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Christian Education
Saint Matthews Loves Kids
Christian education for children occurs throughout the year at St. Matthew's. During the school year, class runs from 9:15 a.m. -10:15 a.m.St. Matthew's has set a priority to provide quality Christian formation and community to its children. We especially want children to feel safe, cared for, and respected as they explore and develop their love of Christ and the church.
We are using the Godly Play Curriculum for our preschool age children. This is a Montessori based program using stories from the Bible. For Children in kindergarten through middle school we are using the Season of the Spirit Curriculum. This is a lectionary based curriculum using all the senses. We also provide a program for our high school youth.
This year, we are adding an emphasis on service to others to help children reach out and learn from those who are different from them. Teachers are aware of the special needs of kids and will undergo regular opportunities for training. We are blessed to have such dedicated adults to mentor our children. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of heaven belongs." (Mt 19:14). Let us accompany our children in love and faith to build the Kingdom of God!
Adults Grow in Knowledge and Love of Christ
St. Matthew's provides many opportunities for adults to learn and grow in their faith. A regular schedule of adult education is offered during 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. each Sunday morning.The Christian Education Committee has set goals for development of a program that will provide all parish members with a solid grounding of Scripture and basic elements of faith in a loving and creative atmosphere. Hopefully, the investment we make on Sundays will stimulate our community to further exploration of their faith throughout the week. Come join us!!
Christian education is important to our spiritual growth for all ages. St. Matthew's offers a year-long program each Sunday morning plus various other classes and special events.
Sunday School class teachers and event chairpersons serve as volunteers. To become involved with Christian education, contact our office at 435-2226 or via
e-mail.
Christmas Pageant
Presented by St. Matthew's Sunday School children, held each December at the church (in December, see "Special Events" page for more information).Inquirers and Confirmation Classes
If you are interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church -- worship, history, beliefs -- you are encouraged to attend one of two Adult Inquirers' Classes taught by the Rector in the spring and fall. These classes are provided with the intent of sharing our faith experience with you and with a hope that you might come to seek God in your own faith journey. You are encouraged to worship with us during this time of study and reflection. The youth of the parish go through a confirmation process within the Christian Education Program. Following this adult series, the opportunity for Confirmation or Reception by the Bishop is made available.Please contact Fr. Craig Gavin for more information at 435-2226, or e-mail Fr. Gavin at cgavin@windstream.net
Education for Ministry (EFM)
EFM is a coordinated program for lay persons who want to learn more about their religion working in a group of their peers. The material that is utilized has been prepared by the School of Divinity at the University of the South. It is a four-year series that embraces study of the Old Testament, New Testament, development of the Church from its incipiency through the nineteenth century, and the twentieth century Church and contemporary issues. A common format is followed throughout the series and each year five common lessons augment the 33 lessons in each year of course work. Weekly sessions are held from September through May. Contact our office at 435-2226, for more information.Christian Education Committee
St. Matthew's has a Christian Education Committee, comprised of interested members of the parish, who meet to discuss Christian education planning for the church and to serve as advisors to the Christian education director.If you have questions or comments or are interested in serving on this committee, contact our Christian Education Committee Chairperson Mike Weseman. She can be contacted at the church office at 435-2226.
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