Family & Children’s Ministry

10-10:50 AM – Sundays during the school year

Children, 4 years through 6th grade, meet most Sunday mornings to learn about God, make friends, and have fun. We strive to provide a positive atmosphere where learning about God is fun and exciting! Sunday School follows the school schedule, with a summer break. Registration is required each fall and newcomers can join anytime throughout the year.

Classrooms:

Pre-K & Kindergarten (Room C-1)

1st-3rd Grade (Room B-4)

4th-6th Grade (Room C-4)

Children's Chapel is held year-round at both the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM services. The lesson is geared toward ages PreK through 2nd grade, but all children and parents are welcome.

Children begin the service with their families. After the Gospel reading, they are escorted to the SMEC Chapel for an age-appropriate lesson and prayer. Children rejoin their families at the Peace. ​

On Sunday mornings, our loving nursery staff can be found reading books and engaging in active play with children up to 4 years of age. We provide an environment that is safe and clean, and full of love and laughter, ​so every child can experience God's love.

​​Our nursery is located in room ​C-2. Online registration is required and can be completed at drop-off.

For families that prefer, our 9:00 and 11:00 AM services can be heard in room C-1. Parents must supervise their children in this room.

We’re proud to a Lending Library for Children in our Room C-1 classroom. We have a great collection of books about God, Jesus, the Bible, the Saints, positive values and God’s creation. We also have many other popular titles. Children can select up to three books and check them out for up to one month. The Lending Library is available during regular office hours (stop by the office and someone will let you in) and Sunday mornings. Donations are gladly accepted.

July 8 - 12, 2024

Each summer, Saint Matthew's hosts a fun and engaging week- long Vacation Bible School. Children, ages PreK through entering 6th grade, will find fun and friendship while learning about God's love through games, crafts, skits, songs and snacks. Children will also enjoy a day of play outside with a giant inflatable water slide. Online registration is required.

Communion classes are offered to children and parents who wish to have a deeper understanding of the Eucharist. These classes are optional, and are open to children whether or not they have taken communion in the past. The curriculum is geared to children ages 7-10, but is open to all elementary aged children (1st grade and up).

The Episcopal Church does not have a ceremony for a first communion, as children are able to receive communion once baptized. Should you wish to celebrate your child’s first communion, you are welcome to take photos after the service.

Classes meet on four Sundays in the fall. Online registration is required and class size is limited.

Youth Ringers is an exciting musical ensemble held during the spring for children and youth grades 3rd through 8th! Ringers have the opportunity to experience this fun, team-oriented musical tradition, play at Saint Matthew's church services and learn note and rhythm-reading. They practice twice a month, at 11:00 AM, in our parish hall.

Our music director, Mrs. Rachel, leads our youth choir in the fall, teaching vocal technique and inspiring children grades 1st-8th through song. Age- appropriate songs of praise are practiced together along with music reading. Singers will share their music with the congregation during the 9:00 and 11:00 services on selected Sundays in the fall.

Every advent, our children perform a special Nativity story at our 9:00 and 11:00 AM services. Our children give their all during this retelling of Christ’s birth. The script was written by Harlie Youngblood, and is from The Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew and according to Luke. It has been lovingly depicted for over 20 years. Online registration is required.

Save the date for this year’s pageant: December 15, 2024