St. Matthias’ Episcopal Church

The Rev. Brenda S. Overfield, Rector

11300 West Huguenot Road

Midlothian, VA 23113

Announcements for September 2, 2020

General Information

Morning Prayer via zoom—8:30 AM

For after-hour emergencies and pastoral care, please contact the Rector or Parish Administrator: 804-464-1842.

For baptisms, marriages, or funerals, please contact the Rector.

For use of the facilities, membership, or giving and pledges, please contact the Parish Administrator.

Church sponsored, Sunday bulletin announcements are due in the office by 12:00 PM, Tuesdays and should be submitted here:

www.stmatmidlo.com/news-announcements

Please see our community bulletin board in Morrison Hall for personal and community announcements.

Office Hours

Monday—Thursday : 8:30 AM—3:30 PM

Friday 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

Masks Required.

Staff members are working from home and are checking voice mail and returning calls.

Phone: 8 04-464-1842 Fax: 804-594-5982

Weather/Emergency Text Updates: Text WeAreIAm to 84483

Web Site: www.stmatmidlo.com ~ Email: st.matthias@stmatmidlo.com

To God’s Beloved!

We have some updates and changes to share with you- it’s happy news!

We are resuming normal operating hours. This means that no appointments are necessary to stop by if you need or want to. (Unfortunately, this

does not yet apply to our groups being able to meet in person in the buildings.)

For those who are not yet ready to return to in-person services, we would like to offer time and space for you to stop by during the week if you

would like to sit in the Nave and just have some quiet prayer time to yourself without concern of too many people and a potential risk of COVID-

19 transmission. Several folks have done this and have said how nice it is to be back in our worship space and to reconnect with that. You are

very welcome if that is what you would like to do.

“Ponderings of the Priest” that is posted on our website is going to undergo a new look and purpose! It will be refocused on our spiritual practic-

es for living and will include a biblically based weekly challenge as that week’s spiritual exercise. Please take a look and let us know what you

think!

Lastly, as you have probably seen in previous e-news announcements, we want to offer ways for us as a community to be able to physically see

and be in touch with each other. Virtual is good, but not the same. As someone noted, we are an incarnational people – in the flesh, human—

and we need to be together- in person. Please take advantage of the opportunities being offered to stay connected. We will, to the best of our

abilities, ensure that they are safe gatherings for us all. So stay tuned for more opportunities, and please be sure to be a part of them!

Until next week!

Brenda+

Health Team Update

It has come to our attention that some people are gradually removing their masks during the service. As the Health Team, we want to ensure

that everyone who attends the in-person service is safe. Social distancing and wearing a mask/ facial covering are two ways that we can ensure

this. A mask protects all of us but it is only effective if it covers your nose and mouth.

Moving forward we will have 3 types of face coverings available for your convenience, one-time use masks, cloth masks and a limited number of

face shields at the screening table. If wearing a mask for the entire service is difficult, please feel free to step outside for a moment or two, re-

move the mask, and then return to the service as you are ready. If you believe it is not feasible, we ask you to consider worshiping remotely until

we can return to normal operations.

Thank you for your help in keeping everyone safe.

Church Office Closed: The office will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

Weekly Zoom Gatherings

All you have to do is click on the links below to join (no passwords are needed).

All Sunday Service information and links will sent to you in a separate email.

Morning Prayer Sunday 8:30 AM

Monday Evening Kerygma Monday 7:00 PM

Men's Group Tuesday 8:30 AM

Passing the Peace Tuesday 7:00 PM

Wednesday Kerygma 10:00 AM

Centering Prayer Wednesday 7:30 AM

Blessing of Backpacks & Devices - ALL AGES WELCOME!

Usually the fall brings many traditions - Blessing of Backpacks is one of them. As we adapt to our cur-

rent situation, we are adapting our traditions as well. This fall we will celebrate a Blessing of Back-

packs & Devices Parade. ALL ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE!

There will be a blessing/celebration during services (both 8:30 am Zoom and 11:00 am in-person) on

Sunday, September 6th.

And at 12:30 pm on Sunday, September 6th we will have a Blessing of Backpacks & Devices parade! Bring with you anything that is helping you

stay connected with school, work, church, family & friends. The parade gives us all a chance to safely visit the church and help stay connected

with our church family.

The parade is for all - children, youth, college students, and adults - anyone who would like to participate is welcome. We will be distributing

(following CDC safety protocols) a blessing kit: blessing tags, blessing stickers, an at-home devotion activity, and other fun back to school and

work items. Participating in the parade at church involves receiving a special summer treat!

If you are interested in receiving a blessing kit during our parade, contact Kristen Ketron - kristen.ketron@stmatmidlo.com OR 464-1842 ext.

111. This will help us prepare enough kits for everyone, but if you decide to come at the last minute please do so!

Hurricane Relief: In partnership with Episcopal Relief and Development you may send dona-

tions for hurricane relief to St. Matthias'. Make your checks payable to St. Matthias', in the

memo note Hurricane Relief.

You may also make donations through our on line portal. When making your donation online

please select the Disaster Relief Fund.

Click here to give on line.

10 x 6 Socially Distanced Backyard Gatherings

Looking for a way to get together with a few church friends safely? We are introducing a new way to reconnect, if you are comfortable, with 10

X 6 Socially Distanced Backyard Gatherings: 10 guests with masks, socially distanced by at least 6 feet, bring their own chairs, coolers, drinks

and snacks. Gatherings will occur at host homes in their backyards or at the St. Matthias' picnic tables. Ann Tobias will organize and advise

hosts in Covid safe gathering practices. Participants will be divided into small groups based on numbers and hosts. The number "10" is subject

to lessen and gathering practices may be adapted or cancelled depending on Coronavirus changes. A dedicated member says, "It's the easiest

party I've ever given. Everyone brings their own stuff, and I put nuts and snacks in little cups. That's it!"

We'll try to gather in September, October and possibly November when the weather is cooler. Please text or call Ann Tobias at 804-690-3124 if

you interested in hosting or attending as a guest.

Outreach Opportunities #ReopenWithLove Academic Kit assembly: We have an upcoming urgent need for volunteers beginning next week! As part of RPS "Reopen with Love" initiative, each RPS student will re-ceive an Academic Kit that will include all the supplies and subject-specific materials they will need to start the virtual school year. We need vol-unteers for each school to help pack and distribute kits for students on the following days: Elementary Schools:

• Packing: August 28, 29, 31

• Distribution: September 3, 4, 5 Middle/High Schools:

• Packing: September 8, 9, 10

• Distribution: September 10, 11, 12 We will have opportunities at nearly every school in the district! To support one or more schools, please sign up HERE on the HandsOn Greater Richmond website. Meal Distribution: The updated listings for RPS meal distribution opportunities through Friday, September 4 are now live on the HandsOn Greater Richmond web-site at this link. We can continue to have more volunteers for on-site and mobile meal delivery routes as soon as Monday, August 24. Our current summer distribution schedule will finish on September 4. I will be in touch soon with a new set of volunteer opportunities for the start of the school year. Community Walks: We have several spots still open for our Community Walks initiative, which will help ensure that all Richmond Public Schools students and fami-lies are informed about our reopening plan ahead of the new school year. Those listings are broken down by area of the city, and sign-ups can be found at the following links:

Community Walks - Southside Community Walks - East End

Community Walks - Northside/West End

I know that schedules are changing as summer draws to a close - if you are no longer able to volunteer, I want to thank you for your support of

RPS since the spring. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or for more information about our current volunteer

efforts.

For additional information contact at rmkolster@comcast.net.

Christian Formation - Children & Youth: In order to give children, youth and their families time to adjust to their fall schedule, Christian for-

mation will begin the week of September 20th. Specific details will be forthcoming. Any questions, contact Kristen Ketron - Director of For-

mation Ministries for Children & Youth - kristen.ketron@stmatmidlo.com OR 464-1842 ext. 111.

College Ministry - SEND US YOUR INFORMATION!: College Ministry is now a part of our new Young Adults Ministry (see information below). If

you are attending any type of post-secondary school (including college, community college, vocational, technical, or graduate school, etc.) let

us know your address - whether at home or away. We want to support you in your endeavors as well as offer spiritual formation opportuni-

ties. Send your information (school, year, address) to Kristen Ketron - kristen.ketron@stmatmidlo.com.

New at St. Matthias - Young Adult Ministry: Are you a young adult looking for meaningful spiritual opportunities? Starting this fall, we will be

offering spiritual formation opportunities chosen specifically for young adults. What makes a young adult, you ask? Anyone between the ages

of 18 and 25 years old is welcome to participate.

We will be exploring different avenues that can assist us in examining our faith and becoming closer to God. Possible activities include Bible

study; reaffirming our Baptismal Covenant of: seeking and serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves, striving for justice and

peace among all people, and respecting the dignity of every human being - through books & discussions; as well as fellowship.

Contact Kristen Ketron - kristen.ketron@stmatmidlo.com - for more information.

Seekers class: :: Seekers class: The Seekers class (formerly known as adult forum) will begin meeting via Zoom on Sunday, Sept. 13th at 9:30

a.m. A book discussion, led by John and Debbie Vance, will be on The Monastery of the Heart by Joan Chittister. This is a book on Benedictine

spirituality for contemporary seekers.

Books may be ordered from Amazon.

If you are unable to order a copy yourself, contact Debbie Vance by Friday, September 4. She will be placing an order for pick up at the

church. 804.921.8422 or debra.vance10@gmail.com

Co-Ed Book Club: The co-ed book club continues to meet via Zoom on every Tuesday at 4 pm. There is no book for August but the September

book is When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi and it will be discussed on Sept 15th. The other Tues. we discuss a movie chosen by the

group. Contact Ned Armstrong for more information. Ncarmstron@aol.com

Contributions to the Church Updated

Please continue to offer your faithful gifts by mailing your check to our church office at 11300 West Huguenot Road, Midlothian VA 23113. Please

be sure to note on your check if it is for the General Fund or the Outreach Fund and or how you would like your amount split between the two.

Now that staff are in the office you may also give via debit/credit card over the phone by calling Br. Mark.

On-line giving has been set up and activated to provide an avenue to continue to receive members’ donations. This includes Debit and Credit

cards as well as direct ACH transactions. We offer these various forms of payment of your donations for your convenience and ease, but never

with the wish that you indebt yourselves in so doing. We are grateful for your generosity.

On-line giving is available through our website at www.stmatmidlo.com.

COMMUNITY OF THE GOSPEL PRAYS FOR END TO RACIST VIOLENCE:

Everyone Invited to Participate

The Community of the Gospel, an ecumenical non-residential monastic community with standing in The Episcopal Church, announces a 24 hour

prayer vigil for the end to racist violence on Holy Cross Day, September 14, 2020.

The vigil will be launched with a thirty minute Zoom prayer service officiated by the Community of the Gospel Chaplain, the Rev. Tyrone Fowlkes,

Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Raleigh, N.C. This virtual service is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, from 8:00 PM-8:30 PM EDT. Sign-

up for the Zoom prayer launch on Sunday, the 13th as well as the prayer vigil itself on Monday, the 14th is by Doodle Poll. Zoom invitations will be

sent to all persons who sign up. Please follow this link to sign up: https://doodle.com/poll/i3v4b5h36hyx4ybs

Participants are invited to sign up for one or more hour-long prayer segments on Holy Cross Day, Monday, September 14, from 12 AM through-

out the day, with the vigil ending at midnight.

If you have any questions, please contact Scott Volmer at 757-508

For updates from the Diocese Click on the Link Below:

Diocese of Southern VA.

Shelter Feeding Sat Sept 26: The Shelter Feeding Ministry invites you to serve within this ministry. Our next Shelter Feeding is Saturday, Sept

26h. If you want to help with this wonderful ministry, please make 10 bagged lunches consisting of a sandwich, a fruit snack, a salty treat like

chips, a sweet treat like cookies and a napkin. Please no condiments. If you make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, please mark “PBJ” on the

bag. It is very helpful if you are able to put the 10 lunch bags in one large paper bag or box. We will meet at 9am on Sat, Sept 26th in the parking

lot behind the church.

You may sign up with the invitation that was sent to your email or follow the link to sign up:

Sign Up

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the opportunity for us to be together in pursuit of living your mission at St. Matthias and thank you for the many blessings you

have bestowed upon us.

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) affects our country and the world, we pray that you enter into our hearts, Lord, — hearts that have so much on

them right now.

Amidst our fear, disappointment, confusion, uncertainty, grief, anger, and frustration, we invite you in, Lord because we know you are bigger

than all of that.

Grant us peace and understanding of the cancellations and postponements of events that we've anticipated with joy, and for the social distanc-

ing practices that we find annoying.

Lead us to act with humility, not just to preserve our own safety and health, but to look beyond ourselves and think of how our actions will affect

others.

Give us the grace to step forward without hesitation to be men and women alert to the ways we may help those around us.

Prayer List

Prayer requests can be sent to Br. Mark at Mark.jenkins@stmatmidlo.com.

Our Congregation is asked to keep in their prayers the following:

Rinaldo Redstrom

Carl Johnson

Bill Johnson

Hannah

Patti M.

Libby Board

Sherry Fry

Leonard

Terri & Family

William

Mary Hillard

Jim Quarles

Matt Allen

Judy

Jimmy & Family

Greg Kalata

Margret Cook

Elliott Woodaman

Jane Griffin

Cheryl Brown & Family

Natalie Orr

James Booniwell

Anne Thomas

Lou Zajur Wellhouse

Erik Anderson

/Arnold Strulson

Liz Brengel

Dot Worsham

Rodger Hardy

Gretchen

Dick Harman

Ed McCowan

We also pray for those in the military,

especially:

Todd Batteau

Sooky Brooks

Alex Burton

Christopher Garland

Michael Handlan

Jake Hentges

Rebecca Jenkins

Donta Mason

Tom Montgomery

Phillip Plourd

Andrew Rodgers

Heather Smith

Hank Truillo

Nat Williams

Corey

Spencer

Zach

Members celebrating birthdays

George Brengel 2

Brian Griffin 3

Tammy Reinhardt 3

Honey Copeland 6

The flowers on the altar this Sunday are given to the glory and in loving memory of William & Ellen Vincent by Kathy Case