Newcomer FAQ

For visitors with wheelchairs and other mobility needs, we have designated handicapped parking spots that lead to a step-free church entrance. Our sanctuary is designed for wheelchairs and strollers and our restrooms are accessible as well. If you have other needs we can help you address, but have not mentioned here, please contact our church office prior to your visit.

There are no expectations on what to wear, and most folks in the congregation dress informally.

You are welcome to sit wherever you are comfortable. Kneelers are available under most of the chairs.

The 8:30 a.m. service is a more intimate service with music and typically runs about 60 minutes. Our 10:30 a.m. service has a variety of music, including a choir, and typically runs about an hour, with a coffee hour in the Parish Hall immediately following the service. Both of our services offer Communion (Eucharist) every Sunday and are traditional in that they are based on the liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer.

Our worship follows the Book of Common Prayer. Some will stand, some will sit and some will make the sign of the cross-but it is okay if you do not. Our prayers and responsive readings are in the bulletin. Before Communion, we “pass the peace” where we greet each other with a handshake or a peace sign.

We love having children in all our services and understand that this sometimes means they may make a joyful noise—and that's just fine with us. We offer programs for children all year. From September to May we have Sunday school at 10:15. The children are divided by age (preK -12th grade). The children join the service during the Peace.

During the summer there is a combined Children’s church at 10:30. The summer program is for pre-k through elementary school age children. There are red activity bags in the back of the church for children to use during the service.

Instructions regarding taking communion are given every Sunday for those in attendance. We look forward to seeing you and answering this question in person.

We hope you will complete a visitor card on your visit with your contact information You may also call the office at (804) 464-1842 with any questions. If you provide your email address, we will add you to our distribution list to receive the eNews a weekly electronic newsletter with information on what is happening at St. Matthias.

• If you are a member of another Episcopal church – let us know where you belong, and we can contact your current parish and ask for a membership transfer.
• If you are a baptized Christian in another denomination – let us know when and where you were baptized, and we can add you as a member.
• If you have not been baptized – talk to Reverend Brenda about Baptism. While we often baptize babies or young children, it is also common for adults to be baptized.