To My Brothers and Sisters at St. Matthew's,

Grace and peace be with you!
        It is hard to believe that with this Sunday ends the Season of Epiphany. The month was full of events as we went to the Diocesan Convention and then the following week had the Bishop with us. 
        Early in the month, Deloras, Jack, Dawn and I went to the the Diocesan Convention in Chattanooga. In the center of the hall surrounded by all the tables where all of the delegates were seated was a round table covered with a white cloth and decorated with shiny green magnolia leaves and polished stones. In the center was large glass bowl containing smooth gray and brown river rocks covered in water. Around the outside were several small glass bowls, and sprigs of rosemary tied together.
After we renewed our baptismal vows, Bishop Charlie blessed the water and several young people robed in white filled the smaller bowls with the water. Taking the sprays of rosemary and dipping them in the water they walked through the congregation and sprinkled all of us as we sang, “Descend O Spirit, purging flame.” It was an absolutely awesome experience and set the tone for the entire meeting.  In his address Bishop Charlie discussed our Christian journey and the necessity to respond by sowing seeds and serving needs, pointing out that we need to bring into harmony what we pray and how we live. He pointed out the values of ECSET and the possibilities we have in Grace Point.
        The following weekend, on Sunday, Bishop Charlie and his lovely wife Annie came to be with us. It surely was a day to celebrate. Jacy Rojas made his Confirmation and Dawn Sullivan was Received into the Church, and we had the prettiest snowfall in several years. The whiteness of the snow blanketing everything in a crystalline beauty was reminiscent of what God’s grace does for us. The world for a moment in time was beautiful inside and out. And after we all renewed our own baptismal vows and partook of the Eucharist, we feasted. Congratulations, Dawn and Jacy!
     Following our feast, the Council talked with the Bishop about St. Matthew’s. He seemed to be very positive about how things were going. He thought the appearance of the grounds was good and the sign was excellent. He felt that we had an excellent location and there was no need to relocate. At this point however he felt that we could not afford a priest, nor could the Diocese afford to supply us with a full time priest and he suggested we continue developing a Lay Ministry strategy with the advice of Rick Govan and the oversight of Father Marquis and Father Thomas. So for our Vestry retreat on March 18, we are planning on going to Grace Point and hopefully meeting with Rick Govan and the Rev. Suzanna Metz for more insights on our church’s development. Please keep that in your prayers!
        We have started a project on Thursday nights and will be working on making 14 banners for the Stations of the Cross service we will observe during Holy Week. Please don’t be shy and come and help. We need people to design and construct the poles to hold the banners as well as people to make the designs on the banners and sew them together. We hope to line the driveway all the way up to the cross with them.       
        As you know the Season of Epiphany has come to an end and we now turn toward the Season of Lent. This is a time we reflect on Jesus’ period of fasting and preparation for His ministry. During this time, let us set aside time to talk to God and time to listen, that we may discern His will for our lives and His ministry through our church. Remember we are many members and one body with Christ as the head. Each and every one of you is important and has something valuable to give. I thank all of you for all you do to keep our little church going.
                        Love in Christ Always,   Ellie
         

Deacon Ed Scott, Confirmands Jacy Rojas and Dawn Sullivan, Bishop Charlie VonRosenburg

Everyone enjoys the feast.