welcome
fellowship
Parish Life at St. Matthew’s seeks to encourage the growth of a Christian faith community that nurtures and provides for its member’s social and spiritual fellowship needs.
welcome
“We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.”
fellowship |
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Parish Life at St. Matthew’s seeks to encourage the growth of a Christian faith community that nurtures and provides for its member’s social and spiritual fellowship needs.
There are many organizations and activities at St. Matthew’s. The opportunities range from involvement in Sunday service to weekly and annual fellowship events.
Christian fellowship is fostered among our parishioners and guests through the following organizations and activities:
Chair – tbd, Co-chair – tbd
The Episcopal Church Welcomes You. This is the text of a sign which may be seen all over the country. St. Matthew’s Newcomer Committee embraces this greeting as we invite you to join us in worship, communion, fellowship and service. Whether you are just visiting with friends or family, or are seeking a church home, we welcome all who worship with us to share in the Holy Communion. Children of all ages may receive Communion or a blessing, according to the wishes of their parents.
Chair – Lorraine Winsor
The fellowship committee plans and executes various receptions and events throughout the year including:
Sunday Coffee Fellowship
Chair – Lorraine Winsor
Hosted by various parish families each Sunday following 10:00 Eucharist. This is an important ministry of hospitality and fellowship for our visitors and newcomers as well as parishioners.
Autumn Joint Brunch
Chair – Susan Schmitt
A lively gathering with our Presbyterian Brothers and Sisters following 10:00 Eucharist.
Advent Gathering
Chair – Lorraine Winsor
A festive celebration of food and fellowship as we approach the Christmas season.
St. Matthew’s Picnic
Chair – Lorraine Winsor
Annual cook-out traditionally held at a Parishioner’s home.
Chair – Mark Olson
This group’s mission is to support the St. Matthew’s church family, to promote fellowship among the men of the parish and to attempt to “give back” by contributing to the church and immediate community through active, hands-on outreach. The Men’s Club most recently rebuilt the Wetlands Bridge in Bradley Park. All men of St. Matthew’s are welcome to participate.
Coming Soon –
Every fall we come together to kick off the new year with a clambake. Our seafood loving members enjoy lobster and clams on the half shell while the more grounded enjoy steak, chicken or vegtable alternatives. It’s always an evening of fun and fellowship and a great way to start the year.
Chairs – TBD
The themed annual auction is not to be missed! While it is one of st Matthew's most enjoyed events it also significant in that it helps to fund our outreach programs. Members share many laughs as they bid on items like fellowship dinners, St Matthew's Olymipics, and even vacation homes.
St. Matthew's closes out the year with an annual picnic every June. Older members enjoy Christian fellowship while younger members have fun and play games."
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) assist the clergy in performing many parts of the service, but primarily are involved in administering communion to the congregation. Following the Holy Communion portion of the 10:00 am service, LEMs deliver communion to the people involved in our Church School program, which is in session during the 10:00 am service. LEMs lead all of the readings at our 8:00 am service on Sundays that are handled by Lay Readers during other services. On occasion, LEMs will visit shut-ins to administer communion as an extension of the parish's sacramental life. All members of the congregation are welcome to join this ministry.
Lay Readers lead readings from the Old and New Testaments and the Intercessory Prayers (Prayers of the People). All members of the congregation are welcome to join this ministry.
The members of the worship committee meet bi-monthly to give the clergy and staff feedback on past services, plan future services and suggest ways to improve the content, flow and environment of our services in general. Committee members represent various ministries involved in the service, such as Music, Acolytes, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Guild, Ushers, etc.