newcomers

Newcomer Committee Statement of Purpose: “To welcome all visitors and to facilitate the assimilation process for all new persons, who seek to become members of the parish, be they singles or families (with or without children) into a full membership in St. Matthew's Church. We believe that it is our call to be an open, friendly and welcoming community of Christians who recognize that helping a visitor find his or her way into a new parish is an important ministry and vital to the life of our church.”

You are always welcome at St. Matthew’s.

When visitors sign our guest book or fill in a pew card they are contacted by phone by a member of the Newcomer Committee. If the visitors would like to be on our mailing list, we offer to deliver a packet of information on the mission and ministry of Saint Matthew’s Church and a loaf of bread, as a symbol of our hospitality. Those visitors who seek to become members of the parish are assigned to a mentor family who will assist them in meeting other parishioners and introduce them to the wide range of ministries and fellowship offered at St. Matthew’s.

A few times during the year, the Newcomer Committee hosts a casual brunch or dinner in one of the church member’s homes to introduce new people to each other, to the clergy, staff members and Vestry.

An annual Newcomer Introduction and Welcome Sunday is held in February each year. We officially welcome all those who have joined our church during the previous year into our Matthew’s family as we introduce them to the congregation at the 10:00 AM worship service. This is followed by a reception honoring our new members in the Lounge during the coffee hour.

The God Class is held during the year for Newcomers as well as long time members interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church in general and St. Matthew’s Church in particular. Classes are conducted by the clergy and provide information about our liturgy and worship as well as spirituality and our work in the world. For more information and schedules please call the church office at 203-762-7400.

About St. Matthew’s

St. Matthew’s is a suburban congregation consisting of members of all ages, from single adults and young families to empty nesters and retirees. Our membership is drawn mainly from Wilton, but also includes parishioners from neighboring communities.

St. Matthew’s Parish was founded in 1802. The first building was dedicated in 1819. In 1863 a larger, stone church was built, and in 1940, a parish hall was added. These buildings are now the home of the Wilton Baptist Church, which purchased the site when our current church was completed in 1971.

Our facility is unique in that St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and the Wilton Presbyterian Church each have our separate sanctuaries, but we share the common areas of the parish hall, offices and rooms for church school. While separate worship for the two congregations reflects the uniqueness of each tradition, the ecumenical focus of our relationship is manifested in the joint children’s and adult Christian Education programs, youth groups and other special events.

St. Matthew’s offers many opportunities for service and fellowship. Please join us and let us know how we can best help you participate in the life of our church family.