Dear friends in Christ,
After what has been a week filled with mostly rain and overcast skies, it’s a nice day to enjoy the outdoors here in beautiful Carlisle as I walk downtown and enjoy the sights and sounds of shops and restaurants that have re-opened since the pandemic. I hope you are able to enjoy this beautiful day!
We invite you to join us for worship Sunday morning beginning at 9:30 am inside our sanctuary. At our meeting last week, Church Council unanimously voted to worship indoors each Sunday, and we will continue to wear masks and practice social distancing to keep our members and friends safe who have not yet been vaccinated or who are unable to do so. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
Sunday worship – This week we will again hear Jesus’ words spoken through the Gospel of Mark. Mark 4 is a series of parables, many of them drawn from agricultural life prevalent during the time of Jesus, including the familiar parable of the sower and the seed (which we heard last summer from the Gospel of Matthew).
Treasurer Change – Because of changing licensure and banking regulations, Deb Flyte will no longer be able to act as our treasurer. As of Friday, June 11, John Evans will fill that position. Deb will continue to advise us regarding financial matters. The council will be searching for a new treasurer as soon as possible.
Celebrating our RIC Anniversary – A reminder that we will have a special guest joining us on Sunday, June 27, as we celebrate our second anniversary as a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Congregation. The Rev. Dr. Guy Erwin, President of United Lutheran Seminary and former Bishop of the ELCA’s Southwest California Synod, will join us to preach and celebrate our anniversary. Dr. Erwin is the ELCA’s first gay, partnered bishop and the first openly gay male to serve in that office in the churches of the Lutheran World Federation. As an enrolled member of the Osage Nation, on whose reservation he was born in Oklahoma, he is the first Native bishop in the ELCA. Dr. Erwin was elected as synod bishop in 2013 and served in that role until his appointment as ULS president in 2020. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend, as we will host a reception brunch following worship to bid godspeed to Vicar MJ, welcome Vicar David, greet Dr. Erwin, and celebrate our RIC Anniversary!
Worship-at-Home Packets — During the seasons of Advent and Lent, we provided Worship-at-Home packets to help members stay connected while we were unable to worship in person during the pandemic. Although we are now gathering in-person, we are glad to provide Worship-at-Home packets for anyone who is unable to worship at the church. If you would like to receive packets for the current Season after Pentecost, please email vicarmartyjo@gmail.com or leave a message on the church voice mail (717-245-2475) and we will see that you get a set!
Giving to St. Matthias – We are grateful for your continued offerings of time, talent, and treasure to St. Matthias.is
We have set up a secure online giving tool (endorsed by the ELCA and used by more than 4,000 churches) through Tithely. You may give online by clicking on the link below — and you may also use the site to set up recurring giving, where your gift will be automatically deducted on a day of your choosing. There’s also a green DONATE button at the bottom of this bulletin (and at the bottom of our website) that you nay click on to make a gift. If you have any questions on how to use this service, please let Vicar MJ know. THANK YOU for your continued support of St. Matthias and its ministry.
https://tithe.ly/give?c=2732717
Prayer List – All those affected by Covid-19, all affected by gun violence in our nation, conflict and violence in the Middle East, those who are traveling during the summer months, Christian M. (Marines) and all military service personnel, Pam, Betty Lou, Mark, Pat, Seth, DJ, Margaret, Sally, George, Arleen, Greg, Charles, Carol, Darryl, Billie, Dave, Wayne and family, Troy Snyder, Tim and Lisa Myers, the Hurley family, and all who ask for the Lord’s healing and mercy.
God’s Peace,
Vicar MJ