Ministries & Groups & Outreach
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ ”
Bring a Friend . . . Meet a Friend . . . Make a Friend
What is our Friendship Dinner?
St. Matthew’s Friendship Dinner happens on the 4th Sunday of every month, September through June, 4-6 pm. Dinner is served restaurant style, and Parish Hall is transformed with seasonal décor. Our guests are our neighbors: People who can choose where and when they eat and share an evening with people who would not otherwise have a meal.
Entertainment is provided by local musicians, dancers, and theatrical artists.
We also have a Children’s Corner, where volunteers will read with children (ages toddler to 12).
Our Friendship Dinner is funded entirely by donations.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
[Hebrews 13:2]
Next 4 Corners Friendship Kitchen Dinner: Check here for updates. Entertainment and good food. Please join us!
In the meantime we continue with the monthly 4 Corners Food Distribution in the parking lot on the fourth Sunday of the month September - May from 2 - 4 pm. All are welcome.
St. Matthew’s Friendship Dinner happens on the 4th Sunday of every month, September through June, 4-6 pm. Dinner is served restaurant style, and Parish Hall is transformed with seasonal décor. Our guests are our neighbors: People who can choose where and when they eat and share an evening with people who would not otherwise have a meal.
Entertainment is provided by local musicians, dancers, and theatrical artists.
We also have a Children’s Corner, where volunteers will read with children (ages toddler to 12).
Our Friendship Dinner is funded entirely by donations.
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
[Hebrews 13:2]
Next 4 Corners Friendship Kitchen Dinner: Check here for updates. Entertainment and good food. Please join us!
In the meantime we continue with the monthly 4 Corners Food Distribution in the parking lot on the fourth Sunday of the month September - May from 2 - 4 pm. All are welcome.
Mission of the Month
We continue to accept donations to Laundry Love on the 1st Sunday of the Month at the Family Service and to Marie’s Mission Diapers for St. Michael’s on the Heights in addition to our weekly offerings of cereal and personal hygiene items to SWNC.
We continue to accept donations to Laundry Love on the 1st Sunday of the Month at the Family Service and to Marie’s Mission Diapers for St. Michael’s on the Heights in addition to our weekly offerings of cereal and personal hygiene items to SWNC.
Laundry LoveThe second Thursday evening of the month, a group of volunteers from Episcopal parishes in the Worcester area and students at The College of The Holy Cross, led by the Rev. Meredyth Ward, welcomes our neighbors to “Suds-Up Laundromat” on Southbridge Street. Coins for machines, laundry detergent, pizza and activities for the kids are provided.
PLEASE DONATE YOUR QUARTERS (placed in a zip lock bag) and laundry detergent and bring to church. Spreading the Gospel and love while meeting our neighbors and sharing the spirit! |
Food Offering: Please HelpThe emergency food pantry at the South Worcester Neighborhood Center receives the non-perishable food items that are contributed to the Saint Matthew’s weekly Food Offering. Cereals and canned soup are most needed, as well as personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies and other nonperishable/nutritious foods.
We have been learning that the need for emergency food is increasing in our neighborhood and the area served by our Neighborhood Center: more individuals and families are applying, and qualifying, for assistance, and our gifts matter! Please consider making a weekly food donation to the Food Offering. If that will create a strain on your own household’s food budget, please consider offering something once or twice a month. Watch for the sales at your grocery store: a can of soup, a box of pasta, a carton of cereal can help one of our neighborhood families a lot! Thanks for your generosity. |
OUTREACH GIVING
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR AMAZING GENEROSITY!!!
South Worcester Neighborhood Center
“Be Like Brit”
South High Community High School Pantry
Central Mass Housing Alliance
Food for the Poor
Rachel’s Table
CROP Walk - Church World Service
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR AMAZING GENEROSITY!!!
South Worcester Neighborhood Center
“Be Like Brit”
South High Community High School Pantry
Central Mass Housing Alliance
Food for the Poor
Rachel’s Table
CROP Walk - Church World Service
Knitting and Crocheting Ministry!
Wendy Piscitelli, Chairperson
This is an intergenerational group, whose ministry is to make Prayer Shawls and donate knit and crochet items to the South Worcester Neighborhood Center and crafts to the Winter Wonderland Fair. The participants range in age from 11 to 80+. We meet monthly from September to June on Saturday morning.
Individuals who cannot come to the meetings are invited to participate. Meetings are held on the first Saturday of the month in the Parish Hall, 10 am - noon. The fall schedule is as follows:
2023 Schedule for the Knitting and Crocheting Ministry
10:00am to noon Saturdays, on Zoom and soon in the Parish Hall
(unless noted)
This is an intergenerational group, whose ministry is to make Prayer Shawls and donate knit and crochet items to the South Worcester Neighborhood Center and crafts to the Winter Wonderland Fair. The participants range in age from 11 to 80+. We meet monthly from September to June on Saturday morning.
Individuals who cannot come to the meetings are invited to participate. Meetings are held on the first Saturday of the month in the Parish Hall, 10 am - noon. The fall schedule is as follows:
2023 Schedule for the Knitting and Crocheting Ministry
10:00am to noon Saturdays, on Zoom and soon in the Parish Hall
(unless noted)
Blessing a prayer shawl
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If you know of someone who is ill, grieving or in other crisis, consider giving them a prayer shawl. Those who have received these beautiful, soft and warm shawls, knit by women of our church, report that they have found and received great comfort from the thought that each shawl is created prayerfully, with care, concern and love for those who suffer. If you would like to give a shawl, please speak with Patti or the Interim Priest.
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St. Matthew's Book Club - The Sconeheads
Updated information will be provided!
All are welcome to come join us! Speak with Robin Chenarak, Wendy Piscitelli or Cathy Goodwin if you are interested or need more info.
All are welcome to come join us! Speak with Robin Chenarak, Wendy Piscitelli or Cathy Goodwin if you are interested or need more info.
Women of St. Matthews
Millie Cummings, President
Linda Albinson, Secretary
Pam Wilson, Treasurer
All women who are members of St. Matthew's are members and are encouraged to attend meetings held on the third Thursday of the month in the Parlor.
We met on Saturday December 28th for our annual Yankee Swap and holiday party. On December 22nd we filled 13 Christmas stockings for our neighbors across the street.
We sponsor other annual events to benefit local organizations, including helping families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas, our Penny Social, our Indoor Yard Sale, and our Cookie Walk in May.
Linda Albinson, Secretary
Pam Wilson, Treasurer
All women who are members of St. Matthew's are members and are encouraged to attend meetings held on the third Thursday of the month in the Parlor.
We met on Saturday December 28th for our annual Yankee Swap and holiday party. On December 22nd we filled 13 Christmas stockings for our neighbors across the street.
We sponsor other annual events to benefit local organizations, including helping families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas, our Penny Social, our Indoor Yard Sale, and our Cookie Walk in May.
Episcopal Church Men (ECM)
All men of St. Matthew's are members. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 9 am, beginning with breakfast and a Scripture Reflection. George Gailor, Convener.
All men of St. Matthew's are members. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 9 am, beginning with breakfast and a Scripture Reflection. George Gailor, Convener.
Saturday Morners
Dennis Wilson, organizer.
A small dedicated group meet on two Saturday mornings, to do maintenance and repairs to the buildings. Say you can help and give Dennis a call!
A small dedicated group meet on two Saturday mornings, to do maintenance and repairs to the buildings. Say you can help and give Dennis a call!
Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee offers scholarships every year to our young people to attend Summer Camp and Colleges and Universities. Applications are available online and due in May every year to the Vestry. See the "Learn" page for more information.
Winter Wonderland - Annual Church Fair
Pam Wilson, Linda Albinson, and Patti Cummings Co-Chairs
The 2019 Fair was held on November 1st and 2nd. Thank you to all who volunteered to help! We raised over $3200 dollars for St. Matthew’s operating fund. Thank you to all who helped make the 2019 fair another successful “fund”raiser, “fun”raiser and “friend”raiser!!!
The 2021 Fair is scheduled. Be ready to help prepare and then to join in the fun!
The 2019 Fair was held on November 1st and 2nd. Thank you to all who volunteered to help! We raised over $3200 dollars for St. Matthew’s operating fund. Thank you to all who helped make the 2019 fair another successful “fund”raiser, “fun”raiser and “friend”raiser!!!
The 2021 Fair is scheduled. Be ready to help prepare and then to join in the fun!
Worship Ministries
Acolytes
For more information please contact Festus Konneh or Father John.
This ministry is open to all youth who have an interest in assisting during services. Training provided.
Ushers
Those who serve in this ministry include Millie Cummings, Lois Cummings, George Gailor, Clarence Konneh, Augustus Kormah, and De Ping Yang. Children serve as ushers during the monthly Children's Service collecting change (and some bills too) for Rachel's Table. Ushers assist by passing out programs at the 8 am and 10 am services on Sunday and with the offertory collection.
Altar Guild
Come away for a space…and refresh yourselves…” (Jesus, to his disciples, in the Gospels).
Judy Chilton, Musu Konneh, Kelly MacGregor, Pam Wilson, Bethany MacGregor, Annie Konneh, Esther Konneh, Mardea Smith, Mercy Ndebeh, Kim Messier, David Wilson & Festus Konneh.
Anyone interested in learning about the Altar Guild's essential ministry at St. Matthew's, please contact the parish office for more information. Members meet four times a year. Two of these days are used for cleaning for Christmas and Easter. One Saturday in January is used as a Quiet Day with time for prayer, reflection and sharing a meal. Our evening meeting is in late August and includes bible study, prayers and a light evening meal. Our ministry involves preparing the church for weekly services and special occasions.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers & Lay Eucharistic Visitors
David Wilson, Charlotte Townsend, Robin Chenarak, Festus Konneh, Keith McKenna, Staci MacGregor,
assist in the conduct of worship, lead the Prayers of the People, and administer the chalice at worship services. Lay Eucharistic Visitors bring communion to the homebound monthly. Training and license required.
For more information please contact Festus Konneh or Father John.
This ministry is open to all youth who have an interest in assisting during services. Training provided.
Ushers
Those who serve in this ministry include Millie Cummings, Lois Cummings, George Gailor, Clarence Konneh, Augustus Kormah, and De Ping Yang. Children serve as ushers during the monthly Children's Service collecting change (and some bills too) for Rachel's Table. Ushers assist by passing out programs at the 8 am and 10 am services on Sunday and with the offertory collection.
Altar Guild
Come away for a space…and refresh yourselves…” (Jesus, to his disciples, in the Gospels).
Judy Chilton, Musu Konneh, Kelly MacGregor, Pam Wilson, Bethany MacGregor, Annie Konneh, Esther Konneh, Mardea Smith, Mercy Ndebeh, Kim Messier, David Wilson & Festus Konneh.
Anyone interested in learning about the Altar Guild's essential ministry at St. Matthew's, please contact the parish office for more information. Members meet four times a year. Two of these days are used for cleaning for Christmas and Easter. One Saturday in January is used as a Quiet Day with time for prayer, reflection and sharing a meal. Our evening meeting is in late August and includes bible study, prayers and a light evening meal. Our ministry involves preparing the church for weekly services and special occasions.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers & Lay Eucharistic Visitors
David Wilson, Charlotte Townsend, Robin Chenarak, Festus Konneh, Keith McKenna, Staci MacGregor,
assist in the conduct of worship, lead the Prayers of the People, and administer the chalice at worship services. Lay Eucharistic Visitors bring communion to the homebound monthly. Training and license required.
LectorsLectors read the first and second lessons and lead the congregation in the Psalm at Sunday worship. Also lead the Prayers of the People. Open to all members of the parish. Training is provided.
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Choir
Donald Irving, Director and Organist
The choir is a small but faithful group who sing at the 10 am Sunday service and at major holidays, holy days and special services. The choir sings hymns and spirituals as anthems. Choir leads the congregation in singing of the Psalms, using Anglican chant, simplified Anglican chant and monody. Music is from the 1982 Hymnal and Lift Every Voice and Sing.
The choir is a small but faithful group who sing at the 10 am Sunday service and at major holidays, holy days and special services. The choir sings hymns and spirituals as anthems. Choir leads the congregation in singing of the Psalms, using Anglican chant, simplified Anglican chant and monody. Music is from the 1982 Hymnal and Lift Every Voice and Sing.
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Junior Choir sings during the Offertory on Youth Sunday.
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Stewardship
Shining Our Light
Stewardship Prayer:
Oh God, in your infinite generosity you have created a world with resources to sustain all of your children with abundance of food, work and recreation. Help us to let our light shine so brightly the whole world can witness your glory. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Oh God, in your infinite generosity you have created a world with resources to sustain all of your children with abundance of food, work and recreation. Help us to let our light shine so brightly the whole world can witness your glory. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Our estimates of giving each year are promises to God and to each other that we will trust in the fullness of God’s grace even when our path is not clear, that we will trust in the Spirit that guides our mission, and that we will trust in the all-encompassing love of the One who continues to celebrate and suffer with us.
A Pledging Unit can be defined as a single person, a couple, or a family who pledges a specific amount to be offered weekly, monthly or annually. Offerings of time, talent and service also define Stewardship and are most welcome and necessary. Many of you marked on the reverse side of your pledge card as being willing to serve in various ways – singing in the Choir, helping Altar Guild, Ushering etc. This is great Stewardship also!
A Pledging Unit can be defined as a single person, a couple, or a family who pledges a specific amount to be offered weekly, monthly or annually. Offerings of time, talent and service also define Stewardship and are most welcome and necessary. Many of you marked on the reverse side of your pledge card as being willing to serve in various ways – singing in the Choir, helping Altar Guild, Ushering etc. This is great Stewardship also!