Children, Youth & Families

MISSION & VALUES

The Children & Youth Ministry programs of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral serve, form, and empower young people as they develop spiritually as members of the body of Christ.

We nurture faith development within:

Ourselves…fostering a spirit of curiosity and knowledge of God’s love through worship, spiritual practices, and Christian formation.

The church…co-creating an inclusive, safe, and supportive community that walks with children, youth, and families from baptism to graduation; prioritizing meaningful connection and joyful fellowship.

With all of creation…providing opportunities for young people to serve and share the Good News in the wider world and participate in our shared common life.

Our Baptismal Covenant

We live into our baptismal covenant by respecting the dignity of every human being. We believe that everyone should feel welcomed and valued, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or socio-economic status. Our programs and events are designed to accommodate the needs of our participants, and we are committed to making our spaces as safe and as accessible as possible.

Sundays

Mornings

Nursery Care (ages 4 and under)
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Nursery, Parish House

Nursery care is provided for our youngest parishioners (ages 4 and under) on Sunday mornings and as needed during other parish events. The Nursery has diaper changing and feeding areas for families who would like to use them. We have two rooms for both infants and pre-walkers and a larger room and outdoor play area for older children to run around.

Children and Youth Sunday School
Sundays, 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

We offer Sunday School classes at Trinity for children and youth of all ages. In our younger classes, we use storytelling to explore scripture, the life of Jesus, and learn more about our worship life in the Episcopal church. For teenagers, we host space for conversation and open discussion about the weekly scripture readings. Sunday School lasts 45 minutes in the classroom followed by 15 minutes of snack time and recess in the Garth before the 10:30 a.m. service.
Wonder Class, Pre-K-4 – 1st grade
Location: Parish House, Room 105
Teachers: Olivia Ramsey and Mary Claire Dowden
Discover Class, 2nd grade – 5th grade
Location: Parish House, Room 106
Teachers: Susan Allen and Emma Mitchell
Explore Class, 6th grade – 12th grade
Location: Parish House, Room 204
Teachers: Christoph Keller and Austin Grinder

Children’s Chapel (2nd grade and under)
Sundays, during the 10:30 a.m. service - Children’s Chapel, Parish House Room 105

Children’s Chapel is an opportunity for young children (2nd grade and under) to engage more deeply in Sunday worship at a developmentally appropriate level. During chapel time, they will hear the Gospel story, sing, pray and reflect together. We leave during the processional hymn (before the Gospel reading) and return to church during the Peace, in time for Holy Communion. Parents are always welcome to join their children.

Acolytes (5th – 12th grades)
Sundays during the 10:30 a.m. service

Youth acolytes (5th – 12th grades) faithfully serve at our 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning services and other special services, as needed. Their role includes serving at the Altar during Holy Communion, carrying processional crosses, torches, and banners, and lighting candles. Our next Acolyte Training is on Saturday, August 8 at 10:00 a.m. To learn more, contact Otis Howe, Acolyte Master and Verger, at otis.howe3@gmail.com.

Evenings

EKC/EYC
Episcopal Kids Community (4th – 5th grades)
Episcopal Youth Community (6th – 12th grades)
Sundays, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. – Youth Room, Chancellors Hall

Every Sunday evening, our youth (grades 4th – 12th) gather for food and fellowship. Our two communities share dinner together for the first 30 minutes, and then gather separately for 1 hour of programming, including faith formation, games, and service projects. This is a weekly opportunity to grow as disciples in a joyful and welcoming community. We invite parents and other volunteers to help provide weekly dinner for our youth by signing up at bit.ly/tclrsundaydinners.

Wednesdays

Trinity Choristers
Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. – Parish House Room 201
Open to all children (2nd – 8th grades) interested in learning to sing sacred music. Participants will develop their musical, interpersonal, and cognitive skills as they learn to work in a team environment to serve the church and community through music. Weekly rehearsals, and occasional singing for Sunday morning and special services. To learn more, contact Colin MacKnight at colin@trinitylittlerock.org.

St. Cecilia Choir
Wednesdays, 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. – Parish House Room 203
Children (Pre-K – 1st grade) are invited to come make a joyful noise and begin learning the basics of music and choral singing. St. Cecilia singers will sing several times throughout the year during Wednesday evening worship. To learn more, contact Katie Gunn at katie@trinitylittlerock.org.

Community Dinner
Wednesdays, 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. – Morrison Hall
Join us for a weekly free meal (donations welcome) offered in Morrison Hall. Enjoy dinner following Children’s Choir rehearsals or before attending Koinonia Worship or Book Club. All are welcome at this simple meal focused on fellowship.

Koinonia Eucharist
Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. – Cathedral
Greek for “community,” Koinonia is our weekly, child-centered service of Holy Communion with music, an engaging Bible story, and opportunities for children to experience our worship up close. Worship is geared towards young children, and wiggles are welcome!

Other Offerings

The Cathedral Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. – Cathedral
This December we will mark the return of the beloved Cathedral Christmas Pageant. Children and youth in Kindergarten-12th grade are invited to join the cast. Registration will open in August, all are invited to participate whether in the performance itself or helping remake costumes and props in the months leading up to it. To learn more, contact Susan Allen at slyallen68@gmail.com or Julie Keller at juliekeller2@me.com.

The “Pick-up” Christmas Pageant
Wednesday, December 16 at 6:00 p.m. – Cathedral
During our final Koinonia service of the semester, children are invited to don a costume of their choosing during Community Dinner and help tell the Nativity Story during the worship service. This pageant is a fun, low-key offering for our ECEP students and for our young children to engage in the Christmas story. To learn more, contact Emma Mitchell at emma@trinitylittlerock.org.

ECEP Chapel
Pierce Chapel
Thursdays, 9 – 9:30 am
Children in the 3’s and 4’s classes attend weekly chapel to sing, hear a Bible story, and pray together. Parents and caregivers are always welcome to join us.

Convocational Youth Event
Throughout the year we offer opportunities to gather with other youth from around Central AR. Youth from all parishes are invited to grow, learn, and serve in a supportive and inclusive environment. Coming up in the fall: EYC Halloween, Friendsgiving, St. Francis House Christmas Box Deliveries, and Snowball!

Annual Events
Throughout the year we offer several events for fellowship and fun amongst families and parish members of all ages! These events rely on volunteer support, check out upcoming opportunities to volunteer here:
bit.ly/goyouth.

Blessing of the Backpacks and ECEP Sunday
Fall Kickoff
Halloween Carnival
Christmas Pick-Up Pageant
Twelfth Night S’mores and Burning of the Greens
Mardi Gras
Easter Egg Hunt
Recognition Sunday/Parish Picnic
Vacation Bible School (VBS)