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.
We welcome everyone to participate.

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.

Of course, all children are welcome. At our 10:00 a.m. Sung Service provide programming for kids of different ages during the worship service, or you can keep your kids with you. All in our congregation make sure church is a safe environment for all.

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

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. You can take in the words of the Bible and the silences. Contemplate the symbols and images – the cross, the altar, the candles, the stained-glass windows that enhances 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 wine at Communion.
Our sidespeople will guide the congregation to the altar and let you know where to kneel or stand,
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!

After every10:00 a.m. service we meet in the Welcome Room, in the East Wing of the building for refreshments and conversation. On the last Sunday of every 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.
Most importantly, come back!
We’d love to see you, again!