Christian Spirituality For Adults

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.”

The Rector’s Bible Study

Join our own Rector, The Rev. Howard Anderson, for this lectionary- based Bible study. Each week, we’ll gather for “abbreviated” Morning Prayer and look at the Collect and Scripture lessons for the upcoming Sunday. This will be a collaborative effort, with the expectation that the participants will have read the lessons in advance and perhaps even consulted several translations of the Bible or a commentary (or maybe even a helpful cleric!) Join the Rector and a whole group of smart, faithful and funny St. Matthew’s folks for this study from 9:00 to 10:00 am on Wednesday mornings in the Music Room. Everyone is welcome (and bring a Bible!)

Spirituality on Saturdays

Praying The Rosary
First Saturday of Each Month at 9:00 am in the Chapel

A group gathers at 9:00 am on the first Saturday of each month in the Chapel to pray the Rosary together. This is a very traditional and contemplative spiritual practice, which takes approximately 20 minutes. All are welcome, even if you’ve never prayed the Rosary before - we’ll offer a brief “clinic” for those who need a refresher, and rosaries will be available for those who may not have them. It's a great way to learn a new way to pray!

Living The Divine Presence: Treasures of Christian Mysticism
Saturday, May 12, 2012, 8:45 am at St. Mary's Palms

From the time of the Evangelists to the present day, Christians have sought to describe the human encounter with the Divine. By opening ourselves to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as expressed in the writings of Christian spiritual masters, we seek to deepen and to share our spiritual journey.

Clergy and parishioners from St. Matthew’s and from The Parish of St. Mary in Palms invite you to join a group that meets regularly to pray the Daily Office, read and reflect on selected writings, and celebrate the Eucharist together. No special background is required - everyone is welcome. We use Bernard McGinn’s The Essential Writings of Christian Mysticism as our basic text. For the upcoming meeting we will be reading and discussing the selections from McGinn’s book which cover the great Christian spiritual master Dionysius. We will gather on Saturday, May 12, at 8:45 am in the Chapel at St. Mary's for Morning Prayer, Mass at 9:00, and a discussion of Dionysius from 10 am to 11:30 am. Questions? Contact The Rev. Michael Seiler or The Rev. Vincent Shamo.

Monday Evening Centering Prayer

Welcomes You To Join On The Labyrinth Mondays,
February 6, March 12, April 16, May 7, and June 4 at 7:30 pm

Join our monthly Monday evening Centering Prayer group for their regular Centering Prayer sits and labyrinth walks. We convene in St Timothy’s at 7:30 PM for an opening prayer and meditative sit, and then walk the labyrinth, accompanied by chant. After a closing prayer and reflections, we adjourn about 9 PM. For questions, please email Michael Seiler. In the event of inclement weather,  the walk will be cancelled; please call the parish office for more information about weather-related cancellation.

Education For Ministry (EfM) Returns to St. Matthew’s!

Education For Ministry is a four-year course of reading, study, fellowship and spiritual growth. Thousands of Episcopalians have completed this challenging, profoundly rewarding program and experienced their lives being transformed as a result. We’ll be launching a new EfM group here at St. Matthew’s this fall, and if you’re interested, please join us at an EfM “preview” on Sunday, May 6 at 9:00 am in Founders Dining Room.

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.