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.
Stewardship and mission education are
emphasized in our Sunday School through service projects and special
programs. Any child age three through fifth grade is eligible for enrollment.
Classes run from Rally Day at the beginning of September through the
Sunday before Memorial Day weekend in May. Sunday School begins promptly
at 9:15 a.m. and ends at 10:15. The Sunday School morning begins with
the children meeting for their opening worship. This provides special
opportunities for worship at a child's level and for learning Christian
music.
St. Matthew offers a 5-day Vacation
bible School during one week of the summer. Each year our Vacation bible
School theme emphasizes God's great love for us as His children and
His marvelous plan of salvation which He has provided to us in Jesus
Christ. A week of Vacation bible School includes opportunities for crafts,
recreation, Bible stories, music, outdoor adventures, and group interaction.
A "Family Celebration" is held on Thursday evening of VBS
week. Each child's family and friends are invited to join in this event
and to take a brief look at some of the activities of the week. Vacation
bible School is not only open to the children of the congregation, but
also to any children of the community, age three through sixth grade.
Nursery service is available for young children during worship services:
--at 8:00 & 10:30 am worship (Sundays, September-May)
--at 8:00 & 9:30 am worship (Sundays, June-August)
Nursery service is also available during several Christian education
programs:
--at 9:15 am on Sundays (for children under age 3)
The nursery is intended primarily for
infants and toddlers through age 3. Preschoolers (ages 4 & 5) are
welcome, too, if space is available. The nursery is staffed by volunteers
including parents, adults and youth of St. Matthew. Parents who use
the nursery are encouraged to take a turn as nursery attendants.
Junior Confirmation Classes
The Junior Confirmation course is a
two-year program of instruction primarily for 7th and 8th graders. Classes
are conducted throughout the year, including Wednesday afternoon, Saturday
morning, and summer classes. The material is divided into six units
and supplemented by projects and sermon studies. Upon completion of
the two-year study, students may elect to become communing members of
St. Matthew Lutheran Church. The course consists of a systematic study
of Christian doctrine. The teachings of the Holy Scripture are studied,
organized by such basic topics as:
Sin and Grace ... The Bible ... The Ten Commandments ... The Apostles
Creed ... Holy Baptism ... The Lord's Supper ... Prayer ...Holy Baptism
... The Office of the Keys ... Living the Christian Life ...The Second
Coming of Jesus Christ ... Eternal Life
In addition to the regular class sessions,
Junior High fellowship activities are scheduled to provide students
with the opportunity for sociability. The Junior Confirmation program
is staffed by the Pastors and the Coordinator of Children's Ministries.
The following catalogue of website links
is provided as a helpful service to you. The content and views expressed
in them are entirely their own. St. Matthew Lutheran church does not
endorse any of these sites. However, they are included in this lest
because they offer helpful and significant Christian information.
Please contact us if you find any broken links in the catalogue.
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod--
This site connects you with four sources of Family help: Family Ministry,
the synodical department which supports district and congregational
leaders in building family ministries; Concordia Publishing House,
a source of diverse resources for the Christian family; Family Connection,
a resources center for families and an 800 careline; Family in Crisis,
connects individuals with agencies which provide specific and immediate
assistance.
LCMS Congregational Services-Child Ministry--
Provides a good list of resources for family needs and children's
ministries.
The Puzzle Club: Practical Parenting--
This site is sponsored by Lutheran Hour Ministries and provides a
series of parental advice columns for families. The author Dandi Daley
Mackall also writes the Puzzle Club Mysteries.
Wired with the Word: Topical Messages--
This site is also sponsored by Lutheran Hour Ministries and contains
a collection of topical articles on family relationships, life issues,
and spiritual matters. You can also submit questions or topics that
you would like to see addressed.
http://www.lhm.org/topical.htm
BabyCenter--
While this site contains loads of advertizing and "featured
areas from our sponsors," it also provides an excellent collection
of articles and features.
Family and Parenting Resource Guide--
Again this is a site with loads of advertizing, but it also contains
good articles on parenting, family life, health, and product safety.
Search Institute--
This site is sponsored by Search Institute. The institute conducts
research into various areas of family relationships and youth development.
National Institute on Media and the Family--
The site features Dr. David Walsh and touches on all areas of media
and the family. While the site heavily promotes the institute and
its products, it also provides some helpful information.
