Children & Youth Ministry
Children and teens experience God and express their spirituality in unique, vital ways that help all of us understand our faith better.
St. Matthew’s is an intergenerational community where infants, children, teens, adults, and elders all share in seeking God together. Here you can find more information about faith formation and social activities for children, teens, and families.
Children's Faith Formation 2026 Programming
CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION | Sundays 9:15 – 10:15 am
October 4, 2026- May 23, 2027
For our littlest ones at Saint Matthew’s we offer a faith-based class similar to ECFE that offers play time, family circle time, a Bible story and independent play time while adults have a facilitated chat. This is offered once a month on the second Sunday of the month.
All children 3 and older begin in the Parish Hall with an activity before moving into their separate classrooms for age-appropriate Bible stories, discussion questions, and imaginative reflection/remix. Register your child for Sunday school here.
- Godly Play (age 3 and potty trained – Kindergarten) fosters wonder and imaginative play through storytelling that follows the liturgical calendar.
- Whirl Lectionary Curriculum (First Grade – Fifth Grade) engages the full arc of God’s story through imaginative reading, art journaling, activities, and conversation.
- Singing and Church Involvement. Children in Sunday school have the opportunity to participate in some singing, processing, and leadership opportunities, especially on Children’s Sundays (the Second Sunday of the month- when we have a special service geared for children).
CHILDREN AND FAMILY FUN | Events and Opportunities
Fall 2026 Tentative Dates
Family Gathering: Sunday, September 6, 2026 12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Puzzle, Games, and Fun for Families: Sunday, September 20, 2026, After church
Diocean Pre-Youth Event: (TBD–Likely October 2026)
Halloween Movie (The Princess Bride): Sunday, October 11, 2026, 12:00 pm- 1:30 pm
Halloween Party for Families: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 12:00 pm- 1:30 pm
Feed My Starving Children (Chanhassen): Saturday, November 7, 2026, 2:15-4:00 pm
Advent Wreath Making: Sunday, November 29, 2026, 9:15 am- 10:15 am
Family Breakfast and Christmas Event: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 10:30 am-11:30 am (Men’s Group cooking breakfast)
Gingerbread Houses: Sunday, December 20, 2026, 11:45-12:30
Living Creche: Thursday, December 24, 2026, 4:00 pm
YOUTH FAITH FORMATION AND YOUTH GROUP
YOUTH FAITH FORMATION | Sundays 11:45 am-1:00 pm
Last year, we did a confirmation class for youth, which we plan to offer every other year. This year, we plan to have several events for 5th graders- 9th graders. The first couple of events are planned– the rest are ideas while I am waiting for feedback from the youth themselves. The tentative dates include:
October 11: The Princess Bride
November 7: Feed My Starving Children
January 18: Bowling
January 31: Burning the Palms
February: TBD
March 27: Helping with Easter Vigil
April 11: Family Service Fair
April (TBD): Pre Youth Event
May: (TBD) ECMN Confirmation
June 6: Youth Fun Event
Why formation?
Following the pandemic, life is isolating and hard. So much has been uprooted—social ties have changed dramatically—and interaction has become careful and restrictive.
Godly Play
Youth Faith Formation
Middle and high school students are invited to our lineup of fall service projects, and faith activities. There are activities for all ages and a chance to connect once again through faith and fun.
For the Littlest
We plan to have nursery care on Sunday mornings for our littlest members.
Whirl Curriculum
Elementary Age Faith Formation at St. Matthew's adapts and uses the Whirl Curriculum for learning the story arc of the Bible through reading, discussion, service projects and imagination!
This is why faith formation for children and youth is more essential than ever. Teaching our children to be in relationship with each other and create sacred spaces in their lives provides necessary coping tools and life skills.
Prayer practices help teens create ritual in chaos and speak honestly with the God who loves and looks out for them. Scripture stories help children to see themselves in the lives of our ancestors and recognize the patterns of God’s presence with God’s people.
At St. Matthew’s, we strive to give infants, children, teens and young adults the tools they need to have a rich, inquisitive, and resilient spiritual life in a complicated world.
Contact
Our team is made up of countless dedicated volunteers, parents, and lay leaders. We also have a clergy leader on staff whose primary job it is to focus on Children and Youth Ministry. You can learn about how your child, children, grandchildren or family friends can get involved by contacting MiaLisa Millares at kids@stmatthewsmn.org.
