Even to the end of the age.
Dear friends & members of St. Matt's,
I pray this note finds you well. I've enjoyed seeing so many of your faces in these last days, even if we aren't able to be together in person. Thank you for the ways you continue to stay connected, offer to help, and reach out. Even when we're together virtually, God is very much in the midst of us, and I'm so glad to be with you.
As we make our way through this time together, the staff and I are working hard to provide lots of opportunities for worship and connection. I spent a few hours online today with the staff and I am so grateful for the ways they are engaging, building programming, and supporting the life of St. Matt's. We are blessed with a very strong, faithful team. Please take a careful look through our newsletter and join us for prayer, conversation, and formation. Our hope is to provide enough places for you to plug in when you're able, to be fed by our faith and by this community, and to know that you need not go through this time alone. I expect that you'll hear from us twice a week via this e-news, once at the beginning of the week and once toward the end as we prepare for Sundays. We'll continue to include links and events in these emails and you'll be able to find resources on our social media as well. You'll also continue to hear from staff members individually as it relates to activities and opportunities.
In speaking with so many of you, I know that this is a disorienting, isolating experience. And by keeping yourselves at home and apart from others, you are doing the good and faithful thing; something we hope will flatten the curve and help protect the people around us. As Christians, we believe that we are responsible for each other, for the welfare of our neighbors. And because we believe that each of us is made in the image of God, we believe in the beauty and dignity of human life. Protecting those among us who are more vulnerable, supporting the work of our healthcare workers, reaching out to serve each other safely - these are all pieces of what it is to be God's faithful people in this present moment. And I'm so moved by the ways you are doing all of that and more.
And you need not do it alone. Connect with us. If you need something, be in touch and let us know that. If you're having trouble with the technology, reach out and let us help. If you need to talk to me, send me a note and we'll set up a meeting. More than anything, hold on to the truth that the God who loves you is always with you, closer even than your very next breath. And this God who created the heavens and the earth, this God who works wonders, draws near to you and calls you precious and beloved. At the end of Matthew's Gospel, the very last words of the book, and the last words we hear Jesus say are, "Remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." The Gospel ends that way on purpose - so that we will take those words with us and hold on to that promise. May this promise of Jesus, shared by our patron Saint, be a comfort and a blessing to you today. I hope to see you online very soon.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector