Upcoming events.
Ireland Trip Signups Now Open!
Trip Dates: June 12–22, 2026
Signups Available Through the End of April
There are places in the world where the land itself feels thin — where heaven and earth seem closer together. Ireland is one of those places.
This summer, I invite you to join me on a pilgrimage into the wild beauty of Ireland and into the courageous, imaginative faith of Saint Patrick — a faith rooted in prayer, shaped by the rhythms of the land, and alive with hope. We will stand along the Cliffs of Moher as the Atlantic crashes below. We will walk ancient monastic paths and worship in sacred spaces like Holycross Abbey and Down Cathedral, where Patrick’s story still echoes through the stones. We will explore Connemara’s windswept hills, the Giant’s Causeway, the streets of Dublin and Belfast, and the villages where music spills out of pubs at night.
This is more than a tour. It is a pilgrimage.
It is mornings filled with Irish breakfast and laughter.
It is evenings of music at the Merry Ploughboy Pub.
It is learning, tasting, praying, and listening.
It is sharing great food, a wee bit of whiskey or a pint of Guinness, and conversations that linger long after the glasses are empty.
Saint Patrick’s faith was not small or timid. It was a faith that saw God in wind and fire, in friendship and forgiveness, in mission and mercy. On this journey, we will explore how his story still speaks to our own — how courage, calling, reconciliation, and joy are woven into the fabric of this beautiful island.
Come for the beauty beyond measure.
Come for the stories that shaped a nation.
Come for faith deepened, friendships strengthened, and laughter shared.
Ireland is waiting.
And I would be honored to walk this pilgrimage with you.
— Pr. Rustin Comer
First Communion (Class)
This milestone has two parts. We begin with an instructional meeting for parents and kids together. In this session, we share lunch and engage in a hands-on learning experience about Jesus and Holy Communion. Families explore the meaning of Communion through discussion, a behind-the-scenes altar tour, and baking their own bread. This is followed by our celebration of First Communion the following week, during the 10:00 worship service.
Stay tuned for more details!
First Communion (Celebration)
This milestone has two parts. We begin with an instructional meeting for parents and kids together. In this session, we share lunch and engage in a hands-on learning experience about Jesus and Holy Communion. Families explore the meaning of Communion through discussion, a behind-the-scenes altar tour, and baking their own bread. This is followed by our celebration of First Communion the following week, during the 10:00 worship service.
Stay tuned for more details!
Easter Eggstravaganza
Bring your family, your friends, and your Easter spirit - Eggstravaganza is almost here!
Join us on Saturday, April 4th from 9–11 am at Saint Matthew for a joyful morning of spring fun. We’ll have:
A FREE pancake breakfast
Egg hunts every 15 minutes, with age-separated hunts for little ones under 4 and elementary-aged kids
Plus crafts, games, and tons of festive fun for the whole family!
No RSVP needed—just show up and enjoy! All are welcome, so invite your neighbors and friends. We can't wait to see you there!
Have questions? Email sueb@saintmatthew.org.
Easter Sunday
Easter at Saint Matthew
Sunday • 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM
Easter changes everything.
It is the day when hope rises.
When love refuses to stay buried.
When the story we thought was over begins again in beauty, joy, and possibility.
Join us at Saint Matthew this Easter Sunday as we celebrate the resurrection with vibrant, contemporary worship filled with energy and meaning. Our band will be joined by a special horn section, adding a rich, joyful sound to this already powerful morning.
Whether you come with deep faith, quiet questions, or simply a longing for something more, there is a place for you here.
Bring the whole family and stay after the service to enjoy our Easter photo booth, a chance to capture the joy of the morning together.
Christ has risen.
Hope has risen.
Come experience it with us.
Easter Sunday Services
8:30 AM and 10:00 AM
Saint Matthew Church, Walnut Creek
All are welcome.
Kids' Night Out
Elementary-aged kids (K–5th) will enjoy a fun night with dinner, games, crafts, a movie, snacks, and plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
Kids ages 5 and under will have their own calmer, age-appropriate experience in a separate space, with activities, crafts, and play designed specifically for our youngest guests. (**4 or 5 year olds may choose to stay with older siblings)
This is a community event open to all children ages 1–11, so invite a friend!
Kids' Night Out runs from 4:30–8:00 p.m. at Saint Matthew Lutheran Church (399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek).
Pizza dinner is included and will be served between 5:00–5:30 p.m.
The cost is $35 per child / $55 per family, and pre-registration is required.
To ensure safe child-caregiver ratios, we are unable to accept walk-up registrations. Therefore, registration will close when we reach capacity or the Wednesday prior to the event, whichever comes first.
We never want cost to be a barrier; limited scholarships are available. For more information, contact Sue Burke, Children’s Minister, at sueb@saintmatthew.org or (925) 932-1955 x120. Registration opens May 13th.
Saint Matt's Kids
Meets Sunday mornings at 10 am
Early Childhood Ages 3 months-3 years
Preschool & TK Ages 3-4 years
Elementary Grades K-5th
At Saint Matthew, we believe that kids aren’t just the future of the church—they’re a vibrant, essential part of our church family right now. That’s why our Children’s Ministry is built around creating a safe, fun, and nurturing environment where every child feels seen, loved, and encouraged to grow in faith.
Each Sunday, our kids experience engaging, age-appropriate teaching, music, games, and activities designed to help them explore who God is and how deeply they are loved. From toddlers to fifth graders, every child is invited to wonder, worship, and discover what it means to follow Jesus in their everyday lives.
If you’re new to Saint Matt’s or just visiting for the first time, welcome! We’re so glad you’re here. To help make your Sunday morning smooth and secure, we invite you to fill out our quick Hello New Families form.
By sharing a few details about you and your kiddos, we can:
Get you into our system ahead of time
Have a check-in tag ready for you when you arrive
Keep you in the loop about upcoming kids’ events and programs
Click the button below to fill out the form—it only takes a minute, and it helps us serve your family better from the moment you walk in the door.
Kids' Night Out
Kids, get ready for an evening packed with excitement! Join us in the Teen Center for a fun-filled night of dinner, games, crafts, a movie, snacks, and making new friends! Kids' Night Out is a community event that promises a lot of fun for all kids aged 1-11!
This event will be held on Saturday, November 15th, from 4:30-8pm, in the Teen Center at Saint Matthew (399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek). Dinner will be served between 5-5:30pm.
The cost for the evening is $35 per child /$55 per family, and pre-registration is required. We are not able to take walk-up registrations.
Registration will close when we reach capacity or November 12th, whichever comes first. We don't want cost to be a barrier to attendance, and limited scholarships are available. For more info, contact Sue Burke, Children's Minister, at sueb@saintmatthew.org or phone (925) 932-1955 x120.
4th Grade Bible Milestone
Fourth Grade Bible Milestone
We are excited to invite our fourth graders and their families to our Fourth Grade Bible Milestone, a special moment in our faith formation journey.
Family Class | Saturday, 2/22
Parents and fourth graders will gather together to explore the basics of the Bible. This interactive class is designed to help families understand what the Bible is, how it is organized, and how it can be a meaningful part of everyday life and faith.
Bible Celebration & Reception | Sunday, 3/1
During worship, we will celebrate our fourth graders as they receive the gift of a new Kids Bible. Following the service, families are invited to a joyful reception as we honor this milestone and pray for our children as they continue to grow in faith.
This milestone marks an important step in helping our kids learn to read, engage, and live the story of God’s love. We hope every fourth grader and their family will join us for both the class and the celebration.
Ash Wednesday - Youth After Party
Ash Wednesday Youth After Party
This Ash Wednesday, Youth Group be joining the entire church community for our Ash Wednesday service at 7:00 PM in the Worship Center. It’s a meaningful moment to pause, reflect, and begin the season of Lent together.
After the service, students are invited to head over to the Teen Center for an after-party with ice cream and hot chocolate.
Ash Wednesday Events
Ash Wednesday Service
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season that invites us to slow down, tell the truth about our lives, and make space for what matters most. On Wednesday, February 18, at 7:00 pm, we invite you to an experiential Ash Wednesday service designed to meet you exactly where you are. This will be a reflective, embodied evening with communion, the imposition of ashes, spoken blessing, and several prayer stations meant to help ground your Lenten journey in honesty, grace, and hope. You are welcome whether Lent is deeply familiar or completely new to you. Ashes will also be available during our weekly 11:00 AM Traditional Wednesday service.
Ashes On The Go
Earlier that day, we will also offer Ashes on the Go for those who cannot join us in the evening or who wish to mark the day in the midst of ordinary life. Rustin and Mike will be outside the Orchard Starbucks from 12:00–3:00 pm, offering ashes and a brief blessing for anyone who would like to pause, receive, and remember. However you choose to participate, this day is an invitation to begin Lent with intention, tenderness, and trust in God’s love that meets us in dust and breath alike.
Contra Costa Foster Friends Support Group
Join us in supporting this life-giving ministry that provides community, care, resources, and encouragement to those serving faithfully in foster care. We meet here on campus every second Monday of the month.
We’re looking for someone to provide pizza for the kids—a simple way to make a big impact—and we’d love to welcome new childcare volunteers to our team.
Interested in serving? Please email Billy at billyr@saintmatthew.org.
Connect Night
Connect Night
We are creating space for something simple and meaningful: connection. Join us for an evening dinner designed to help you meet new people, share stories, and feel more at home in our community. We will gather around round tables, enjoy a good meal, and engage in guided conversations that invite everyone into the mix. No awkward icebreakers, just thoughtful questions, good listening, and the kind of shared table where real connection can begin.
This night is also a chance to take your next step into community life. You will be able to learn about and sign up for Life Groups, explore ways to serve, and discover other opportunities to get connected in ways that fit your season of life. Whether you are brand new, returning after some time away, or have been here for years but are ready to deepen relationships, this evening is for you. Come as you are, bring your curiosity, and pull up a chair. There is a place for you at the table.
Who is Saint Matthew?
You're invited to join us, share a meal, and connect with people interested in becoming a part of Saint Matthew.
WHERE: Teen Center at Saint Matthew
TIME: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm.
Feel free to bring any questions you might have.
Families are welcome, and we will have childcare available.
Questions? Ask Mike Basil at mikeb@saintmatthew.org
Kids' Night Out
Kids, get ready for an evening packed with excitement! Join us in the Teen Center for a fun-filled night of dinner, games, crafts, a movie, snacks, and making new friends! Kids' Night Out is a community event that promises a lot of fun for all kids aged 1-11!
This event will be held on Saturday, January 17th, from 4:30-8pm, in the Teen Center at Saint Matthew (399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek). Dinner will be served between 5-5:30pm.
The cost for the evening is $35 per child /$55 per family, and pre-registration is required. We are not able to take walk-up registrations.
We don't want cost to be a barrier to attendance, and limited scholarships are available. For more info, contact Sue Burke, Children's Minister, at sueb@saintmatthew.org or phone (925) 932-1955 x120.
Save the date! Sign-ups open soon!
Christmas Eve Services
Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus!
10am - Family Nativity Service
3, 5, 7pm - Candlelight Services
More details to come!
Rock the Manger
🎸 Rock the Manger Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 14 | 5:00 pm | Saint Matthew Lutheran Church
Join us for a high-energy, family-friendly Christmas concert that celebrates the season with joyful music, festive cheer, and fun for all ages.
Bring your friends, neighbors, and holiday spirit—this evening is all about celebrating the hope and joy of Christmas together through music that will have you singing and dancing along.
Come early to grab a good seat and soak in the Christmas lights, laughter, and love that fill the room.
Free admission—everyone’s welcome!
3rd Gen: Toyland Christmas Dinner
Toy Land: Where Toys and Gratitude Meet
Saturday, December 13 at 5:30 PM | Fellowship Hall
Celebrate the season with 3rd Gen friends—new and old—at this festive evening filled with joy, music, and generosity. We’ll share a delicious tri-tip dinner (plus sides and a surprise dessert), enjoy live entertainment from the Devil Mountain Chorus, and reflect on the blessings of the year.
In the spirit of giving, we’re collecting unwrapped toys and Amazon gift cards for Contra Costa Foster Friends, benefiting foster youth of all ages in Contra Costa County. You can check out their Amazon Wishlist here!
To add a little fun to the evening, send a photo of yourself doing something you love in 2025 to kathyinorman@gmail.com—we’ll use it for a fun icebreaker!
Cost is $20 per person. You’re welcome to bring wine or another beverage to enjoy with dinner. Financial assistance is available for dinner costs or transportation (Uber/Lyft) if needed—just reach out to Tami Gomez at tamig@saintmatthew.org.
Questions? Contact Kathy (kathyinorman@gmail.com) or Mike Riley (510-418-0322).
Click below to register and join us for a night of Christmas cheer!
Breakfast & Crafts with Santa
🎅 Breakfast & Crafts with Santa
Saturday, December 6 | 9–11am | Saint Matthew Lutheran Church
Join us for a festive morning of breakfast, crafts, treats, and free photos with Santa! It’s one of our favorite holiday traditions — a joyful time for families to gather, create, and celebrate together.
We’ll also be collecting non-perishable food items to support local families through Monument Crisis Center. Bring a donation if you’re able and help us spread Christmas cheer beyond our walls!
⸻
💫 Volunteers Needed!
This special morning runs on Christmas magic — and volunteers like you!
We need helping hands for:
• Craft and activity stations
• Breakfast service and hospitality
• Set up and clean up teams
If you’d like to help make the morning shine, sign up to volunteer below!
⸻
🎁 Support the Event
Want to contribute but can’t make it in person? Check out our Amazon Wishlist to purchase supplies that will help make this event extra special!
3rd Gen Lunch & Learn Series: Local Organization Highlight - Meals on Wheels
Explore how Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has been supporting seniors in Contra Costa County for over 50 years—delivering more than just meals. Learn how this full-service organization provides nutrition, companionship, fall prevention, and wellness support to help older adults remain safely and independently in their homes. Hear from a Meals on Wheels representative about their person-centered approach that uplifts the whole individual—ensuring seniors not only survive but thrive with dignity and connection. Whether you’re a senior, caregiver, or community ally, this free seminar offers meaningful insight and resources to support aging in place.
The speaker for this event will be a representative from Meals on Wheels.
This event sponsor is TBD.
Kids' Night Out
Kids, get ready for an evening packed with excitement! Join us in the Teen Center for a fun-filled night of dinner, games, crafts, a movie, snacks, and making new friends! Kids' Night Out is a community event that promises a lot of fun for all kids aged 1-11!
This event will be held on Saturday, November 15th, from 4:30-8pm, in the Teen Center at Saint Matthew (399 Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek). Dinner will be served between 5-5:30pm.
The cost for the evening is $35 per child /$55 per family, and pre-registration is required. We are not able to take walk-up registrations.
We don't want cost to be a barrier to attendance, and limited scholarships are available. For more info, contact Sue Burke, Children's Minister, at sueb@saintmatthew.org or phone (925) 932-1955 x120.
Building Bridges Between Jews and Palestinians
We are honored to welcome Dr. Yasmeen Abu Fraiha, New Israel Fund Board Member and Harvard Kennedy School Fellow, for a special conversation this November with Rabbi Jennie Chabon. A Palestinian Bedouin physician specializing in internal medicine, Dr. Abu Fraiha was among the first responders on October 7, 2023, treating victims of Hamas’ attacks while mourning the loss of friends and colleagues in both Israel and Gaza. Her steadfast compassion for all innocent lives has made her a powerful voice for healing and justice. Currently completing a critical care fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and a fellowship at Harvard’s Belfer Center, she has also served as Health Policy Director in Israel’s Ministry of Health and co-founded Yanabia, advancing health, education, and women’s empowerment in the Bedouin community. Named one of Israel’s 50 most influential women by Globes Magazine, Dr. Abu Fraiha embodies courage, empathy, and hope in the face of unimaginable loss.
Fall Lecture Series
The Scriptures are tales of a people in motion, and the biblical plot line seethes with the deeply human tension between settling down and moving on. Jesus himself was perpetually in motion, leading his disciples from town to town, their physical movements mirroring the spiritual odyssey on which he led them.
Faith grows. Our theology moves with us. We begin with what was handed to us. Over time we ask new questions, find new soil, and keep learning.
Details
Location: Saint Matthew Chapel
Time: Thursdays at 7:00 pm
Dates: Oct 16, 23, 30, and November 6th
3rd Gen Lunch & Learn Series: Local Organization Highlight - Center for Elders’ Independence (PACE)
Join us for an enlightening presentation from the Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI)—a nonprofit healthcare provider dedicated to helping East Bay seniors live independently and thrive at home. Learn how CEI’s personalized, all-inclusive care model supports at-risk older adults with healthcare, social activities, and home-based services through their PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) centers. Discover how CEI makes daily life easier—bringing together medical care, art, music, exercise, and community connection—all with the goal of keeping you safe, healthy, and engaged.
The speaker for this event will be a representative from Center for Elders’ Independence.
This event is sponsored by Mike Filosa at Chefs for Seniors.
Fall Lecture Series
The Scriptures are tales of a people in motion, and the biblical plot line seethes with the deeply human tension between settling down and moving on. Jesus himself was perpetually in motion, leading his disciples from town to town, their physical movements mirroring the spiritual odyssey on which he led them.
Faith grows. Our theology moves with us. We begin with what was handed to us. Over time we ask new questions, find new soil, and keep learning.
Details
Location: Saint Matthew Chapel
Time: Thursdays at 7:00 pm
Dates: Oct 30
Queer and Beloved: Soul Companionship Circle
A soul companionship group for LGBTQIA+ folks and affirming allies 18+.
Been hurt by the church? Unsure how spirituality fits with who you are? You’re not alone.
Queer & Beloved is a gentle, affirming space to explore identity, belonging, and the sacred. Led by Mandi Slagle, a certified Spiritual Director, it’s designed for those who are deconstructing, reconstructing, or simply wondering how to hold it all with tenderness and truth.
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings at 7 pm, at Behavioral Fitness in Walnut Creek (1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Suite 26). Each gathering includes reflection, conversation, and space to notice the sacred in and among us.
This group is donation-based.
Your presence is more than enough — contribute if and what you can.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Mandi Slagle.
Annual Trunk or Treat & Oktoberfest
Join us for Saint Matthew’s biggest neighborhood celebration! On Saturday, October 25, from 4–6 pm, our north parking lot will be full of decorated trunks, bounce houses, games, candy, music, and food—fun for the whole family. Kids will love the activities, and adults can enjoy a stop at the beverage truck while soaking in the festive atmosphere.
This free event welcomes over 1,500 neighbors each year—you won’t want to miss it!
Want to help make it all happen? We need volunteers to decorate trunks, serve food, greet guests, and more! Click the button below to check out all of the volunteer opportunities.
Fall Lecture Series
The Scriptures are tales of a people in motion, and the biblical plot line seethes with the deeply human tension between settling down and moving on. Jesus himself was perpetually in motion, leading his disciples from town to town, their physical movements mirroring the spiritual odyssey on which he led them.
Faith grows. Our theology moves with us. We begin with what was handed to us. Over time we ask new questions, find new soil, and keep learning.
Details
Location: Saint Matthew Chapel
Time: Thursdays at 7:00 pm
Dates: Oct 16, 23, 30, and November 6th
Fall Lecture Series
The Scriptures are tales of a people in motion, and the biblical plot line seethes with the deeply human tension between settling down and moving on. Jesus himself was perpetually in motion, leading his disciples from town to town, their physical movements mirroring the spiritual odyssey on which he led them.
Faith grows. Our theology moves with us. We begin with what was handed to us. Over time we ask new questions, find new soil, and keep learning.
Details
Location: Saint Matthew Chapel
Time: Thursdays at 7:00 pm
Dates: Oct 16, 23, 30, and November 6th
Queer and Beloved: Soul Companionship Circle
A soul companionship group for LGBTQIA+ folks and affirming allies 18+.
Been hurt by the church? Unsure how spirituality fits with who you are? You’re not alone.
Queer & Beloved is a gentle, affirming space to explore identity, belonging, and the sacred. Led by Mandi Slagle, a certified Spiritual Director, it’s designed for those who are deconstructing, reconstructing, or simply wondering how to hold it all with tenderness and truth.
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings at 7 pm, at Behavioral Fitness in Walnut Creek (1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Suite 26). Each gathering includes reflection, conversation, and space to notice the sacred in and among us.
This group is donation-based.
Your presence is more than enough — contribute if and what you can.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Mandi Slagle.
3rd Gen Lunch & Learn Series: Local Organization Highlight - Choice in Aging
Join us for this month’s featured speaker from Choice in Aging, a local leader in long-term support services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Learn how their programs support those living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, mental health needs, and other challenges—while promoting dignity, independence, and quality of life. Discover how Choice in Aging continues to be the only agency in our area offering such a wide array of essential services for our aging community.
The speaker for this event will be a representative from Choice in Aging.
This event is sponsored by Marlene Bartlett of Uplift Home Care.
Teen Urban Air Night
📍 Where: Urban Air Adventure Park
1695 Willow Pass Rd, Concord, CA 94520
⏰ When: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Drop-off at 6 PM. Pick-up is at 8 PM sharp.
3rd Gen: Bavarian Bash
Don your dirndl, locate your lederhosen, and join us for a 3rd Gen evening to remember!
We’re throwing a Bavarian Bash to welcome the fall season, with plenty of gemütlichkeit (that’s German for cozy fun)!
Enjoy a delicious Spanferkel dinner with all the trimmings, live entertainment, and festive fall activities. Guests are welcome, so bring a friend and your best Bavarian spirit! Click the button below to learn more and to register.
Questions? Contact:
📞 Konie Collins: (925) 726-9480
📞 Karen Ball: (925) 285-8259 (call or text)
Who is Saint Matthew?
Sunday, September 14, 2025 | 11:30 AM (right after worship) | Teen Center
Are you new (or new-ish) to Saint Matthew? Curious about our mission, vision, history, or how to get connected? Join us for a casual lunch where you’ll meet staff, hear our story, and learn about opportunities to grow and serve.
Childcare is provided, and lunch is on us! This is a great first step if you’re exploring Saint Matthew, considering membership, or simply wanting to know more about who we are.
LIFEgroup Dinner & Info Night
Sunday, September 7 | 5:00–6:30 PM | Fellowship Hall
Looking for connection, growth, and community? Join us for our LIFEgroup Dinner & Info Night!
We’ll share a meal together, hear the heart behind LIFEgroups, and give you the chance to explore and sign up for a group that fits your schedule and season of life. Whether you’re brand new or returning to a group, this is the perfect way to start the fall session.
Dinner and childcare are provided. All you need to bring is yourself!
Parenting Today
Parenting today comes with real challenges—from rising youth anxiety to digital overwhelm and emotional burnout. In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory highlighting a growing crisis: over 70% of parents say they’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout, and many feel isolated in the effort to care for their kids’ well-being.
You don’t have to do this alone.
We’re partnering with Dr. Allyson Mayo, Doctor of Behavioral Health and founder of Behavioral Fitness, to bring an engaging, judgment-free conversation designed for parents, guardians, and caregivers. You’ll walk away with practical tools to strengthen your own mental wellness, better understand the emotional needs of youth, and build stronger, healthier connections at home.
Be-Fit Studio – 1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Suite 26, Walnut Creek
August 21 at 7:30 PM
September 5 at 9:00 AM