Ministries and Committees

ACOLYTES

St. Matthew’s recognizes the importance of youth participation through its active group of acolytes.  Over 20 children from 15 families take turns serving at Sunday services.  They are coordinated by a volunteer adult director.  Acolytes start in 3rd grade and continue through the end of high school.  Elementary children begin as Torchbearers and then Crucifer through 8th grade.  Servers at the altar are generally in grades 9 – 12.  Upon completing 5 services, acolytes receive silver crosses.  As they achieve greater service numbers, the color of the ribbon holding the silver cross changes, followed by a silver chain, and ultimately a silver ring.

The Ministry of the Acolyte Robes includes overseeing the robing of the acolytes before the service to ensure that each acolyte can locate a robe and cotter that fits appropriately. After the service, we make sure the garments are replaced in the proper sequence so that the robing can be efficient the next week.

ADULT EDUCATION

ALTAR GUILD

In the early days of the Church, the duty of caring for the Altar and Sanctuary was the concern of the priest and attendants. Nuns do this now in certain parts of the world, but, for some years, in most churches these duties have been performed by a specially chosen group of women known as the Altar Guild or Chapter.

The Altar Guild of St. Matthew's comprises four teams which are responsible for the care of vessels, linens, brass, silver and the vestments of the priest. Special services at which the Altar Guild may help include Holy Baptism, Confirmation, Ordination, Marriage and Funerals, as well as Christmas, Holy Week and Easter. The Altar Guild is responsible for ordering wine, candles, wafers and linens which are used for the Holy Eucharist.

Please contact Pam Worthington at admin@stmatthewspennington.org if interested in this special ministry.

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Our committee supports several communication methods for staying in touch with parishioners and reaching out beyond the parish community. These include weekly e-mails, a weekly bulletin insert, our church web site, our Facebook page, our YouTube channel, and our Instagram feed. The Stream Team delivers live streaming of Rite II services on Sundays.

CONFIRMATION/RECEPTION

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee makes recommendations for the annual budget, for adequate insurance, for investment of funds, for receipt of the annual audit of the Books of Account, and for other matters of a financial nature. The Finance Committee also provides counsel to clergy and the vestry relating to the administration of the parish.

GROCERY PROGRAM

The St. Matthew's Grocery Program is a source of revenue to the Operating Fund of the parish and a service to its members. Under the program, parishioners buy gift cards and certificates from nearby grocery stores at no extra cost.

Chair: Andy Swords

HOSPITALITY & NEWCOMERS / COFFEE HOUR

LITURGICAL (EUCHARIST) MINISTERS

Nearly 30 lay persons actively participate as Lectors, Lay Eucharistic Ministers (which includes Sub Deacons and Chalice Ministers), and Lay Eucharistic Visitors.  Lectors read the lessons and lead the congregation in the Prayers of the People.  Sub Deacons read lessons, lead the congregation in the Psalm, administer the chalice, and assist the clergy at the altar and in worship.  Some Sub Deacons may also lead the congregation in Morning or Evening Prayer.  Chalice Ministers administer the chalice and help the clergy as needed.  Lay Eucharistic Visitors visit and share the sacraments with members of the congregation who are unable to attend the church Eucharist due to illness or infirmity.

MUSIC MINISTRY

Music is an integral part of parish life at St. Matthew’s Church, existing to transform and joyfully connect people with God and each other. The Music Director/Organist directs the music ministry supported by the Senior Choir, the Children’s Choir, and the Hand Bell Choir.

NOMINATING

PROPERTY

The mission of this ministry is to support the Parish in the management of the physical properties of the church.  These include the worship space, social hall, education space and grounds.  This ministry conducts maintenance and improvement of Parish facilities, annual inspections and property work days.  Activities are performed through a combination of volunteer labor and contracted services.

RUMMAGE SALES

The Spring and Fall Rummage Sales are two of St. Matthew’s most important outreach initiatives.  Twice a year we rescue thousands of items from moldering away in basements or filling our landfills, we sell them to treasure hunters looking to give them a new home, and, what is left, we donate to the needy through the Rescue Mission. 

Click here to learn more.

STEWARDSHIP

St Matthew’s has a mission grounded in Christ. It impacts us as individuals, it impacts our community, and it impacts the wider world. To maintain our worthy causes we ask you to make them your own. Become a steward by giving your time, expressing your talents, and pledging your treasure. By this you will be continuing God’s mission, a mission of joy and abundance!

For more information on any ministry or committee, please leave a message on the church mailbox voicemail and Pam will be sure to get back with you (609) 737-0985.