Trinity Episcopal Church
580 Forest Avenue - Portland, Maine 04101

_____ Children's Formation _____


Trinity Church School - A Place to Belong

The Gathering begins at 9:45 AM. This is a time for announcements, a Bible story, a prayer and music.

Programs for Children

Nursery Care:
Infants and children up to the ages of 4 are cared for in the nursery from 9:45 AM until the 10 o'clock church service is over. Parents are asked to sign their children in and pick them up after the service. It is a time for stories, for playing, and for drawing and coloring opportunities for toddlers.

Godly Play:
A Montessori-based program for children of pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten age is led by teachers who guide the children's experience in learning Bible stories. Children explore God's teachings through hands-on learning. There is a time for sharing in the Sacred Circle, a time for arts and crafts and a feast to celebrate the Good News of Christ.

Rotation Model:
Grades one through five follow a themed cycle for a year. Each week, they rotate to a different workshop exploring the topic of the month through art, drama, music, crafts, movie making, or computer programs. In 2009-2010, the theme was "God's Covenants" and the theme for 2010-2011 will be "God's Chosen People."

Journey to Adulthood:
J2A is a six year program for children in grades 6 through high school.

Rite-13:
Grades 6 and 7 meet each week at 9:45 AM to explore various topics. There are opportunities for fun-filled outings, outreach to the community and friendships. At the end of the second year, they have a dinner and service to commemorate their studies.

J2A:
Grades 8 and 9 meet each week at 9:45 AM. Current issues are explored as these teenagers discuss various topics, including matters of particular concern to them as their adult-hood begins to emerge. The second year of their program includes a Mission Trip and preparation for Confirmation. Community service and social outings help them to build lasting friendships.

YAC:
Grades 10-12 is a mentoring program for teenagers. They have an opportunity to meet and work, one on one, with adult volunteers in the church. They learn the various commission opportunities that are Welcoming, Service, Worship and Outreach.

Additional Opportunities for Children and Youth

Children's Choir:
The Children's Choir meets at 9:30 AM in the Choir Room. This program is led by Mr. Roland J. Jalbert, MM. The children learn hymns, anthems and responses for the worship service. They participate with the Adult choir a number of times a year. They are the choir for the Christmas Eve Pageant.

Acolyte Program: Children from grades three through high school have the opportunity to serve at the altar. This program is led by Mr. Stephen Pollock. Interested children and youth should con-tact the Church Office (see below) for more details and training.

Outreach and Community Service Opportunities:
Youth may participate in a variety of programs, including Nursery Care on Sundays, help with the Christmas Fair, servers at parish suppers and Root Cellar Suppers. Contact Patricia M. Jalbert (see below) for more information and opportunities.

Diocesan Events: Contact the church office for more details and applications.

"High Seas Expedition:"
This summer, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on June 28th through July 2nd, children will explore adventures in a Vacation Bible School program. Registration is $10.00 (non-refundable). Contact the office or the Director of Formation (see below). Invite your neighborhood friends to join your children in this fun-packed week on the "High Seas."

Contact Information:

Formation Office:
Patricia M. Jalbert, Director - Telephone: 934-1218; email: pmjalbert@yahoo.com

Church Office:
Paula Levier, Parish Administrator -Telephone: 772-7421; email: office@trinitychurchportland.org


Rotation Story

Activity Sheet