Hello and thanks for your visit!
For the three branches of the Abrahamic tradition, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, spring marks central periods of reflection and celebration. Our Muslim sisters and brothers begin the 30 days of Ramadan at sundown, March 10. St. Matthias says, "Ramadan mubarak." Our Jewish sisters and brothers begin to celebrate Purim at sundown, March 23. Meanwhile, the Christian tradition sees us in the Lenten season, looking to Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday, March 24. Passover begins the evening of April 22. In our worship, as always, we explore readings from both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures, thinking about the important context of these traditions. However you mark these seasons, we greet you in warmth and good wishes.
The friendly community of St. Matthias would be delighted to meet you in person. Come as you are and know that "no experience is required": it's no surprise to us that many people are unfamiliar with "church" of whatever denomination.
We also know the word "church" holds negative messages for some. Here's our message: 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. If you don't see someone who "looks like you" in traditional church leadership, please know you're particularly invited. Welcome to St. Matthias!
For a tiny introduction to our seasons of Lent and Easter, click here: https://www.stmatthiasvictoria.ca/pages/our-seasons
Would you like to read Reverend Colleen's sermons? Follow the link to read the most recent drafts. 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!
At St. Matthias we join with all Canadians in our ongoing voyage of acknowledgement and reconciliation as we reflect on the complex, often painful, history that is the heritage we share, whether our families have been here since time out of mind, for many generations, or whether we are "brand new" to Canada. Respectfully, we acknowledge the legacy of the residential schools. We listen. We grieve. We honour. We commit to action.
The church is more than buildings and programs. We are the body of Christ present in this world no matter where we are. We are a church without walls. Thank you for your virtual visit! All are welcome here.
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