St Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church

St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church is a welcoming congregation in the Grandview Heights neighborhood of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the church offers Saturday and Sunday worship services and is known for its Reconciling in Christ designation, which affirms LGBTQ+ individuals and promotes inclusivity. The community is active in local outreach, including food drives and partnerships with schools and community organizations.

St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church is a vibrant and welcoming congregation located in the Grandview Heights neighborhood of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the church is rooted in the Lutheran tradition and emphasizes God’s grace, Scripture, worship, and service to the community. The church is known for its Reconciling in Christ designation, which affirms LGBTQ+ individuals and promotes inclusivity and full participation for all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Worship services are held on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Worship times include hymns, Scripture readings, preaching, and Holy Communion, with a focus on creating a welcoming and engaging experience for all visitors. Children are always welcome in worship, and activity bags are available to help keep them engaged.

The church offers a wide range of ministries and programs, including Bible study, music ministry, community meal programs, and outreach initiatives. These programs reflect the church’s commitment to serving both its congregation and the broader community. St. Matthew also partners with local schools and organizations to support food drives, clothing banks, and other community needs.

The church is actively involved in events and outreach, including Concerts on the Lawn, community yard sales, and Pride festivals. These events provide opportunities for fellowship, outreach, and engagement with the local community.

St. Matthew is led by Pastor Robin Fero, who is available for contact at 717-394-9607 or via email at info@StMatthewELC.com. The church is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all are invited to experience God’s love and to participate in the life of the congregation.

St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lancaster, PA, offers a welcoming and inclusive environment for all, with Reconciling in Christ designation affirming LGBTQ+ individuals. First-time visitors may appreciate the clear Saturday and Sunday worship services, active community outreach through food drives and school partnerships, and a range of family-friendly ministries and events like Concerts on the Lawn.

Pros

• Known for its Reconciling in Christ designation, promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity and full participation
• Offers clear worship service times on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
• Welcomes children with activity bags to engage young visitors during services
• Actively involved in community outreach including food drives and partnerships with local organizations
• Provides diverse ministries such as Bible study, music programs, and community meal initiatives
• Hosts events like Concerts on the Lawn and participates in annual Pride festivals for community engagement