Come celebrate our patron saint with us

You may know that he was a tax collector.

In Jesus’s time, collecting taxes was perhaps even more unpopular than it is today, as the taxes went to the disliked ruling Roman empire.

Not only that, but those who collected taxes often cheated people out of more money than they really owed.

Yet Jesus chose this unlikely person to be one of the 12 people on which he founded his church.

At least Matthew was honest enough to admit that he was one of the sinners that Jesus came to call.

And he was open enough to recognise that Jesus was offering him a new life.

I wonder how many of us, when it comes to the crunch, realise that we also get things wrong every day of our lives?

The heart of the Christian faith is about recognising that we are not perfect and asking God for forgiveness.

We’re celebrating the life of St Matthew over the weekend of September 24 and 25 as it is the nearest one to the feast day of St Matthew.

We call it our patronal festival as it celebrates our patron saint.

On the Saturday we are having a fun day, with stalls including bric-a-brac, a raffle and tombola.

There’s a teddy bear tombola where every ticket wins a prize, and hook-a-duck, which is popular when the sun comes out and the children cool off in the water.

For those who get peckish there will be a barbecue as well as cakes and refreshments.

Try your luck at the chocoholic vicar’s chocolate stall – if you are lucky you may win some chocolate.

We hope a few local small businesses will be there, so you could start some Christmas shopping.

There is a car boot sale as well.

If you would like a pitch please call 01329 822487.

It should be a wonderful day filled with fun and laughter.

Then on the Sunday at 6pm we celebrate our patronal service with people from other churches around Gosport as well as from the local community.

The service will be followed by a buffet and drinks.

St Matthew’s Church is proud to be an active part of the community of Bridgemary.

So, why not come and join us this weekend and at our various events throughout the year?

St Matthew’s Church is in Wych Lane.