Holiday Celebrations

Christmas

During Advent, celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at St. Matthew's. 

Advent Study: During December join our four-week study on the birth of Christ. To register, e-mail Linda Monroe or sign-up near the display in the Narthex.

Family Photo Advent Celebration:  Children’s Council invites you and your whole family to attend the Advent Celebration. Following the first December Wednesday night supper at 5:30, we will celebrate the Christmas season with music, holiday snacks, Advent wreath-making and crafts. For dinner, the suggested donation is $7 per person; $25 for a family of 4 or more. Go green and bring your own plate, cups and silverware and get a discount.  Plus have your family photo taken for free that night. The Evangelism Committee is sponsoring our resident photographers to take your family photo starting at 5pm.  Come join the fun and start the Christmas season on a high note!

UMW Christmas Gala: Entertainment will be Christmas songs with the St. Matthew's Brothers.

Make our Church especially Welcoming during Advent Season: Before the 11:15 services in December, the Evangelism Committee will serve hot chocolate and cider to attendees. Extra helping hands and donations of hot chocolate and cider are welcome.

Senior High Christmas Semi-Formal Dinner Dance: Details TBA

Christmas Cantata: From the grandeur of angelic glories serenading simple shepherds to the whispered prayers of a young mother cradling the Creator of life, the marvel of that night is truly profound. Bring your family and friends for this beautiful musical celebration!

Children's Christmas Party: Faith Leapers will host a Christmas Party during the Sunday School hour. Children will enjoy Christmas carols, ornament-making and holiday treats. We look forward to celebrating with your children.

Christmas Eve Services:  During Christmas Eve, the celebration of the birth of our Savior, will include four worship services. The 4 PM service is a Family Service featuring our children. The 6 PM service is a contemporary worship service including candlelight and communion; and the 8:30 and 11 PM services are our traditional worship services which also include candlelight and communion.

There are no services on Christmas Day, December 25.

Easter

During Lent and Holy Week, join us for special services to celebrate the hope of Easter.

Mardi Gras & Ash Wednesday: Join us for Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. We will have an imposition of ashes at our service at 7 PM. The Jr. High Youth group will have a pancake supper at 5:30 PM with the Children's Council hosting a Mardi Gras parade, music and activities during supper. 

Lenten Journey Tips: Lent is a time to prepare for Easter. In the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, Christians seek to renew their faith. Lent is not necessarily a time of giving something up, but rather a time to intentionally seek to draw closer to Jesus Christ. Practices of worship, prayer, fasting, studying scripture, giving, and service are some of the means that help us open ourselves to receive God’s grace. Click on our suggestions for personal growth and discipleship for the six weeks of Lent.

Lenten Community Supper, Communion & Worship: All the Wednesdays of Lent, supper at 5:30 PM, communion and worship at 6:45 PM.

Youth Lenten Prayer Breakfasts: All youth are welcome to come to share breakfast, pray and start the day with words of inspiration from a variety of speakers. These free breakfasts will be held at 6 AM the week or two before Easter. Yes, this is early but that is one of the things that makes this St. Matthew’s tradition special!

Lenten Study: Look for special Lent adult education classes each Easter season.

Palm Sunday Service: Sunday before Easter at 8:30 AM & 11:15 AM Celebrate with a special Easter music.

Taize Service of Prayer & Reflection: Wednesday before Easter at 6:45 PM

Maundy Thursday Holy Communion: Thursday before Easter at 7:30 PM

Multimedia Contemporary Good Friday Service: Friday before Easter at 7:30 PM        

Community Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday before Easter at 10:00 AM  

Easter Sunday: Sunrise Service at 6:00 AM; Traditional Worship at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM & 11:15 AM

Flowers for the Cross: St. Matthew’s has a tradition of turning the wooden cross erected in front of Church into a blooming cross filled with life. Please bring a live flower to attach to the cross and watch the cross grow before your eyes on Easter Weekend.