SAINT MATTHEW'S
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
36 NEW CANAAN RD
WILTON, CT 06897
Adult Formation
St. Matthew’s offers many opportunities for us to grow in faith. Spiritual formation is the process we are transformed into the image of Christ through God’s work in our hearts. This transformation is an ongoing, grace-filled journey involving prayer, Bible reading, meditation, and living out our Baptismal Covenant everyday. If you are interested in learning about the Episcopal Church, please speak to Interim Rector the Rev. John Branson and see: Reception and Reaffirmation.
In-depth study from The Episcopal Church like Sacred Ground and Love God, Love God’s World has been offered on Sunday mornings as well as via Zoom. Please take a look at the many ongoing (weekly or monthly) opportunities below that are offered for adult formation. All are welcome!
SPIRITED SISTERS
Spirited Sisters is a community of faith for the women of St. Matthew’s (and their friends) that explores and strengthens our Christian ideals and knowledge by fostering friendship, offering prayer and support for each other, and building a deeper relationship with Christ. Topics of faith are explored by listening to podcasts, reading articles, taking field trips, doing hands-on activities, and learning from each other.
Anyone is welcome at the monthly meetings from 7:00––8:00 p.m. at St. Matthew’s.
Contact Pam Carlson or Stacey Savas for more information.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
As Episcopalians, we dream and work to live out our baptismal promises individually and corporately where all people may experience dignity and abundant life and see themselves and others as beloved children of God. As part of this ongoing journey, this group of adults seeks to become more educated, responsive to social justice issues (environmental, economic, educational, and racial), and grow as a community of reconcilers, justice-makers, and healers.
Ongoing activities include discussing books related to social injustice; field trips to museums and exhibits such as The Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, CT; hosting speakers from the community to discuss local issues such as affordable housing; lead special liturgies such as 2026 Lenten Healing Devotions and Good Friday Stations of the Cross; and participating in prayer and advocacy work on the local and diocesan level.
For more information contact Eleanor Arnold or Bob Giolitto.
EDUCATION for MINISTRY
One does not need to be ordained to think theologically or discern how God is calling one to act and respond in daily life. Education for Ministry (aka EfM) participants study what the Bible says while learning how to understand it within its historical, literary, and cultural settings. God’s revelation through Christian tradition is taken seriously by EfM, from the earliest biblical messages, through the development of liturgy and theology, and even to the context of the challenges we face in our own times and daily lives. In the environment of the weekly seminar, this study becomes the fodder for discussion and theological reflection.
St. Matthew’s hosts an EfM seminar group on Mondays (7:00––9:30 p.m.) on Zoom and has had three parishioners complete the four-year program since we began in 2020. The 2025-2026 cohort has 12 participants from 9 different congregations in Connecticut in all four years of the program.
Contact accredited EfM mentor Sharon Ely Pearson for more information.
PUB THEOLOGY
Meeting in a local restaurant or the home of a church member on a weeknight evening, a space is offered to dive deeply into topics involving faith, meaning, identity, culture, politics and more. Typically based on a theme, questions are posed for small groups to discuss their experiences, ideas, and insights.
Come bring your questions, your curiosity, and pull up a chair. Be ready to engage with people of varying philosophical perspectives and life experiences in a relaxed and community-like setting to talk about your faith.
BIBLE STUDY
Bible Study stemming from St. Matthew’s participation in RenewalWorks, adults have a desire to go deeper into understanding the Bible and discussing the Sunday Gospel readings. Often led by lay persons, Dwelling in the Word (a model of lectio divina) is often used.
The clergy also often lead discussion on a particular book of the Bible such as Paul’s Letter to the Galatians or the book of Jonah.
ADULT FORUMS & BOOK STUDIES
ADULT FORUMS
Held throughout the year (11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.), these often featuring guest speakers on timely topics. In the recent past we have offered the following engaging conversations:
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Braver Angels led by Paul Manfredi, a trainer with this nationals non-profit organization discussing how to engage in civil conversation with those who have differing opinions.
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The Indigenous Peoples of Southwestern Connecticut led by Nick Foster, the Executive Director of the Wilton Historical Society.
BOOK STUDIES
"Parish Reads" are also frequently offered, especially during the summer. Gatherings are held after worship services to discuss insights and learnings. These are typically lay-led and most recent books have been Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Amity & Prosperity by Eliza Griswold.
