Sunday Services
Every Sunday there is a traditional Prayer Book Communion. This is a short said service that takes place at takes place at 8.00am Holy Communion and is led by Revd. Jim Sykes.
10.30am Parish Communion, led by Revd. Gill Nobes
Every Sunday throughout the year there is a service of Parish Communion at 10.30am, which involves the choir, hymns and music.
Tea, coffee and biscuits (celebratory birthday cake on the first Sunday of the month) are served after the service, when there is plenty of time to meet new people and ask more questions.
On the first Sunday of each month, we have a short and informal Family Service, which is designed for people of all ages. This is followed by refreshments and birthday cake.
Baptisms
The arrival of a child is wonderful, a new life (except when we have special Family Services) entering the world. Baptism is a great opportunity to give thanks to God and to celebrate as a family.
During the christening your child will be baptized with water. It’s the first step of an amazing journey with God, parents, godparents, friends, family and the church.
In addition to baptisms, we also offer a Service of Naming and Thanksgiving – a special way to celebrate the birth of a child for those who prefer a less formal alternative to baptism.
Weddings
St Matthew’s Church is a wonderful place to get married. A beautiful building easily seating 160 people, set close to Le Guet headland, a perfect setting for you to make your vows in front of family and friends and in the sight of God.
For such a special day, you want a special place. A church is so much more than a wedding venue. God will be there with you to bless you – on the day and always. It’s a spiritual, personal and beautiful ceremony, a place where people will pray for you, before, during and after the big day. You’ll say ancient and amazing vows that you can only make in a church. It’s a place that connects with your history and could become part of your future story too.
It is both a privilege and a duty for your vicar to conduct the marriage ceremony. The good news is that you can marry in church regardless of your beliefs, whether or not you are christened and whether or not you have been a regular churchgoer.
With the changes to the marriage laws in 2021 it is now possible for Church of England weddings to take place anywhere on the island. If you would like a religious wedding service anywhere outside of a church, our clergy are licensed to do this.
Funerals
We are very sorry for your loss.
At St Matthew’s, we are ready to help you with that loss and to conduct a Christian funeral.
It is possible for anyone in the community to have a Church of England funeral. Your loved one does not need to have been a churchgoer. At St Matthew’s, we are more than happy to work with you to create a service that reflects your loved one’s character, within the context of the Church funeral service. We are very experienced in caring for bereaved people and leading services in our parish. We hope you will feel able to entrust us with this responsibility.
Your first step is to register the death. Next, you will need to meet with a Funeral Director, who will talk to you about what you would like to happen. If you would like a church or burial service, or service in Crematorium or other chapel, you simply need to indicate your preferences. If we can help, they will be in touch with us to coordinate the arrangements.
We want you to know that we are here for you.
Confirmations
This is an opportunity to be received into the church as a committed member through the laying on of hands by one or our Bishops. Regular sessions are held before Confirmation services to prepare for this important step in the faith journey.
For more information, please contact us.
If you would like to talk to us about our services, please contact Rev Gill via email or by calling us on 264756.
We will be delighted to explain our services and support you throughout the process.