Ministries, Studies, Missions, and Small Groups
At St. Matthew, ALL of our ministries, missions, groups, and activities are open to ALL people in the community.
No matter
who you are,
where you’ve come from,
where you’re going,
whom you love,
your beliefs,
your doubts or questions,
your skin color,
your abilities and limitations,
your skills,
your education level,
your religious affiliation,
your political views,
your gender identity,
your socioeconomic status,
your age,
your citizenship status,
or
your personal history,
God loves you. You are welcome here!
Lay Ministries within St. Matthew
If you're looking for a way to serve St. Matthew, click on the link above! (Social work, potlucks, and committees...yep, we're a United Methodist church!)
Local Missions of Love to the Community
St. Matthew has always been proud of its music program. Everyone is invited to join--you don't even need to know how to read music! If you're interested, we will teach you to ring or sign!
Sanctuary Choir is open to 9th graders through adults. We are an SATB choir singing (typically) modern church choral music with occasional classical pieces. We rehearse at 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays during the school year and 8:15 a.m. first Sundays in the summer. We will soon start rehearsals on our 2025 Christmas cantata, Pepper Choplin's Night of the Father’s Love. Contact our director, Ben Shafer, if you're interested—or just show up on Wednesday night!
Bells of Joy handbell choir is open to all ages. We are a 5-octave choir currently ringing with 3+ octaves, and we're always looking for new ringers—no experience necessary! We rehearse at 7:00 p.m. Thursdays during the school year. (Psst—this is a great way to keep your mind and your arms active!) Contact our director, Anne Kelley, for more information. Come join the fun!
If you have musical talent you'd like to share, but you can't commit to weekly rehearsals (or you're not a vocalist), please reach out to Ben Shafer, our Director of Music; he'll find a place for you! We always love to hear soloists and ensembles!
St. Matthew UMC provides Christ-centered learning activities for children aged 4-11 years old. Special fellowship opportunities are available for youth aged 12-18. All youth and children are welcome to join us in a judgment-free environment where doubts can be expressed openly and questions are celebrated! Contact Tonia for more information.
In addition to fellowship, youth at St. Matthew are encouraged to participate in the music program, in our community ministries (such as food boxes or missions), in Bible studies, and in any other work area to help further the ministries of the church.
Sunday School is offered for youth and children each week during our regular Sunday service. Children are invited to sit in the pews with a parent or guardian, then leave with their class for Sunday School after the Children's Moment.
Baptism and Confirmation - Children or youth interested in being baptized, and youth interested in being confirmed (taking classes and formally joining the church), may talk to Tonia or to Pastor Ann to ask questions and learn more about the process.
Girl Scouts - St. Matthew has been proud for many years to support a multi-age-level Girl Scout troop that meets on our campus weekly. Girls learn leadership and life skills through earning badges, performing acts of service, camping, going on summer trips, and (of course!) selling cookies. If you want to add excitement and adventure to your life, just ask our troop leader and we'll hook you up!
Summer camps - St. Matthew is part of the Desert Southwest Annual Conference, which is blessed to have two camps: Mingus Mountain (north of Prescott Valley) and Potosi Pines (southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada). Children and youth from St. Matthew and their friends may go to either camp. Register soon--our camps fill up fast! (Financial assistance may be available; please contact Tonia or Pastor Ann.)
Mingus 2025 summer camps
Potosi Pines 2025 summer camps
From the weekly email 11/15/25:
Advent & Christmas Worship Series & Study
Advent is the beginning of a new year of waiting, but it is an active and watchful waiting. It is tapping into the world's longing for redemption, salvation, and transformation. November 30 is the first Sunday of Advent when we turn our attention toward preparation for the coming of Christ. Our Advent worship theme this year is All Earth Is Waiting, from the hymn Toda la Tierra and its first line, “Toda la tierra espera al Salvador/All earth is waiting to see the Promised One,” hymn #210. This hymn, and indeed the worship series, is a reminder of what is at stake. “All the world, bound and struggling, seeks true liberty” in the first verse allows us to look back to the story of the Incarnation and to look forward to the coming of the kingdom of heaven, when the will of God will be done on earth as in heaven. All of earth is waiting for this fulfillment. In worship, we can see the signs of the nearness of Emmanuel, God with us.
| Nov. 30 | Signs & Times | Matthew 24:6-44 |
Stop. Take a moment. Breathe deeply. We have arrived—again—at the beginning of the journey. That’s the strange thing about this season. Advent sits us down in the liminal space of God’s already-and-not yet kingdom and asks us to wait.
| Dec. 7 | Signs & Story | Matthew 3:1-12 |
Cantata Sunday: Night of the Father’s Love
This Advent, experience the greatest story ever told—the birth of Christ— through music, narration, and worship. Join the Sanctuary Choir and Chamber Ensemble of St. Matthew United Methodist Church as they present Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that captures the wonder, beauty, and truth of God’s story of love.
| Dec. 14 | Signs & Truth | Matthew 11:2-11 |
In today’s scripture passage, John the Baptist wants to know the truth about Jesus, and Jesus replies with (my paraphrase), “Well, what do you notice? What am I actually doing? The truth of who I am is in what I do.” So what do you notice? What is Jesus doing among us? What is the truth about God that we need to witness in this season of Advent?
| Dec. 21 | Signs & Faithfulness | Matthew 1:18-25 |
In these last few days before Christmas Eve, we, like Joseph, receive a call to faithfulness, to notice the signs before us, listen to the messengers among us, and follow. We must wonder when the significance of the choice to believe and follow the angel’s directions sank in with Joseph. Clearly, he acted immediately, but when did the action gain meaning for him, for Mary, for the world?
An Advent study prepared by Pastor Ann will accompany this worship series and will meet at 9:30 a.m. on Thursdays 12/4, 12/11, and 12/18. Booklets for the study will be available through the church office, at worship, or in class. Ideally, class members will pick up the booklet by November 30 in preparation for the first class the following Thursday, December 4. A $5 donation to offset the cost of printing the booklets is appreciated but not required.
Living Among the Saints Adult Sunday School class
Sundays 10:30 a.m. in C1-2-3
Living Among the Saints is an eight-week adult Sunday School class led by Rev. Jim Ek that explores how Jesus forms us into disciples through compassion, collaboration, creativity, and empowerment. Each Sunday stands on its own--no commitment required! The last four weeks will be an Advent Study, where we anticipate the Nativity through a journey of the heart.
We'll read Scripture, hear a brief lesson in parallel with the pastor's sermon, and reflect, followed by small-group discussion, supporting one another in following Christ together through ups and downs/ins and outs, and leaving with a spiritual practice to carry into the week.
All are invited--come as you are! Sundays at 10:30 in C1-2-3 in the Activity Center.
“Waiting With Hope” Adult Sunday School led by Rev. Jim Ek
Begins Sunday, November 30 • 10:30 a.m. • C1-2-3
As Advent begins, I invite you into a gentle, reflective four-week journey of hope, peace, joy, and love. This study will help us slow down, breathe deeply, and open our hearts to the ways Christ is already drawing near. Together, we’ll explore Scripture, share meaningful conversation, and practice simple acts of compassion that help us notice God’s presence in everyday life.
Whether you’ve been part of the fall Sunday School series or are joining for the first time, you are warmly welcome! Come as you are. Bring your questions, your longing, your gratitude, and your need for peace – and your Bible! Let’s prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming—together.
United Methodist Men
St. Matthew is restarting its chapter of United Methodist Men! Come to our first weekly meeting on Thursday, November 6, at 7:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and help plan the direction of the group!
United Women in Faith
(formerly United Methodist Women)
(formerly United Methodist Women)
The United Women in Faith (previously known as UMW) is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
Our vision is to turn faith, hope, and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.
Membership in United Women in Faith is open to all women. We are a Christian organization that welcomes spiritual women of all faiths.
If you have questions or would like more information, ask our UWF contact, or check out our UWF webpage. We'd love to have you join us!
Monthly Mission Focus
One way that St. Matthew tries to help our neighbors is through collecting supplies for organizations in our own neighborhood. Each month, we focus on a group outside the church. This year, we plan to assist
(January) Habitat for Humanity, through collecting funds and donating our time and energy;
(February) Family Promise, through providing shelter and meals;
(March) through collecting coats and jackets;
(April) Helen's Hope Chest and Justa Center, by collecting Bibles/Bible story books and funds;
(May-June) Washington School (our neighborhood elementary school), through collecting school supplies;
(July) the City of Mesa Hydration Campaign, by collecting bottled water;
(August-September) the 9/11 Day of Service, through collecting clothing and non-perishable food;
(October) Family Promise, through providing shelter and meals;
(November) Washington School, by collecting pies to be given away to students;
(December) Washington School, through Angel Tree gifts; and the St. Matthew Food Box ministry, by collecting food
(February) Family Promise, through providing shelter and meals;
(March) through collecting coats and jackets;
(April) Helen's Hope Chest and Justa Center, by collecting Bibles/Bible story books and funds;
(May-June) Washington School (our neighborhood elementary school), through collecting school supplies;
(July) the City of Mesa Hydration Campaign, by collecting bottled water;
(August-September) the 9/11 Day of Service, through collecting clothing and non-perishable food;
(October) Family Promise, through providing shelter and meals;
(November) Washington School, by collecting pies to be given away to students;
(December) Washington School, through Angel Tree gifts; and the St. Matthew Food Box ministry, by collecting food
Donated items can be brought to the church Sunday mornings or dropped off in the office during the week. Clothing and food is always appreciated, even if they aren't the focus of the month.
Thank you for your generous, ongoing support!
Stephen Ministry
The St. Matthew Stephen Ministry seeks to provide support in a confidential and nurturing environment to those who are hurting. Our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers who work one-on-one with people who are working through a crisis or difficult time, such as divorce, grief, loss of a job, loneliness, hospitalization, terminal illness, or any number of other life difficulties.
If you or a loved one are in need of comfort, please contact the church office and ask for a Stephen Minister.
If you are a trained Stephen Minister looking for a new church home, or are a person with compassion who might be interested in the training, please contact Gordy ((480) 234-2330).
Sponsoring a medical student
St. Matthew UMC, along with residents of Friendship Village, have found an opportunity to provide a village in Tanzania with a cardiologist! We are sponsoring the education of a young woman from Africa who is attending medical school. She has completed her Bachelor’s degree in medicine, and is now working on her Master’s, specializing in cardiology. She expects to finish in August of 2026! If you wish to contribute toward her education or living expenses, please contact the church office for more details.
Habitat for Humanity
A few times a year, St. Matthew joins other United Methodist Churches (the Mighty Methodist Coalition!) in constructing a house for Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona. There are many ways to help the team, even if you don't want to put on a hard hat yourself! If you want to learn more, please contact the St. Matthew office.
“...for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me...”
—Matthew 25:35 NRSV
Food Boxes
Everyone needs a little help from time to time, so St. Matthew collects and shares food for families in our neighborhood needing a temporary hand up. With donations from church members and partnerships with Midwest Food Bank, Waste Not, and the local Bishop's Storehouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Matthew fills boxes with food to feed a family of four for 3-4 days. An enthusiastic group of volunteers—many of them past recipients of food boxes themselves—hand out boxes to upwards of 60 families every other Saturday.
Click here for distribution dates and more information about food boxes!
Sack Lunches
For over ten years, St. Matthew has created sack lunches for the East Valley Men's Center in Mesa. Volunteers shop, make sandwiches, pack 96 lunches, and deliver them to the shelter on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. The Center provides a temporary place to live to men who make the commitment to become self-sufficient and move back into the community. Donations of food, money, or time are always appreciated!
Family Promise
St. Matthew partners with Family Promise of Central Phoenix and other churches to provide living spaces for unhoused families. Every few months, Family Promise brings a group of families with children to the church for a week, where we share rooms to sleep, an evening meal, and friendly conversation. If you would like to visit with our guests or help prepare a meal, please contact Rosemary. We'd love the company!
Page updated 11/24/25
Rev. Ann Lyter, Senior Pastor
2540 West Baseline Road
Mesa, AZ 85202
(480) 838-7309
Office hours M-F 9 a.m.-noon
Office hours M-F 9 a.m.-noon
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