Christian Formation Ministry |
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Trinity’s Sunday Church School and Adult Education programs provide Christian formation, biblical study, and other learning opportunities and support throughout the church year.
Programs are planned and carried out by volunteer lay ministers at Trinity.
Council Chair: Sarah Thomas
Director of Children\\\‘s Ministry: Vanessa Woods
Adult Formation
We offer adults a rich array of opportunities to discover, question, and struggle with the transforming intersection of ancient truths with our complex lives, providing Christian formation at its best. The Genesis Committee, chaired by Kelly McLaughlin, meets about four times a year to generate ideas for adult programs. Volunteer opportunities include program design, discussion facilitation, publicity, setup, and hospitality. Some of our ongoing programs include the following:
Bible Study
The study of scripture takes place at various times and formats throughout the year.
Labyrinth
Beth Thornton
David Jones
Our labyrinth, given in the memory of Sandra Rushing by her family, offers a powerful tool for prayer and walking meditation. We also have a portable version that we loan to outside groups. The Labyrinth Committee provides workshops on the use of the labyrinth and organizes its use. Volunteers with an interest in the labyrinth are always welcome. For upcoming labyrinth events click \\\”here\\\”:?page=Labyrinth.
Book Study
Various study groups form around seminal books and topics.
The Lenten Series
Each year during Lent, Trinity parishioners gather on Tuesday evenings for a community meal with special presentations and small-group discussions.
Meeting Church Again
This series is offered once or twice a year and provides an introduction to the Episcopal Church and life at Trinity. Covering history, theology, the Bible, and our particular identity as Anglican Christians, it serves as preparation for confirmation and baptism as well as membership at Trinity.
Living the Questions
This program gathers for a series of Tuesday evenings in small groups with a trained discussion facilitator. We watch short video presentations and struggle with some difficult questions around important topics for people of faith such as how to understand the Bible, who Jesus was, and what the Gospel means for our lives now.
Children\\\‘s Ministry
Vanessa Woods, Coordinator of Children\\\‘s Ministries
Catechisis of the Good Shepherd
Vanessa Woods, CCM, 965-7419
This Montessori-based religious education program is designed for children aged 3–12, Level I for preschool–kindergarten; Level II for 1st–3rd grades; Level III for 4th–6th grades. Grounded in the belief that children have an innate knowledge of and desire for God, adult volunteers assist in developing the religious potential in every child: the capacity to love and be loved. Volunteer teachers and assistants are needed for all ages; training, curriculum, and ongoing support are provided.
Journey to Adulthood
Hank Mitchel, Interim Priest, 965-7419
Christian formation is provided for our youth, addressing specific needs of preteens and teenagers. The program includes exploration of self, spirituality, sexuality, and society. Rite 13 is for young people grades 7–8 and J2A is for young people 9–12. Adult volunteers serve as mentors, chaperones, special presenters, and snack providers.
Mother\\\‘s Circle
Georgia Noble, 965-7419
This group is open to mothers of young children and meets Thursday mornings for mutual support and the exploration of the spirituality of being women and mothers. Child care is provided.
Nursery Guild
Betty Wenzel
The nursery is an open, inviting and safe environment for infants and toddlers during all our major services and programs. The Nursery Guild oversees the workings of the nursery.
Education for Ministry
Bill Ferguson
Education for Ministry is a four year theological education program that provides a comprehensive, experiential education in the foundations of our Christian faith. Participants commit one year at a time to meet regularly to study the Bible and church history, and learn how to think theologically.
Group Spiritual Direction
Georgia Noble, 965-7419
Participants commit to meeting monthly for three hours, September to June for prayerful listening and sharing to discern God’s presence in our lives. This is a consistent small-group format. The training of new facilitators is ongoing.
Library Guild
Lou Smitheram
This group meets once a month to straighten and catalog the books in our Parish Library. Volunteers who enjoy filing and shelving are always welcome.
The Chapel Guild
Colleen Sterne
The Chapel Guild oversees the care of the Meditation Chapel, making sure it is ready for use on Sundays. This is a gentle “behind-the-scenes” ministry for those who love to help create a sacred space for worship. This ministry requires a modest time commitment but one important to hospitality and spiritual formation.