All Saints Episcopal Church

The Rev. Richard Matters

Writings

Rick lived in Washington State until age twelve, when he moved to West Africa with his family; for the next six years, he divided his time between homes in Nigeria and Ghana and boarding school in Switzerland. He attended Whitworth College (Spokane, Washington), where he met his wife, Andrea. After graduation, Rick taught preschool and kindergarten, including four years in the low-income Central Area of Seattle. He attended The General Theological Seminary in New York City and received both a Master of Divinity and a more traditional MA degree in New Testament studies. He served parishes on the East and West Coasts, before serving at St. John the Baptist, in the Diocese of San Joaquin, for fourteen years. As the threat of schism in his former diocese increased, Rick provided leadership both within the Diocese and in the larger Episcopal Church for those who sought unity and mutual respect in the context of diverse opinions. On Pentecost Day 2007, Rick was honored to begin his tenure as Rector of All Saints Parish and as Spiritual Leader of All Saints Day School. He is delighted to be part of these two fine institutions and is having fun getting to know their members.

Rick seeks to engage himself and others in the transforming love of Jesus Christ. Throughout his ordained ministry, Rick has taught all ages within the parish. Beyond the parish he has taught the New Testament, homiletics, and theology at two diocesan schools for ministry and one seminary. Leadership, systems, Christian mysticism, the New Testament, and pastoral care are areas of special interest to Rick.

Rick enjoys reading, spinning, teaching, hiking, canoeing, and traveling. Andrea is a retired RN who teaches art to both children and adults. She particularly enjoys traditional art forms from around the world. Living in the arts community of Carmel, with its famed annual Bach Festival, as well as being associated with a day school that emphasizes the arts, are bonuses for the Matters. With three adult children scattered in various locations across the country, Rick and Andrea have several destinations from which to choose. They also enjoy international travel.