The priesthood of all believers is alive and well at St. Matthew's and we joyfully celebrate the ministry of the laity. In myriad ways, Congregational Care ministers offer Christ and live in the needs of each day... More information is available in the Congregational Care Brochure.

Arbor Chapel Service: Sunday morning informal worship with residents of the Arbor at the Orchard, in rotation with other area churches; includes a brief message and hymn singing

Home Place Prayer Meeting: Tuesday evening informal worship, in the same style as the Arbor, led by Rev. Rayford Woodrick, in rotation with other area churches

Hospital Visitation Ministry: In shared ministry with the senior pastor; compassionate laity offer a supportive, cheerful presence to hospitalized members; training is required prior to participating in this ministry

Church-wide Prayer Ministry:  Provides opportunities for the congregation to come together in prayer; offers classes and resources to learn about prayer and to help persons develop a more effective prayer life.

Coordinator:  Suzanne Parker

Traumatic Brain Injury Support:  Fosters supportive community for families caring for loved ones with traumatic brain injury; creates forum for sharing of ideas and information; incorporates the arts into the recovery process.  Coordinators: Jeanne and Allan Halliwell

Card Care: Meets each Thursday morning at 9:30 in the Church Library; faithful laity pray for known joys and concerns of the St. Matthew’s family before writing cards to communicate the love of Christ.  Coordinator:  Jean Eason

Communion Ministry: The Sacrament is offered on the 1st Thursday of each month to friends who are hospitalized, homebound or living in area retirement homes;  communion servers meet in the Church Library at 1:30 p.m.; recipients are served between  1:45 and 4:30 p.m.

Christ’s Cupboard:  Ministry of meals and hospitality to friends with special needs/circumstances; casseroles, vegetables, meats, breads and desserts donated to the Cupboard offer comfort and communicate God’s love

Christ Cupboard Cook Days:  Meals are prepared in the Church Kitchen at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas and delivered to homes.  Coordinator: Tami Rigby

Covenant Care: Ministry of the laity with the laity in all of life’s circumstances; ministers care for up to 5 families each; Calling Forth held yearly for all who sense the Spirit’s call to relational ministry; training is required prior to participating in this ministry; ongoing training events offered.  Coordinators:  Vicki and Mickey Gibson

Flower Ministry:  When flowers are donated after Sunday worship,  talented hands fashion them into bright bouquets for delivery to friends in homes, hospitals and, retirement facilities; meets Mondays at 1:00 p.m. in office suite.

Coordinator:  Walterine McKay

Genesis Prayer Quilt Ministry:  Begun by members of the Genesis UMW Circle, prayer is primary focus of ministry.  quilts have threads to be “tied with prayer” before delivery.

Contact:  Nina Hart

Marriage Ministry: Marriage matters at St. Matt's includes a variety of events throughout the year to strengthen marriages, those in the congregation and in the wider community. Events include times of fun as well as classes on topics such as communication and healthy ways of resolving conflict. Premarital Counseling is available. Coordinators: Horace and Carol Lukens

Sing and Celebrate!   Music, devotional time and fellowship with friends in area retirement homes; musical ability is not a pre-requisite.  Some can sing, others can play the piano, many can hug; all are vital to this ministry of love.  Coordinators: Vicky Edwards and Tommie Bennett

WAGS Pet Therapy (Witnessing Animals God’s Saints):

Docile dogs, de-clawed cats have a special way of communicating God’s love to friends in retirement homes who’ve had to give up their pets; animals are evaluated to determine temperament.  Coordinator:  Sharon Tucker

Wednesday Afternoon Prayer Group:  Dedicated persons pray for each joy and concern listed on church prayer list;  meets at 4:00 p.m. in the Church Parlor, prior to the Wednesday Night meal.  Coordinator:  Marybella Dukes

Bereavement Ministry:  Sharing the grief and sorrow of members who have experienced the loss of a loved one; supplements clergy pastoral care with cards, calls, visits, meals, flowers, Care Notes.  Sunday School classes and small groups play a vital role in nurturing circles of care and keeping the church office “in the loop”.