St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church
Parish Profile
2023

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Pennington, NJ, is a flourishing parish centered in Christ that combines tradition with a modern outlook. The number of parishioners is stable, bolstered by the addition of new young families and the presence of an attractive live-streaming option for those who cannot attend in person.

Financially resilient and rebounding from the impacts of the pandemic, the church has resumed most of its normal activities. St. Matthew’s has a long-standing commitment to mission and community outreach, a strong emphasis on youth and Christian formation, and an inclusive atmosphere. The church's Anglican traditions, admirable music program, desirable location, and well-maintained facilities, all contribute to its appeal.

History

St. Matthew’s, which recently celebrated its centenary, was established in 1921.  Our original church – a wooden chapel - was erected in 1926 and expanded in the 1950s to accommodate the growing number of parishioners.  The current church dates from 1967, with substantial capital improvements, including a new parish hall, added in 2000.

Where is St. Matthew’s as it embarks on a search journey for new clergy leadership?

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, St. Matthew's has bounced back. An influx of new young families contributes to the church’s intergenerational feel and indicates a positive trajectory for the future. St. Matthew's prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming of “21st century families.”

Financially, St. Matthew's is secure in the short-term, but like many churches faces larger societal trends that are challenging. The church's faithful congregation, dependable stewardship, and strong connections in the diocese and beyond, all contribute to its overall strength.

The church's commitment to Christian formation among youth includes the Kairos program, the Destinations youth group, and the Young Families Supper Club. Youngsters participate in a community-based Vacation Bible School, and a successful affiliated preschool is housed in the building.

Fellowship, adult education, fundraising, and ministry/mission outreach activities are also rebounding.

Mission and Community Outreach

The church's strong commitment to its mission and community outreach, evident in activities like the Martin Luther King Day of Service, is a significant part of its identity. 

The church and its parishioners support a variety of local, regional, and international mission initiatives, including:

·         Episcopal Community Services of New Jersey (founding member)

·         Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry

·         Trenton Area Soup Kitchen

·         Urban Promise

·         Honduras Children’s Home

St. Matthew's has a rich history of engagement with its local community, including The Christmas Bazaar and our involvement in Pennington Day.

St. Matthew’s is known for its strong Anglican traditions, which are upheld and cherished. The church's music program, particularly the adult choir, is a notable presence in the service traditions and contributes to a vibrant worship experience. St. Matthew's invested in audio-video technology in 2020 so those Sunday traditions could be live-streamed effectively to remote congregants and others on YouTube and Facebook. This enables wider accessibility and tighter engagement with the congregation.

Location

Located in the heart of Pennington, NJ, a lovely small town in Mercer County’s Hopewell Valley within an excellent school district, St. Matthew’s draws parishioners from the surrounding communities and from nearby Pennsylvania. The physical facilities, including a well-maintained rectory, reflect an inviting atmosphere.

POC

Please contact The Rev. Canon Joanne Izzo, Transition Officer, jizzo@dioceseofnj.org or 609-460-5408 to apply.

Profile updated Fall 2023