Children and Youth Ministries Handbook

2015-2016

Trinity Episcopal Church Newtown, CT

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Table of Contents Topic 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 12

Pre-school placement 13

Getting to Class 13

Sign-In & Sign-Out 14

Acolyte & Choristers Sign-Out 14

Church School Curriculum 15

Enrichment 16

Outreach Projects 16

Blessing of the Animals 16

St. Nicholas Day 16

Christmas Pageant 17

Annual Meeting Program 17

MDG Sunday 17

Good Friday Children’s Service 17

End of Year Celebration 18

Youth Curriculum 18

Rite 13 18

J2A 19

Confirmation 19

YAC 20

I’m convinced

that I am a

child of God. That’s wonderful,

exhilarating, liberating,

Full of promise! Maya Angelou

Trinity Episcopal Church

36 Main Street

Newtown, CT 06470

203-426-9070

www.trinitynewtownct.org

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Topic Page

Youth Enrichment 20

Acolytes 20

Youth Sundays 20

Chapel on the Green 21

Workcamp 21

Retreats & Lock-Ins 21

Fundraising 22

Fellowship 22

Attendance 22

Snack 23

Inclement Weather 23

Safety Guidelines 24

Parental Supervision 24

Dismissal 24

Two-Adult Rule 25

Fire 25

Safe Church Training 25

Background Checks 26

Sick Child Policy 26

Youth Safety 27

Medical Release Form 27

Permission Slips 27

Sign-In and Sign-Out 28

Supporting Church School 28

Youth Commission 28

Home/Church Connection 29

Resources for Parents 30

Adult Volunteer Forms:

Church School 33

Youth 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: childrensminister@trinitynewtownct.org

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)

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.

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

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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 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

February/ March

Farewell to the Alleluia in Children’s Liturgy - Last Sunday before Lent

Shrove Tuesday

Ash Wednesday – Lent Begins Lenten Outreach Project begins

April 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

May/June 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

Summer Youth Workcamp Mission Trip

J2A Pilgrimage Trip

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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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

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.

Almost everything you ever wanted to know about

Trinity Children and Youth Ministries . . .

ALL INFANTS ARE BORN with a

natural curiosity that makes them

budding theologians or philosophers.

- David G. Blumenkrantz, Ph.D

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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 high-

school 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 child-

centered 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 2-

year cycle of the classes this fall.

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

for the remainder of the program. Several

times during the year, we celebrate a Rite

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.

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. From The Center for Spiritual Development

in Childhood and Adolescence David G. Blumenkrantz, Ph.D. - April 2007

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” -St. Francis of Assisi

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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, snow-

tubing, 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, rough-

housing, 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

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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

29

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.

Consider Trinity to be an

active partner as you live

Train up children in the way they should go,

and when they are old they will not turn from it. - Proverbs 22:6

30

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)

34

_____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: ___________________________________

________________________________________________________________