(Classic and modern artwork illuminates the meaning of the church season and links us to our heritage as Christians. Click on any image on this page for a larger version and more information about the artwork.)

More Lent information [here]

Lenten schedule to download or print [here]

Book of Faith Lenten study [here]

Additional Lenten Resources [here]

Holy Week information [here]

Passion Scenes flyer [here]

Lenten Wednesday Evening Worship

Pause to Reflect and Worship
Feb. 24 - March 24, 7:15 p.m.

This year our Lenten worship will focus around meditation and reflection time, intentionally taking time to worship. Worship lies at the heart of our community's life and concerns. We owe our very existence as a community to the central Gospel conviction that worship is all we are and all we do. Either everything we do is an offering to God, or nothing, we may not pick and choose. We will pattern our evening prayer service on that of the Iona Community of Scotland. It is relevant and challenging, reflecting our spirituality and concern to ‘find new ways to touch the hearts of all’. But we don’t only worship at St. Matthew’s building, whenever members gather in their small groups, gatherings or meetings, we worship together.

The Iona Community and Worship

The Iona Community is an ecumenical Christian community that is committed to seeking new ways of living the Gospel in today’s world. It was founded in 1938. The community remains committed to rebuilding the common life through working for social and political change, striving for the renewal of the church with an ecumenical emphasis, and exploring new, more inclusive approaches to worship. You do not have to be a churchgoer to feel at home in an Abbey service, nor need people be experienced or ordained before they can lead worship here. It is a place for everyone.

Our whole life is a search for wholeness. We desire to be fully human, we know no division into the ‘sacred’ and the ‘secular.’ We desire to be fully present to God, who is fully present to us, whether in our neighbor or in the political and social activity of the world around us, whether in the field of culture or of economics, and whether in prayer and praise together or in the very center and soul of our being. So, we are committed to the belief that worship is everything we do, both inside and outside the church.

Pause… Reflect… Worship…Take time this Lent to take time.
--John Paradowski, Minister of Music/Organist

Lenten Series: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John
Each Wednesday in Lent 6:00-7:00 p.m.

We are excited about using the Book of Faith study material as a way of getting into the Gospel of John. The study times will be from Feb. 24-March 24, 6:00-7:00 p.m., using the designated Wednesday themes. We have titled the theme: “Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John.” and will be using the methods of the Lutheran way in unlocking the scriptures.

Various members of the Book of Faith team will help facilitate these studies which will also lead into the reflective time in worship. Come and learn how Jesus is revealed in the Gospel, especially with relationships. This is an excellent way to be in the study of scripture during Lent! Come and join us. We will even have tables in our meeting area where you can bring in food from the Lenten Dinner to eat. You will be fed by the substance of food and scripture.

• Feb. 17 (Ash Wednesday): “Jesus is Lord” John 12:1-8, 20-26
• Feb. 24: “Jesus Is the Word” John 1:1-18
• March 3: “Jesus Is the Way” John 3:1-21
• March 10: “Jesus Is the Bread of Life” John 6:25-59
• March 17: “Jesus is the Light” John 9:1-41
• March 24: “Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life” John 11:1-44
• April 1 (Maundy Thursday): “Jesus is Love” John 13:1-35
• April 2 (Good Friday): “Jesus Is Hope” John 19:17-30

SAINTS plan gatherings after morning Lenten services
Plan to attend the morning worship services, then gather in the Commons at 11:00 a.m. for some light refreshments and fellowship with your St. Matthew’s family. The first of these gatherings will be on Wednesday, Feb. 24. All are welcome!

Help your children learn about Lent: Wednesday evening Lenten family time
Following the Wednesday dinners, 6:15-7:00 p.m., there is family time for families with smaller children (up through third grade) with stories, songs, projects, prayers and a brief worship. We encourage families to come for the dinner, stay for the family time and then return home in time for the children to go to bed. This is a great time together!

Lenten dinners begin Feb. 24, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Each Wednesday in Lent, Feb. 24 through March 24, dinner will be served continuously from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. All proceeds from the dinners will support the Blue Ridge Mountain Mission Trip. Cost of the meal is $5.00 for ages 10 and up, $3.00 for 4-10, and free for 3 and under. If you donate a food item, you will receive a free meal. Please sign up ahead of time at the Lenten Table outside of the church office.

• Feb. 24 - Lasagna, salad, bread
  
• March 3 - Tacos, vegetables and dip, fruit
  
• March 10 - Baked potato bar, salad, fruit
  
• March 17 - Soup & sandwiches, vegetables and dip
  
• March 24 - Tettrazzini, macaroni & cheese, salad
  

Could you donate food for the Lenten dinners at St. Matthew’s?
St. Matthew’s youth are seeking people who are willing to contribute food for the Lenten dinners they prepare and serve. There is a wide selection of dates and items to contribute, from loaves of bread and gallons of milk to uncooked pans of lasagna. Contributing is easy: sign up to bring a particular item on the display outside the church office and bring the items labeled “Lenten Dinner” to church the day before it is served or no later than 4:00 p.m. on the day of the dinner. Contributors receive a free ticket for dinner!

More Lent information [here]

Lenten schedule to download or print [here]

Book of Faith Lenten study [here]

Additional Lenten Resources [here]

Holy Week information [here]

Passion Scenes flyer [here]