During the 1st Sunday of Advent worship service the St. Matthew’s community comes together to decorate the sanctuary for the Christmas season with the Hanging of the Greens.

Adding to this special service will be the beautiful sounds of the church’s Choir & Handbells and a special video performance by the Notables.

Each year Midtown Parish United Methodist Church collects toys to be distributed to children in Philadelphia. As in previous years St. Matthew's conducts a Toy Drive in support of Midtown's wonderful service. Contact Janice Conner

St. Matthew's invites you to donate unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 1-12 as well as $5 Dunkin' Donuts, McDonald's, Target and Walmart gift cards. Donations of wrapping supplies (especially tape) are also appreciated.

Donation will be collected at the Christmas Festival and then delivered to the children of Midtown.

The Center-Philadelphia at Arch Street UMC, creates safe space for the unhoused to obtain the necessities, showers, clean clothes, case management and wellness services, and respite from cold and heat. This Christmas, they are asking for your help. The number one item that folks ask for when they come in is a clean pair of underwear, specifically boxer briefs in sizes M-XXL.

Here is more information about The Center-Philadelphia's advent project and how to support it. You can also go to the Grace Café’s Amazon Wish List and have the underwear delivered directly to those in need.

Celebrate all the feels of the season with St. Matthew’s at the 2nd Annual Christmas Festival. Free to all who would like to attend, come and enjoy a Christmas movie, spend time in the beautifully decorated sanctuary or participate in any or all of the following activities.

Cookies With The Clauses: Share a cookie and have your picture taken with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Crafts & Games for all ages and abilities

Carol Singing

Christmas Cafe offering a variety of light food & beverages

Nativity Experience: An interactive news briefing where visitors can get a first hand account from those present at the first Christmas.

Outreach Project: Spreading holiday cheer to those in need this Advent season.

Donations of new and unwrapped toys are welcome!

With so many problems occurring in our world and difficulties that may be occurring in our lives, the Blue Christmas service focuses on God's help and hope. The right amount of blue is soothing, calming, and stands for what is positive. It also connects us with nature–God's creation. Please connect with God and our coming Savior by joining us online for Blue Christmas, a Service of Hope.

Join us as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child on Christmas Eve. At 5pm, experience a dynamic and interactive service designed for families of all ages and abilities. For those seeking a more traditional atmosphere, service begins at 8pm. Both services include communion and candle lighting, offering a meaningful way to embrace the spirit of Christmas. 

Christmas Eve Family Service
5 - 6 PM (In-person)

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
8 - 9 PM (In-person/Live-stream)

For over 50 years, St. Matthew’s and Midtown Parish UMC of Philadelphia have celebrated the Christmas season by enjoying a meal together followed by a worship service where we praise God for all of his blessings. Contact Eleanor Carroll with questions.

Please visit Midtown Parish’s Website or visit Midtown’s Facebook Page for more information about our sister church.

Get ready to deck the halls! Join us for a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt. Slip into your coziest pajamas and slippers and grab a cuddly blanket.

We'll cruise through the neighborhood as we search for the icons of Christmas and then we'll gather together to enjoy delicious ice cream sundaes and heartwarming fellowship.