COVID-19 Updates
How to Get Connected Safely
This content was last updated on September 24, 2022.
Worshiping with Us
Worship is currently indoors. You can attend worship in person or watch the livestream on Facebook. Wednesday Eucharist is accessible via Zoom.
Indoor Services: Fall-Winter 2022
We have now returned to our sanctuary after worshiping in the “Oak Cathedral” in College Park over the summer. Here are the protocols for indoor worship services:
- You do not need to RSVP for indoor worship.
- Our masking policy follows the CDC guidelines. When the risk level for Ramsey County is labeled as low or medium, masking is optional. When the risk level for Ramsey county is labeled as high, masking is mandatory. Ramsey County’s current risk level is low.
- When you enter the sanctuary, you will see two different sections on the right and the left. The pulpit side (that is, the Mary and Joseph altar side) will have no social distancing, and masks are optional. Beatrice’s side of the church will provide every-other-pew seating. On this side of the church, we require you to mask and observe distance. Our hope is that people who wish to continue taking precautions may feel more comfortable on that side of the church. Our air purifiers will also be on to assist in circulating air and reducing the risk of transmission.
- Livestreaming will also return, thanks to a dedicated team of techies who will continue to stream our service on our Facebook page. We will not be broadcasting the video stream downstairs, to reduce the workload on our volunteers. However, we will be able to pipe sound down to the parish hall for anyone who needs to step out during the service.
- All people are welcome to receive communion at St. Matthew’s. Currently, you may choose to receive pita bread broken from a common loaf, or pre-wrapped single-serve gluten-free wafers. You may choose to dip your bread into wine from a common chalice, or you may choose to receive single-serve grape juice containers. Please come forward to receive communion, or indicate to an usher and they will bring communion to you.
- We will also return to acolytes and the choir processing and recessing at the opening and closing hymns, our deacon reading the gospel from among the people, the ushers passing the offering plates and bringing the elements forward at the offertory, and the Healing Prayer team offering prayer in the side chapel. We will also return to a simple coffee hour after church each week.
- Paper bulletins are available for everyone, but you may also use a PDF of the bulletin on your phone, which is emailed to the congregation each Saturday.
Wednesday Noon Eucharist
Each Wednesday at noon we hold a simple, spoken service of Eucharist (Communion) in the sanctuary. We do not require RSVPs for this service. Masks are optional. Lunch is served afterwards. This service is available in hybrid format on zoom. Please contact the office if you would like the link.
Zoom Daily Office Morning Prayer
Morning Prayer Hosted by a Team of Lay Leaders
Contact the office to get connected with the hosts and receive the link.
Centering Prayer
Saturdays at 9:30 am
Centering Prayer is a form of contemplative prayer where rather than us talking to God, we sit in prayerful silence, allowing Him to speak to us individually. We begin with a Psalm in contemporary language, sit in silence for half an hour, and close by saying the Lord’s Prayer together. Centering Prayer is a quiet, restful interlude in our busy lives.
We welcome more St. Matthew’s and other people from the wider community to join us! There’s no commitment to come every Saturday, people come when they can.
Hosted by Marilyn Grantham and Pat Haga. Please enter at the Chelmsford Avenue door.
Contact the office for more information.
Other Ways to Connect
The most up to date communication about our offerings is always Tidings, our weekly email. Special ministries for families with children and youth are also taking place.
We’ve also been celebrating milestone birthdays with tributes and profiles in our newsletter, giving families the tools to do faith formation at home, and meeting online for bible studies, support groups, and social events. The ministry of the church has changed, but it is rich and full. There is a place for you here, whether you are near or far.
To learn all about what we’ve been up to these last few months.
Photos of outdoor worship from 2020 are courtesy of Maja Beckstrom, Park Bugle.
