ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 22, 2020
Welcome to St. Matthews By-the-Sea. It is our hope that during our time of worship you will experience the presence of the risen Christ. If you are worshiping with us from the parking lot, please tune in to 100.5 FM on your radio!
The Prayer Group continues to meet in person at the church every Monday at 9:00am for an hour of praise and supplication. The Prayer Group invites all who believe in the power of prayer to join them and bring your mask!
Praying for Our Nation – Please join us on Thursday’s from 1 – 2 pm in the Chancel, at the foot of the Cross for prayer and intercession on behalf of America. Bring your Bible and wear your mask. All are welcome!
“UMM will meet Saturday, December 5th at 7:30 AM for Breakfast, Bibles & Brotherhood; 8:00-9:00 AM Program: Rev. Doug Stewart will again provide an inspiring message with Q & A and Communion to follow. All Men are invited. We will be following all Covid-19 safety features as usual for this meeting. Sign up in the Narthex or with Phil Drew by calling/texting 703-402-5735 or by email at to make sure we have enough food and seating for breakfast!”
Is God tugging at your heart to use your musical talents here at SMBTS? If you have any interest in ringing hand bells, please come try us out on Wednesday, December 2nd at 4:30! The Bells of St. Matthews would love to have you experience our fun loving, musical group.
Mark your calendars as the SMBTS Music Ministry team will be hosting a virtual concert at St. Matthews By-the-Sea. The virtual concert of the Capital Ringers Handbells for the Holidays 2020 will present “Tidings of Comfort and Joy!”. Join us at SMBTS on Sunday, Dec. 6th at 3:00 and/or Saturday, Dec. 12th at 5:00. Don't forget your mask! The concert will also be available for individual viewing. More details to follow. Any questions, please contact Debby Dudley.
Virtual Santa 2020
We've all had to be socially distant this year, and have had to become creative on ways to feel connected with our family and friends. Last year we held a "Kids Night Out and Parents Night Off, however, this year we are introducing just for 2020, Virtual Santa! See the attached Information about this fun virtual experience with Santa. If you are interested in participating, please submit the completed questionnaire by December 1, 2020!
SMBTS is taking orders for this year’s Christmas Poinsettias. Please complete the flyer included in the bulletin and place the slip and payment in the Offering Plate. Orders must be turned in by Dec. 6th.
Church Office will be closed Thursday, 11/26 and Friday, 11/27 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving!
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Updated: 9/5/2020
Re-Opening Our Church For Sunday Services
As you might expect, plans for Sunday services are fluid, depending on changes in governmental guidelines and the success of various options we are trying. The best way to keep up to date is to watch for our blast emails or call the church office for current information.
As of July 5th our services will be held inside limited by governmental guidelines and the necessity for sanitizing between services. Under the current guidance, we can accommodate between 35-42 people for each service in the sanctuary. Right now, we are back to our normal service times of 8:30 am and 10:45 am but, of course, that could change.
We will continue use of our FM transmitter for those who would like to remain in their cars for the service. You can listen in your car at FM100.5 or in your home if you live close to the church!
Both for outdoor and indoor service you will need to:
- Wear a mask;
- Bring your own Bible if you wish- we will not be using church Bibles or hymnals.
- Do NOT wear gloves. We will squirt your hands with hand sanitizer as you enter.
These precautions are mandatory for everyone’s safety.
Ushers will direct you where to sit – even families must social distance from each other to avoid impacting surrounding chairs/pews.
You may put your offerings in a marked container as you enter a service, or you can mail them to the church. As you might expect, it is still costing money to run the church and some of our costs have gone up due to precautions we are taking for your health.
There will be no nursery or Children’s Church until further notice. Children are welcome at our services (which will last about 45 minutes) as long as they can social distance or be held by their parent(s).
Should you attend a service and then become ill with something that may be the coronavirus, please notify the church office immediately so we can support you through prayer, and notify our members.
We will continue to post Sunday sermons on our website smbts.org and Facebook@StMatthewsByTheSea for those who are more comfortable remaining in solitude a bit longer. Both your physical and spiritual safety are important to your church family!
Many are working diligently to make our transition to a new normal possible. We ask for your patience, flexibility and kindness.
THRIFT SHOP NOW OPEN!
