“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!” Welcome to our homepage! St. Matthew’s Chapel in Leesville (Sharon Springs) is more than a location on the map or a website to visit, it is a place where we seek to share the joy of Christ in all that we say and do! You will find here a variety of information about us, all of which are ways in which we seek to live our faith. Our mission is to love God, to live for God, to serve others, and to share our faith in Jesus Christ. We center our lives first and foremost in the love of Christ. We are encouraged and challenged to share that love in our congregation, in our community and in our world. We invite you to not only explore this site, but to join us in this journey of faith! May the Lord bless you and keep you! May the Lord’s face shine upon you and be good to you! May the Lord bless you with peace, love and joy and may the Lord set you free to celebrate life in all its fullness!

Peace in Christ, Rev. Jennifer E. Boyd

"Listen, God Is Calling, through the Word inviting…”
(# 712 With One Voice Hymnal)

This hymn was sung numerous times during this year’s Synod Assembly as we gathered around the theme “Answering God’s Call”. We heard various people from within our synod sharing their reflections on how they have heard, discerned and answered God’s calling to them. They were stories of faith—ones of struggle and doubt, acceptance and belief.

“Speak, Lord for your servant is listening” (I Samuel 3:10). As God came to Samuel in the middle of the night, he opened his heart and his ears to hear the call to serve. Later, as Jesus walked throughout Galilee, he called to fishermen, tax collectors and the like to “follow me” and they followed. Again, Jesus, years after his resurrection, blinded Saul along the road and changed his path.

When God calls us today? How do we respond? Do we say— “I’m not like Peter or Paul. I can’t do this.” Or do we say— “I’m too old or too young?” Or— “Sorry, Lord, not now; maybe later when I have more time.” Or do we listen at all?

Excuses and reasons abound. We hear, but do not listen. We get nudged by God, but turn aside. We see, but do we really see?

This is not about guilt, but about a call. This is not about being scolded, but about paying attention.

God is calling us—calling us to use our gifts in service to him, to serve others as signs of God’s presence in the world. We are called to reach out to those who need a shoulder to cry on, a meal to sustain them, hope to infuse their lives, love to bring them life.

How is God calling you? How might you heed that call? Listen, God is calling, through his Word inviting….