Christian Education
Children, Youth and Family Activities
Families and children are welcomed and encouraged to participate in Intergenerational Family Services and Sunday School. These services and activities are meant to develop a sense of community belonging through Faith, Fun and Friends. Participants will learn the Christian values of love, kindness, forgiveness and grace. All are welcome.
Intergenerational Family Service
Once a month, St. Matthew’s holds an Intergenerational Family Service at our 10:30am Sunday Eucharist Service. Children and youth play active roles during the service including: leading readings and prayers, bringing forward offerings, and participating in a homily that is geared towards children.
Sunday School
On Sundays, during the 10:30am service, children gather in the chapel for a welcoming reading and prayer, followed by further teachings based on the Sparks lectionary. Often, this time includes a craft or an activity and a snack. We have two Sunday School age groups, 3-6 and 7-12. Please note, Sunday School is not held on the Sunday of an Intergenerational Family Service nor is it held in the months of July or August.
Fun Activities
St. Matthew’s holds activities during the year that help build connections between the children, youth, their parents and the rest of the congregation. These activities include:
- Christmas pageant
- Spaghetti dinners
- Games nights
- Outings - Athletico soccer matches
- Snow sculpture design and building
- Volunteer opportunities
The Children and Youth Coordinator oversees the activities while parents and other parishioners volunteer to deliver the program.
Adults
Adult members of our parish are challenged in the sermons on Sunday morning, during Wednesday Bible Studies, challenging Lenten Study programs, and through dynamic speaker series. Christian formation is a lifelong process. At St. Matthew’s we try to offer programming for every age and stage of life.
Bible Study
Wednesdays, noon to 1pm, Zoom
St. Matthew’s hosts a weekly Bible Study led by the Rev. Geoff Chapman and Canon Kevin Flynn. These conversations are challenging and engaging, as Geoff and Kevin invite participants to explore the scriptures with both open hearts and minds. They explore the complex history of the texts, both ancient and modern meaning, and the implications for our lives today.
Zoom link:
click here
Meeting ID: 927 449 4655
Password: 8qTqYJ
Conversations
Beginning September 21 at 9am. It will run for 4 weeks.
The theme of this new series, suggested by a book by the late Michael Mayne is “The Enduring Melody”. We will reflect on the enduring melody of our lives, what we hold onto, what sees us through, the complexities, adventures, ups and downs, the exciting experiences that are a part of the wonderful mystery of our lives.
Conversations is a 50-minute discussion group based on Bible readings and topics related to faith. Using biblical texts, poems, the free exchange of ideas and perceptions, we seek to reflect on our journey as followers of Jesus in our contemporary world. All are welcome, and no registration is required.
If you would like to receive the background material please contact the office at admin@stmatthewsottawa.ca or call 613-234-4024.