Heidi Wilkins
Director of Children's Formation
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
Richmond, VA

St. Matthew’s is an Episcopal Church located in the suburbs of Richmond, Virginia. Our path to becoming more intentionally intergenerational began when we were looking for options for our Sunday School Program. Our Sunday School met for an hour between our two Sunday morning services and was grouped by age. As family attendance and available volunteers dwindled, I thought a change was needed. I found GenOn and their LIFT curriculum and with the help of our volunteers, started it for a trial period. Our goals were to offer something that didn’t feel like school, inspire parents in passing down their faith at home, and build community as inspired by the early church in Acts.

Families have enjoyed our gathering on Sunday mornings for LIFT as we share breakfast together, read a Bible Story, discuss some wondering style questions, and then end with a fun activity and pray together. Our families all look forward to our gatherings, the children love the breakfast, and our older adults love interacting with the youngsters. We have also engaged some adults who have different abilities, and they offer such insight and inclusion to our gatherings. Another way we use LIFT is for special events with activities that support our local ministry partners. The children love engaging in an activity where they are helping a neighbor in need. This group of vastly different ages and stages care for one another and model a Christian community of believers. The intergenerational format has benefited our yearly congregational retreat as well. The format, over an entire weekend, helps us to connect in ways we aren’t able to on a Sunday morning. Being intentionally intergenerational has impacted our community by bringing us closer together, as we all walk with Christ.  

As we gather on Sunday mornings for LIFT, the room is full of excitement. This enthusiasm drives me to look for more ministry areas that could benefit from an intergenerational focus. A few areas I perceive are our weekly worship service, holding more events where we connect to local mission needs, and bringing specific adults and children together intentionally to increase our connections within the congregation. The work is never quite done, but the benefits make it worth the time and energy.

When you are intentionally intergenerational, it is a step closer to creating a community that is truly Christ-centered and welcoming to all people.