Join Rachel and Alex on Sunday mornings for delicious donuts and break-out group discussions (middle and high school). Whether you're a curious skeptic, a long-time believer, or anywhere in between, this is a space for exploration and growth. Middle School meets in Classroom 4, High School meets in the Music Room.

Join us for an action-packed afternoon of laser tag and fun at FunLand of Fairfax! We’ll gather after church and head out together for games, pizza, and arcade time. Date: Saturday, September 28 Who: 6th–12th graders Meet at St. Matthew’s: 10:30 AM (after the 9:30 service) Leave for FunLand: 11:00 AM (carpooling) Pick-Up at St. Matthew’s: 2:00 PM Location: FunLand of Fairfax 5111 Westfields Blvd, Centreville, VA 20120 Cost: Covered by St. Matt’s: Laser tag, pizza, and drinks Bring $10 for arcade games (cash, credit, or debit accepted) What to Bring: -Comfortable sneakers -Spending money for arcade ($10 recommended) -Play Cards (if you already have one) RSVP: On the Band App Chaperones Needed: 3–4 adults (including at least one additional driver).

This fall, youth at St. Matt’s are invited to take the next step in their faith journey through Confirmation preparation classes leading up to Bishop Mark Bourlakas’ visit on Sunday, October 12th. Through Confirmation classes, teens will: -Ask real questions (no wrong ones here) -Hang out with friends & mentors who care -Explore what following Jesus means for them -Claim their faith in a personal way Class Options Choose the series that works best for your schedule (attendance at all sessions in your group is required for Confirmation): -Group 1: Wed. – Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8 @ 7 PM -Group 2: Thurs. – Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9 @ 12 PM -Group 3: Sat. Intensive – Oct. 4, 10 AM–2 PM (lunch provided) How old do you have to be? There’s no set age. Most people choose Confirmation in high school (age 13+) or later, when they’re ready to say, “this faith is mine.” What matters most isn’t your age, but whether you feel ready to make your own commitment to Christ. For Parents: Your role is to support, pray for, and celebrate, but the decision to be confirmed belongs to your teen. We honor their timing and encourage them to step forward when they’re ready. If you are considering Confirmation, you must register on or before September 14 so we can notify the Bishop of your participation.

On Sunday, October 12, 2025, we will welcome The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas for a joyful day of worship, including Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation. This is a special opportunity to take the next step in your faith journey: -Baptism: Initiation into the body of Christ. Through water and the Holy Spirit, we are welcomed into God's family and marked as Christ's forever. -Confirmation: For those baptized (often as children) who now wish to make their own mature commitment to Christ. Through the laying on of hands by the Bishop, you affirm your baptismal vows in a personal way. -Reception: For those baptized and confirmed in another Christian tradition who now wish to formally make their home in the Episcopal Church. -Reaffirmation: For those already baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal church who desire to renew their baptismal promises, perhaps after a time of growth, return, or transformation. f you are considering ANY of these steps, you must register by September 14th so we can notify the Bishop of your participation. Otherwise, we invite all to join us to celebrate and worship together.

Help with St. Matt’s annual Trunk or Treat Event, wear your non-spooky costume, or come as you are, and help set up, greet, and clean up! Come for whatever time you can. Food & games in the Parish Hall for some hangout time afterwards. Get some community service hours (certificate upon request) at this very fun community event.

Give Back with Fall Leaf Raking! 🍂 Join Rachel and our St. Matt’s crew for an afternoon of helping members and neighbors who could use a little extra support. 📅 When: Sunday, after the 9:30 AM service 📍 Where: Meet in Classroom 4 for a pizza lunch, then we’ll head out to rake! Come dressed to get dirty, and don’t forget to bring water. RSVP so we know how much pizza to order. Bonus: Do you have rakes, gardening gloves, or leaf bags at home? Bring them along! 🚗 Parent volunteers are needed to help with driving and chaperoning. If you can help, contact Rachel at Rachel.Leary@stmtts.org

We had such a great time last year cooking for Tree of Life’s Thanksgiving—and we’re excited to do it again! Bring a friend and join us at St. Matt’s as we cook up a delicious meal for our neighbors in need. Come for whatever time you can—every bit of help makes a difference. 🍕 Pizza and snacks will be provided. 👩‍🍳 Parent helpers are also needed. If you can assist, please email Rachel at Rachel.Leary@stmtts.org

Cookies, Karaoke, & Holiday Fun! It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for cookies! Join Rachel in Classroom 4 for pizza and sugar cookie decorating, then stick around to grab the mic for holiday (or non-holiday) karaoke fun. 🍕 Lunch provided 🍪 Cookies to decorate 🎤 Karaoke for all! Come hungry, bring a friend, and get ready for a sweet and silly afternoon together.

More details coming soon! Save the date!