What is the worship service like?
This service lasts approximately one hour, but is casual, in dress and in style.  The pastor sometimes wears a gown, but usually just a suit. We begin with a Friendship Exchange, which is simply a few minutes to let everyone say "hello" and maybe learn a new name. Music is an important part of our worship service.  A piano accompanies the congregation in our singing.  In a worship service we confess our sins and rejoice in the forgiveness God gives us through Christ.  The sermon is the central part of our service.  The pastor delivers the sermon by walking around and speaking, he does not stand in the pulpit.  There is usually an outline to follow in the service folder.  Sometimes after songs we clap our hands just like the Old Testament believers did. We do this as an expression of joy for the greatness of God.  At the conclusion of the service, the group rises and exits without the aide of ushers.

Where are you located?
We are located five miles north of Tomah on Hwy 12.  

What do I wear to services?
Dress respectfully. Some people wear suits and dresses while others wear a clean pair of jeans and a nice top. In summer, some people wear shorts. There is no dress code. We encourage people to come as they are, authentic and real, not to impress others.

Can I take part in Communion if I visit?
St. Matthew Church practices what we call “close communion.”  We believe that  God’s Word teaches that when a person comes to communion they express two types of fellowship – fellowship with God and fellowship with each other.  In addition to Communion being a private act, Communion is also a public statement.  So when you come to communion you express a fellowship, or a bond with the other Christians communing.  We ask visitors to respect our belief.  We are not passing judgment on others.  If you are visiting with us this Sunday, please speak to the pastor about this. He would be happy to discuss this with you. 

Do you collect an offering?
Yes, the offerings we bring before the Lord are an expression of love for Him. He is the giver of everything we enjoy in this life. We are privileged to share back with God a portion of what we enjoy. Our offerings are used to carry out the mission of Saint Matthew Church in sharing Jesus with our community.

Can children attend the services?
We welcome children to our worship services to hear God's word.  We do offer, however, a children’s Sunday School which meets downstairs during the Worship service.  The children attend with their parents for the first 15 minutes of the service, then our pastor does a children’s lesson, after which any children that wish to can go downstairs for Sunday School for age appropriate activities.  This is offered in the 9:15am service only. 

 
Do you have a Christian day school?
No we do not.  Some of our children attend kindergarten through eighth grade at St. Paul Lutheran School in Tomah at our sister congregation.  Tuition assistance is available to anyone who requests it. 

How many members does St. Matthew have?
By God's grace we are a continually growing church with approximately 150 confirmed members.

 

What does the future hold for St. Matthew Church?

With one word, “exciting.”  We have recently purchased an additional 14 acres directly to the south of our current facility.  We are in the process of looking at future church designs and concepts.  We hope to break ground in Spring '08.

I'm new to Christianity, what about me?
Our church offers a  Bible Basics Class for those who are new to the Christian faith. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore the core teachings of Christianity. Our pastor, Phillip Enderle, is ready and willing to answer any questions, to meet with you privately, or even correspond through the internet.  You may reach him at pastor@stmatthewsonline.org.

 

How do I get more information?
You can call the church / parsonage at 608.378.3233 and speak directly to our pastor, Phillip Enderle or you can email the pastor, or use the contact form on this website.

 

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