Youth & Family Ministries
CHILDREN
The following age-appropriate faith formation opportunities for children are offered on Sunday mornings:
Nursery for infants up to age 4 during both Sunday morning services.
In Sunday school, a combination of Montessori-based Godly Play lessons and Sparkhouse activities are offered for children preschool through 5th grade at the 10:00 a.m. service. Children will join the congregation for communion.
o The first Sunday of the month is Children’s Chapel where children participate in a shortened version of a Eucharist service. In Children’s Chapel, kids gain an understanding of liturgical actions and the order of events in a typical Eucharist service: the calls and responses, a reading from the lectionary, the prayers of the people, the confession of sin, the peace, the Our Father, and the dismissal.
o The second Sunday of the month is library day. Kids will take part in our Sunday lesson and will be invited for story time in the library. The library committee has purchased some beautiful books that parents are welcome to check out.
o The third Sunday of the month is Ice Cream Sunday. Kids will join the congregation in the Sunday service. Kids are invited to read the readings of the day, usher, and welcome people to church. The sermon will be a kid-friendly sermon. After the service, kids will be dismissed for ice cream.
o The fourth Sunday of the month kids will be invited to think about service: how they can serve their church, their families, their schools, and their communities.
Middle School/High School students meet Sunday after the 10:00 am service over a shared meal, games, and lessons connecting faith and everyday life.
Additional educational programs, including intergenerational learning and our exciting Vacation Bible School, happen throughout the year. Stay tuned for more information!
Becky Vroman, Director of Children’s Ministries
stmattsyouthgj@gmail.com for more details.
Youth Group
As our children grow, so does their ability to understand more advanced concepts and deeper meanings. What does it truly mean to be Christian? How does this work in 2023? Come explore these questions and meet other interesting teens. Middle school/high school youth group meets on Sunday following the 10am service.
Talk to Becky Vroman or Jamie Galbasini or check the church office for more details: (970) 242-3293 or stmattsgj@gmail.com.
three connected circles of faith formation
Church
Kids are an important part of the church and should be made to feel as such. The third Sunday of every month, children are invited into service to read the scriptures, greet, and usher. We call this ice cream Sunday because we always conclude service with an ice cream social.
Children are invited to children’s chapel on the first Sunday of every month. Here children learn the order of service in a more child friendly version.
All other Sundays are spent in Godly Play. Godly Play takes a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance through Montessori practices. Godly Play nurtures participants to larger dimensions of belief and faith through wondering and play.
Individual Spiritual Practices
Children apply their faith through prayer and meditation. Here are some recommended books: Common Prayer for Children and Family and Anglican Family Prayers.
Camps, Retreats, Mission Trips
Every summer St. Matthew’s hosts an exciting five day Vacation Bible School.
THREE CONNECTED CIRCLES OF FAITH FORMATION
Cathedral Ridge in Woodland Park invites adults and children to unplug, relax, and delight in the beauty of God’s creation. Click here for their website. Cathedral Ridge camp dates for 2023:
JULY 9-14, 2023 – PILGRIMAGE: SEEKING THE KINGDOM OF GOD
For Rising 3rd-5th Graders
Rising 3rd-5th graders are invited to come Seek the Kingdom of God July 9th-14th. Embark on 5 historic pilgrimages, learn trade skills at our Medieval village, and walk with Saints from 5 different countries all without leaving the comfort of Cathedral Ridge! In addition to these great adventures, you will make new friends, discover the ropes course, and sing songs around the campfire while roasting s’mores! Join us as we learn a new way to walk with God.
JULY 16-21, 2023 – CONNECTIONS: CONNECT TO GOD, SELF, OTHERS, AND CREATION
For Rising 6th-8th Graders
Rising 6th-8th graders are invited to come learn all about how we connect with God, our selves, others, and creation. Make new friends, challenge yourself on the ropes course, and discover how healthy connections lay the ground work for a strong faith foundation all in the beauty of the mountains at Cathedral Ridge.
JULY 23-28, 2023 – WIZARD’S CAMP: LOVE, THE MOST POWERFUL MAGIC OF ALL
Rising 9th-12th Graders
Rising 9th-12th graders are invited to discover the most ancient and powerful magic: love. Be sorted into your house, discover what lies in the forbidden forest, and create bonds that will last forever all at the American Wizarding School, Cathedral Ridge.
Our youth will be traveling to Maryland July 4th-8th to participate in the EYE conference. Click here for more details.