January 2019To know Christ and to make Him known

A New Year’s Devotion from the Rector

January brings with it New Year’s resolutions. Along with afew spiritual disciplines, I plan to cut down on sugar intake, andto exercise more. I share to convey, in part, that Christians(clergy included) are normal people in this regard. We see ourshortcomings, regret them, and seek to become better people.

But, in another sense, our faith brings with it an alternativeperspective on resolutions. Christians affirm that there is more tolife than our performance. We acknowledge that our standing inthe world is based upon more than our good deeds and arethankful for God’s unlimited grace in this regard.

This means we can take resolutions with a grain of salt. Wesee through them a bit, knowing how quickly they bow downbefore our self-defeating instincts. And we are not surprisedwhen this happens. St. Paul’s words still ring true: “Cursed iseveryone who does not continue to do everything written in thebook of the law.” And, likewise, the Gospel message still bringscomfort to those of us who have blown it by February, or who arefeeling “weary and heavy-laden.”

In George Eliot’s brilliant novelette, Janet’s Repentance,Janet comes to church hoping to hear a word of hope that is notcontingent upon some form of self-improvement. We read:

“Perhaps there was some message of comfort, different fromthe feeble words she had become so used to hearing from others.She was tired, she was sick of barren exhortation… She wantedsomething to rely on besides her own resolutions; for was thepath behind her not all strewn with broken resolutions?”It is into this place in our hearts, the place of regret and failedresolution-resilience, that the grace of God springs into highrelief. “Come unto me…”

Theologian Steve Brown tells the story of a little boy whoshoots and kills his grandmother’s beloved pet duck with a slingshot. His sister, who spies the event, uses it to blackmail herbrother into doing all of her chores. She whispers into his ear:“Remember the duck…” and the boy steps up to do her bidding. But after a year of such treatment, the boy becomes exhausted.He finally goes to his grandmother, and, with his head hanginglow, tells her: “I know what happened to your duck. I shot andkilled it with my sling shot.” To this she responds: “I saw thewhole thing from my kitchen window and forgave you then. I’vebeen waiting for you to tire of your sister’s blackmail, hoping thatyou might come tell me about it.”

Just like that grandmother’s voice, grace absorbs theaccusations of our conscience. It says to every failed resolution:“Neither do I condemn thee...” Remember that God loves you asmuch on Dec. 31 as He does on Jan. 2.

Grace & peace,

Mark Your Calendars! Art Show: Bedford Spans Two Winter Weekends!

If you haven’t done so already, please markyour calendars to attend Art Show: Bedfordwhich will be on display in the Parish Housefor two weekends: Jan. 25-27 and Feb. 1-3.The hours each day are from 11 a.m. to 5p.m.

Art Show: Bedford is a juried show thatfeatures collector-quality artwork and craftscreated by artists from this region. The Womenof St. Matthew’s donate one hundred percent ofthe proceeds of the show to support many localnonprofits that benefit needy and marginalized persons throughoutWestchester.

The 46th Annual Art Show: Bedford will kick off with an excitingPreview Party in the Fellowship Room on Fri., Jan. 25 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. All parishioners should have received an invitation in the mail inearly December. If you haven’t already returned your RSVP cards ormade your reservation through Realm, please do so soon. The PreviewParty is sure to be better than ever this year. Tickets are $125 in advance;$150 at the door.Parish participation isimportant for the ArtShow since it is ourchurch’s major annualoutreach fundraiser.

The Preview Partywill feature delectableappetizers catered byHappiness Is,accompanied bychampagne, wine andbeer provided by TheWine Connection and The Study Fine Wines. The ever-popular band,DogBone, consisting of Mark Weigel and friends, will serenade the party.

On Saturday evening, Feb. 2, from 5-6 p.m., all are invited to attend aCollector’s Evening when Lewis and Laura Kruger will offer theirinsightful perspectives on collecting art. Lewis Kruger is ChairmanEmeritus at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. LauraKruger, an art historian, is the curator of the Hebrew Union CollegeMuseum. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door for $45which includes wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Thirty-eight artists will participate in this year’s show, sellingpaintings, photographs and sculpture, as well as hand-made jewelry, glassitems and pottery. Works run the gamut from contemporary to traditionalstyles, and there is something to appeal to everyone.

Again, please mark both Art Show weekends on your calendars andinvite your friends. In the meantime, visit our newly updated website atwww.artshowbedford.com to view artists’ works and bios and to obtainmore information about this exciting show.

Caroline Walker

Confirmation and High SchoolYouth Group News

Without doubt the Januaryhighlight for our confirmands andour High School children will beattending the annual Martin LutherKing Jr. Worship Service atAntioch Baptist Church at 4 p.m.on Sun., Jan. 20. All those who come along will no doubt enjoythis moving community service in the late afternoon beforeheading over to Kicho in Bedford Hills for supper.

In other events this month, the High Schoolers will gather at 4p.m. on Sun. Jan. 13 for another spiritual deep dive with pizza inthe Fellowship Room; and confirmands will have class with me at4 p.m. in the Vestry Room on Sun., Jan. 13 and 27.

Rik Pike

A Christmas Gift for St. Matthew’s:“Movies of Grace”

Dear St. Matthew’s,

As you know, I’m a big film buff. I especially lovemovies that breathe life into theological ideas. So movies thatooze grace, mercy, advocacy, redemption, faith, self-sacrifice,steadfastness, hope, etc… are the stuff that typically stayswith me. With this in mind, we have just ordered a bunch ofDVDs with which we can officially start our new “Movies ofGrace” DVD Library. You can find them on a shelf in TheFellowship Room.

The selection features more than 50 carefully chosen movies,and the variety of genres is enormous, including mainstreamHollywood releases, documentaries, classics, indies, foreignfilms, and family-friendly options. We have already collected ahuge list of great movies – we hope you will browse the stacksand borrow them (one-at-a-time) for home viewing. They’refree! Just check them out on the sign-out sheet. One final note:this library was funded through the generous contribution of anew parishioner. There are many movies (and TV series) that wewould still love to add to the collection. If you would like tomake a contribution toward this effort, please make a gift to“Adult Education Movies of Grace.” Thanks so much! If youhave any questions about this project, please don’t hesitate to getin touch with me.

Celluloid blessings,

Happy New Year to all our ChurchSchool families!

Before we dive head first into thisfabulous new year I wanted to reflectbriefly on the one just past. JohnZahl’s arrival in September broughtmany great changes to the Children'sMinistry and I know he still has lots ofnew ideas to share with us. January isgoing to be a month of planning –2019 will be an exciting time!

Looking back over the last few months since I started my workhere at St Matthew’s, I feel blessed to be part of something sospecial. Thank you all for the encouragement you have given meand most importantly to all the wonderful volunteers who work sohard to make our children’s offering so great. There is real energy inour efforts and you only have to talk to the children about what theyare learning to understand the huge impact we are having sowingthose seeds of faith.

Since this Church School year started we are delighted to havebeen joined by several new families, and a really good number ofchildren are attending regularly on Sunday mornings. New Bibleswere purchased for the classrooms, which are full text Bibles buttranslated using child friendly language and fun illustrations. Thenewly introduced lesson plans which complement our Episcopalcurriculum are helping teachers really focus on the key learningpoints for children each week. Church School has also gone fulltime!...in the past, Church School tended to stop on holidayweekends. We are now working to make sure that we have achildren’s offering every Sunday – so if you are at home for theholidays, we are here too and want to share them with you!

Looking ahead to next month, a date for your diaries: Feb.3,Super Bowl Sunday and our annual bake sale. Please start thinkingabout what you might bring to this fun event, savory or sweet. Let'sall join in on this “bring and buy” sale to raise money for HourChildren and also make the big game even more fun to watch!

I am praying that this year ahead will be filled with blessings foryou and your children, that our faith and the St. Matthew’sChildren’s ministry might grow and thrive to better reflect God’sglory. See you on Sunday.

Blessings, Tara Deeks

Mark Your Calendars!The annual St. Matthew’s Parish Meeting will be held on Sun.,

Feb. 10 following the 10 a.m. service. Rector John Zahl and SeniorWarden Dan de Menocal will present the Annual Report and give anoverview of the state of the church, highlights of the past year, andgoals for 2019. Look for the February Key for the proposed slate ofnew Vestry, to be voted on during that meeting.

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Immediately followingthe Pageant on Dec. 23,we had a wonderfulcelebration of a newministry – the Institutionand Induction of JohnZahl as the 13th Rector ofSt. Matthew’s. OurBishop, the RightReverend AndrewDietsche was the presiding

celebrant for the service,which included manyEpiscopal traditions, suchas the wardens presentingJohn the keys to thechurch; the Altar Guildpresenting the wine andthe bread and Deidre andDaphne Zahl presentinghim a stole, to “be amongus as a pastor and priest.”

John Zahl is now Officially Our 13th Rector!

Bedell Fund Makes Two GrantsIn November, Saint Matthew’s awarded two major grants from

its Bedell Fund, which was established in 1994 after a bequestfrom Hope Bedellto strengthen theEpiscopal Churchthrough fundingof capital projectsand clergysupport.

The HolyCross Monastery,located on thewest bank of the Hudson and north of Poughkeepsie, is home to 13life professed and 3 initially professed brothers, and also has over3,000 guests per year, including many Episcopal, St. Matthew’s,and other church groups from Westchester County. The monasteryoffers numerous and varied retreat programs to the public, a formalprogram of spiritual direction to clergy in the region, and severalpublic worship services per day. Overall, the monastery is aninvaluable resource to the diocese, to the public, and especially tothe clergy.

The campus was established in 1904, and expandedsignificantly in both 1921 and 1965, and the buildings now requirecorrection of deferred maintenance and important upgrades such asa handicapped-accessible elevator, modernized rest rooms, andsome limited air conditioning. The monastery has independentlyraised over $1 million for its endowment and $1.5 million forother needed capital upgrades to the physical plant, and after arecommendation by the Bedell Committee, our vestry awarded$100,000 toward a complete renovation of the sacristy and thebell-tower corridor in the 1921 church building.

St. Luke’s Church, Somers, also presented an application forBedell support of renovations and repairs to its main churchbuilding. The committee recommended and the vestry hasapproved another grant of $100,000. The funds will go towardsrepainting the entire exterior of the church, replacing large shuttersthat have deteriorated, and installing a new handicap access rampalong with a chair lift. After raising funds from its parishioners,St. Luke’s is also carrying out repairs to the church steeple, amajor landmark in town.

Somers is a thriving community with new commercialdevelopments in the works including town homes and a newsupermarket. St. Luke’s was incorporated in 1853 and is woveninto the fabric of the community and beyond through a number ofoutreach programs including a thrift shop, addiction programs, afood pantry and a pet cemetery. We are excited to be part of thegrowth and future of a church in a neighboring community underthe leadership of Mike Watson, priest-in-charge.

Dale Akinla and Luther Peacock, Co-chairs, Bedell Fund Committee

Coming Soon! Grace in DowntonAbbey (& other British Television)

A new Rector’s Classkicks off on Sundaymornings, starting on January6, at 9 a.m. in the VestryRoom. If you like Englishtelevision and/or grace, thisseries is for you. We will befocusing primarily onDownton Abbey,Grantchester, The Queen, and Call the Midwife.

It will run each Sunday from 9-9:45 a.m. through the end ofFebruary. Please note that one does not need to be familiar withDownton Abbey in order to attend. All are welcome.

Heart & Fish, JAZ+

The Spirit of Giving at St. Matthew’s Preschool

The St. Matthew’s Preschool Parent Association organized aschoolwide community outreach program for the Pajama Program.The children and families collected new pajamas and books and onDec. 10 participated in “Wear a Pair, Donate a Pair!” All of thechildren and staff came to school dressed in their pajamas. Childrenwere photographed holding a pair of pajamas or book they donatedto the program.

The Pajama Program’s mission is to “deliver good nights with anintention of providing good days.” Further information regarding thePajama Program can be found at: https://pajamaprogram.org/ourwork

Stewardship – Still Looking for 100%

Did you get everything you wanted for Christmas? Yourstewardship committee was wishing for 100% participation in theAnnual Stewardship Campaign, and we are not there yet … Wouldyou please make our Christmas wishes come true? We don’t have adollar amount in mind BUT if each of the families who did notpledge last year would make a commitment to $20 per week, we canexecute new programming, including a youth program! Please bepart of the future of St. Matthew’s by contributing today!

If you have suggestions on how to improve the life of St.Matthew’s, WE WANT TO HEAR THEM. We will be randomlycalling parishioners this month … if you would like to be called,please send an email to one of us or to Kelly in the office.

Doug Kim, Lorraine Reeder and Paul Sturz

Looking for a good New Year’sResolution?

“Like the sugar in ourtea, may we all be stirred byThee…” There’s no betterway to deepen one’sspiritual life than throughthe study of Scripture. Whynot use this New Year as an opportunity to dig into the Bible afresh?The Wednesday Morning Bible Study group invites you to join usany Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Vestry Room, following an optionalEucharist service at 10 a.m. Bring your own Bible, any translation isfine. If you don’t have a copy, we’ll happily provide you with one.And we also have coffee and baked yummies. All are welcome.

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It was a joyful and festive day on Dec. 2for our annual Christmas Brunch. TheFellowship Room was brimming withwreaths, plants, gifts, and scrumptiousculinary delights… and a beautiful Wish

Tree, filled with stars to help a needy adultor child from A-Home, Hope's Door or HourChildren. Many thanks to the Women of St.Matthew’s and everyone who worked sohard to make the day a wonderful success.

Wreath MakingEvery year, year after year, Phillis Warden opens her

house to a group of hard-working volunteers to make thebeautiful wreaths to be sold at the Brunch. Thank you,Phillis, for donating the space and your expertise.

Carols & LessonsThe annual Carols & Lessons service had

wonderful readers including Alexandra Griffinand Polly Finn.

Great TreesMany thanks to Paul and Lindsay Matthews and all

the hard workers who organized the Christmas TreeSale, Dec. 1- 2. This not only raised money for thechurch, but also supplied many people with the bestChristmas trees they will ever have. A special nod goesto Will Gourd who oversaw the sales from beginning toend both Saturday and Sunday.

Decorating A hardy group of parishioners (big elves

and little elves) helped get the Christmas treein the church and decorate it.

Did you see the window decorations in the Children’s Chapel? Connie Lindsay Stewartand Linda DeMenocal led a crew that did a fantastic job but changed them weekly.

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A Bountiful Brunch

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A Near Perfect PageantWhen our Church School brought the

Christmas story to life for our annual Pageant,we had Joseph and Mary, friendly beasts, wisemen, three kings,glowing angelsand even a ponyfrom EndeavorTherapeutic whomade the dayeven morememorable.

What would Advent and Christmas bewithout Music!

Throughout all the events inDecember, the music was spectacular.On Sun., Dec. 9, we had a beautifulservice of Lessons and Carols, withinterludes of harp. On Wed., Dec. 12,the Bedford ChamberConcert presented its holidayall Vivaldi concert includingthe Four Seasons. TheFestival of Music on Dec. 16was outstanding with oursuper choir performing PartOne of Handel’s Messiah.The choir again performedbefore the 10 p.m. Christmas Eve service with Christmas favorites and selectionsfrom the Messiah. We are so lucky to have Tony as our music director, amagnificent choir and and parishioners who love to sing.

Caroling on a Cold NightOver 25 parishioners gathered on a cold

Sunday evening to bring Christmas cheer toparishioners home bound. A wonderful night forboth those singing and those inside.

Men’s BreakfastThe Men of St. Matthew's

met on Dec. 15 for a breakfastfeast prepared by Bill Fagan,singing carols with Doug Kim onthe piano and John Zahl leadingthe conversation.

Our Holiday BoutiqueThanks to hard work by Missy Renwick, Suzanne Bowers and a great

committee, the annual HolidayBoutique was a huge success.

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Epiphany Sunday, January 6, 20198:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I

Altar Guild: Ms. Morella and Mrs. ReederUshers: Messrs. Bolen and FaganLay Reader: Mrs. ReederLector: Mrs. Talty

10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II and All School CommunionAltar Guild: Mesdames Borner and BrennerUshers: Messrs. Inglis, Keller, Ketchum and RyanLay Reader: Mrs. ThompsonLector: Mr. Gale

5:00 p.m. Epiphany Eucharist, Children’s ChapelAltar Guild: Mrs. Sturz

First Sunday after the Epiphany, January 138:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Altar Guild: Mesdames Reed and MacDonaldUshers: Messrs. MacDonald and ReedLay Reader: Mr. BrownLector: Mr. Bolen

10:00 a.m. Morning Prayer and Church SchoolUshers: Messrs. Akinla, Belknap, Borner and Brown, Jr.Lay Reader: Ms. SwansonLector: Mrs. LaMotte

5:00 p.m. Come As You Are Eucharist, Children’s ChapelAltar Guild: Mrs. Meyer

Second Sunday after the Epiphany, January 208:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I

Altar Guild: Mesdames Fagan and TiltUshers: Mr. and Mrs. ReederLay Reader: Mrs. FaganLector: Mrs. Tilt

10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I and Church SchoolAltar Guild: Mesdames Pinckney and SturzUshers: Messrs. Burdick, de Menocal, Eshoo and FoosheeLay Reader: Mrs. AkinlaLector: Mrs. Ehrlich

4:00 p.m. Rev. Martin Luther King Worship Service, Antioch Baptist Church

Third Sunday after the Epiphany, January 278:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Altar Guild: Mesdames Meyer and ScottUshers: Mr. and Mrs. FaganLay Reader: Mr. Stockbridge Lector: Mrs. Tilt

10:00 a.m. Morning Prayer and Church SchoolUshers: Messrs. Douglas, Gaynor, Hancock and LaMotteLay Reader: Mrs. TisiLector: Elizabeth Deeks

5:00 p.m. Come As You Are Eucharist, Children’s ChapelAltar Guild: Mrs. Talty

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 38:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I

Altar Guild: Ms. Morella and Mrs. ReederUshers: Messers. Bowers and FaganLay Reader: Mrs. ReederLector: Mrs. Tilt

10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II and All School CommunionAltar Guild: Mesdames Borner and BrennerUshers: Messrs. Lovering, MacLean, Maybank and McKennaLay Reader: Mrs. TisiLector: Helen Dorothea Jorgensen

5:00 p.m. Come As You Are Eucharist, Children’s ChapelAltar Guild: Mrs. Borner

St. Matthew’s ChurchJohn A. Zahl, Rector

382 Cantitoe Street P.O. Box 293 Bedford, N.Y. 10506

(914) 234-9636www.stmatthewsbedford.org

Midweek Holy Eucharist and Bible Study on Wednesday at 10 a.m. January Church Calendar

Comings & GoingsNew or Returning Parishioners

Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Peter Hallock Mr. & Mrs. C. Michael Phillippo696 Old Post Road 9 South Bedford Road

Bedford, New York 10506 Pound Ridge, New York 10576

Change of AddressMr. Abram Claude, Jr.

The Bristal Apt. 269

90 Business Park Drive Armonk, New York 10504

Holy MatrimonyMay they grow in love and peace with our Lord and one another

Lily Geiger and William Kast – December 29, 2018

In MemoriamIn sure and certain hope

Helen Henshaw – December 1, 2018Robert Dell’Angelo – Dec. 12, 2018Odette Austin – Dec. 15, 2018Katherine (Cassie) Kernan, Dec. 18, 2018

With Heartfelt Gratitude andThanks

Deacon Elena Barnumhas been a treasure to St.Matthew’s Church, especiallyduring our transition over thepast 18 months. It is withsadness, though we are happyfor her, that we announce thatshe will be leaving St.Matthew’s to begin a newchapter in New York Citywhere she can be closer toher family. She has given somuch of herself to our parishioners. Her loving and wise presence,her gentle grace and guidance will certainly be missed by us all.

We would like to celebrate Deacon Elena and recognize herinvaluable pastoral contributions at the 10 a.m. service on EpiphanySunday, Jan. 6 which will be her last day with us. This will befollowed by a celebration of her ministry at Coffee Hour. Pleasecome to help give thanks and wish her well.

May God bless her in the bountiful ways that she has blessed us.

A strong showingof St. Matthew’sparishioners showedup at the Cathedral ofSt. John the Divine tosee John Taltyhonored by EpiscopalCharities for his 11years of outstandingservice to theorganization.