So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God. — Ephesians 2:19, NRSV

At St. Andrew ’s we believe there are some important reasons to commit to membership in a local church:

• A Biblical Reason: Christ is committed to the church. Our commitment is in obedience to Jesus.

• A Cultural Reason: Membership in the church is an antidote to the consumerism and lack of commitment in today’s society. Commitment builds character.

• A Practical Reason: Membership identifies who is in our family, and defines who can be counted on.

• A Personal Reason: God’s purposes for your life are the same purposes for which he established the church. All human beings have a basic need to belong, and at St. Matthew’s, we meet that need through membership in the body of Christ. We all have a need to be accepted for who we are, and as you become assimilated into the life of the church, you will begin to develop the relationships that will bring you joy and sustain you in times of sorrow. We also,have a need to be competent, and in the M.A.D.E. process you will be given the tools you need to feel competent in your walk with Christ. We, in like manner, have a need to contribute; as you are equipped for ministry and begin serving Christ in the church and world, you will begin to live fully the purposes for your life.

How do I join St. Matthew’s?

Attend Class 101: Discover Membership, a class for people interested in joining St. Matthew’s — or just learning more about us. In this class, which is offered quarterly, you will learn how you can become M.A.D.E. in the image of Christ and discover how the application of the Biblical purposes of the church — worship and stewardship, membership, assimilation discipleship, and equipment for ministry — will enhance your own life and the lives of those you love. At the end of the class you will be invited to sign a membership covenant committing to live out the purposes and into the benefits of membership in the Church.

If you’re not quite ready to join St. Matthew’s after you attend Discover Membership, we invite you to continue to worship with us. You may join the church at any time after your complete the class simply by signing and returning the Membership Covenant.

In Class 101: Discover Membership you will learn about:

• Our Purpose: Why we exist as a church
• Our Mission: How and where we fulfill our purpose
• Our Faith: What we believe and what God has done for us through his son, Jesus Christ
• Our Commitment: Who God calls us to be and what he calls us to do

Who should attend Class 101?
Anyone who wants to know about St. Matthew’s, our M.A.D.E. in Christ spiritual development process, the benefits and the expectations of membership in our church.

At the end of the class, those attending will be invited to join the parish by signing a Membership Covenant. Signing the covenant is not a requirement for attending, but it is a requirement for membership at St. Matthew’s. You are welcome to attend Discover Membership regardless of whether you have been worshipping with us for a while, or have visited only once or twice; whether you have already decided to become a part of our parish family, or are still looking for a church home. Once you complete Discover Membership, you may join our church at any time simply by signing and returning the Membership Covenant.

How do I register for Class 101?
Class 101: Discover Membership is held quarterly, at either 9:30 a.m. or 11 a.m., on four consecutive Sundays. To find out when the next session will be held, or to register for an upcoming class:

• click here,
• complete a registration form, available at the Information Desk in the Gathering Area, or
• call the Parish Office at 614-882-2706.

How do I arrange for Baptism?
Baptism, the sacrament by which God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ’s Body, the Church, is offered on the first Sunday of every month and on various special occasions. Class 101: Discover St. Matthew’s serves as our baptismal preparation class. If you desire baptism for you or your child, please see Fr. Ron, or call the church office to request an application for Baptism.

How do I arrange for Marriage?
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, the union of a woman and man in Christian marriage, is available to couples who are members of St. Matthew’s. If you are considering marriage, first contact Fr. Ron to arrange for marriage preparation, and then call the church office at 614-882-2706 to schedule a date for the wedding.

Christian Burial
It is fitting and proper that baptized Christians be buried from the church. Please call one of the priests at or near the time of death of a loved one to arrange for the ministrations of the church (the sacraments of Communion, Holy Unction and Penance, also known as Last Rites) and for the Burial service. The church also has a Memorial Garden for the burial of ashes. For information about the Memorial Garden, or to receive a copy of the church’s Christian Burial Plan, please call the parish office at 614-882-2706.