Sunday, November 1 , 7:00 PM

Life Community Church: 717 W Ray Rd., Gilbert AZ 85233

Join us for this cherished holiday tradition as we celebrate this year’s theme, Grateful for 250 Years of Faith and Freedom. Hosted by For Our Town Gilbert and the Chandler Interfaith Coalition, the gathering brings our community together to express gratitude, celebrate the freedoms that allow diverse faith traditions to thrive, and honor the values that unite us. Through service, dialogue, and music, we’ll give thanks together as one community while celebrating the rich diversity of faith and culture that makes us stronger. Rev. Monica will join other faith leaders in offering a brief reflection during the gathering.

Bring a friend and share in the warmth of community. This free event requires no tickets or RSVP—we look forward to seeing you there! 

Sunday, November 1 – All Services

As we prepare to observe All Saints’ Day on Sunday, November 1, we will come together to remember and honor the parishioners and loved ones who have passed away over the last year. Toward the end of October, colorful papel picado and tissue paper cempasúchil made at our Día de los Muertos Intergenerational Craft Event will be displayed around campus. Our photos of loved ones who have died will be displayed on our ofrenda (altar of remembrance) and incorporated into our worship services on All Saints’ Day. You are welcome to bring a photo of your own for the ofrenda. If you would like to have someone’s name included in our prayers, please submit them online by Wednesday, October 28, so they can be included in this meaningful tribute.

Sunday, October 25, 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Join us for our annual Fall Festival! Our Juggler, James Reid, will be returning. We’ll have music, games, a cake walk, chili cookoff, and more. Don’t forget to wear your costumes for the Trunk or Treat. Dinner will be provided.

Sign up to: Provide cake for the cake walk; Enter the chili cookoff; Include your vehicle in the trunk or treat; Volunteer or donate. Look for our table in the courtyard every Sunday!

Sunday, October 18 – All Services

On Sunday, October 18, we will observe Honoring God in Creation Sunday, joining Christians around the world in prayer and action as we celebrate our Gospel calling to protect the Earth that God has entrusted to our care. This morning, we will be joined by the Rev. Canon Patience Nyaoga, who is part of a group of pilgrims visiting from our Companion Diocese, the Diocese of Upper Southern Nyanza-Kisii. Rev. Canon Patience will preach, preside, and share a presentation about the ministry and work taking place in Upper Southern Nyanza-Kisii. We will also take up a special offering to benefit our companion diocese. To designate your gift, please write “Kisii” on the memo line of checks. Envelopes will be available for those making a cash donation. We look forward to celebrating God’s creation and our connection with our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.

Sunday, October 11, 3:00 PM

Choir members and parishioners from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Salzburg, Austria, where they joined singers from around the world in performing Mozart and other sacred works as part of a festival concert.

Now, you’re invited to experience this special concert together! We’ll gather in the Community Learning Center to watch a professionally recorded video of the concert and celebrate this memorable musical journey with fellow parishioners and friends.

Snacks will be provided, so bring your appetite and join us for an afternoon of beautiful music, fellowship, and memories from Salzburg!

Join Matts Men on Sunday, October 11 at 10:15 AM in the Office Couch Room for a casual Coffee Hour Social. Enjoy some coffee, meet other men of the parish, and connect with the Matts Men community.

For more information or to receive meeting reminders, contact Ted Telepak at (480) 682-8854.

Sunday, October 11 – All Services

On Sunday, October 11, we will honor Indigenous Peoples Day at Saint Matthew’s. In 2019, the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona took the bold step of acknowledging the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day and approved the liturgy we will use on this day. Its language and prayer style are authentic and reflective of the deep and abiding relationship between God’s people on this land and God our Creator. The liturgy follows the general framework of an Episcopal service in that we begin by sharing Holy Scripture during the Liturgy of the Word and continue after The Peace with the Liturgy of the Table, or Holy Communion. Although there are several prayers that may be familiar, such as the Nicene Creed, many of the prayers are different but include perspectives that we share with Native peoples about our Creator God and our desire to be good stewards of creation. There will be two options for praying the Lord’s Prayer: the traditional and an indigenous version. You are welcome to say either prayer as the Spirit moves you. Rev. Monica will also share a joyful Gloria that we will sing in a call and response format.

We are grateful that two indigenous neighbors will help lead us in worship. Grandfather Lench Archuleta is a Yaqui Indian and Traditional Native Healer from Southern Arizona. For more than 30 years, he has worked with individuals and communities as a counselor, teacher, consultant, and spiritual guide, sharing Native American traditions and philosophies. Joey Morelli is with the Hopi Sand Clan Tribe and is the Native voice for the diocesan Council for Native American Ministry. He is also serving on the search committee for the Missioner with the Office of Indigenous Ministries of The Episcopal Church. Together, we will listen, learn, pray, and give thanks for the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land and continue to share their gifts, traditions, and wisdom with our communities.

Thursday, October 8, 2026, 6:30 PM

St. Francis Xavier Church, Anderson Hall: 4715 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ, 85012

Please join with members of Saint Matthew’s and other Valley Interfaith Project congregations as we unite behind shared challenges in our community. We will put everyday issues affecting our communities – access to healthcare, more affordable housing, increasing workforce earning power, humane immigration policy, and neighborhood safety - in front of key faith and civic leaders and candidates ahead of the midterm elections. We will ask for commitments from them to work with us to address these issues. Rides will be provided for those who need them. RSVP for the 10/8 Assembly.

Add strength to this campaign by signing up in support of this agenda at the table outside the church after services or ONLINE.

Matts Men will gather on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM for an evening of good conversation, fellowship, and connection. All men of St. Matthew’s are welcome, so bring a friend and come enjoy the evening with us!

Sign up to receive meeting reminders and for more information by contacting Ted Telepak at (480) 682-8854.

Sunday, October 4 - All Services

Join us for our annual Blessing of the Animals in honor of The Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi! Animals are welcome to attend any of our three services. The pet blessings will take place immediately after each service in the courtyard. Bring your furry, feathered, or scaly friends for a special blessing.

There will be a designated pet-free area at both services. Some outdoor seating may be available, weather permitting. If your pet has passed over the rainbow bridge, you may bring a photo for our remembrance table.

Be prepared for a joyful day!

Saturday, October 3, 10:00 AM - Noon – Parish Hall

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with color, creativity, and remembrance! Join us for a special time of crafting and reflection as we learn about this meaningful tradition, create colorful papel picado, tissue paper cempasúchil, decorate calaveras, and make traditional hojalata tin art. We’ll also enjoy Mexican chocolate-y beverages and pan de muerto as we celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us.

Our crafts will be displayed around campus toward the end of October and then incorporated into our worship services on All Saints’ Day.

You are invited to bring a copy of a photo of a loved one who has died (no larger than 2.5" x 4.25"). We will use the photo to create a colorful paper tray frame for our ofrenda (altar of remembrance). If needed, we can make copies of original photos, so please don’t worry about bringing a copy if you only have the original.

Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly for supplies.

Wednesday, September 30, 5:30 PM

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honoring those who suffered in Indian residential boarding schools and remembering their lasting impact on survivors, families, and communities.

You're invited to join the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona for the premiere screening of Listening & Healing Pilgrimage: Stories from Arizona Indian Boarding Schools. The 95-minute documentary follows the Diocese’s 2024 pilgrimage across Arizona, where members of the Council for Native American Ministry listened to survivors, families, researchers, and Native voices and explored the Diocese’s own role in this history.

Screenings will also be held in Sedona and Tucson on September 30. For the Scottsdale viewing, tickets are $10 and Native American attendees can use code NATIVE for a full discount.

Carpool Available: If you would like to carpool from Saint Matthew’s, please meet in our parking lot by 3:45 p.m. Kindly RSVP to Barb Baker: barbbaker1147@gmail.com to reserve a spot.

Sunday, September 27, 10:15 AM – The Living Room, C3

Are you new—or feeling new—to Saint Matthew’s? Join us for Newcomer Coffee on Sunday, September 27, from 10:15 to 11:00 AM in the Living Room (near the south side of the parking lot). This is a casual opportunity to meet ministry leaders, ask questions, and learn more about how to get involved. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy light refreshments—we look forward to meeting you! RSVP

Sunday, September 20 - All Services

Join us in celebration of the Feast Day of St. Matthew by wearing red! St. Matthew, for whom our church is named, was a tax collector before being called by Jesus to follow Him. Often depicted in Christian art with a tax collector's booth or a pen and book, Matthew is recognized as the author of the Gospel of Matthew and provides a detailed account of Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection, emphasizing His role as the Messiah. As the patron saint of tax collectors, accountants, and bankers, Saint Matthew’s feast day is a time to reflect on his contributions to the early Christian community. How can we follow Jesus? Consider putting your time and talent to work with a ministry at Saint Matthew’s. Meet someone new at coffee hour, sign up to read, explore a study group you haven’t attended, or start your own group if you don’t find a topic or time that suits you. Rejoice in the Holy Spirit and follow your calling!

Wednesday, September 16, 8:00 AM

Join Matthew's Crossing on Wednesday, September 16, for the 2nd Annual Matthew's Crossing Golf Tournament—a day of golf, fellowship, and giving back. As Matthew's Crossing celebrates 25 years of serving our community, this event will help provide emergency food boxes, weekend backpacks for students, and groceries for families experiencing food insecurity. Whether you register to play, become a sponsor, volunteer, or help spread the word, your support will make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families.

Sundays, 9/13, 9/20, 10/11 and 10/18, 12:30 PM

Are you and your child interested in learning more about Holy Communion? This fall, we're offering optional communion classes designed to deepen your understanding of this sacred practice. These classes are perfect for children aged 7-10 but are open to all elementary-aged children (1st grade and up).

Spaces are limited to 6 children per class, so be sure to register today!

Sunday, September 13 - All Services

On Sunday, September 13, we will observe Camp Genesis Sunday at all services. Camp Genesis, held each summer at Chapel Rock in Prescott, offers a free week of camp for children ages 8–13 who have a family member in prison. At camp, kids worship, grow in faith, hike, kayak, climb, and simply enjoy being kids among peers who understand their experiences—all in a Christ-centered environment. We will Pass the Plate that day to support Camperships. The cost to send one child to camp this past summer was $520, but with the support of our church community, we can help make this life-changing experience possible. All loose cash or checks marked “Camp Genesis” will go toward Camperships. Online gifts can be made through September 14, 2026.

Sunday, September 13 - All Services

Hooray for grandparents! Join us as we celebrate Grandparent’s Day at all services on Sunday, September 13! Children and youth are invited to bring their grandparents to church for a special blessing, and grandparents who regularly attend Saint Matthew’s are welcome to attend Children’s Chapel to see what makes this ministry so special—and maybe make some new memories along the way!

Saturday, September 12, 9:30 AM – Parish Hall

After a summer break, the Daughters of the King will gather again on Saturday, September 12 at 9:30 AM in the Parish Hall. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month, September through May. All members, as well as anyone interested in learning more about this prayerful, service-driven ministry, are warmly invited.

Thursday, September 10, 5:00 PM – Parish Hall

Football season is back! Join Community Life for a fun evening of pizza, football, games, and fellowship as the NFL kicks off the season. Kickoff is at 5:35 pm when the 49ers take on the Rams. The game will be streaming in the Parish Hall and the courtyard, by the playground. Not a big football fan? No problem! We’ll also have board games available for those who would rather play than watch. You're welcome to stay until the conclusion of the game though many may choose to leave at half time. 

This gathering is a great opportunity to relax, meet new people, and enjoy some fellowship. Everyone is invited! Depending on interest, we may continue the fun with additional Football & Game Nights, either at the church or hosted in parishioners’ homes on a rotating basis. Come for the football, stay for the fellowship!

Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly for pizza. A donation to help fund future activities can be made at the door or ONLINE. You’re also welcome to bring a potluck item to share.

Saturday, August 29, 1:30 - 3:30 PM – Parish Hall

Celebrate God's creation with the Creation Care Ministry at our Earth Day is Every Day event! Enjoy an afternoon of creativity, community, and sustainability with four fun upcycling projects:

🌎 Turn an old t-shirt into a reusable tote bag.

🌎 Create a decoration from a discarded CD.

🌎 Decorate a rock using old greeting cards.

🌎 Make garland and ornaments from old book pages, paper bags, or even worn sheet music.

We'll have supplies available, but you're encouraged to bring an old t-shirt, unwanted CDs, and a rock to personalize your creations. Torn or water-damaged sheet music also makes beautiful ornaments if you have some to share.

Bring up to 10 gently used books to exchange at our expanded book swap! Please plan to leave with the same number of books you bring so everyone has plenty of opportunities to discover something new.

🎟️ Raffle baskets will also be available! Tickets will be for sale at the event, with proceeds helping offset the cost of our recycling bin on campus.

Be sure you bring your reusable water bottle and join us as we find creative ways to reduce waste, reuse everyday items, and care for God's creation together.

Thursday, August 27, 5:30 PM 

Organ Stop Pizza: 1149 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ

Join us for an evening of summer fun, music, and pizza as we gather at Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa! This all-ages event is begging for you to invite your neighbors and friends and sit next to someone you've never met. Each family pays their own way, but we'll all sit together at long tables to enjoy the fun and fellowship of breaking crust accompanied by organ, trumpets, puppets, and more. RSVP by August 20th!

View the menu: www.organstoppizza.com/menu/

Sunday, August 23, 12:15–3:00 PM

The countdown to Youth Group Kick-Off is ON!

As we gear up for another amazing year, it’s time for parents to complete the annual YG Registration Form. Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 23, from 12:15–3:00 PM at Saint Matthew’s for an epic Water Day Party! Get ready for an afternoon packed with water, fun, friends, and a great start to the new Youth Group year. Whether you’re a returning member or joining us for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome you!

Stay tuned—more details are coming soon. We can’t wait to see everyone there!

Kicks off Sunday, August 23, 10:00 AM

Sunday School is like a spiritual playground where kids build their faith muscles! Lessons follow the lectionary cycle (the same readings we do in church) and dive into epic Bible stories! Kids learn to be kind and brave, and make friends who also love "Jesus Loves Me." Our engaging classes keep even the squirmiest kids interested. As we gear up for our Sunday School kickoff, we’re excited to welcome your little ones from PreK to 6th grade for fun and meaningful lessons.

Friday, August 21, 6:30 PM - Chase Field

Join the D-backs and the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field as we participate in the annual Faith & Family Night on Friday, August 21st. After the game, there will be a free concert from Christian musician Matthew West.

$3 for every ticket purchased through us will be donated to the LGBTQIA+ Ministry. We are doing things differently this year; instead of buying tickets separately, we will place a group order. This will ensure that we are all sitting together and not spread out in the section.

The last day to register is August 7th!

Friday, August 14, 6:00 PM – Sanctuary

This powerful documentary follows filmmaker Katrina Browne and nine of her cousins as they retrace the Triangle Trade and confront the weight of this Episcopal family's legacy as the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history. Following the film, Dain Perry, who is featured in the documentary, and his wife, Constance Perry, will introduce the film and lead a discussion. If you prefer a matinee, a second screening will be held on Saturday, August 15, at 2:00 PM at Saint Anthony on the Desert Episcopal Church (12990 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale). Both screenings are free of charge, and a goodwill donation may be made at the door.

Sunday, August 9, 10:15 AM – Chapel

Join our youth for a special Mission Trip Recap on Sunday, August 9, at 10:15 AM in the Chapel. Hear stories, see photos, and experience the moments of wonder, service, friendship, and faith that shaped their journey to Upstate New York. Come celebrate how God was present in both the big and simple moments.

Saturday, July 25, 5:00 PM - Chapel

Join us for our 5th annual night of fun, fellowship, and film as we watch Hoppers!

We’ll provide popcorn and prizes—just bring your favorite bowl from home, a reusable beverage container with your drink of choice, and a cozy blanket or pillow for extra comfort. Water will be available for refills. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate community and Creation Care with family and friends. We can’t wait to see you there!