We are both a Catholic and Evangelical Church, utilizing ancient traditons and rites of the early Church in our worship while providing opportunities for individuals to make and renew a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. St. Matthew's has two services on Sunday morning to which we invite you; a quiet, traditional service at 8:00 and a family service with traditional and contemporary renewal music and Sunday School at 9:30. We would be pleased to answer any questions you might have. Please call our Rector, Fr. McProud, or our Church Secretary, Nancy Linde, at 689-4010 for information. You may also contact the web site manager with comments regarding the site at: st_matt@qwest.net. May the Lord bless you and yours! |
We are both a Catholic and Evangelical Church, utilizing ancient traditons and rites of the early Church in our worship while providing opportunities for individuals to make and renew a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. St. Matthew's has two services on Sunday morning to which we invite you; a quiet, traditional service at 8:00 and a family service with traditional and contemporary renewal music and Sunday School at 9:30. We would be pleased to answer any questions you might have. Please call our Rector, Fr. McProud, or our Church Secretary, Nancy Linde, at 689-4010 for information. You may also contact the web site manager with comments regarding the site at: st_matt@qwest.net. May the Lord bless you and yours! |
ABOUT ST. MATTHEW'S |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the Episcopal Church?: The Episcopal Church of the U.S.A (ECUSA) is the American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion -- a "daughter" of the Church of England. What does "Episcopal" mean?: "Episcopos" is the Greek word for "bishop." Thus "Episcopal" means "governed by bishops." The Episcopal Church maintains the three-fold order of ministry as handed down by the Apostles -- deacons, priests and bishops -- in direct descent, via the laying on of hands, from the original Apostles. By the way, "Episcopal" is an adjective: "I belong to the Episcopal Church." The noun is "Episcopalian": "I am an Episcopalian." How do Episcopalians worship?: If you are familiar with Roman Catholic or Lutheran services, you will find Episcopal services remarkably similar. The central rite is the Service of Holy Eucharist (aka "Communion," or "The Lord's Supper"), analogous to the Roman Catholic Mass (and referred to as "Mass" by some Episcopalians). The first part of the liturgy ("The Liturgy of the Word" ) consists of prayers, scripture readings and a sermon or homily. This is followed an Affirmation of Faith (The Nicene Creed), the Prayers of the People, Confession of Sin, Absolution, and the Exchange of Peace. The second part of the liturgy ("The Liturgy of the Eucharist") begins with the offerings of the congregation, then proceeds with the Eucharistic Prayer, Consecration of the Elements (bread and wine), Communion, the Post-Communion Prayer, Blessing and Dismissal. I'm a visitor to the Episcopal Church. May I receive communion? All baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, may take communion in the Episcopal Church. Your own denomination may have some restrictions on where you may or may not communicate, however, so it would be wise to check with a clergyperson in your own church first. Why do you have parades in and out of Church? We have processions in and out of Church for two reasons. One, it is a convenient and orderly way to get all the ministers of the liturgy where they need to be. Secondly, it recalls the Biblical processions such as Moses in the Desert, Joshua at Jericho, and our Lord in Jerusalem. We are always led by the Cross of Christ as a sign of obedience to our Lord. What do I do before and after services? It is the custom upon entering church to kneel in one's pew for a prayer of personal preparation for worship. In many churches it is also the custom to bow to the altar on entering and leaving the church as an act of reverence for Christ. Episcopalians do not talk in church before a service but use this time for personal meditation and devotions. At the end of the service some persons kneel for a private prayer before leaving. Others sometimes sit to listen to the organ postlude. What are those worship leaders wearing? To add to the beauty and festivity of the services, and to signify their special ministries, the clergy and other ministers wear vestments. Choir vestments usually consist of an undergown called a cassock and a white, gathered overgown called a surplice. The clergy may also wear cassock and surplice. Another familiar vestment is the alb, a white tunic with sleeves that covers the body from neck to ankles. Over it (or over the surplice) ordained ministers wear a stole, a narrow band of colored fabric. Deacons wear the stole over one shoulder, priests and bishops over both shoulders. At the Holy Eucharist a bishop or priest frequently wears a chasuble (a circular garment that envelopes the body) over the alb and stole. Bishops sometimes wear a special headcovering called a miter. Stoles and chasubles, as well as altar coverings, are usually made of rich fabrics. Their color changes with the seasons and holy days of the Church Year. The most frequently used colors are white, red, violet, and green. Worship: Common Prayer and Celebration In the Episcopal Church it is often said that "praying shapes believing." Worship is central to the life of our church. Worship is designed using the rich treasury of resources contained in The Book of Common Prayer, the Hymnal, and Renewal music. Through prayer and song we seek to glorify God, through Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Holy Baptism Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body the Church, (BCP p. 298). The life and ministry of the Church is defined by baptism into Jesus Christ. In baptism each of us becomes a full member of Christ's Church and is called to "continue in the apostles" teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and in the prayers, " and to witness to God's love in the world. It shapes who we are as Christians. Holy Baptism normally is administered at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday Eucharist especially on the days designated for baptism in the Prayer Book. Those desiring baptism for themselves or for infants and young children may speak with Fr. McProud to arrange for preparation and to set a date. Candidates for baptism are sponsored by one or more baptized persons. First Communions Children are prepared for First Communion when they and their parents agree they are ready. When that time arrives, whatever the age, Fr. McProud will offer instruction. Any adult who is baptized and believes in the Real Presence of Christ may receive Holy Communion. If instruction is desired first, speak to one of the priests. Confirmation, Reception and Affirmation In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop, (BCP p. 412). Young people or adults wishing to be confirmed should speak to Fr. McProud for information on preparatory instruction. Persons who have been baptized and Confirmed in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches and have been prepared in classes are presented for Reception. Those who have been separated from the community of the Church and desire to renew their baptism are prepared for Reaffirmation. Membership Membership in the Episcopal Church is defined through baptism. Persons who have been baptized and wish to be members of St. Matthews may do so by taking a 4-week membership course and/or by transferring membership from another Episcopal church. Weddings Christian marriage is a solemn, public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested to by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the state and the canons of this church. Requests for weddings must be made through the parish office at least 90 days in advance. In cases where either party has been married previously, a longer period before the planned date is necessary. Usually it is expected that at least one person be a member of St. Matthews. Non-members may obtain special permission from the Rector. Couples planning to be married arrange for marriage preparation with Fr. McProud who is to officiate at their wedding. Funerals The death of a member of St. Matthews and those related to the congregation should be reported to Fr. McProud as soon as possible so that funeral arrangements may be made and pastoral care extended to the bereaved. When possible, funerals are held at times when the congregation is able to be present. Concerning funerals, the BCP (page 507) states: "The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. The liturgy therefore is characterized by joy in the certainty that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn." Some may wish to speak with Fr. McProud regarding their own funerals and to have any instructions placed in their personal files. Pastoral Care Please notify Fr. McProud when there are emergencies, illnesses, accidents, joys, and successes. Intercessions are offered at all Eucharists in prayers for the ill, troubled, and departed. The community gives thanks on the occasion of wedding anniversaries and birthdays. Confidential discussion of troubles, joys, and sorrows - personal, job-related, marital, family, or spiritual - is always available. Fr. McProud is ready to assist persons in locating professional help when necessary. The pastoral offices contained in The Book of Common Prayer and The Book of Occasional Services are available upon request: e.g. The Blessing of a Civil Marriage, Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child, Thanksgiving for a Home, The Reconciliation of a Penitent, Ministration to the Sick and Ministration at the Time of Death. Contact Fr. McProud if you desire one of these special rites. Home Communion Holy Communion is taken to those members of the congregation who are unable to be present for celebrations of the Holy Eucharist on Sundays and major holy days due to infirmity or illness. Those desiring home communion for themselves or others should contact Deacon Don Peck (485-4143). |
