two grades of students in existing on campus buildings helped us achieve the ideal solution for physically distancing all of our students when school is allowed to reopen in person.”

“We also want to convey that although COVID-19 has brought many challenges to the St. Matthew’s community, it has also demonstrated that our School and Church communities are together as one. It takes a village to care for our students, and between all of the ministries

of the Parish, St. Matthew’s has a mighty village.”


Parish NewsGround BreakinG aT 1026 Bienveneda avenue

On September 13, a small gathering of Parishioners including Vestry members, the Capital Projects team, Donors, Clergy and Staff gathered at the 1026 Bienveneda construction site to participate in the blessing of the ground and congregation and to celebrate the start of construction.

Three spadefuls of earth were turned while saying: With faith in Jesus Christ, this work is begun and this ground is broken in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Once the ceremony was completed, everyone took a turn writing a blessing or note on the old standing wall which will remain as a part of the new construction.

Above: Members of the St. Matthew’s community at the Ground Breaking service in September. Pictured top right are Kathy Bitting,

Elizabeth Troy, Rev. Bruce A. Freeman, Jamie Montgomery and Trey Hastings. Pictured below from left to right are Annabel Montgomery,

Elizabeth Troy, Jamie Montgomery writing a message, Edward Kim and Christine F. Purcell. (Photos courtesy of Missy Morain.)

homemade BaGueTTeS

Parishioner Brian Keare has been creating joy and happiness in the St. Matthew’s neighborhood, baking baguettes that he often delivers by bicycle. Since quarantining began in March, Brian has used more than 300 lbs of flour (which come in 50-lb. bags from a mill in Utah) to produce 1100-plus baguettes! (Photo at left courtesey of Brian Keare.)


Parish New

sThrifT ShoP reoPenS

The St. Matthew’s Thrift Shop is once again open for business after several months of closure and hundreds of hours of humanpower to implement mandates required for all retail spaces. The upgraded interior includes safety measures thoughout the store to promote social distancing, incorporate a one-way flow of traffic and eliminate contact during purchase transactions.

Store hours have been limited to the afternoons, which allows volunteers plenty of time and space to prepare for business in the mornings. A system to drop donations at St. Matthew’s is in the works and parishioners will be notified about opportunities to deliver their much-appreciated items in the near future.

The Thrift Shop greatly appreciates volunteers from the St. Matthew’s community. To learn how to participate, please contact Diane Hogsta ([email protected]).

Above: Thrift Shop customer Nicole Servin admires the merchandise at the shop’s reopening.

ST. maTThew’S Book cluB

St. Matthew’s formed a book group this summer to explore issues surrounding race, justice and equity. Waking Up White by Debby Irving was the group’s first selection, which was discussed during Zoom gatherings every other Thursday from 4-5:30pm.

New participants are welcome, and joining in the discussion is particularly timely at the launch of each new book. The group will next read Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson beginning with its meeting on Oct. 8. If you would like to be involved, please contact Mary Lou Loper ([email protected]) for the zoom link and more information.


Stewardship 2021

The Place we call homeby Kim Ling

Moving to Los Angeles was an enormous adjustment for me. I was a newlywed, transplanted here, far from the tiny New England town where I grew up. My son Hudson was born in 1996, followed by Tom and Peter. Our family joined the parish and we became part of a community of people who believed in family, faith and love.

After my husband died tragically in 2004, I thought about leaving L.A. I didn’t have family here and I was overwhelmed. Collectively, this entire community comforted me and watched over my children, supporting us in every possible way. I felt blessed to be here.

The theme for Stewardship this year resonates with me deeply. “Together, as a community united by faith, we are guided by the light and love of our God.” The people of St. Matthew’s have impacted so many lives through faith and ministry. It has been very rewarding for me to be involved with the Christmas Faire, Rector search, Day Camp, School Board, and S.P.Y.

Through these ministries, I have made my closest and dearest friendships while helping others. My partner Mike and my children, now 19, 20, and 24, are rooted in this community as well. Hudson reflects, “I always have part of St. Matthew’s with me. The bond I have here is deep and my closest friends today go back to preschool, SMDC, and Troop 223.” Tom recalls, “My entire childhood revolved around St. Matthew’s. I looked up to so many adults for guidance and I learned about giving to others and about leadership. For Peter, the connection is very important. “Coming home during holidays or to work at Day Camp, I am always excited to go back to St. Matthew’s. Everyone truly shows how much they care about me and my family.”

Supporting the church through stewardship has been a commitment we have made each and every year. We are proud to be shepherds of this community. Our entire family is grateful to all the people of St. Matthew’s who helped us live a normal and meaningful life.

I am so glad that we never left. This is the place that we will always call home.

“Together, as a community united by faith, we are guided by the light and love of our God.”

Hudson, Peter and Tom Ling. (Photo courtesy of Kim Ling.)


Upcom

ing Events29th Annual St. Matthew’s

Christmas Faire Christmas Faire will look a little different this year…

We are going virtual! Given the challenges in the world right now, our Outreach Partners need us more than ever. 2020 has tested us in ways nobody could anticipate, but we continue to come together as a community and renew our faith. The St. Matthew’s Christmas Faire is a tradition that goes back almost 30 years and we are proud to carry it on.

Date: Friday, November 20 Time: 7:00pm Location: Wherever you have a strong Wi-Fi connection! Silent Auction: Opens Monday, November 16th and closes Friday, November 20th We could all use a little extra cheer this year and have no excuse to miss it… join us from your living room, backyard or other favorite socially distant location.

You don't even have to dress up; you can wear your favorite Christmas PJs.

As a virtual event this year, we hope to broaden our reach. Please invite your local or out of town relatives and friends to join in on the fun! Everyone is welcome and the more the merrier!

Please consider supporting the Christmas Faire in whatever capacity you are comfortable: attending, donating, underwriting or volunteering. We welcome and appreciate your support and time!

We will host 3 planning sessions on the below dates:

Wednesday, September 30th: 9:00-10:00am Wednesday, October 21st: 9:00-10:00am Wednesday, November 11th: 9:00-10:00am For more information email [email protected]


Saints Alive

Please join us at 12:30pm on October 1 for a very timely debate! Santa Monica Councilwoman Gleam Davis and Political Consultant Matt Klink will go head-to-head with the pros and cons of two important, upcoming ballot measures: Prop 15, Schools and Communities First and Prop 16, Affirmative Action Amendment.

Matt Klink is a public strategy consultant with more than 27 years of experience working on complex, controversial and high-profile issues for public and private sector clients, as well as candidates for elected office and ballot measure campaigns. Gleam Davis has been on the Santa Monica City Council since February 2009 and has been active in progressive causes for over three decades. She served as Mayor of Santa Monica in 2019 and, during her tenure, she helped found Santa Monica’s first Pride Festival, expanded activities celebrating Black History Month and Juneteeth, and brought together local and international activists for the City’s first Wellbeing Summit.

St. Matthew's is delighted to have Davis versus Klink for what is sure to be a unique event. Please register now to join us for this amazing Saints Alive webinar from the comfort of your own home.

Thursday Oct. 1

12:30pm

It’s a Debate! Prop 15 and Prop 16

Register now at www.stmatthews.com


ComplineThursdays at 8pm via Zoom

Find the link weekly in the Carillon.


STA

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CA

LEN

DA

RThe office is currently closed, so email is the

best way to reach us right now.

The Rev. Bruce A. Freeman, Rector (Ext. 130) [email protected]

The Rev. Christine F. Purcell, Associate Rector (Ext. 129) [email protected]

The Rev. Stefanie G. Wilson, Assistant Priest (Ext. 183) [email protected]

Ms. Missy Morain, Director of Program Minis-try; (Ext. 139) [email protected]

•Ms. Lyris Amador, Director of Administration

(Ext. 180) [email protected]. Andrea Bostick, Director of Development

(Ext. 182) [email protected]. Craig Ehlers, Chief Financial Officer (Ext.

126) [email protected]. Greg Heidt, Director of Facilities and Op-

erations (ext. 108) [email protected]. Jennifer McCarthy, Director of Communi-

cations (Ext. 128) [email protected]. Dwayne Milburn, Director of Music (Ext.

179) [email protected]. Jeremias Mendez, Special Projects Manager

(Ext. 133) [email protected]. Haesung Park, Parish Organist, hpark@

stmatthews.comMs. Shawn Silletti, Administrative Assistant

(Ext. 100) [email protected]

•The Rev. Kristin Barberia, School Chaplain

(Ext. 125) [email protected]. Edward Kim, SMPS Head of School (Ext.

146) [email protected]

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a Christian community, and

Welcome all, wherever they are in their journey,

Nourish all who seek unity with God and each other in Christ, and

Serve all, striving to do Christ’s work in the world.

Tune in to our programs via the Parish of St. Matthew

Facebook Page: www.stmatthews.com/live

Sundays9:00 am Sunday Worship10:30am Limited In Person Worship

Wednesdays10:00 am Morning Prayer

Thursdays8:00 pm Compline (via Zoom link)

Most Weekdays5:00 pm Music with Richard

Staff Directory

Online Services and Prayer Requests

Keep in Your praYers

Please pray for Carol Lanning, Sam Hill, Lee, Ray, Jacob, Griselda, Wendy, Kathy, Sherry, Alan, Mary, Evan, Clayton, Isabel, Kryan, Jon, John, Randy Smith, Charles Lanks, Linda, Janice Denean, Bill, Sarah, Lori, Gloria, Margaret Campbell, Ki Jin Park, Pam, Fred, all affected by COVID-19 and all affected by wildfires.

We also remember those who have died in the hope of Christ’s resurrection: Sean Mitchell, David Pierce, Frank Jensen, Donald L. Morton, Jr., Jill Young, Jim de Varennes. Please know that in addition to your praying for these persons, they are prayed for regularly throughout the week by clergy and by members of our Intercessory Prayer Group.

If you would like to add, keep, or remove someone from this list, please call The Rev. Christine Purcell at 310/573-7787, ext. 129. Prayer requests will automatically be kept on the list for one month only.

Volume 49 No. 1 The Epistle€¦ · your living room, backyard or other favorite socially distant...

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