Our Ministry Team
God is doing something great at St. Matthews and we are privileged to join in God’s work!
Please find below some of the leaders that work alongside a team of Sunday School Teachers, Lay Assisting Ministers, Lectors, Communion Servers, Ushers, Broadcast Operators, Building Monitors and a myriad of generous disciples to provide a restful and inspiring place of worship.
The Rev. Carey Meadows-Helmer, Pastor
The Rev. Carey Meadows-Helmer grew up in London with her family. From an early age the liturgical music at her home church, Trinity Lutheran took root in her heart. An undergrad in sociology and psychology was completed at Western, followed by a bachelor of education that led to teaching elementary school for five years. A little nudging landed her on the doorsteps of Waterloo Lutheran Seminary (now Martin Luther University College) in 2004 where she completed a Masters of Divinity.
The first call took her to Christ, Maynooth, and St. Stephen’s in Schutt. During this time she married Sebastian whom she met in seminary. Next, she was interim pastor at Epiphany in Scarborough and then called to Redeemer on Bloor at 7 months pregnant. She is grateful to be mom to her three bright lights.
Carey is enjoying team ministry with her husband and the good people of St. Matthews. She is curious about the community surrounding and how we impact each other for the better through the gift of God’s love.
The Rev. Sebastian Meadows-Helmer, Pastor
The Rev. Sebastian Meadows-Helmer grew up in Montréal, and spent many Sundays singing in the choir of the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral. Sebastian studied music at McGill University and pursued a freelance career as an orchestral violinist. Following seminary education at the Anglican Montreal Diocesan Theological College and the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary (now Martin Luther University College), Sebastian was ordained in June 2010 and then completed a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Care in 2012.
Married to Carey in 2009, Sebastian is father to Gabrielle, James and Elise. Sebastian’s first call was to Thornhill Lutheran Church, a bilingual German-English church north of Toronto. He is passionate about worship, partnerships, and seeking new forms of church while maintaining the best of the tradition. (He also is passionate about Swiss chocolate!)
Sebastian is enjoying being in a joint call with his wife at St. Matthews. Pastor Sebastian's days off are Fridays and Saturdays.
Deacon Scott Knarr, Diaconal Minister of Music
Deacon Scott grew up in Kitchener and was delighted to begin serving with the people of St. Matthews in 2019. Previously, he was Diaconal Minister of Music at Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Waterloo and obtained a Masters of Arts in Theology in 2014 from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary (now Martin Luther University College). He studied organ with Frances Macdonnell, Karen Holmes and Antoine Bouchard and choral conducting with Lee Willingham and Gerard Yun.
Scott co-facilitates the Feather & Cross program which brings together Lutherans and Indigenous folks in the urban context to learn and share with one another. For several years he has supported the youth-led, grassroots organization Music for the Spirit on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.
He is married to John White and on occasion one of Scott’s parents may find themselves playing the St. Matthews organ in his absence.
