Children and Youth Ministries Handbook
2015-2016
Trinity Episcopal Church Newtown, CT
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Table of Contents
Topic
Trinity Episcopal Church
36 Main Street
Newtown, CT 06470
203-426-9070
www.trinitynewtownct.org
I’m convinced
that I am a
child of God.
That’s wonderful,
exhilarating,
liberating,
Full of promise!
Maya Angelou
Page
Hours, Staff & Contact Info.
4
The Children’s Charter
5
Goals
6
Special Events Calendar
7
Volunteer Roster
9
Children's Liturgy
10
Nursery
11
Classes/Registration
Pre-school placement
12
13
Getting to Class
13
Sign-In & Sign-Out
Acolyte & Choristers Sign-Out
14
14
Church School Curriculum
Enrichment
Outreach Projects
Blessing of the Animals
St. Nicholas Day
Christmas Pageant
Annual Meeting Program
MDG Sunday
Good Friday Children’s Service
End of Year Celebration
15
16
16
16
16
17
17
17
17
18
Youth Curriculum
Rite 13
J2A
Confirmation
YAC
18
18
19
19
20
3
Topic
Page
Youth Enrichment
Acolytes
Youth Sundays
Chapel on the Green
Workcamp
Retreats & Lock-Ins
Fundraising
Fellowship
20
20
20
21
21
21
22
22
Attendance
22
Snack
23
Inclement Weather
23
Safety Guidelines
Parental Supervision
Dismissal
Two-Adult Rule
Fire
Safe Church Training
Background Checks
Sick Child Policy
Youth Safety
Medical Release Form
Permission Slips
Sign-In and Sign-Out
24
24
24
25
25
25
26
26
27
27
27
28
Supporting Church School
Youth Commission
Home/Church Connection
Resources for Parents
Adult Volunteer Forms:
Church School
Youth
28
28
29
30
33
35
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CHURCH SCHOOL HOURS and STAFF
Infant/Toddler Nursery: 8:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Staffed by a regular paid employee and volunteers on rotating schedule.
For children ages birth up to 3 years old
Care available during the 8:45 service and 10 am education hour.
Children’s Liturgy: During the 8:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Worship Services
3 Year Olds through Second Graders follow the Children’s Cross downstairs
during the “Song of Praise” to the Children’s Liturgy area in the Undercroft and
return to parents at The Peace.
Church School: 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. almost every Sunday (see calendar)
For all children: 3 years old through Grade 12
Church School concludes at 11:00 with the shaking of the noisemakers
by the first graders
Sue Vogelman, Church School Director
Phone: 203-426-9070 ext. 16
Email: [email protected]
Parish Website: www.trinitynewtownct.org
TRINITY CHURCH * 36 Main Street, Newtown, CT * 203-426-9070
The Rev. Kathleen Adams-Shepherd, Rector
Sue Vogelman, Church School Director
Fiona Smith Sutherland, Music Minister
Amy Trimble-Burton, Parish Administrator
Suzie Spiro, Parish Secretary
Mary Stoerzinger, Bookkeeper
Jack Qubick, Sexton
Jennifer VanVeen, Nursery Staff Caregiver
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Nurture of the Child:
Children are a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of
the womb is a gift.
-- Psalm 127:4 (BCP)
THE CHURCH IS CALLED
 to receive, nurture and treasure each child as a gift from God;
 to proclaim the Gospel to children, in ways that empower them to receive
and respond to God's love;
 to give high priority to the quality of planning for children and the
preparation and support of those who minister with them;
 to include children, in fulfillment of the Baptismal Covenant, as members
and full participants in the Eucharistic community and in the church's
common life of prayer, witness and service.
Ministry to the Child:
Then Jesus took the children in his arms, placed his
hands on each of them and blessed them.-- Mark 10:16
THE CHURCH IS CALLED
 to love, shelter, protect and defend children within its own community and
in the world, especially those who are abused, neglected or in danger;
 to nurture and support families in caring for their children, acting in their
children's best interest, and recognizing and fostering their children's
spirituality and unique gifts;
 to embrace children who seek Christian nurture independently of their
parent's participation in the church;
 to advocate for the integrity of childhood and the dignity of all the children
at every level of our religious, civic and political structures.
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Ministry of the Child:
A child shall lead them.
-- Isaiah 11:6
THE CHURCH IS CALLED
 to receive children's special gifts as signs of the Reign of God;
 to foster community beyond the family unit, in which children, youth and
adults know each other by name, minister to each other, and are partners
together in serving Christ in the world;
 to appreciate children's abilities and readiness to represent Christ and his
church, to bear witness to him wherever they may be, and according to
gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world,
and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the church.
(Ministry of the Laity pg. 855 BCP)
Developed by the Episcopal Dioceses of • Alaska • Bethlehem • Central New York • Chicago • Dallas •
Hawaii • Iowa • Massachusetts • Mexico • Southwest Florida • Western North Carolina • Wyoming • and
The Office of Children's Ministries for the Episcopal Church
Our Goal:
It is our hope that our Church School students,
in addition to learning their lessons,
will learn to live them within the walls of Trinity,
in the community of Newtown,
and ultimately in the world at large.
Religious and spiritual practices are being acknowledged as key
protective factors that buffers or shields youth and adults from
harmful outcomes.
In addition, religious and spiritual practices are being
acknowledged as key promotional factors that foster positive
developmental outcomes and thriving.
-Johnson, B. R. (2008). A tale of two religious effects.
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Trinity Church School - Special Events 2015-2016
The following shows just some of the Holy Days and special
events with the Church School Children and Youth at Trinity
this year. Please watch your Trinity E-news and emails each
week and the bulletin for more information.
Church School Classes meet almost every Sunday except for Stewardship
Sunday, the First Sunday after Christmas, on Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday and
occasionally closes for inclement weather. See Trinity eNews for schedule
changes each week.
“Youth” = 7th grade through High School for the 2015-2016 program year
Month Events/Comments
September  Parish Picnic at the Rectory
 Newtown Parade – Youth parking fundraiser
 Church School Teacher Orientation Meeting
 New Acolyte Training for Senior Guild and Junior Guilds
 Church School Classes begin at 10 a.m.
 All Youth & Family Kickoff Event
 Rite 13 Ceremony
October  Blessing of the Animals on the playground
 Youth Sundays resume – Second Sunday every month
 Stewardship Sunday – one 10am service followed by brunch.. NO
CHURCH SCHOOL
 Confirmation Classes begin
November  All Saints Sunday Processions by 3rd -6th Graders at both services
 Pageant Parts chosen in 4th & 5th grade classes
 Pageant Rehearsals begin
 Christ the King Sunday
 Thanksgiving weekend - No Pageant Rehearsal
 Advent Begins -Bishop’s Fund Mite Box Collection begins
December  Bishop’s Fund Mite Box Collection continues through Epiphany
 St. Nicholas Day Celebration 10:30 a.m. in Undercroft
 Crèche built by Church School Classes during services
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January
February/
March
April
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The Holy Name
The Epiphany – Bishop’s Fund Mite Box Collection concludes
Baptism of Our Lord – Baptisms
Parish Annual Meeting with Children’s Activities during meeting
followed by brunch for all
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No school
Farewell to the Alleluia in Children’s Liturgy - Last Sunday before
Lent
Shrove Tuesday
Ash Wednesday – Lent Begins
Lenten Outreach Project begins
Palm Sunday with Procession of the Palms and Special Children’s
Liturgy
Palm Sunday Brunch in UC
Maundy Thursday Youth Overnight for J2A & YAC
Good Friday Children’s Service at 10 a.m. – setup 8:30 a.m.
Easter Sunday with indoor Egg Hunt at Children’s Liturgy. No
Church School
Rite 13 Breakfast 8:00 am offsite and rehearsal 9:00 a.m. in church
Lenten Outreach Project concludes
The Bishop’s Fund for Children Run/Walk in Hartford
Pentecost – Blow up balloons 7:45 a.m. & Baptisms @11:15 service
Set up for Last Day of CS in undercroft and church
Church School End of Year Celebration in U/C and/or church
Senior Sunday Celebration for those graduating High School
All Youth End of Year Party – off site
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Youth Workcamp Mission Trip
J2A Pilgrimage Trip
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May/June
Summer
For everything there is a season, and a time for
every matter under heaven.
-Ecclesiastes 3:1
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Church School Classes & Volunteers 2015-2016
Church School Teachers work in teams. These teams can work together to alternate
weeks, divide up preparation work, teaching tasks, or other duties. Teachers receive
training in using the curriculum, classroom management, enrichment ideas, and more at
workshops in September and February. They are dedicated people, sharing their time and
talents with the children in their class.
Children’s Liturgy Leaders: More Leaders are always needed. Please volunteer to
come down and help today!
Nursery Staff Caregiver: Searching for staff caregiver who will be assisted by parish
volunteers.
Nursery Coordinator: Judy Rowley does all the scheduling for the nursery teachers and
volunteers. Please call her at 203-270-3987 to volunteer for the nursery.
Thank you to all our Church School Teachers, Assistants, Substitutes, Liturgists,
Musicians, and Nursery helpers.
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Almost everything you ever wanted to know about
Trinity Children and Youth Ministries . . .
Children's Liturgy
Trinity offers its youngest Church School
students from age three years old through
second grade their very own lectionary-based
worship service at the 8:45 and 11:15 a.m.
services. Children begin the worship service sitting with parent(s) in the main
church upstairs. During the singing of The Gloria or Song of Praise, children
follow the Crucifer from the Sanctuary to their "chapel" in the undercroft. There
they participate in a developmentally-appropriate worship service, which
includes the Gospel reading of the day, a homily, creed, prayers, songs, and
related activities. Children rejoin their parents upstairs at the Peace, so that
families can celebrate The Great Thanksgiving and Holy Communion together.
Our Church School Director usually leads Children’s Liturgy but would love to
establish a core group of volunteers to rotate as leaders. Parents of young or
“new to Trinity” or very young children are encouraged to come down to
Children’s Liturgy to help their child feel more comfortable for their first few
times. All parents of children who attend Children’s Liturgy are scheduled to
assist on a rotating basis through the Trinity Website Scheduler. It is imperative
that we always have at least 2 adults in the chapel with the children. Other adult
and teen helpers are always invited and encouraged to stay and volunteer their
support.
Nursery
ALL INFANTS ARE BORN with a
natural curiosity that makes them
budding theologians or philosophers.
- David G. Blumenkrantz, Ph.D
Because Trinity is committed to sponsoring
top-notch nursery care for its parishioners,
there is a steady paid employee throughout the year as well as rotating
volunteers to give nearly one-on-one attention to children.
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Location: The nursery is on Level 1 just past the glass doors that open into the
hallway. Nursery care is available from 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. for children ages
birth up to 3 years old. The child's safety and the parents' peace of mind during
worship are our primary concerns.
Please sign your child in when you arrive and be sure to sign him/her out
when you leave. Also note useful information on the sign-in page such as: is
potty training, teething, anxious, etc.
Infants: Parents should provide a diaper bag with diaper
supplies, appropriate teething toys, bottle, rattles, etc.
since babies put things in their mouth and should only be
used by one child.
Volunteer Nursery Assistants: Each parent(s) of a
nursery child is asked to sign up to assist our paid
caregiver for at least one Sunday each season. The Trinity Website Scheduler
will send you an email to remind you of your scheduled weeks. Other adults or
older youth are encouraged to sign up for a given Sunday as well. Contact our
nursery coordinator Judy Rowley to volunteer.
Please fill out a Church School Registration Form for each child who uses the
nursery every September or the first time you use the Trinity nursery.
Church School Classes
Trinity Church School provides Christian Formation
for three year olds through high school. Classes meet
every Sunday from September 13 to May 29 except for
September 27th, Stewardship Sunday, the First Sunday
after Christmas, Annual Meeting Sunday, on Palm
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Sunday and on Easter Sunday. Church School will meet on all other Sundays
(unless otherwise notified) during the Education Hour from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
We usually have one class for each grade level with a few years being combined.
There are signs posted on the outside wall next to each doorway indicating
which class is in which room.
On Level 1 are the pre-school and elementary aged classes. The R13 Class (7th &
8th Grades) will meet in the Children’s Chapel area of the Undercroft on Level 1.
The J2A Class (9th & 10th Grades) will meet on Level 2 in the John Beach Room.
The YAC Class (11th & 12th Grades) will meet on the Lower Level (basement) in
the Youth YAC Room.
Church School Registration
All are welcome in Trinity Church School any time. Registration is ongoing and
new students are always welcome.
To Register: On September 13th: Registration begins on September 13, for the
2015-2016 school year. Parents should walk with their child to their classroom on
the first day of class at 10 a.m. and introduce themselves to the teachers. Then
parents should proceed to the Glover Undercroft for an Orientation to learn more
about Trinity programs, receive a Church School Handbook, and fill out
registration forms, booster forms, etc. while the children meet in their classes.
Ongoing:
Registration is ongoing, so new students are always welcome at any time during
the year. If you are joining Trinity Church School on any day after September 13,
please help your child find his/her room at 10 a.m. and then proceed to the
Warner Office of Christian Education (located on Level 1) to fill out registration
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forms, take home a Church School Handbook, and speak with the Church School
Director.
Pre-School Placement:
Trinity Church School follows the age guidelines of the public schools. Children
must be enrolled into the same Church School grade as they are in their secular
school system. Children who turn 3 years old by December 31 are invited to
attend the Lambs/Lions Church School class. Younger children will enjoy the
Nursery program. Please clearly mark the registration form for each child as to
what grade/class your child will enter so we can be sure to input the data into
our system correctly. If you have a question as to which class to place your child,
please ask the Church School Director. Special needs will always be considered,
so please let us know what is best for your child.
Getting to Church School Class:
Please walk your child(ren) to their classrooms at
10 a.m. Please do ask your child if they need to
use the restroom before class, accompany them to
the restroom, and then escort them to their
classroom. Children are not allowed to walk to
their rooms without adult supervision.
If the teachers are not in the room when you arrive, please REMAIN WITH
YOUR CHILD until the teachers arrive (they may still be in the worship service).
The teachers will leave a simple activity for you and your child to do while you
wait. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT ANY
TIME. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated since it supports our Safe Church
Policies – see page 24 for more information.
Signing-In and Signing-Out
Please SIGN-IN your child(ren) on the Sign-In page posted in the hallway under
your classroom sign. Just place your initials to the left of your child’s name or
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write your child’s name on the lines below if he/she is not already on the class
list. It is very important that you always sign in your child so we know who is
present in the building at all times.
Children always need to be picked up from their classroom promptly at 11:00
a.m., when the Education Hour is over. The First Grade Class will walk through
the building ringing hand-bells to alert you that Church School is over, and you
should proceed to their classrooms.
Please SIGN-OUT your child(ren) when you pick them up from their classroom.
Just place your initials to the right of your child’s name on the sign-in/out page
posted in the hallway.
Special Sign-Out for Children in
Choristers or Acolytes:
If your child(ren) are serving in choir or as
an acolyte at the 11:15 service on a given
day, please sign them out at the start of
class by writing the word “choir” or
“acolyte” to the right of their name with
your initials. This will allow the teachers to
release those children with the bell-ringers (and their teachers) who will escort
them up to the Acolyte Room (for the Acolytes) and the Sanctuary (for the
Choristers). This helps with getting them there on time to be prepared for the
service.
Dismissal Procedures for Acolytes and Choristers serving at the 11:15 service:
Acolytes will be released with the bells and should follow the line up to the
vesting room. Parents should meet their own children in the acolyte vesting
room at 11:00 a.m. to assist them with getting dressed and escort them to the
undercroft to await the start of the service. Choristers of any age should follow
the bells directly to the Minister of Music in the Sanctuary.
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Church School Curriculum
Trinity Church School classes through 6th grade use
Weaving God’s Promises curriculum which is
published by Morehouse Publishing. Weaving
God’s Promises is an engaging online curriculum
created specifically for Episcopal children using
both a shared scope and sequence as well as
common Episcopal content.
The “Mission” of Weaving God’s Promises
1. To teach children and youth how God’s promises of salvation are woven
into our lives.
2. To teach children and youth the way of Christ, not only in the church but
also in the world as Christ’s ambassadors.
3. To give children and youth a solid grounding for future youth and highschool formation programs, which prepares them for Christian adulthood.
4. To foster the spiritual formation and growth of our children and youth in
Christ’s love and mercy and to teach the spirit of forgiveness and
reconciliation.
Trinity also uses Godly Play and other enrichment
curriculum to enhance the teaching in nursery
through 6th grade. They include drama, music,
seasonal special events, crafts, storytelling, etc.
Please see the Enrichment section below for more on
the enrichment activities available to our Church
School children each year.
Enrichment
Trinity Church sponsors several projects, programs, and special events that
enrich the Church School experience.
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Outreach/Pastoral Care Advent-Lent Projects:
Last year, our Church School students collect coins in their Kindness Kans
to raise money for vaccinations in Liberia through Gavi. Past years’
outreach projects have included ONE Spirit to purchase tipis for youth on
the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota; KIVA, building wells
in Southern Sudan; school supplies for a school in Mozambique; socks for
homeless shelters; money for those near the Gulf Coast; the Episcopal
Relief and Development Fund; the Children of Uganda; the Heifer Project;
Haiti Earthquake recovery efforts; and saving their money in mite boxes
during Advent each year to donate to the annual Bishop’s Fund for
Children.
Blessing of the Animals/The Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
This informal service takes place on the Trinity Day School playground on
or near the feast day of St. Francis. All are invited to bring their animal
friends to be blessed by the clergy. See calendar for more information.
St. Nicholas Day Celebration
Held the first Saturday in December, this event
features St. Nicholas’ magical village with stories,
games, baking, treats, and crafts for children three
years old through 3rd grade. And of course - a visit
from you know who!!
Christmas Pageant
It is "the greatest story ever told," and
it happens once a year at Trinity on
the 4th Sunday in Advent. The
Christmas Pageant is one of the most
venerated and beautiful traditions at
Trinity. It features a Church School cast, the Trinity Choristers, as well as
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a family representing the Holy Family. The cast members are chosen from
the 4th and 5th grade classes in November. Rehearsals are during Church
School in December.
Annual Meeting/Children’s Program
During the Trinity Annual Meeting in January, students will take part in a
special program, which may include music, drama, art projects and
stories. Dinner will be provided after the meeting concludes.
Millennium Development Goals Sunday
Each year in February/March we focus on one of the UN’s Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) throughout the parish including the Church
School classes. Last year’s MDG Sunday included Lakota prayers and
music and included the making of Lakota prayer ties which were hung
outside in the Peace garden. This moving service/day always includes
songs, prayers, and activities from cultures around the world and is a “do
not miss” opportunity.
Good Friday Children’s Service
The Good Friday morning Children’s Service
is a hands-on, multi-sensory learning
experience for Trinity’s elementary-age
parishioners. It helps make real the events of
Jesus’ life during Holy Week in a childcentered fashion. Children’s Choirs sing
during this moving and educational service at 10 a.m.
End of Year Church School Celebration
On the first Sunday in June at Trinity we celebrate the end of another year
of Church School by having all the children participate in a special
experiential festival. Last year we had a Native American powwow-type
party where we played games, watched a slideshow, had a tipi village,
and danced to videos of real powwows. In past years we immersed
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ourselves in Nazareth at the time of Jesus’ childhood, reenacted the
wedding reception from the bible story of the Wedding at Cana, presented
a liturgical tableau of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and a full-scale
musical production of A Snoodle’s Tale from the Veggie Tales collection.
Youth Curriculum
Grades 7 through 12 will continue to use the
curriculum from Leader Resources Youth
Ministry Center which is an online portal and
includes the Journey to Adulthood (J2A)
program. Youth students remain in the same
class with students in two school years with
the same leaders for two years. The youth program at Trinity also includes many
fellowship/outreach/worship activities, which are integrated throughout the
year. They include participating in Youth Sundays, Workcamp mission trips,
retreats, coffeehouses, fundraisers, and many more. We are beginning a new 2year cycle of the classes this fall.
Rites of passage give youth
metaphorical opportunities for
learning how to find their way
through life and the adventure that
comes along with that experience.
Rite-13 - Grades 7and 8
The Rite 13 Class (R-13) is for youth in
grades 7 and 8 this year. It celebrates the
gift of gender and provides a foundation
From The Center for Spiritual Development
for the remainder of the program. Several
in Childhood and Adolescence
times during the year, we celebrate a Rite
David G. Blumenkrantz, Ph.D. - April 2007
13 Ceremony for those youth who have
just turned or will be turning 13 years old. This religious rite of passage includes
special classes, a breakfast and a rehearsal. Rite 13 Celebrities are presented with
a gift from the parish and have a small celebration in the Glover Undercroft.
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J2A - Grades 8 and 9
The J2A Class is for youth in grades 9 and 10 and
builds on Rite-13 by training young people in six
necessary skills of adulthood: Listening, Assertion,
Negotiation, Research and Information Management,
Partnership, and Leadership. The first year of J2A
concludes with an Urban Adventure trip to Boston for
a weekend. This second year of J2A includes
Confirmation classes with a separate schedule of classes held with the Rector.
During the summer of the second year of J2A, the class plans, prepares for and
participates in a spiritual pilgrimage. Past pilgrimage trips have included Lake
Tahoe, Montreal, Canada; The Borderlands Retreat Center in South Dakota near the
Native American reservations; and the Grand Teton Mountains in Wyoming.
Confirmation
In the second year of the J2A portion of the Journey to Adulthood Program, the
J2A youth prepare to affirm their faith as adults in the church through the rite of
Confirmation. In addition to regular attendance at worship and at the J2A class,
there will be separate Confirmation classes led by our clergy. Our Confirmation
program also includes a retreat, several field trips and required assignments in
order to be confirmed by the Bishop in the spring. At Trinity, an adult mentor
from the parish is assigned to each Confirmand to support him or her as they
make this spiritual journey.
Confirmation is the rite in which we
express a mature commitment to
Christ, and receive strength from
the Holy Spirit through prayer and
the laying on of hands by a bishop.
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YAC - Grades 10 and 11 & Seniors 12
The Young Adults in the Church (YAC) portion of the J2A program is for grades
10 and 11 this year. YAC will focus more on becoming part of the adult
community at Trinity. In addition to their Sunday classes, they will attend some
adult Christian Formation classes, and meet in off-site locations at times. Seniors
meet with their mentor/advisors on their own schedule.
Youth Enrichment
Trinity Youth are invited and encouraged to grow in faith and foster
relationships with their peers through a variety
of fellowship, outreach and spiritual activities.
The following is just a sample of some of the
opportunities Trinity offers to our youth.
Acolytes
All 3rd through 12th grade youth are invited
to become acolytes at Trinity. Acolytes in
3rd through 5th grade are in the Junior Guild. Acolytes in 6th grade and up
are in the Senior Guild with our most experienced acolytes acting as Crucifers
during worship services. Acolytes lead processions and assist the clergy at
the altar during worship services. Four to seven acolytes are scheduled for
each service on Sunday throughout the year. Recruitment and training takes
place in the fall, supervised by the Acolyte Director, Tim Vogelman, and
overseen by the clergy.
Youth Sundays
Trinity has a designated Youth Sunday every second Sunday of the month.
Youth in grades 7 and up who are interested can be trained to be lectors,
intercessors, and ushers for these services. Youth are also welcome to join the
regular rotation of Liturgical Assistants and ushers with adults on the other
Sundays. The full schedule is on the Trinity Website Scheduler which will
also send out an email the week a youth is scheduled to serves as a reminder.
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Chapel on the Green
A wonderful ministry in New Haven at which our youth
can help make lunch and feed the homeless as part of the
Chapel on the Green ministries.
Workcamp
Those youth
entering 8th through 12th grades may
spend a week every summer (usually
at the end of June) at one of Group's
Workcamps - an experience where
youth from around the country gather
to help build and fix homes for those
in need in a community. They stay together in a local school at the
Workcamp location and participate in this important outreach, fellowship
and spiritual opportunity for youth. Past Workcamp trips have included
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, mid-New York, upstate New York, West
Virginia, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Maine.
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”
-St. Francis of Assisi
Retreats and Lock-Ins
Each youth class attends a retreat and lock-in as part of their two-year
program. Examples of Youth Retreats are a high-ropes course at Camp
Incarnation, a trip to St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City for a
Nightwatch program, or an overnight lock-in right in our own undercroft.
These retreats encourage team-building and fellowship as well as
strengthening spiritual experiences.
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Fundraising
The Youth play an active part in the planning and
implementation of their programs at Trinity. This
means that in order to provide the financial
resources to allow them to participate in so many
enriching activities, they often do fundraising events
throughout the present wrapping at Holiday
Boutique, Borders, Valentine Candy Sale, Silent Auction, Palm Sunday
brunch, Italian Dinner, Wine Tasting, ornament sales, carwashes and a flower
sale. Youth are encouraged to take an active part in raising money by
participating in as many fundraising activities as possible. Of course they are
also fun, too!
Fellowship
Trinity Youth often just get together to enjoy each other’s company and have
fun together in a safe environment. The Young People’s Fellowship (YPF)
exists to help build and provide a supportive Christian community of faith
for our youth. These gatherings can
include games, activities, discussions, and
fellowship. Trinity YPF usually meets on
Friday evenings and includes
coffeehouses, progressive dinners, movie
nights, ultimate Frisbee games, snowtubing, skating, bowling, sharing a meal or
other activities that the youth may suggest.
Attendance
The best Church School program can only be successful when supported by
involved and dedicated parents. It is our hope and understanding that families
will make the commitment to attend church and Church School regularly. The
children form bonds with their classmates and are disappointed when a fellow
student is absent. Classmates will make and send care cards to students who are
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ill or absent each month since every child is an important member of the class.
Please model consistent attendance for your child(ren). We track the Church
School attendance through our parish database system.
Snack
A simple snack is provided during each Church School class. One food item
such as fish-crackers, pretzels, Cheeze-Its, animal crackers, or cookies are
provided with water to drink. If your child is allergic to any foods, please
provide a simple snack each Sunday, and be sure to remind the teachers each
week when you bring your child to the room. Snack Helpers set out the snack
each Sunday and clean up afterwards. Snack Helper volunteers needed!
Nut Allergy Policy:
Trinity Church School shares its rooms with the Trinity Day School,
which means we strive to be 100% nut-free. Please do NOT send any
food in that contains nuts, peanut butter, seeds, or nut oils.
Inclement Weather
In the rare event of severe weather on Sunday morning, Church School may be
cancelled. Please check WFSB Channel 3 for the rolling cancellations at the
bottom of the screen on Sunday morning or go to the WFSB website and look
under weather cancellations. The office will also send out a parish-wide email
on Sunday morning, so please check your inbox if you are concerned. There is
always someone who comes to worship on Sunday morning (many people can
walk to Trinity) so worship almost always occurs. Please use your own
judgment about when to travel during storms.
For your children’s safety, Trinity Church follows the policies
set forth in the Diocesan Safe Church Guidelines, which include:
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Safety
Parental Supervision of younger children:
Children should never be left unattended (without an
adult) in or around the church building.

At least one parent/guardian is required to remain
in the church building at all times during Church
School classes and worship services to be available
in the event of an emergency. If another adult will be responsible for
your child on any given day/time, a written note needs to be provided
as well as emergency contact information such as cell phone number.

Children should always be escorted into and out of the building. Do
not drop off a child from the driveway; please walk them into the
building and to the room of their destination.

Be sure the two adult teachers are present in the classroom before
leaving your child.

Please escort your child to the restroom during the worship services or
any time they are in the church building. Do not send them alone.

Please supervise your child at all times to avoid running, roughhousing, wandering the halls, etc.

Holding hands with all children as you leave the building and walk
through the busy parking lot is strongly recommended (and is
common sense). Please do not let children run ahead or lag behind
you when leaving or entering the building.
Dismissal of younger children:
A parent/guardian must pick up his/her child at the conclusion of Church
School. A child will not be released to any other adult without a written note
to the teacher giving permission for this to happen.
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No child is allowed to leave the classroom without his/her parent present.
Please do not ask siblings to pick students up from classrooms at dismissal;
siblings may not pick up siblings. Children cannot meet you “somewhere”
after class - they need to be picked up at their classroom by a parent or
guardian only. This policy will be strictly upheld for all children through 5th
grade. There is no sign out from class for the older youth. It is the parents
responsibility to meet them after class at a designated place.
Two-Adult Rule – for all Church Events involving children and youth:
As part of the Safe Church guidelines, all our Church School classes have two
adult teachers in the room whenever children are present. Should only one
adult teacher be available due to unavoidable circumstances, the classroom
door will be left open, and the classroom will be monitored by another adult
at frequent intervals. A parent may be asked to remain in the classroom
during class if needed.
Fire
In the event of a fire alarm during Church School Class, the teachers will lead
the children outside in a line to the parking lot adjacent to the Memorial
Garden. Teachers will use their attendance sheets to check that every child is
accounted for. Parents should meet their child(ren) at that location, but are
not to remove children from the class line until all children have been
accounted for and the “go ahead” is given by a member of the church staff.
Waiting until this time ensures that we have everyone safely out of the
building before anyone leaves the
premises.
Safe Church Training
All of our Church School teachers and
assistants are required to attend a
diocesan Safe Church Training workshop
within six months of becoming a
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volunteer, and they must attend a “refresher course” once every three/four
years thereafter. For Safe Church Schedules and more information, please see
the Children’s Education Minister or call the Parish Office.
Background Checks
On June 7, 2006, the Bishop and Diocesan Executive Council voted to revise
the Diocesan Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth. The revision
requires all parishes to conduct background checks on each and every person,
paid or volunteer, who regularly works with children or youth in our
parishes and other ministries. Any adult chaperone for a youth event must
also have a background check with includes a driver’s license report. Thus,
all of Trinity’s Church School Teachers, Assistants, Youth chaperones, and
Children’s Liturgists will have a completed background check before
teaching or working with children at Trinity. All youth and church school
volunteers must fill out a background check consent form at least 2 weeks
before teaching begins. For more information on background checks, please
see the Rector or the Children’s Education Minister.
Sick Child Policy
Out of consideration for other children, and for your child's own well-being,
we ask that he or she not attend Church School or Nursery if ill. This
includes the following symptoms: a temperature, diarrhea or vomiting, an
unexplained rash, nasal discharge, or discharge from eyes or ears, red eyes
(unexplained), persistent cough or sneezing which may infect other children,
other symptoms of communicable disease
Grownups can learn from very little children
for the hearts of little children are pure.
Therefore, the Great Spirit may show to them
many things which older people miss.
~ Black Elk ~
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We recognize that children can also develop symptoms without warning. For
this reason, if a child should appear to have developed symptoms after
arriving at Church School or Nursery, the parents will be contacted discreetly
during worship services or the Education Hour so you can take them home.
Youth Safety
Because our youth participate in many special events and activities that occur
outside of our normal worship and education times, there are several policies
that relate specifically to keeping our youth safe.
Trinity Youth Medical Release Forms
All Trinity Youth participating in any activity
outside of the church building must have a
Medical Release Form from the current year
that is completed and signed by a
parent/guardian. A copy of a current
insurance card is also kept on file with the
medical forms. Please see the Minister of
Youth Education or the Trinity website at www.trinitynewtownct.org for a
current form.
Trinity Youth Permission Slips
For any youth event that is not in the church building or on church grounds,
all youth attending must turn in a permission slip that has been signed by a
parent/guardian before coming to the event. Extra permission slips are in the
wall file box outside the Youth Office or on the Trinity website.
Sign-In and Sign-Out for Youth Events
Parents or guardians must come into the building to sign in and out for all
youth events that occur outside of normal worship or Education Hour times.
Youth who are over 16 and drive themselves to an event may sign themselves
28
in and out but may not sign for any other youth. This policy needs to be
strictly adhered to at all times.
Providing a safe, nurturing church environment is our highest priority at Trinity.
Thank you for adhering to all of the above Safe Church policies.
Supporting the Church School Ministry
How to get involved . . .
Trinity Church School gets its strength because
of all the support given by parents and other
adults in the parish. With everyone’s help, the
ministry will continue to grow and remain
strong. Trinity parents receive a Time and
Talent registration form at the beginning of the
school year, but volunteers are always accepted at any time. Adults are asked to
consider their own time and talents seriously--- you are your child's best role
model. For the sake of Trinity's children, all adults are asked to share their
talents. Please fill out the Time and Talent form provided at the registration table
or use the forms at the back of this handbook or on the Church School Office
handout table. All adult volunteers must meet our Safe Church Guidelines and
Policies. See page 24 or the Diocese of CT website for more information.
Youth Commission
All youth, parents and adults are invited to participate in the Youth Commission
- an advisory commission working with the clergy and staff on support,
advocacy, communication, issues and events of youth ministry in the parish. The
Youth Commission controls the budget for youth ministries and helps make
decisions around programs and policy for the youth ministries at Trinity. Youth
Commission meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. to help
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coordinate and plan for many of the above youth enrichment activities. Please
contact the Youth Chair, for more information.
Strengthening the Home/Church Connection
Church School is only one part of how your child
learns about God; it is an extension of the larger
picture which includes the home, extended family,
community, society, television, etc. Your child’s
home life sets the stage for mental, physical,
emotional, spiritual and relational growth and
Church School continues that development with
your help in this spiritual partnership. Nurturing faith in busy families requires
the support of the wider faith community: the Church. Make church a priority
for your whole family. Parents can look for opportunities to strengthen the
connection between church and home in many ways, including the following
ideas:

Take home the Jesus doll and write about what you did with Jesus in your
home and community. Your children will love sharing their experiences
with the others at Children’s Liturgy.

Each Sunday, ask your child(ren) what they did in church school. What
story did you hear about, what did you learn? Asking specific questions
will get better results.

Attend programs that respond to the needs of your family in practical and
supportive ways such as classes that teach skills for effective
communication and prayer, conflict resolution and forgiveness, fellowship
activities or small groups
for support and recovery.
Train up children in the way they should go,
Consider Trinity to be an
and when they are old they will not turn from it.
- Proverbs 22:6
active partner as you live

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out your days in faithful ways. Express appreciation for the many ways
your church supports your intent to nurture your child's faith.

When opportunities arise to get involved in special tasks, programs and
fellowship events, let the promises you made at your child's baptism inspire
your response.

Coming to church each week shows your youth that church/God is
important in your family’s life. Children will “do as they see.”

Family prayer, seasonal or holiday traditions, community or outreach
service projects, family Bible readings, Biblical toys, books, Christian music
and movies are all ways to help connect faith and family.

Stop by the table that appears outside the Church School Office during
Advent and Lent to pick up and bring home enrichment activities. Home
traditions and family rituals are an important and wonderful way to bring
God into your daily family life.

Talk about Trinity church when you drive by the building during the week.
Invite your children to update you on their church friends and activities.
Resources for Parents:
Parents can help children connect “what goes on at church” with “what we do at
home” in many other ways. For other ideas of how to connect home to
church/faith for your child, or with any other faith issue, please
talk with the Minister of Children’s Education, visit the Children
and Youth sections of the Johnson Room Library, speak with a
member of the clergy, or speak with your child’s Church School
teachers any time. Trinity’s newsletters, weekly emails, special
events, Christian Formation classes, and Church School classes
all provide opportunities to learn more about your child’s faith
journey.
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WEB SITES WITH RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
http://www.myfaithmylife.org/parents.html
This website for Episcopal teens has a section with resources for parents as well.
http://www.kingofpeace.org/religioncolumn/011802.htm
Article Teach your children the language of faith on King of Peace website.
http://www.kingofpeace.org/coloring_books/jesus_ministry_book/index.htm
Printable religious coloring pages from King of Peace website.
http://www.kingofpeace.org/religioncolumn/index.htm
More articles on various topics like dealing with tragedy, finding God on Facebook, etc.
http://www.domestic-church.com/index.dir/index_fridge.htm
A catholic site with tons of resources for parents & children – some may need to be
adapted to the Episcopal tradition.
http://cpyu.org
The center for parent-youth understanding.
www.spiritualdevelopmentcenter.org
Great research and articles on spirituality and children/youth.
PRINT RESOURCES
The Trinity Johnson Room Library has a vast collection of books that have religious
themes, are bible stories, fiction stories with messages that relate to the Gospel message,
etc. Please stop by the Johnson Room library to use the computer catalog anytime or
request books on a topic from the Church School Director (with advance notice).
A new Search Institute analysis finds that young people in middle school
who describe spirituality as important, and who participate in religious
community, are better off on a variety of risk and thriving indicators
several years later in high school.
The Center for Spiritual Development in Childhood and Adolescence 2007
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Other books/print resources:
Polly Berrien Berends. Gently Lead: How to Teach Your Children about God While
Finding Out for Yourself. Harper, 1991
Elizabeth Caldwell. Making a Home for Faith: Nurturing the Spiritual Life of Your
Children. The Pilgrim Press, 2000. Leaving Home with Faith: Nurturing the Spiritual
Life of our Youth. The Pilgrim Press, 2002.
Marian Wright Edelman. Guide My Feet: Prayers and Meditations for Our Children.
Harper, 1995.
Marc Gellman and Thomas Hartman. Where Does God Live? Questions and Answers for
Parents and Children. Triumph Books, 1987 and How Do You Spell God? Answers to the
Big Questions from Around the World. Morrow Junior Books, 1995. Lost and Found: A
Kids Book for Living Through Loss. Morrow Junior Books, 1999.
David Heller. Talking to Your Child about God: A Book for Families of All Faiths.
Bantam, 1988.
Anne E. Kitch. The Anglican Family Prayer Book. Morehouse Publishing, 2004.
Tom McGrath. Raising Faith-Filled Kids: Ordinary Opportunities to Nurture
Spirituality at Home. Loyola Press, 2000.
Scottie May, Beth Posterski, Catherine Stonehouse, and Linda Cannell. Children Matter:
Celebrating Their Place in the Church, Family, and Community. William B. Eerdmans
Publishing Company, 2005.
Catherine Stonehouse. Joining Children on the Spiritual
Journey: Nurturing a Life of Faith. Baker Books, 1998.
John Westerhoff. Bringing Up Children in the Christian Faith.
Harper San Fancisco, 1980.
J. Bradley Wigger. Together We Pray: A Prayer Book for
Families. Chalice Press, 2005.
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* Church School Time & Talent 2015-2016 *
- - - Tear Out Form - - All adults with children in the nursery through 12th Grade should fill out a
Church School T&T Booster Form each year.
First and Last NAME___________________________________________________
PHONE(s)______________________ EMAIL________________________________
Please check off those areas of interest to you and place in the basket
or return to the Church School Office. Thank you!
_____Attend Church School Committee Meetings (once a month)
_____Teacher (every other week) full or ½ year
Preferred Grade level __________________
_____Teacher Assistant (every other week) full year or ½ year
Preferred Grade level __________
_____Substitute Teacher/Assistant - as needed
_____Children’s Liturgy Leader (once every 6-8 weeks)
___ 8:45 service (and/or) ___ 11:15 service
_____Church School Sunday Snack Set-up/Clean-up Helper (once a month) – 10
minutes
_____Pick up & deliver supplies for snack (as needed – but not more than a few
times a year)
(Continued on back)
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_____Office help: Organizing supplies, copying, mailings, sorting, cleaning, etc.
(weekly, monthly or as needed) Circle your best times/days:
M T W Th F Sa Su
mornings afternoons evenings
_____Share a talent with a class/or children’s liturgy:
____sing
____play instrument______________________
____baking/cooking, ____sewing/weaving ____crafts ____art project
____mural painting ____bulletin boards ____storytelling
____other _______________________________________
_____Help plan/work on special events
_____Blessing of the Animals _____St. Nicholas Day
_____All Saints Sunday _____Christmas Pageant
_____Outreach Projects _____Annual Meeting Activities
_____Holy Week/Easter _____End of Year Celebration
_____MDG Sunday _____Other _____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_____Assist in Nursery on a periodic basis
____during 8:45 service
____during education hour
____during 11:15 service
_____Mailings (help stuff envelopes) or type into database
_____ Other gifts or talents you can share:_________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Everyone can be great, because
everyone can serve.
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
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* Time & Talent for Trinity Youth Programs
- - Tear Out Form for Adults - All adults of youth-aged children (7th grade and older) should fill out this form each year
and return it to the Youth Minister or Youth Commission Chair.
First and Last NAME___________________________________________________
PHONE_____________________ EMAIL___________________________________
Please check off those areas of interest to you and place in the basket or return to the
Church School Office. Thank you!
I am interested in the helping with the following Youth ministries:
_____ Youth Commission – monthly meetings
_____ Workcamp Committee (help plan and organize the summer 2014
Workcamp trip)
_____ Workcamp Chaperone (attend the summer Workcamp)
_____ Workcamp Fundraising (help organize and run Workcamp fundraising
events)
_____ Help with other YPF Fellowship Events such as Ultimate Frisbee, bowling,
tubing, etc. ________________
(continued on back)
36
_____ Pilgrimage Committee (monthly meetings to plan Pilgrimage 2014 for
students currently in J2A Class)
_____ Pilgrimage Fundraising Committee (help with Pilgrimage fundraising)
_____ Rite 13 Ceremony Coordinator (find volunteers to provide food and
beverages for the R13 breakfasts)
_____ Youth Sunday Scheduling (enter names into the online Trinity Scheduler
for Youth Sundays)
_____ Photography/printing of youth events for bulletin boards
_____ Coffeehouse Coordinator (a youth fellowship open-mike evening in our
undercroft)
_____ Outreach Volunteer (research, coordinate and schedule outreach events
for youth involvement)
_____ Chaperone a youth event: ______any or specific one(s): ______________
__________________________________________________________________
_____ Driver for Youth Activities – my car holds _____people (including the
driver) (Must attend safe church training and background check)
_____ Church School Sunday Snack Set-up/Clean-up Helper (once a month)
_____ Musical Talent: ____I sing
____ I play the _______________________
____other _______________________
_____ Other gifts or talents I can share: ___________________________________
________________________________________________________________