Christian Spirituality At Saint Matthew’s
The Christian life is a journey of growth, transformation, ministry and
discovery. It begins from the moment of our baptism and turning to Christ,
and lasts throughout our lives. Scripture encourages us to “grow
in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”
(2 Pet. 3:18). Saint Matthew’s offers a wide range of programs and
activities to allow our parishioners of every age and season of life to
“grow in grace and knowledge.”
 For
Children and Youth
For children and youth, Saint Matthew’s Church School provides
a safe and nurturing environment for children of all ages to explore their
faith and their place in our church community. Grade-level Sunday classes
are taught by a team of dedicated lay leaders under the leadership of
The Reverend Julie Bryant. For further information about our programs
for children and youth, contact Julie at 310/573-7787 ext. 129, or via
email.
The Emmaus Small Group Ministry
 Our
parish’s Emmaus small group ministry offers a wide range of opportunities
to meet with other members of our parish to share our spiritual journeys,
worship together, deepen our knowledge of Scripture, and offer ourselves
in service to the wider community.
More information about Emmaus small group
ministry.
More Opportunities for Adults
Explore A Christian Classic This Summer -
C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity
 C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity may be the most famous
and influential Christian book published during the 20th century. Originally
conceived
in the 1940s as a series of short radio broadcasts, Mere Christianity
retains the sparkle and charm of those original radio spots, but brilliantly
communicates some of the profoundest truths of the Christian faith with
a clarity and insight that has dazzled and enlightened multitudes for
many decades. Join The Rev. Michael Seiler this summer
for a close look at C.S. Lewis and his most famous book. We’ll
meet on four Wednesday evenings, August 13, 20, 27 and September 3, from
7:00 to 8:30 in the
Music Room, and everyone is welcome. Questions? Please contact The
Rev. Michael Seiler via
email or at 310/573-7787 x 123.
The Sunday Morning
Adult Christian Formation Series
The Sunday Morning Adult Christian Formation Series meets at 9:10 am
on Sunday mornings from October through May, in Founders’ Living
Room. Presenters include our own parish clergy and a variety of guest
scholars
and presenters
who
discuss a range of Biblical, spiritual and contemporary issues. The atmosphere
is relaxed and conversational and everyone is always welcome.
More information about Intelligent Discipleship.
Discovering the Bible - Fall, 2008
The Bible is the Word of God, and the unique, invaluable sourcebook
for all Christians on their spiritual journey. It's also a huge, sprawling,
challenging, fascinating and even intimidating book to study and make
sense of, and figuring out where to start can be tough! If you've been
looking for a place to begin your study of Scripture, here's a great
opportunity. The "Discovering the Bible" program is a 15-week series
that offers a top-down, big-picture view of the Old or New Testaments.
By reading some carefully chosen excerpts from the Bible, we'll get a
broad sense of the Bible's history, meaning and wisdom. This is an incredibly
time-effective way to get a real grasp of the Bible, even if you've never
opened a Bible before in your life! The Rev. Michael Seiler will be teaching
this series, using the time-tested “Kerygma” Bible
study program.
Discovering the Bible - The New Testament meets Tuesday mornings from
7:30 - 9:00 am beginning September 9.
Discovering the Bible - The Old Testament meets Wednesday mornings from
8:30 - 10:00 am beginning September 10.
Questions? Interested? Contact The Rev. Michael Seiler via email or
at 310/573-7787 x 123. Advance registration will be required so we
can purchase materials before the first meetings.
The Stern Lecture
Each spring, Saint Matthew’s invites a nationally recognized
scholar and teacher to deliver The Stern Lecture, in memory of Elizabeth
Naffziger
Stern, a long-time member of our parish. The Stern Lecture is a great
opportunity for our parishioners and the wider community to hear and
learn from some of the Church's best minds. Previous Stern Lecturers
have included Fleming Rutledge, Martin Smith, R.
Guy Erwin,
and Katherine Griebe.
 Baptism
for Adults
From the very first days of the Christian faith, persons seeking new
life in Christ received the sacrament of Holy Baptism as a sign of their
sharing in the death and resurrection of Christ and their new and full
participation in the glorious company of Christ’s redeemed people,
the Church. In our own day, preparing for and receiving the Sacrament
of Baptism as an adult is still an extraordinary way to deepen and bear
witness to a commitment to Christ, and to be open in new ways to God’s
love and grace. If you haven’t been baptized and you would like
further information about being baptized at Saint Matthew’s, feel
free to contact The Rev. Michael Seiler in the Parish Office at 310/573-7787
ext. 123 or by email at mseiler@stmatthews.com. |
