Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time are your Sunday services?
A: Summer Service is at 9 am (June 15 - Sept.1), From September through June services are at 8 and 10 am.

Q: Do you have a choir?
A: We have 2 Choirs, a Junior Choir for kid's grades 2-8 and the Senior Choir for adults. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome to join. The Choirs are featured at the 10 am services and on special occasions like Christmas Eve at 7 and 10:30 pm.

Q: Can anyone walk in for worship and fellowship?
A: You bet! We welcome all God's people, seekers and inquirers.

Q: How do people dress for worship?
A: At St. Matthew's you are invited to come as you are. Some people wear jeans and tee shirts while others wear sport coat and tie. We have one great guy who rides his racing bike to church and worships in his bicycle gear. All are welcome.

Q: How is the preaching?
A: A wise man once said, "The bird's eye view depends on the bird." The preaching is progressive, well thought out, delivered with compassion and energy... And yes, not too long. The second Sunday monthly at 10 am the sermon is geared to children and adults. This is because we like to worship together once a month with guitars and kids. The rest of the Sundays are more adult oriented meditations which blend informed biblical scholarship with contemporary issues and opportunities of life.

Q: Does St. Matthew's have programs for children?
A: Yes, several. We have a great nursery room, a play group, weekly Sunday School for grades pre K through 8th grade, a Children's Choir, a Youth Festival orchestra, teen cafe concert nights; a youth volunteer program, and more.

Q: How does the Church support itself?
A: We run on the faith, integrity and generosity of our members and friends. The majority of our operating mission income comes from an annual pledge drive among our members. People estimate what they hope to give for God's work over the next year and tell our Treasurer so the Rector and Vestry can plan how to fund our goals for mission. (note-pledges range from $50. a year in some households to $7000. a year in others. We encourage people to remember that God has given us 100% of our resources and it is right for us to return a % to God even if it begins with a 1% pledge to the parish.) A number of friends also offer donations at times during the year to help the Church meet its financial goals. Others make special memorial or thanksgiving gifts large and small from time to time. Some even remember the Church in their will to make sure St.Matthew's is there for generations to come. St. Matthew's is not an endowed parish. This means we work together for everything we have. We rely on everyone to find a way to make a meaningful offering to this Church. In short giving to St. Matthew's is a matter of the heart and an act of great faith. Contact the Treasurer at St. Matthew's Church, 7 North Mast Street, Goffstown, N.H. or by e-mail office@stmattsepiscopal.org. Also see our website www.stmattsepiscopal.org. Yes, we have online giving options.

Q: Are there adult classes or Bible studies at St. Matthew's?
A: Yes. We offer topical discussions throughout the year, a weekly Bible Chat, a Young Parents Book/Dessert gathering monthly, a Senior Citizens Hospitality gathering every Wednesday morning, film discussions and more.

Q: Is it true that St. Matthew's is known for Outreach to those in need?
A: We hope every church and Christian can be known for compassionate outreach. Outreach is at the heart of who we are at St. Matthew's Church. Our children and adults are encouraged and equipped to serve the needs of our neighbor. St. Matthew's houses the Network Food Pantry, houses AA on Monday nights, supports Scouts, provides a community nurse, has an outreach committee that makes small grants to help local individuals and families and much more. Join with us.

Q: How long has St. Matthew's been around?
A: The Church was built in 1864. Episcopalians began meeting for prayer services in Goffstown as early as 1758.

Q: What is the stance of St. Matthew's in terms of the role of families, women, the welcome of children and the inclusion of people of color, divorced people, and people who are homosexual?
A: Our stance is the same for all who seek God, you are welcome here. In fact all souls are encouraged to find the area of parish life and mission that speaks to their heart and get involved. We are here to serve God and neighbor while equipping and nurturing our members.

Q: How does one become a member at St. Matthew's?
A: Come and experience worship, then seek out our priest, the Rev. William Exner, and introduce yourself. He will invite you to set up a meeting during which you may ask about the parish, the Episcopal Church, and getting on the parish membership list. You can also e-mail him at clergy@stmattsepiscopal.org or call the Church office to set up an appointment. 497-2003.

Q: How does one set up a baptism?
A: Feel free to contact the rector, Fr. Exner by phone or e-mail or talk with him at Coffee Hour weekly following the main Sunday service. Our baptisms are done during Sunday worship at various times of the year. If you intend to be a regular part of the parish by offering your prayers, presence and support, baptism is a very important step. It is in fact admission into the family of God in Christ. People of all ages are eligible for Holy Baptism. The Episcopal Church honors the baptisms of those who join us from other traditions. If you were baptized in another Christian tradition you do not have to be 'rebaptized' here. You may however wish to be officially Received into the Church when the Bishop makes the annual Visitation, in which case ask the rector when the classes will take place each year.

Q: What are the guidelines for weddings?
A: If a couple seeks God's blessing on their marriage St. Matthew's is delighted to help make it happen. Couples may contact the rector and set up the first of three appointments to discuss the proposed marriage. The couple needs to either be related to an active member of the parish or intending to become active, supportive members themselves. Though we do not take 'attendance' at St. Matt's we do encourage people to establish a healthy rhythm of involvement with the parish in which they seek God's blessing. We realize how busy and frenetic modern life is for most people so though we DO NOT require worship once a week, we also hope to enjoy your fellowship and presence more than twice a year. Find the rhythm that works for you. St. Matthew's will always be here as your Church, a place of support, growth, inspiration and comfort.

Q: If a person has no Church, can they come to St. Matthew's for Holy Communion, Pastoral support, Burial, Baptism, Wedding, Fellowship and help along life's path?
A: Yes, that's why we are here... for everyone.

Q: Is the Church Bible believing?
A: The Episcopal Church is not fundamentalist in practice. In short, this means that we are informed by Holy Scripture with the knowledge that the Bible is not God, God is God. Much as the Bible is revered in our tradition, Episcopalians have always upheld the God given gift of reason alongside tradition and scripture to help guide our lives. Our worship and spiritual direction is shaped by but not dominated by scripture or a particular interpretation of it. We are a people encouraged to be biblically informed and open to the present Spirit of the Holy in our lives.

Other Questions? Feel free to e-mail St. Matthew's anytime.