Category: Youth Ministry

Categories
Youth Ministry

Outdoor Youth Group Meets 5/17 at 5:00!

Spring is in the air! Our second live meeting will occur outdoors at Saint Matthew’s on Monday 5/17 from 5:00 – 6:15 PM!  If you’ve been waiting to join us until we transition to in-person activities, now is the time! Together we’ll catch-up over pizza, go on a naturalistic scavenger hunt, and continue designing the interior youth space. 

Masks, physical distancing, and a check in form will be required for all attendees. You can fill out the form in advance if you’d like to. If you have never been to youth group before and are joining us for the first time, we can’t wait to meet you! Please let me know if you have any questions. 

May God bless you, 

Anthony M. Carrella
Saint Matthew’s Church, Maple Glen
Life Long Learning Committee Co-Chair 
Youth Ministry Coordinator 

P.S: As we approach the end of the program year, Saint Matt’s recognizes your hard-earned achievements! If you or someone you know is graduating, receiving an award, or celebrating an academic achievement, let us know!  We’ll be recognizing them throughout June in worship and more. 

P.P.S: This a shine-only event as we will be gathering outdoors. If rain is in the forecast, we’ll email everyone to reschedule 🙂 

Categories
Sunday School Youth Ministry

This Friday: Stations of the Cross for Youth & Family

Father Rodney and Anthony invite all adults, children, and youth to join us for a special Stations of the Cross service being held this Friday, March 5 at 7:00 PM.  If you are unfamiliar with the stations, or are unsure if they are suitable for your family, take a look at the resource below.

We pray that you or your family will consider joining us.  Click here to access our service this Friday at 7:00 PM.

Stations FAQ

What are Stations of the Cross?
A journey-story that invites individuals to walk with Jesus to the very foot of the cross. Especially common on the Fridays in Lent, the Stations are a series of short devotions where we read scripture, observe sacred art, and reflect on the crucifixion.

Where does the tradition come from?
After the death and resurrection of Jesus, it is said his mother Mary would walk where her son had walked on his journey to the cross – pausing here and there to recall something that had happened at that spot. From these walks grew the early Christian practice of walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, a tradition that continues to this day.

Why do we observe the Stations?
The community of faith has been walking the stations for centuries, and the tradition enables individuals to make a spiritual pilgrimage through Jerusalem without really being there. 

Should my child or youth attend the stations?
We hope so! While the stations are not for everyone, our aim is to introduce the story of Jesus’ crucifixion in an accessible, developmentally sound fashion. If your child has attended our CGS program in the past, they have encountered the story before. Please note: there may be challenging moments for young participants. We invite parents with children to stick around after the devotion to ask questions and wonder with us. 

Click here to join us this Friday 3/5 at 7:00 PM. If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to Anthony or +Rodney.  We hope to see you there!

Categories
Youth Ministry

Youth Group Gathering Canceled

Brrr! This evening’s outdoor Youth Group event will be rescheduled due to the sustained weather conditions below freezing (which we did not anticipate last week!) In the meantime, youth can fill out this Doodle Poll to tell us when you can meet over Zoom. Warmer, lighter days are coming, and we can’t wait to gather IRL!  ~ Anthony

Categories
Christmas 2020 Sunday School Youth Ministry

Virtual Christmas Pageant

The children and youth of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and Nursery School have created a virtual telling of the story of the Birth of Jesus!

The pageant premiered during our 3 p.m. service on Christmas Eve.

Virtual Christmas Pageant

Posted by St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Thursday, December 24th, 2020

St. Matthew’s would like to thank Anthony Carella, Janine Buesgen, Antonia Greene-Edwards, Jackie Anderson, Martha Reynolds, and the children, youth and families of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and Nursery School for all of their hard work and effort in putting together this year’s pageant!

Christmas 2020 News & Information

  • Services for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2020
    Watch our Zoom services from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, including our Virtual Christmas Pageant. Due to significantly increasing COVID-19 infection rates and guidance from the Diocese, these services were virtual only. This week, we had to pivot at the last minute from livestream to Zoom for Christmas services due to a COVID-19 exposure involving… Read more: Services for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2020
  • Virtual Christmas Pageant
    The children and youth of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and Nursery School have created a virtual telling of the story of the Birth of Jesus! The pageant premiered during our 3 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. Virtual Christmas Pageant Posted by St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Thursday, December 24th, 2020 St. Matthew’s would like to thank… Read more: Virtual Christmas Pageant
  • COVID Update
    St. Matthew’s Family, No doubt, this has been a year that has stretched our abilities to be flexible and frequently change plans, but, with Jesus Christ as our anchor of hope, we take these alterations as they come and faithfully put our trust in God.  Now I must share with you another change of plans… Read more: COVID Update
  • Christmas Services for 2020
    Due to significantly increasing COVID-19 infection rates and guidance from the Diocese, services this Christmas will be virtual only. Please note that previously announced service times were updated on December 21 based on this communication from Fr. Rodney. Christmas Eve:3:00 p.m. – Eucharist & Christmas Pageant (via Zoom) (View service bulletin)7:00 p.m. – Traditional Service with… Read more: Christmas Services for 2020
  • Do Not Be Afraid: A Saint Matthew’s Virtual Christmas Pageant
    It remains a challenge for Saint Matthew’s to gather in person during this most special and holy season. In times like these, I wonder how technology might bring us together? What is a virtual pageant?A virtual pageant means that we won’t be performing inside of our church building this year. Instead, we’ll each record our lines in advance,… Read more: Do Not Be Afraid: A Saint Matthew’s Virtual Christmas Pageant
Categories
Christmas 2020 Sunday School Youth Ministry

Do Not Be Afraid: A Saint Matthew’s Virtual Christmas Pageant

It remains a challenge for Saint Matthew’s to gather in person during this most special and holy season. In times like these, I wonder how technology might bring us together?

What is a virtual pageant?
A virtual pageant means that we won’t be performing inside of our church building this year. Instead, we’ll each record our lines in advance, combine them together, and interact with a recording being streamed live to our homes. Though this experience might feel new and maybe even a bit strange, do not be afraid! With your help, all of us will be able to create a memorable, joyful, and holy memory as Saint Matthew’s this year. 

How will it work?
Anyone can participate, but we will prioritize children for the major roles! After you or your family signs up as a participant, they’ll be sent a few lines from our pageant script. From there we’ll ask you to record those lines, and send them to us when you’re done. We’ll stitch all of the clips from Saint Matthew’s together into one pageant movie,  which you’ll be able to interact with at your home during the Advent and Christmas seasons. You’ll also be able to keep pageant forever, and send it to your loved ones with the click of a button. 

What Now?
We’re asking families to sign-up here by Sunday, December 13th to participate. After that, we’ll send your family a few lines to record — we’ll ask if you’d like to create your own costumes, or if you’d like Saint Matthew’s to lend you a few of our own. Once you record your lines, we’ll show you how to send them to us. We ask that you do this before December 20th. 

Who Do I Go To With Questions?
Reach out to a member of the Pageant Team! Anthony Carrella, Janine Buesgen, Antonia Edwards, and Martie Reynolds. 

Yours in Christ,

Anthony M. Carrella,
Youth Ministry Coordinator

Categories
Youth Ministry

ReNew Take-Home VBS 2020

We are excited to announce that Saint Matthew’s will offer a take-home VBS for our children this summer! Experience the feel-good-joy of a camp program that you can easily lead right your own backyard. Our parish theme is ReNew — a feel-good program that takes us through the Parable of the Sower. Together, we will learn all about creation and sustainability from our very own backyards! Appropriate for ages 4 to 11.

SCHEDULE

7/10 – 7/13:
Parents pick-up materials from Saint Matt’s in shifts.

7/13 at 7:00 PM:
Brief Welcome, Orientation, and Sing-Along (45 mins)
Held Remotely. https://zoom.us/j/98938137262

7/14 — 7/17:
Enjoy VBS at home!
Optional lunch fellowship on Weds 7/15 at 12:30.
Held Remotely .https://zoom.us/j/95877499743 

Friday 7/17 at 12:00 PM:
Brief Closing Ceremony(45 mins). 
Held Remotely. https://zoom.us/j/91307521670

Register Now Before Slots Fill-Up!
We timed it: registration takes about 3.5 minutes! Click here to begin. 

*ReNew VBS 2020 is a missional offering on behalf of Saint Matthew’s, Maple Glen. There is no assigned cost, but we will accept a free-will offering at the church upon material pick-up. Your offering will support our material and logistics costs. 

Categories
Youth Ministry

Children & Youth Ministry Update – March 24th, 2020

To our beloved families,

We know that your inboxes have been flooded with messages relating to Covid-19 over the last few days. Let’s decide to put the dreariness to the side, and hear some GOOD news: Christ never stops working at Saint Matthew’s.

Our staff and volunteers have been hard at work over the past few days, thinking of the different ways our community can stay connected to each other during this difficult time. Now we would like to invite you and your families to join us for these exciting remote opportunities. All it takes is two easy steps! 

Step One: Get Your Family Connected

Remote ministry opportunities will be held in the virtual spaces below.

  • Like and Follow us on Facebook for worship opportunities, daily office prayer, and interesting content to keep you busy each day.
  • Download Zoom video conference software, which is where we will gather for family fellowship, prayer groups, meetings, and education opportunities for the foreseeable future. 

Step Two: Get to Know The Weekly Schedule 

There’s something just for you! 

Time With Children and Parents (Ages 3-12)

Next Tuesday 3/31 at 4:00 p.m., Click here to join us on Zoom 
Next Tuesday 3/31 at 4:00, young people and their parents will gather for a fun-filled Time With Children. Together we’ll enjoy storytelling, craft making, prayer, and more. Open your inbox to print our fun-filled materials, click the Zoom meeting link, and join us for the activity! 

Young Adult Gathering (Ages 13-College Age)

Next Tuesday 3/31 at 5:00  Click here to join us on Zoom
Youth are invited to meet for a remote bible study, discussion, and Zoom Games (yes, they exist)! You’ll receive the materials in your inbox each Wednesday evening for personal reflection, and then on Thursday, you can follow the Zoom link to join our group study. 

Sunday Morning Worship: Live Streamed from Saint Matthew’s

Sundays at 10:00 a.m. on Facebook Live
Worship. Music. Prayer. Praise. 

Remote Sunday School for All Ages

Available on G-Drive March 29th, 2020 
We encourage families to guide their children through Sunday School activities each week, beginning on March 29th. These include including weekly Bible stories, activity pages, family discussion guides, and more. As Sunday worship is being live-streamed, families can access the materials by clicking the link above. 

It’s that easy! Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions — big or small. We are all here for you, and we are not going anywhere. Stay strong, have courage, keep the faith, and send your love into the world. 

My prayer and blessings are with you,

Anthony Carrella
Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator 

PS: I am including a list of curated content I love to help each of you and your young ones get through this difficult time:

Helpful Resources for Children, Youth, and Parents in Covid-19

  • For Elementary: Movement and mindfulness for kids at home with GoNoodle! 
  • For Elementary through Middle School: Cross-curricular learning at home with Scholastic. 
  • For Upper Elementary and Middle-School: A fact-filled daily news podcast for kids and tweens on Spotify. 
  • For High School and Young Adults:  Perfect for winding down in the evening, Assemble with Care is a fantastic game of restoring broken objects. Slow. Deliberate. Relaxing. Entrancing. Available on iOS. 
  • For Families: Insta–fun activities for the family at home (with little or no prep required).
  • For Parents: How to encourage optimal learning and play during Covid-19 from The Atlantic. 
  • For Parents: An honest account from a parent on homeschooling frustrations from the NY Times Opinion.  
  • For Parents: A fantastic guide for talking with your child about Covid-19.