Welcome
To the Candidate for Rector:
It has been almost two years since our Rector of 23 years left. Two years has given St. Matthew’s an opportunity to experience loss, followed by the feeling of “going it alone,” along with a sense of independence and the associated responsibilities. We have enjoyed a wonderful assortment of supply priests, and three interim priests. We have made discoveries about ourselves during this time, often through the astute observations of supply and interim priests.St. Matthew’s is a diverse congregation, from retired folks to grade school children, with cradle Episcopalians worshipping next to recent converts. We are conservative and liberal, fond of hymns and fond ofpraise music. We are charismatic, contemplative, evangelical and reserved. In other words, we are perhaps a “perfect” Episcopal gathering.
One of St. Matthew’s finest attributes is the welcome given to anyone walking in our front door. There is a real sense of family among St. Matthew’s members and the hugs exchanged at the Passing of thePeace are genuine and readily shared. The “family feeling” carries over into the projects St. Matthew’s has been involved in for many years such as the cotton candy booth at the Junction City Scandinavian Festival or
recent projects such as Home Starter Kits for persons moving into their first home. Participation is large and congregational time and energy is given with loving hearts.
We have begun to branch out with more community outreach programs and connecting with the other Episcopal churches in the Eugene/Springfield area. Within the past year we have introduced a third Sunday morning worship service that is casual and full of wonderful praise music.St. Matthew’s is blessed with a large facility and we accommodate many community groups as well as congregational activities. We know there is so much more we could be doing with both our indoor and outdoor space.We are seeking a half time priest to join our family, with confidence that this position will grow in a short time to three-quarter time and then full time. We need a shepherd with the ability to teach, preachand live the Gospel; a priest full of love for God’s people and a vision of what a committed group of people can accomplish.
The Vestry of St. Matthew’s
Please click on the below links to learn more about opportunities at St Matthew's:
