Welcome to the NEW web site home of St. Matthews Area Ministries!

"IN THE TWINKLING" By Dan G. Lane, St. MAM Executive Director

No doubt you have heard the expression, "In the twinkling of an eye." Scientists have computed that it takes one-fifteenth of a second to blink an eye, and that a person blinks 25 times a minute. If a motorist averages 55 miles per hour on a ten-hour trip, this translates to driving 33 miles with their eyes shut. Think about that on your next trip.

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Much has been written and published related to listening skills. But equally important is the ability to SEE with greater clarity and understanding. St. Matthews Area Ministries (ST. MAM) "sees", up close, the struggles of people who live marginally and live near you; down the street, around the corner, or maybe even across the street. Those of us who work with neighbors in need know first-hand about the unexpected health issues and unpredictable circumstances that can leave a family devastated and desperate. It would be wonderful if everyone had family to cushion them through difficult times, but that simply is not the case. St. MAM is family to many of those struggling, and this because of the ecumenical spirit of thirteen local congregations/parishes that provide for a united response.

This united response has through the years expanded to include businesses, government, and so many, many members of this community who volunteer and contribute to support the St. MAM cause.

There are many well-known entities that address specific issues. Many worthwhile causes solicit your support. While the community ministry response may lack some of the glitz and glitter associated with more famous causes, St. MAM remains a constant in front-line response and creative solutions. Consider being a St. MAM partner by making a contribution or as some, perhaps contributing monthly to these ministries. Remember St. MAM when you consider a holiday contribution to a worthwhile cause. Helping St. MAM to help stabilize struggling families will put a "twinkle in your eye." Concern and Compassion never go out of style.

Radio Interview with Dan G. Lane, St. MAM E.D. For someone who may be learning about St. MAM for the first time, what would you hope they take away from this radio interview? I would hope that in the context of community life and in doing business within our communities, where we live and raise our families, that we would all understand that difficult and unexpected calamity could alter our lives and our lifestyles in the blink of an eye. When that happens, whether a medical calamity, loss of work, loss of health... whatever it may be, St. MAM is there to provide assistance and support. It may well be that St. MAM has already touched the life of your family member, your neighbor, or your friend. Read the entire interview, click here to open/download the Adobe Acrobat PDF complete version.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL By Norman Wilson, Jr., (Charter Board Member, 1972 - Corporate Attorney) You've packed the car, and you're heading for the Smoky Mountains. When you first approached, your distant view was an arrangement of mountains cloaked to their crests with evergreen trees and shrubs. If you were traveling on, the Smoky Mountains would be only a cluster of green mountains. But if you were to drive or walk on the trails in the mountains your view would no longer be that distant view. The long-standing vestiges of houses, barns, gardens, towns and grist mills would reveal that the Smokies were households affording shelter and fellowship for families. Read the entire article, click here to open/download the Adobe Acrobat PDF complete version.