christian_education.html

Christian Education

Mathewson Street Church is a community that hungers to know God better. To that end, we engage in lively interactive Christian education for all ages. Sunday morning church school for all ages is held September through May from 9 – 10:15 a.m.

Sonnie Kpangbai, a talented and trained educator, teaches the children’s class, assisted by parents and other adults. Here the children sing, pray, learn Bible stories, prepare for worship participation, and work on mission projects. A fall field trip to Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA, led to awareness and participation in the Heifer Project. A springtime intergenerational workshop attended by two live lambs helped the children prepare for Easter by introducing them to the concept of being a good shepherd. A lamb puppet travels home with a different child each week, allowing delightful parent and child interactions as they record the child’s and lamb’s adventures in a special journal. The children also share occasional Saturday retreats and summer activities, with a vacation Bible school during the summers.

Children’s recorder ensemble

Children at Overlook Farm

Children prepare for worship

Learning to be good shepherds

Lisa and Gregg Carter guide the youth class, a safe and stimulating environment where teenagers engage in lively and provocative discussions. There is a strong emphasis on the Lectionary readings of the day, with the discussion geared toward putting these in their historical context and of laying out their ecumenical applicability to our contemporary lives. The youth group also emphasizes service, with occasional fund-raising and mission projects. The youth are a vital part of our church-wide mission trip to the migrant camps of Maine each summer. We also have regular fellowship events, such as pool parties, just for fun. The youth provide leadership in worship as well, as acolytes, scripture readers, musicians, and dramatists.

The Youth Class learning to serve as acolytes

Annie Britton, an ordained United Methodist pastor, leads adult Bible study class on Sunday evenings at a parishioner's home. Rides are available.

A second adult Bible study is held on the third Sunday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m. at the home of parishioners. The group shares leadership and topics vary seasonally. An important component of the gathering is table fellowship over a delicious dinner provided by our hosts. For more information, contact the church office at 401-331-8900. Rides are available.