What to Expect

Welcome! We're glad you've come to visit our site, and hope you'll reach out to contact us with a question or comment, or just drop by for a visit on Sunday morning (our service is at 9.30 a.m.). 

St. Matthews is a Christian faith community meeting in a century-old historic worship space in downtown Kitchener. As Lutherans rooted in the rich biblical and spiritual traditions of Christianity, St. Matthews also practices an open, inclusive and progressive faith, being one of the first Lutheran churches in Canada to call a female pastor, the first to offer a live radio broadcast of Sunday morning worship services, and more recently one of the first to open its doors during the winter months to serve low-income neighbours through the Out of the Cold program. New families, singles, retired senior citizens, and youth continue to be attracted to our spirited, warm and caring community. We also have a rapidly growing community hub in the St. Matthews Centre.

"God knows us and God loves us!  This is something we learn through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we gather in worship, we are transformed by the Holy Spirit to help bring about God's Kingdom of mercy and love for all of Creation."  Pastor Sebastian

Our church community is home to Pastor Carey Meadows-Helmer, Pastor Sebastian Meadows-Helmer and Diaconal Minister of Music, Deacon Scott Knarr. 

We run a traditional order of service and semi-regular programming for children.

About once a month we have an intergenerational service, where children participate directly in worship. Also about once a month, we have a Sunday school programme during worship.  Children start in church upstairs, and go downstairs after the children's message. During the programme, there is music, prayer, story time and crafts, and often the children come up to receive communion when it is offered. 

What to wear? Come dressed however you like, and comfortable according to the season (please note that we do not have air conditioning in our Sanctuary).

On the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays of the month, there is a Service of Holy Communion. On other Sundays, we hold a Service of the Word.