Stephen Ministers are lay people who are trained to work with parishioners going through challenging or stressful times, including a death in the family, job losses, divorce, and many other problems. Stephen Ministers become a friend to their care receivers and compassionate advocates for people who need to be seen, heard, and comforted; they also have resources available to make referrals to professionals if and when a situation demands it. All conversations and visits with Stephen Ministers are absolutely confidential. If you are interested in learning more about this important program, whether you are a person in need or think you might make a good Stephen Minister yourself, please contact the Parish Office at office@stmatthiaswhittier.org. Our current Stephen Leaders are Faye Jackson, Terry Dodd and Sophie McIntosh. The group meets the fourth Sunday of the month at 1PM in the Chapel.

The ECW Stitchery Group meets the third Saturday of each month from 9AM to noon in an "open house" environment. Participants are free to drop in and bring a sewing project or stitchery project of their own to work on independently, or to get coaching in learning a new skill. All are welcome. Contact Ellen Mykkanen via office@stmatthiaswhittier.org for more information.

Shrove Tuesday is popularly known as Pancake Day. It is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent (Ash Wednesday). It is the final day of Shrovetide which begins the Saturday before Ash Wednesday and includes Shrove Saturday, Shrove Sunday, Shrove Monday, and Shrove Tuesday. The word “shrove” comes from the Old English word, “shrive”. It means to confess one’s sins and receive absolution. Historically, Christians would go to confession on Shrove Tuesday to enter the 40-day Lenten fast absolved ("shriven") of all their sins. Because Lent was a period of strict fasting (traditionally forbidding meat, eggs, milk, and sugar), families would clear their pantries of these “rich” ingredients throughout Shrovetide so that they would not spoil during Lent. 

Clear out your pantries and join us at our Pancake Supper to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. 

Acceptable Items
Audio
Cassette Recorders, CD Players, Cell Phones, Digital Music Players, Electronic Piano Keyboards, Office Phones, Speakers, Stereos

Visual
Cable Boxes, Cameras, DVD Players, Projectors, Televisions, VCRs

Computer Equipment
Circuit Boards, Cords and Cables, Computer Keyboards, Computer Mice, Fax Machines, Laptops, Mainframes, Modems, Printers/Scanners, Servers, Tablets, Video Game Consoles

Non-Acceptable Items
Air Conditioners, Alkaline Batteries, Bulbs, Ceiling Fans, Large and Small Household Appliances, Microwave Ovens, Fire Extinguishers, Furniture, Refrigerators, Smoke and Fire Detectors, Treadmills

The Feast of Memorial Lights celebrating All Souls’ Day is the third Festival Day of All Hallowtide consisting of the triduum of All Saint’s Eve (Halloween), All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day), and All Souls’ Day. Saint Matthias and the Saint Matthias Community honor all departed Souls at the festive Feast of Memorial Lights Evensong celebration during which all beloved departed can be memorialized and their spirits resurrected in the eternal flame of light. Memorialize your beloved relatives, friends, acquaintances, inspirational role models, war or 911 victims, veterans, or pets by purchasing lights in their honor. Join us after the Evensong celebration for a festive dinner.

Download the Feast of Memorial Lights Evensong and Dinner Reception Order Form here.

Homecoming Sunday will take place on Sunday, September 14, following the 10AM service. Join us for a wonderful lunch highlighted by grilled hot dogs and all the requisite accoutrements. Bond with old and new friends. Acquaint or re-acquaint yourself with the varied ministries and services performed by your very loving parishioners. But, most importantly, explore the opportunities available for you to grow emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually in the remaining months of 2025 and into 2026.

Let's sing it in unison: "I scream ... You scream ... We all scream for ice cream". The Annual ECW Ice Cream Social and Bingo will be held Sunday, August 31, in Lewis Hall following the 10AM service. In addition to the delicious ice cream and bingo with prizes for the winners, there will be a silent auction of handcrafted quilts. Mark your calendars now for this fun-filled event Labor Day Sunday.

The Annual Meeting of the Corporation of Saint Matthias Episcopal Church will be held on Sunday, February 2, immediately following the 10AM service. The agenda will include updates on the search for our next rector, the financial state of the church business, formal installment of the 2025 Vestry, and an overview of the facilities maintenance projects completed and planned. Make sure to join us for this very important event.

Holy Eucharist 5 PM • Join us for a contemplative evening service, including a time of prayer for those in need of healing.

Holy Eucharist, 8 AM * Holy Eucharist, 10 AM * Sunday School, 10 AM * Coffee Hour, 11:15 AM

Holy Eucharist, 10 AM

Holy Eucharist, 5 PM * Choir Prelude, 10:30 PM * Holy Eucharist, 11 PM

Holy Eucharist, 8 AM * Holy Eucharist, 10 AM * Sunday School, 10 AM * Coffee Hour, 11:15 AM

The Saint Elizabeth’s Guild provides fellowship for the women of the church; the group meets at noon on the third Thursday of each month for a potluck luncheon.

Potluck luncheon following the 10:00 a.m. service.

Holy Eucharist, 8 AM * Holy Eucharist, 10 AM * Sunday School, 10 AM * Coffee Hour, 11:15 AM

Let’s go Caroling! All are welcome and encouraged to help brighten someone’s holiday with the gift of music. Dec 8th at 5pm we will meet in the Chapel and carpool to 3 nearby residences. Dress warm and have a good dinner. Hot chocolate and cookies to follow. For more information please contact
Angela Warner (562) 587-5988

Holy Eucharist, 8 AM * Holy Eucharist, 10 AM * Sunday School, 10 AM * Coffee Hour, 11:15 AM

Holy Eucharist 5 PM • Join us for our quieter, more contemplative evening service, including a time of prayer for those in need of healing.

Prepare for Christmas with a morning of prayer and reflection focusing on the Advent themes of waiting and anticipation.

For more information, see Angela Warner or contact Rev. Carole Horton-Howe at carole@stmatthiaswhittier.org.