Weddings

Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two people in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church, it is required that at least one of the parties is a baptized Christian, that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses, and that the marriage conform to the laws of Colorado and the Canons of the Church. St. Matthew’s is blessed with a beautiful, historic church which makes it a wonderful setting for a wedding. We welcome those who wish to be married in a setting like ours. You can be married by our clergy, an Episcopal priest or an ELCA minister in an Episcopal Celebration of Christian Marriage. Services require fees for use of the Church and Parish Hall, use of clergy and use of the musician. Weddings are not normally celebrated in the church during the season of Lent (from Ash Wednesday through Easter Day). If our clergy are to perform the marriage, the Bride and Groom must also meet with the clergy over several sessions before the marriage. Those who have been previously married twice or more before this marriage must also get permission by the bishop to be married by our clergy. More information can be found in Wedding Information & Policies.

Funerals

The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present ,nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn. Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church. The service should be held at a time when the congregation has opportunity to be present. The coffin is to be closed before the service, and it remains closed thereafter. It is appropriate that it be covered with a pall or other suitable covering. More information can be found here: Funeral Planning Form & Funeral Fee Schedule

Baptisms

Holy Baptism is how we join the Christian faith.  Baptism is always done with water (either over the head or full body immersion) and in the name of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).  Baptism never needs to be repeated - once you are baptized, you are baptized for life.   In order to be baptized, you need at least one baptized person to sponsor you.  The clergy will go through the service and the promises you will make before you are baptized.  If an infant or young child is to be baptized, the parents and godparents will make the promises on his/her behalf.

Baptism can be done at any time, but must be done during a public service with communion.  Typically that is during a Sunday morning service.  Baptism is especially appropriate on the following festivals: the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany - early January), Easter eve or day (March or April), Day of Pentecost (May or June), or All Saints’ Day (or the Sunday following - early November).

To arrange for a baptism at St. Matthew’s contact the parish office rector@smecp.org to speak with the clergy.