Church Beyond Walls

Hello! Welcome to St. Matthias!

On Sunday, December 15th, we mark the third Sunday of Advent, and our theme of reflection this week is "Joy." This is the joy that is hard-wired within us, the opportunity to share joy, to invitation to extend joy to others,  and the joy that we can see around us. 

Did you see an earlier version of this page?  We confused the weeks!!! Next week, the all-too brief 4th week of Advent will celebrate the power of love.  So be joyful in the funny opportunities life brings us to laugh at our mistakes, and know that next week we'll invite you to be happy in the power of the divine Love that is showered on us all.  

Please note the special aspects of this season, in our Events pages.  Perhaps it's time for a quieter opportunity to reflect:  https://www.stmatthiasvictoria.ca/events/blue-christmas/2024-12-20 .  Perhaps you appreciate the tradition of Lessons and Carols: https://www.stmatthiasvictoria.ca/events/lessons-and-carols--738/2024-12-22 . 
Our Christmas worship will be on Christmas Eve, December 24th, at 7 pm. Please join us!

And, we warmly invite you to join our community for Christmas Dinner at 2 pm in the hall https://www.stmatthiasvictoria.ca/events/christmas-dinner/2024-12-25  All are welcome.

 As you read this, please know that we welcome you every day, every week,  whether you're a long-time parishioner, a frequent visitor, or someone coming for a look!  Come as you are and let us cheerfully remind you that "no experience is required":  many people are unfamiliar with "church" of whatever denomination and that's fine with us.  (Puzzled?  Ask whoever's nearest to you! Fine with us!)  And, of course, we thank you for your virtual visit today!

We humbly acknowledge that the need for reconciliation is part of the ongoing journey of understanding and reflection that is necessary for a society that hopes for justice. Regardless of how you perceive God, the Creator, the Divine, please know that we proclaim the loving attention of the One who loves and knows each of us.  And, in the call to reconciliation, we rely on God's presence to sustain us as we encounter the disturbing challenge of our history.  

The word "church" holds negative messages or painful history for some.  But we still say:  "St. Matthias genuinely and warmly welcomes everyone who comes through our door, without condition or limit. " If you see yourself in the rainbow banner or the abbreviation LGBTQIA2S+, please know you're particularly invited.   Welcome to St. Matthias!  

We would be delighted to meet you in person.  And -- stay for a few minutes after worship for coffee or tea! 

Have you sampled Reverend Colleen's draft sermons?  We are also honoured to share draft sermons by our gifted guest preachers!  Remember ... each draft is similar to what we hear in person, but often missing late insights, chuckles and changes.  So ... take a look and then, come and listen for yourself!  Click here https://www.stmatthiasvictoria.ca/blog to read one, a few, or all!

The church is more than buildings and programs. We are the body of Christ present in this world no matter who or where we are. We are a church without walls.  Thank you for your virtual visit!  All are welcome here.