A Letter from Fr. Rodney Roehner
St. Matthew’s Family,
Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! My family is greatly anticipating the beginning of our ministry alongside all of you in mid-December, and we give thanks for the call to serve such a vibrant and faithful parish. There is also the added blessing of returning home not just to ‘Philly’, but to the same area in which we once lived.
It was two months to the day from when I submitted my materials for the position of rector to the time the offer came to lead St. Matthew’s. Considering how lengthy your entire process was that may seem quick, but (and I’ll be glad to share those stories!) every step of the process was Spirit-led, open, engaging, and filled with joy. My family found everyone on the search committee, Vestry, and staff to be good and faithful people, and it is obvious that you have a passion for your church home. Now we look forward to the opportunity to meet the rest of you and hear your stories and prayers for St. Matthew’s.
I also want to commend all of you for your resilience and faith. St. Matthew’s has been through quite a bit these past two years with the retirement of your rector of 34 years, the assistant priest, and now the ongoing disruption caused by the pandemic. Yet, even amidst such change, my encouragement to all of you is fear not. We are upheld in the arms of a merciful and loving Lord, and, by focusing solely on him, we can confidently live out the words of St. Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
My family is planning to move the week of December 6th, and our first Sunday with you will be December 20th. By that time, we will be deep into the season of Advent, and with it, the theme of the coming of Jesus among us; something that occurs not just at his birth and coming again in glory, but each and every day of our lives. Together, may God grant us the grace to boldly take hold of those opportunities, and may that transforming message of hope, of joy, of that peace which passes all understanding be at the heart of all we do as the body of Christ at St. Matthew’s.
With Love in Christ,
Rodney+
A video message from Fr. Rodney
Posted by St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, November 15th, 2020
This is an exciting time of new vision for St. Matthew’s, and the Transition Committee hopes that you will join us in making the Roehner family feel the love of our community. We know the hospitality and warmth of this blessed place abounds.
Send a Word of Welcome
Say hello to Fr. Rodney and his family by sharing a word of welcome here. Entries will be compiled into a parish-wide welcome card. You may also choose to write a physical card and mail it to Saint Matthew’s Church, c/o Anthony Carrella.
Recommend Favorite Local Opportunities
Submit a recommendation of your favorite restaurants, recreational, cultural, and family opportunities in the area here.
Purchase Groceries for the Pounding of the Pantry
Sign-up to purchase grocery staples here as we pound Fr. Rodney’s pantry.
Prepare and Deliver a Home-cooked Meal
Sign-up to make a family-style meal during over a six week period here.
Donate Toward a Welcome Gift Contribute toward a gift card for Fr. Rodney (under $50) here. Click “Make an Online Gift” and you may choose a gift type. Alternatively, you may also choose to send your contribution to Saint Matthew’s Church, c/o Carolyn Bedics.
PS: In addition to these opportunities, we are also planning:
Meet and Greet Forums, in person and via zoom, to be coordinated with Fr. Rodney and staff in the months ahead.
A Celebration of a New Ministry, a remarkable liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer, will take place in the over the coming months. Stay tuned for updates.