From the Rector
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and welcome to the St. Matthew's web site. As rector of St. Matthew's, it is my privilege and pleasure to serve God and this community here. I find the community of St. Matthew's to be an energetic and welcoming group. New people join us almost weekly, and it is rare that these don't find their way into the inner-workings of the parish life. We have so many activities and groups, it is not difficult to see why this is so. Our outreach is well balanced and diverse. We have many "hands on" outreach projects in which our members may participate. We have a lively group of parishioners who reach out to our own membership in times of need as well. Weekly Bible study keeps us grounded in God's word. Sunday school is an integral part of our weekly worship. Our choir is skilled and provides inspiring musical leadership.
Our worship is liturgical, meaning we have a standard order for worship that involves all the people and we use the 1979 Book of Common Prayer in all our worship. We are both traditional in our worship and contemporary in our language and music. Children are a regular part of our worship as well, providing leadership at the altar as acolytes, and participating in a weekly children's sermon.
We have many groups that our members are involved in, one of which is led by a paid youth leader. The youth come together for fellowship, study, and apostolic action. I am very heartened by the commitment and leadership the youth show in this parish.
As the rector of St. Matthew's I believe that my role includes being woven into the fabric of the parish. My goal is to visit all parishioners in their home to get to know them in a casual setting. If you are desirous of this, let me know so we can set up a convenient time.
God Bless you,
The Reverend Steve Gruman
THE REV. DR. BUDE VAN DYKE
PART-TIME PRIEST ASSOCIATE
Bude serves as the Chaplain, St. Andrew's Sewanee School. It is a day and boarding school for middle and upper school students. There, he teaches 8th grade Catechumenate, 9th grade Life Issues, Senior Religion and an elective Non-Violence course. He conducts a weekly Holy Eucharist on Mondays and a chapel service on Wednesdays. In addition, he serves on a 6 person internal administrative team who direct and conduct the counseling needs of the student body. During the summer months, he serves as the Director of the Outreach camps. He is also the regular supply priest for St. Bernard's Episcopal Church in Gruetli-Laager, TN. For the past 4 years, Bude and wife Pam have been under contract with the School of Theology to provide individual and group Spiritual Direction to seminary spouses.
At St. Matthew's, Fr. Bude serves as an additional priest on Sundays. He and Fr. Steve coordinate the sermons and both lead in serving the Holy Eucharist. He is also available for counseling on Sunday afternoons. Bude is a published author and accomplished guitarist.