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 Fall Programming 2024
CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION | Sundays 9:15 – 10:15 am
All children 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
December 22: Decorating the Tree and Gingerbread Houses, 11:45
December 24: Living Creche, 4pm
January 12: Sunday School Resumes
January 19: Intergenerational Family Service Fair 11:45 am
March 2: Shrove Sunday Pancakes, 11:45 am
March 22:Lent and Easter Crafts 10:30 am
April 19: Tentative Children Program, 4 pm
April 20: Easter Morning Butterfly Procession
May 4: Intergenerational Bingo, 11:45 am
YOUTH FAITH FORMATION AND YOUTH GROUP
YOUTH FAITH FORMATION | Sundays 11:45 am-1:00 pm
These are classes for 6th through 9th graders that will lead to confirmation. However, if you do not wish to be confirmed, you can still participate in the class and learn for the sake of learning and engaging! Either is fine and your choice either way will be respected! There will be six sessions. Most of the sessions are on the first Sunday of the month- January is the exception.
- October 6: Session One: God
- November 3: Session Two: Jesus
- December 1: Session Three: Holy Spirit
- January 12: Session Four: The Sacraments
- February 2: Session Five: The Bible
- March 2: Session Six: Living As Christians/ Prayer
- April- TBD * This will be offsite at the Cathedral where youth will get a tour. We will also discuss the church.
- May – TBD: Youth Recognition Dinner
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.
