Christian Education for Children and Youth

For more information on Church School and the Trinity Youth Program contact Family Ministry Coordinator Charissa Simmons, 503-478-1220. Visit our Worship page for information on childcare at Trinity.

Parent and Teacher Education

Sunday mornings at 9:00
Presentations and discussions on topics of interest to parents. A variety of classes will be offered throughout the year. Watch the announcements for details.

Godly Play Children's Spiritual Formation Program

Godly Play is deeply rooted in Christian theology and storytelling. It is an approach to children’s formation founded on the belief that children don’t just want to know about God, they want to know God. As a method of Christian education and spiritual growth, Godly Play encourages children to become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives. Developed by Episcopal priest and life-long educator, Jerome W. Berryman, Godly Play is used worldwide by diverse Christian denominations. For more information about Godly Play, visit the website.

2010 Godly Play Community Gatherings and Trainings at Trinity

October 2, Saturday 9:00—4:00 pm
Storytelling day
Morning—full Godly Play session
Afternoon—fall lessons (Sacred Story emphasis)
$25. per session or $40. for both
December 4, Saturday, 9:00—4:00 pm, $50
Advent reflection—personal retreat day using the Advent presentations

To register or for more information, contact Charissa Simmons at 503-478-1220 or charissas@trinity-episcopal.org

SUNDAY MORNINGS

Childcare

Infants – Toddlers
Sunday mornings
8:45 – 11:30am
Nursery in the basement
Childcare workers care for our youngest members every Sunday during the 9:00 education hour and the 10:00 service. There is sleeping and creeping space and lots of room to toddle, as well as toys, games, snacks, and lots of tlc from our qualified staff. Parents are given vibrating pagers just in case they are needed in the nursery.
Contact: Charissa Simmons, 503-478-1220, charissas@trinity-episcopal.org

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Choristers

Children in grades 1 - 5
Sunday mornings, September – May
9:00 – 9:50am
Children’s Chapel
Choristers is our beginning choir for grade school aged children. The Choristers receive an introduction to choral singing and many opportunities to sing at First Sunday services, Cathedral services, and special events throughout the year.
Contact: Amy Polo, Director, 503-771-9871

Coventry Singers

Grades 6-12
Sunday mornings, September – May
9:00 – 9:50am
Youth Loft
The Coventry Singers sing in the Cathedral at 10:00 several Sundays each year. This choir is open to all musicians from 6th grade to seniors in high school. Mia Hall Savage, the founder of Pacific Youth Choir, directs Trinity’s Coventry Singers. You do not need to be a musician to be trained as an outstanding singer and join this energetic choir. All are welcome.
Contact: Mia Hall Savage

Acolytes

Grades 7 - 12
9:40-11:30a.m.
Acolytes serve about once a month at the10am Eucharistic service. Trainings occur throughout the year, and experienced acolytes take on additional responsibilities.
Contact: Helen Sudbury

First Sunday Family Services

First Sunday Family Services
Most First Sundays of the month, October – May
October 3, November 7, December 5, January 2, February 6, March 6, May 22
10:00am
Kempton Hall
A hands-on, child-friendly Eucharist designed to help children join more completely in the Eucharistic service.

Church School: Ages 3 – Grade 5

Every Sunday morning September – May, except the first Sunday of each month l0:00 a.m.
Using a combination of Seasons of the Spirit, Godly Play, and the Patchwork Curriculum designed by Canon Educator Mary Sicilia, Trinity offers age-appropriate Sunday morning classes for children during the Service of the Word. Children in grades K – 5 join their parents in the Cathedral at the Offering to participate in the Eucharist.

Three Year Olds to First Grade

3 – 6 year old students participate in Godly Play, a Montessori based Christian education method. Class time includes story telling, creative response time, and a feast. Separate classrooms for 3-4 year olds and 5-6 year olds.

Second and Third Grade

Using Seasons of the Spirit, a lectionary based curriculum, second and third graders, in separate classes, focus on one of the Bible lessons each week using story telling, activities, music, and more. Each class session also includes a short worship time.

Fourth Grade

In “Book of Books”, our fourth graders learn how we got the Bible and study the various kinds of writing we find in it. This curriculum includes the always popular archeological dig. During Advent and Lent, fourth graders use Seasons of the Spirit, a lectionary based curriculum.

Fifth Grade

In “Poems, Prayers, and Promises”, fifth graders examine our liturgical life by exploring the Jewish roots of Christian worship as well as its roots in the experience of the earliest church. The year includes participation in a Seder Meal, a First Century toga party and love feast, and designing an instructed Eucharist for families. During Advent and Lent, they use Seasons of the Spirit, a lectionary based curriculum.

Youth Program: Grades 6 - 12

YA (Youth Affirmation) Sixth Grade

Sunday mornings September - May
10:00 am, except First Sundays
Other times, as program requires
YA’ers learn about the Church through creating their own church using the interactive StoryLine method as well as through participation in three overnights and a series of social service projects with their adult mentors. At the end of the year, the Trinity community marks their passage from childhood to young adulthood in a public Service of Affirmation.

Middle School

Middle School 7th and 8th graders gather on Sundays to discuss and explore their faith and how they live and express that faith. A variety of hands on experiences and projects help bring these sometimes abstract concepts into focus. The middle school also heads up a fundraiser for Heifer International each fall.

High School

High School 9th – 12th graders meet in the Youth Loft. Discussions and projects center on Christian spiritual practices, and the ways we incorporate those into our daily lives.