Ministries Serving God, the church and the world is at the core of the Christian life.
St. Matthew’s offers many opportunities for its members. We invite you to check out the various ministries of the church. If you are interested in serving in any of them, please see the pastor.
Liturgical
“Liturgy” literally means the “work of the people”. Sunday morning worship requires many ministers of the liturgy to do that work. It is, of course, the pastor’s duty to preside over the liturgy and make sure that it is done according to tradition and with reverence and beauty. But there are many opportunities for the people to serve as Eucharistic assistants, Altar Guild members, choir members (See music page.) readers, acolytes and ushers. If you are interested in any of these ministries, please speak with the pastor.
If you believe that you are being called to be a deacon in the church, the pastor will help you in the process of discernment, instruction and diaconal formation.
Missions
It is the mission of the church to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the love that God showed the world in the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ, who lived, taught, suffered, died and rose from the dead so that we might be with him always. It is the sole mission of the church to bring this Good News to the world so that the world might come to faith in God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is the mission of every Christian to be a “little Christs” and bring the hope and light of the Gospel to all whom we encounter. Every Christian shares in the universal mission of the church to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Fellowship
As we worship together as a congregation we also socialize together with the help of the fellowship ministry. This ministry fosters friendship and good will between Christian brothers and sisters. Each Sunday after worship, and on other special occasions, the fellowship ministry hosts a light reception in Martin Luther Hall. We frequently celebrate milestones in the lives of parishioners such as baptisms, wedding anniversaries and birthdays. We have other social events such as Marti Gras, Oktoberfest, picnics, pasta with the pastor, and “Jello Sunday.” It’s all in good fun!
Christian Education
Christian life is clarified, strengthened and deepened by structured learning. Christian education is a life-long process. Therefore, learning opportunities are offered for every age group at St. Matthew’s. We invited you to explore our various programs and join us in those that best meet your interests and needs.
Adult Study
There are opportunities for adult Christian education and spiritual formation at St. Matthew’s. The pastor conducts seasonal bible studies and classes in church history and doctrine. Spiritual retreats are offered to nurture and deepen our relationship with God by prayer, meditation, worship and study.
Library
Library St. Matthew’s Library began in 1993 and in the subsequent years has grown to approximately 2,500 books, audio and visual tapes and CD’s.
The strength of the holdings in the varied collection center on the Bible and Bible commentaries, catechisms and creeds, church history, and the Christian life.
Our collection is easily accessed by a professionally maintained, comprehensive card catalog, and the Library is available to church members for borrowing and browsing. It is located on the first floor of the Parish Education building, and is handicap accessible.