2009 Annual Report

Submitted by Theresa Belacosa

The goal of those who minister in Christian Education is to provide opportunities for all members of Trinity Episcopal Church to nurture and develop their faith.

For children: To implement age appropriate lessons and activities that teach and proclaim the Gospel message.  Formal Christian Education classes follow the academic school year (September – June) and attendance each Sunday morning averages anywhere between 35–45 students. 

Curriculum for Pre-K through 5th/6th grade: The curriculum used by our youngest children (pre-k and kindergarten) from January through June 2009 was All Things New and from September through December 2009 was I Am Special. Both are developmentally appropriate programs for three, four and five year olds that honor the young child’s individual unique learning style.  Children in grades one through three continue to work and wonder with Godly Play.  This program is specifically designed to invite children (and the adults involved) to enter into the Story of God’s people – then and now.  Youngsters in grades four, five and six (depending upon the grade cycle for Journey to Adulthood) explore the Sunday Scriptures through Living the Good News.  This curriculum allows our middle school youngsters not only the opportunity to read and discuss the lessons specific to any given Sunday but to seek and find ways to make the Word of God a living reality in their every day lived experience.

For youth: To provide a safe and nurturing environment where they can discover and explore their faith.  The curriculum for our young people in grades 6 through 11 (depending upon the grade rotation) is Journey to Adulthood.  This program encourages young people to engage in conversation about self, society, sexuality and spirituality within a safe environment whose boundaries are confidentiality and trust.  Ten of our young adults completed a two year Confirmation preparation program and were confirmed by Bishop Laura Ahrens in April 2009.

Outreach, Stewardship, Worship and Christian Education: It is the prayerful intention of the Christian Education Office that the religious instruction of our children and young people remain connected to the vision, mission and ministry of Trinity Episcopal Church, Collinsville as well as to that of the larger Church community that extends beyond our walls. To that extent, we encourage and empower our children and young people to take leadership roles in Sunday Eucharist as well as other special liturgies throughout the year. In addition, stewardship, community service and mission experiences have become expectations not only for the adult members of our faith community but for our children and young people as well.  Together we seek the Christ, together we will find the Christ and together we will serve the Christ – all of us!

For adults: To offer regular and special programs that enlighten and expand their understanding and love for Christ in their lives.  Although a challenge at times, providing programs and experiences that meet the varied needs and desires of the adult members of Trinity remains a constant Gospel mandate.  Throughout 2009, we continued to offer such programs as weekly Scripture Study groups, book discussion on topics critical to on-going adult Christian formation, quiet hours, teacher workshops, a Lenten Silent Retreat, an Advent Evening of Reflection and Friday evening Lenten soup suppers that provided invaluable opportunities to share faith, fellowship and of course, a delicious meal.

As always, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of our teachers, youth leaders, coordinators, the Rev. Linda Spiers and all those who support us in remaining faithful to the vision and mission of Jesus Christ at Trinity Episcopal Church, Collinsville, CT. It has been a gift this past year to find so many willing to lend a helping hand in ways too numerous to mention.

Respectfully submitted,