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.
Faith Formation 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 – First Grade) fosters wonder and imaginative play through storytelling that follows the liturgical calendar.
- Whirl Curriculum (Second Grade – Sixth 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).
FAMILY FAITH FORMATION | Events and Opportunities
- Sunday School- Resumes on Sunday, January 14 at 9:15 am
- Annual Meeting– Movie for kids during Sunday School time on Sunday, January 28 at 9 am
- Family Bowling– January 28 from 1-2:30 pm
- Intergenerational Pancakes and Lent Bags– Sunday, February 11 at 11:45 am
- Faith Formation Lego Animation Class– Sundays on February 18, February 25, and Marc 3 from 11:45am-12:30 pm (for kids 5-12)
- Feed My Starving Children– Saturday, February 24 from 4:15pm-6:30 pm (for youth and families)
- Easter Eggs, and Crafts– Saturday, March 23 from 10:30am-12:00pm
- Easter Morning Butterfly Procession– Kids will process with their Butterflies Easter Morning, March 31
- Intergenerational Bingo– On Sunday, May 5 we will have some Bingo in the Parish Hall at 11:45 am
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.
