About Us:

Who are we as Lutheran Christians?

St. Matthew's is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) a denomination of almost 5 million members and 15,000 congregations. The ELCA is divided into geographical synods, of which the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod is one of 66. Lutheran Bishops are elected for a six year term; Samuel R. Zeiser was just elected as the synod's Bishop.

The Lutheran Church is a church in catholic tradition, sharing common roots with other Christian churches dating back to New Testament times. In a major struggle in Western Christianity in the 16th Century, Martin Luther, a German monk, challenged the Church to re-focus on God's gift of justification, God's acceptance of humanity, through the saving death of Jesus on the cross. Justification allows us to see God's heart of compassion, grace, and mercy, while still challenging us to live lives of purpose and meaning. Knowing that we are loved unconditionally is one of the greatest gifts and personal breakthroughs we can ever hope to experience! Lutheran worship is a response of gratitude to this loving and forgiving God.

Sunday Worship

Sunday morning is the main gathering of the congregation in order to worship and praise God. Communion is offered weekly, with young children welcome to receive the Sacrament (with instruction and parents' approval). The Service can either be from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship Book, Lutheran Book of Worship, or other contemporary sources, such as With One Voice. The Sunday Worship bulletin is user-friendly, in that the entire liturgy is printed out for ease in following the Service.

Good Tidings

The monthly newsletter is another way in which members keep in touch with what is happening in the congregation, and with each other.

Congregational Care

Lay members assist the pastor in hospital and home visitation; trained Eucharistic ministers also assist in providing the Sacrament for the homebound.

Altar Guild

This important ministry prepares for Sunday worship, and assists in setup for funerals, weddings and seasonal worship opportunities.

Family Fellowship

This group invites people of all ages to participate in activities that strengthen the family of believers. Youth, young adults, middle aged, and older folk can get together for inter-generational events. Activities in past years included: scenic train rides, canal boat ride, visit to wildlife sanctuaries, movie and game nights, seasonal craft sessions and, in conjunction with the Social Ministry, quilt making for the Lutheran World Relief.

The Choir

Teens and older are welcome to join in leading Sunday Worship. St. Matthew's is a singing congregation, and the sung liturgy is used to praise God for God's gifts and the promise of the faith.

Sunday School

Christian Education is the means by which we learn about the stories of faith, and how God has been and is active in our lives. There are classes from nursery on up. Confirmation instruction is offered to Sixth graders, who are confirmed upon successful completion of the course work. Pastor and Lay-led groups are offered on occasion, and focus on the Scriptures and life issues, such as ethics in the workplace; homosexuality and the Christian faith and life and death issues. Topics are studied in a variety of settings: small groups, Bible study as scheduled. Vacation Bible School is also offered for one week in the summer.

The Congregation Council

Council cooperates with the pastor to do the work of parish ministry, witness and mission.

World Hunger

St. Matthew's takes seriously its call to alleviate the suffering of humanity due to hunger. The congregation is a leader among 295 other Lutheran Churches in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod in financial support of the ELCA's hunger appeal.