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

In the Morning...

Nursery (4 and under)

9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Nursery care is provided for our youngest parishioners (4 and under) from 9 am through the 10:30 am service on Sunday mornings and as needed during large parish events. The nursery has diaper changing and feeding areas for families who would like to use them.

Children’s Formation (PreK-5th Grade)

9:15-10:15 am
“Children’s Formation” is an opportunity for young parishioners to engage with God through play, storytelling, music, and creative expression. Using Godly Play and Catechesis storytelling methods, children will explore scripture, the teachings of Jesus, and core parts of the Episcopal liturgy.

Children’s Liturgy

During the 10:30 am Eucharist
“Children’s Liturgy” is an opportunity for young children (2nd grade & under) to engage more deeply in worship at a developmentally appropriate level. During “chapel time” they hear the Gospel story, sing, pray and reflect together. They return to church during he Peace, in time for communion. Parents are welcome to join their children during chapel time.

In the Afternoon…

Episcopal Kids Community (EKC)

Sundays, 4-5 pm Program, 5-5:30 pm Dinner
Open to all current 4th - 5th graders. EKC provides our younger youth the space to play games, ask questions about their faith, and grow as a community in a fun and safe environment! 1 hour of program followed by shared dinner with EYC (6th-12th). Parents are invited to support this program by providing dinner.

Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)

Sundays, 5-5:30 pm Dinner, 5:30-6:30 pm Program
Open to all current 6th - 12th graders, EYC is a weekly opportunity to gather as a youth community, check-in, play games, explore our faith journeys, and have fun together as we grow as disciples. Programming follows after a shared community dinner with EKC. Parents are invited to support this program by providing dinner.

Ongoing Children & Youth Programs

Koinonia Wednesdays

First and third Wednesdays of the month*

Community Dinner

(Morrison Hall) 5:30 pm
The entree is provided by the church and families are encouraged to bring sides, salads, and desserts! Open to all, donations welcome.

Koinonia Worship

(Cathedral) 6 pm
The Koinonia Eucharist is family-friendly worship service and provides a time for young people to experience the Eucharist up close. Children participate in every aspect of worship which takes about half an hour. We sing, pray, share a story, and have a joyful time moving about the church.
*Every Wednesday during Advent and Lent seasons

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.

Acolyte Program (5th - 12th grade)

Sundays, 10:30 am Eucharist & Special Services
Integral to our Sunday morning worship, the acolytes faithfully serve at the Eucharist and other special services, such as funerals and ordinations. Their role includes serving at the altar, lighting candles, and carrying processional crosses and banners. New acolytes are trained and commissioned in the early fall. Interested in acolyting? Contact Otis Howe, Acolyte Master & Verger (otis.howe3@gmail.com).

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)

Other Offerings

Children’s Music

St. Cecelia Choir

(Pre-K - 1st grade) 5 pm
Children are invited to come make a joyful noise and begin learning the basics of music and choral singing!

Trinity Choristers

(2nd-8th grade*)
Wednesdays, 4 – 5:30 pm
Open to all children 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. For more information contact Colin MacKnight, Director of Music (colin@trinitylittlerock.org).
*Once youth enter high school, they are eligible to sing with the Cathedral Choir which rehearses Thursday nights from 7:00 - 9:00 pm The Choral Scholars Fund provides stipends for Sunday morning singing through this program.

Baptism & Confirmation

Confirmation is offered for baptized persons who are ready to make “a mature public affirmation of faith” and receive the laying on of hands by the Bishop. Confirmation preparation is a series of classes (alongside others preparing for baptism/confirmation) prior to the Bishop’s visit in May/June.

New Parent Ministry & Pastoral Care

We are here to be a supportive community to one another, in times of new life and in times of need. For those welcoming children into your home, interested in baptism, or wanting to know more about the church, staff and clergy are always available for pastoral conversation. Reach out via phone or email to Emma Mitchell, Director of Youth and Family Ministries,
(emma@trinitylittlerock.org) to facilitate a time to meet.

Pastoral Support & Coffee Catchups

We are here to be a supportive community to you and your family as you journey through busy seasons, life changes, and your own faith. Youth ministry staff and clergy are always available for pastoral conversation or a coffee catchup!
Reach out to Emma Mitchell, Director of Youth and Family Ministries, via email or phone to find a time that works for you (emma@trinitylittlerock.org).