Sunday Worship ~ 10:30 AM
At St. Matthew’s, we worship in the tradition of the United Church of Canada, a protestant denomination that cherishes independence of thought, openness to God’s Spirit at work in the world, and commitment to peace and justice for all.
St. Matthew's is an Affirming Ministry of the United Church of Canada -- publicly, intentionally, and explicitly affirming the full humanity, full inclusion, and full human rights of all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, as an expression of the Christian gospel of love.
Our primary gathering time as a community is Sunday morning worship at 10:30am. Sunday services last about an hour, and are occasionally followed by a time of fellowship and refreshment for all.
All ages are welcome in our worship services. Some children like to be present for the whole service, but many choose to go downstairs for the Sunday School program during the second half of the service. There is also a nursery and caregiver provided for the littlest children.
Our Sunday School is intentionally flexible and open – there is no registration or membership list, and the program is arranged so that each week stands alone. Any children who are at church are most welcome in Sunday School.
On a Sunday Morning at St. Matthew’s, You Can Expect…
An accessible building. Our main church doors open directly onto the Barrington Street sidewalk, and our worship space is flat and entirely wheelchair accessible. An accessible washroom and kitchen are located on the same floor as our worship space. Pews have been removed at both the back and front of the church to create a more open seating area for those who use wheelchairs or for young children and their adults.
An Usher, who will greet you at the door. The usher may also lead you to a pew, if you wish, and is happy to give you any directions you may need.
A Door on Your Pew! St. Matthew’s sanctuary is over 150 years old, and still has its old-fashioned numbered box pews. Despite the numbers, none of our pews is reserved. If your door makes a loud click when it opens or closes, you are not alone!
…and You Can (nearly always) Also Expect…
A Prelude and Postlude Usually played on the organ, this music begins our service by bringing us into a quiet space, and ends our service by sending us out into the world with joy and energy.
An Opening Prayer which gathers us together and opens our spirits to God’s Spirit in our midst.
Scripture Readings, from one or both of the Older and Newer Testaments of the Bible.
A Sermon A fifteen minute (or so) reflection on the meaning of the scripture reading and its message for our lives today.
Hymns and Choral Music Hymns (sung by everyone) and Anthems (sung by the choir) which draw us into a contemplative space, encourage us on the journey, or inspire us in joy and thanksgiving.
The Offering -- Donations received in offering plates at the door as well as by Pre-Authorized Remittance support the work of St. Matthew’s locally, as well as globally through the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church.
Prayers of God’s People and the Lord’s Prayer Our collective prayers for neighbours near and far, for those facing particular circumstances, and for ourselves, concluding with the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples.
Commissioning and Benediction Words that send us out into the world with God’s blessing.
POTLUCK CHURCH
Potluck Church happens 4-5 times a year, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday from 5:30-7pm, and is often nicknamed “church with food” or “church the way Jesus did it”.
Basically, it’s a potluck supper for all ages that happens in the church sanctuary like regular church!
The Worship and Music Committee are our hosts – everyone brings something to share, whether homemade or storebought – and we enjoy good food and fellowship with an informal community - building spirit.
Just like regular church, Potluck Church is open to all, and a great way to get to know others in the community.