Mission Statement
The Mission of St. Matthews UMC is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
We live out our mission by loving God and loving others. At St. Matthews, we have two rhythms:
Praising and worshipping God through
Sunday worship and opportunities for
prayer and personal devotion practices
Loving others through acts of service
within the church and in our
community
Missional and Service Opportunities
Open Hearts Bakery
Open Hearts Bakery started in 2009 with the leadership from Ophelia Hart, a church member and baker, and Allen Boliek, the pastor at the time.
The bakery has two goals: to provide job training or supplemental income for individuals experiencing job or income insecurity.
The bakery sells at the Morganton, Hickory, and Shelby farmers markets, and uses this opportunity as a way of building connections and networks of loving support across our area! All excess funds beyond operating costs are distributed to various community agencies and non-profits such as Open Hearts Place, Burke United Christian Ministries, Options domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault shelter, and many others.
Our Partner: Open Hearts Place
The mission of Open Hearts Place (OHP) is to provide homes and purposeful opportunities for families to increase life goals, gain stability, and become more independent.
If you’re interested in being an employee or volunteer with the bakery in any capacity, please contact Madelyn Russ at (828) 430 – 0417
To place an order with the bakery please call (828) 433 – PIES (7437)
Other Opportunities
If you are interested in any of our missional opportunities, please contact the pastor!
Backpack Food Ministry
We partner with Mull Elementary School to provide food items in a ‘backpack food ministry’ style for about 15 different children and families during the school year!
Sharing Meals in Love for Everyone
A number of church members participate in a food delivery program for about 15 households in partnership with Burke United Christian Ministries called S.M.I.L.E. (Sharing Meals in Love for Everyone). Volunteers pick up packed meals from Burke United Christian Ministries’ soup kitchen to deliver each day, generally Monday through Friday.
Community Playground
