St. Matthew's is dedicated to working toward racial and social equity and healing. We are not perfect but are learning and involving ourselves in becoming better allies to all peoples who face systemic oppression. St. Matthew's is an Evanston Sanctuary Community.
In partnership with St. Andrew's Pentecost Episcopal Church we are working to address the needs of immigrants and minorities in order to create a community based on equality, respect, care, and Christian love.
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Anti-Racism Team
Interfaith Acton of Evanston
Contact: Corky Siegfriedt (siegfriedt2@comcast.net) OR www.interfaithactionofevanston.org.
St. Matthew’s is a member of Interfaith Action of Evanston. As part of this group we join forces with more than 40 communities of faith in Evanston to assist the homeless and the working poor in our community. Our engagement includes material support and financial contributions in our annual membership and through generous giving. Our funds help provide meals, overnight shelter during cold nights in the winter months, a warming center during winter days, job training assistance and other supports. We celebrate individuals who have had an impact on the community, each year, at the Vision Keepers Dinner. All are more than welcome to join this effort. See the website to sign up to volunteer or contact Corky for more information.
Pride Parade
The Annual Chicago Pride Parade takes to the streets of the Lake View neighborhood Chicago showing our support for those in the LGBTQ+ community. This is one way we show our love in action. As fear of the other and rhetoric discriminating against those whose lifestyle may not be respected by those in power, it is more important than ever that our voices of support and love are heard. We march with the Diocese of Chicago within the coalition of welcoming churches. Any and all can and are welcome to march!
Race Against Hate
Coordinator: YWCA Northshore.
The Race Against Hate honors the legacy of Ricky Byrdsong, former Northwestern University Basketball Coach, Vice President of Affairs at Aon Corporation, and Skokie resident who was murdered by a white supremacist in 1999 while walking in his neighborhood with two of his young children. The Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate brings together thousands of people to run and walk in unity against racial hatred and violence. In 2018 St. Matthew's became an official sponsor of this event. We host an early morning (pre-race) on-site Eucharist for runners and volunteers, as well as staffed a St. Matthew’s hospitality booth which providing snacks and parish information for all gathered. The St. Matthew’s logo was featured on over 5000 running shirts, posters and promotional materials for the race. Anyone can “race” or help!
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The YWCA is always looking for volunteers prior to race day to assemble goodie bags for participants. There are approximately 5500 bags to prepare so if you have some time, they would appreciate your help.
St. Matthew’s/St. Andrews Pentecost Partnership
Coordinator: Cynthia Doucet (cdoucet32@gmail.com)
Our partnership between two Evanston Episcopal churches (St. Andrew's Pentecost and St. Matthew's) began as a community of fellowship, and upon that foundation has evolved into working together to make a positive difference in the world. The team's initiatives include conversations, learning and shared events, with a current focus on social justice issues such as standing together in support of refugees. Examples of events have been a community-wide "Love God/Love Neighbor" seminar in collaboration with Episcopal Migration Ministries, a Lenten session by a renowned author about her family's escape from Nigeria as war refugees, and collection drives such as school supplies for the children of a local refugee family. In addition to Steering Committee participation, the partnership has opportunities to assist with individual events or community efforts as time permits. We welcome anyone of High School age and up to join us in community building, outreach, sharing ministry, and working toward bringing social justice to the world. The steering committee meets monthly for about 90 minutes. Event planning requires additional time. Time averages 2-4 hours a month.
YWCA Stand Against Racism
The Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities. The stand happens every April. We gather with others in our community to stand together to raise racial awareness. Dates, times, and locations are advertised in the weekly announcements and Eblast. Everyone of any age is encouraged and welcome to stand with us.
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