Children | Grades preK-5
Meets Sundays during the 10AM service
For our Summer Kid's Church, children (3yrs - 5th grade) are invited to participate in a time of learning and fellowship centered around a big church topic (like baptism). Following the Children's Message, those wishing to participate will leave together with Kid's Church Teachers and Shepherds and head to the Conference Center for songs, stories, conversation, games, and activities. We'll come back and find our adults during the Sharing of the Peace. All are welcome!
Nursery
Sundays during the 10AM service
Our church offers nursery care for ages 0-3 during the 10 AM service to support families with young children. A trained, paid caregiver provides a safe, loving environment for babies and toddlers. This allows parents to fully participate in worship, knowing their little ones are well cared for.
Vacation Bible School
Our church hosts VBS each summer as a fun and faith-filled experience for kids in preschool through 5th grade. Through Bible stories, music, crafts, and games, children learn about God's love in an exciting, hands-on way. It's a week full of energy, laughter, and spiritual growth. All children in the community are invited to this unforgettable adventure! Youth in 6th through 12th grade, young adults, and adults of all talents and abilities are also invited to volunteer during this impactful week.
Children and Family Events All Year
There’s always something going on for kids and families at St. Matthew’s!
Whether it’s during the school year or summer, we’ve got fun events, special programs, and plenty of chances to laugh, learn, and grow together in faith.
Family Game Nights
A chance to gather on a Friday evening for food, fun, and games. Food is provided, and families are welcome to bring a favorite game from home to play and share.
Sundays in the Park
Each summer, families enjoy spending time together at a different park every month. There’s always yummy picnic food, time to relax, good conversation, and a playground for the kids to enjoy.
Back-to-School Blessing
As students, teachers, and their families prepare for the beginning of the school year in late August, they are invited to a special blessing of their hearts and minds during the 10 AM service.
Graduation Sunday
Each year, St. Matthew’s celebrates students and families marking important educational milestones. We bless and recognize graduates from Pre-K, kindergarten, 5th grade, 8th grade, high school, college, graduate programs, and beyond.
This celebration is usually part of the 10 AM worship service, with a reception afterward for the whole congregation.
It’s our new Bible for Kids' Church!
A groundbreaking, justice-oriented storybook Bible for children and families—this inspiring new resource will guide our time together in Kids' Church.
The Just Love Story Bible isn't a book of answers but an invitation to ask important questions. People have always wondered about the great mysteries and, most importantly, the great questions of life. What are the best, most loving, and fairest ways to live with each other? Can we believe in something huge and mysterious and invisible like God and still have questions, doubts, and disagreements? What does it look like to be a follower of Jesus?
Through retellings of thoughtfully selected Bible stories, The Just Love Story Bible presents a way to hear how others have also had questions about God, and the answers they discovered; to have your own ideas and ponder your own experiences; and to keep on wondering.
Fifty-two Bible stories: Twenty-six from the Old Testament and twenty-six from the New Testament. Cultural, religious, and historical context to help kids learn about the experiences of people in ancient times.
If you want to pick one up for your family, you can
Daily App for Busy Families
Busy parents and other primary caregivers may feel overwhelmed by the idea of developing a daily prayer practice. Unbridled Prayers can help!
This easy-to-install app posts a prayer a day that parents can view.
Prayers offer support, understanding, and a touch of humor. Parents can choose from prayers for early childhood, elementary, and preteen to match their kids’ ages.
Click on the image below to go to unbridledprayers.app and follow the instructions to download this app to your mobile device.
You can also follow on Facebook
Books
Our youth minister recommends these books as helpful and faith-building reads for children. Explore them together as a family!
Looking to support children's ministries?
Lead Kid's Church
Each Sunday during the 10AM Service
Do you love singing, teaching, and helping kids grow in their faith? Kid’s Church is a great way to share your gifts and build your skills. If you’re in 6th–12th grade, a young adult, or an adult, you’re invited to help lead. Click the button below to contact Mark, our interim Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, to get started!
Volunteer for VBS
There are lots of ways to help lead kids in preschool through 5th grade during the fun, faith-filled week of VBS. Youth in 6th–12th grade play a big role in making VBS special, and we also welcome young adults and adults with all kinds of skills and interests. Want to help? Sign up as a volunteer below!
Donate to VBS
Collection is Ongoing!
Interested in supporting VBS with important supplies such as snacks, and service project items? Review the sheet linked below and contact Mark, the interim director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, to coordinate the drop off of your donation.
