Anglicans believe that the central thing we do as Christians is to gather together for worship.

At St. Matthew, our main opportunity to do so are the Sunday morning worship services. This is the main day of the week when members of our congregation come together as a community.

We have an early Communion (sometimes called the Eucharist) Said Service (without music) at 8:00 a.m. that’s about 50 minutes long. Our 10:00 a.m. service is a Sung Service and goes for about 70 minutes.

Masking is optional. If you attend one of our services and need a mask please ask one of the sidespeople to get you one.

Everyone is welcome!

We do not have a “dress code” at St. Matthew. Some people may dress informally – shorts in the summer, and others more formally. Wear what feels comfortable to you.

Children are welcome. We ask that they remain with their parents during the Service. However, please join us for our monthly Messy Church.

You may want to arrive a few minutes before the worship Service begins. One of our sidespeople will greet you in the Narthex, the “foyer” in front of the entrance of our worship space, to give you a Sunday bulletin so you can easily follow the Service and participate, then will take you to where you would like to sit. You can sit wherever you feel the most comfortable. Feel free to ask the sidesperson or someone near you for help and guidance in following the Service and how to join in.

Our Service is a mix of readings, prayers and a sermon. Our 10:00 a.m. Service has music, including hymns or songs sung usually by the choir and congregation.

Our early 8:00 a.m. Service has no music and the congregation is usually smaller than the later service.

We encourage everyone  to wear a mask.

You might be wondering when you should do what: kneel, sit, stand, say “Amen.” Just relax and follow what others are doing. You may see people bowing or making the sign of the cross at certain times, but this is a personal choice.

At St. Matthew, at one part of the Service called the Peace, the people near you may greet you with a handshake and the words, “The Peace of Christ” or “Peace be with you.” Feel free to participate in a way that feels comfortable or appropriate to you. However, at this time, we ask that we share smiles and waves only and that you remain in your place.

You can take in the words of the Bible and the silences. Contemplate the symbols and images – the cross, the altar, the candles, and the stained-glass windows that enhance our worship space, known as the Sanctuary.

During the Sunday morning Services, there will be a collection of money to support the congregation and the needs of others. You will see people passing a plate. You’re welcome to contribute but don’t feel obligated. We have envelopes for visitors in the pew, or you can put an offering straight into the plate.

All baptized Christians are invited to receive the consecrated bread and the sharing of the common cup (wine) at Communion.

You’re welcome to come forward for a blessing, whether or not you’re baptized. If you want the priest to bless you, cross your arms over your chest when she approaches you. You can also choose to stay in your seat during this part of the service – it’s up to you!

You are welcome to join us for our weekly Coffee Hour following the 10:00 .m. service.

Once a month, after the 8:00 a.m. service, we met in the Narthex for light refreshments and conversation.

You’re welcome to join in and mingle, but don’t feel obligated to stay. Feel free to introduce yourself to the priest, and anyone else, to ask questions.

Join us at one of our services, we’d love to meet you!