Visiting a Church for the first time can be a scary thing. You might see a Church while driving home from work and your curiosity says, "Maybe I should visit that Church someday."

However, all you know is what you have seen from the comfort of your car. You don't know what the worship service is like. You don't know what the congregation believes. You don't know what the people will be like. You don't know the size of the congregation. There are a lot of uncertainties about coming to a Church.

That is why we offer this webpage. We want to answer some of the questions you may have upfront and to help you realize that St. Matthias is a Church you shouldn't miss.

We want to answer these typical questions for you:

1. What are the people at St. Matthias like?
2. Is St. Matthias a big or small Church?
3. How long is your service?
4. What is worship like at St. Matthias?
5. What is your pastor like?
6. Can we come to Communion?

What are the people at St. Matthias like?

We live in a fast paced world. We run from work to home to the grocery store to the soccer fields. Often times, we don't have the time to stop and enjoy each other's company. At St. Matthias, we make time to fellowship with one another. Not only do we spend time talking and laughing before and after services but we also fellowship outside of Sunday morning. Our men have a monthly "pipe club".

A few men regularly go golfing or hunting together. Our women have activities such as wine tastings or Southern Living decorating parties. The entire Church enjoys a brunch after service once a month. Finally, a number of jazz lovers get together to discuss and listen to jazz. A common misconception is that Church goers, especially those of a traditional Church, are stuffy and standoffish people who don't like newcomers. Nothing is farther from the truth at St. Matthias. We want YOU to experience our fellowship and closeness firsthand. We want you to feel comfortable and to enjoy worship even if you aren't familiar with our service.

Is St. Matthias a big or small Church?

The best way to answer that question is to say that we are a growing Church. We were a small parish of around ten people for many years. Recently, our attendance has increased to around thirty. One of the advantages of our Church is that it is like the hit TV show "Cheers". St. Matthias is a place where "everybody knows your name". We are not (and never will be) a Church like Lakewood or 2nd Baptist. We think that Churches with thousands of members don't allow the pastors to know everyone in a personal way. Neither does it allow for all the members to know each other in a familial way.

We'll be honest and say that if you are looking for anonimity when you come to Church then St. Matthias is not for you. But if you are looking for a vibrant growing Church where "everybody knows your name", then your search is over.

How long is your service?

There is a saying that goes something like this - "People listen as long as their behind can sit." Since our service is one that is the same every week (from the Prayer Book), the length is pretty much the same. The only thing that varies is the length of the sermon. Father Jason typically preaches for about 10 to 15 minutes each week. That makes our service roughly one hour long.

What is Worship like at St. Matthias?

We are a traditional Church. What does that mean? It means that we have things like candlesticks, traditional hymns, bells, organ music, pews, and ornate garments. We do not use things like drums, keyboards, and overhead projectors during the worship service. We may, however, use them for non-worship services. We also use a Prayer Book that leads us through the service each week.

This may seem "old-fashioned" and boring to some people today. However, these things are there because they have been used by the Church throughout history. We don't often realize it but a Prayer Book was used for service by the Jews before the time of Jesus and continued to be used by the Church after Jesus.

In connection with the historical tradition, these things also teach us about God, Jesus, and the Gospel. Just as an example, the candlesticks teach us about Christ being the light of the world and the white garments teach us that we are washed clean in the blood of Jesus. As Revelation tells us - Those arrayed in white robes were those washed in the blood of the Lamb. If you're unfamiliar or curious about the meaning of these things -- don't be afraid to ask!!

What is your pastor like?

Our pastor's name is Jason Grote. He is thirty-three years old. He married his wife, Elizabeth, in 2004 and they had their first child, Aidan, in November of 2005. He graduated from Seminary eight years ago and has been our pastor since 2000.

Father Jason is a normal guy who enjoys many different things. He is an avid golfer and is always looking for an opportunity to play a round with anyone who wants to join him. He also enjoys rooting on his favorite football team - The Philadelphia Eagles.

Not only does Father Jason pastor St. Matthias but he is also a student, a computer programmer, and a bookkeeper. He is currently getting his Business Degree from the University of Houston.

Can we come to Communion?

St. Matthias is a Church that invites everyone to Communion provided that they are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost and that they love the Divine Lord Jesus Christ with all sincerity.