Ministries

Ministry Description: Acolytes serve on the altar party, carrying the processional cross or a torch in the processions, assisting in the preparation for the Eucharist, and helping out in whatever way is needed at the altar. Contact Person: James V. Sidwell.

EMs serve the wine at communion services and read the psalm at the early service. EMs vest and are part of the altar party. Contact Person: Deacon Judy Schneider.

Plan the annual stewardship campaign and assist in organizing  Contact Person: Laurie Kadrich.

Teams of two persons lead the worship group at 9:00 AM at the Commons and at 10:30AM at the Atrium on Sundays. This includes prayer, scripture reading, a synopsis of the sermon, and administration of the Holy Eucharist. Contact Person: Deacon Judy Schneider.

Provides appropriate, worshipful music to complement the services and to sing with a joyful heart. Contact person: Christopher Klaich, Daniel Foster.

Coffee hosts prepare coffee, tea and, if desired, light refreshments after the late Sunday service. A sign-up sheet is kept in the Gathering Space and assignments will be printed in The Evangel and the Sunday service bulletins. Contact person: Dennis Pretti.

Volunteers take cookies to guests who have attended a Sunday service and signed the guest book. Participants are assigned on a rotating schedule. Contact persons: Darin and Tammy Carei.

Cursillo is a 3-day weekend that brings together a group of Episcopalians to share the richness of worship and to broaden each one's appreciation for the church. The weekend is not intended to proselytize, but is meant to equip Episcopalians to be effective witnesses for Christ in their everyday environments. It's a time of renewal, refreshment and recommitment to living for Christ. Contact person: Sharon Conrad.

The Order of the Daughters of the King is organized as an Episcopal religious order in which, after a period of training, the members vow to live by their Rule of Life, which encompasses a spiritual discipline of daily prayer, service and evangelism. The members meet monthly for study and fellowship. Membership is open to all women upon application. Contact persons: Patricia Aldridge or Sharon Conrad.

All Episcopal women by virtue of baptism, are members of ECW. ECW meets the second Monday of each month, September through May, at 11:30, in the Gathering Space, for lunch and a program Contact Person: Peggy Pretti.

This is the collective response of Episcopalians to help people in need in the US and around the world. ERD works with churches in the Anglican Communion as well as with other denominations, local organizations and partner agencies. We send emergency relief in times of natural disasters and provide long-term assistance for ongoing programs around the world. Parish Representative: Sharon Conrad.

Contribute you creativity to keeping our parish informed of events. Create, print, assemble and mail our newsletter monthly.  Contact Sue Emerson.

Review each month's financial report. Look for upcoming shortages, problems, and make recommendations to the Vestry. Contact Person: Joyce Grove.

Groups of three households rotate dinner preparation and fellowship. Potluck dinners are held each spring, summer, and fall, and we then break into groups of three couples each, who enjoy dinner and fellowship at each other's homes. This is a great way to get to know your fellow parishioners. Contact Persons: Craig and Emily Parker.

Ministry Description: The healing ministry team gathers during the administration of communion to offer prayers for healing, to lay on hands, and anoint those who come forward in need of prayer and support. This ministry is highly confidential; what people bring forward cannot be discussed or related to others. Contact Person: James V. Sidwell or Jean Koizumi.

Home EVs take communion to those of our parish family who cannot get to church due to illness or frailty. This is a much-appreciated ministry and helps our shut-in brothers and sisters remain part of the parish family. Contact Person: Judy Schneider or Marjorie Suedekum.

Review the financial records for the previous year, for accuracy, completeness and accountability. Also, review personnel files for government compliance. Review other records as directed by Church Canon Law. Contact Person: Joyce Grove

The church van operates on Monday and Thursday. Passengers are picked up at Catholic Outreach and transported to local outreach agencies. There is a driver and a rider for each trip. Contact Person: Linda Jameson.

Lectors read the Scripture lessons and Scripture commentary during worship services. Lectors are scheduled according to their availability and preference for early or late service. There is a monthly rotation as to the ministry served. Lectors normally do not vest or serve as part of the altar party. Contact Person: Deacon Judy Schneider or Marjorie Suedekum.

An arrangement of books and video materials plus a reference section and children's library. Contact Person: Sara Foster.

Ministry Description: Masters of Ceremonies will be highly knowledgeable in the liturgy and capable of filling any of the positions in the altar party when needed. The primary responsibility of the Master of Ceremonies (MC) is to verify that everything and everybody is in place prior to the service and to check with the celebrant as to what is required. Contact Person: James V. Sidwell.

All men of the church are welcome. Men of St. Matt's meets the first Monday of each month for dinner and fellowship. We exist in support of each other and our parish family. Contact Persons: Dennis Pretti or Joel Robinson.

Outdoor activities, winter and summer, for all ages, including hiking and “snow” activities. We also hope to engage in community activities for good causes, such as walks for cancer, Muscular Dystrophy, etc. Participants as well as leaders are needed. Contact Person: Bill Shannon..

A shared ministry with Grand Valley Catholic Outreach, the Day Center provides those in need with access to a mailing address, phones, computers, storage, shower and laundry facilities, job referrals, and, twice- weekly, the services of a Marillac Clinic Nurse and a Mental Health Counselor. Volunteers arrive at 7:30AM, to make ready for the day and, after prayers, staff the varied stations. After noon, clean-up is begun as guests prepare to leave for the Catholic Outreach Soup Kitchen. Donations needed include: white socks, blue razors, spray deodorant, combs, brushes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, foot powder, sun-block, Tums, lotions, conditioners, shampoos, cough drops, candles, matches and insect repellant (with Deet), for guests who camp outdoors. Volunteers are always welcome. You won't be sorry. Contact Person: Mackenzie Shannon.

The Pastoral Care Team is a lay ministry that began primarily as a visitation ministry to parishioners who are in the hospital, nursing home, assisted living, or homebound. The intent of the ministry is to provide a caring presence and a visible concern of the parish. It is a joint ministry of St. Matthew's and Church of the Nativity. Anyone interested is invited and welcome to participate. Contact Person: Jim & Sue Sidwell.

Members pray daily for the needs of St. Matthew's Church, our community, world situations, and for individuals whose names have been placed on the list. Names and special needs are kept confidential. Contact Persons: Margaret Palo or Merrilyn Simpkins.

This non-denominational group makes and donates quilts to individuals who are in special need. Quilts are presented at the Sunday service. Contact Persons: Fran Simpson, Norma Patrick, Kim Simpson, Jeanne Beckner, or Ruth Hockensmith.

St. Martha's Guild is responsible for and devoted to setup and dismantling of the altar for weekly services and sacramental services; cleaning of silver and brass altar vessels, making and care of altar linens and the displaying of season colors. Contact Person: Krish DeGarmo.

The guild was named in honor of Saint Margaret, Queen of Scotland. She reigned with her husband, King Malcolm, for 23 years. Queen Margaret lived a life of prayer and charity. Many churches and monasteries were built during this time. Queen Margaret died in 1093. She was canonized on June 19, 1250. St. Margaret's Guild serves several outreach programs. A large portion of the funding comes from receptions arranged by Guild members. Meetings are the third Thursday of each month, 1 to 1-1/2 hours, beginning at 1:15PM, in the Gathering Space. Each month, a program is presented or provided by one of the members. A light dessert is served. We encourage participation even if you are not able to attend regularly. The Guild needs people who are willing to help with receptions by serving, set up and/or clean up, or preparing refreshments. There is no formal training required. Please contact one of the officers for more information about the function or history of the Guild. Contact Person: Sheri McAllister.

To further solidify the financial future of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, a separate fund has been established by the Vestry to be managed and invested according to a stipulated plan of operation, by appointed Church members know as the St. Matthew's Foundation Board. Distributions from this separate fund may not be made to the operating budget of the Church, but rather are limited to (a) capital needs of the church, (b) outreach ministries and grants, (c) seed money for new ministries, (d) special one-time projects, and (e) such other purposes as specifically designated by donors. This committee also oversees the “St. Matthew's Legacy Society”. Contact Person: Allan Conrad.

A Stephen Minister is a Christian friend and spiritual supporter in times of stress, crisis, illness, grief or major life change. Stephen Ministers are members of the congregation who have been trained to provide one-to-one Christian caring It is a confidential relationship. Contact Person: Deacon Judy Schneider or Jeanette Benson.

On the first and third Sunday evenings each month, a team of 2 or 3 people, and usually one musician, creates a 45-minute meditation worship service that is open to the public. Candles, icons, short repetitive songs, Scripture readings, prayers, and a period of silence are included. Contact Person: Jean Koizumi.

The ushers' duties include welcoming worshippers before the two Sunday morning services and assisting the rector and lay ministry in conducting those services. Specifically, ushers are responsible for distributing service bulletins, counting and recording service attendance, carrying the communion elements to the altar, taking up the collection, and directing communicants to the altar for the Holy Eucharist. Two ushers are assigned for most services, and those participating in this ministry can anticipate serving every six to eight weeks. Contact Person: Dennis Pretti.

Every other Friday morning in the spring, summer, and fall, or on their own at a time convenient to them, persons who are dedicated to keeping the grounds of St. Matthew's as beautiful as possible, weed, prune, deadhead, pick up trash, and spray bindweed. All one needs are gloves and clippers, and the desire to participate in a joy-filled, though sweaty, fellowship. Contact Person: Mary Mills or Jean Koizumi.