Youth & Family Ministry
Welcome to youth & family ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church! Our goals are to glorify God, to foster a safe, loving, and faithful community, and to provide families with resources to strengthen their faith and the quality of their interactions with each other. Sound like an ambitious goal? Remember, with God all things are possible; with each other the journey is more fun. What follows is a brief overview of our programs, curriculum, and opportunities for engagement. Take a look, then come and experience our community for yourself. We look forward to getting to know you.
Children
Each Sunday morning The Joy Factory is buzzing with activity. Our children chose the name for their own special place because this is where we “make” disciples. We gather as an intergenerational community to learn the great faith stories, to celebrate our “highs” and support each other in our “lows,” to sing scripture using sign language, and to create art based on the theme of the story. We use BibleSong! from Faith Inkubators, a highly interactive and thoroughly fun curriculum based on solid educational principles and neuroscience. Best of all, we equip families to take the faith home and continue learning and sharing all week long.
Elementary age children have their own youth group called JAMs (Jesus and Me) that meets monthly for faith-building activities, service, food and fun. Holy Communion instruction is offered twice annually to coincide with Reformation Sunday and Maundy Thursday.
Children’s messages are a part of both Sunday services. A staffed nursery and Children’s Church are provided during the 11:00 worship service. Nursery services are provided for other church events as needed.
Middle School
Middle school age children have the opportunity to dig deeper into scripture and catechism through a multi-year interactive confirmation program. Taught by our senior pastor, Rev. Gary Schimmer, and David Giesel, we use the Head to Heart (H2H) curriculum from Faith Inkubators. Students have the opportunity to deepen their involvement in worship through service as acolytes, crucifers, torch bearers, and lectors. Our youth also periodically lead worship and participate in ministry and service projects and events. Middle School students participate in TLYO (Trinity Lutheran Youth Organization) and are invited to take part in synod and national ELCA youth activities and programs.
High School
Youth in grades nine through 12 connect faith to life through re:form, an ELCA curriculum that links current events to a lived, practical faith. Youth also have the opportunity to serve as mentors in The Joy Factory, to take part in synod and national ELCA youth events, and to develop leadership skills in TLYO. High school youth are invited to take an active part in worship, to serve on various committees, and to provide input into the life and mission of the congregation.
Seniors are invited to apply for the Rev. William M. Waddell scholarship, a competitive scholarship fund established in honor of the Rev. Bill Waddell, Pastor Emeritus.
Parent Support and Opportunities
Parents and guardians are always welcome in The Joy Factory. We encourage your active participation in events and projects. We take a distinctly Lutheran approach to Christian formation and education, meaning we honor your role as the primary teachers of your children and are here to support and equip you to fulfill your baptismal promises. Our curriculum offers provides many wonderful and accessible resources for you. We have a church library, and we offer periodic workshops, book studies, and forums. During Lent 2011 we will be studying Kenda Creasy Dean’s book Almost Christian—What the Faith of our Teenagers is Telling the American Church.
You are invited to serve on our Family Ministry Team or as part of one of the focus groups. Research tells us that if you are active and growing in faith, there is a greater likelihood that your children will, too!
Activities and Community Outreach
Our families are involved in a variety of community-building and outreach activities, along with educational and mission projects. We host an annual St. Francis Blessing of the Pets, a Trunk-or-Treat for the Hixson community, a youth Advent worship program, Caroling and Christmas cookie baking event, a Family Easter Vigil and egg hunt, lock-ins, and summer activities.
Milestones Ministry
Trinity participates in a Milestones Ministry program that recognizes and celebrates a series of developmental milestones in the life of children, youth, and their famlies. Beginning with the presentation of a handmade blanket at baptism and culminating with recognition of high school graduation, we take great joy in sharing these milestones within our community
A Note about Safety
We are a Safe Sanctuaries congregation. All of our staff are required to complete Safe Sanctuaries training, are subject to background checks, and are certified in First Aid and CPR. Volunteers are offered all training and sign covenants to protect our children and youth.
Scholarships and Camperships
Scholarships and camperships are available. We believe that no child or youth who wishes to participate in faith-building activities should be denied that opportunity due to financial need. We are strongly committed to the faith development and support of our youth and their families. Please see one of the pastors for additional information.
Welcome to youth & family ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church! Our goals are to glorify God, to foster a safe, loving, and faithful community, and to provide families with resources to strengthen their faith and the quality of their interactions with each other. Sound like an ambitious goal? Remember, with God all things are possible; with each other the journey is more fun. What follows is a brief overview of our programs, curriculum, and opportunities for engagement. Take a look, then come and experience our community for yourself. We look forward to getting to know you.
Children
Each Sunday morning The Joy Factory is buzzing with activity. Our children chose the name for their own special place because this is where we “make” disciples. We gather as an intergenerational community to learn the great faith stories, to celebrate our “highs” and support each other in our “lows,” to sing scripture using sign language, and to create art based on the theme of the story. We use BibleSong! from Faith Inkubators, a highly interactive and thoroughly fun curriculum based on solid educational principles and neuroscience. Best of all, we equip families to take the faith home and continue learning and sharing all week long.
Elementary age children have their own youth group called JAMs (Jesus and Me) that meets monthly for faith-building activities, service, food and fun. Holy Communion instruction is offered twice annually to coincide with Reformation Sunday and Maundy Thursday.
Children’s messages are a part of both Sunday services. A staffed nursery and Children’s Church are provided during the 11:00 worship service. Nursery services are provided for other church events as needed.
Middle School
Middle school age children have the opportunity to dig deeper into scripture and catechism through a multi-year interactive confirmation program. Taught by our senior pastor, Rev. Gary Schimmer, and David Giesel, we use the Head to Heart (H2H) curriculum from Faith Inkubators. Students have the opportunity to deepen their involvement in worship through service as acolytes, crucifers, torch bearers, and lectors. Our youth also periodically lead worship and participate in ministry and service projects and events. Middle School students participate in TLYO (Trinity Lutheran Youth Organization) and are invited to take part in synod and national ELCA youth activities and programs.
High School
Youth in grades nine through 12 connect faith to life through re:form, an ELCA curriculum that links current events to a lived, practical faith. Youth also have the opportunity to serve as mentors in The Joy Factory, to take part in synod and national ELCA youth events, and to develop leadership skills in TLYO. High school youth are invited to take an active part in worship, to serve on various committees, and to provide input into the life and mission of the congregation.
Seniors are invited to apply for the Rev. William M. Waddell scholarship, a competitive scholarship fund established in honor of the Rev. Bill Waddell, Pastor Emeritus.
Parent Support and Opportunities
Parents and guardians are always welcome in The Joy Factory. We encourage your active participation in events and projects. We take a distinctly Lutheran approach to Christian formation and education, meaning we honor your role as the primary teachers of your children and are here to support and equip you to fulfill your baptismal promises. Our curriculum offers provides many wonderful and accessible resources for you. We have a church library, and we offer periodic workshops, book studies, and forums. During Lent 2011 we will be studying Kenda Creasy Dean’s book Almost Christian—What the Faith of our Teenagers is Telling the American Church.
You are invited to serve on our Family Ministry Team or as part of one of the focus groups. Research tells us that if you are active and growing in faith, there is a greater likelihood that your children will, too!
Activities and Community Outreach
Our families are involved in a variety of community-building and outreach activities, along with educational and mission projects. We host an annual St. Francis Blessing of the Pets, a Trunk-or-Treat for the Hixson community, a youth Advent worship program, Caroling and Christmas cookie baking event, a Family Easter Vigil and egg hunt, lock-ins, and summer activities.
Milestones Ministry
Trinity participates in a Milestones Ministry program that recognizes and celebrates a series of developmental milestones in the life of children, youth, and their famlies. Beginning with the presentation of a handmade blanket at baptism and culminating with recognition of high school graduation, we take great joy in sharing these milestones within our community
A Note about Safety
We are a Safe Sanctuaries congregation. All of our staff are required to complete Safe Sanctuaries training, are subject to background checks, and are certified in First Aid and CPR. Volunteers are offered all training and sign covenants to protect our children and youth.
Scholarships and Camperships
Scholarships and camperships are available. We believe that no child or youth who wishes to participate in faith-building activities should be denied that opportunity due to financial need. We are strongly committed to the faith development and support of our youth and their families. Please see one of the pastors for additional information.
