We at St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church believe that Jesus suffered and died on the cross and rose again, so we can live in joy with Him forever. We believe the Bible is God's Word, and that the 1580AD Book of Concord explains God's Word truly and faithfully. We are part of the non-geographic SELC District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). Saint Matthew congregation was established in 1896 by a small group of such Slovak immigrants who came to work in the coal mines and settled in Wilkes-Barre and other nearby towns and settlements.

Our Choir leads our worship service in the Sanctuary during our 9:45 a.m. service on Sunday mornings and at special services throughout the year. This choir is a non-auditioned group that enjoys a wide variety of musical styles. They begin singing the first Sunday after Labor Day and end our season the first Sunday after Memorial Day weekend.

The Walkers are a very talented group of singers who also just happen to be brother and sisters. Krista, George, and Sarah provide anthems during the summer months when the choir is not singing as well as select times during the year. The Walkers bring a special ministry to the church through their music. Their anthems take on a more contemporary feeling and the accompaniment for the anthems is played on guitar by these talented musicians. On an occasion you will find Krista or Sarah picking up a mandolin or banjo to add something special to the anthem. The faces of the congregation light up when these fine young musicians begin to sing on Sunday morning. The Walkers have also subbed for the organist when he was not able to be at the service. On those days, the traditional liturgy takes on a more contemporary feel.

The pipe organ here at St. Matthew Lutheran Church is a two manual with pedal pipe organ. The organ dates back to 1927. The organ is relatively small compared to other organs in the area, but supports the congregational singing very well. The organ is the primary instrument for accompanying the liturgy and preludes. The organ has 13 ranks of pipes and a two octave chime on it.

St. Matthew Lutheran Church also has a 5 foot Yamaha grand piano in the front of the Sanctuary. The piano is the main instrument used to accompany the choir anthems. It is also used for select preludes throughout the year and has been used on a hymn or two.

Visit our web site to listen to songs written by Pastor Gary Scharrer, audio/podcasts of our sermons and much more...

Come, and Worship the Lord With Us!

Visit ... stmatthewwb.org

Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church
667 N. Main Street
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18701
Phone: 570-822-8233