St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, Educational Page

Welcome To Our Childrens Page

Don't miss out...come...grow with us in faith....

Children's Sunday School Meets every Sunday 10-10:50 a.m.
(All year round we do not stop for summer)

Nursery - with brief lesson time, singing and crafts 0-2 yr. olds
Changing station, crib, etc.

Classes:
Pre-K 3's & 4's
Kindergarden
1st & 2nd Grade
3rd & 4th Grade
5th Grade
6th & 7th Grade
8th & 9th Grade
10-12 the Grade

What We Offer
Children receive the "Beginner's Bible" in 1st Grade.

Children in 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade are invited to attend Kids Kingdom, a youth group just for them. They meet once per month doing fun, service and bible projects.

Children in 5th Grade participate in an 8 week course about "First Communion". If after the course they feel ready, they are invited to take their first communion. At that time they also receive an age appropriate bible for 5th grade.

Curriculum
Children's Sunday Classes use a variety of curriculum. Nursery curriculum has been developed by the teachers as most publishing houses do not provide lessons for this age group.

Pre-K-8th Grade are presently using the Augsburg Publishing Company "Witness" curriculum. Classes include bible study, discussion, crafts, roll plays, story telling and more. Some classes offer snacks.

Activities
Lent and Advent are celebrated each year with an all school gathering in the gym with parents and teachers. Children are guided around several stations with crafts, food or information about that particular season of the church year. Educational resources are distributed and the Praise Puppeteers present a puppet show.

Several times each year the children's classes meet together with "Mr. Jon", one of our church song leaders. We just sing and sing!! If possible the puppets are again scheduled to present a fun show.

Our 3rd & 4th Graders take an annual trip up the steeple. The "Steeple Climb" is a big event for the children and brave parents who choose to go along. The group is led by a member of our church property committee. They begin at the lowest point of the church, go through the church learning the history of the building and finally climb to the top of the steeple. Each child has the opportunity to look out the windows and see for miles. The event ends with a walk outside around our property explaining to the children the property and care it needs. During the entire event, children are reminded how God has blessed us with such facilities, and these gifts He has given to us.

Our 5th Graders have been known to go to Hershey Park or Dutch Wonderland for a summer get-together.

St. Matthew Weekday
Pre-Kindergarten School
Began over 35 years ago and continues today. Offering classes for 3 & 4 year olds!

Age 3 Classes will meet:
Mon./Wed. or Tues./Thrus. 9-11:30am
Age 4 Classes will meet:
A.M. CLASSES Tues./Wed./Thrus. 9:00-11:30am.
P.M. CLASSES Tues./Wed./Thrus. 12:15-2:45pm.

Registration opens in March 2006 for the Fall of 2006. $25 registration fee. Pick up registration forms at the church office and ask about fees. No telephone registrations are accepted. Classes are limited in size, so be sure to register early! Monthly fees are paid one month ahead. First payment after registration fee is paid is due in August. April is your last monthly fee payment. School runs September thru May, beginning the Tuesday after Labor Day.

As a church pre-school, along with our daily pre-school activities, we also offer chapel time with devotions and singing with the Director of Christian Education, visits with the Pastors, visits with the Director of Music and a monthly visit to the church library with our volunteer storyteller. Morning and snack prayers are included daily.

Our Teachers
Our teachers and their teams are dedicated Christians who love children. Several have taught many years....one precious lady, Pat Shue, who is in her 70's have been teaching since she was 19 years old and in Nursing School. She teaches 5th Grade as well as Bible School each summer.

2006's VBS
July 17-21
9:00 - 11:45 a.m.

Children ages 3 years thru adult invited, neighbors and friends welcome.
Classes
Youth Class for Jr. & Sr. High - daily service projects in the community. Adult Class taught by Pastor Kevin Shively - Topic will be announced.

Crafts
Games
Bible stories
Music with the Bible School Band
Fun, Fellowship and Learning.

Registration begins in June. No telephone registrations. Stop by the church to register.