Latest News and Events title
2020 News & Events

Worship at St Matthew's
Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions our services have been cancelled until further notice.

Colleen will be recording the Wednesday reflections and the Sunday Eucharist and these will be uploaded to our YouTube channel.
Click here to view our channel.

The weekly reflection, sermon and
pew sheet will continue to be
available here.


Reflections & Sermons
Colleen's reflections for Wednesday 1st July can also be viewed here and her sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost here.
Previous editions can be viewed here.

Our new Vicar!
The Rev'd Colleen ClaytonThe Rev'd Colleen Clayton has now joined us at St Matthew's as our new Vicar!
Colleen has written a letter to the parish which can be viewed here and she has also written her Sermon for
Good Shepherd Sunday which can be viewed here.
St Matthew's now has a YouTube channel and Colleen will be posting regular videos so please have a look!
Click here to view.


Thank you and welcome!
We thank Fr Geoff for his time as our Locum priest over the last 12 months. We wish him and Jane all the very best for the future.
Although we cannot be gathered together please think of Colleen as she is Commissioned as Priest-in-Charge of St Matthew's on Tuesday 28 April. We extend a warm welcome to her and look forward to her ministry in our parish.

'In Touch' Newsletter
Fr Geoff has produced a newsletter 'In Touch' to keep all up to date with the current situation here at St Matthew's. There will be a number of editions over the coming weeks. Click here to view the latest edition. Previous editions can be viewed here.

Our new Vicar, the Reverend Colleen Clayton
It is with great joy and pleasure we look forward to the arrival of our new vicar, the Reverend Colleen Clayton. After a year’s interregnum since the retirement of our previous vicar, the Reverend Ron White we look forward to the Reverend Colleen Clayton’s commissioning on Tuesday 28 April.
This special service will mark the continuation of Anglican worship and service to the community of Cheltenham for over 150 years.
Colleen will faithfully continue this mission with her own vision for the new era. Her past experiences of involvement in the church on the Mornington Peninsula involving her family life with husband Stephen and children Matthew and Hannah has well informed her of the challenges and opportunities that face the contemporary church and young families of our day.
Her former profession as an Occupational Therapist speaks clearly of her interest in and care for people. This eventually led to her work as school chaplains in both primary and secondary public schools and in time to her Theological training at Trinity College, Melbourne University. Her parish leadership experience has been well developed through ministries at St Peter’s Eastern Hill and St John’s Camberwell.
On hearing of the Archbishops appointment of Colleen to St Matthews we were excited and so now look forward to her arrival and sharing life and ministry with her and her family through the years ahead. Please pray for Colleen and her family.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The March - April edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Palms for Palm Sunday
If anyone has any healthy green palm fronds they could donate for Palm Sunday, please contact the Parish Office.
Please join us on Friday 3 April at 2pm in the Parish Office to make our palm crosses. Helpers most welcome!

Holy Week & Easter Services
† 5 April – Palm Sunday †Easter Services
8am & 10am: Blessing of Palms & Procession

† Holy Week Weekday Services †
Wed 8 April: 10am Eucharist

† 9 April – Maundy Thursday †
7pm: Eucharist of the Last Supper

† 10 April – Good Friday †
10am: Walk of Witness starting at the Church of the Open Door
12pm: Service of Devotion
1pm - 6pm: Church open for private devotions

† 12 April – Easter Day †
8am: Lighting of the New Fire & Eucharist
10am: Easter Sung Eucharist

Corryong Bushfire Appeal
Thank you to everyone who donated to the Corryong Bushfire Appeal. We raised a total of $1,795. This money will be sent to Fr Mitch Porter who will then arrange for it to be distributed to those who have been affected by the fires in the Corryong area through All Saints Corryong.

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 7 March at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

The Canterbury Singers
The Canterbury Singers will join our 10am Worship congregation on Sunday 15 March, followed by a pleasant morning tea in the Hall.
Parishioners are invited to bring a plate of food for our morning tea.
The Canterbury Singers is a church choir that joins different churches across the greater city of Melbourne once a month.
We are delighted they will join and lead our music on this occasion.
Please invite others to join us. For further information please see Fr Geoff.

Mothering Sunday
As is our custom we will bless and distribute Simnel Cake at both services on Mothering Sunday – 22 March. If anyone can provide a Simnel Cake please let Fr Geoff or the Office know.
This is an opportunity to bring your mother to church or indeed someone in your community who is a mother as we give thanks for the mothering we have received in and through our Mother Church.

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is 26 February, please bring your palm crosses on or before Sunday 23 February.
The service for Ash Wednesday will be held at 10am – Mass with Blessing and Imposition of Ashes.

Corryong Bushfire Appeal
Thank you to those who have dontated to the Corryong Bushfire Appeal.
So far we have raised $1,675. If you would like to donate please put your money in a 'Corryong Bushfire Appeal' envelope and place it in the Offertory plate.

Bible History Chat
Wednesdays at 11.30am in the Parish Office, starting from the 12 February. Bring your cut lunch.

Parish Lunch
Our first Parish Lunch for the year will be held on Sunday 16 February at 12.30pm at the Tudor Inn (across the road from the church!).
People will be responsible for the payment of meals and drinks. All welcome!.

Thank you Edwin
Edwin's last Sunday with us is Sunday 19 January. We give thanks to God for the very real ministry that Edwin has brought to this parish as Organist and Choir Master. We wish him well for the future.



2019 News & Events

Please note...
The Sunday services in January will be held at 8am and 9.15am (the 10am service time is now earlier – please note change of time). There will be no Wednesday services and no morning tea on Sundays until February. The Parish Office will be closed until mid / late January.

Merry Christmas!
The clergy and staff of St Matthew’s wish you all a happy and holy Christmas and a great start to the New Year.
We hope to see many of you at our Christmas services. May this holy day season be a safe time for you all.

Carol Service!
Our Carol Service (with readings) is on Sunday 22 December at 5pm. This is a good opportunity to invite those who might find a more formal service difficult so bring along your friends and neighbours and even members of your family!

Christmas Services
Christmas Services 2019 Sunday 22 December
5pm – Carol Service

Christmas Eve – Tuesday 24 December
5.30pm – Children’s Crib Service
Due to circumstances there will be be no sausage sizzle after the service
11pm – Midnight Mass

Christmas Day – Wednesday 25 December
9am – Christmas Holy Communion



Cheltenham Primary School Christmas Services
This year the annual Cheltenham Primary School Christmas service will take the form of two services as the school is now too big to all come to one! The services will be held this Wednesday, 11 December with the first one at 9.30am for Foundation A&B, Year 1, Year 4 and Year 5 classes and the second service will start at 10.30am for Foundation C&D, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 6 classes.
We look forward to welcoming the school to St Matthew's and parishioners are welcome to come along.
Please note that there will be no 10am service on this day.

Working Bee
Our final working bee for the year will be held on Saturday 14 December at 9am (just in time for Christmas!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Last Parish lunch for the year!
Our final Parish Lunch for the year will be held at the Tudor Inn, 1281 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham (across the highway!)
on Sunday 1 December at 12pm. Please contact the Parish Office if you are able to join us as we need to book a table. People will be responsible for the payment of meals and drinks and the Tudor Inn ‘Shop A Docket’ is a considerable saving so if you are not a couple – pair up!!
All very welcome!

Notice of Annual Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of St Matthew’s Anglican Church will be held on Sunday 17 November at 11.30am.

Empty Christmas Tree
A reminder to start buying gifts (unwrapped) and Christmas food so that they can be placed under our Empty Christmas Tree which will be up on Sunday 17 November. Toys are needed for children aged 5 – 12 yrs. For teenagers please consider gift vouchers so they can choose their own gifts. Food is needed for singles and families.
We require them by Sunday 1 December for distribution to Dixon House.

Thank you
We thank Fr Tony for taking our Sunday services in October while Fr Geoff was away and wish him all the best for the remainder of his time as Senior Chaplain at Brighton Grammar. Fr Geoff is back in the parish from Tuesday 22 October and the Wednesday 10am service will resume on
23 October.

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 2 November at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

We pawsed for the Blessing of the Animals!
Thank you to all who attended and invited people to our Blessing of the Animals and to Fr Tony for taking the service. It was an opportunity for the animals to meet and greet and become 'very' acquainted!
After a general blessing of the animals everyone took the opportunity to bring their pet forward to Fr Tony to receive an individual blessing and prayer and they were then presented with their St Francis medallion and prayer card.
Many of those from the service then joined us in the Hall for our sausage sizzle which was appreciated by all, even the animals!!

Synod 2019
Please pray for the clergy and lay reps as they prepare to meet and for the Archbishop in his role as President.
Synod will be held at St Paul's Cathedral from Wednesday 16 October to Saturday 19 October.

All Saints Day
All Saints Day (1 November) is the day that we remember the myriad of Saints and Martyrs who do not have a designated day (such as we have for St Matthew, John the Baptist or St Margaret of Scotland). The day following is All Souls Day when we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ. We will celebrate All Saints Day and remember All Souls Day on Sunday 3 November where we remember the names of loved ones (who have died in the Lord) at the Altar.

St Francis Patronal Festival!
Congratulations to the Friends of St Francis as they celebrate their Patronal Festival on Sunday 6 October!

Blessing of the Animals!
Blessing of the Animals 2019All pets great & small are welcome!
Sunday 6 October - Service at 12 noon followed by a sausage sizzle in the Hall (animals are welcome to join us!).
Each animal will receive a personal blessing and a special medallion.
All animals must be brought in carriers or on leashes.
Tell your neighbours and friends.
All welcome!

Parish Sausage Sizzle
After our Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday 6 October, there will be a sausage sizzle in the Hall.
Remember that we will be hosting visitors from the Blessing of the Animals service so please join us and make them (and their pets!) feel welcome.

Thank you
Our thanks to Fr Russell for being our Locum and for taking our Sunday Services. We wish him all the best for his trip. We look forward to welcoming Fr Tony Poole on Sunday 6 October.

Patronal Festival thank you
Thank you all for your support of your Patronal Festival on Sunday 22 September. We thank those who took time to prepare, clean our church and the wonderful floral arrangements. Thank you to our organist and the Choir and visiting choral singers. The singing filled the church and most of Park Road, marvellous.
Thanks to Bishop Mark Burton for an inspiring sermon. Thanks to all who prepared, made, set up and provided such a morning tea as we all enjoyed. You all showed me just what you can do when we put our mind to it.
Your certainly are the church, the people of God in this place. Fr Russell Joyce.

Church services during September & October
Fr Geoff will be on leave from Monday 9 September to Monday 21 October, he will be overseas during this time. Fr Russell Joyce will be taking the services on Sunday 15, 22 & 29 September and Fr Tony Poole on Sunday 6, 13 & 20 October.
Please note: there will be no Wednesday services whilst Fr Geoff is away. Services will resume on Wednesday 23 October.

Patronal Festival
Our thanks to Fr Russell, especially for his invitation to Bishop Mark Burton (Occasional Preacher) to join us today.
We would also like to thank the invited Choir members Andrew Alesi, Robin Czuchnowski, Piri Jakab & Stewart Webb and our choir members Deborah Howard, Deborah Polites & Sue Polites.
Thanks to those have brought food for our celebratory morning tea and to those who set up and will clear up.
Happy St Matthew's Day!

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The September - October edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Patronal Festival
We will celebrate our Patronal Festival, The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist & Martyr on Sunday 22 September at 10am
(there is only one service on this day – no 8am service)
Fr Russell Joyce will be taking the service as Fr Geoff will be away on leave.
The special preacher for the day will be The Right Reverend Dr Mark Burton, Sometime Naval Chaplain, Assistant Bishop in Perth, Dean of Melbourne. Please make this service widely known, bring friends and neighbours, invite those who have not been to their church for a while.
Use this service to show St Matthew's is not just a building but a vibrant worshipping community. Bishop Burton is well worth hearing, and is highly approachable with a wonderful pastoral heart to his ministries and to his theology.
Further details from Fr Russell Joyce on 0412 680 019.

Patronal Festival morning tea
We need helpers for our Patronal Festival morning tea on Sunday 22 September. The Hall will need to be set up on the day before the 10am service and then it will need to be cleaned and packed up afterwards. Please contact the Parish Office if you can help. Parishioners are invited to bring a plate of sandwiches, cakes, slices etc to share on this day.

St Francis congregation
Please note that there will be no service for St Francis at the Prayer Room on Sunday 22 September.
All are welcome to join us at St Matthew's at 10am for our Patronal Festival.

Working Bee
Our next working bee will be held on Saturday 7 September at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Invitation to St Paul’s Cathedral
The Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral invites the congregation of St Matthew’s to Choral Evensong on Thursday 29 August at 5.10pm when prayers will be said for our parish.

Parish Lunch – Tudor Inn
Instead of having our Parish Lunch in the Hall we will meet for lunch at the Tudor Inn, 1281 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham (across the highway!) on Sunday 4 August at 12pm.
Please contact the Parish Office if you are able to join us as we need to book a table. People will be responsible for the payment of meals and drinks and the Tudor Inn ‘Shop A Docket’ is a considerable saving so if you are not a couple – pair up!! All very welcome!

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to the dedicated few who helped at our working bee on Saturday 20 July despite the cold weather. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated.

Working Bee
Our next working bee will be held on Saturday 20 July at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Sea Sunday – 14 July
On Sea Sunday churches all over the world come together to remember seafarers and pray for them, their families and those who support them. The Mission to Seafarers needs your prayers and support for all merchant crews and their families on this day.

The Preacher on Sea Sunday is Fr Russell Joyce OAM. Fr Russell serviced as a Naval Reserve Chaplain and promoted Senior Chaplain for 24 years whilst being Vicar of St Thomas' Werribee and his last parish appointment was for 16 years at St Peters Brighton Beach. In 2012 he was awarded a military OAM for services to ADF personnel at HMAS CERBERUS and to the Anzac Frigate Programme where he chaplained the pre and many post Commissioning Crew personnel for the 8 Australian and 2 New Zealand Anzac Class Frigates.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The June - July edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Soup Lunch – thank you!
Thank you to those who stayed for our Soup Lunch. It was just the meal for a cold Sunday!
A big thank you to those who made delicious soups, yummy desserts and to our helpers.

Everyone wear RED!
The liturgical colour for Pentecost Sunday, 9 June, is red. This signifies the fire of the Holy Spirit descending on us as it did on the apostles that day. So remember to wear red (or flame colours) for Pentecost as we celebrate this glorious feast day.

Harvest Festival thank you!
Thank you to those who prepared the church for our Harvest Festival on Sunday 2 June and to those who brought gifts of ‘harvest’.
We know the gifts will be gratefully received by those who benefit from your generosity.

Ecumenical Pentecost Celebration
On Pentecost Sunday, 9 June, the Cheltenham Christian churches will meet at OLA, Cheltenham at 5pm to reflect on Pentecost and to join in the N.C.C.A’s week of prayer for Christian unity.

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to the dedicated few who helped at our working bee on Saturday 1 June despite the predicted weather. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated.

Harvest Festival
We will be celebrating our Harvest Festival on Sunday 2 June at both services. A reminder to start collecting items so that on the day our display (and therefore our offering to God) will be even greater than last year’s excellent effort. As the majority of the items offered are delivered to Dixon House perhaps you could consider goods that will be suitable for this form of outreach. Right now Dixon House are short of UHT full cream milk, cooking oil, sugar (white or raw), flour (plain or self-raising) canned stew (like “Harvest” or “Big Eat” brands) or chunky soup, canned fish, canned fruit and breakfast spread varieties.

Parish Lunch
Our next Parish Lunch will be held on Sunday 2 June at 12pm, which is our soup and crusty bread lunch. We need helpers to warm the soups and butter the bread and then to clean and pack up afterwards. All very welcome to join us!

Our new Locum
Our parish would like to extend a warm welcome to Fr Geoff Cheong who will be with us for a number of months as our Locum. Fr Geoff brings a wealth of experience and knowledge and we look forward to having him with us at St Matthew's.

Lenten Discipline Money Boxes
The Parish Mission wishes to thank all who donated to Missions during Lent – please return any money boxes that you have. The final total and details of the distribution will be published as soon as all have been returned.

Thank you
A big thank you to all those who prepared our Church for our Holy Week and Easter services and who organised refreshments on Good Friday –
we would like to thank Coles Southland for their generous donation which enabled us to buy the hot cross buns.

Holy Week & Easter Services
† 14 April – Palm Sunday †Easter Services
8am & 10am: Blessing of Palms and Procession

† Holy Week Weekday Services †
Wed 17 April: 10am Eucharist

† 18 April – Maundy Thursday †
7pm: Eucharist of the Last Supper

† 19 April – Good Friday †
10am: Walk of Witness starting at the Church of the Open Door
12pm: Devotions followed by refreshments
2pm: Stations of the Cross

† 21 April – Easter Day †
8am: Lighting of the New Fire & Eucharist
10am: Easter Eucharist

From the Locum Vicar - 14 April
As Jesus drew near to Jerusalem the crowds met him and heralded his entry with palms and cloaks. Many thanks to those who have helped us enter into the spirit of Palm Sunday by making palm crosses and decorating the church.
Today we begin Holy Week and I hope you might make a special effort to attend our extra services. I will also be at St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday when the clergy of the Diocese will gather for the Chrism Mass. At this service each year the Archbishop blesses the holy oils used at Baptisms, Ordinations, Confirmations and healing of the sick. The clergy also reaffirm their ordination vows – Deacons, Priests and Bishops – it's a beautiful service and a solemn reminder of the great trust given to us.
On Friday we will have the annual 'Walk of Witness' – an opportunity to share our faith with our brothers and sisters of the other Christian Churches in Cheltenham. If you are able I hope you can join me for this occasion. Then we will follow this with Good Friday Devotions at midday and the Stations of the Cross at 2pm. We will have our Organist, Edwin to help us musically and so add to the importance of keeping this Holy Day – I look forward to seeing you.
Every blessing,
Fr Ray McInnes

From the Locum Vicar - 7 April
'Passiontide' is traditionally the last two weeks of Lent. We mark this time in the church year with readings that tell of Jesus moving towards Jerusalem and the last days of his earthly journey. We sing hymns that reflect this journey, as does the Eucharistic liturgy. Today you will notice that we also veil in purple all pictures, statues and images of Jesus and the saints. This is to remind us of the penitential nature of this season. In other words Lent and Passiontide is an opportunity for us to be reconciled with God – the Stations of the Cross are left unveiled and remind us that Jesus' sacrifice is a starting point to being at one with God. Jesus is our Lord because we follow in his way. As Richard of Chichester prayed:
So may we – know Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly. Day by Day. Amen.
Thank you Marlene for what must be the best Simnel Cake in Christendom and to Sandra and Sue for help with decorating the church. Next Sunday is Palm Sunday – I will need help at 10am on Saturday to decorate the church – any volunteers?
Every blessing,
Fr Ray McInnes

Mothering Sunday
As is our custom we will bless and distribute Simnel Cake at both services on Mothering Sunday – 31 March. We will remember all mothers including the Mother of all mothers – Our Lady and we will give thanks for the mothering we have received in and through our Mother Church. This is of course an opportunity to bring your mother to church or indeed someone in your
community who is a mother.

From the Locum Vicar - 31 March
The fourth Sunday in Lent is also known as Mothering Sunday or Refreshment Sunday. It is considered to be mid Lent and time for a break from the Lenten fast. The origins go back to the days of early industrial England where young people
had moved away from their rural homes into the big cities to work mostly as apprentices in heavy industry. They were permitted on this weekend to return home and to worship with mother at the Parish Church.
Those who attended the service were given flowers and simnel cake – a cake made of fruit with a layer or layers of marzipan – symbolizing the bitter-sweet season ahead – the passion and the resurrection of Christ. Today we also pray for the mother church of the Diocese – in our case St Paul's Cathedral and the Dean and staff.
Congratulations to my good friend Fr Geoff Cheong who will soon take up duties here as your Locum Vicar, last week he was conferred with his Doctorate. He is now officially The Reverend Dr Geoff Cheong. I know it has been a long road and considerable hard work, well done.
Finally, many thanks for your prayers for our new grandson – Alex, I am delighted to report he has finally been released from hospital and is doing pretty well.
Every blessing,
Fr Ray McInnes

From the Locum Vicar - 24 March
Today we extend a warm welcome to Edwin Kwong who comes to us as our new Parish Organist. Edwin is currently studying for his Masters Degree in Medical Science and has a long involvement in choral music and as a church organist, most recently at St Andrew's, Brighton and
St Bartholomew's, Burnley. He comes to us with enthusiasm, energy and a hope to help us strengthen our worship.
We also welcome the Levvey family to our 10am service today – they are with us to give thanks for the life of their loved one Anne.
Many thanks to Sandra and Marlene who have offered to make Simnel Cake for next week when we will celebrate Mothering Sunday – a day not to be missed.
The horror of that cowardly terror attack in the Christchurch mosques still haunts us, we remember all who have lost loved ones or who are recovering from that violence. We pray that hatred and racism will cease and let us take care that we reflect the love of Jesus in all our words and actions. Can I thoroughly recommend the movie 'The Green Book' – speaking of such things – it's not only a great show, it has a powerful message.
Following the 10am Eucharist this morning we will move to the Memorial Garden for the brief ceremony of the Interment of Ashes and thanksgiving for Anne Elizabeth Levvey.
Every blessing,
Fr Ray McInnes

Palms for Palm Sunday
If anyone has any healthy green palm fronds they could donate for Palm Sunday, please contact the Parish Office.
Please join us on Friday 12 April at 1pm in the Parish Office to make our palm crosses. Helpers most welcome!

From the Locum Vicar - 17 March
My thanks to Fr Andre for looking after services last week and on Ash Wednesday – we greatly value him in our midst. Last Wednesday, the Incumbency Committee members and Parish Council met with Bishop Paul Barker. We discussed with him the likely way forward for the Parish to find a new Vicar. Central to that process, will be, for unresolved conflict to be tackled in a meaningful way. He has outlined a program for us and I look forward to moving quickly towards beginning that work.
He was pleased to announce that the Rev'd Geoff Cheong (who will be well known to many parishioners) has been appointed Locum Vicar after I conclude my term on Easter Day.
Parish Council is working hard on several important matters, we are delighted to announce that Mr Edwin Kwong has been appointed as our new Organist, all being well he will begin here at St Matthew's next Sunday and will be playing at both services.
Every blessing,
Fr Ray McInnes

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to the dedicated few who helped at our working bee on Saturday 16 March. Your efforts have made the place look neat & tidy as we approach Easter!

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The March - April edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Dixon House Christmas Appeal – Thank you
To St Matthew's Cheltenham - in recognition of your generous donation with an estimated value of $6,380 including food, toys, gifts and vouchers to support the Anglicare Dixon House 2018 Christmas Distribution of Food and Toys to 146 individuals and families.
A big thank you not only to our parishioners but also to the customers of the Bendigo Bank Cheltenham and the students of Cheltenham Primary School.

To God's people at St Matthew's – from Fr Ron
My thanks for your farewell gift which will be used so that I may have a lasting memory.
Also a deep sense of gratitude to those who made it possible to celebrate my final Sunday services and my 40th year as a Deacon in the Church of God. In particular to those who made the preparations for the social gatherings following the services and then spent the hours serving, clearing up and cleaning the Hall long after the guests had left, my sincere thanks for these examples of Christian hospitality.
May God bless you with love and courage as you now seek another priest for the parish.
His Peace: Fr Ron.

Working Bee
Our next working bee will be held on Saturday 16 March at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Ash Wednesday
First Mass of Lent including the Blessing and Imposition of Ashes
Wednesday 6 March at 10am.
Fr Andre will be taking this service (and the following Sunday services) as Fr Ray is away.

Dear parishioners of St Matthew's - The Joy of Lent
As we begin another Lent our thoughts turn to how do we as disciples of Jesus follow him more nearly day by day. The idea of fasting ties in nicely with the time Jesus spent in the wilderness (40 days) – his time of preparation for the next phase of ministry. You and I are preparing for Easter, for the renewal of the body of Christ and the renewal of our hearts and minds.
We can make this time one of high quality by, not only giving up something for Lent, but also by adding some spiritual discipline – both of them as a personal reminder of the transformation that we desire.
You might therefore go without a luxury, chocolate or sweets, alcohol or dining out during these great 40 days. You might determine to read a chapter of the Gospels each day, be consistent in prayer and meditation, do some regular act of charity, give to a good cause. All of these are ways of reminding the inner self of the importance of this time of the year.
Remember Sundays are not fast days – so give yourself that break and I wish you a joyful Lent.
Fr Ray.

Parish Consultation
A consultation of all parishioners will be held on Sunday 3 March at 11.30am in the Hall.
This meeting is a vital one as we begin to prepare for the next Vicar and new phase of ministry.
Please bring your lunch – and a little to share.

Future ministry
We welcome Archdeacon Emeritus, Fr Ray McInnes who will be our Locum for a number of weeks.
The services on Sunday 17 February will be conducted by the Rev'd Roger Williams.
As we welcome both priests we thank them for their ministries.

Dear people of St Matthew's - 17 February
My thanks to Fr Roger Williams who returns on Sunday 17 February to enable me to fulfil some trailling commitments at St Paul's Cathedral.
My duties at the Cathedral include preaching at the 3 services, a Baptism and celebrating the Eucharist. After the Choral Service the Dean will be launching my first exhibition of paintings 'Danube & beyond'. I hope you get a chance to see it sometime (it runs until just after Easter). Proceeds from the sale of paintings and limited edition prints go towards the Cathedral's Canon Missioner Fund.
We had a Parish Council meeting this week and I am beginning to get my head around St Matthew's Parish. I do believe the Parish is at an important crossroad and hence the forthcoming Consultation looms as a significant meeting of parishioners. I sense that much more energy and support is needed - please help with rosters, working bees or if you like, have a chat to me about what you could do to help.
Every blessing in the Lord,
Fr Ray McInnes.

Dear people of St Matthew's - 10 February
Thank you for your warm welcome and I trust that these next couple of months will be useful and important as you begin the transition to the next phase of parish life.
As I announced last week we are going to meet for a 'Parish Consultation' (see above). I propose that we start at 11.30am and break for lunch at 12.30pm then meet for one hour post lunch. In the time available we will review and set some goals. We will also have a clear description of the Incumbency Committee's work. It's an important meeting and I do hope you make every effort to be present. There are two Sundays when I shall be away during this Locum ministry, Sunday 17 February when I am preaching and celebrating at the Cathedral and the Dean will then open an exhibition (at noon) of my watercolour paintings, the show is called 'Danube and beyond' – the paintings were mostly quick ones done each day on our holiday last year.
The other Sunday I am away is Lent 1 (10 March) when I will be in Port Stephens for the wedding of my God-son. Otherwise I am with you 3 days
a week – please call me if you want to discuss any matters above or other issues.
Every blessing,
Fr Ray McInnes

Candlemas
On Sunday 3 February, we will celebrate the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – commonly called Candlemas – when by tradition the candles used in worship will be blessed at the 8am and 10am services. If you have a particular candle that you use as a votive you may wish to bring it on the day so that it may be blessed.

First Parish BBQ for the year!
Sunday 3 February in the Hall around 12 noon.
Please bring a salad or dessert to share. All very welcome!

Fr Ron's last services before retirement
Fr Ron will be retiring on Friday 25 January 2019 - the 40th Anniversary of his Deaconing.
There will be a special service on this day to celebrate this occasion at 6pm.

His last Sunday services will be on Sunday 20 January. A presentation will be made to Fr Ron at morning tea on this day.
If parishioners would like to make a contribution towards his gift please put this in an envelope marked 'Fr Ron's Presentation' and place in the Offertory Plate or hand it into the Parish Office.

Parishioners are invited to bring a plate of cold finger food (sandwiches, slices, nibbles etc) on Sunday 20 January for the morning tea.

To Fr Ron
With gratitude we thank you for your many years of faithful ministry to your parishioners as our Priest and friend and the reverent way you in which you presided over the years – the Mass, Special Services and Funerals. We wish you well for a long and happy retirement and hope that your health continues to improve. May God continue to bless you in your retirement.

A Retirement Blessing
You started on this journey, so many years ago,
and now it's time to leave behind dear friends you've come to know!
You sought Divine direction & a heart to do His will.
Your work became your passion, as you used your gifts & skills.
You set the highest standards for yourself and others too,
showing honour, pride & dignity – they saw the best in you!
A "rags to riches" story need not be your bottom line.
The priceless things we gain in life, often come from the Divine.
So don't waste one more minute "wishing" for things that might have been,
rather watch the seeds you've planted grow, and feel His peace within.
We pray God keeps you safe & well, wherever you may turn,
surrounded by your loved-ones, living out the dreams you've earned.
And in the quiet of your heart, may you hear God softly say...
"My good & faithful servant, I'm so proud of you this day!"
By Barbara D. MacAdam




2018 News & Events

Please note...
The Parish Office will be closed until mid January.
During the month of January there will be no Wednesday services.
Apart from the morning tea for Fr Ron on Sunday 20 January, there will be no morning tea until February.

Christmas Special Effort Winners!
The St Matthew’s Christmas Special Effort was drawn on Sunday 23 December and the lucky winners are...!!!
1st prize – Tom Lett
2nd prize – Margaret Bond
3rd prize – Pat McAskill
Thanks to everyone who supported our Special Effort and to those who donated the prizes – we raised $280.10.

Christmas Services
Christmas Services 2018 Sunday 16 December
6pm – Carol Service

Christmas Eve – Monday 24 December
5.30pm – Children’s Crib Service
followed by sausage sizzle in the Hall
11pm – Carols by Candlelight
11.30pm – Midnight Mass

Christmas Day – Tuesday 25 December
9am – Christmas Holy Communion

Masses celebrated during Christmas week
Wednesday 26 December – 10am: Stephen, Deacon & Martyr
Thursday 27 December – 10am: John, Apostle & Martyr
Friday 28 December – 10am: Holy Innocents

Working Bee thank you!
A big thank you to those who helped at our Working Bee on Saturday 15 December and to everyone who has helped over the year.
Your efforts have made the church grounds look neat and tidy as we approach Christmas!
The next working bee will be in February 2019.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The December - January edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here (sadly Fr Ron's last edition). It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Charman Christmas
Saturday 15 December from 10am to 1pm
Charman Road Shops
Bring the kids and get into the Christmas spirit in Cheltenham
Sing with the St Matthew's Anglican Parish carollers & Chelsea concert band.

Cheltenham Primary School Christmas Service
The Annual Cheltenham Primary School Christmas Service was held at St Matthew's on Thursday 6 December – a highlight of the school's year and ours! Over 580 students and adults attended – our biggest ever! Once again, the school participated in our Empty Christmas Tree and they did a fabulous job of filling the space under and around the tree!

Cheltenham PS Christmas Service 2018 Cheltenham PS Christmas Service 2018  Empty Christmas Tree - Cheltenham PS Christmas Service 2018
Empty Christmas Tree
Thank you to all those who left presents and food under our Empty Christmas tree for Dixon House.
We will be delivering the goods to Dixon House from tomorrow so that they can be distributed to those in need in time for Christmas.

Working Bee
Our final working bee for the year will be held at 9am on Saturday 15 December (just in time for Christmas!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Bible Study
There will be a special bible study following the Wednesday 10am Mass starting on Wednesday 28 November.
The study will occur over 4 weeks and the theme will be some of the 'hard' parts of the ministry of Jesus.

Family Service
Our next Family Service will be held on Sunday 2 December at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Our Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month. Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Last Parish lunch for the year!
Our last Parish lunch for the year will be held on Sunday 2 December, in the Hall around 12 noon.
Please bring a salad or dessert (or both!) to share.
All very welcome!

Cheltenham Combined Churches: Ecumenical Carol Service
Sunday 2 December at 5pm
Our Lady of the Assumption (OLA), 9 Centre Dandenong Road, Cheltenham.
All welcome!

Notice of Annual Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of St Matthew’s Anglican Church will be held on Sunday 25 November at 11.30am.

Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day services will be held this Sunday, 11 November when we will recognise the centenary of Armistice Day and remember those
from our parish who fought for our country.

Empty Christmas Tree
A reminder to start buying gifts (unwrapped) and Christmas food so that they can be placed under our Empty Christmas Tree which will be up on Sunday 18 November. Toys are needed for children aged 5 – 12 yrs. For teenagers please consider gift vouchers so they can choose their own gifts. Food is needed for singles and families.
We require them by Sunday 2 December for distribution to Dixon House.

Drought Relief Appeal
We have received a letter from the Dean of Riverina, who is Vicar General of the Diocese as they are at the moment without a Bishop. In his letter he thanked the Parish and the Op Shop for the contribution of $7,030.00 which was the result of our Drought Relief Appeal for the Riverina.
After Fr Ron's initial conversation with the Dean, the Bishop in Council of their Diocese formed a Drought Relief Committee and thus our funds and the funds of various other parishes will be channelled through this committee to ensure a fair and equitable distribution to those in need.
Keep an eye out for the full letter in the next edition of Salt!

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to those who helped at our working bee on Saturday 3 November. Your efforts of tidying, replanting and pruning are much appreciated! Our final working bee for the year will be held on Saturday 15 December (just in time for Christmas!).

Family Service
Our next Family Service will be held on Sunday 4 November at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Our Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month. Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Congratulations
The amount of $7,030 (parishioner and parish contributions of $5,530 and $1,500 donated from our Op Shop) has been forwarded to the
Dean of Riverina "to be distributed to help those farmers and their families who are in dire need in your Diocese".
This is a wonderful result and we can (and should) continue to uphold in our prayers these and all suffering the effects of drought.

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 3 November at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

All Saints Day
All Saints Day (1 November) is the day that we remember the myriad of Saints and Martyrs who do not have a designated day (such as we have for St Matthew, John the Baptist or St Margaret of Scotland). The day following is All Souls Day when we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ. We will celebrate All Saints Day and remember All Souls Day on Sunday 4 November where we remember the names of loved ones (who have died in the Lord) at the Altar.

We pawsed for the Blessing of the Animals!
Thank you to all who attended and invited people to our Blessing of the Animals. It was an opportunity for the animals to meet and greet and become 'very' acquainted! After a general blessing of the animals most took the opportunity to come forward to Fr Ron in front of the Altar for an individual blessing and a prayer that companionship continue and they were then presented with their St Francis medallion and prayer card by Reg.
Many of those from the service then joined us in the Hall for a parish lunch which was appreciated by all, even the animals!!

Blessing of the Animals 2018 Blessing of the Animals 2018 Blessing of the Animals 2018 Blessing of the Animals 2018

Blessing of the Animals!
Blessing of the Animals 2018All pets great & small are welcome!
Sunday 7 October - Service at 12 noon followed by lunch in the Hall (animals are welcome to join us!).
Each animal will receive a personal blessing and a special medallion.
All animals must be brought in carriers or on leashes.
Tell your neighbours and friends.
All welcome!

Family Service
Our next Family Service will be held on Sunday 7 October at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Our Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month. Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Patronal Festival thank you!
The Sanctuary Party on the occasion of a wonderful celebration of our Patronal Festival. The highlight of the occasion was the visit of the Right Reverend Dr Paul Barker, who after the service spoke with many at our 'high brunch' in the Hall before meeting with the Parish Council.
Many, many thanks to those who brought food and especially to those who set up, worked in the kitchen, cleaned up and those who laboured behind the scenes before and after the event.

  Patronal Festival 2018 Patronal Festival 2018 Patronal Festival 2018

Parish Breakfast!
Our last Parish Breakfast for the year will be held on Sunday 30 September, at approx 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and enjoy good company!
Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Patronal Festival with Bishop Paul
We will celebrate our Patronal Festival, The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist & Martyr on Sunday 23 September at 10am (there is only one service on this day). We will welcome Bishop Paul to our festivities. A special 'finger food' morning tea will follow in the Hall after the service.
Parishioners are invited to bring a plate of sandwiches, cakes, slices etc – no hot food.
Please take this opportunity to invite family members, neighbours or friends.

A date for your diary!
Now is the time to start telling your family, neighbours and friends about our upcoming ‘Blessing of the Animals’ service
on Sunday 7 October at 12 noon.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The September - October edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Parish Breakfast
Don’t forget our next Parish Breakfast will be held on Sunday 30 September at approx 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and enjoy good company! Gold coin donation. All welcome!

St Francis congregation
Please note that there will be no service for St Francis at the Prayer Room on Sunday 23 September.
All are welcome to join us with Bishop Paul at St Matthew's at 10am.

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to the dedicated few who helped at our working bee on Saturday 1 September despite the predicted weather. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated.

Invitation to St Paul’s Cathedral
The Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral invites the congregation of St Matthew’s to Choral Evensong on Sunday 26 August at 6pm when prayers will be said for our parish.

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 1 September at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Breakfast thank you
Thank you to those who attended our Parish Breakfast on Sunday 29 July and to those who made our breakfast possible.
We hope more of you will be able to join us at our final Breakfast for the year on Sunday 30 September!

Parish Breakfast
Don’t forget our next Parish Breakfast will be held on Sunday 29 July at approx 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and enjoy good company! Gold coin donation. All welcome!

August Luncheon!
We will ‘celebrate’ Sunday 5 August with a ‘finger food’ luncheon (sausage rolls, mini quiches, pies, spring rolls etc),
followed by desserts at 12 noon in the Hall. Gold coin donation.
Please join us, all very welcome!

Family Service
Our next Family Service will be held on Sunday 5 August at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Our Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month. Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to the dedicated few who helped at our working bee on Saturday 21 July despite the predicted weather. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated.

Working Bee
Our next working bee will be held on Saturday 21 July at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Sea Sunday – 8 July
On Sea Sunday churches all over the world come together to remember seafarers and pray for them, their families and those who support them. The Mission to Seafarers needs your prayers and support for all merchant crews and their families on this day.

Please note…
Fr Ron is on leave from Friday 6 July to Tuesday 24 July (inc). If you require a priest during this time please contact Fr Andre Hassing or one of the Wardens. Fr Andre will be taking the services on Sundays and Wednesdays during this time.

Family Service
Our next Family Service will be held on Sunday 1 July at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Our Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month. Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The June - August edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

 Family Service
Our next Family Service will be held on Sunday 3 June at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Our Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month. Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

June Soup Luncheon!
We will ‘celebrate’ Sunday 3 June with a soup and crusty bread lunch (followed by desserts!) in the Hall at 12 noon.
All very welcome to join us.

Mothers' Union
During the Wednesday morning Mass on the 23 May, Pat McAskill, Dell Pay and Sandra Cooper were presented with certificates acknowledging their long years of membership in Mothers Union, by the Southern Region Co-ordinator, Marilyn Airey.
Congratulations to Pat, celebrating 60 years, Dell, 40 years and Sandra, 25 years.

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to those who helped at our working bee on Saturday 19 May despite the predicted weather. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated.

Everyone wear RED!
The liturgical colour for Day of Pentecost / Pentecost Sunday, 20 May, is red.
This signifies the fire of the Holy Spirit descending on us as it did on the apostles that day.
So remember to wear red (or flame colours) for Pentecost as we celebrate this glorious feast day.

Cheltenham Combined Churches – Pentecost Celebration
On Pentecost Sunday, 20 May, we are inviting members of all the Cheltenham Christian churches to join from 5pm at Southern Community Church of Christ to reflect on Pentecost and to join in the N.C.C.A’s week of prayer for Christian unity.

Working Bee
Our next working bee will be held on Saturday 19 May at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Breakfast thank you
Thank you to those who attended our Parish Breakfast on Sunday 29 April and to those who made our Parish Breakfast possible.
We hope more of you will be able to join us at our next Breakfast on Sunday 29 July!

Family Service
Our next Family Service will be held on Sunday 6 May at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Our Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month. Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to those who helped at our working bee on Saturday 28 April. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated. The next working bee will be in mid-late May.

Harvest Festival thank you!
Thank you to those who prepared the church for our Harvest Festival today and to those who brought gifts of ‘harvest’.
We know the gifts will be gratefully received by those who benefit from your generosity.

Lenten Discipline Money Boxes
The Parish Mission is very appreciative of the support by parishioners and friends of the Lenten Discipline Money Boxes.
A total of $780.30 was donated this year. Our grateful thanks to all for your generous support.

Call To Prayer
Anglicans coming together to pray for our church, its mission and ministry, and for our nation.
St James' Dandenong on Saturday 5 May at 3pm.
Tea and coffee available.
An initiative by Bishop Paul Barker. All laity and clergy are welcome.

Harvest Festival
Now that the celebration of Holy Week and Easter Day gives over to the Easter season, please remember that in a few weeks we will be celebrating Harvest Festival on Sunday 22 April.
A reminder to start collecting non perishable items so that on the day our display (and therefore our offering to God) will be even greater than last year’s excellent effort. As the majority of the items offered are delivered to Dixon House perhaps you could consider goods that will be suitable for this form of outreach.

Working Bee
Our next working bee will be held on Saturday 28 April at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Parish Breakfast
Our first Parish Breakfast for the year will be held on Sunday 29 April at 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and enjoy good company! Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Thank you
A big thank you to all those who prepared our Church for our Holy Week and Easter services and who organised refreshments on Good Friday –
we would like to thank Coles Southland for their generous donation which enabled us to buy the hot cross buns.

Holy Week & Easter Services
† 25 March – Palm Sunday †
8am & 10am: Blessing of Palms and Procession

† Holy Week Weekday Services †Easter Services
Mon 26 March: 10am Eucharist
Tues 27 March: 10am Eucharist
Wed 28 March: 10am Eucharist

† 29 March – Maundy Thursday †
7pm: Eucharist of the Last Supper

† 30 March – Good Friday †
10am: Walk of Witness starting at the Church of the Open Door
12pm: Devotions followed by refreshments
2pm: Stations of the Cross

† 1 April – Easter Day †
8am: Lighting of the New Fire & Eucharist
10am: Easter Eucharist

Walk of Witness – Cheltenham Combined Churches
30 March – Good Friday
10am – Church of the Open Door, Cnr Charman Rd & Nepean Hwy,
proceed to Charman Uniting Church,
proceed to Pioneers Presbyterian Church,
proceed to St Matthew’s Anglican Church,
proceed to Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church.

Palm Sunday thank you!
Thank you to all those who donated and collected palms, made our palm crosses and decorated the Church with palm branches.

Making of Palm Crosses
Please join us on Saturday 24 March at 9am in the Parish Office to make our palm crosses.
We will provide the palms, instructions and a lovely morning tea! Helpers most welcome!

Thank you!
Our thanks to Julie Johnston, Deborah Howard and Georgie Phillips for our Simnel Cakes for Mothering Sunday on Sunday 11 March.
Everyone found them delicious!

Mothering Sunday
As is our custom we will bless and distribute Simnel Cake at both services on Mothering Sunday – 11 March. (If anyone can provide a Simnel Cake please let the office know). We will remember all mothers including the Mother of all mothers – Our Lady and we will give thanks for the mothering we have received in and through our Mother Church. This is of course an opportunity to bring your mother to church or indeed someone in your
community who is a mother.

Working Bee
Our next working bee will be held on Saturday 10 March at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The March - April edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Op Shop Donations Needed
St Matthew’s Op Shop is in need of more donations.
Donations can be delivered to the shop, providing they are good quality (items not stained, chipped or cracked).
The shop is unable to accept the following items: electrical goods, furniture, mattresses, cots, prams or strollers due to government regulations.
Please search your cupboards and encourage relations, neighbours and friends to search theirs.
Again articles must be in good, clean condition and remember: ‘if I would want to use it, the Op Shop can use it’.
For more information please contact the Op Shop on 9583 2993.

Family Service
Our next Family Service will be held on Sunday 4 March at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Our Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month. Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Thank you…
Many thanks to all who came to our Pancake breakfast on Sunday 11 February between the two masses, and especially to Julie who prepared and cooked our yummy pancakes!! Also thanks to those who helped with setting up and cleaning.

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is 14 February, services will be held at 10am and 6pm - First Mass of Lent including the Blessing and Imposition of Ashes.

Lenten Bible Study
To assist in your planning and as a preparation for Easter there will be a mini bible study following the Wednesday 10am Mass in Lent.
The study will be based on the lections that are read at the Mass.

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to those who helped at our working bee on Saturday 10 February. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated. The next working bee will be in mid-late March.

Pancakes
We will enjoy pancakes on Sunday 11 February at around 9am in the Hall in recognition of Shrove Tuesday.
We hope you can join us!

Working Bee
Our first working bee for the year to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 10 February at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Candlemas
On Sunday 4 February, we will celebrate the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – commonly called Candlemas – when by tradition the candles used in worship will be blessed at the 8am BCP service and the 10am Family service. If you have a particular candle that you use as a votive you may wish to bring it on the day so that it may be blessed.

First Parish BBQ for the year!
Sunday 4 February in the Hall around 12 noon.
Please bring a salad or dessert to share. All very welcome!

Family Service with Sunday School
Our monthly Family Service will be held on Sunday 4 February at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.


2017 News & Events

Please note…
The Parish Office will be closed from Christmas Day until late January.
During the month of January there will be no organist and choir and no weekday services; morning tea following the 10am service will resume in February. Fr Andre Hassing will be taking the services on Sunday 7, 14 & 21 January.

Christmas Services
Christmas Services Sunday 17 December
6pm – Carol Service

Christmas Eve – Sunday 24 December
5.30pm – Children’s Crib Service
followed by sausage sizzle in the Hall
11pm – Carols by Candlelight
11.30pm – Midnight Mass

Christmas Day – Monday 25 December
9am – Christmas Holy Communion


Masses celebrated during Christmas week
Tuesday 26 December – 10am: Stephen, Deacon & Martyr
Wednesday 27 December – 10am: John, Apostle & Martyr
Thursday 28 December – 10am: Holy Innocents

Working Bee thank you!
A big thank you to those who helped at our Working Bee on Saturday 16 December and to everyone who has helped over the year.
Your efforts have made the church grounds look neat & tidy as we approach Christmas!
The next working bee will be in February 2018.

Cheltenham Primary School Christmas Service
The Annual Cheltenham Primary School Christmas Service was held at St Matthew's on Thursday 7 December – a highlight of the school's year! Over 550 students and adults attended! The preps were dressed as shepherds and angels. It was a very happy and fun occasion!

Working Bee
Our final working bee for the year will be held at 9am on Saturday 16 December (just in time for Christmas!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

A Vessel Special Effort!
Congratulations to Cliff 'Tig' Simmons who won the Vessel Special Effort prize of a return ferry ticket between Sorrento and Queenscliff!
A big thank you to all who supported our special effort!!

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The November - January edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish, including our 150th celebrations, and upcoming services and events.

Family Service
Our monthly Family Service will be held on Sunday 3 December at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Last Parish lunch for the year!
Our last Parish lunch for the year will be held on Sunday 3 December in the Hall around 12 noon.
Please bring a salad or dessert (or both!) to share. All very welcome!

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to those who helped at our Working Bee on Saturday 25 November. Your efforts of tidying, weeding and pruning are much appreciated! Our final working bee for the year will be held on Saturday 16 December (just in time for Christmas!).

Empty Christmas Tree
Our Empty Christmas Tree is now up and waiting for you to place presents underneath!
Toys are needed for children aged 5 – 12 yrs. For teenagers please consider gift vouchers so they can choose their own gifts.
Dixon House requires them by Friday 8 December for distribution.

Notice of Annual Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of St Matthew’s Anglican Church will be held on Sunday 26 November at 11.30am.
All reports for the Annual Meeting need to be received by Sunday 12 November, please hand in to the Parish Office.

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 25 November at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Last Parish Lunch for the year!
Our last Parish Lunch for the year will be held on Sunday 3 December, in the Hall around 12 noon.
Please bring a salad or dessert (or both!) to share. All very welcome!

Parish Breakfast – Thank you!!
Thank you to those who attended our final Parish Breakfast for the year on Sunday 29 October! It was a happy bunch that sat down to enjoy breakfast and a chat. A big thank you to those who made our Breakfast possible.

St Matthew's 150th Items
St Matthew's 150th Anniversary Bags filled with offers of discounts from various Cheltenham shops. $10 each. Available from the Parish Office or after the services.
St Matthew's 150th Celebratory Wines (Chardonnay or Cabernet Merlot). $10 each. Contact the Parish Office.

Parish Breakfast
Don’t forget our next and final Parish Breakfast for the year will be held on Sunday 29 October at approx 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and good company! Gold coin donation. All welcome!

All Saints Day
All Saints Day (1 November) is the day that we remember the myriad of Saints and Martyrs who do not have a designated day (such as we have for St Matthew, John the Baptist or St Margaret of Scotland). The day following is All Souls Day when we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ. We will celebrate All Saints Day and remember All Souls Day on Sunday 5 November where we remember the names of loved ones (who have died in the Lord) at the Altar.

Working Bee thank you
A big thank you to those who helped yesterday at our working bee. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated. The next working bee will be in late November.

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 21 October at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

We pawsed for the Blessing of the Animals!
Thank you to all who attended and invited people to our Blessing of the Animals. It was an opportunity for the animals to meet and greet and become 'very' acquainted! After a general blessing of the animals most took the opportunity to come forward around the Altar for an individual blessing and a prayer that companionship continue and they were then presented with their medallion and prayer card by Annaliese.
Many of those from the service then joined us in the Hall for a parish lunch which was appreciated by all, even the animals!!

Blessing of the Animals!
Blessing of the Animals posterAll pets great & small are welcome!
Sunday 1 October - Service at 12 noon followed by lunch in the Hall (animals are welcome to join us!).
Each animal will receive a personal blessing and a special medallion.
All animals must be brought in carriers or on leashes.
Tell your neighbours and friends. All welcome!


Parish BBQ
Our next Parish BBQ will be held on Sunday 1 October in the Hall after our Blessing of the Animals service.
Please bring a salad or dessert (or both!) to share and remember that we will be hosting visitors from the Blessing of the Animals service
so please make them (and their pets!) feel welcome.

150 celebratory items!
As part of our celebrations for our 150th Anniversary we have celebratory wine and shopping bags with vouchers available.
If you are interested in purchasing any of these items please contact the Parish Office.

We are now 150!
Thank you to everyone who in any way has made this day possible.
Many people have been working for over 12 months and we give thanks for their dedication and good works!
To our visitors, thank you for helping us make this day the occasion that it is.

      150th logo      150th logo2


Where did we come from?
In the early 1850's in the Cheltenham area, church services were held in two buildings, used on week-days as church schools. One of these was in Weatherall Road and the other in Silver Street. As of 1927 the church still owned the land in Silver Street.
Cheltenham was until 1867 part of the extensive Parish of St Andrew's Brighton. In 1867 a new district (parish) was formed (the site for the church having been chosen in 1865), with Cheltenham at its centre, embracing from North Road to Carrum and extending easterly to Spring Vale.
St Matthew's Diamond Jubilee Souvenir 1867-1927

A date for your diary!
Now is the time to start telling your family, neighbours and friends about our upcoming ‘Blessing of the Animals’ service
on Sunday 1 October at 12 noon! All pets great and small are welcome!
Each animal will receive a personal blessing and a special medallion.
The service will be followed by lunch in the Hall (animals are welcome to join us!).
All animals must be brought in carriers or on leashes.

Parish BBQ
Our next Parish BBQ will be held on Sunday 1 October in the Hall after our Blessing of the Animals service.
Please bring a salad or dessert (or both!) to share and remember that we will be hosting visitors from the Blessing of the Animals service so please make them (and their pets!) feel welcome.

Working Bee thank you!
A big thank you to those who helped at our Working Bee on Saturday 26 August. It was a big job tidying the gardens in prepartion for our 150th Anniversary celebrations and your efforts were much appreciated.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The August - September edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

1549 - The First Book of Common Prayer - Sunday 27 August
As part of our liturgical celebration for our sesquicentenary, we will travel back in time using various forms of the Eucharist.
The last in our series is the service known as ‘The Supper of the Lorde and the Holy Communion, commonly called the Masse’.
This will be used at both services on Sunday 27 August.

"Although a formal break with the Papacy came about during the time of Henry VIII, the Church of England continued to use liturgies in Latin throughout his reign, just as it always had. However, once Henry died and the young Edward VI attained the throne in 1547, the stage was set
for some very significant changes in the religious life of the country. And so a consultation of bishops met and produced the first Book of Common Prayer."
"The work of 1549 was the first prayer book to include the complete forms of service for daily and Sunday worship in English. It contained Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, the Litany, and Holy Communion and also the occasional services in full: the orders for Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, 'prayers to be said with the sick' and a Funeral service. It also set out in full the "propers" (that is the parts of the service which varied week by week or, at times, daily throughout the Church's Year): the collects and the epistle and gospel readings for the Sunday Communion Service.
Old Testament and New Testament readings for daily prayer were specified in tabular format as were the Psalms; and canticles, mostly biblical, that were provided to be said or sung between the readings."
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/1549/BCP_1549.htm; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Common_Prayer#1549

Beef Burgundy Lunch
Sunday 27 August at 12 noon in the Hall – Cost: $15
Beef Burgundy followed by dessert; vegetarian option also available.
Please contact the Parish Office if you will be attending.
Bookings only – by Wednesday 23 August.
This is fundraising for our 150th – do join us!

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 26 August at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Invitation to St Paul’s Cathedral
The Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral invites the congregation of St Matthew’s to Choral Evensong on Friday 1 September at 5.10pm when prayers will be said for our parish. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear one of the premier church choirs of Australia and to once again enjoy the traditional language of the 1662 Prayer Book.

Thank you
Thank you to all who brought delicious fare for our ‘finger food’ luncheon on Sunday 6 August; and to our helpers.
We will have our traditional BBQ lunch on Sunday 1 October after our Blessing of the Animals service!

Parish Breakfast thank you
Thank you to those who attended our Parish Breakfast on Sunday 30 July and to those who made our Parish Breakfast possible.
We hope more of you will be able to join us at our final Breakfast for the year on Sunday 29 October!

August Luncheon!
We will ‘celebrate’ Sunday 6 August with a ‘finger food’ luncheon (sausage rolls, mini quiches, pies, spring rolls etc),
followed by desserts at 12 noon in the Hall. Gold coin donation.
Please join us, all very welcome!

Family Service
Our monthly Family Service will be held on Sunday 6 August at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

1662 service!
As part of our liturgical celebration for our sesquicentenary,we will travel back in time using various forms of the Eucharist. The third in our series is the service known as the 'Lord's Supper or Holy Communion' from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, This will be used at both services on Sunday 30 July.

"The Book of Common Prayer is always associated with the year of our Lord 1662, the year in which it was authorized for use by Act of Parliament. In ecclesiastical circles, among clergy and others, the book is often today called, in a kind of jargon or shorthand - ‘1662’." As originally set forth there was almost no congregational participation and various parts of the service that were originally intended to be regularly read fell by the way side. What I intend to do with our celebration is to use the service as it would have been experienced in an ordinary parish church. In that case there would be no hymns as very few hymns were allowed and there would have not been a gathering of clerks (priests) as there would have been in university college chapels or cathedrals or minsters.

Parish Breakfast
Don’t forget our next Parish Breakfast will be held on Sunday 30 July at approx 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and good company! Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Time flies!!
Tuesday 18 July marks the 10th Anniversary of Fr Ron's Induction here at St Matthew's as our Parish Priest!!
Congratulations and thank you!

Sausage Sizzle at DFO
Thank you to those who organised the Sausage Sizzle at DFO on Saturday 8 July and to those who braved the cold to cook, collect money and serve. To those who supported the effort, I'm sure you appreciated delicious snags.

First Communion
Please pray for those who are preparing for their First Holy Communion on Sunday 23 July and for those helping them prepare.
Please make sure you keep the date and time free so that you can welcome them into the communicant membership of our parish.
Do note – this is NOT Confirmation which now in most cases takes place when the person is closer to adulthood or late teens.

Sausage Sizzle at DFO
The parish is hosting a Sausage Sizzle at Tasman Butchers at DFO Moorabbin on Saturday 8 July.
Volunteers are needed, please contact Marlene Gale on 0414 813 710 if you can assist.
This is fundraising for our 150th. More details to come.

Sea Sunday – 9 July
On Sea Sunday churches all over the world come together to remember seafarers and pray for them, their families and those who support them. The Mission to Seafarers needs your prayers and support for all merchant crews and their families on this day.

A prayer for Sea Sunday
O eternal Lord God, you alone spread out the heavens and rule the raging of the sea: be pleased to receive into your protection all those who go down to the sea in ships and occupy their business in great waters. Make their voyages safe to their person and their goods, and be yourself their way and light till journeyings shall end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Midwinter Lunch!
Sunday 16 July at 12 noon in the Hall
Midwinter 2 course lunch – Cost: $20
Chicken & sparkling wine; vegetarian option also available.
Please contact the Office if you will be attending.
Bookings only – by Wednesday 12 July
This is fundraising for our 150th – please join us!

Working Bee thank you!
A big thank you to those who helped at our Working Bee on Saturday 24 June despite the predicted weather. It was a big job planting the trees and your efforts were much appreciated. The trees have made a considerable difference.

Family Service!
Our monthly Family Service will be held on Sunday 2 July at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Sunday 25 June – 1928 service
As part of our liturgical celebration for our sesquicentenary, we will travel back in time using various forms of the Eucharist. The second in our series is the service known asthe Holy Communion service from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, more correctly named as the Deposited Book of 1928. This will be used at both services next Sunday, 25 June.

This revision of the Prayer Book was basically the 1662 Book with additional newer versions of services, the use of which by Congregations was to be purely permissive. In July 1927 a Measure was passed by the Church Assembly (the predecessor of the General Synod) to authorize the use of a Prayer Book which had been deposited with the Clerk of the Parliaments - referred to in the Measure as 'The Deposited Book'. As the Church of England is an Established, or State, Church, approval by Parliament was required for this Book but it was voted down by Parliament in December, 1927. In spite of Parliament's rejection, use of at least some of the revised services in this book was fairly common in subsequent years.
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/CofE1928/CofE1928.htm; https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/1928.aspx

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The June - July edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Pie / Quiche lunch
As part of our fundraising for our 150th, there will be a 2 Course Pie / Quiche lunch on Sunday 25 June at 12 noon in the Hall.
Cost: $6. All very welcome.

Working Bee!
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 24 June at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us!
Morning tea provided.

Soup Luncheon thank you
Thank you to those who stayed for our Soup Luncheon on Sunday 4 June. It was just the meal for a cold Sunday! A big thank you to those who made delicious soups, yummy desserts and to our dedicated helpers. We will have a finger food luncheon in August!

Sunday 28 May – 1969 service
As part of our liturgical celebration for our sesquicentenary, we will travel back in time using various forms of the Eucharist. The first in our series is the service known as A Service of Holy Communion for Australia, 1969 (Australia, ’69). This will be used at both services on Sunday 28 May.

On the website ' Anglican Eucharistic Theology', Brian Douglas comments that 'The service reflecting the modern liturgical movement in form and wording but also maintaining aspects of the 1662 BCP Holy Communion, presented realist concepts of Eucharistic theology. Overall...Australia 1969 represented a more realist shift in Eucharistic theology in the Australian Anglican scene.'

Everyone wear RED!
The liturgical colour for Pentecost Sunday, 4 June, is red.
This signifies the fire of the Holy Spirit descending on us as it did on the apostles that day.
So remember to wear red (or flame colours) for Pentecost as we celebrate this glorious feast day.

Gifts of Harvest
Thank you to those who prepared the church for our Harvest Festival today and to those who brought gifts of ‘harvest’. We know the gifts will be gratefully received by those who benefit from your generosity.

June Soup Luncheon!
We will ‘celebrate’ Sunday 4 June with a soup and crusty bread lunch (followed by desserts!) in the Hall at 12 noon.
All very welcome to join us.

Everyone wear RED!
A big thank you to those who braved the chilly morning and helped yesterday at our working bee. Your efforts are much appreciated!
The next working bee will be held on Saturday 24 June.

Working Bee
Our next working bee will be held on Saturday 13 May at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Harvest Festival
Now that the celebration of Holy Week and Easter Day gives over to the Easter season, please remember that in a few weeks we will be celebrating Harvest Festival on Sunday 21 May.
A reminder to start collecting non perishable items so that on the day our display (and therefore our offering to God) will be even greater than last year’s excellent effort. As the majority of the items offered are delivered to Dixon House perhaps you could consider goods that will be suitable for this form of outreach.

Parish Breakfast – Thank you!!
Thank you to those who attended our first Parish Breakfast for the year on Sunday 30 April. It was a happy bunch that sat down to enjoy breakfast and a chat. A big thank you to our team of dedicated helpers who made our Parish Breakfast possible.
We hope more of you will be able to join us at our next Breakfast on Sunday 30 July!

On the road to 150...
What services did they use in the Old Church?
Well, they would have been from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and later perhaps from the Deposited Book of 1928.
And do you remember the very THIN booklet that introduced us to Australia 69?
As a lead-up to our 150th celebrations we will revisit these services on the last Sunday of the months as we move towards September.
But in reverse!
28 May – 1969 service
25 June – 1928 service
30 July – 1662 service
27 August – 1549 service (a service unfamiliar with most of you!)

Parish Breakfast
Our first Parish Breakfast for the year will be held on Sunday 30 April at 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and enjoy good company! Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Thank you
A big thank you to all those who prepared our Church for our Holy Week and Easter services and who organised refreshments on Good Friday –
we would like to thank Coles Southland for their generous donation which enabled us to buy the hot cross buns and Easter eggs.
Bishop Paul has written to thank the parish for its welcome and to say how much he enjoyed the service on Good Friday and the opportunity to preach and afterwards to meet some of the congregation.

Easter Special Effort!
The lucky winners of our Easter Special Effort are...!!!
1st prize – Margaret Henry (St Francis & Op Shop volunteer)
2nd prize – Barbara Duncan
3rd prize – Gina Labozetta (Op Shop volunteer)
4th prize – Jill Cornwell (Op Shop volunteer)
Congratulations to all and a big thank you to everyone who supported our Special Effort!

Holy Week and Easter Services
The most important week in the Church year and an opportunity to remember the sacrifice of Christ and then prepare for the glory of Easter.
Even though the world will treat much of it as a holiday please remember it as a holy time.
Also note that Bishop Paul Barker will be visiting our parish for the first time on Good Friday at 12 noon and will join us for refresments after the service.

Holy Week & Easter Services
† 9 April – Palm Sunday †
8am & 10am: Blessing of Palms and Procession

† Holy Week Weekday Services †Easter Services
Mon 10 April: 10am Eucharist
Tues 11 April: 10am Eucharist & 7pm Eucharist
Wed 12 April: 10am Eucharist

† 13 April – Maundy Thursday †
7pm: Eucharist of the Last Supper

† 14 April – Good Friday †
10am: Walk of Witness starting at the Church of the Open Door
12 noon: Devotions – Bishop Paul Barker preaching
followed by hot cross buns
2pm: Stations of the Cross

† 16 April – Easter Day †
8am: Lighting of the New Fire & Eucharist
10am: Easter Eucharist

Palm Sunday thank you!
Thank you to George H and Mary who donated palms and to George W for helping to collect and deliver them;
to Julie, Claire and Val for making our palm crosses and to Julie, Rob and Claire for decorating the Church with palm branches.

Palm Sunday 2017
Walk of Witness – Cheltenham Combined Churches
14 April – Good Friday
10am – Church of the Open Door, Cnr Charman Rd & Nepean Hwy,
proceed to Charman Uniting Church,
proceed to Pioneers Presbyterian Church,
proceed to St Matthew’s Anglican Church,
proceed to Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church.

Thank you!
Our thanks to Joan Leslie, Val Fielder and Georgie for our Simnel Cakes for Mothering Sunday on Sunday 26 March.
Everyone found them delicious!

Making of Palm Crosses
Please join us on Saturday 8 April at 9am in the Parish Office to make palm crosses.
We will provide the palms, instructions and a lovely morning tea! Helpers most welcome!

Family Service
Our monthly Family Service will be held on Sunday 2 April at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Mothering Sunday
As is our custom we will bless and distribute Simnel Cake at both services on Mothering Sunday – 26 March. This is of course an opportunity to bring your mother to church or indeed someone in your community who is a mother as we give thanks for the mothering we have received in and through our Mother Church.

Working Bee
Our next working bee will be held on Saturday 25 March at 9am (weather permitting!).
This is our opportunity to tidy up the grounds around the church in preparation for Easter.
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Parish BBQ!
Our next Parish BBQ will be held on Sunday 2 April in the Hall around 12 noon.
Please bring a salad or dessert to share. Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is 1 March, please bring your palm crosses in time to be burnt.
Services on Ash Wednesday will be held at 10am and 6pm – Mass with Blessing and Imposition of Ashes.

Lenten Bible Study
To assist in your planning and as a preparation for Easter there will be a mini bible study following the Wednesday 10am Mass in Lent.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The March - April edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

150th Anniversary Celebrations!
150th Events This year the parish of St Matthew's Cheltenham celebrates 150 years of Witness and Service in Cheltenham!
Please click on the poster to view the events which will be happening throughout the year.
More information on each event will be available closer to the date but in the meantime mark these dates in your diary!

Our next event will be held on Sunday 9 April following the 10am service
- Bake Sale




World Day of Prayer
Philippines – 'Am I being unfair to you?'
Friday 3 March at 10.30am Southern Community Church of Christ, Cheltenham.
All parishioners, friends and neighbours welcome.

Family Service
Our next Family Service will be held on Sunday 5 March, at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Our Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month. Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Help with Ministry
Four of the local nursing homes in Cheltenham are visited on respective Fridays each month.
The parish is seeking volunteers who could give an hour of their time on a Friday (even once a month) to assist in this important ministry.
Please contact the Parish Office if you feel the call to this important and rewarding task.

Pancakes!
We will enjoy pancakes on Sunday 26 February at around 9am in the Hall in recognition of Shrove Tuesday.
We hope you can join us!

St Valentine's morning tea
The Valentine's Day morning tea and special effort, which was held on Sunday 12 February, raised $164 towards the 150th Anniversary funds.
Prizes and winners of the special effort:
Wine – Rosa, Chocolates – Dell, Flowers – Claire.
Thanks to Marlene for baking the delicious scones and to all who supported and helped make this a special morning.

Thank you!
A big thank you to those who helped at our working bee on Saturday 11 February. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, watering, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated!
The next working bee will be held on Saturday 25 March at 9am.

St Valentine's morning tea
As part of our fundraising for our 150th Anniversary, there will be a special morning tea (to celebrate St Valentine's Day) on Sunday 12 February
in the Hall after the 10am Mass. Cost $2 per person. All very welcome!

Working Bee
Our first working bee for the year will be held on Saturday 11 February at 9am.
The gardens are in need of a tidy up so please join us! Morning tea provided.

Candlemas
On Sunday 5 February we will celebrate the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – commonly called Candlemas – when by tradition the candles used in worship will be blessed at the 8am BCP service and the 10am Family service. If you have a particular candle that you use as a votive you may wish to bring it on the day so that it may be blessed.

First Parish BBQ for the year!
Sunday 5 February in the Hall around 12 noon.
Please bring a salad or dessert to share. All very welcome!

Family Service
Our first Family Service for the year will be held on Sunday 5 February, at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our
Sunday School! Our Family Service is held on the first Sunday of each month. Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Please note…
Fr Ron is on leave from Tuesday 3 January to Tuesday 24 January (inc). If you require a priest during this time please contact Fr Andre Hassing
or one of the Wardens. Fr Andre will be taking the services on Sunday 8, 15 & 22 January.
The Parish Office will be closed until Wednesday 25 January.

A reminder
During the month of January there will be no organist and choir and no weekday services; there will be no morning tea after the 10am service
until February.
2016 News & Events

Christmas Special Effort Winners!
The St Matthew’s Christmas Special Effort was drawn on Sunday 18th December during our morning tea, and the lucky winners are...!!!
1st prize – Kath Daly's grandson, Zach Lowe
2nd prize – Adair Stagg
3rd prize – Graham Whitehead
Thanks to everyone who supported our Special Effort!

Christmas & New Year
The clergy and staff of St Matthew’s and a great start to the New Year.
May this ‘holy day’ season be a safe time for you all.
Thank you for all your cards and greetings.

Christmas Services
Christmas Services Sunday 18th December
6pm – Carol Service

Christmas Eve – Saturday 24th December
5.30pm – Children’s Crib Service
followed by sausage sizzle in the Hall
11pm – Carols by Candlelight
11.30pm – Midnight Mass

Christmas Day – Sunday 25th December
9am – Christmas Holy Communion


Masses celebrated during Christmas week
Monday 26 December – 10am: Stephen, Deacon & Martyr
Tuesday 27 December – 10am: John, Apostle & Martyr
Wednesday 28 December – 10am: Holy Innocents

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The December - January edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Please note…
The Parish Office will be closed from Christmas Day until late January.
During the month of January there will be no organist and choir and no weekday services; morning tea following the 10am service will resume in February.

Working Bee thank you!
A big thank you to those who helped at our Working Bee on Saturday 17 December and to everyone who has helped over the year.
Your efforts have made the church grounds look neat & tidy as we approach Christmas!
The next working bee will be on Saturday 11 February.

Empty Christmas Tree
Thank you to all those who left presents and food under our Empty Christmas tree for Dixon House. Many of our gifts this year were contributed by the students of Cheltenham Primary School who brought their gifts down in a few trips, so a big thank you to the school.
Goods were delivered during the week so a big thank you to our helpers!

Cheltenham Primary School Christmas Service
On Thursday 1st December we again held the Annual Cheltenham Primary School Christmas Service and it was wonderful to see (and hear!) over 500 people in the church! The preps were dressed as shepherds and angels. It was a very happy and fun occasion!

Working Bee
Our final working bee for the year will be held at 9am on Saturday 17 December (just in time for Christmas!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Wardens & Parish Council members
Wardens:
Sue Polites (Vicar’s Warden), Julie Johnston & Phil Whelan (People's Wardens).
Parish Council:
Harold Daly, Glenys Foreman, Marlene Gale, Debby Howard, Rob Johnston & Andrew Napier.

Last Parish BBQ for the year!
Our last Parish BBQ for the year will be held on Sunday 4 December, in the Hall around 12 noon.
Please bring a salad or dessert (or both!) to share.

Notice of Annual Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of St Matthew’s Anglican Church will be held on Sunday 27 November at 11.30am.

Thank you!
A big thank you to those who helped at our working bee on Saturday 19 November. Your efforts of tidying, replanting and pruning are much appreciated!
Our final working bee for the year will be held on Saturday 17 December (just in time for Christmas!).

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 19 November at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us!
Please note the change of date, a week earlier than previously stated due to the Pets Market.

Consecration of our new Bishop
Parishioners are invited to the Consecration of our new Bishop (for the Jumbunna Episcopate), the Rev'd Dr Paul Barker.
Saturday 12 November at 10.30am in St Paul's Cathedral.

All Saints Day
All Saints Day (1 November) is the day that we remember the myriad of Saints and Martyrs who do not have a designated day (such as we have for St Matthew, John the Baptist or St Margaret of Scotland). The day following is All Souls Day when we remember those who have died in the faith of Christ. We will celebrate All Saints Day and remember All Souls Day on Sunday 6 November where we remember the names of loved ones (who have died in the Lord) at the Altar.

Family Service with Sunday School
Our monthly Family Service will be held on Sunday 6 November at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Parish Breakfast
Our last Parish Breakfast for the year will be held on Sunday 30 October at approx 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and enjoy good company!
Gold coin donation. All welcome!

We pawsed for the Blessing of the Animals!!
It was great to see such numbers at our Blessing of the Animals on Sunday 2 October – an opportunity for the animals to meet and greet and become 'very' acquainted! A number of our usual congregation also attended and were surprised to hear the human visitors joining in so well with the hymns and the prayers. After a general blessing of the animals most took the opportunity to come forward around the Altar for an individual blessing and a prayer that companionship continue and they were then presented with their medallion and prayer card. Many of those from the well attended service then joined us in the Hall for a parish lunch which was appreciated by all, even the animals!!

Blessing of the Animals 2016

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 15 October at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us!

Patronal Festival thank you!
Patronal Festival 2016 By all accounts our celebration last Sunday of the 50th Anniversary of the Dedication of the 'new' church
was a wonderful occasion.
It was a pleasure to have Bishop Paul with us and due to the work of many the day was most enjoyable. Thanks to our Organist and Choir, those who assisted in the worship, readied the church and hall
and who brought food, served and cleaned up.
Now for the 150th!!




A date for your diary!
Blessing of the Animals poster Now is the time to start telling your family, neighbours and friends about our upcoming ‘Blessing of the Animals’ service
on Sunday 2 October at 12 noon! All pets great and small are welcome!
Each animal will receive a personal blessing and a special medallion.
The service will be followed by lunch in the Hall (animals are welcome to join us!).
All animals must be brought in carriers or on leashes.


Parish BBQ
Our next Parish BBQ will be held on Sunday 2 October in the Hall after our Blessing of the Animals service.
Please bring a salad or dessert (or both!) to share and remember that we will be hosting visitors from the Blessing of the Animals service
so please make them (and their pets!) feel welcome.

Patronal Festival – Sunday 18 September
Blessing of the Animals posterWe are thrilled that +Paul who until recently was our Regional Bishop is able to be our Visitor for our Patronal Festival.
On this day we will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Dedication of the 'new' church building.
Please note there will be only one service which is at 10am.
Make sure that this is marked in your diary as this will be an opportunity for us to thank +Paul for his ministry to us over the years. A 'finger food' lunch will follow the service - please bring a plate accordingly.
Please take this opportunity to invite family members, neighbours or friends.

Working Bee thank you!
A big thank you to those who helped at our Working Bee on Saturday 10 September.
Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated.
The next working bee will be on Saturday 15 October.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The September - October edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 10 September at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us!
Please note the change of date, a week later than previously stated – this is due to the next Pets Market being held on 3 September in the
Parish Office car park.

Family Service with Sunday School
Our monthly Family Service will be held on Sunday 4 September at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

National Op Shop Week (21/8 to 27/8) – ‘Op till you drop!’
National Op Shop Week 2016 will take place from Sunday 21 August until Saturday 27 August. You can support our Op Shop in a number of ways.
• By doing a spring clean, decluttering your wardrobe and taking unwanted items. Remember, only items that you yourself would wear and use    should be donated.
• By visiting our shop and helping us to raise money by buying our items.
• By volunteering at our shop.

Thank You!
Thank you to all who brought delicious fare for our ‘finger food’ luncheon on Sunday 7 August; and to our dedicated helpers. We will have our traditional BBQ lunch in October after our Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday 2 October!

55 Years!
On Wednesday 3 August our Opportunity Shop (Cheltenham Opportunity Shop) celebrated 55 years of service! We thank all those involved.
Why not visit the shop and show your support to our team of volunteers and buy or donate goods while you are there!

Breakfast thank you
Thank you to those who attended our Parish Breakfast on Sunday 31 July. Also a big thank you to our team of dedicated helpers who made our Parish Breakfast possible. We hope more of you will be able to join us at our final Breakfast for the year on Sunday 30 October!

August Luncheon!
We will ‘celebrate’ Sunday 7 August with a ‘finger food’ luncheon (sausage rolls, mini quiches, pies, spring rolls etc), followed by desserts at
12 noon in the Hall. Please join us, all very welcome!

Pet's Market
Doggy Tea Breaks will be holding a Pet's Market at which stalls will sell various items related to pets and their needs.
The Parish will be running a sausage sizzle!
The market will be held on Saturday 6 August from 10am to 3pm in the car park behind the Parish Office - 161 Park Road, Cheltenham.

Family Service with Sunday School
Our monthly Family Service will be held on Sunday 7 August at 10am and includes fun activities for children in our Sunday School!
Tell your family, friends and neighbours! All very welcome.

Parish Breakfast
Don’t forget our next Parish Breakfast will be held on Sunday 31 July at approx 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and good company!
Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Working Bee thank you!
A big thank you to those who helped at our Working Bee on Saturday 9 July.
Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated.
The next working bee will be on Saturday 3 September.

Working Bee!
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 9 July at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us!
Morning tea provided.

Sea Sunday - 10 July
On Sea Sunday churches all over the world come together to remember seafarers and pray for them, their families and those who support them. The Mission to Seafarers needs your prayers and support for all merchant crews and their families on Sea Sunday 2016, which we will acknowledge in our services on Sunday 10 July.

Op Shop Donations Needed
St Matthew’s Op Shop is in need of more donations.
Donations can be delivered to the shop, providing they are good quality (items not stained, chipped or cracked).
The shop is unable to accept the following items: electrical goods, furniture, mattresses, cots, prams or strollers due to government regulations.
Please search your cupboards and encourage relations, neighbours and friends to search theirs.
Again articles must be in good, clean condition and remember: ‘if I would want to use it, the Op Shop can use it’.
For more information please contact the Op Shop on 9583 2993

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The June - August edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Thank you
Thank you to all who attended our Financial meeting on Sunday 5 June and to those who stayed for our Soup Luncheon.
It was just the meal for a cold Sunday!
A big thank you to those who made delicious soups, yummy desserts and to our dedicated helpers.
We will have a finger food luncheon in August!

Breakfast Thank you
Thank you to those who attended our first Parish Breakfast for the year on Sunday 5 June! It was a happy bunch that sat down to enjoy breakfast and a chat. A big thank you to our team of dedicated helpers who made our Parish Breakfast possible.
We hope more of you will be able to join us at our next Breakfast on Sunday 31 July!

Family Service
Our next Family Service will be held on Sunday 3 July at 10am.
There will be fun children's activities in our Sunday School during the service.
All children are invited to join in!

June Luncheon!
We will ‘celebrate’ Sunday 5 June with a soup and crusty bread lunch (followed by desserts!) in the Hall at 12 noon.

Petition - Keep Good Friday free of football
Bishop Philip Huggins has set up a petition on change.org, asking the AFL to keep Good Friday free from football.
If you’d like to add your signature you can do this online by clicking the link below:
https://www.change.org/p/australian-football-league-afl-keep-good-friday-free-of-football

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 28 May at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Parish Breakfast
Our first Parish Breakfast for the year will be held on Sunday 29 May at 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and enjoy good company!
Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Stewardship – Weekly Offering
The new sets of envelopes are about to be distributed so if you currently do not contribute to our stewardship via the convenience of weekly envelopes you may like to do so! If this is the case please contact the Parish Office.

Everyone wear RED!
The liturgical colour for the Day of Pentecost, 15 May, is red. This signifies the fire of the Holy Spirit descending on us as it did on the apostles
that day. So remember to wear red (or flame colours) for Pentecost as we celebrate this glorious feast day.

Cheltenham Combined Churches – Pentecost Celebration
On Pentecost Sunday, 15 May, we are inviting members of all the Cheltenham Christian churches to join from 5pm at Our Lady of the Assumption Church to reflect on Pentecost and to join in the N.C.C.A’s week of prayer for Christian unity.
A light tea will follow. You are invited to bring a small plate of food to share.

Thank you
Thank you to those who prepared the church for our Harvest Festival on Sunday 8 May and to those who brought gifts of ‘harvest’.
We know the gifts will be gratefully received by those who benefit from your generosity.

 Lenten Discipline Canisters
The Parish Mission is very appreciative of the support by parishioners and friends of the Lenten Discipline Canisters. A total of $$301.85 was donated this year. Our grateful thanks to all for your generous support.

Thank you
A wonderful celebration for the 50th Anniversary of the setting of the Foundation Stone on Sunday 24 April.
Thanks to those who were able to contribute to the wonderful morning tea.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The April / May edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Synod Reps
Please note we will be calling for the names of people who will be willing to be our Synod Reps for the next 3 years.
Meanwhile, please approach people to see if they are willing to serve in this ministry.

50th Anniversary!
Sunday 27 March marked the 50th Anniversary of the setting of the Foundation Stone of the 'new' church!
As this fell on Easter Day we will be celebrating this event with a mass of Thanksgiving at 8am & 10am on Sunday 24 April.
A special morning tea will follow the 10am service; please bring a plate.

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 16 April at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us! Morning tea provided.

Lenten Discipline Canisters
The Parish Mission wishes to thank all who donated to Missions during Lent – please return any canisters that you have.
The final total and details of the distribution will be published as soon as all canisters have been returned.

Thank you!
A big thank you to all those who prepared our Church for our Holy Week and Easter services and who organised refreshments on Good Friday –
we would like to thank Coles Southland for their kind donation of hot cross buns.

Harvest Festival
Now that the celebration of Holy Week and Easter Day gives over to the Easter season, please remember that in a few weeks we will be celebrating Harvest Festival on Sunday 8 May.
A reminder to start collecting items so that on the day our display (and therefore our offering to God) will be even greater than last year’s excellent effort. As the majority of the items offered are delivered to Dixon House perhaps you could consider goods that will be suitable for this form of outreach.

Easter Special Effort!
The lucky winners of our Easter Special Effort are...!!!
1st prize – Pat Rossely
2nd prize – Marj Whatmore
3rd prize – June Martin
4th prize – Dorothy Gawthorne
Congratulations to all and a big thank you to everyone who supported our Special Effort!

Thank you!
Thank you to all those who collected palms, made our palm crosses and decorated the Church with palm branches.

Palm Crosses
If anyone has any healthy palm fronds they could donate for Palm Sunday, please contact the Parish Office.
Please join us on Saturday 19 March at 9am in the Parish Office to make palm crosses.
We will provide the palms, instructions and morning tea! Helpers most welcome!

Holy Week & Easter Services
Don’t wait for it to creep up on you! Put the dates for our Holy Week & Easter services (below) in your diary or on your calendar now!
Be a part of the whole experience.

† 20 March – Palm Sunday †
8am & 10am: Blessing of Palms and Procession
Easter Services
† Holy Week Weekday Services †
Mon 21 March: 10am Mass
Tues 22 March: 10am Mass & 7pm Mass
Wed 23 March: 10am Mass

† 24 March – Maundy Thursday †
7pm: A Celebration of the Last Supper - Eucharist with Foot Washing (foot washing optional)

† 25 March – Good Friday †
10am: Walk of Witness starting at the Church of the Open Door
12 noon: The Crucifixion of Our Lord - Devotions followed by hot cross buns
2pm: Stations of the Cross

† 27 March – Easter Day †
8am: Lighting of the New Fire & Eucharist
10am: Easter Holy Communion

Walk of Witness – Cheltenham Combined Churches
25 March – Good Friday
10am – Church of the Open Door, Cnr Charman Rd & Nepean Hwy,
proceed to Charman Uniting Church,
proceed to Pioneers Presbyterian Church,
proceed to St Matthew’s Anglican Church,
proceed to Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church.

Mothering Sunday thank you!
Sincere thanks to Pat Ashton and Joan Leslie for our Simnel Cakes for Mothering Sunday last week.
Everyone found them delicious!

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The February / March edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

ABM Lent Appeal 2016
Envelopes are available if you would like to donate to the ABM’s Lent Appeal.
You can also follow the days of Lent with ABM’s online calendar with a reflection, prayer and action for every day
http://alined.co/abm/abm-app/lentcalendar.html

Lenten Discipline Canisters
The Parish Mission, under the auspices of the Parish Council, is once again inviting parishioners to donate coins (preferably gold) for missions, using the canisters during Lent and returning them at the end of Lent. The canisters are available in the Narthex.
Please take one as you leave the Church. Thank you.

Working Bee
Our first working bee for this year will be held on Saturday 5th March at 9am (weather permitting!).
This is our opportunity to tidy up the grounds
around the church for Easter. Helpers are needed so please come and join us!

Mothering Sunday
As is our custom we will bless and distribute Simnel Cake at both services on Mothering Sunday – 6th March. (If anyone can provide a Simnel Cake please let the office know). We will remember all mothers including the Mother of all mothers – Our Lady and we will give thanks for the mothering we have received in and through our Mother Church. This is of course an opportunity to bring your mother to church or indeed someone in your
community who is a mother.

Thank you…
Many thanks to all who came to our Pancake breakfast on Sunday 7th February between the two masses, and especially to Julie who prepared and cooked our yummy pancakes!! Also thanks to those who helped with setting up and cleaning.

Pancakes
We will enjoy pancakes on Sunday 7th February at around 9am in the Hall in recognition of Shrove Tuesday.
Due to this being the Sunday before Shrove Tuesday our normal Parish BBQ will not take place on this day.
We hope you can join us!

Candlemas
On Sunday 7th February, we will celebrate the Presentation of Christ in the Temple – commonly called Candlemas – when by tradition the candles used in worship will be blessed at the 8am BCP service and the 10am Family service. If you have a particular candle that you use as a
votive you may wish to bring it on the day so that it may be blessed.

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is 10th February, please bring your palm crosses in time to be burnt.
Services on Ash Wednesday will be held at 10am and 6pm – Mass with Blessing and Imposition of Ashes.

Lenten Bible Study
To assist in your planning and as a preparation for Easter there will be a mini bible study following the Wednesday 10am Mass in Lent.
The study will be based on the year of Luke.

Please note…
Fr Ron is on leave from Tuesday 5th January to Tuesday 19th January. The Rev’d Margot Poole will be taking the services on Sunday 10th January and also on Sunday 17th January.
The Parish Office will be closed until Wednesday 20th January.

A reminder
Just a reminder that there will be no morning tea after the 10am service until February and there are no weekday services in January.
2015 News & Events

Christmas Special Effort Winners!
The St Matthew’s Christmas Special Effort was drawn on Sunday 20th December during our morning tea, and the lucky winners are...!!!
1st prize – Marlene Gale
2nd prize – June Mullens
3rd prize – Julie Johnston
Thanks to everyone who supported our Special Effort!

Christmas & New Year
The clergy and staff of St Matthew’s and a great start to the New Year.
May this ‘holy day’ season be a safe time for you all.
Thank you for all your cards and greetings.

Christmas Services
Christmas Services Sunday 20th December
6pm – Carol Service

Christmas Eve – Thursday 24th December
5.30pm – Children’s Crib Service
followed by sausage sizzle in the Hall
11pm – Carols by Candlelight
11.30pm – Midnight Mass

Christmas Day – Friday 25th December
9am – Christmas Holy Communion




Working Bee
A big thank you to those who helped at our working bee on Saturday 12th December. You have made the place looked loved as we approach Christmas!

Empty Christmas Tree

Thank you to all those who left presents and food under our Empty Christmas tree for Dixon House.
Goods were delivered in time so that they could be distributed to those in need so a big thank you to our helpers!

December Parish Lunch
Please note that due to our Annual General Meeting being held on Sunday 6th December (the first Sunday of the month), our December Parish Lunch will be held on the following Sunday, 13th December.

Cheltenham Primary School Christmas Service
On Tuesday 1st December we held the Annual Cheltenham Primary School Christmas Service and it was wonderful to see (and hear!) over 530 people in the church! The preps were dressed as shepherds and angels. It was a very happy and fun occasion!

Cheltenham Primary School Christmas Service
Parish Breakfast
Our last Parish Breakfast for the year will be held on Sunday 29th November at approx 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and enjoy good company!
Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Notice of Annual Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of St Matthew’s Anglican Church will be held on Sunday 6th December at 11.30am.

Christmas Special Effort!
Tickets for our Christmas Special Effort are available after each service. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5.
The draw will take place on Sunday 20 December during morning tea.

Empty Christmas Tree

A reminder to start buying gifts (unwrapped) and Christmas food so that they can be placed under our Empty Christmas Tree which will be up
on the First Sunday of Advent – 29th November.

All Saints Day
We are celebrating All Saints Day on Sunday 1st November. This is a day where we remember the names of loved ones (who have died in the Lord) at the Altar.

Working Bee
A big thank you to those who helped at our working bee on Saturday 24th October.
Your efforts of tidying, replanting and pruning are much appreciated!

 Blessing of the Animals - Thank You
A big thank you to all the animals who brought their owners to our annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday 4th October. It was a wonderful occasion and as usual the pets were very well behaved!
And thank you to everyone who supplied food, cooked food, served and cleaned up.

A date for your diary!
Blessing of the Animals poster Now is the time to start telling your family, neighbours and friends about our upcoming ‘Blessing of the Animals’ service
on Sunday 4th October at 12 noon! All pets great and small are welcome!
Each animal will receive a personal blessing and a special medallion.
The service will be followed by lunch in the Hall (animals are welcome to join us!).
All animals must be brought in carriers or on leashes.


Patronal Festival
We will celebrate our Patronal Festival, The Feast of St Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist & Martyr
on Sunday 20 September at both the 8am and 10am services.
A special morning tea will follow in the Hall after the 10am service. Please take this opportunity to invite family members, neighbours or friends.

Salt - Parish Newsletter
The September/ October edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here. It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events. A big thank you to those who contributed!

National Op Shop Week – ‘Op till you drop!’
National Op Shop Week 2015 will take place from Sunday 23rd August until next Sunday 30th August.
You can support our Op Shop in a number of ways.
• By doing a spring clean, decluttering your wardrobe and taking unwanted items. Remember, only items that you yourself would wear and use should be donated.
• By visiting our shop and helping us to raise money by buying our items.
• By volunteering at our shop.

Parish Breakfast
Don’t forget our next Parish Breakfast will be held on Sunday 30 August at approx 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and enjoy good company! Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Working Bee
A big thank you to those who helped at our working bee on Saturday 22nd August. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated. The next working bee will be in early October.

August Parish Luncheon
We will ‘celebrate’ Sunday 2nd August with a ‘finger food’ luncheon (sausage rolls, mini quiches, pies, spring rolls etc),
followed by desserts at 12 noon in the Hall.
Please join us, all very welcome!

Thank you…
Fr Andre’s last Sunday with us is Sunday 26th July and we thank him for his time here while Fr Ron has been on Long Service Leave.
We also thank Archdeacon Barry Martin for taking the services for St Francis during this time.
Fr Ron will commence his ‘priestly duties’ as of Wednesday. We look forward to seeing him and hope he will return to us relaxed and refreshed!

We also thank Robert Heatley for being our Organist / Musical Director for the last few weeks while Marlene has been holidays.
We greatly appreciate his willingness to fill in.

50 Years Young
Achievements often go unnoticed through a variety of reasons not the least of which is modesty!
Saturday 20th June is the 50th anniversary of the Ordination to the Priesthood of Fr Andre.  As he won’t blow his trumpet, I will! 
Fr Andre has been and is a much valued priest in this Archdiocese and in particular in this parish.  He is truly a man of God, a devoted servant, a person of integrity and humbleness with a deep pastoral heart.

We congratulate him on this wonderful occasion and pray that God
may continue to bless his ministry for many years. 

People needed…
If anyone would like to join the ministry of the Flower Guild please contact the Parish Office. This area of ministry would be much appreciated by the whole congregation and helps keep our church looking beautiful. If you are keen, but haven't had a go at flower arranging before, please do get in touch as one of the members will be more than happy to share their knowledge.

New edition of Salt!
The June / July edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here.  It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish and upcoming services and events.

Working bee! – Thank you!!
A big thank you to those who helped on Saturday 13th June at our working bee. Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated !!

Soup Luncheon – Thank you!!
Thank you to all who made delicious soups for our June luncheon on Sunday 7th June and to our dedicated helpers.
We will have a finger food luncheon in August!

Parish Breakfast – Thank you!!
It was wonderful to see so many people attend our first Parish Breakfast for the year on Sunday 31st May!!
The Hall was abuzz with people chatting, eating and generally sharing fellowship.
A big thank you to our team of dedicated helpers who made our Parish Breakfast a great success!
Tell your friends now about our next Breakfast on Sunday 30th August!

June Luncheon
We will ‘celebrate’ Sunday 7th June with a soup and crusty bread lunch (followed by desserts!) in the Hall at 12 noon.
All very welcome!

Working Bee
Our next working bee to tidy the gardens around the Church will be held on Saturday 13th June at 9am (weather permitting!).
Helpers are needed so please come and join us!

Carry on Nurse!
We give thanks to God that our very own Debby Howard was in the right place at the right time.
Her calmness, knowledge and above all her actions helped save the life of a train passenger who as it happens was also her neighbour.
Congrats on your quick thinking Debby!
Moral? Know your basic first aid and CPR.
To the congregation: you’re never too old to learn.

Op Shop Donations Needed
St Matthew’s Op Shop is in need of more donations. Donations can be delivered to the shop, providing they are good quality (items not stained, chipped or cracked). The shop is unable to accept the following items: electrical goods, furniture, mattresses, cots, prams or strollers due to government regulations.
Please search your cupboards and encourage relations, neighbours and friends to search theirs.
Again articles must be in good, clean condition and remember: ‘if I would want to use it, the Op Shop can use it’.
For more information please contact the Op Shop on 9583 2993

Parish Breakfast
Our first Parish Breakfast for the year will be held on Sunday 31st May at approx 9am in the Hall.
Come and enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and enjoy good company!
Gold coin donation. All welcome!

Lenten Discipline Canisters
The Parish Mission is very appreciative of the support by parishioners and friends
of the Lenten Discipline Canisters. So far a total of $300.05 was donated this year.
Our grateful thanks to all for your generous support.

Everyone wear RED!
The liturgical colour for Pentecost Sunday, 24th May, is red.
This signifies the fire of the Holy Spirit descending on us as it did on the apostles that day.
So remember to wear red (or flame colours) for Pentecost as we celebrate this glorious feast day.

Harvest Festival thank you!
Thank you to those who prepared the church for our Harvest Festival on Sunday 17th May and to those who brought gifts of ‘harvest’.
We know the gifts will be gratefully received by those who benefit from your generosity.

Harvest Festival
Now that the celebration of Holy Week and Easter Day gives over to the Easter season, let us not forget that in a few weeks we will be celebrating
Harvest Festival on Sunday 17th May. A reminder to start collecting items so that on the day our display (and therefore our offering to God)
will be even greater than last year’s excellent effort. As the majority of the items offered are delivered to Dixon House perhaps you could consider goods that will be suitable for this form of outreach.

New edition of Salt!
The May edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here.  It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish as well as some other interesting facts and questions! 

Commemoration of Anzac Day
As there seems to be no point in competing with Anzac Day as it is a most significant anniversary, our Anzac celebrations will be held the following day on Sunday 26th April at both services. One or two of the hymns and one of the prayers have been taken from the Service of Thanksgiving for the end of the Second World War.

Thank You!
A big thank you to all those who prepared our Church for the Easter services and who organised refreshments on Good Friday.
We would also like to thank Coles Southland for kindly and generously donating the Hot Cross Buns for our refreshments.

Easter Special Effort Winners!
The St Matthew’s Easter Special Effort was drawn on Palm Sunday, Sunday 29th March, during our morning tea
and the lucky winners were...!!!
1st prize – Margaret Bond
2nd prize – Alannah Azzi
3rd prize – Pat McAskill
Congratulations to all and a big thank you to everyone who supported our Special Effort.

Holy Week & Easter Services
Don’t wait for it to creep up on you! Put the dates for our Holy Week & Easter services (below) in your diary or on your calendar now!
Be a part of the whole experience.

† March 29 – Palm Sunday †
8am & 10am: Blessing of Palms and Procession
Easter Services
† Weekday Services †
Mon March 30, Tues March 31 & Wed April 1: 10am Eucharist

† April 2 – Maundy Thursday †
7pm: A Celebration of the Last Supper - Eucharist with Foot Washing

† April 3 – Good Friday †
10am: Walk of Witness
12 noon: The Crucifixion of Our Lord - Devotions followed by light refreshments
2pm: Stations of the Cross

† April 5 – Easter Day †
8am: Lighting of the New Fire & Eucharist
10am: Easter Holy Communion

Thank you!
Thank you to all those who collected palms, made our palm crosses and decorated the Church with palm branches (the Church looks stunning!).

Palm Crosses
If anyone has any healthy palm fronds they could donate for Palm Sunday, please see Fr Ron.
Please join us on Saturday 28th March at 9am in the Parish Office to make palm crosses.
We will provide the palms, instructions and morning tea! Helpers most welcome!

Working bee!
A big thank you to those who helped at our working bee on Saturday 21st March, it was lovely weather for it! Your efforts of tidying, replanting, weeding and pruning etc are very much appreciated.

Simnel Cakes
Sincere thanks to Pat Ashton and Joan Leslie for our Simnel Cakes for Mothering Sunday on Sunday 15th March which everyone found delicious!

Working Bee
To prepare for Easter, a working bee wil be held from 9am on Saturday 21st March.
The hot summer has not been kind to a number of plants which will be removed and a general ’tidy up’ will be attempted!!
Helpers are needed so please come and join us!

Mothering Sunday
As is our custom we will bless and distribute Simnel Cake at both the 8am & 10am services on Sunday 15th March.
We will remember all mothers including the Mother of all mothers – Our Lady and we will give thanks for the mothering we have received in and through our Mother Church. If you would like to make a Simnel Cake please contact the Parish Office.

Next Family Service!
On Sunday 1st March we will hold our next Family Service at 10am during which the children will meet for discussion and activities in our Sunday School and then show what they have ‘discovered’.
So bring your family, friends and neighbours and join us for a time of worship and fun!

Bible Study
To assist in your planning and as a preparation for Easter there will be a mini bible study following the Wednesday 10am Mass in Lent.
The study will be based on the lections that are read at the Masses during the week.

Thank you…
Many thanks to all who came to our Pancake morning tea on Sunday 15th February, the earlier time of 9am worked well, and especially to Julie who prepared and cooked our yummy pancakes and those who helped with setting up and cleaning.

Ash Wednesday
Services on Ash Wednesday, the 18th of February, will be held at 10am and 6pm.
Mass with Blessing and Imposition of Ashes.

Pancakes!!!
We will enjoy pancakes on Sunday 15th February at around 9am in the Hall in recognition of Shrove Tuesday.
If you would like to make a donation towards our celebration please put the money in a envelope marked ‘Pancakes’ and place it in the
Offertory Plate. We hope you can join us!

New edition of Salt!
The February / March edition of our parish newsletter, Salt, is available here.  It features articles about some of our recent events within the parish as well a puzzle and some other interesting facts! 

Margot’s Ministry
The Rev’d Margot Poole has been a part of the ministry team at St Matthew’s for 4 years as of February– we congratulate her, give thanks for her
ministry and pray that she may continue her time with us.
At the moment she would welcome our prayers as she maintains ministry at St Agnes, Black Rock.

Lenten Bible Study
For those interested in a Lenten Bible Study there will be a meeting after the 10am service on Ash Wednesday.

Candlemas
On Sunday 1st February, we will celebrate the feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, commonly called Candlemas. 
On this day we dedicate the ‘lights’ (candles) that we will use for worship during the year. If you have a particular candle that you use as a votive you may wish to bring it on the day so that it may be blessed.

First Parish BBQ for the year!
Our first parish BBQ for the year will be held on Sunday 1st February in the Hall around 12 noon.
Please bring a salad or dessert to share. Gold coin donation. All very welcome!
2014 News & Events

Please note…
Fr Ron is on leave from Thursday 1st January to Monday 19th January. If you require a priest during this time please ring Fr Barry Martin
or one of the Wardens. Fr Barry Martin will be taking the services on Sunday 4th, 11th & 18th January.

Just a reminder that there will be no morning tea after the 10am service until February and no weekday services in January.
The Parish Office will be closed until Wednesday 21st January.

Christmas & New Year
The clergy and staff of St Matthew’s and a great start to the New Year.
May this ‘holy day’ season be a safe time for you all.
Thank you for all your cards and greetings.

Christmas Special Effort Winners!
The St Matthew’s Christmas Special Effort was drawn on Sunday 21st December during our morning tea,
and the lucky winners are...!!!
1st prize – Rosemary Van Buuren
2nd prize – Zach (Kath Daly)
3rd prize – June Mullens
Thanks to everyone who supported our Special Effort and to those who donated the prizes.
Thanks to all who made our Devonshire morning tea such a success.

Devonshire Tea
Fundraising morning tea following the 10am service on Sunday 21st December. $5 per person.
Money raised will go towards the restoration of the Stained Glass Windows.

Christmas Services
Christmas Services Sunday 21st December
7pm – Carol Service

Christmas Eve – Wednesday 24th December
5.30pm – Children’s Crib Service
followed by sausage sizzle in the Hall
11pm – Carols by Candlelight
11.30pm – Midnight Mass

Christmas Day – Thursday 25th December
9am – Christmas Holy Communion

Masses celebrated during Christmas week
Friday 26th December
Stephen, Deacon & Martyr – 10am Mass

Saturday 27th December
John, Apostle & Evangelist – 10am Mass

Empty Christmas Tree
A big thank you to all those who left presents and food under our Empty Christmas tree for Dixon House - a fabulous effort!

Working Bee
A big thank you to those who helped on Saturday 13th December at our working bee.
You have made the place looked loved as we approach Christmas!

Parish BBQ!
Our last Parish BBQ for the year will be held on Sunday 7th December in the Hall around 12 noon.
Please bring a salad or dessert (or both!) to share.

Christmas Special Effort!
Tickets for our Christmas Special Effort will be available from Sunday 30th November after each service and are $2 each or 3 for $5. Prizes will be a number of hampers. Start collecting your change!

Empty Christmas Tree
A reminder to start buying gifts (unwrapped) and Christmas food so that they can be placed under our Empty Christmas Tree which will be up
on the First Sunday of Advent – 30th November.

Parish Breakfast
Our last Parish Breakfast for the year will be held on Sunday 30th November at approx 9am in the Hall. Come and enjoy a scrumptious
breakfast and enjoy good company! Gold coin donation. All welcome!