WORSHIP WITH US
Find your spiritual home with St. Matthew's Episcopal.
From service times to answers to our most frequently asked questions, learn more about our beliefs and the Episcopal Faith.
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
Episcopalians are united by worship and the three-fold source of authority which includes Holy Scripture, Tradition, and Reason. The Episcopal Church seeks to follow a "via media" or "middle way" between Roman Catholic and Protestant doctrine and practices. In this sense it is both Catholic and Reformed, seeking the middle ground between extremes. Because of its "middle way" approach, the Episcopal Church encompasses a wide latitude of beliefs and practices where everyone can find their "place" within our community of faith. A gift of the Episcopal Church is its willingness to tolerate and comprehend opposing viewpoints while at the same time stressing unity in worship and diversity of beliefs. We take seriously our belief that all are welcome! The Episcopal Church publishes its own Book of Common Prayer (BCP), containing most of the worship services (also called liturgies) used in the Episcopal Church. Because of its widespread use in the church, the BCP is both a reflection of and a source of theology for Episcopalians. The center of Episcopal teaching is the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The basic teachings of the church, or catechism, include: Jesus Christ is fully human and fully God. He died and was resurrected from the dead. Jesus provides the way of eternal life for those who believe. God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit, are one God, and are called the Holy Trinity ("three and yet one"). The Old and New Testaments of the Bible were written by people "under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit." The Apocrypha are additional books that are used in Christian worship, but not for the formation of doctrine. The two great and necessary sacraments are Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist. Other sacramental rites are confirmation, ordination, marriage, reconciliation of a penitent, and unction (anointing of the sick) Belief in heaven, hell, and Jesus' return in glory. Emphasis on living out the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor fully, as found in Matthew 28:18-20.
WHAT IS THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH, ANYWAY?
The Episcopal Church (TEC) is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a network of denominations united by their common history and fellowship with the Church of England. TEC is divided into nine provinces and has dioceses in the U.S., Taiwan, Micronesia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, as well as the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe and the Navajoland Area Mission. The Episcopal Church describes itself as being "Protestant, yet Catholic." It is the nation's 14th largest denomination. The church was organized after the American Revolution when it separated from the Church of England, whose clergy were required to swear allegiance to the British monarch as Supreme Governor of the church of England, and became the first Anglican Province outside the British Isles. The Episcopal Church was active in the Social Gospel movement of the late nineteenth century and since the 1960s and 1970s has played a leading role in the progressive movement and on related political issues. For example, in its resolutions on state issues the Episcopal Church has opposed the death penalty, and supported the civil rights movement and affirmative action. Some of its leaders and priests marched with civil rights demonstrators. The church calls for the full civil equality for all people regardless of age, race, gender, ability, or sexual orientation. On the question of abortion, the church has adopted a nuanced position. About all these issues, individual members and clergy can and do frequently disagree with the stated position of the church. The Episcopal Church ordains women to the priesthood as well as the diaconate and the episcopate. The previous Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church is Katharine Jefferts Schori, the first female head of a national church in the Anglican Communion.
OUR BELIEFS
Purpose:
The purpose of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
Mission:
We do this through worshiping God, educating ourselves and our children, caring for each other and serving our neighbors, sharing faith stories with others, and caring for all our resources (our time, treasure, and talent).
Vision:
As disciples of Jesus, we aspire to open our hearts to the community. With love for God and neighbor, we offer restoring, caring hands to send forth the Good News to all with passion and determination
WORSHIP FAQs
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What is the Episcopal Church’s main guide to worship and liturgy?The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is the official book of worship of the Episcopal Church. The BCP provides liturgical forms, prayers, and instructions so that everyone in the Episcopal Church can share in common worship.
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What are some gestures or actions you will see in the Episcopal liturgy?Standing to praise God Sitting to listen to God’s Word Kneeling to pray for the church and the world Bowing in reverence Lifting hands in prayer, also called the “orans” position Making the sign of cross, usually with the right thumb on the forehead or with the right hand on the forehead, chest, and shoulders Genuflecting (bending the knee in reverence) Giving and receiving a handshake, hug, or kiss of peace, a sign of greeting and reconciliation Elevating the bread and wine during the Eucharist, offering them to God or showing them to the people Extending hands in greeting (e.g., when the priest says, "The Lord be with you") Laying on of hands or extending them over people as a sign of blessing and authorization at baptism, confirmation, ordination, and other sacraments
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What is the chief worship service in the Episcopal Church?The Holy Eucharist – also known as the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, the Mass, Divine Liturgy, and the Great Offering.
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What are the liturgical seasons?The Christian calendar divides the year into six liturgical seasons: Advent Christmas Epiphany Lent Easter Pentecost The season after the Day of Pentecost is often called “Ordinary Time,” although this term is unofficial and does not appear in the Book of Common Prayer.
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Every season has a designated color, which you will see featured on the clergy's vestments and the linens on the altar during that season?White signifies purity and joy and is used during Christmas and Easter, and on All Saints’ Day and other joyous occasions such as weddings. White is also used during funerals because death is viewed in relation to Christ’s resurrection. Purple (and blue in Advent) signify penitence and patient waiting and are used during Advent and Lent. These colors also suggest royalty, indicating that during Advent we await the return of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Red symbolizes the fire of the Holy Spirit and is used on Pentecost Sunday and for the ordination of bishops, priests, and deacons. It also signifies the blood of Christ and is used in the festival of martyrs. Green suggests hope and growth and is used during the weeks after Epiphany, Trinity Sunday, and Pentecost.
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What is a lectionary?A lectionary is a table of readings from Scripture appointed to be read at public worship. Although there are several lectionaries contained in the Book of Common Prayer, the Episcopal Church now follows the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), which was officially adopted at General Convention in 2006. The Revised Common Lectionary, like the lectionaries in the Book of Common Prayer, is a three-year cycle of Sunday Eucharistic readings in which Matthew, Mark, and Luke are read in successive years with some material from John read in each year.
CALENDAR
At St. Matthew’s, our calendar is more than dates and events—it’s a rhythm of faith, fellowship, and formation. From weekly worship and seasonal celebrations to small groups and community gatherings, each moment is an opportunity to grow in spirit and connect with one another.
Our events are thoughtfully planned to deepen our faith journey, strengthen our community, and offer spaces for joy, reflection, and renewal. Whether you’re looking to join a Bible study, participate in a family-friendly outing, or observe the sacred seasons of the Church year, there’s a place for you here. Discover what’s ahead and find your place in the life of St. Matthew’s.