Sunday School 
The purpose of St. Matthew's Sunday School is to
assist parents in the nurture of their child's faith and love of Jesus
Christ through the study of His Word. In this way the Sunday School
complements what parents are already doing in the Christian home.
Parents are encouraged and equipped to continue the Sunday School
lessons at home through various printed materials and resources from
our Church Library.
The Sunday School hour includes the week's Bible
lesson (Old Testament lessons in the fall and New Testament lessons
in winter and spring) , related Bible story activities, and worship
songs in most grade levels. Good stewardship and mission education
are encouraged by supporting two or three mission projects with Sunday
School offerings each year.
Children age three through fifth grade are welcome
and encouraged to enroll. Our Rally Day balloon loft near the end
of August begins the Sunday School year. Regular classes run from
September through the Sunday before Memorial Day in May. Class time
is 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Vacation Bible School
Each year St. Matthew offers a Vacation Bible School
program from 9:00 a.m. to noon for one week near the end of June.
The morning begins with songs and skits, then classes rotate through
activity sites for crafts, Bible lessons, music, outdoor games and
more. Fun "themes" like the Old West, medieval castles,
or a safari provide a basis for decorations, crafts, and games, but
the main theme of VBS is always God's great love for us, His children,
and His marvelous plan of salvation provided to us in Jesus Christ.
The week of Vacation Bible School ends with a "Family
Celebration, " held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday of VBS week. All
the program participants are involved in this musical production to
which family and friends are invited. Parents and children may also
stay for a picnic following the family celebration.
Vacation Bible School is open to the children of
St. Matthew congregation and children of the surrounding communities,
age three through sixth grade. Registration forms are available at
the church in May and June, or by calling the church office (847)
382-7002. No fees are charged for this program.
Church Nursery
The nursery provides care for infants and toddlers
through age three while parents attend worship and/or Bible classes.
Silent pagers are given to parents in case they need to be called
to the nursery.
The nursery is staffed by a nursery supervisor and
a volunteer assistant from the congregation. Parents who use the nursery
are encouraged to volunteer as occasional nursery assistants.
Links
Puzzle Club–Lutheran Hour Ministries presents
great stories, puzzles, and games–just for kids!
http://www.puzzleclub.org
Mission Friends–These are children’s mission resources
which include stories, recipes, games, and more from many countries.
http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?navID=2530
Children’s Mission Stories–This is a collection of thirteen
mission stories designed to help adults guide children into an understanding
and involvement in God’s mission/
http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?navID=2321
Big Idea--This is the VeggieTales site. While they hope to sell you
some of their products, they also have available some great activities
for children.
http://www.bigidea.com/
Kid Explorers--This site is sponsored by Eden Communications and contains
games, mazes, stories, and other activities for children.
http://www.christiananswers.net/kids/home.html
