Where we are and where we are going

Saint Matthew’s Church and Parish

S Matthew’s Parish was founded in 1869. The Church building, finished some years later, is now the home of two parishes, each of which was formerly two parishes - S Philip, S Augustine, S Matthew, and the more ancient parish of S Mary the Virgin. Also woven into our history are a number of daughter and mission churches.

The congregation of S Philip & S Augustine led a somewhat itinerant and uncertain existence for a number of years as first S Augustine's church then S Philip's were closed. For several years S Philip's were cared for by the Methodist church at Dilston Road and we continue to remember with gratitude their kindness to us. On 1st May 2003, the congregation formally moved into S Matthew's. As far as we are all concerned this is a permanent settlement and an end to S Philip's wilderness experience. It is the foundation on which both parishes will build their future work in the service of Christ.

The parish boundaries meander through the area just west of the city centre and are impossible to describe succinctly; however, at one end they touch the city centre and at the other the General Hospital, stretching down to the river at one side and Nunsmoor at the other.

Whilst there are pockets of affluence within our boundaries, there are much larger areas with significant levels of deprivation, complicated by high rates of mobility.

The rich ethnic demography offers both challenges and opportunities. Saint Matthew’s Church endeavours to play its part in the unfolding life of the community in which we are situate.

Our work currently is focused in three areas:

I. Restoring and maintaining S Matthew’s church building as a centre of fine Christian liturgy, where people can draw close to their God in prayer and find support in times of need

II. Supporting the CHAT Shop Trust and participating in its development and work in Arthur's Hill

III. Developing the Hall as a resource for the Toy Café in partnership with other projects to support parents and others with the care of children in their education and nurture

The routine responsibilities of a Christian community

The three foci of our work are addressed within the context of the ongoing daily duties that are common to any parish church. The bereaved look to us for support as do others in distress. The homeless call by for help of a number of kinds. We are asked to assist people celebrate times of great joy (weddings, anniversaries and so on). The Happier Christmas Scheme provides lunch on Christmas Day for those who would otherwise be alone.

Obviously, we have to give time to ensuring the continuity of our community by welcoming new people and adjusting our life to take account of their skills; some are prepared for Baptism and Confirmation.

Funding our existence is also an important aspect of what we have to do. Nothing is cheap and it is important that we raise the necessary income adequately to underpin the work that we do.

Some aspects of the three projects support and enhance this bread and butter work.

Saint Matthew’s Church building, consecrated in 1880), is a very fine Victorian edifice (designed by RA Johnson and the tower by Hicks). It underwent substantial renovation in the 1990s, which left it structurally sound. There is, however, a fair amount of work that needs to be completed to return it to its original and intended condition.

The task before the congregations in this regard also includes the regular maintenance of the building. We are addressing the question of access to the building other than at the times of services.

The building only finds its justification in the worship that is offered under its roof. The fine building and the theological perspective of the congregations strongly suggest a particular style and rhythm of worship. This is, of itself, very demanding of time and skills. There are no plans currently to develop further our present provision, but there is always scope to improve and enhance what is done.

The daily acts of public worship, which we advertise as widely as possible, provide rich opportunities for people to come and draw close to God in prayer.

The building with its grand style and excellent acoustics provides a superb venue for concerts. Recent successes have whetted the appetites of a number of choirs and ensembles to perform here and we are rapidly developing expertise in hosting and publicising such events.

The CHAT Shop is a project which is working to develop a shared sense of purpose and self-worth in the community we serve by supporting people in identifying and realizing their potential by building their self-confidence, increasing community involvement and enhancing employability among individuals

The work of the CHAT Shop is an important arm of the benefice’s activity, providing a concrete application of the Gospel to the life of the community around us. Some members of the congregations, including the Vicar (who currently chairs the Trust), give a lot of time to its management, development and work.

As well as housing a number of agencies, the CHAT Shop has initiated two projects: Yours & Mine, a social enterprise that provides the catering services for the café at the Trust’?s premises; and the Toy Café, an organisation that seeks to enhance the education of young children by providing opportunities to discover the importance of play and recreation.

The Trust is now reflecting on its future activities in the light of the experience of establishing these two organisations. It is exploring the challenges and opportunities of being a Christian organisation in a secular sphere.

One of S Matthew’s principal resources is the Hall adjacent to the church building. This is a grossly underused space in an area short of decently sized community facilities. The PCC is currently investigating how we can address this situation.

The Toy Café is a project currently being nurtured by the CHAT Shop Trust, which works with parents, guardians, schools and other agencies to foster an understanding of the importance of play in a child’s development. In an area such as that served by Saint Matthew’s, such a programme is an invaluable means of breaking the cycles of deprivation that lead to dysfunctional communities. The PCC hopes to sponsor the Toy Café in two years’ research as to whether there is a sustainable market for its work. If there is, we envisage the possible development of the Hall into a centre for its work, hopefully in partnership with other organisations.

The Nearly New Shop has for a number of years provided affordable clothing for people around and about. Currently based at the Hall, it is clearly time for us to reflect on developing its work to build on its valuable activity and success and ensure that these continue for many years to come.

Home page: http://stmatthewsnewcastle.org.uk/