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Gentlemen of Saint Matthias, mark your calendars: The next meeting of Men Eating Badly will take place Saturday, February 7 at 8AM at the Greenleaf Café (7203 Greenleaf Avenue) in Historic Uptown Whittier. Join the group to enjoy great conversation, good food, and wonderful fellowship.
Reverend Carole Horton-Howe will be presiding over the Healing Service with Holy Eucharist on the second Saturday of every month. Father Bill will join Reverend Carole when he is available. The Service includes the Rite of Healing, the Anointing of the Holy Oil, and Holy Eucharist. The next service will take place Saturday, January 10 at 5PM. The Healing Service will also be streamed via Facebook. For those In-Person, a reception will follow the Healing Service in Lewis Hall and/or the beautiful Saint Francis Patio depending on the weather conditions. Please plan on participating with us in this spirit-filled event.
The Order of the Daughters of the King is an international organization for women whose vision is to call upon the Holy Spirit to help them know and follow Jesus Christ, to make God known to others and to become reflections of God’s love throughout Saint Matthias and the world. In the past year, the DOK sponsored Quiet Days in Advent and Lent open to everyone to prepare spiritually for the celebrations of Christmas and Easter. The Daughters meet monthly on the third Sunday of each month at 1PM in the Chapel. All women in the parish are welcome to explore this option for spiritual growth and community. For more information, contact the Church Office at office@stmatthiaswhittier.org.
Shrove Tuesday is popularly known as Pancake Day. It is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent (Ash Wednesday). It is the final day of Shrovetide which begins the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and includes Shrove Saturday, Shrove Sunday, Shrove Monday, and Shrove Tuesday. The word “shrove” comes from the Old English word, “shrive”. It means to confess one’s sins and receive absolution. Historically, Christians would go to confession on Shrove Tuesday to enter the 40-day Lenten fast absolved ("shriven") of all their sins. Because Lent was a period of strict fasting (traditionally forbidding meat, eggs, milk, and sugar), families would clear their pantries of these “rich” ingredients throughout Shrovetide so that they would not spoil during Lent.
Join us at our Pancake Supper to celebrate Shrove Tuesday.
The Saint Elizabeth’s Guild provides additional opportunities for fellowship for the women of Saint Matthias. The group meets at 12 noon on the third Thursday of each month in the Chapel. Contact Diana Jimeniz via office@stmatthiaswhittier.org for further information.
The ECW Stitchery Group meets the third Saturday of each month from 9AM to noon in an "open house" environment. Participants are free to drop in and bring a sewing project or stitchery project of their own to work on independently, or to get coaching in learning a new skill. All are welcome. Contact Ellen Mykkanen via office@stmatthiaswhittier.org for more information.
Stephen Ministers are lay people who are trained to work with parishioners going through challenging or stressful times, including a death in the family, job losses, divorce, and many other problems. Stephen Ministers become a friend to their care receivers and compassionate advocates for people who need to be seen, heard, and comforted; they also have resources available to make referrals to professionals if and when a situation demands it. All conversations and visits with Stephen Ministers are absolutely confidential. If you are interested in learning more about this important program, whether you are a person in need or think you might make a good Stephen Minister yourself, please contact the Parish Office at office@stmatthiaswhittier.org. Our current Stephen Leaders are Faye Jackson, Terry Dodd and Sophie McIntosh. The group meets the fourth Sunday of the month at 1PM in the Chapel.
ECW is the umbrella organization for all women’s ministries of the church and includes opportunities for service, study and spiritual growth. All women of Saint Matthias are welcome. The Saint Matthias chapter meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 10AM in the Chase Room. For more information, contact the Church Office at office@stmatthiaswhittier.org.
The next meeting of the Bibliophiles Book Club will take place Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30PM via ZOOM. The group will be discussing The Humans by Matt Haig
"The Humans is a funny story about an alien who is sent to Earth to take over the body of a Cambridge mathematician who has proven a major hypothesis; and the alien becomes fascinated and changed by human life, love, and imperfection.”
As we approach that date, Fred Adams will provide information for the ZOOM link. Remember, everyone is welcome to attend and participate even if you haven’t read the selected book. Please join us for the lively discussion and commentary.
Contact Fred Adams or the Parish Office for details on participating with the Bibliophiles.
Fred Adams penned the following invitation to encourage all of us to participate in the Bibliophile's Book Club:
"We the members of the mighty Bibliophiles Book Club of Saint Matthias humbly invite you to join us. Recognizing how busy we all are in our daily lives and work, we have changed our meetings from every month to every 6 weeks beginning on June 3rd. Whew! I feel relieved already. Now that we have more breathing room perhaps more folks can break free for some refreshing conversations and fellowship. We will still meet at 6:30 pm on Zoom.
The meetings are pretty lively and let me publish once again this well-known fact. You do not have to have read the book! What? -- a book club meeting without having read the book? Yes, indeed. And here's why. While the conversation starts out with a discussion about the book, it inevitably evolves into the larger issues brought out by the author; topics about which each of us often have something to add. So, there is something for everyone!"
Contact Fred or the Parish Office for details on participating with the Bibliophiles.
"Oh the places you'll go! There is fun to be done!"
Dr. Seuss
Bible Study continues this upcoming Wednesday, February 4 at 10AM in the Chapel. The Group's focus is on the Acts of the Apostles, the second of the two-volume set consisting of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Reverend Carole is leading the study and is providing an in-depth look into the significance of this compendium to the origins of Christianity. All are welcome to participate in person or via ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88198890910 Meeting ID: 881 9889 0910.
Acceptable Items
Audio
Cassette Recorders, CD Players, Cell Phones, Digital Music Players, Electronic Piano Keyboards, Office Phones, Speakers, Stereos
Visual
Cable Boxes, Cameras, DVD Players, Projectors, Televisions, VCRs
Computer Equipment
Circuit Boards, Cords and Cables, Computer Keyboards, Computer Mice, Fax Machines, Laptops, Mainframes, Modems, Printers/Scanners, Servers, Tablets, Video Game Consoles
Non-Acceptable Items
Air Conditioners, Alkaline Batteries, Bulbs, Ceiling Fans, Large and Small Household Appliances, Microwave Ovens, Fire Extinguishers, Furniture, Refrigerators, Smoke and Fire Detectors, Treadmills
Reignite your Eternal Light and celebrate with us in person or join us virtually wherever you are in the world
Christmas Eve, December 24, 4PM
Festive Family Service with Holy Eucharist
Download the Bulletin for the 4PM Service here.
Christmas Eve, December 24, 8PM
Choral Eucharist with Instrumental Accompaniment
Download the Bulletin for the 8PM Service here.
Christmas Day, December 25, 10AM
Holy Eucharist with Piano, Organ, and Vocal Accompaniment
Download the Bulletin for the 10AM Service here.
First Sunday after Christmas, December 28, 10AM
Festival of Lessons and Carols
Second Sunday after Christmas, January 4
Holy Eucharist and Choral Eucharist at the 8AM and 10AM Services respectively
In-Person: 7056 Washington Avenue, Whittier, California, 90602
Streaming: https://www.facebook.com/stmatthiaswhittier
The Feast of Memorial Lights celebrating All Souls’ Day is the third Festival Day of All Hallowtide consisting of the triduum of All Saint’s Eve (Halloween), All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day), and All Souls’ Day. Saint Matthias and the Saint Matthias Community honor all departed Souls at the festive Feast of Memorial Lights Evensong celebration during which all beloved departed can be memorialized and their spirits resurrected in the eternal flame of light. Memorialize your beloved relatives, friends, acquaintances, inspirational role models, war or 911 victims, veterans, or pets by purchasing lights in their honor. Join us after the Evensong celebration for a festive dinner.
Download the Feast of Memorial Lights Evensong and Dinner Reception Order Form here.
Homecoming Sunday will take place on Sunday, September 14, following the 10AM service. Join us for a wonderful lunch highlighted by grilled hot dogs and all the requisite accoutrements. Bond with old and new friends. Acquaint or re-acquaint yourself with the varied ministries and services performed by your very loving parishioners. But, most importantly, explore the opportunities available for you to grow emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually in the remaining months of 2025 and into 2026.
Let's sing it in unison: "I scream ... You scream ... We all scream for ice cream". The Annual ECW Ice Cream Social and Bingo will be held Sunday, August 31, in Lewis Hall following the 10AM service. In addition to the delicious ice cream and bingo with prizes for the winners, there will be a silent auction of handcrafted quilts. Mark your calendars now for this fun-filled event Labor Day Sunday.
Our Summer Potluck Series continues on the third Thursday of each month. The final Summer Potluck will take place August 21 at 6:30PM. Come and enjoy delicious food, great fellowship, and loads of fun. There will be no agendas, no surveys, no quizzes, just plain frivolity and good food.
The Annual Meeting of the Corporation of Saint Matthias Episcopal Church will be held on Sunday, February 2, immediately following the 10AM service. The agenda will include updates on the search for our next rector, the financial state of the church business, formal installment of the 2025 Vestry, and an overview of the facilities maintenance projects completed and planned. Make sure to join us for this very important event.
Here are the topics we will be covering during this very special event. You will be hearing about the state of our church, the progress we are making in our search for our next Rector, our financial status, the state of our building and facility infrastructure, the very important role our brilliant Saint Matthias Choir plays in all our lives and worship, and the exciting news of the rejuvenation of our Christian Education program from our newly hired education coordinator. The future of Saint Matthias is indeed bright. Please join us for this very exciting and informative event.
The renowned Los Angeles Recorder Orchestra (LARO) under the leadership of Director and Conductor Tom Axworthy will be presenting a concert of sacred music from the 15th and 16th Centuries, Saturday evening September 28 at 5PM, in our historic and acoustically pristine Saint Matthias Episcopal Church. The first half of the program will include compositions by Pierre de la Rue (Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes, De Pacem Domine, Absalon fili mi), Josquin des Prez (Absolon fili mi), and Guillaume du Fay (Bon jours, bon mois, bon an). The second half of the program will highlight the Missa Assumpta est Maria with the music of the Ordinary Mass by Pierre de la Rue interlaced with Propers for the Feast of the Assumption by Francesco de Layolle. Myk Price (Bells) and Steve Padilla (Singer) will join LARO in the performance of the Missa. The musical program will be contiguous with no intermissions. The LARO do not charge admission to their concerts, but welcome donations. A reception will follow the concert in the beautiful Saint Francis patio.
Join us Sunday, September 15, 2024 to enjoy a wide variety of enriching activities from our varied ‘small groups’ and indulge your taste buds with the delicacies prepared for us by our incomparable Saint Matthias chefs and bakers.
Join us in Lewis Hall immediately following the 10am Service to participate in our annual ‘back to school’ Ice Cream Social. Sample a wide variety of delicious treats and enjoy the comradery of family and friends.
Holy Eucharist 5 PM • Join us for a contemplative evening service, including a time of prayer for those in need of healing.
Bibliophiles' May Selection: Prequel by Rachel Maddow
The Bibliophiles welcome everyone to join them in reading and discussing May's selection: Prequel, An American Fight Against Fascism by Rachel Maddow. In this book, "Rachel Maddow traces the fight to preserve American democracy back to World War II, when a handful of committed public servants and brave private citizens thwarted far-right plotters trying to steer our nation toward an alliance with the Nazis." The Club meets Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30PM via ZOOM. Contact Fred Adams for the ZOOM information to join the discussion.
PENTECOST means “the fiftieth day.” It is used in both the OT and the NT. In the OT it refers to a feast of seven weeks known as the Feast of Weeks. It was apparently an agricultural event that focused on the harvesting of first fruits. Josephus referred to Pentecost as the fiftieth day after the first day of Passover. The term is used in the NT to refer to the coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1), shortly after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension. Christians came to understand the meaning of Pentecost in terms of the gift of the Spirit. The Pentecost event was the fulfillment of a promise which Jesus gave concerning the return of the Holy Spirit. The speaking in tongues, which was a major effect of having received the Spirit, is interpreted by some to symbolize the church's worldwide preaching. In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is now the seventh Sunday after Easter. It emphasizes that the church is understood as the body of Christ which is drawn together and given life by the Holy Spirit. Some understand Pentecost to be the origin and sending out of the church into the world. The Day of Pentecost is one of the seven principal feasts of the church year in the Episcopal Church (BCP, p. 15). The Day of Pentecost is identified by the BCP as one of the feasts that is “especially appropriate” for baptism (p. 312). The liturgical color for the feast is red. Pentecost has also been known as Whitsun or Whitsunday, a corruption of “White Sunday.” This term reflects the custom by which those who were baptized at the Vigil of Pentecost would wear their white baptismal garments to church on the Day of Pentecost. The BCP provides directions for observance of a Vigil of Pentecost, which begins with the Service of Light (p. 227). The Hymnal 1982 provides a variety of hymns for Pentecost (Hymns 223-230) and the Holy Spirit (Hymns 500-516).
DAY OF PENTECOST with the Reverend Hartshorn Murphy presiding
8AM - Mass with Holy Eucharist, Church, In-Person
10AM - Joyous Choral Music Mass with Holy Eucharist, Church, In-Person and Streaming via Facebook
11:30AM - Celebration of PENTECOST, Saint Francis Patio, In-Person
Annual ECW Tea Party and Silent Quilt Auction
Join us for the Annual ECW Tea Party on Sunday, May 5, immediately following the 10AM worship service. Tea Party faire will be served and a silent auction of handmade quilts from the Friendship Square Quilt Guild of La Habra will be held. Proceeds from the auction will go to our own Loving Thing. Alice may not be there, but what a great way to gather and chat with a new twist on The Classic Episcopalian Coffee Hour, celebrating Cinco de Mayo. All are welcome!
Feast of Lights Memorial Evensong
We will be celebrating the lives of all our loved ones (Family, Relatives, Friends, Inspirational Leaders, and, of course, our beloved pets) at our annual Feast of Lights Memorial Evensong Service, Sunday, November 5 at 5PM. Registration Forms to register the names of our beloved to be memorialized during the service and to sign up for the dinner following the service are available in the Church's Narthex. The forms can also be downloaded here: Feast of Lights Memorial Evensong 2023 Registration Form. You can submit payment online via Venmo here: Feast of Lights Payment via Venmo
Holy Eucharist, 8 AM * Holy Eucharist, 10 AM * Sunday School, 10 AM * Coffee Hour, 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist, 5 PM * Choir Prelude, 10:30 PM * Holy Eucharist, 11 PM
Holy Eucharist, 8 AM * Holy Eucharist, 10 AM * Sunday School, 10 AM * Coffee Hour, 11:15 AM
The Saint Elizabeth’s Guild provides fellowship for the women of the church; the group meets at noon on the third Thursday of each month for a potluck luncheon.
Potluck luncheon following the 10:00 a.m. service.
Holy Eucharist, 8 AM * Holy Eucharist, 10 AM * Sunday School, 10 AM * Coffee Hour, 11:15 AM
Let’s go Caroling! All are welcome and encouraged to help brighten someone’s holiday with the gift of music. Dec 8th at 5pm we will meet in the Chapel and carpool to 3 nearby residences. Dress warm and have a good dinner. Hot chocolate and cookies to follow. For more information please contact
Angela Warner (562) 587-5988
Holy Eucharist, 8 AM * Holy Eucharist, 10 AM * Sunday School, 10 AM * Coffee Hour, 11:15 AM
Holy Eucharist 5 PM • Join us for our quieter, more contemplative evening service, including a time of prayer for those in need of healing.
Prepare for Christmas with a morning of prayer and reflection focusing on the Advent themes of waiting and anticipation.
For more information, see Angela Warner or contact Rev. Carole Horton-Howe at carole@stmatthiaswhittier.org.
Men eating badly (and having good conversation and fellowship).
Holy Eucharist, 8 AM * Holy Eucharist, 10 AM * Sunday School, 10 AM * Coffee Hour, 11:15 AM
