MISSION WITHIN

There are various opportunities for you to get involved in the mission within the Saint Matthew community. From the process of spiritual growth and transformation to care for others—we are focused on the question, "What is my next step?"


Fall Next Step groups and classes are starting soon! To get involved in a group or class offered this fall, contact any the leader of a group of interest listed below, or pick up any of the Next Steps group cards at the Saint Matthew Welcome Center in the Narthex.


For more information about Next Steps groups or to become a Next Steps group leader, please contact Jill Okimoto.

To reserve a meeting space at Saint Matthew, please contact Kathy Frattini to make arrangements. 

  • ALPHA

    Sundays, 9.16-11.18 | 10:30-11:45am

    smlc gardenside room

    Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eleven weeks. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome.


    Please sign up in the Welcome Center or contact Kevin & Lynne Morgan for more information.

  • beth moore: book of james

    wednesdays, starting 9.12 | 7-8:30pm

    smlc fellowship hall

    Come along with Beth Moore on a journey to get to know both the man and the book of James. You will never be the same again. Topics include: joy, hardship, faith, reversal of fortunes for rich and poor, wisdom, gifts from above, single-mindedness, the dangers of the tongue, humility, and prayer.


    Please contact Cathy Fuller or Donna Noonan for more information.

  • BIBLES & BREW

    DATES TBD | CONCORD

    Get to know other Saint Matthew guys i a low-key, casual atmosphere. Attendees can talk about their lives and the Bible, while sipping on a craft brew or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage.


    Please contact Phil Gomez for more information.

  • BOUNDARIES CLASS

    MONDAYS STARTING 10.22

    7-8:30PM | SMLC RED CLASSROOM


    If setting personal "property lines" that influence all areas of your life - phyically, emotionally, and spiritually - has been challenging for you, then this 10-week Boundaries class may be just right for you. Meeting twice a month, this DVD course is based on the bestselling book, Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend. 


    Please contact Harriette Heibel or Deborah Harris for more information.


  • god, grace, & girlfriends

    mondays | 7:30-9pm | location varies

    Join fellow Saint Matthew women in a study and discussion group based around the ELCA's Social Statement on Women and Justice and how it applies to use and our community. 


    Please contact Tami Gomez or Juliana Basil for more information.

  • walk 'n' talk

    1st & 3rd saturdays starting 9.22 | 9-10:30am smlc

    Get to know your fellow Saint Matthew adults. Friends welcome! Join us for casual walks around our beautiful surrounding neighborhood. Share ways to have balance in your life and keep in step with the spirit.


    Please contact Marty Campbell or Jenny Hammond for more information.

  • GOLF & GROW: THE NINETEENTH HOLE

    FRIDAYS MONTHLY | 12PM

    DIABLO HILLS GOLF COURSE


    Join your fellow Saint Matthew men for casual golf outings for all levels. We will meet at the Diablo Hills Golf Course in Walnut Creek once a month starting in October on Friday at noon (and a couple of times a year on Saturday morning). Afterwards, we will enjoy some grub and a round at The Greenery to share our experiences.


    Please contact Pastor Andy Smith for more information.


  • LEAN ON ME

    MONDAYS BEGINNING 10.1 | 4:30-5:45PM

    SMLC GARDENSIDE ROOM


    An adult bible study/small group for women, focusing on God's life-changing wisdom, compassion, and grace. We emphasize understanding and care for others as well as self-care.


    Please contact Ann Clausen for more information.


  • DINE WITH NINE

    SUNDAYS | 6-8PM | 9.23, 9.30, 10.14, 10.21


    Dine with Nine is an opportunity to bring the Saint Matthew community together around dinner tables of nine. These casual potluck meals provide a welcoming place for adults to share our stories and build friendships. Table hosts will open their homes four Sunday evenings, rotating guests weekly. 


    Space is limited, so please register soon at the Welcome Center or on the Events page. You will be places with your initial group and contacted by your table host.


    Please contact Lynne Smith for more information.


  • GRIEFSHARE

    TUESDAYS | 6:30-8:30PM

    SMLC GARDENSIDE ROOM


    GriefShare is a 13-week program designed to assist those that have had recent losses using videos from grief experts and through meaningful discussion. 


    For more on GriefShare, visit their website at griefshare.org. Cost is $15 for the workbook.


    Please contact Linda Cole or Erick Onishi for more information.


  • DIVORCECARE

    EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY STARTING 10.17

    7-8:30PM | WALNUT CREEK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH


    Separation and divorce are tough. Too many decisions to make, too many emotions to navigate. If you are like most people who are contemplating or in the midst of separation and/or divorce, you may not have someone to speak with who understands what you're going through.


    DivorceCare meets every other week and includes a DVD series for discussion on topics including: How to find help, facing anger, depression, loneliness, financial planning, new relationships, dealing with children, forgiveness- to name a few.


    Please contact Harriett Heibel for more information.


  • WINE, WOMEN, & THE WORD

    WEDNESDAYS | 7-8:30PM | 8.29-10.24


    Wine, Women, & the Word is a group of great ladies experiencing the joys of mid-life. Over the year are four studies and one summer event. This is a "not so small" group with book formats that make it easy if someone can't attend all sessions. In the Fall, we will be studying the book, Praying Over God's Promises: The Lost Art of Taking Him at His Word, by Thomas R. Yeakley.


    Please contact Renate Schoenberg for more information.


  • SATURDAY MORNING MEN'S GROUP

    SATURDAYS | 7:30-8:45AM | SMLC TEEN CENTER


    Join your fellow Saint Matthew men for a "not so small, small group" gathering to drink coffee, eat breakfast, and share and discuss a variety of topics for men. The Saturday Morning Men's Group also coordinates several service opportunities throughout the year for the Saint Matthew community.


    Please contact Brian Donohue for more information.


  • PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

    MONDAYS | 1-2PM | SMLC RED CLASSROOM


    The Saint Matthew Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of knitters and crocheters who create beautiful prayer shawls - many including the triune stitch representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The shawls are prayed over and given to those in need of feeling wrapped up in God's love, the abiding peace of Jesus, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. This casual group is for all levels. Beginners are welcome, and we will help guide you along. 


    Please contact Ann Dunn or Sylvia Ortlieb for more information.


  • PIECEMAKERS QUILTERS

    THURSDAYS | 1:30-3PM

    SMLC GARDENSIDE ROOM


    The Piecemakers Quilters have been meeting at Saint Matthew for more than 20 years. The quilters gather weekly- stitching together quilts made with love, servie to others, and to God. This is a casual gathering for women of all levels. You may work on your own project, or help make quilts and receiving blankets for the Layette Ministry.


    Please contact Sharon Mazanac for more information.


  • LEARNING TO PRAY THE SCRIPTURES:

    THE PRACTICE OF LECTIO DIVINA


    Learning to Pray the Scriptures is the practice of Lectio Divina. There are currently three Lectio groups at Saint Matthew. If you are interested in starting a new group, please contact Lin Ashlock or Andy Smith for guidance.


    Please contact Lin Ashlock or Tracy Delony for more information.


  • BLACK BEAR DINER GROUP

    WEDNESDAYS | 7-8AM | 700 BANCROFT RD


    Come have breakfast while studying scripture and getting to know other Saint Matthew men. The Black Bear Diner group has been meeting for more than 20 years. Feel free to attend every week or whenever your schedule permits! 


    Please contact Duane Ludwig for more information.


  • HUBCAPS GROUP

    FRIDAYS | 6:30-7:30AM | 660 YGNACIO VALLEY RD


    Join us at Buttercup Pantry as we come together to look at faith, learn about God's love, and gain understanding about who we are called to be in Jesus. We are an open and ongoing group and you are welcome to join us whenever you can make it!


    Each week we read and discuss a short text by various authors along with a Bible passage. This is followed by a time of sharing prayer requests. Periodically we also serve in various outreach opportunities. 

    Please contact Jerry Hanson for more information.


  • GATHER GROUP

    3RD TUESDAYS | 12:30-2:30PM  

    SMLC GARDENSIDE ROOM


    Join your fellow Saint Matthew women for a small group gathering to discuss a mixture of articles, theological reflections, devotions and stories of comfort and challenge that help you grow in faith and engage in ministry and action.


    Please contact Phyllis Arthur for more information.


  • band of brothers

    ongoing events

    "Pointing to his disciples he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in Heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'"

                                              -Matthew 12:49-50


    Join your fellow Saint Matthew guys for faith-filled and fun gatherings to share your journey with God. Be sure to "like" Band of Brothers - East Bay on Facebook to stay up-to-date on events!


    Please contact Tom Aragon for more information.

  • deeper devotion group

    sundays | 10:15-11am | smlc gardenside room

    This is an open community of people in all stages in the spiritual journey who share life together while seeking to deepen their affection for Christ and their understanding of how to "walk in a manner worthy of His calling." 


    Please contact Leslie Holst for more information.

  • THE EARLY RISERS

    WEDNESDAY | 7-8:30AM | SMLC RED CLASSROOM


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  • PRISCILLA CIRCLE

    2ND FRIDAY | 9:30AM-12PM


    The Priscilla Circle is a women's small group that has been meeting for decades. They are currently studying Max Lucado's Chronicles of the Cross. 


    Please contact Barbara Crews at 925.933.5674 for more information.


  • TUESDAY SERVICE GROUP

    TUESDAY | 9:30-11:30AM | SMLC RED CLASSROOM


    Join your fellow Saint Matthew women for a small group service gathering on Tuesday mornings. 


    On the second Friday of each month we provide a meal for YEAH, a year round shelter for 18-25 year olds. We also prepare snack bags to carry a person through the day. Our other service is organizing the all congregation Layette Ministry contributions for the County Hospital in Martinez. 


    Please contact Barbara Groenveld for more information.