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.
Introduction to our Faith and Life Together
Sundays, 9am to 11am, Chapel
Rev. Geoff is offering an Inquirers’ Course aimed at orienting new members of our parish to the faith and life of our community. Each session will take place on Sunday mornings, beginning with the Second Sunday of Easter on Sunday, April 7, from 9:00am to 10:00am in the chapel. Rev. Geoff will be leading each of these sessions. There is a reading package accompanying this course found
here. If you are new to this parish, new to the faith, or a long-time member wishing for a deeper understanding of our faith tradition, this course is an excellent opportunity to explore the deep roots of our faith with your fellow parishioners. You can join in at any time.
- April 7 - Session 1: Introduction and Overview
- April 14 - Session 2: The Bible and Its Importance
- April 21 - Session 3: The History of the Faith
- April 28 - Session 4: Sacraments and Symbols
- May 5 - Session 5: Prayer and Worship
- May 12 - Session 6: The Church’s Mission and Service
- May 19 - Session 7: Christian Ethics and Living
- May 26 -
Session 8: Conclusion and Review
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
ON HOLD - stay tuned for new dates and times
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 and Zoom invitation please contact the office at
admin@stmatthewsottawa.ca or call 613-234-4024.