Supporting Faith at Home

At St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, we believe parents and caregivers are some of the most important faith teachers in a child’s life. While Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, worship, and church programs all play a role in faith formation, much of a child’s spiritual growth happens in everyday moments at home.

This page is designed to support and encourage parents as they nurture faith, answer questions, and help their children discover God’s love and grace. You do not need to have all the answers. Faith grows through conversation, curiosity, prayer, and community. We are here to walk alongside you.

You’re Not Raising Your Family Alone

Parenting comes with joy, challenges, questions, and plenty of uncertainty.

Whether you’re wondering:

How do I talk with my child about faith?
What if my child asks difficult questions?
How can we pray together as a family?
How do I encourage church participation?
How can faith become part of everyday life?

You are not alone. The Youth Ministries team, church staff, and congregation are committed to supporting families as they grow in faith together. We welcome questions and conversations at every stage of a child’s journey.

Connect With Our Youth Ministries

Have a question? Need guidance? Looking for resources?
We encourage parents and caregivers to reach out.

Kelly Riddle
Community Engagement Coordinator
community@stmatthews-elca.org

Parents are welcome to ask about:

Sunday School
Vacation Bible School
Youth events
Nursery information
Family faith formation
Worship participation
Community and fellowship opportunities

Sometimes the best resource is simply a conversation.

Simple Ways to Practice Faith at Home

Faith does not have to be complicated. Consider incorporating small practices into your family’s routine:

Pray Together

A simple prayer before meals, bedtime, school, or activities can help children recognize God’s presence in daily life.

Read Bible Stories

Children often learn best through stories. Sharing Scripture together helps children become familiar with God’s promises and God’s people.

Ask Questions

Children are naturally curious. Questions are not a sign of weak faith, they are often how faith grows. Open dialogue with your child is a great first step to forming their faith.

Serve Together

Helping a neighbor, participating in outreach, or caring for others teaches children that faith is lived through love and service. Check out how we Server Together at St. Matthew’s by checking out our Service and Outreach Opportunities page.

Worship Together

Regular worship helps children become familiar with prayer, music, Scripture, and the rhythms of Christian life.

Recommended Resources for Families

Many Lutheran churches provide families with practical tools for faith formation, including daily devotions, family prayer guides, Bible reading plans, and at-home faith activities. Parent resource pages commonly focus on helping families pray together, discuss Scripture, and build faith habits throughout the week.

Some resources we provide include:

Kid’s Messenger

Our children’s newsletter provides seasonal faith activities, reflections, celebrations, and family-friendly ways to continue faith conversations at home throughout the year.

Family Devotions

Short devotion times can be meaningful and manageable. Even five minutes of prayer and Scripture can help create lasting family traditions.

Luther’s Small Catechism

Many Lutheran families use Luther’s Small Catechism as a simple guide for learning about faith, prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer.

Seasonal Faith Activities

Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and other church seasons provide opportunities for families to worship, learn, and celebrate together both at church and at home.

Our Approach to Children and Faith

At St. Matthew’s, we believe:

Every child is a beloved child of God.
Faith is a gift of God’s grace.
Questions are welcome.
Children learn through participation, relationships, worship, and experience.
Families deserve encouragement, support, and community.

Our goal is not to pressure children into answers but to create opportunities for them to encounter God’s love, explore faith, and grow within a caring Christian community.

Stay Connected

There are many ways for families to stay connected throughout the year:

Sunday School
Vacation Bible School
Worship Services
Children’s Events
Kid’s Messenger Newsletter
Family Ministry Activities

Each provides opportunities for children and parents to learn, grow, and build lasting relationships within the St. Matthew’s community.

Questions? We’re Here to Help

If you are exploring a church home, have questions about raising children in faith, or simply want to learn more about our children’s ministry, we would love to connect with you.

Contact Kelly Riddle at community@stmatthews-elca.org

Together, we can help children discover what Lutherans have proclaimed for generations: God’s love is a gift, God’s grace comes before anything we do, and every person is welcomed by God exactly as they are.

Philippians 1:6
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Parent Resources