September 2023 Newsletter
We lost one of our saints, Erika Gibbs on August 9th. She blessed St. Matthias with her presence and was the epitome of having a servant’s heart. She served on our Bishop’s Committee and was our Jr. Warden, Lay Eucharist Minister, Lector and was our Bishop’s Chaplain for both Bishop’s David Reed and Rayford High. She was an instrumental member of our participation in the Episcopal Church Foundation’s Pivot Beta test program. Erika and Rob spent weeks painting the outside of the Parish Hall and installing the new kitchen floor as well as assisting with our annual community Blessing of the Animals and Trunk or Treat events. We’ll be having a Celebration of Life service this month, date TBD.
I will have another opportunity to speak to the broader Episcopal Church, September 12th about the concept of Digital Vergers in engaging our on-line community of faith. I’ll be sharing how St. Matthias engages an ever-expanding on-line community of faith through our digital vergers (Meg, Rob, Karen, and Pat). I’ll also share how the Diocese of West Texas Small Church Ministry is giving small churches hope and enthusiasm through small church dinners, newsletters, and gatherings.