Ministries

Music

The focal point of St. Matthew’s music program is its choir. The Choir of St. Matthew’s plays a leading role in worship through the singing of hymns, canticles, psalms, anthems, and other service music. It consists of approximately twenty extremely dedicated volunteer and professional adult singers who rehearse during the week and sing each Sunday during the program year at the 10:30 am Holy Eucharist, occasional Choral Evensongs, special appointed services, and an annual concert with orchestra.

Haydn By the Lake, St. Matthew’s period instrument ensemble-in-residence, performs chamber music concerts throughout the year. Haydn By the Lake’s resident artists are James Janssen, artistic director and fortepiano; Patricia Ahern, classical violin; and Laura Handler, classical cello. For more information, see http://www.haydnbythelake.com/.

Newer programs in Music at St. Matthew’s are:

Handbell Choir. The Handbell Choir provides occasional preludes and postludes throughout the year.

Recorder Choir. A Recorder Choir provides occasional preludes and postludes.

>> Back to Top

Faith In Action Evanston

At a time when our need to reach out to each other is greatest, FAITH IN ACTION EVANSTON, an interfaith volunteer program, stands ready to help in the Greater Evanston, Illinois community. We recruit and train volunteers to provide free supportive services to frail, chronically ill, disabled, and lonely individuals of any age or economic status. Services may include friendly visiting, running errands, homemaking, yard work or transportation for medical appointments. You will assist people who need just a little help to maintain safe, independent living.

Please visit our web site: fiaevanston.org

If you are interested in volunteering with Faith in Action Evanston please contact Harriet Brandt (847-902-7073).

If you are already a Faith in Action Evanston volunteer and would like more opportunity to help out in our community, contact Harriet Brandt (847-902-7073).

>> Back to Top

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

Lay Eucharistic Ministers take communion from the altar to the homebound.
They are helping to bring the love of God and the parish family to those unable to attend the regular services. They serve as an extension of the Christian family of St. Matthew's.

Eligibility is open to any member of St. Matthew's interested in becoming an active participant in this ministry to the homebound. For more information, contact the Rector.

>> Back to Top

Altar Guild Ministry

Members of the Altar Guild are entrusted with the care of the Altar and its vestments, as well as the preparation for Holy Eucharist and Baptism. The Guild is divided into teams. On the designated week members meet Saturday morning for "housekeeping" duties and preparation for Sunday services. An Altar Guild member is present for weekday and Sunday services. All members of the congregation are invited to join the Altar Guild. We encourage anyone interested in this ministry to contact the church office.

>> Back to Top

Acolyte Ministry

We have a strong acolyte program at St. Matthew’s. This is one way in which our young people grow to appreciate the liturgy of the Episcopal Church.

The word acolyte means "companion," or one who helps.

As acolytes our young people serve as helpers during worship. They perform a number of important functions before, during and at the close of the worship service. Acolytes serve at Sunday Eucharists and at special worship services such as weddings, Christmas, Holy Week and Easter. Acolytes are initially trained in their duties, and serve with experienced acolytes until the duties become familiar. Acolytes are generally 9 years or older.

We encourage anyone interested in this ministry to contact the church office.

>> Back to Top

Lay Readers And Intercessors

We have many ongoing opportunities for lay readers and Sunday intercessors. If you are interested in either of these ministries please contact the church office: 847-869-4850.

>> Back to Top

Intercessory Prayer Ministry

All are invited to participate in St. Matthew’s intercessory prayer ministry. A group meets each Tuesday morning at 11:00 at the church. Anyone interested in this ministry may attend. For more information, contact the church office.

>> Back to Top

Newcomer’s Welcome Ministry

Persons interested in reaching out to new and prospective members are encouraged to contact Janie Stevens regarding our special “Newcomer’s Welcome Ministry.”

>> Back to Top

Parish Nurse Ministry

Penny Whiteside is our parish nurse. Anyone desiring Penny’s consultation may contact at 847-475-6727.

>> Back to Top

Other Ministries

Various ministry opportunities are available throughout the year. For example we have a special Advent project to provide toys and clothing for lower-income families. Also, we have an ongoing collection of non-perishable foods for area food banks and pantries. Various other interests and activities occur which are not mentioned here.

Anyone interested in involvement with our St. Matthew’s ministries (existing or not) is encouraged to contact our church office.

>> Back to Top