The roots of this congregation go back to 1885 when it was organized in Collinsville, Connecticut, as the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Matthew -- a community of faith for the many German people who settled in the area. In 1963, the congregation moved to Avon, Connecticut. The sanctuary building was dedicated in September of that year, and an education and fellowship wing was added in 1970.

Today, a full Christian ministry is carried on by this community of faith. At the heart of the congregation's life is worship, each Sunday being a celebration of the Easter victory of Christ our Lord.

Two morning worship services, a pipe organ, and Youth and Senior Choirs enrich our corporate worship life. Nursery care is available during both services.

A complete Christian education program is offered in our Sunday Church School, with Christ-centered programs for three year olds through high school age. Adult Forum studies Biblical and religious topics in an informal setting. In addition, a Confirmation program, study and fellowship groups, a Vacation Bible School, and a variety of special interest programs further the teaching of the Word.

Through the leadership of our Church Council, committees seek to enrich the lives of our members and also to minister to the needs of the surrounding community.

The Youth Ministry program enthusiastically involves our young people in grades 7 through 12. As a ministry with and by youth, it provides opportunities for fellowship, learning, and service, both on a local level and at gatherings of the larger church. This program is one of the many ways youth participate in the life and ministry of St. Matthew.

Since 1985 St. Matthew has participated in the Intern Program of the ELCA, helping to prepare ministers for their professional lives in service. Each intern spends an active year as a staff member before returning to the seminary for their final year.

St. Matthew has grown from a small ethnic congregation to one serving the total community, never hesitating to meet the challenges of witness and service, while remaining faithful to the traditions of our past.