The Skill Sharing program at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is a social enterprise where we learn about each other’s callings while raising money to work for wholeness in Louisville. For several years we have been hosting classes where parishioners and community members teach about a skill that they love and could describe as a calling. All proceeds of our Skill Sharing classes support Simmons College of Kentucky, Louisville’s historically Black college.
You can learn more about Simmons on their website: https://simmonscollegeky.edu/

Learn More About the Skill Sharing Program
Click here if you want to teach a Skill Sharing Class

Upcoming Skill Sharing Classes


Fall Flowers with Heather Duffy

 October 31, 10a-12p

We will create bud vases and small table arrangements with a fall theme in mind. Because this class is the day before All Saints’ Day, we will also work as a group to design the Altar flowers as part of this special Skill Share! Everyone will make an additional bud vase to place on the Altar for Sunday. On All Saints, we also have the opportunity to place photos of our departed loved ones at the Altar rail as well. This is a wonderful time to explore the traditions of All Saints in the Episcopal Church as well as the elements of flower arranging, compositions, and techniques. We can’t wait to see you there! Cost is $10 and all proceeds benefit Simmons College. 
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Learn to Play Mahjong with AC Stodghill

 TBD Fall 2026

This fun traditional tile-based game is all the rage, and A.C. and her assistant are going to teach 6 lucky players how to get started. Cost is $10, and all proceeds benefit Simmons College. Class is limited to 9 participants.


Skill Sharing Classes

 

Past Skill Sharing Classes

  

Memoir Writing with Catherine Coldstream

Friday, October 16, 10a-12p
Learn about memoir writing from writer, mentor, editor, and author of Cloistered: my Years as a Nun. She has written features and reviews for the Tablet, Catholic Herald, Church Times, and the TLS. She holds a PhD from London (Goldsmiths) and degrees from the Universities of Oxford and UEA.

Learn to Play Mahjong with A.C. Stodghill

Saturday, September 12, 2026 1-3p
This fun traditional tile-based game is all the rage, and A.C. and her assistant taught 6 lucky players how to get started.  

Learn to Make Focaccia with Justin Klassen

Saturday, August 22, 9a-12p
Justin Klassen taught an amazing class on how to bake this delicious, versatile Italian bread.

"Jesus and Lincoln--what makes for peace?" with Charles Boteler

Thursday, May 21, 6-8p
As Jesus descended the Mount of Olives to enter Jerusalem, he wept as he lamented that the people did not know what makes for peace. More than 1800 years later, Abraham Lincoln told his wife Mary he wanted them to visit Jerusalem. I have decided to take the Lincolns to the Holy Land to answer Jesus as to what makes for peace. I have imagined a conversation between Jesus and Lincoln that might be a model for peacemaking, not only in Israel/Palestine but all conflict regions.  

Watercolor Collage with Heather Duffy and Frances Beeler

   Saturday, April 25, 10a-12p
Art teachers Heather Duffy and Frances Beeler will lead this workshop for the creative soul. Come explore watercolor paints combined with mixed media collage elements. From recycled paper to cards, to dried flowers and leaves, we will explore ways to create layers in our artwork visually and with intention. Paints, paper, and inspiration will be provided. 

Going Wild, Becoming Grounded with Mary Johnson

Saturday, March 14, 9a-12p
Mary Johnson will teach you how to turn a piece of your property into a native-plant garden and habitat this Spring. This Skill Sharing class will give you the background information and tools you need to get started. Whether you own, rent, or live in a condo community, you’ll learn how to “ground yourself” in a tiny bit of nature, while helping the plants and animals who live near you.

What's up with all this Racket? with Robert Lee

 Thursday, February 12, 6-8p
How do pipe organs work? How is playing the organ different from playing the piano? Flutes, strings, and trumpets, oh my! What's a stop? How does an organist know which ones to use, and when? Why does a church's acoustic nature matter? Visual design: the good, the bad, and the hideous. How did organs work in the Era of No Electricity? Blowers and ciphers: What can go wrong will go wrong . . . at the worst time. Should a sane person consider becoming an organist? Why I do this:  How I fell into it (by accident) and why I love it more than cheese grits. Show-and-tell:  Handle Real Live Organ Pipes in Captivity!  

Plant-based Cooking for beginners with Martha Ash

Thursday, January 16, 7-9p
This skill-sharing class will begin with a buffet dinner of plant-based dishes. The PowerPoint presentation that follows will address how to: (1) cook with plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, and legumes; (2) use mushrooms and jackfruit to stand in for meat; (3) impart cheesy flavor and texture without cheese; and (4) use aquafaba and flax “eggs” in baked goods. The class will end with a Q&A session tailored to participants’ needs.

Country Ham and Bacon with Charles Frank and Benjamin Hart

 Thursday, December 11, 7-9p
 Are you interested in joining the venerable and time-honored tradition of curing your own meats? The December skill sharing class will be our annual bacon class, led by award-winning meat curers. 

Flower Arranging

Thursday, November 13, 7-9p
The talented Winslow Fairleigh is leading a class on flower arranging, Thursday, November 13, from 6:00-8:00 pm. In this class Winslow will guide us in creating an arrangement of our own using a vase from home.

Macaron Making

Saturday, October 4, 9a-12p
Our Parish Accountant, Joanne Coleman, will teach us how to make the sweet treat, French Macarons, Saturday, October 4, from 9a-12p at church. Twelve places are available in the church kitchen for the opportunity to have an in-person experience baking with Joanne.

St. Matthew's Constitution Project

Thursday, September 18, 7-9p
The Constitution and us. Drastic cuts to health and hunger aid. Frightening raids by masked men targeting immigrants. Horrifying detention centers and deportations. Shockingly, many government policy actions these days feel difficult to reconcile with our country’s rule of law, the Constitution. How can we respond within the rule of law and our baptismal covenant?
Presentation Resources

Managing Anxiety presented by Jamie Horsley

Thursday, August 28, 6-8pm
Anxiety, whether occasional or chronic, can be difficult to contend with. While it’s not possible to completely eliminate anxiety, there are strategies that have been shown to reliably reduce its frequency and intensity. In this workshop, we’ll work together to examine what current research says about the best methods for managing anxiety and devise ways that we can incorporate these findings-- most of which are wonderfully simple and intuitive-- into our daily lives so that we’re happier, more well-adjusted people.

Plant-based (Vegan) Cooking 101 with Martha Ash

Thursday, June 5, 6-8pm
This skill-sharing class will begin with a buffet dinner of plant-based dishes that Martha has prepared ahead of time. The PowerPoint presentation that follows will address how to: (1) cook with plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, and legumes; (2) use mushrooms and jackfruit to stand in for meat; (3) impart cheesy flavor and texture without cheese;  and (4) use flax “eggs” in baked goods. The class will end with a Q&A session tailored to participants’ needs. 

The Filson Historical Society: Past, Present, and Future, with Jim Holmberg

March 20, 6-8p
In this illustrated talk, Jim Holmberg, the Filson's curator emeritus, will discuss the Filson's history and its nationally renowned collections and his forty-two year career at the Filson.

Making French Macarons, with Joanne Coleman

February 1, 9am-12p
Our Parish Accountant, Joanne Coleman, will teach us how to make the sweet treat, French Macarons, Saturday, February 1, from 9a-12p at church. Twelve places are available in the church kitchen for the opportunity to have an in-person experience baking with Joanne.

Hand-tool Woodworking - Starting a New, Potentially Dangerous Hobby Late in Life! with Margaret Krantz

January 25th 9am-12p
We are thrilled to offer a unique class on hand-tool woodworking, led by Margaret Krantz, who herself started this rewarding (potentially dangerous) always fun, hobby later in life. Margaret will cover essential techniques, safety practices, and a creative project to ignite your passion for woodworking.

 

 

  
  

Bacon Curing Class with Benjamin Hart and Charles Frank

December 12, 2024
Are you interested in joining the venerable and time-honored tradition of curing your own meats? The December skill sharing class will be our annual bacon class, led by award-winning meat curers. Bacon will be ready to be cooked and eaten after about a week in the refrigerator.

Writing and Playing Music with Steve Cherry

October 26, 10-12
We are excited to announce a new Skill Sharing Class dedicated to writing and playing music, led by Steve Cherry. This class is open to all, regardless of your musical talent. Whether you're a seasoned player, just starting out, or a music enthusiast, this is a perfect opportunity to collaborate with fellow music enthusiasts and hear more about Steve's journey.

 

 

  
  

Preparing for the College Search and Application Process with Annie Murphy

October 17, 6-8
Embark on your college journey with confidence by joining our comprehensive course, 'Preparing for the College Search and Application Process.' This class is designed to guide high school students and their families through the timeline of the college search and application process. We’ll cover tools you can use to search for best-fit schools, an overview of college financial aid & scholarships, and insight into how colleges make application decisions. By the end of the course, you'll have tools, resources, and knowledge to help you better navigate the college application process.   

Planning a Disney Vacation with Sarah Dewberry

September 12th 6-8pm
"Thinking of planning a Disney vacation, but not sure where to begin? There is a lot to know when planning a Disney vacation, whether you're headed to Disneyland, Disney World, or setting sail on a Disney Cruise. Gain valuable insights and tips to help you feel confident in crafting your own magical vacation. Dive into the world of Disney vacations as we cover things like choosing the best time to visit, de-mystifying virtual queues and Genie+, maximizing your park experience, and how to make a Disney vacation more affordable. Join Sarah Dewberry, an authorized Disney Travel Professional, and get started making memories that will last a lifetime!"
  

Introduction to Quilting with Jane O'Roark and Bev Weis

April 27, 2024, 9am - 12
"Step into the world of quilting with the Introduction to Quilting Skill Sharing Class! From understanding essential quilting tools to mastering basic techniques, the focus is on crafting a basic quilting block during the class.  Get ready to explore fabric selection, piecing, and stitching as you create your unique block by machine. There will be a variety of cotton fabric squares from which to choose according to your taste. Sewing machines will be there for your use. Join us in the Makers Space for a hands-on experience that combines tradition with artistic expression in the art of quilting."

Identifying and Controlling Invasive Plants with Sara Ceresa

 Saturday, February 25, 9am-12pm
 In this class, participants delve into the recognition and management of invasive plant species impacting the local ecosystem. The class serves as a proactive step towards ecological conservation by empowering individuals with the knowledge to identify and address invasive plant threats.

Jewelry Making with Lauren Ceresa

Saturday, March 9, 9am-12pm
 In this jewelry making class, participants learn the fundamental techniques of crafting unique and personalized jewelry pieces. Lauren Ceresa will guide individuals through the process and participants explore various materials, while gaining hands-on experience in designing and assembling their creations. By the end of the class, participants leave with new handmade jewelry and the skills to continue expressing their creativity in this art form.

Introduction to Watercolor Workshop with Heather Duffy

 Saturday, January 27, 9-12 am
During the watercolor workshop participants explore various watercolor techniques and learn how to create vibrant and expressive paintings. Led by artist Heather Duffy, the workshop covers fundamental skills such as brushwork, color mixing, and composition. Participants experiment with different subjects, gaining confidence in their abilities to capture the beauty of scenes through this fluid and versatile medium. 

Country Ham and Bacon with Benjamin Hart and Charles Frank

Thursday, October 12th, 6:00-8:00 pm
Bacon will be ready to be cooked and eaten after about a week in the refrigerator. A country ham will need two to three months to cure in an environment where the temperature averages below 45 degrees (e.g. an unheated garage or shed in a KY winter). 

What we love about Africa presented by Speed and A.C. Stodghill 

Tuesday, November 14th, 6:00-8:00 pm
The Stodghills will share their love of Africa. They have made several trips to the country, including visiting the Ebenezer Children’s Center orphanage, outside of Rongo, Kenya that St. Matthew’s supports.

Managing Anxiety presented by Jamie Horsley

Thursday, October 12th, 6:00-8:00 pm
Anxiety, whether occasional or chronic, can be difficult to contend with. While it’s not possible to completely eliminate anxiety, there are strategies that have been shown to reliably reduce its frequency and intensity. In this workshop, we’ll work together to examine what current research says about the best methods for managing anxiety and devise ways that we can incorporate these findings-- most of which are wonderfully simple and intuitive-- into our daily lives so that we’re happier, more well-adjusted people.

Baking Focaccia with Justin Klassen

Saturday, September 30, 2023 9a - 12
Justin Klassen demonstrated how to bake this delicious bread. 

Journaling with Suzette Carty 

Saturday, August 5, 2023 9a - 12
Journaling allows us to reflect, pray, examine our lives, and explore our past and future selves in a documented way. With a myriad of options to express yourself, including free flowing text, art, video, and audio recordings, in this skill-sharing class we will discuss how various journaling options allow us to tap into our creative selves. With no right or wrong way to journal, we will also discuss what we can journal about--including gratitude, prayer, and nature--and how the focus of our journals helps us to live more mindfully and intentionally. We will engage in a poetry exercise to spark creativity.

Coping with Anxiety with Jamie Horsley

Thursday, March 9, 2023, 6p - 8
Anxiety, whether occasional or chronic, can be difficult to contend with. While it’s not possible to completely eliminate anxiety, there are strategies that have been shown to reliably reduce its frequency and intensity. In this workshop, we’ll work together to examine what current research says about the best methods for managing anxiety and devise ways that we can incorporate these findings-- most of which are wonderfully simple and intuitive-- into our daily lives so that we’re happier, more well-adjusted people.

My Taste of Louisville with Tom Capes

Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9a - 12
There are so many things that make foods unique to Louisville. During this class we will have samples of everything we make for people to take home. We will be canning a sauce and a jelly. And we will make a couple of cold preparations.

We will be canning some “Henry Bain Sauce” developed at a social club in downtown Louisville. We make it every year at Christmas for friends. We will also can some green pepper jelly. I never had it growing up in Michigan and it seemed to be at every cocktail party over cream cheese when I got to Louisville.

We will be making two cold preparations. The first is pimento cheese spread from scratch. There isn’t anything that you can’t put this on and make it very “Louisville”. When my wife and I were first married, we loved going to the Bristol Bar and Grill where we discovered “Harry’s Famous Bristol Dressing”. Still a favorite.  

Making Sukiyaki with Amy Tidwell

January 7, 9a - 12
Parishioner, Amy Tidwell will share her family’s tradition of making Sukiyaki. Sukiyaki is a one-pot Japanese dish of marbled beef, tofu, vegetables, and yam noodles simmered in a sweetened soy/sake/mirin sauce. It is cooked on the tabletop and served to guests with a portion of white rice. Unlike stir-fry, sukiyaki ingredients are not mixed together, but instead, retain their individual flavors while simmering alongside each other. In this class, you will learn how to prepare the ingredients and cook the dish on electric skillets. For vegetarians, we will provide a separate skillet and recipe with tofu only and no beef. Then we will all enjoy our Japanese feast!

Memory and Note Taking with John Krantz

Thursday, February 9, 2023, 6-8p
What do chunks and philosopher William James have to do with note taking and studying? As students, and we all are students, our goal is to learn new material. That means that memory is one of the most important mental functions to us as learners. Understanding how memory works, both in its similarities and to variations across people, can be an important guide to effective methods of both taking notes and studying. In this class, we will try some quick studies on memory and use them to develop ideas about note taking and studying.

Flower Arranging with Winslow Fairleigh

November 10, 6p - 8
We are fortunate to have parishioner Winslow Fairleigh leading a class on flower arranging, Thursday, November 10, from 6:00-8:00 pm. In this class Winslow will guide us in creating an arrangement of our own using a vase from home.

Country Ham and Bacon with Benjamin Hart and Charles Frank

December 8, 6p - 8
Are you interested in joining the venerable and time-honored tradition of curing your own meats? Join our annual country ham and bacon class, led by award-winning meat curers.  Students can choose to cure and flavor their own bacon, cure a country ham, or both! Bacon will be ready to be cooked and eaten after about a week in the refrigerator. A country ham will need two to three months to cure in an environment where the temperature averages below 45 degrees (e.g. an unheated garage or shed in a KY winter).
julien haler, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Baking Bread with Justin Klassen

August 27, 2022
Parishioner Justin Klassen is once again sharing his love of baking bread on Saturday, August 27, from 9-Noon at church. This year he will demonstrate how to bake a multigrain sandwich loaf.

Macarons with Joanne Coleman

October 8, 2022
Our Parish Accountant, Joanne Coleman will teach us how to make the sweet treat, French Macarons, Saturday, October 8, from nine-noon at church. Twelve places are available in the church kitchen for the opportunity to have an in-person experience baking with Joanne.

Cooking with Chef Anthony Lamas

May 12, 2022
If you like good food and like to eat, be sure to join Chef Anthony Lamas of Louisville's popular Seviche restaurant will prepare a three-course dinner in our church kitchen while telling us about his calling to become a chef!

To watch a video of the evening, click on the link to the right. 

Tour the Church Memorial Gardens with Sara Ceresa

April 30, 2022
Our Memorial Garden and surrounding space have become a beautiful part of our church campus. Join Sara as she teaches you about conservation, connectedness as you walk around the Memorial Garden and grounds. 

Taking Digital Photographs with Caroline Courtney

April 23, 2022
Is photography a passion of yours or have you always wanted to learn how to snap the perfect shot? If so, join Caroline for a class on the art of digital photography. 

How to Make Pickles with Tom Capes

March 12, 2022
We are happy to have Tom Capes with us to demonstrate how to make pickles. Join us for this fun, Pickling 101 Skill Share class. 

Writing! With Robin Garr

January 13, 2022
Do you want to write, but you're not sure how to get started? You'd like to journal, or write a family history for your kids, or maybe write a poem or a news release for your club; but you're not confident in your writing skills? Writing is easier than you think! Want to learn more? Join Robin Garr's Skill Sharing class, Writing: It's easier than you think.

Country Ham Curing Class with Benjamin Hart and Charles Frank

December 9, 2021
Are you interested in joining the venerable and time-honored tradition of curing your own meats? Join our annual country ham and bacon class, led by award-winning meat curers.  Students can choose to cure and flavor their own bacon, cure a country ham, or both! 

Flower Arranging with Winslow Fairleigh and Heather Duffy

November 21, 2022
If you have always wanted to learn more about the art of flower arranging, join Winslow Fairleigh and Heather Duffy for this floral design class. The focus will be on winter and fall florals.

National Novel Writing Month with Sophie Kirby and Lucy Bogel

September 26, 2021
If you are a budding author and want to learn more about NaNoWriMo - National Novel Writing Month - join Sophie and Lucy as they share their experience with the program and teach you how to write a novel in a month!
Presentation Slideshow

Focaccia Making with Justin Klassen 

August 28, 2021
There is nothing more comforting than the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven! Join Justin Klassen as he teaches you the secrets of great focaccia making, and leave with a delicious, freshly-baked treat.

Garden Landscaping with Sara Ceresa

April 24, 2021
Learn about beautiful garden landscaping via Zoom with Sara Ceresa. 

Making Sushi with Amy Tidwell 

February 23, 2021
Making sushi is an art form, and Amy Tidwell will teach you all the tips and tricks of this beautiful culinary skill. 

Wreath Making with Winslow Fairleigh

November 17, 2020 
What better way to welcome someone to your home than with a lovely door wreath. If you are looking for the perfect wreath, come make a beautiful creation with the immensely talented Winslow Fairleigh.

Bread Baking with Justin Klassen 

August 31, 2019
Come join Justin Klassen as he teaches us the art of baking great bread!