Core Values

The reality for every person’s life is that we encounter challenges, failures, and times of significant pain and hurt. SMLC is a place that is not afraid to walk alongside people as we come fact to face with our humanness. We hold us the cross as a reminder that God is able to enter into the moments of our greatest weaknesses with the promise of hope and a new beginning. God’s unflinching love for us is know as GRACE, GRACE, GRACE.


A congregation that take the pain of the community seriously has to be willing to become involved in acts of caring. When we care we do not do it from a distance. You have to enter into relationship with the other person. You have to be willing to get your hands dirty. SMLC is actively involved in our community caring for many people who are otherwise shunned or left behind. We have learned that we receive far more than we are ever able to give.


We try to take God seriously not ourselves. People who can laugh at themselves are able to make room for their many short comings. We believe in being able to cry together and laugh together. Humor can be a great way to open the door to face the painful side of truth. Genuine laughter is great medicine and helps to restore the joy of living


Every person has a unique life story that they carry through life. Our stories are the truth of who we are. The most profound form of acceptance is when our story is known and embraced. Story is at the center of all that we do at SMLC. Is is the reason people are often over heard saying, “SMLC speaks to what is going on in my life.” This is how God’s story comes to life.


St. Matthew’s is committed to being A Place For All People who are seeking to experience the grace of God. We are keenly aware that entering the doors of a church for the first time can be a frightening experience. We try to place ourselves in the shoes of the visitor and we have made provisions to insure visitors are comfortable and cared for. The icon for hospitality at SMLC is the coffee cup. You will notice that people feel free to enjoy a cup even in worship.