Worship Style
Our main Sunday service at 10:30 is generally, Morning Worship, Worship 4 All, (family-friendly with contemporary elements) or Holy Communion, but open to having a variety of services at different times. Our Liturgy comes from “Common Worship”, and we use the “Patterns for Worship” to help us put together our services. We use a mixture of different styles of music from well known hymns and modern worship songs. At the moment we use mainly Worship Lyric Videos, but we have live worship from time to time as musicians are available.
Prayer ministry is at the heart of Church life at St Matthews, seeking God’s guidance for us personally and as a body of his Church. As a Church we encourage and nurture people to have a personal relationship with God through regular personal prayers.
Over the years, there have been many different ways that the body of St Matthews have collectively prayed together, this has included a healing prayer ministry. We continue to be open to the creative ways of encouraging personal prayer life and engaging members for praying together.
In the last year, intercessory prayers have continued to be part of our weekly Sunday service with a rota of members of the Church faithfully taking turns in leading us in our prayers. We have a dedicated mobile phone to receive prayer requests that are sent onto signed up members of the Church to pray.
During a Sunday service before each PCC meeting, we will take time to wait on God and pray for the PCC, for God to guide them in the decision they make for the Church. As well as, asking people to pray for the PCC as they meet in the week.
Prayer
Children and Youth
Some members of St Matthew’s congregation help to run a local youth club, and we have a stay and play group for babies and toddlers on a Monday morning called Mini Matts.
Pastoral
Care
We have a Prayer chain via dedicated Phone and text system. This system works by text so that we can respond quickly to requests. This is also used for communicating to the church members when needed. We also have WhatsApp groups that help us communicate with certain groups. We value caring for one another within our church family and beyond.
Lay Involvement
We are blessed with a dedicated and active laity who contribute in many ways.
PCC
Serving on the Parochial Church Council (PCC)
Services
Leading, preaching and assisting with worship (e.g., reading, intercessions, welcoming, refreshments, tech).
Children’s work
Organising and running our children’s group, Mini Matts in the week.
Light Break
Running a ‘Place of Welcome’ coffee morning called ‘Light Break’ on a Thursday morning.
Pastoral Care
Providing pastoral care and support.
Maintenance
Maintaining the church building and grounds.
Church Hall
Managing and hiring out the Hall to local groups.
Fellowship
Organising social events and fundraising activities
Strengths of Our Congregation
We have a strong sense of community and are welcoming to newcomers. As a close-knit congregation, we genuinely care for one another, offering support, friendship, and a sense of belonging. Newcomers are met with open arms, and we strive to create a welcoming space where all feel respected and valued. Our commitment to outreach reflects our belief that faith calls us to serve, both locally and globally, as we live out our values in meaningful ways.
Areas for church Growth
We would like to engage more with younger adults, strengthening our online presence and website, and expanding our outreach to a wider area now that we are a combination of three original parishes. We recognise the importance of digital connection in today’s world and aim to create content that is relevant, accessible, and engaging for all age groups. We hope to build stronger relationships, share our mission more effectively, and invite a broader community into our life of faith.
Fellowship and Social Events
We enjoy spending time together through tea and coffee after services, Light break Coffee morning on Thursdays, (also a place of welcome), social evenings and picnics at Baggeridge Country Park, and BBQs in the vicarage garden.
Local schools
We have links with 3 local Junior Schools, and previous vicars have served as governor. At times our closest school bring a year group to the church as part of their RE lesson, and they have used our church building for their school carol service.
Charities
We collect food for the local food bank and support charities through our tithe, including CAP UK, Compassion, Barnabas, and Simeons. Our supported charities are reviewed annually. We have strong ties to CAP, having been a CAP Centre, and some members sponsor children through Compassion. Occasionally, we invite charity representatives to speak at services.
Other Groups
Several groups use the hall during the week, including our own Parents and Young Children’s play and stay group called Mini Matts. Other independent groups are Karate classes, Artventures classes and Yoga classes. A local Christian church with cultural roots in Kerala, Southern India, also uses the hall for Sunday afternoon services, which are primarily conducted in Malayalam.
Come and join the Adventure!
Address
Dudley Rd, Tipton DY4 8DJ
admin@stmattstipton.com