Christian Education

St Matthews Loves Kids

Sunday School classes for ages 3 through 18 are held during the school year from 9:45 to 10:25 a.m. The curriculum for grades K-8 is Workshop Cycles, a rotational style curriculum that uses various mediums for learning different topics. Last year (2010-2011) cooking, playing outdoors, taking part in scavenger hunts, making illustrations and jewelry, listening to stories, and doing yoga were some of the ways that kids learned about the Bible, our Episcopal Church, and Moses, to name just a few cycles.

Topics for 2011-2012 include: The 12 disciples, the Bible, the miracles of Jesus, Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and the life of Jesus. Each class has a shepherd to assist parishioners who volunteer to teach the three-to-four week cycles.

Pre-school and high school students stay in their same classrooms and follow more traditional formats.

Children's and Youth Chapels during the First Half of the 10:30 Service on Sundays
At the end of Sunday School, 10:25 a.m., shepherds will take their classes of 3-to-9-year olds for a bathroom break and then directly to Children's Chapel, held in the bottom floor of the Christian Education wing. Conducted during the first half of the 10:30 service, this is an age-appropriate service of prayer, Bible stories and doing an activity page that mirrors the lessons of the Rite II service in progress in the Sanctuary.

Members of the classes for fifth to 9th graders will congregate in Allington Hall (below the Parish Hall) before participating in the Youth Chapel, held in the Parish Chapel (just outside the North Door of the Sanctuary). This is an age-appropriate service led by the young people.

Both chapels end in time for everyone to enter the Sanctuary at the Offertory and to participate in Holy Communion. Anyone who wishes to attend the entire Service of Eucharist that begins at 10:30 may skip the chapel.

If you have questions, please contact Christian Education Director Heather Hesse at heatherhesse@aol.com.

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 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:25 a.m. each Sunday morning (in the Stilwell Library) and on Wednesday nights, 6 to 7:30 PM, in conjunction with a parish dinner (held in the Parish Hall).

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!!

Sunday School class teachers and event chairpersons serve as volunteers. To become involved with Christian education, contact Heather Hesse, Christian Education Director at (402) 435-2226

Christmas Pageant

Presented by St. Matthew's Sunday School children and held each December at the church

Vacation Bible School

This program takes place over three days in June (from 5 to 8 PM Thursday and Friday evenings and 9 to noon on Saturday).

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 the classes of preparation, adults and youth have the opportunity for Confirmation or Reception by the Bishop.
Please contact Fr. Craig Gavin for more information at (402)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 by 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 (1) study of the Old Testament, (2) New Testament, (3) development of the Church from its incipiency through the 19th Century, and (4) the last year being devoted to the 20th Century and the beginning of the 21st. A common format is followed throughout the series, including readings from scripture and published commentaries by scholars. Weekly sessions are held Monday evenings from September through May. Contact the EfM Mentor, Don Rabbe (402-580-4295) or the Office (402-435-2225) 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 the church office at (402) 435-2226.