Get Involved

Altar Guild works mostly behind-the scenes to prepare the sanctuary for services by setting the altar before, between and after services, changing seasonal hangings, and cleaning and maintaining service equipment. They also go beyond standard services by preparing the sanctuary for seasonal holy days, baptisms, weddings and funerals or memorial services. New members are always welcome and will be trained and partnered with an experienced team member while receiving exclusive behind the scene access.

We serve in teams that generally support one Saturday per month plus the altar reset for the service that you choose to attend. We also have three or four ‘all-call’ meetings a year to support special activities like Holy Week or Christmas.

Digital Ministry is always growing and changing with the needs of our congregation. Ministry members are encouraged to share their technological gifts to help grow our Online Worship Service and connect with other parishioners digitally through our online presence on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, our website, and newsletters.

Members of our Digital Ministry will collaborate with Natalie VanDeVeire, our Director of Communications, and other ministry members as needed. We meet quarterly to collaborate on new Online Worship Service ideas/formats and refresh our digital media plan. Meetings 1:1 with Natalie are available as needed. We livestream the 9:00 service weekly and special services as needed. New members should plan to be involved behind the scenes during services about 1x per month. Serving on our Digital Ministry Team is a six month, renewable commitment.

Children play a vital role in our congregation and can be found in every corner of our campus and offerings. Children are not the future of the church, they are the church. Activities are held year round and focus on cultivating knowledge and strengthening families.

At Saint Matthew's, we encourage parishioners to actively engage in worship and service by taking on important roles that enrich our liturgies. These roles include:

Lector (Reader)

Lectors read scripture lessons and also lead the Psalm or Prayers of the People. We invite parishioners—those who regularly attend Sunday services, receive Communion at least three times a year, and actively participate in the church's life by sharing their time, talent, and treasure—to take part in this meaningful ministry. Adults and youth (9th grade and up) are welcome to serve.

Eucharistic Minister (EM) / Chalice Bearer

A Eucharistic Minister, or Chalice Bearer, helps our priests serve Communion by offering the chalice (the Blood of Christ) to those receiving Holy Communion. Typically, Eucharistic Ministers also serve as Lectors on the same day, but this is not required. We ask that those serving as Eucharistic Ministers be either confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Adults and confirmed youth (9th grade and up) are welcome to serve.

Crucifer

The Crucifer participates in our worship service by carrying the processional cross during the procession and the reading of the Gospel, symbolizing the centrality of Christ in our lives and worship. Adults and youth, (7th grade and up) are welcome to serve.

Acolyte

Acolytes assist during worship by carrying the Gospel book during the procession and the Gospel reading. Their role adds to the beauty and reverence of the service, ensuring a well-organized flow of the liturgy. Children and youth, (9 years old and up) are welcome to serve.

Verger

The Verger participates during our worship service by carrying the virge (staff) during procession and Gospel reading, assisting the priest in preparing Holy Communion and rings the bells at the consecration.

We encourage people to volunteer once a month for any of these opportunities.

All parishioners are invited to give their musical gift to God, and we welcome newcomers with musical experience. Our services are designed for active congregational singing. Our 9:00 service is led by our traditional choir with organist/pianist, flautists, our handbell choir, and other classical instrumentalists. Our 11:00 service is led by our contemporary band, composed of singers, guitarists, keyboardists, and drummers.

The ushers ministry involves greeting parishioners as they enter the church, handing out service bulletins, assisting as needed with seating, bringing the Communion elements to the altar, offertory collection and processing, releasing communicants to the altar rail for Communion, guiding clergy/lay persons to those needing Communion at their pew, taking a count of the number of attendees for the service, collecting used bulletins at the completion of the service for recycling, and a brief cleanup of the pews after the service to collect bulletins, children’s activity bags, etc. If a parishioner requires assistance for illness or injury, ushers may summon professional medical help and guide responders to the parishioner upon arrival on site.

At present, there is an online sign-up page for Ushering, that includes the ability for each Usher to receive a reminder email 2-3 days prior to their volunteer date:

Our youth ministry brings students into a relationship with Jesus Christ and one another. Weekly Sunday meetings, outreach in the community, and participation in church events are just a few of the ways our youth discover and foster their faith. During the school year, High School (9-12th) and Middle School (6th-8th) youth group meets in person on Sundays from 12:15-2:00 PM - lunch is provided! The summertime calendar is more relational and event oriented. Examples include: volunteering for Vacation Bible School -both for set up week and the week of the program, continuing our relationship with Eternal Springs Memory Center & Matthew's Crossing Food Bank by volunteering on select Sunday's, attending a week long mission trip or pilgrimage (High School Students), enjoying pool parties, lunches, and coffee meetings where we chat and maintain our close relationship, as well as other fun gatherings.

Our Comfort Ministry supports our parish family by providing comfort items created in prayer and blessed. Items include comfort lap blankets, prayer shawls, prayer pocket squares and small quilts to prayerfully surround loved ones who are dealing with a long-term or terminal illness. If you know of anyone who would benefit by receiving a SMEC comfort item, please speak with clergy on Sunday after the service.

Our newest SMEC members are provided their choice of a small blanket or a Teddy Bear when baptized. The “Comfort Ministry” also participates in many community outreach programs by donating crocheted, knitted and sewn items.

Come join us. We are a creative fun group! We meet the third Tuesday of each month from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the Living Room. Our Blessing Sunday takes place the Sunday before each meeting.

All women are welcome to join our chapter of the Order of the Daughters of the King. Please contact our office if you are interested in learning more about this ministry. Reaffirming the promises made at Baptism and Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of prayer, service and evangelism. As a Daughter, this pledge is a vow to uphold our commitment to the ‘order’, and is shared with a worldwide community of like-minded women. The cross we wear daily serves to remind us of this vow. No matter where you are on your Christian journey, join us to better know Jesus Christ and to make Him known to others.

Eucharistic Visitors are trained parishioners who volunteer to bring Communion to anyone who cannot join us at the Lord's table in-person. If you are interested in participating in this ministry, or if you would like a Communion visit for yourself or a loved one, please contact our office or Deacon team.

Our Health & Wellness Ministry promotes holistic well-being by enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual health. Through education, support, and community engagement, we foster self-awareness, preventative care, and interconnectedness within our Faith Community, empowering individuals to achieve lasting wellness and wholeness. Join us in nurturing body, mind, and spirit for a healthier, more balanced life.

Ministry Leader: Karl Hurst-Wicker

The Ministry of Pastoral Care, through Telecare, is dedicated to fostering open communication channels between parishioners and clergy/staff. Team members reach out to individuals listed in the parish directory in the spring and fall, from their homes, to check on their well-being and inquire about prayer needs. In addition to these calls, team members participate in monthly one-hour Zoom meetings to discuss concerns and questions. Prospective members are required to undergo training, including watching a one-hour video, reading a short booklet, and completing a four-hour online Safe Church course. The Telecare Team ministers to all members of Saint Matthew’s listed in the parish directory. While any adult willing to engage in calling other parishioners can participate, individuals with comfort in praying with others and possessing active listening skills are preferred.

Our outreach committee supports the Assistance League of the East Valley that operates programs including: Operation School Bell, Assault Survivor Kits, and scholarships for EVIT graduates. Last year, 6,530 school-age children and teens and 3,827 individuals in crisis were supported.

We help by holding single day donation drives throughout the year to support their thrift shop located just down the street at 2326 N Alma School Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224.

Gently used items including jewelry, clothing, accessories, housewares, and children's books can also be donated at the thrift shop.

Volunteering with the Episcopal Habitat Coalition is a rewarding experience where you can meet future homeowners as they work alongside volunteers to build their homes. You'll often see them on-site during construction, at the first-day wall raising, and at the final dedication ceremony with their families.

No experience is needed to participate—training on safety, tools, and construction processes is provided at the start of each workday.

Over the years, the Episcopal Habitat Coalition has helped build 84 homes—49 locally and 35 internationally—raising over $2.1 million and contributing more than 18,650 volunteer hours.

This outreach opportunity serves foster children in our community. Anyone interested can: Serve on a Foster Care Review Board (FCRB); Be a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA); Or donate time to help Helen’s Hope Chest which provides clothing, toys, school supplies and hygiene items to kids in foster care. Every year, the parishioners of Saint Matthew’s hold two drives to donate back-to-school backpacks for foster children and holiday gift cards for foster teenagers, many of whom live in group homes and rarely receive Christmas presents. Helen’s Hope Chest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and a Qualifying Foster Care Organization (QFCO). Meaning, donations up to a yearly maximum QFCO credit donation amount (based on filing status) may qualify for a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit. Making a tax credit donation will increase the amount you will receive back from the state. Check with your tax advisor for eligibility.

Each December we collect toys to support Arizona families who have a child battling a life-threatening medical condition. New and unwrapped toys may be placed in the Blue Bin in our Narthex in December.

WISH LIST AND GIFT IDEAS:

Barbies, dolls, baby dolls, Squishmallows, LOL Surprise toys, and Disney Princess toys.

Lego sets, superhero toys, Star Wars toys, Beyblades, Pokemon toys, video games.

Board games, card games

Baby toys, play dough, Paw Patrol/Cocomelon/Bluey toys

Sensory friendly toys that light up or make sounds, kinetic sand, fidgets, etc.

Craft or science activity sets (good for "Tweens”) - Such as friendship bracelet kits, magic set, etc.

In 2001, Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church recognized a need for supplying nutritional food to the hungry families in the surrounding community and with the help of 3 volunteers, Saint Matthew’s Food Bank was established. By 2005, the food bank grew beyond capacity and the need for an independent space became apparent. Matthew’s Crossing became a 501(c)(3) community based non-profit organization and moved down the street to its own location at 1368 N. Arizona Ave, (between Ray and Warner) in Chandler. The Food Bank provides nutrient support to those in need (children, teen, college and family programs). Volunteers are always needed to sort produce, bakery, deli and meat items received from local grocery stores. We collect non-perishable food throughout the year in the blue bin in our Narthex along with providing all of the Thanksgiving sides every Fall.

Memory Cafe is a new ministry of Saint Matthew’s. Join us the first and third Friday of the month from 10:00 - 11:30 AM in the Parish Hall. Participants and Caregivers come together for a time of connection and treats with themed opportunities to enhance the wellbeing of the participant. Sign up to participate or volunteer today!

All men (and women) are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly . . . Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Becoming Beloved Community (BBC) group seeks to expand and deepen personal connections within Saint Matthew’s community. We also collaborate with other member congregations of the Valley Interfaith Project (VIP) to influence local public policy for community betterment.

Project “Creation Care” - a program dedicated to saving our planet, “God’s Creation” - has been active at Saint Matthew’s since February, 2021. This program was a result of the Diocesan convention of October, 2020. Creation Care strives to decrease Saint Matthew's campus footprint. Be sure to check the Sunday bulletin for published updates or the link below to view our latest advice and suggestions. The link includes the Green Gift Guide which is continually updated and a helpful resource for Earth conscious consumers.

Meets every three months and by email communication.

This part of the outreach committee looks to reach out to Hispanics in the community and migrant communities and support Episcopal Church ministries in Latin American countries.

Meetings are ad hoc as needs or opportunities are identified.

The members of the Thursday Adult Bible Study Group (AKA the “Thursday Mob”) are enthusiastic, welcoming Christians eager to read and understand the Word of God. From September through May, we meet in the parish hall on Thursday mornings from 10:00 to 11:30. Whatever we may be studying at the time, our goal is to come away from each meeting with a deeper knowledge of scripture which will, hopefully, increase our faith. In the fall of 2023, after completing a two-year, in-depth examination of the Book of Revelation, we began our study of the Gospel of John. Whether you’re a “Bible scholar” or a novice just starting out on a journey to understand scripture, we would love to have you join us.

An introductory class on Episcopal beliefs and practices is held yearly in the spring. This class is designed for those who are new to The Episcopal Church, as well as cradle Episcopalians interested in deepening their understanding of our traditions, liturgy, beliefs, and practices. Through readings from "Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs and Practices," video presentations exploring various aspects of our worship service, and hands-on experiences with liturgical vessels and paraments, participants will gain insights into the rich tapestry of Episcopal faith.

Throughout the 6-week course, we will engage in discernment, seeking to understand how God calls each of us to live out the ministry of all the baptized. Additionally, this course aims to prepare individuals for Confirmation, Reception into The Episcopal Church, or the Reaffirmation of vows.

We look forward to embarking on this journey of discovery and faith together.

Subscribe to the Welcome Matt for updates throughout the year.

Coffee hour at Saint Matthew’s is legendary. As a congregation we don’t take serving and being served lightly. If you have a gift for baking brownies to buying crackers, we’d love your help. Coffee hour isn’t just a service - it’s a life line in our church community.

We hope you’ll join us during the 10 o’clock hour for fellowship in the Parish Hall. Coffee hour teams serve two weeks in a row, three times during the academic year. Contact the Swishers to join a team today!

Our community life ministry works throughout the year to bring members of the church together outside of regular Sunday service hours. Events include the annual Fall Festival, potlucks, dinner groups, craft nights, game nights, celebrations, and other activities. We would like to expand fellowship opportunities for young couples and singles, as well as older adults!

Join our Happy Hour group every Tuesday at 2:00 PM on Zoom. The conversation is casual - sometimes serious, sometimes not. Originating as a lifeline for those tethered to their homes, 'Happy Hour ' blossomed into a beacon of connection and community.

All are welcome!

Whether you’re a new member yourself or have been attending for decades, our newcomer ministry is a great way to get involved. We strive to build new relationships and help visitors feel more welcome. From get-to-know-you events throughout the year to warm smiles on Sunday mornings, we’d love for you to get involved today!

A committee of caring parishioners who hope to make a difference when it comes time to having a reception following a celebration of life or memorial service at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church. At the request of a grieving family, SIA will coordinate the reception in the Parish Hall. Coordinated as needed to help lessen this burden on grieving family members.

Our wedding ministry works with couples to be wed at Saint Matthew’s to ensure the start of their married life together is a smooth event. This ministry works with the Rector, Music Director, office staff and Altar Guild to guide a cohesive and meaningful planning environment and oversees church wide wedding activities. Meets seasonally as needed.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee oversees activities associated with the operation, maintenance, safety and security of our buildings, grounds, furnishings and equipment. We meet monthly as needed to review the status of projects and repairs including cleaning, painting, gardening, etc.

The Finance Committee is a required committee per Saint Matthew’s bylaws. The bylaws have defined the committee as follows: A Chair appointed by the Rector from the Vestry, the Treasurer, the Parish Administrator and other lay members with a background in finance, administration, accounting or other relevant skills. The Finance Committee will review monthly statements, track spending and expenses, guide the annual budget process and offer insight on long-term strategic and financial planning.

The Outreach Committee focuses on helping people in the surrounding community of Chandler, throughout Arizona and the world. Our congregation funds the work that we do and our committee is open to new projects. We currently support, Matthew's Crossing Foodbank, Helen's Hope Chest, Habitat for Humanity, Border Ministry, Episcopal Relief and Development projects and The Honduras Medical ministry.

We are always open to supporting more organizations!

The Stewardship Committee helps educate our church on the spiritual practice of giving of time, talent and treasure. We have two major focuses each year. In the spring we organize and facilitate a Ministry Fair to help promote good stewardship in the areas of talent and time. In the fall we focus on our annual pledge drive known as “Consecration Sunday”, which teaches financial stewardship based on the spiritual question “What is God calling me to do?” vs “What does the church need in order to pay its bills?” This approach enables people to truly enjoy (rather than feel negative) about stewardship programs.

The Vestry serves as the “Board of Directors” for the church and is defined by the Saint Matthew’s bylaws as follows: The Vestry shall be agents and legal representatives of the Corporation in all matters concerning its Corporate property and may delegate responsibility for day-to-day operations to individuals or committees. The Vestry shall be the Rector, Senior Warden, Junior Warden and no more than twelve or less than six other regular Vestry members. In addition, the Treasurer and Clerk shall be ex-officio member of the Vestry with no vote, unless they are duly elected regular Vestry members.

Meets monthly and ad hoc as needed.