How can people be expected to worship together that would not seek out each other’s company otherwise?

A pattern of human habits shows that people have three essential places to which they gravitate: The 1st Place (home), The 2nd Place, (work), and the “3rd Place” (voluntary gatherings).

The “3rd Place” can take the form of gatherings over shared hobbies, clubs & sub-societies, ideological gatherings, etc. The most lasting and meaningful expressions of the “3rd Place,” however, have no obviously identifiable theme. Those gathering just are inexplicably drawn to “hang out” together wherein they can share stories, jokes, triumphs and tragedies. Obvious examples of the “3rd Place” are spaces such as the pubs of Ireland, the beer halls of Germany, each cafe’ of Italy, or many barbershops of the North America. Coffee shops in the United States have been very successful attempting to capitalize on this trend.

Here at St. Matthias, we believe the church should strive to reclaim its historic identity as a positive, supportive, and cohesive “3rd Place.” For this reason, we closely guard fellowship time between services, but also schedule our Men’s Night (last Friday night of each month) and, of course, after Sunday service some still want to “hang out” on our East patio. We consider “porch life” to be indicative of a healthy body of believers living together in community. Join us!