A version of this article by Assistant Priest Maggie Nancarrow first appeared in the August 20, 2020 issue of Tidings.
Being a kid in 2020 is confusing.
So much has been uprooted—social ties have changed dramatically—and play has become careful and restrictive. Kids and parents now know the troubles of coexisting all day in the same house, and what it’s like to not be able to go outside. With school systems in a state of flux, uncertainty is the norm for young people, whose brains and developmental stages crave structure and order.
This is why I believe that faith formation for children and youth is more essential than ever.
- Teaching our children to create sacred spaces in their lives provides much necessary tools for coping with all of this anxiety and uncertainty.
- Prayer practices help children create ritual in chaos, recognize what’s going on in their minds and bodies, 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.
- Service projects help children to develop a spirit of generosity in a time when disparities in resources are so incredibly pronounced.
Faith formation is more essential than ever, but we are all aware that St. Matthew’s traditional Sunday School program cannot operate in the 2020 – 2021 year.
That’s why I am so excited about what we will be doing.
In Fall of 2020, our formation program is making a pivot towards at-home formation through delivery kits, online classes, and outdoor social gatherings.
Through these activities, children will be given the tools to follow Jesus through hope, resilience, compassion, generosity, and above all, a sense of God’s love and delight in them and their world. Any child or youth with a tie to St. Matthew’s is invited and welcome to participate: grandkids, nieces and nephews, neighbors. Any family with children in your circle who needs spiritual tools at this time is most welcome to participate. Any new family in our neighborhood is welcome to join in for our delivery kit program in the 2020 year, even if they have never participated in Godly Play, Love First, Nursery, or Youth Group.
Find all the details on stmatthewsmn.org/cymin Can’t find the information you need, or do you have questions? Emailing Maggie is the easiest way to get a quick answer.
