ABOUT US

St. Matthew's is a small mission church. We try to be inclusive. We want an open and hospitable church; "honoring the past, celebrating the present, and welcoming the future."

St. Matthew's is a body of many parts. Many of our members either grew up in another denomination or attended one before joining St. Matthew's. We are glad of this diversity because in Christ we are all one. Being small and personal, a close bond is held between the church and its parishioners. Although we are always trying to expand our fellowship, we are proud to have a congregation whose members know each other by name, not just by face.

The word "Episcopal" means, "having bishops." It is derived from the Greek word for bishops, "episcopes." Members of the church are called Episcopalians. The Episcopal Church is also Anglican because its heritage is English and because it is still united with the Church of England and other Anglican churches around the world.

Anglicanism includes both catholic and protestant traditions. In the 16th century the Church of England rejected the claim of the Pope’s universal authority, broke from the Roman Catholic Church, yet preserved the ancient apostolic faith, the ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons, and the sacraments, and so remained catholic. Anglicans are at the same time protestant, emphasizing the authority of scripture and the proclamation and understanding of the word of God. But most importantly, we are disciples of Christ following His commandment to love and worship God above all else and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Throughout the year we observe a full variety of different liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. We undertake worship in a spirit of reverence and dignity. The service includes congregational singing, organ music, three readings from the Bible, followed by a sermon, and the Holy Eucharist.

"Eucharist" is another word for "Communion." It means "Thanksgiving." At the Last Supper, after blessing the bread and wine, Jesus said to His disciples, "Take eat, this is my body.…This is my blood….This do in remembrance of me." Some protestants take communion once a year or once a month. Anglicans take the Eucharist every Sunday if possible.

At the moment we lack a full-time priest. However, Father Berckman has kindly consented to come every 2nd and 4th sunday to officiate at - celebrate - the Eucharist.

If you are looking for a church home, we’d love to have you become part of our parish family.